Have you met Warby?

Introducing a brand that is as cool as its name. So, no, a man named Warby Parker is not behind this brand. It comes from the "master wordsmith" and pop culture icon, Mr. Jack Kerouac. To quote the WP website, "Two of his earliest characters, recently uncovered in his personal journals, bore the names Zagg Parker and Warby Pepper. We took the best from each and made it our name."

Reasons I like WP:

• Their aesthetic is vintage-inspired (and we all know my soft spot for cat eyes)
• They're highly meticulous with materials and craftsmanship, using custom acetates to make the frames
• Each pair is custom-fit with anti-reflective, polycarbonate prescription lenses
• Started by close friends
• Conceived with the purpose to give consumers another option, against the "overpriced and bland" eyewear available today
• They've partnered with VisionSpring to ensure that for every pair sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need. 

"We believe that everyone has the right to see." 

-Warby Parker

Beyond the name and history, my favorite part is that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need. On top of that, a percentage from each sale will also go to Girl Up, a United nations Foundation campaign mobilizing American girls to raise awareness and funds for UN programs that provide life-changing opportunities to girls around the world.

Don't miss their winter collection if you're in the market for new specs. And if you're feeling nostalgic, shop my favorite WP set designed by Leith Clark.

My favorite pair by Leith is this Wednesday Noir creation. Stunner.

I write about brands I believe in and products I stand by. If you're interested in having your product or service featured or reviewed, contact me and let's figure out a collab over virtual coffee (with virtual organic creamer).

To Tutu or Not to Tutu (that is the NYE question)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin New Years eve is just around the corner Christmas tree. Do you have plans? Do you know who you're kissing?? Have you picked resolutions??? Even if you can't answer any of those questions, there is probably nothing more important than knowing WHAT YOU WILL BE WEARING WHEN YOU RING IN THE NEW YEAR. Time to get it together and figure it out, sister.

Every style / half-way-fashion-related website is coming out with articles right now something to the effect of "The alternative to sequins for NYE" or "The NYE outfit no one else will have on" etc. Everyone wants a say in the all praised "Alternative NYE" outfit. And I am no exception.

Here are my picks for the traditional holiday-wear fabric and a New Years Eve outfit alternative.

SEQUINS VS. TUTU

If you choose to wear sequins....

How to wear a sequin maxi skirt
Dorothy Perkins mint sweater / T By Alexander Wang white shirt / Forever 21 woven shirt / Black zip jacket / Side slit skirt / Free People floor length sequin skirt, $345 / Line Dot mermaid skirt / L.K.Bennett pointy-toe pumps, $290 / Rihanna For River Island high heel sandals / Zara multi colored handbag / Givenchy beige handbag / KOTUR clutch / Kendra Scott 14k gold plated earrings / SHOUROUK crystal charm

...wear a sequin maxi skirt!!!!!!!! Anyone who half way knows me, knows I'm a die-hard sucker for maxi skirts. High waist maxi skirts hold a special place in my heart of hearts. So naturally my exception for sequins on New Years Eve lies within the realm of maxi's.

If you choose a New Years Eve alternative...

How to wear a tutu skirt
J Crew long sleeve sweater / Topshop t shirt / Au Jour Le Jour skirt / Tutu skirt / Elodie black boots, $61 / Alexandre Birman leather shoes / Forever New pearl necklace, $53 / ASOS pendant necklace / Moschino black belt

...wear a TUTU SKIRT!!!! My mom bought a tutu skirt from Anthropology last year, so I'm obligated to borrow and wear it. I've seen so many fAsHiOniStAs and bloggers pull this off effortlessly. Oh, how we all die to be one of them.

Not to be dramatic, but it's a life or death decision. Sequins or tutu. Lives are at stake. Only one can win.

I've Lost My Marbles

Mango chiffon shift dress
mango.com

Josh Goot white a line skirt
$340 - avenue32.com

Elastic waistband pants
$205 - saba.com.au

High heel pointed heel shoes
pixiemarket.com

Balenciaga square scarve
barneys.com

Scout & Catalogue Tonala Pequena
needsupply.com

Cold. Hard. Unmoving. Unflinching. Dramatic. Lifeless. Timeless. 
When you describe marble out loud, it could also reflect what it's ideally supposed to make you feel when you wear it. At least, in my mind. And I'm pretty hella indecisive and wishy-washy at best, so I could really use some steadfast marble in my life.

I'm welcoming this pattern trend with open arms (and open wallet/s). Quite simply losing my marbles for marble.

I obviously had to include this.

Karl Does Dallas Y'all

He was here. THE Karl Lagerfeld was here in Dallas. And HE was with HER. Anna Wintour and Karl. All under one red-neck (well, not really, but compared to NY or LA, definitely) roof. The Chanel Pre-Fall 2014 Metiers d'Art collection pranced through Fair Park on December 10th.

If you're like me, you might find the fast-paced fashion industry to be a little stressful. Here we have designers galavanting their fall 2014 collections, and I'm still struggling to make my spring 2013 clothes shift into my fall 2013 wardrobe. Keeping up with the industry when you're not in the industry is a REAL TASK.

If I could, I'd dedicate more hours to flipping through slideshows on style.com, rapgenius the crap out of Eminem's new album, and of course volunteer to feed the country and world peace. Since none of us  have the time to spend hours obsessing over runways of clothes we'll never afford (although Pinterest disagrees with me thoroughly), let this blog post be of service.

And honestly, if you've been out of the fashion loop, all you really need to know is MIDI SKIRTS AND BOOTS. MIDI SKIRTS AND FREAKING BOOTS, Y'ALL. WEAR THEM.

This cozy combination dominated the Chanel show. When I first saw pictures of this collection, I imagined what it would have been like if real American frontier women in the old and wild west had worn these clothes. Could you imagine how chic the 1700s would have been if Karl was busy at work on his sewing machine in that time? When you imagine these clothes in your history books, it takes new meaning. And using your imagination is far more fun than just watching a planned, timed, and scripted fashion show.

To make things spicy, my style editors have teamed up (me alone and hungover on a Saturday) and compiled their favorite looks from the #ChanelDallas show, complete with culturally-sound sartorial commentary (me saying "totes").

I get it. Coarse tweed is everything that is the epitome of Chanel. But this outfit makes even this thin model look heavy. This look is best viewed from afar and not put on your body. 

This ensemble is like a platter of pomegranate seeds, wine, plums, craisins and almonds.

I can't wrap my head around long denim skirts I'll never get them. It's the kitten heel of clothes for me. I can't.

Most likely to be worn by every celebrity white girl on the red carpet.

Makes me wanna rain dance and speak indian sounds. 

I'm literally going to go rapgenius "Rap God" now.

So Over Oversized Watches

Emporio Armani watch / MARC BY MARC JACOBS watch / MICHAEL Michael Kors watch / DKNY watch / Fossil watch

I almost bought myself a watch at Bloomingdales on black Friday. I was mentally battling between a Kors or Marc--but my wallet won. I ended up not buying a thin-strapped time piece (#selfcontrol)... so naturally I want one 10x more now.

In fact, this month it occurred to me just how much I am over oversized watches. Everyone and their turkey sandwich owns a gold or rose gold oversized Kors (I'm just bitter because I've always wanted one and if I owned one I would be ABSOLUTELY be repping that every single day so ignore me if you're reading this with an oversized Kors on your wrist).

However, I do think the shift from oversized to understated is the new way to wear baubles on your wrist. I also firmly believe arm parties aren't a real thing anymore and watches should just be left alone or paired with minimal other bracelets. Like this bracelet which I love! I'm really into gawdy, emerald jewelry lately--I bought earrings very similar to these the other day for no apparent reason other than they were affordable and I have a self-pamper problem.

Can you believe it's already December? 2013 has been one of the fastest years ever. An on unrelated note, I will now drown myself in a DVR Harry Potter marathon (thanks, ABC) byYyYyYYe.

The Six People You Meet on Black Friday

Why is it called black Friday anyway, Kathie? Screw it, cheers, bitch!

I'd like to start out this blog post with a little lesson for everyone. I was made aware of this issue via our dear friends Kathie Lee and Hoda. It seems that there is an epidemic out there of Americans not knowing why black Friday is called black Friday.

I suppose it is a valid question, and if I hadn't worked retail, maybe I wouldn't know either. Well consumers, it's called that because it puts the store's budget/finance numbers, in regards to profit, in the black and not deficient in the red.

I've never actually been one of the people that wakes up at obscene hours to get deals. To me, the whole concept of black Friday is kind of like tattoos to me. I really can't think of anything I care about enough to be inked on my skin the rest of my life. Likewise, I really can't think of anything I care about enough to wake up at 2 AM and fight crowds of supermoms for.

But like I said, I did work retail on the holy retail grail that is black Friday, and I was out and about Dallas all day today, so I think it's safe to say I have plenty o' blog material.

Let's introduce the 7 people you meet in America on black Friday.

1. The rich, frugal woman.

All of us know the woman who can afford anything she wants sans sale, but insists on spending all her time and energy saving money. Why the motivation? So she can brag to her group of equally rich and frugal friends at brunch about her bargains. Plus, chronic frugal shopping addiction is cheaper than therapy.

How to spot her: She's constantly dripping in designer labels, and can mentally calculate multiple sales tag totals before she's finished trying on that pair of Alice + Olivia discount heels. She'll be holding an $8.50 latte and $5.50 pastry she bought from Whole Foods and take a smoking/talk on iPhone 5S break.

America's reaction to her: Go away with your latte from the Whole Foods on the nice side of town and save the sales for the common peasants, YOU GREEDY MONGREL. 

2. The "My cousin's boyfriend's college-roommate's twin's best friend's ex-girlfriend" once got a flat screen for SEVENTY FIVE CENTS" shopper.

You think THAT dress is a good deal? You think THIS is waking up early??? Oh no, my aunt's neighbor's mailman's wife once bought forty two pairs of shoes for A DOLLAR last black Friday. You think YOU bought that handbag FOR A GOOD DEAL????? No, one black Friday I bought MULTIPLE designer handbags for HALF THAT--I had to give some to homeless, I had so many friggin' leather Kate Spade satchels, and I broke my arm trying to carry them all.

How to spot her: She said that verbatim ^^

America's reaction to her:  

3. Supermom.

She has three kids, a full time job, bakes perfect cupcakes for every kid-parent-related function, is training for a half-marathon, makes her own strawberry jam that she grew in her own backyard, doesn't have a nanny, maid, or any sort of third-party help, and still remembers to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer. She's supermom. By the time you see her at Wal-mart on BF morning, she's already worked out and folded a load of laundry. 

How to spot her: Likely wearing pink Lulu Lemon workout gear with matching pink Nikes, on her iPhone making 14 appointments with various doctors, dentists, and other routine human-maintenance check ups that no other normal person stays on top of, while picking out clothes for every member of her family. She will be drinking a homemade green drink with kale and unsweet almond milk.

America's reaction to her: I'm tired just looking at you.

4. Young, broke, and energetic girl.

This girl is just like the rest of us. Early twenties, loves her friends, instagrams too much, and loves to, like, totally shop!~! Except this girl is also not like the rest of us. Because unlike the rest of the early twenties age bracket, she's not hungover and has already bought half her extended family a christmas present before it's even December. 

How to spot her: She will upload an instagram of all the clothes she scored on hashtag black Friday (most of which are her school's colors) and obviously post a Facebook status about how much she HATES other black Friday shoppers. 

America's reaction to her: #unfollow #unfriend

5. Mrs. No-Mercy.

Have you had a run-in with Mrs. No-Mercy? Assess the following questions: Was she haggling the sales clerk to go 10% cheaper off the already-insane deal because there was a "snag" in one of her items? Did she eavesdrop on your conversation with your friend while shopping and interject her unsolicited warnings and advice? Did she try to fight with you over a sale item? Did she win it? You have officially met Mrs. No-Mercy and been shown No-Mercy.

How to spot her: She makes the sales clerk re-ring up the items because she swears he totaled it up wrong.

America's reaction to her: 

6. Confused, straight guy.

There he is. Among the sea of drained, money-crazy women, there is the lone confused, straight guy who had no idea it was even black Friday. In fact, he could have sworn it was Tuesday. He's only here because he lost his only other pair of pants at a party last night, and his girlfriend said his cargo shorts are like totes ugly. He smells like pizza.

How to spot him. He'll be like dude, so many people. bro, these jeans are crazy cheap. May be wearing cargo pants.

America's reaction to him: 

Why Christian Siriano is the Best Designer/Living Organism in the World

Christian Siriano was born in Annapolis, Maryland. More importantly, he was born effing fabulous.

I've been a CS admirer since his days in the fourth season of Project Runway. His collections have been some of my favorites season after season. He has proven his fierce minutes in fashion fame wasn't just for fifteen minutes--but forever #hialliteration. He didn't let the attention from A-list celebrities or get carried away in the drug scene. He's doing the same thing he did as a teen, only now the world is admiring his work, and not just his close peers.

I follow this little emo dude on instagram and it always makes the left side of my brain twinkle. That easily the weirdest sentence I've typed in a week. Now forget what you think you know about any favorite designer you think you have and get ready to fall in love with the sassiest fireball in the CFDA.

1. Christian Siriano was rejected by the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Oh HELLO FAILURE! I bet that crushed his sensitive, thread-saavy soul. CS said, "FU, FIT," and still carried on to be a multimillion dollar American fashion designer. But before he took over our Pinterest fashion boards,.... he interned.

2. He interned. Twice. 

I gots da mad respect 4 muh intern homies out der in da streets, roughin' it n hustlin' just tryna make sum money to feed they daughtas.

Really, though, I interned twice and did a lot of other unpaid activities throughout my undergrad/post grad lifestyles, and I just feel for the interns/minions. I can't even imagine being an intern in the fashion industry. I mean, it's one of those things, like yeah okay I have sympathy for you, but then I think, wait, no I don't. Anne Hathaway turned out just fine in the end.

CS did minion-intern tasks for Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Dope.

 

3. He single-handedly revolutionized the word, "TRANNY"

You're tranny-fierce, no you're tranny-fabulous, you're tranny-flawless, you scream tranny-chic you hot tranny mess from trannslyvania. Let's get tran tran.

4. Amy Poehler imitates him fiercely. 

Fee-yis.

I can't. I love it to much and i can'ticant. trannyfiercehottmesstranny.

5. Christian Siriano has better instagrams than you.

His "sketch of the day" never disappoints. Makes me want to bust out a pencil and paper, quit my day job, and pursue the starving artist, live off passion lifestyle just kidding not really but I LOVE seeing his sketches on my insta-feed.

6. hi Have you SEEN HIS SPRING '14 RTW COLLECTION????????????

Hello, top, that is a also dress in the back, how are you today. 

CS has a way with volume and balance. He easily gives designers much older and more experienced than him a run for their money. This dress also resonates with my 1920s soul.

7. And, this.

bye trannies.

{image credits: stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com, www.therichest.com, www.bellasugar.com, www.celebitchy.com, mynameisbilly.tumblr.com www.style.com,}

Some words on Miley

Dope Bodysuit / High-waisted jean shorts / Senso silver shoes / Kate Spade jewelry / Chunky necklace / Juicy Couture tech accessory / C. Wonder green sunglasses / Giorgio Armani lipstick

Seems like I can't go two runs to the office Kuerig without hearing about another Miley Cyrus stint. I made the above collage a few weeks ago, and since her latest music video dropped today, I thought this would be an appropriate time to post it.

So, wrecking ball.
Somehow, some way, I'm not opposed to this video at all??? Why is that?? I supposed after the mutant-giant teddy bears, VMA twerking and constant sticking out of the tongue, it's almost like swinging naked on a wrecking ball is the most sane, normal thing she's done recently. It's a step in the right direction for our dear friend, Miley. Today, naked swinging, tomorrow, good decisions and community service.

sOoOo LaHh DaA DeEe DaA DeEe *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

______________
p.s.
I've been following #NYFW under the radar, but haven't blogged about it yet. So far--uber obsessed with creations by Christian Siriano and Zac Posen. Blog to follow!

Lazy Sunday Chic

Muscle tank / Vero Moda shorts, $140 / Melissa black open toe sandals / Black purse, $25 / Karen Walker round tortoise shell glasses / TOPSHOP Little Miss Sunshine Mug

Picture this: Dallas. 2013. Another unbearably hot day. Netflix is on. A cat is laying on my legs, which are laying on the table while I'm laying on the couch. A mug of once-hot tea is wedged between my lap and arm of the chair.

It's Sunday. Not only that, but the Sunday after #NYFW, so it is my understanding that it's the perfect day to catch up on runway shows and the spring '14 collections.

I'm wishing I had those brown leather Vero Moda to join me! I can't think of a better alternative to the classic, yet arguably overly popular, casual denim shorts. As I'm sure you're aware, leather is coming alive in many shapes and silhouettes this fall. I love a piece that I can throw on in a rush out the door, and know it will always be trendy and comfortable.

A note on Melissa flats--if you know me at all you know I'm a die-hard for this brand of flats. I ordered two pairs online the other day and have been antsily (welp, just made that word up) awaiting their arrival to my doorstep.

The Drake tee is kind of silly, but since I'm more or less listening to his new song every day, I guess it's all too accurate to include it in my Lazy Sunday collage.

I've been crazy about Karen Walker sunglasses ever since I first found Blair Eadie's blog. Lately I've been looking for an alternative to my favorite tried and true wayfers--not that I've entirely ruled out the cat eyes. I will always support a woman's right to wear cat eyes.

The Do's & Don'ts of Fashion Instagramming

I have serious opinions on 

both fashion and instagram. 

Heavy topics, I know. I bet you're glad you were sitting down when you read that. If you feel like you can handle the serious, life-or-death matters that are fashion and social media, please continue forward.

I recently guest-blogged for the London-based website, Chloedigital! Chloedigital is a boutique agency that specializes in development and marketing through branding, web design/applications/development, social media, e-mail marketing, SEO and blogger outreach. They have a killer blog for any of you who are interested in fashion or technology!

Frolick over to read my guest post here.

 {clockwise}
 Pink heels: Sam Edleman
Green dress: JC Penny's
Black cross body bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB
Silver sunburst necklace: F21
Turquoise top: F21
Black ombre ankle strap heels: Jeffrey Campbell
Blue sequin top: Neiman Marcus
Lipstick: Something from Walgreens IdKkKkKkKkKk

I think I'll dress like a boy today

let's make out by gusta88 featuring destroyed boyfriend jeans

Wildfox Couture white knit sweater
$200 - jades24.com

NSF destroyed boyfriend jeans
farfetch.com

Rag Bone leather oxford
$225 - theoutnet.com

J.Crew j crew sunglasses
jcrew.com

Grace Hats slouchy hat
nordstrom.com

Unfortunately, you're a girl. 
And girls are drama, high maintenance, moody, crazy, whiney, shady, touchy, pushy, little creatures.

Fortunately, you're a girl.
And you don't have to dress like one. Embrace the menswear trends with items you could easily pass on to your boy toy. Try on some oxfords with a relaxed beanie and your favorite, comfortable boyfriend fit denim. Top it off with wide-faced wayfare shades, maybe a whiskey coke, and you've got yourself a chill yet rather dapper spin on casual man-wear.

What will you do on your day as a chill dude? My guesses would be: no over-analyzing texts, taking out the trash or filling up with gas (because as far as I'm concerned, those are men's only responsibilities), don't worry about looking perfect and finally, hanging out with the bro's--er, friends. #bromance aka #girlsnight

It's been real, dawg (that's how guys talk, right? sure.)
Let that androgyny shine.