Website shopping

I didn't post yesterday, because I was cooking up a storm. In the spirit of our new Weight Watcher memberships, I decided to do some cooking out of the WW cookbook, so after 2 and a half hours of playing chef (I cooked multiple meals), I did not have the strenght to think up anything creative for my blog, so I'm posting 2 photos today. Now, to get to the post:

Everywhere on the web there are these new websites popping up, where you become a member and then they send you emails daily (every few days) with fabulous clothing, shoes and accessories at less than retail prices (between 10-50% less) and I am a member of 3 of them.

 

Ideeli - http://www.ideeli.com/closed

Beyond the Rack - http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/signin

Seen On - http://www.seenon.com/?ecid=EMC-SON-000272&pa=SOem033011_daily

I have purchased 2 items from Ideeli and I’m happy to say that they both arrived at the time when I expected them to and in excellent condition, so I was happy with my purchases and I was especially happy with the price. They have a wide range of designers and items and what a convenient way of shopping.

I’ve not yet purchased anything from Beyond the Rack, because their items go so quickly, whenever I see something I really like, its already “reserved by others”, so I’m hoping to one day be a bit more quick. Beyond the rack usually have excellent designer items, like for instance, they currently have Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Marc Jacobs items on sale. (unfortunately most items are out of my price range, but if I didn’t have the self-imposed budget of $200 per month, I could have gone a little bit cray-cray on that website.

Seenon also have great brands and designers, but what they sometimes do, which I love, is sell good quality vintage designer handbags at great prices. I tried to buy one once, but I logged on 30 minutes after the sale started and I missed out on all the bags I wanted. Next time… I’ll just have to set an alarm clock so that I can log on one minute before the sale starts.

I think we are very spoilt her in America (and Britain) with the great online shopping sprees that we can all do (well, it can be great, but it can also be a really bad thing when you are slightly intoxicated and things arrive a few weeks later that you don’t recall buying – I know a few people that that’s happened to…).

I’ve spoken to a few of my friends in South Africa about this and they are missing out (especially the ones who lived abroad for a few years and furiously partook in the sport/hobby/craze/luxury of online shopping.) But then again…going into a shop and trying on a bunch of things before buying is a lot of fun too and you don’t have to worry about shipping returns back, so I’m not ready to replace my regular shopping days with online shopping just yet, but I do love how it can give you a lot more options than before.

Day 51 - Outfit 51

Grey sweater, blue Calvin Klein top (not very visible on this photo unfortunately, jeans and silver flats

Day 52 - Outfit 52

Black cardigan (I have a few of those), BCBG "kimono-top", jeans and ballet flats

Day 50 - whoohoo

I've done it! I'm at day number 50! Chuffed much? you ask. For-freaking-sure!

This has been a tough 50 days, but I've pushed through and didn't quit and I'm hoping the worst of this year is behind us. If I could continue with this blog through the past 50 days, I'm sure the next 315 will be just fine.

What have a learned over the past 50 days:

1. I have a lot of clothes, but the challenge would be easier if I fit in more of it. 

2. It's difficult to get excited about getting dressed when you are knackered and living in a hospital. (it was only 5 days...but still)

3. Not many of the outfits over the past 50 days were very exciting. (I probably only like about 20-25 of them)

4. I'm excited about the warmer weather coming 'round and I'm hoping to be more pleased with my "looks" over the next few months.

5. It's not easy to get all dressed up when loads of people at the office wear jeans and t-shirts (that's more my issue than theirs - they are wearing what they want to, I'm the one who is simplifying/de-fabulousing my own style)

6. Just because I love fashion, does not mean that I'm automatically a fashionista/fashionable.

7. Over the past few years of living in "wholesome/outdoorsy" Colorado, I've kinda lost my lust for looking fabulous, but I'm ready to get that back - one outfit at a time (and yes, some will be duds but that's how you learn, right?)

, 9. Somehow the camera shows you how you really look and the mirror doesn't - I'm not exactly sure how that works...

10. Accessories are my friends - I'm really trying to wear some more accessories.

11. You can look cute on a budget, afterall, just look at the great shopping spree I had earlier this month for only $130. (in other words, you don't have to spend a fortune to look good).

I'm ready to continue with the Shop-my-closet-365 challenge. Even though I don't love all the outfits that I've worn, I must admit that I've really worn a lot more items than these past 50 days in 2010, and that is my entire goal: Wear more of what I own!

Day 50 - Outfit 50

Leather flower headband, black Vera Wang sweater, polo/turtle neck top, tunic, grey skinny's and tall black boots.

SMC 365 - Mini Challenge - April 2011

Is anyone interested in joining me in the Shop-My-Closet-365 challenge? No, you don't have to do it for 365 days, instead, you do it for a month, 4 weeks, that's it. All you have to do is:

1. Wear a new outfit every day (you may copy items of clothing, but not the whole look)

2. Take a photo every day (a photo of you taken in the mirror is just fine) - thank goodness for camera phones.

3. Email the photos to me (once a day, every few days or once a week) at shopmycloset365@gmail.com - I will post a weekly photo collage of your outfits

4. Send me a list of your biggest successes and challenges during that week (could be 1 or 100)

5. Decide on a clothing budget for that month and stick to it. (but this isn't bound by law, so if you slip up and buy something that you can't live without, take a photo and email it to me - if you feel like sharing)

Wanna join me? Let me know!

Day 49 - Outfit 49

I look a bit like a friendly witch in this all-black ensemble of cashmere sweater, chiffon pussy-bow-tie shirt, black and white skirt and black boots. Yes, there is such a thing as too much black...and this is it.

Fruity fun

I love fun clothes - and by fun I mean colourful, bright, cute styles and bold/interesting prints. One of my favourite prints is of fruit - don't ask me why, but I have a thing for fruity fashion and this year, Stella McCartney seemed to be liking the fruit as well with her Spring Lemon covered dress. I've found a few more fruity numbers on the web.

Stella McCartney - Spring 2011



Forever 21 - Cherry Dress





Matalan - Cherry Dress





Trixxi at Kohls - Cherry Dress

A few more are on the links below:

BP Cherry Shoes at Nordstrom

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-bowtye-sandal/3145276?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=1483

Cherry top at New Look

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/tops/side-tie-cami_222452113

Lemon dress at New Look

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/tall/lemon-print-prom-dress_221340210

Day 48 - Outfit 48

Black sweater, Blue tunic, skinny's, blinky ballet flats

Ken Downing from Neiman Marcus on YSL

I am on the mailing list for Neiman Marcus and receive information about new products, sales and promotions via email. Every month, their Fashion Director, Ken Downing also sends out an email about fashion, trends and things happening in the fashion world. I particularly enjoyed his email this month - below is a little snippet from it:

"Incidentally, while in Paris I attended the opening of the new exhibition at the Fondation Pierre Berge-Yves Saint Laurent, La Revolution de la Mode. I am continually amazed at how much influence Mr. Saint Laurent has had on modern fashion. The exhibition is a celebration of his first ready-to-wear shop that opened in September 1966 on the Rive Gauche on Rue de Tournan—hence the name Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The exhibit re-creates the boutique, complete with many of the original pieces sold there. The designs are so wildly current that it is hard to believe the fashion is from the past.

I am never disappointed when fashion looks to the past to reinvent the future. The exotic color palette,
Boho influences, wide menswear-inspired pants—even the shoes and handbags draw references from Mr. Saint Laurent. Spring's flat sandals, espadrille-inspired footwear, and crossbody bags all have a chic 70s vibe that honors a fashion moment but looks thoroughly right for today."

  Now I have something else to add to my list of things to do in Paris when on my next trip (no one knows when that will take place) as well as my bucket list: MUST visit an exhibition of the Fondation Pierre Berge-Yves Saint Laurent. I've always been a huge fan of YSL and would love to see a collection of vintage couture gowns in real life. Can't wait!

Day 47 - Outfit 47

Tommy Hilfiger sweater, black t-shirt, CK jeans and Ed Hardy sneakers - comfy outfit for a quick trip to the grocery store. (Bewley and Lilu have turned into real little posers.)

Missed opportunities

I missed out on a dress that I want, which sucks. I've been wanting it for a while, but it was a bit out of my price range, so I didn't buy it. (see how fab it looks on Kelly Roland). It was on the runway at
the BCBG Fall 2010 show and didn't look that great because they styled it with a
long sleeve t-shirty top, but on its own it is just FABULOUS. 

Fabulous colour block BCBG dress on the Saks Fifth Avenue's website

Then, by miracle, it went on sale at SAKS, but I was too late and it sold out.
It was marked down from $368 (way out of my budget) to $184 (within my budget)
and I missed it!!!! Noooooo!!!!! (note to self...when they say "while stocks last", they mean it)



Kelly Roland rocking out the fabulous BCBG dress

Maybe next time...

Day 46 - Outfit 46

Grey sweater, white top, blinky "scarf" and funky sneakers (it is casual Friday afterall - nevermind the fact that every day is casual Friday at my work)

Viral shopping in the UK

I’m a bit depro today, 3 of my BFF’s (and a baby) met up in London (well, actually Epping) for a day of girly fun and I wish I could have been there with them, so in the spirit of their shopping trip, I’ve decided to see if I could find a few bargains on British websites.

I’m checking out some real bargainista hangouts:

Primark (well, the website doesn't show much, but I'm sure they went there)

Matalan

New Look

H&M (soon us unfortunate fly-over coutry bumpkins will be able to order some fabulous items from the H&M website...soon)

Now, you don’t always find the best quality outfits at these outfitters, but if you dig, you can find some fabulously trendy things at bargain prices and I’d have loved to rummage around in those shops today – with my girls. Instead, I'm join them in spirit, by checking out what is available online.

Just by the way, I’m seeing some really cute things, and if sizing wasn’t an issue, I would be dropping quite a few $$’s at Matalan and New Look.

Day 45 - Outfit 45

Sweater, tunic dress, leggings and  boots

The BIG step

This post has nothing to do with fashion (not that this is a fashion blog, otherwise my outfits would be more fashionable) or clothes, but more about my butt and its ability (or lack thereof) to fit into the majority of my clothes.

Basically, if I was 10 pounds lighter, I’d have a lot more clothes to choose from, which would make the Shop-my-closet-365 challenge a lot easier. (this also happens to be one of the rules of my challenge (see rule #9 on Feb 9^th)) Basically, if I can’t fit in, I’ll need to do a little something to fit into it and since losing a few pounds is a lot cheaper than replacing the items or getting someone to let out a few seams, I’ve decided that the time has come for some droppage on the poundage front.

I’ve done it – I’ve joined Weight Watchers, and hopefully by the end of Spring (which just started on Sunday), I’ll be able to fit into a lot more of my outfits – yeah! (Weight Watchers starting date: Monday March 28th)

And in the spirit of changing my diet, I’ll have to regretfully say no to Ms Wintour and her fabulous Potpies, because let’s face it ladies, no one ever got skinny on a diet of puff pastry. I just have to mention however, that Christina’s Potpie that I devoured this weekend was absolutely top notch. I’ll get the recipe from her…in a few months’ time, when I’m thinking more about maintaining instead of loosing.

 

Day 43 - Outfit 43

Sweater, print top, jeans and boots

I'm not sure how I feel about this outfit now that I'm looking at the photo. It kinda reminds me of a mullet: Business in the front, party in the back

Day 44 - Outfit 44



Cashmere Twin set, DKNY skirt, boots and a necklace (yay - accesories - check)

The Choos

I was extremely excited yesterday when I saw that my Jimmy Choos, that I bought about 4-5 years ago were appearing on the feet of Oprah, on the cover of O magazine.

Hers are gold, mine are bronze, but they look pretty similar. I'm not really sure what excited me more, the fact that my shoes appeared on the cover of O magazine, or that they are still being released by Jimmy Choo, every year, since their very first year of existence (when I saw them and could not live without them). I originally wanted gold too, but through the years, I realized that I made a great decision to buy the bronze coloured ones. They go with almost everything.



Mine




Hers




The magazine cover (a little bit skew...)

(not that Oprah is the world's smartest/most fabulous dresser, but lets face it people, she's got a shoe closet to die for. She has more Louboutins, Jimmy Choos and Manolos than I can dream of)

Day 42 - Outfit 42

Cobalt Blue sweater, skinnies and black ballet flats

$200 minus $130

Today I had a very successful day as a bargainista. My friend Christina and I went to 2 places that I've discovered, who have some designer lines amongst their regular clothes.

I visited Vera Wang and Lauren Conrad at Kohls and Ronson at JC Penny. (I was looking for the new Mango line in JC Penny, but they don't have that in our local store yet - sucks).

Today, with the help of some savvy shopping, a discount coupon that I received through the mail as well as a $10 discount email coupon, I spent a total of $130 on the following:



Bright print dress for a business trip in a few weeks




Little shocking pink sweater to wear on business trip with bright print dress




Grey and black Vera Wang sweater with sequins pattern on the shoulders




Butterfly motif Lauren Conrad top (I heart butterflies)




Lauren Conrad Spring coat




Cute details at the back of the Lauren Conrad coach




Cute "I heart Ronson" by Charlotte Ronson for JC Penny dress

Well, this is what a call a VERY successful day. I crown myself "bargainista of the day" and I still have $70 over for the rest of the month - yay!

Day 41 - Outfit 41



In honour of the first day of Spring (yeeehaaa!!!!), I'm wearing a pink and purple ombre top, grey sweater, jeans and blinky shoes.

Leaving Target empty handed

So after weeks of excitement I've left our closest Target with a very heavy heart and empty hands...

I've been super excited about the return of some fabulous designer dresses to Target, but unfortunately our Target only had a few of the dresses in the line and I tried them all on and there were problems with all of them. Some fit funny, some lines didn't have my number and the only one that looked great on, felt really cheap. (cute black Alice Temperley dress)

Fear not, I will return and hopefully the Rodarte dresses will be there and I'm hoping they will be fabulous! Give up...NEVER (well, maybe not never, but definitely not after ONE visit.

Day 40 - Outfit 40

Pink and white Tommy Hilfiger sweater, jeans and funky trainers.

Food for thought...

According to the NY times, the new "In" food in "fashion land" is Pot Pie.

POT PIE!!!!

Really????

Who'd think that a calorie bomb like the humble Pot Pie, would be eaten at fashion occasions and by fashion's biggest kahunas (designers, models, editors etc), but according to the NY times, it's true. (although no one ever finishes it - one has to keep that figure in shape)

Off course, the food trend was started by the high priestess of fashion herself, Anna Wintour. According to her private chef, she really likes it because it has everything in one easy serving.

Wikipedia describes America Pot Pie:

An American pot pie typically has a filling of meat (particularly beef, chicken or turkey), gravy, and mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, green beans and peas).

Well, if pot pie is good enough for fashion's elite, its good enough for me...and thanks to my colleague Christina, I'll be consuming Chicken Pot Pie tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it...yum...

Day 39 - Outfit 39

Grey striped sweater, black top, jeans, boots and a necklace (yay for accessories!)

Valentino - The Last Emperor

All lovers of fashion, quality and art...if you have not seen the documentary "Valentino, The Last Emperor", you need to go to your closest Blockbusters/Vee's Videos (or whichever DVD shop near you) and rent it.

It is just fabulous! I laughed, I smiled, I cried and in the end, I loved the man, his craft, talent and fabulocity even more than before. He truly is the last Emperor. The very last person who made true Haute Couture in the traditional way - a craft that has died with his retirement.

(not that fashion has died, it just won't be the same)

Day 38 - Outfit 38

Not very-Valentino at all. Grey sweater, Blue long shirt, skinny's and black ballet flats...oooooh, and a necklace. (yay - I remembered/took the time to accessorize!)



Marli - Week 2

After a bit of technical difficulty, I can finally publish Marli's Week 2 of the Shop-my-closet-365 challenge and what a triumph of prints it was. That is something that I have vowed to do - wear more prints. Not only is it a trend, but it is fun!



Marli informed me that she almost repeated an outfit, but then remembered her SMC 365 pledge and pulled out the cute little grey and bright print (second from the bottom) dress from her closet and looked absolutely fabulous in it for the first time in a long while.

That is exactly why I started this challenge. I find myself always gravitating towards the same items in my closet and I wear them over and over again when I have so many items that have never/rarely been worn. Yay - success!

Day 37 - Outfit 37

Camel sweater, Pink shirt, skinny's and Uggs

Rianette - week 2

Just look at Rianette, rocking the SMC365-mini-challenge in week 2. I love the fact that there is something colourful in her outfit every day. This girl is not scared to dress boldly, she is not scared of colour and she loves to have fun with her wardrobe. Rianette...you go girl!

Day 36 - Outfit 36



There comes a time in every woman's life when she must make the decision: Will I or won't I rock my PJ's today, and ladies and gents, the level of suck was high, so I took a shower, washed my hair and got right back into a fresh pair of pajamas and spent the rest of the day recovering in bed. Today, I'm wearing my favourite jammies by Ralph Lauren and little stripy sandal slippers.

The end of Fashion Week(s)

There we go...Fashion week has come to an end...the obsession started in NY, then moved to London, followed by Milan and finally, the Grand Duchess of them all, Paris.

I'm wondering what I will be obsessing about for the next few month till it all kicks off again in September for the Spring Fashion week. I guess I'll be concentrating on my new self-imposed role as bargainista and go search out some great items at even better prices. Sounds like hard work for others, but it is loads of fun for me.

Till September my dear Fashion week. (hopefully I won't be spending half of that time in a hospital or sick in bed). By the way, I blame my the hospital stay and illness for the lack of quality reporting on fashion week - it most certainly was not due to lack of interest.

Day 35 - Outfit 35

70's style Brown cowl-neck, wide sleeve sweater, Jeans and Bronze Ballet flats, a comfortable outfit for a quick trip to the pharmacy to pick up my antibiotics.  

Day 33 & 34

I've now been sick in bed for 4 days and feel very uninspired, so there have not been very many inspiring blog posts over the past few days. Another thing that isn't happening, is that I am not able to go to to the launch of the Go International Designer Collective at Target. I mentioned this phenomenon a few weeks ago and was so looking forward to it.

I've looked at the website: http://www.target.com/b?node=16275561&ref=sc_iw_ss and there are quite a few little dresses that I would be interesting in purchasing, but with my odd body shape, I'll have to try it on before I buy. I can't wait for the day till I'm feeling 100 % better again so that I can go and spend some of my $200 monthly clothing allowance at Target - and at these prices ($25-$50 per dress), it will not be hard to afford a few dresses. 

Some of my favourites are:



Alice Temperley



Proenza Shouler



Rodarte



Rodarte



Thakoon



Rodarte

Tucker



Tucker



Zac Posen



Hang on Target...I'm coming...soon.

Day 33 - Outfit 33

Black polo neck sweater, jeans and blinki shoes

Day 34 - Outfit 34

White striped shirt, leggings and Uggs. 

Not a happy Friday

Today is not a happy Friday, not only am I feeling pooey, but I had to drop our guests off at the airport: Bye guys, we'll miss you! and I had to take the hubby to the Dr for his 2 week check-up, so even though I had every intention of doing loads of research and blogging about the fabulousness of Paris Fashion Week, I have only have the energy to write this little paragraph and post my pic. I have more hopes for tomorrow...

Day 32 - Outfit 32

Label day: This look might seem very plain, but literally everything I'm wearing is a label: Michael Kors sweater, Ralph Lauren Polo top, DKNY Jeans, Ed Hardy Funky sneakers and Vera Wang lingerie (not visible). 

1 month down

I have now been busy with the Shop-My-Closet-365 challenge for a month and I must say that it has not been easy. Not only is it hard to and wear something new every day, but it is quite the commitment to have to write a little spiel, take a photo and post it daily, on top of working full time, entertaining guests for 3 weeks and playing Liezl Nightingale to my husband (who broke his leg so badly that he won't be able to put any weight on it for at least 2 months, so just call me Nurse Liezl)

What I've learned during the first 31 days:

1. I have lots of clothes...and I mean lots

2. I don't fit in a lot of my clothes....

3. I don't make use of accessories enough

4. Dressing up is fun and can cheer you/me up

5. $200 is not a lot of money, but I'm going to continue with my strict budget

6. Fashion can bring people together.

7. On my bucket list: one day I would love to go to NY/London/Paris Fashion week

8. My winter wardrobe is pretty boring

9. You can look fabulous in Winter too (thanks Rianette, now I don't have any more excuses for my drab winter wardrobe)

10. Getting dressed can really stretch your creativity.

Day 31 - Outfit 31

Great sweater, white shirt, grey skinnies and black boots (which now squeeks, thanks to all the snow and ankle high pools of water in NYC).