Currently Craving: Posh Pencil Skirt

No one can deny the appeal of a chic pencil skirt, well at least I can't. The sleek lines and curve grazing silhouette are universally flattering. It's the perfect building block for any woman's wardrobe. This spring the pencil skirt is in full force oozing lady-like grace and style, but this year's twist to the perennial style is that it's no longer basic black, it's rainbow brights. Like this style from Nordstrom's in house brand Halogen, in an easy cotton with a hint of stretch, in not one color, but nine. It comes in a range of sizes from 0-16, some colors even come in petite. Plus it's super affordable at just $59! Now my only problem is deciding on a color.

The Amazing Technicolor Pencil Skirt, Halogen, Nordstrom, $59

What are your thoughts on pencil skirts, love 'em, hate 'em? Which color would you choose?

Currently Craving

Images from here and here

Pants Pattern by jrosestyle

Weekend Challenge: Get Thrifty

I have been really watching my pennies lately, practical sure, responsible yeah, but not a lot fun. Especially for a girl who loves clothes, shoes and accessories.  So what am I doing with the time that I used to spend store hopping and trying on clothes. Well I have discovered a new fascination, thrift stores.  Thrift stores, second hand shops, consignment they all deal in used (sometimes new if you're lucky) merchandise that has been cast off.  Some are independent businesses,  others support local causes/organizations and is run by volunteers, each has there own unique vibe and merchandise.  They are interesting thrilling places to shop and part of the excitement is you never know what you are going to find.  Some days I hit the jackpot and go home with a bag full others I leave empty handed, but even in those cases it was still fun just to look. This weekend I challenge you to check out a thrift store near you.  To add to the incentive, check out some of my thrift store haul from last week.

Painted Silk Japanese Fan, $3

Love the intricate detail on the wood handle.

Gilt Mirror Tray, $10

I am currently housing my nail polish collection on this, makes any assortment of stuff look insanely posh.

Metal Feather Pin, $3

This pin is such a beautiful adornment, adding to any shirt or jacket collar instantly ups the style ante.

I hope that you having an amazing weekend treasure hunting!! I would love to hear about your latest and greatest second hand finds in the comments.

P.S.  If you can't make it out this weekend you could always try thrifting online, ebay or etsy anyone?  I have an etsy shop called the Land of Misfit Goods, devoted to the unusual and unique things I have found, but alas can't keep.

Christmas Haul

Hi all! I hope you had a lovely weekend, whether you were celebrating or not, I hope it was filled with laughter and joy.  I had wonderful time celebrating Christmas eve and day with my family and was sorry that it was over too quickly.  While my favorite part of the holiday is being with family, laughing (seriously my sides hurt) and the food there are the presents.  Which will certainly remind me of the day long after it's over.  It was a great gift giving year, everyone was so thoughtful, and no returns needed.  This post is a pictorial guide to the gifts I received this year, I also received gift cards( thanks Mom and Dad) and money (thanks Grandma) which I did not take pictures of. Without further ado (or blah, blah, blah from me) here is my Christmas haul.

I received a few gifts before Christmas, this lovely pendent was one of them.  The necklace is from my friend, who picked up this jewel on Esty. The bead is glass with a flower design and the inscription reads "women friends they heal us and light us up inside".  So true! Thanks Caralyn-

Another before Christmas gift! Some yummy smelling Coconut Lime Verbena body lotion and fragrance from my friend Debbie.  Thank You!

New nail polish and the prettiest nail clippers courtesy of my mom.  Revlon Top Speed nail polish in Vintage.  Stayed tuned for some nail art with this pretty shade.

Some new reading material, thanks mom!  I love magazines, in my opinion they are the perfect non-dense reading material for a rainy or snowy day.

These delicious chocolate covered pretzels are from Mom and Dad.  Oh they know my sweet tooth can't resist.

This delightfully antique looking watch necklace was from my brother Tom and his girlfriend Cat.  You know how I love antiques and vintage jewelry, thanks you two.

This beautiful eye palette is from my brother Sean and his girlfriend K.C.  The lovely set has eight, eight eyeshadows and an eyeliner! I can't wait to play around with them. Sigh I love makeup it's art supplies for your face.

Kensie brand PJ's from Mom and Dad.  This was the only item on wishlist this year ( I ask for pajamas every year and it's become a tradition).  This set is adorable with it's heart and fair isle prints.

This trio of kitty ring holders was something I had seen in a fair trade catalog in the fall. I had showed my mom and wouldn't you know it, they ended up under the Christmas tree.   Cute and functional,  one of life's best combinations (next to sweet and salty chocolate covered pretzels).

This gorgeous delicate stacked silver ring set was another surprise from Mom and Dad.  I had said to my mom in passing that I liked the look of stacked rings and she made a note of it and jumped on Esty to find me this darling set. Made of silver with one amethyst stone

The final piece to my Christmas haul is not an actual item, but an experience.  My parents bought me an hour massage at a local day spa.  Perhaps they have noticed all the knots in my back or the stress related twitching, in any case I am looking forward to booking my appointment.

Enough about me! What did you get this year?  What were the stunners? Were there any stinkers? I would love to hear all about your holiday so leave a comment in the box below.

C. Wonder and Awe

This week I had the pleasure of exploring the new C. Wonder store at the Westchester Mall in White Plains NY.  As I passed through the bright lime green and gold trimmed doors I knew I was in for a sumptuous and visual treat.

View of a wall set up in the house wares, section.  Ikat printed mugs and bowls line the shelves.

C. Wonder is a new lifestyle brand that aims to be a different kind of retail experience.  It offers products ranging from clothing and accessories, to house wares and home decor in a kaleidoscope of colors.   The  brand emphasizes the great value of it's merchandise, high quality materials, beautiful details and the ability to personalize all for a reasonable price point.  The average price tag in the store is under $40 with most items weighing in for under $100.

A wall displaying brightly colored nylon bags ranging in price from $24 to $68.  The bags can also be monogrammed  in store to personalize the product.

The C. Wonder monogram alphabet. 

The store setup echos that of a luxury residence.  A grand entry, rooms branching off the main floor plan, ample and cushy seating all around the store.  A great place to take a load off after an afternoon of shopping.  The different "rooms" are setup to create a color scheme or theme for that area.  Even the dressing rooms aim to be a step above the rest with a control panel to adjust the lighting, play music and call for assistance as you try on the stores apparel offerings.

A close up of the control panel in the poshly appointed dressing rooms.

C. Wonder's apparel offerings are classic and casual in their aesthetic. The range of  brilliant hues give the classic silhouettes a fresh spin. Items ranging from turtlenecks to T-shirts and blazers to denim. There is a small assortments of shoes; rain boots, moccasins, pumps and flats all in an array of brilliant colors.  I took a fancy to the black suede pumps that can be adorned with the optional shoe clips, so retro!

Turtlenecks in a rainbow of colors.

Shoe clips "dress up "a basic pair of black pumps.  Classic Suede Pumps $138, Elva Fields shoe clips $18.

Check out the arm party on the mannequin!

I am a huge fan of accessories so I spent an ample amount of time perusing the jewelry "room" in the store. Bangles, rings, baubles and charms.  A girl could really lose her head in here.  The jewelry is high quality in appearance, but the price tags are reasonable ranging from $24 for a statement cocktail ring to $78 for a long necklace with crystal adornments.  I really liked the charm bracelet station, you pick out a chain and then pick your charms. A great way to create a personalized gift.

Beautiful cocktail rings are artfully displayed.

Crystal adorned necklaces and bangles.

Another example of the personalization component of C. Wonder, the charm bracelet station.

The staff also play a huge part in making C. Wonder different from other retail destinations.  They are cheerful, helpful and ready to make your shopping experience the best.  You are able to make your purchase anywhere in the store, assisted by the staff with the mobile points of sale, as well as the main checkout area in the center of the store.

I had the pleasure of speaking with a couple of the associates, Vjosa and Krista, who echoed the cheerful and bright philosophy of the company.  They both talked with great enthusiasm about the store and their co-workers, saying the most difficult part of their job was not buying all the new products the store gets in.

Vjosa and Krista, in the store uniform of white button down, denim and a monogrammed apron.

C. Wonder is sure to be a holiday shopping destination. With the variety of products offered, there is something for everyone and in every color of the rainbow.  The grey days of winter really are no match for this technicolor shopping experience.  If you are in the neighborhood of one of their retail locations in Soho, The Westchester Mall, Roosevelt Field, or Westfield Garden State Plaza make sure you stop in. Can't make into a store you can still experience the product selection through their website.  You will definitely be transported into the luxurious, bright and colorful world of C Wonder.


A big thank you to Britney Lasater and the THINK PR team for the invitation and for making me feel so welcome at the event.

Golden Gifts That Are Easy on the Wallet

You know the saying "all that glitters is gold", well you also know that it's not always true. Luckily you can get your gold fix without the real gold price tag. Here I have hunted down some delightful, gorgeous golden finds, sure to add a little shimmer to your holiday gift giving. Enjoy!

1. ASOS Gold Sequin Collar $27  2. Essie Luxeffects Topcoat $8  3. Tea Party Planner Earrings $30  4. Kate Spade Love Notes Bow Ring $48  5. West Elm Deco Sequin Stocking $34  6. Wanted Razzle Flat $35  7. J. Crew Skinny Glitter Belt $30  8. Hive and Honey Interlocking Bangles $26  9. Steve Madden BBLING Clutch $48

Black Friday Blahness: The Anti-Black Friday Shopping Guide

I know that being a budget fashion site I should have multitude of things to say and resources to share for the Black Friday sales happening this year. However I never understood the monolith shopping sojourn that took place in the wee hours of Friday morning. Yes there are savings to be had, but not everyone on you gift giving list want electronics or a cashmere sweater being peddled as big bargains. So what do you do when you come home from the shopping marathon and there are a few pesky people still on you list. Get creative and think outside the box, in fact some of these gifts might not need a box at all.

1) Small Business Saturday: If you still have that shopping thirst that was not quenched on Friday, how about shopping your local small businesses on Saturday.  This is the second year of small business Saturday a day designed to support small business on one of the biggest shopping days of the year.  Log on to http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/ to learn more and check out their Facebook page to make the pledge to shop small.


2) Gift Certificates for Services: In the same vein of supporting local businesses how about getting some of the recipients on your gift list a certificate at a spa, hair salon, or nail salon.  These pampering services might not be on the top of their list, but they will sure be thankful to cash in these relaxing rewards after the holiday rush is over.

Class at Beads in White Plains

3) A Class or Course: This one can be tricky, but if you know someone who is always looking to learn something new, this might be a good option. Maybe they have a new DSLR that they want to learn how to use, or they are always saying they want to learn a new language.  Then the learner in your life would definitely appreciate a non credit course at the local college or an evening workshop at a local craft shop.

Crochet Flower Garland, BobbiLewin, $40

4) Something Crafty: Okay so maybe you aren't the most crafty person around, but there are probably quite a few talented people in your town.  Look for local craft fairs, or street fairs where you can snap up unique handmade items. None to be had in your neighborhood, then headonline and support artisans with online shops on sites like Etsy, Beehive Design Cooperative, Silkfair, ArtFire, or Shop Hand Made.






This is just a start to the alternative holiday shopping, did it give you any ideas or help with your planning?  Do you have any suggestions for different holiday gifts? Leave your suggestions in the comments box below.

In Search Of A Higher Rise

I really believe that knowing your proportions can help you find clothes that flatter, you know emphasize what you love, down play the stuff you don't.  I am petite, but my proportions are longer torso shorter legs.  If you saw me sitting you would swear I was taller.  For some time now because of personal preference and availability I have worn my denim low slung.  This may not have been the most flattering choice for someone with a long torso - short leg combo, but the low rise denim was what was widely available (unless you count the dreaded mom jeans with elastic waists). 

Now more denim labels are embracing the natural waistline which was treated as a no man's land for so long (sniffle).  Introductions; denim meet waist, waist this is denim.  Given the rise (pun completely intended) in higher waist denim I have decided to embrace the trend and seek some pairs out.  Something affordable, under $100 preferably and something with a rise somewhere between rid cage lovin' ridiculous, and ass crack baring shameless.  Here is a roundup of my six favorite pairs.  I also included different cuts in the legs (for you skinny jeans haters) and different washes.  Have you embraced the high waisted jean?  If so what make/model are you rocking?

High Rise Jeans Under $100 by jrosestyle featuring high rise jeans