Forever21

Dabbling in Tie Dye

A couple of weeks ago I created a few imaginary outfits because I was craving some printed pants (see the rest here). One of them being tie dye…

My “fondest” memory of tie dye was in 2nd grade at summer camp when I made my dad a tie dye shirt that said, “World’s Best Daddy.” The only problem was I ended up looking like the shirt…and for days my ma was fussing & washing paint out of my hair. For that reason, I ended up fearing anything tie dye for a while.

[Photos by NR]
Top: Target
Pants: Forever21 Tie Dye jeggings (similar here, here and here)
Blazer: Material Girl
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Ron Ron
Bag: Marc Jacobs Classic Wellington
Shades: Giorgio Armani Aviators
Necklace: H&M
 

I purchased these Forever21 tie dye jeggings a couple years ago when it was all the rave. I figured what better way to overcome the trauma then to wear it, but I just didn’t have the courage at the time. Soon enough they were out. When I saw that prints were back this season, I decided to give these pants another try!

Since printed bottoms has a character all on it’s own, I thought it would be best to keep everything else simple. Paired with a gray tank, solid blazer, black pumps and very minimal jewelry created a sophisticated look which I liked a lot.

I’m really glad I tried a look I wouldn’t normally wear because it gave me a chance to step outside of my comfort zone and experience something new, well, in my case something less messy. Next time I want to try an over-sized white tee with nude pumps to give it a more spring feel. Hopefully, it won’t be another 2 years :).

Readers: What do you think of Tie Dye and are there anything you’re afraid to wear?

in Outfits  by KTR 12 comments

Petite Fashion Challenge #13: Stylish Under $100

This month Petite Fashion Challenge #13 (PFC) is hosted by Annie of Really Petite. Check out her site to see the list of other participants.

For those that doesn’t know what PFC is, it’s a Fashion Challenge hosted by a different style blogger every month… You don’t need a blog to join in on the fun, just send a message to the future host for instructions prior to the  scheduled date. You can also stop by Alterations Needed Forum to see past challenges and check out upcoming ones!

The Challenge

Stylish under $100: The challenge is putting together a professional outfit (excluding shoes and accessories) for under $100. This task was a breeze for me ’cause I just recently purchased an outfit well under that price range. The breakdown is below.

[Photos by NR]

(Not included in estimate :: Glasses: Gucci, Clutch: Vintage)
***
Top: French Connection Stripes Top from ASOS $28.65 (on sale)
Pants: Forever21 Wide Leg Woven Pants $22.80
Total for Outfit : $51.45
 
(Bonus)
Belt: Forever21 $8
 Shoes: ASOS $32.23
Total for Outfit with Accessories : $91.68
 

Traded in the pencil skirt and blouse look for a “Business Casual Friday” outfit.

I found these tawny orange wide leg pants at forever21 and thought, what a great way to liven up my typical work ensembles! Incorporating a little bit of ruffled by this French Connection top adds a girlie touch. Complete with a Forever 21 belt, ASOS black peep toe pumps and a black clutch.

in Fashion Challenge / Outfits  by KTR 26 comments

Mondern Day Vintage

If it’s one thing I love, it’s a fabulously bold peplum. This stunning Aqua Helena Bow Front Tailored mini peplum skirt from ASOS has been a hit amongst many stylish fashion bloggers such as the sweet Jamie of The Fancy Teacup, the fabulous Blair of Atlantic-Pacific, and the classy Layla of Chic Chef (from left to right).

When I purchased this skirt late last year, I was contemplating on pairing it with a kelly green top, but after seeing it so stylishly color-blocked by these ladies, I wanted to see how it would look against a basic black top. Black is such a universal color and can be paired with anything but sometimes can come off as too simple. With that in mind, I decided to have some fun accessorizing with pearls, flower pins, a statement ring and a pair of sheer vintage gloves…

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and… I believe in miracles.” -Audrey Hepburn

[Photos by NR]

Top: BCBGMAXAZRIA black top
Skirt: Aqua Helena Bow Front Tailored Mini Skirt from ASOS
* Update * Skirt has been sold out but you can purchase the dress here
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Ron Ron
Bag: Marc Jacobs Classic Wellington
Glasses: Prada
Flower pins/Necklace/Ring: Forever21
Earrings: Kate Spade Metropolitan Pearl Earrings
 

Readers: While color-blocking with this skirt is stunning, what are your thoughts on black?

in Outfits  by KTR 16 comments

P.O.C.

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” -Rabindranath Tagore

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: Forever21 Polka Dots Blouse
Skirt: Aqua Full Flared Skirt
Blazer: Material Girl
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Swing Black Shoulder Bag
Necklace /Cuffs: from Bloomingdales
 

We all live in a world where colors affect us in our every day lives. How we decorate our office, our home, and one thing in particular, what we wear. There’s no denying that colors and moods are inextricably linked and influence how we feel… Slip on a red dress and you instantly feel sexy or pop open a yellow umbrella on a gloomy day and some of that sunniness will undoubtedly rub off on you.

Today was a gloomy day but this turquoise sandals by Sam Edelman did the trick to brighten up my day. Whether it’s shoes, a bag, a necklace, or just red nails & bright lips, colors play an important role in my wardrobe. Black and white is lovely and a true classic but our world would be dull without a P.O.C. (pop of color).

I was first introduced to Edelman’s shoes via the Lorissa and Scarlett spike pumps. They are fierce but due to the contrast between 5 inch heels and very little to no support in the front (no platform), the balancing act was quite difficult. I felt like a little girl putting on my mom’s heels again and by the end of the night, my feet was a swollen hot mess! Disappointed that such beautiful shoes are unwearable, I sent a letter to Mr. Edelman asking to please incorporate more platforms. When i stumble upon these new turquoise beauties with platform, you can only imagine my joy. Thank you Sam Edelman, I am a now a huge fan!

If you can brave the extremely high-heel vs. low-platform balancing act, these lovelies are edgy and can be used as a weapon on those creeps at the bar (wink).

Other colorful Edelmans that I found to be pretty comfortable.

For details on where to purchase these shoes, check out my Polyvore page. xoxo

 

in Outfits  by KTR 2 comments

Fashion Fave: The Peplum Skirt

Peplum skirts, often associated with the hourglass shape of the 40s and the power suits of the 80s has faded in and out of fashion for quite some time. What is a Peplum you may ask? It’s a short overskirt attached to a fitted skirt (it can also be attached to a jacket or dress, which I will discuss in future posts).

I adore the style of Peplums because it hugs the small of the waist and flares out at the hips, giving off an hourglass shape. I also love this style because it hides any flaws around the stomach, and accentuates the right areas near the hips. It’s also wonderful if you just ate a large meal and don’t feel like sucking in your tum all night…

While at H&M, I came across this sassy bright reddish-pink Peplum skirt. I decided to add a bit of contrast by pairing the vibrant skirt with a leopard print V-neck sweater from Express. Since the sweater’s V-neck is a bit low and wide (even in the smallest size XS), I’ve added a Forever21 layered black necklace to avoid any peek-a-boo incidents. Finally, since the outfit is a bit busy with the statement necklace and printed top, I decided to complete the look with simple black pumps and the classic black leather clutch from Tory Burch.

My Review:

The skirt is very comfortable. It doesn’t twist and stays put for most of the day. The medium-weight material feel like satin, slightly stretches, and is really comfortable.

The sweater is soft and lightweight. However, the sleeves are quite long and I have to fold the bottom of the sleeves under to fit my arms length. Also, as mentioned above, the V-neck is pretty wide and deep. The quick fix is a cami to go underneath or a busy necklace to layer over the top. I like the color variety that this sweater offers and because it’s so lightweight, it’s a piece that can be worn throughout the year.

The necklace is a fab find from Forever21. The strings can get really tangled and some of the beads will fall apart if you’re not careful. To keep the strings from getting tangled, I hung this on my necklace jewelry holder.

The shoes are by Vince Camuto and I really like the height and hidden platform. I’m only 5 feet tall and can use any height I can get! It’s pretty cushioned and soft inside, but I found my feet in some pain after standing around in one position. I think I have to just break them in…Overall, it’s a keeper.

The Clutch is a sold out item of Tory Burch. Unlike most of Tory’s clutches, the logo is not shiny at all. The same leather material is designed into the logo to match the leather on the clutch. I also enjoy having the option of wearing it with or without the straps.

H&M Peplum skirt $39
Express: Leopard Print V-Neck Sweater $49 (currently on sale for $19 and comes in many colors and patterns)
Saks: Tory Burch Amanda Logo Leather Clutch $325
Nordstrom: Vince Camuto Korsi Pumps $118
Forever21: Layered Beaded Necklace $12 (old item)
 

:: Style tips ::

If you have a slender figure, you can get away with a dramatically flared peplum — it’ll give you the right amount of shape and curve without overwhelming your figure. Not to mention it’s fun and daring! If you are curvier, go with a more fitted and shorter peplum style. This will allow you to show off your curves while emphasizing and accentuating a cinched waist.

What’s your opinion on Peplum skirts? Is it a piece you would have in your closet?

 

 

in Outfits  by KTR 1 comments