My Vegas style

I was pretty psyched when Vegas.com reached out to me to participate in their #MyVegasStyle challenge. I mean, what is not fun about day dreaming of spending a day at the Aria hotel and what I would wear for each occasion throughout the day?!

Duh, count me in!

So I spent some time looking around the Aria Las Vegas Resort and Casino page and their website to see what all it had to offer. Ah-mazing. Wish I was going there for real. (luckily I do have another trip that I depart for tomorrow anyhow!). Here's my account of how I would hypothetically spend my day.

MORNING
Being an early runner actually pays off in a town like Vegas. It means I can "sleep in" later than usual and hit the strip around 8 am for nice flat run and the streets will probably be pretty empty and quiet.
Post-run would have to consist of a stop by The Roasted Bean for some great coffee (and yeah, probably a pastry!) to get my day really started off right.

Running outfit:
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racer Back Tank, $48.00
North Face Better Than Naked running shorts, $55.00
Mizuno Wave Hitogami running shoe, $99.99

MID-DAY
After I am showered and cleaned up, it's time to do some window shopping at The Shops at Crystals at Aria Las Vegas. Yes, just window shopping and browsing since it is all luxury designers like Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, FENDI, Lanvin, Prada, VERSACE...and the list goes on and on. Seriously. There is no way I could resist being in the presence of greatness like that. And of course, I'd prob grab some Pinkberry while I was shopping, too. Comfortable walking shoes and classic ensemble seems to suit this activity well.

I'm sure I would work up quite the appetite after all that shopping (and restraining myself from a purchase!) which means grabbing some sushi for lunch from barMASA is a necessity. Yum!

Shopping/Lunch outfit:
Necessary Clothing Heather Crochet Top, $29.99
Joe Fresh Floral Embroidery Short, $49.00
Mossimo Supply Co. Shauna Huarache Sandal, $19.99

AFTERNOON
There's no point in coming to sunny Las Vegas if you don't spend a quality afternoon lounging by the pool and soaking up some rays. Since poolside in Vegas—especially at the Aria LIQUID pool lounge—is a bit more glamorous than your typical pool (or beach) scene, I think you'd need to spice up your swimsuit just a bit. I really like this black suit from ASOS because it's not too scandalous, but still makes a statement. And of course a fab pair of sunnies and shoes are also in order.

Poolside outfit:
ASOS Cross Front Wrap Halter Swimsuit, $53.35
Forever 21 Metal Trim Sandals, $22.80
Urban Outfitters Spitfire Protopunk Sunglasses, $39.00

EVENING
No day would be complete without an incredible dinner to wrap it all up nicely. My choice of all the options at Aria (and there are lots!) would be at Julian Serrano Tapas restaurant. I just really enjoy ordering several things and passing plates around to share. Plus, the restaurant decor looks pretty amazing. After my belly is full, I'd go see the late night Cirque du Soleil show Zarkana—something I've always wanted to see! Maybe by the time the show is over, I'll be craving a late night sweet treat from Jean Phillippe Patisserie. Pretty sure I can always make room for dessert!


Nighttime outfit:
Lulu's Air of Elegance Light Peach Dress, $65.00
Charlotte Russe Single Sole Ankle Strap Heel, $28.50
Urban Outfitters Leaf Halo Crown, $24.00
Necessary Clothing Gold Bar Clutch, $34.99

What's in my piggy bank for February?

If my January picks were pretty much "essentials," then I think it's safe to say that this month's picks are essentials with a twist. A lot of these items are basic every day staples, but a fun print or shiny metallic or an added embellishment or unique shape seem to make all the difference to spice up your fashion routine.

1. Forever 21 Modern Lines Woven Top, $17.80.

2. Peter Pilotto® for Target® Sunglasses in Red Iris Print, $16.99 (in stores only). 

3. H&M Wide pants in dark blue, $34.95.
4. Small Lovely Heart Print Design Scarf, $6.55.
5. Zara Sheath Skirt with Zips, $29.99.

6. Express Quilted Studded Circular Cross Body Bag, $29.94. 

7. Necessary Clothing Screw You Cuff in Gold, $13.99.
8. Urban Outfitters Little Animal Ring, $10.00.
9. Charles David Frontier 2 Boots, $34.99.

10. Ulta Salon Formula Nail Laquer in Baby Doll, $2.00. 

What's in my piggy bank for January?

For some reason when it comes to looking at fashionable purchases at the beginning of the new year, I seem to gravitate toward simple, basic items in (go figure) basic colors. I guess I just want to get a couple of staples to get 2014 started off right. The rest of the more "fun" pieces can come into play later on in the upcoming months. 

1. H&M Viscose Blouse, $17.95.
2. Urban Outfitters Bold Initial Stud Earring, $4.99. 

3. Necessary Clothing Leather Snap Back, $21.99.
4. Joe Fresh Assymetrical Zip Moto Jacket in White, $59.00
5. Merona® Perforated Leather Glove with Buckle in Brown, $21.99.

6. Target Limited Edition Bucket Bag in Navy, $34.99.

7. Forever 21 Chic Accordian Pleated Maxi Skirt, $22.80.

8. Zara Chain Belt, $19.99.

9. ModCloth Unisexy Sunglasses, $11.99.

10. Fioni Womens Two-Piece Flat in black, $27.99.

Ideal vs. steal: Metal belt

I've been obsessed with gold accessories (mostly jewelry) for a while now. But gold adornment on belts is something else entirely. It's just a tad new for me. I think it all started with a rad purchase I made at the Brooklyn Flea last fall—a black stretchy belt with gold Native American headdresses as the closure. Um yeah, awesome.

Anyhow, I had started noticing a lot more gold cuff type jewelry recently that I was drawn to and then the other day I saw a photo of girl in a black jumpsuit with a belt that looked like a gold cuff. I was smitten immediately; and thus the obsession began.

So I did some searching and found this beauty from INTERMIX, but I was certainly not smitten with its price tag. And that's when I found this pretty amazing and almost identical metal cap belt from Necessary Clothing for only $8.99. Too bad Christmas is over and I can't put it on my wish list! But at least at this price I can purchase it for myself.

It ain't easy being green

I'm not sure about the rest of y'all, but life has been incredibly hectic this holiday season. And sadly not a lot of it had much to do with a busy social calendar of parties and what not. Work has just been insane. In fact, I have been so busy that I couldn't even get these photos up on the blog until now...and my brother took them on Thanksgiving Day! Ridiculous.

Anyhow, I am here now and hoping that things are finally about to slow down as Christmas approaches. So yeah, my brother took these photos at my parents house after we all stuffed our faces with turkey and dressing and the rest of the "fixins." There's this abandoned barn across the street that the developer of the neighborhood has left on the property and I am personally thankful that he has. I've been wanting to get some shots out there for a while. So glad we were finally able to make that happen because that backdrop coupled with the glow of the sunset that day made for some pretty great photos I think!

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Green sweater, gifted (wayyy back, from my PawPaw)
2. Leopard top, Old Navy ($19.50)
3. Mint jeans, Necessary Clothing ($19.99)
4. Gold loafers, thrifted ($1.99)
5. Black hat, Target ($16.99)
6. RayBan sunglasses, gifted/passed down (thanks mom!)
7. Coat, Marshalls ($59.99)
8. Crossbody bag, thrifted ($3.00)
9. Turquoise ring, gifted (thanks mom!)
10. Ampersand ring, Hello Holiday (gifted - thanks Natasha!)
11. Dainty ring, gifted/passed down
12. Vintage cocktail ring, gifted

Total: Under $125.00 

 

 

 

 

photos: Josh Lewis

Splurge on: Holiday essentials

Well, I think I "missed the boat" so-to-speak on getting these fun holiday items out in time for all the Christmas parties. But I think you'll still find these options helpful for ringing in the New Year!

1. Joe Fresh Beaded Satin Dress, $19.00.
2. Forever 21 Iconic Quilted Minaudiere, $19.80.
3. Urban Outfitters Bow Bobby Pins, $10.00.
4. ModCloth Over and Outfox Ring, $9.99.
5. Necessary Clothing Teresa Steel Toe Pump in Black, $39.99.
6. H&M Sequined Leggings, $24.95.
7. The Limited Faux Fur Cape, $59.95.
8. Charlotte Russe Geometric Drop Earrings, $6.00.

In a pinch

Well, considering that it is now December, the trees featured in this post definitely do not look like this anymore. So sad, but glad I was able to get some pics before the crazy wind blew all the beautiful yellow leaves away.

This outfit was actually the outcome of a group effort. I was trying to find something to wear one Saturday that would be causal and low key for watching a Bama football game. But of course it also needed to be cute and somehow represent my team colors, without going overboard on the crimson and gray.

After a couple of photos posted on my GroupMe app, the girls and I decided on this final ensemble. And since I thought it was also cute enough for everyday wear, I figured I'd do a blog post featuing it. So this is a super thankful shout out to my girls who came through in a pinch and helped me decide what to wear.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Chambray button down, thrifted ($4.99)
2. Pants, Necessary Clothing ($24.99)
3. Knee socks, ?? (??)
4. Scarf, gifted (thanks Mom!)
5. Guess boots, Macy's ($54.53)
6. Cross bodybag, thrifted ($5.99)
7. Sunglasses, gifted/passed down (thanks Mom!)
8. Leaf ring, gifted (thanks Em!)
9. Turquoise ring, gifted (thanks Mom!)
10. Dainty ring, gifted/passed down

Total: Under $100.00

 

 

 

Photos: Leslie Evans

What's in my piggy bank for December?

Well obviously my obsession with faux fur coats and animal prints continue. I also think this month's piggy bank picks are just a tad random, don't you? But I guess that's ok. I suppose I don't always have to have pieces that make sense together.

Basically these are just some things that have been on my "list" for a while and the others are just super cute pieces I've seen around the internet lately. Here's hoping you'll find some inspiration in these picks as another year comes to an end.

1. Dorothy Perkins Blush Zebra Fluff Jumper, $49.00
2. Minnetonka Womens Thunderbird Soft Sole Moccasin, $35.95

3. Yellow Hammer Creative Heart of Dixie Pullover, $25.00

4. Zara Shorts with Lace Hem, $39.90 

5. OASAP Striped Faux Fur Coat, $60.29

6. Necessary Clothing Becker Leopard Belt, $4.99

7. Charlotte Russe Golden Bow Stretch Ring, $6.00

8. Brash Women's Monroe Backpack, $26.99

9. Old School Small Retro Steampunk Flip Sunglasses, $3.98

10. Forever 21 Cozy Knit Beret in pink, $5.00

Splurge on: Faux fur coats

Woah. Holy moly, it is finally cold down here in the south! And even though I am pretty sure this cold weather phase probably won't last very long, it's still enough to make me think about all the lovely faux fur coats I wouldn't mind snuggling into.

Here are just a few options, most of which would be particularly perfect for a finishing touch to an upcoming holiday party outfit.

1. Necessary Clothing Rocco Faux Fur Jacket, $49.99
2. H&M Faux Fur Coat, $129.00
3. Top Shop Pelted Faux Fur Capelette, $136.00
4. Charlotte Russe PU Trim Faux Fur Jacket, $21.49
5. Forever 21 Be Seen Shag Jacket, $64.80

What's in my piggy bank for November?

I feel like I really went outside my "norm" with my November picks. Not only would I typically pick more snuggly and cozy items for this month, I also have chosen a couple of pieces that aren't typically what I would consider my "style." (Maybe I even channeled Gwen Stefani?!)

Also, I think everything looks like it could almost be one outfit. But what can I say? I saw these super affordable (and cute!) plaid pants from Joe Fresh and they called to me for some reason. Then everything kind of followed from there. But I can definitely see how you could remix each piece several times throughout the winter, and possibly even into other seasons.

So while these picks are definitely more of a step out of my style comfort zone, I still think they are a step in the right direction.

1. Joe Fresh Skull Sweater, $39.00

2. Charlotte Russe Coiled Snake Rhinestone Ring, $6.00 

3. Bonlook Barracuda Non-Prescription Sunglasses in Onyx, $49.00

4. Joe Fresh Tartan Pant, $49.00

5. H&M Faux Fur Jacket, $59.95

6. Urban Outfitters Eva Embellished Head Wrap, $14.00

7. Corcra Handmade Red Fingerless Gloves, $20.72 

8. Necessary Clothing Cupid Arrow Pump, $39.99

9. Charlotte Russe Color Block Single Sole Heel, $32.50

10. Free People Dahlia Crossbody Bag, $38.00

Splurge on: Sweaters

It's just barely getting chilly enough here to warrant sweater wearing. But a girl can dream of all the future possibilities, right? Here are just a few that I have my eye on at the moment ranging from fitted, printed, fuzzy, flowy, quirky and comfy!

1. ASOS Daisy Street Fisherman's Sweater, $32.02
2. Necessary Clothing Fuzzy Boulder Sweater in Black/White, $32.99
3. Urban Outfitters Coincidence & Chance Foxy Geek Sweater, $44.00
4. Forever 21 Groovy Shag Sweater in Coral, $22.80
5. Joe Fresh Baseball Sweater in Mustard, $24.95
6. H&M Knit Sweater in Navy Zebra Print, $59.95

Splurge on: Polka dots

The polka dot print seems to always be lurking around. It's just a classic that will never go out of style. And here lately I've noticed quite a few items with this adorable print that I'd like to get my hands on—ranging from prim and proper to casual and laid back.

1. Lulu's Dots Amore Beige Polka Dot Sweater, $46.00.
2. Necessary Clothing In the Net Pencil Skirt, $18.99
3. Charlotte Russe Canvas Polka Dot Lace-up Sneaker, $12.50
4. dELiA*s Polka Dot Tube Dress, $39.90
5. Forever 21 Polka Dot Shirt with Bow Tie, $19.80

What's in my piggy bank for September?

Even though I live in the south and I should know better, I really feel like fall is just around the corner. I'm sure we still have another month or two before there is a chill in the air down here, but that's not stopping me from picking some great items to get ready for autumn weather.

1. Forever 21 Southwestern Shawl Cardigan in Navy and Wine, $29.80.
2. Mossimo Supply Co. Floppy Leather Tie Hat in Tan, $16.99.
3. ModCloth Girl’s Fest Friend Skirt, $57.99.
4. Forever 21 High Voltage Faux Leather Booties, $42.80.
5. Fred Flare Rust Jesse Sunglasses, $12.00.
6. Joe Fresh Boyfriend Jean, $29.00.
7. Necessary Clothing Reverse It Clutch in Gold and Black, $30.99.
8. Lulu's Moon Dust Grey Skinny Belt, $11.00. 
9. Charlotte Russe Textured Metallic Collar Necklace, $6.00.
10. H&M Knee Sock in Natural White, $9.95.

Splurge on: Ankle booties

As Lucky magazine mentioned recently, ankle booties are the best way to transition your summer dresses into the fall. Especially if you live in the south where it is still blazing hot in October, but you are yearning to switch over to autumn style.

Since I wasn't psyched on the price range of Lucky's choices, I figured I'd pick a few more affordable styles of my own.

1. Necessary Clothing Reba Booties in Black, $44.99
2. Charlotte Russe Perforated Low-heel Western Bootie, $38.50
3. Forever 21 Fringe Western-style Bootie, $36.80
4. Charlotte Russe Wrapper Buckle Ankle Bootie, $35.50
5. Merona® Molly Shootie in Black, $32.99