spoil me fashion

NOT Fall-ing for these hot temps.

- Mel

I’m really over this 80-degree weather in October BS. Can I have my tights and boots and layered wardrobe, please?

On top of the heat, on our way to Date Night, we got a cab with no working A/C. *groan*

My mind instantly went “Oooh, 80s temperature = 80s dress!”

Enter: this short, sassy number. I love how this dress fits, even if one of the shorter items in my closet. The bottom actually contains a secondary tiered slip, which looked all kinds of weird. I considered ripping it off because I like the fit of the rest of the dress… but it will take some considerable tailoring efforts, considering how it is sewn rightfully in its place. So, I rolled the excess “skirt” from the back-to-the-front (which is brilliantly split in the back at the zipper) and tied it off to the side — and what do you know? It worked.

Note: I also ripped out the “modesty panel” that a previous owner had sewn into the V-neck. Modesty. Pssssht. I layered with a light-colored lace slip instead.

I originally styled this dress with those cute purple socks, as previously blogged, but changed on my way out the door. First, I thought my legs were far too white for this late-summer madness. Second, I felt… stumpy. Plus, derby bruises on my shins. So, I opted for a knee-high pair of black trouser socks. Naturally, I forgot to snap a picture.

Dress: Vintage (purchased online; can’t remember where)
Slip: Gadzooks
Shoes: Rocket Dog (via TJ Maxx; years ago)
Socks: Guess?
Necklace: Lionette, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion
Bracelets: hodge podge o’ stuff from my jewelry drawer
Ring: Nina Nguyen, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion 

Art Openings: Looking Good! (and scoring the good deals)

- Mel

Some unconventional shots taken during last Friday’s Gallery Crawl (with a couple friends… *snort*). I find it difficult to find the RIGHT outfit for nights out like this that are a combination of happy hour drinks, multiple art openings, one toonseum-rific after party and LOTS of walking. But I think this ensemble fared well with the art crowd for the evening.

My hair, on the other hand, didn’t make it through a night of misty-rainy, windy temperatures (for SERIOUS, stupid umbrella!). But surprisingly my FEET did, courtesy of my $6 shoes from Gabriel Brothers. Yes — SIX DOLLARS. I can’t tell you how excited I was to find these laced, heeled loafers on the clearance rack. I NEVER find cute shoes in my size that are on the shelves long enough to make it to the extreme discounts category. 

These sort of fashions scores complete me.

Speaking of scores, I purchased this cropped jacket at Banana Republic MANY years ago for $9.99. SERIOUSLY. *rubbing it in* It’s the little things — with super-awesome price tags — that make this 30-something happy.

Tank: Old Navy (just bought it; can’t locate it online anymore. Man, they cycle through items fast!)
Jacket: Banana Republic
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Gabriel Brothers
Shoes: Gabriel Brothers
Necklace (Lionette) & Bracelet (Alkemie): on loan from Spoil Me Fashion 

How in the world do you wear over-the-knee boots without looking like a hooker? I have no idea.

- Mel

I may or may not have purchased this very pair just to find out. 

The trick is being demure in ALL OTHER places — not showing off legs, tits AND ass (I’m looking at you Station Square hootchie). Although the length of this dress looks like I’m wearing leather pants in some photos. THAT’S A WHOLE OTHER BLOG POST.

Seriously.

I even attempted to fold down the tops (yes, I know… YOUR TAG IS SHOWING) to see if that made a difference. Maybe a balance of over-the-knee and lower (or no) heel would have fared better for me. To be truthful, I’m not sure that I can leave the house with a straight face wearing these. I might have to get drunk first.

But you know what? That’s what makes fashion awesome — playing around in your closet to see what works. And make a ridiculous statement (on your blog, of all places) with what doesn’t.

Dress: NY & Company
Vest: Express (gift a few years ago)
Hooker Boots: ShoeDazzle
Necklace: Revival (the cutest boutique in Akron! Highland Square is where it’s at, Ohio peeps!) 
Ring and Earrings: both Nina Nguyen (on loan from Spoil Me Fashion) 

Also: I’m still not completely sold on this NY&CO dress. As much as I want to love it. Something’s off with the shape. Something that I think not even a higher hem might fix. Or… maybe I just need to style with different colors. I’M NOT GIVING UP YET!

Thoughts?

My first pair of curvy jeans. And a general obsession with denim.

- Mel

Curvy is relative. And having a bottom for the first time at age 34 is quite an accomplishment for this lifelong “straight-and-narrow” lady. I grew two-and-a-half inches in my rear in less than two years (and naturally, had to show off my denimed derby butt in the mirror). This is cause for celebration, natch: a pair of Joe’s Jeans. CURVY FIT.

For me, there’s no greater fashion investment than a pair of well made, great fitted designer jeans. I wear denim a lot; and I justify the cost for something that fits really well by not buying a lot (or any, really) work and office attire. 

Moral of the story: Celebrate your changing body, 30-somethings. Spend money on a good pair of jeans. And it’s never too late to get a great ass. *wink*

Jeans: Joe’s Jeans (purchased at Zipper Blues, Pittsburgh)
Blouse: NY&CO
Bracelets: Gabriel Brothers
Key Necklace: Swarovski (discontinued) 
Shoes: eBay (these are seriously the most comfy — and cheapest — shoes by Kali; and they’ve held up pretty well for the last couple years of downtown walking)
Purse: Zara Terez (on loan from Spoil Me Fashion) 

Outfits (and people) that transition.

- Mel

I’m KING OF THE WORLD! Well, at least in my apartment. So sayeth the cats. 

We’re moving in a month, and while I’m sure to miss the view, I’ll be so happy to be in a house. OUR house. Kitties, boyfriend and all. 

I had to stay somewhat casual, since I was going to pick up a crap-ton of moving boxes from a friend’s business up in Cranberry. But afterward (downtown again), I’m meeting a friend who’s in town from Chicago for a few happy hour drinks. This outfit should transition nicely between the two. Heck, I might even throw on a pair of HEELS before I head out. 

Jeans: J Brand
Shoes: GoJane
Layering Tank: Old Navy (I definitely need more of these! I have laundry room gnomes that take my tanks, I swear!)
Sweater Vest: NY&CO
Burner Tee: LOFT
Necklace & Ring: Forever 21
Bracelet: on loan from Spoil Me Fashion (Sensations collection by Nina Nguyen — and it’s on sale for half off right now!)