A New Midtown Shopping Destination

Hello Sacramentans! Although I know many of you who read this (if you still do) don’t even live in Sacramento. However, I did stumble across a new boutique in midtown today and I must share it with you all. It is called Heart Clothing Boutique and it is on 1903 Capital Ave. Pictures below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is very small – but it is filled with some very cute baubles! And it’s diversified. Not only does owner Vanessa Lopez have very cute, trendy clothes with brands ranging from BB Dakota to ones I’ve never heard of but all of her clothes are reasonably priced! The majority of tops I looked at ranged in the $30s and dresses in the $40s-$50s. Honestly, compared to a lot of shopping, especially at the few tolerable places in this part of town, this is not only full of options but doable as well.

I can just envision looking at my very full closet and convincing myself I have nothing to wear and running down to Heart and picking up a perfect piece that will pull the whole look together.

On top of that, by shopping at Heart you’re supporting a local business and a local entrepreneur. Anyways – check it out. And I will be sure to post a picture of the purchase I made today!

Here is the yelp link, but no website I could find: http://www.yelp.com/biz/heart-clothing-boutique-sacramento

Red Lipstick

For so long I’ve been adamant that red lipstick was an insta-age product  for anyone but a select few beauties gifted with the ability to look chic, retro, glam and every synonym in between wearing red lipstick. Guess what? I was wrong.

Okay, I’ll admit my foray into experimentation on the ability of the average female to wear red lipstick involves just one subject. Me. But honestly, I have tried on numerous red lipsticks in the past in the vain hope that it would transform me into a clone of a Hollywood starlet only to look in the mirror and see a) a clown (and clowns scare me) b) a witch (literally, it’s scary) or c) an old woman.

Enter the Nordstrom half-yearly sale. The Mac counter has always drawn my eye – and I usually don’t leave empty-handed. Honestly, even though I usually wear C-thru and other neutral glosses, I was feeling a little saucy and grabbed the first red I could find. MAC RED that is … and all of a sudden I was hooked.

It was powerful, confident and strong. It made me feel like I could conquer the world (also made me feel like I should invest in some Rembrandt teeth whitening products). So I purchased it, along with *gasp* lipliner. Okay, my first encounters with lipliner were the worst kind. You know, when girls would line their lips in a dark color and fill it in with a light one … lipliner is meant to be an accessory to lipstick, not an accessory in itself. Luckily, my lovely MAC representative knew of this rule and chose a lovely Brick Red MAC lipliner to pair with my MAC RED lipstick.

Now, I will be honest. I have worn this but once so far, and I wore it out. I haven’t worked up the courage to wear it to work just yet … it just seems over the top. I need encouragement! What are your thoughts on the red lipstick trend?

Denim Day

In honor of Denim Day today, all the employees were allowed to wear … *gasp* DENIM! As I work in a pretty formal office, this was very exciting. Granted, I sneak in the denim on Fridays when I know the boss is not going to be in, but on a Wednesday? Honestly!

So I debated for a good 20 minutes on what jeans I should wear … and I settled on a new extremly comfortable pair of William Rast jeans.

Top: H&M.

Jeans: William Rast.

Shoes: Nine West.

Bracelets: Green, H&M; Pearls, Forever 21.

These jeans were a fantastic deal at Nordstrom Rack – which by the way, I believe has secretly implemented a new and terrible return policy: 30 days with the tags still attached. What terrible tyrant of a CEO decided that Nordstrom should alter its famous and much-loved return policy? Now, I thought this might just be Nordstrom Rack, but I have heard similar horror stories in recent discussions regarding the main store …

Here’s what I have to say to that: “Big, big mistake. Huge … I have more shopping to do” (To quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman)

 

Speaking of fantastic deals at Nordstrom Rack … I came across the best yet two days ago at the Arden Fair store. Marc Jacobs sunglasses.  Originally $450, I scored the below fabulous tortoise shell sunglasses  for the  unbelievable price of $80.

Now, I know it sounds like I shop a lot, and I’ll be honest – I do sometimes wonder if I have issues, but honestly, who can pass up deals like these?

But all these tangets got me off the point of this post: Denim Day. How many know the story behind it? It is an awesome female empowerment story that every woman should know. Here is the gist via the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, (my comments in parenthesis):

In 1998, an Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans, reasoning she must have helped her attacker remove them. (Ridiculous!) People all over the world were outraged. (Rightfully!) Wearing jeans became an international symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

This day we unite against the sexual assault of girls, women, boys and men. We stand in support of survivors. We break the silence to end sexual violence.

On Denim Day, wear your jeans as a visible sign of protest against the myths that still surround sexual assault!

So there’s the story, quite a good one. Sexual assault is not funny and its not something people bring on themselves, so if you didn’t wear denim today, at least share the story with others so they too can stand up for against sexual violence!

Fashion Risks and Rewards

Let’s talk about the onesie, my much cuter and less scary name for the ‘jumpsuit.’ This is a fad that has come and gone in the fashion world for as long as photographs go back – maybe longer … didn’t princess Jasmine wear some variation of a jumpsuit?  Anyway, I have always, and I mean always, had negative things to say about these one-piece uniforms. Even my best friend, who looks good in anything, was full on ridiculed by  my all-knowing fashion self when she chose to don one in college.

Then I ran into a black, raw silk, swanky swath of fabric in the back of the sale rack at Banana Republic. I thought ‘well, I could at least try it on … I mean the fabric is fabulous and the deal is a steal and well, once I try it on I’ll have even better fodder to criticize this silly invention.’  Well, I purchased it. I glady ate my words. See below:

Yes, I had to use some double-stick tape, but everything is fair and fine in the name of fashion, right? Accessorizing this is so fun! You’re just a canvas of black, ready for a pop of color or just chic minimalism.  It cleverly hides any problem areas  and drapes gracefully. What more could a girl ask for? I have worn this twice, because well the downside of such a statement outfit like the onesie, is that it’s memorable. When you wear it, people remember. So how do you solve that problem? Buy another one!

Enter the second, more summery onesie I purchased last week at a Barney’s outlet store in Napa. So ecstatic/sad that I discovered this gem only an hour away from my residence. Ecstatic because clothes that I thought were too far away for me to get to are now a short drive away and sad because I’ve been trying to save money.

Speaking of summer … the days of ugg boots and closed toed shoes are coming to an end, which is good and bad because I’ve never been a huge fan of summertime shoes. I’m sorry, but I take issue with paying $100 for a pair of cute flip-flops or flats when I could buy a great pair of pumps instead. But I finally stumbled on a pair of flats I was willing to pay for:

I think it was the sparkly jewels that called out to me initially, but then the soft, beautiful leather won my feet over for good. I love these! They’re comfy and cute and classy and everything I like it a shoe – they just don’t happen to have a  heel. Now, mind you these remain my only pair of flats (I’ve looked but have yet to find another pair that I like as much).

But the moral of the blog post, is to step out of your fashion comfort zone – it will probably be a good decision  I detested the onesie and snubbed flats and I found that I love both.

Appreciate Your Body Part 2

Okay, so now that the shock of the NEW Heidi Montag has worn off, I can now more fully discuss the need to appreciate ones own body.

If you read “Part 1″ you will recall that I wrote we were all created unique and special. That is true. Some of us may not be huge fans of our noses, our chins, our  hands or even how big or small our bones are, but that part of our body is part of who we are as a whole.

What you think is your big nose may be the thing that makes you stand out and be remembered from all the other women out there.

You  may hate your big feet, but you are the lucky dog who will get those fabulous size 10 Manolo Blahnik shoes that are 70 percent off! Seriously, if you have feet on either end of the size spectrum … go do some shoe shopping stat!

My point is that those things we “hate” about ourselves are things that can either be attractive to others, or benefit us in some huge way. So recognize what you don’t particularly like about yourself and then recognize how it is a special part of who you are.

This is what I love about shows such as What Not To Wear and How Do I Look? – they don’t make people feel unworthy. They don’t make people think that they don’t have the natural assets and ability to look fabulous. They teach you how to look fabulous while still looking like you.

Here are some examples:

Wearing you true size will actually make you look smaller. If you are a size six, don’t try to wear a four. You’ll look better, be more comfortable and more confident in clothes that fit.

Also, don’t jump on the fad bandwagon if you don’t think it’s a good one. No one who is not 5’10 and 130 lbs looks good in high-waisted jeans. So don’t feel like you have to wear them, just because they’re ”in”. One disturbing trend I noticed returning in this month’s Marie Clair is camouflage. That was “in” in 2004, remember? Did you throw away all that camo garb in 2007 asking yourself  “what was I thinking?” Me too. It’s okay, just because someone says it’s in, does not mean that it works for you.

If you love a trend, like chunky bangles or bib necklaces or tulip skirts, by all means jump on it! But if you’re not in love with it, I suggest sticking with classics.

A hair cut can change your face shape. Give you more prominent cheekbones or a more defined jawline. Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist what she thinks would look best on you. They went to school for this. Also, just because a pixie cut looks great on Ginnifer Goodwin does not mean it will look good on you. (Although I have been fighting off incredible urges recently to cut my hair just like that!)

A change in hair color can bring out your sparkling eyes or play up your coloring.  Again, ask your stylist, or even more fun, go to a nice wig store and try on wigs in different colors. It is good to mix and match but be sure of your choice because too much chemicals in your hair damage it. Trust me, I know this.

Bottom Line: You – just the way you are (to quote Mark Darcy) – are beautiful and special. You can accentuate that beauty, re-focus that beauty and bring out different aspects of your beauty all with small fashion tweaks, but that doesn’t change who you are or the unique aspects about you.

I love when at the end of some make-over show, a woman says, “I feel like a better version of me,” because that is what fashion is supposed to do. 

Manolo Blahnik

Running, Moral Fashion …

So I know I have shared that I am training for my very first half marathon. It is really amazing what your body is capable of when you challenge it. Honestly, a month ago I would not have thought it possible for me to complete a seven mile run and feel great afterward. It is.  But while running is fun, buying running attire trumps it like tenfold! Read on.

First, I was planning on making a part of this post about being morally conscious when we purchase our clothes. You know, understanding the connection between what you buy and how it was made. I was planning on railing on Nike for using sweatshops and saying how I have made the decision to stop purchasing their products and stick with others. But in doing research, I found that Adidas and Reebok have also been found to be treating their laborers (mostly in Asian manufacturing plants – aka sweatshops) inhumanely! Being paid 10 cents to sew a jersey we sell in America for $80 is outrageous and unacceptable.  How many fashion labels use the poor and uneducated of underdeveloped countries  to create the clothing they sell the inhabitants of developed countries? Most, I fear.  I know it’s  difficult for the average girl to be both fashion-forward and morally conscious, because to do both you have to be able to afford it, but I guess all we can do is try.

Then, today, I actually met two guys who are really trying – they started their own business in San Luis Obispo creating sustainable clothing.  Basically they’re all about “providing affordable, sustainable, meaningful products for action sports enthusiasts” to quote their mission statement. It’s called Local and you can check out their website at www.localclothes.com

At any rate, I did purchase running clothes prior to my research and as I am not made of money – not purchasing these clothes right now is not really an option, but I can say I am going to make an effort. But as this is a fashion blog we will continue to the “fashion aspect” of it. This is one of my favorite cute running outfits – it’s nearly all Adidas, bought when I thought Adidas had a clean slate:

I am loving the legging aspect of it, and let me tell the little reflectors on the side I find to be slimming – who knew! Also, I love the racerback in running tops, although the support of the top alone does not cut it. Note to females – wear a sports bra even if they have one built in.

My shoes are ASICS, I actually really like these. They’re very comfortable and supportive and I like their style. Blue.

I am totally weird in the sense that I am equal parts lover of the color blue, the color pink and black. Oh how I love each in their different ways. So while I bought blue shoes – I totally had a pink phase and splurged for a pink watch and running pack on Amazon.com:

I bought a cute pink Tech 4 O Accelerator Women’s Running Watch and a cute pink Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack – both of which rock!

Appreciate Your Body Heidi Montag! Part 1

So I woke up early this morning and met my friend D at the gym for a brisk four-mile run. I am training for a half marathon and let me tell you, it sounds a whole lot better saying it than training for it.

But you know, I really enjoy exercise. It makes me feel good. To quote Elle Woods “exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy … ” I must say it really is quite true. I makes me feel like I am protecting my body. Training it into a strong, powerful and active force that can accomplish anything! Even a 13-mile run! It makes me appreciate what my body can do and makes me in awe of God who created the human body.

So I come back feeling wonderful and turn on the news to hear that Heidi Montag has undergone 10 plastic surgeries in one day! I can barely disguise my disappointment, and disgust.

Whether you believe in God or not, it is undeniable that every human being is created unique and special. Heidi Montag was created unique and special. Every one of us were given physical attributes that are special and unique only to us!

So what is WRONG with Heidi Montag!?!

For a young woman who claims to believe in God — which would make me think that she agrees with me on the whole unique/special stuff — I find it incredibly hypocritical to completely transform your body into something else.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not 100 percent opposed to plastic surgery, I have friends who have gone under the knife, but to alter your face and body so completely and irreversibly makes me only one thing: sad.

Is it the Hollywood pressure? Is it possibly her husband? Is it just an incredible insecurity or need to be in the spotlight? Whatever it may be she clearly feels that life will only be great, she will only be perfect by transforming her unique body into something someone else has told her is perfect.

We all strive to look our best and do what we can with what we’ve got (that’s part of what this fashion blog is all about anyway) and I fully support those efforts. But to degrade yourself by telling the world that you hate what was given to you (and Heidi was beautiful to begin with) is sad and unnecessary.

This is only part one, because I want to discuss this in more depth and I have to go to work – but for now … why don’t you check out the before and after pictures here. You’ll be shocked.

Saturday Shopping

So after my post LAST Saturday morning, I did as I said I would and went shopping! So I thought it was only fair to share where I went and what I purchased. Read on …

On this particular Saturday morning, I knew Roseville would be the shopping location of choice – The Fountains to be exact. Now I don’t normally choose to go to this particular location, although I like it. But because John bought me the not-so-Andrea shirt from my beloved Anthropologie I had to go back to return it and reinvest the funds in something else. And I must say,  The Fountains made me very happy.

The outdoor atmosphere, the music softly playing, the water fountain …  it all seems to combine to relax you in a certain way and remind you to truly enjoy your shopping experience. Now, I know this is likely some marketing ploy that was designed after years of behavioral studies on shoppers – but what can I say other than it seems to work on me?

I delved in to Anthropologie. I searched top to bottom, through every rack and shelf for something just perfect. I found two things. But really I think you can only count it as one. Because the second thing was originally $130 and I got it on sale for $30! Can you believe!? Look!:

Now the picture really doesn’t do it justice but it’s fantastical! It has little sliver thread  sewn in and just look at the ruffles on the pockets! So that was one fantastic buy, the second wasn’t such a steal, but really I couldn’t pass it up.:

Eek I love love love this necklace – they have it online here – it is a fabulous statement piece that makes an outfit stand out. And the best part is, it’s not too heavy. Some chunky necklaces weigh you down, leaving you with an unbearable headache – this one, not at all! I wore it for 10 hours straight without hardly noticing it was around my neck.

Clearly I had to wear it the same day I purchased it – so I accessorized jeans and a black shirt with it for drinks and an independent movie night out with my friends.

Shirt: White House Black Market; Jeans: Abercrombie; Boots: Anthropologie.

I went to the Grange at the Citizen Hotel for drinks and then to the Crest Theatre for a showing of “A Single Man” with Colin Firth. It was quite an enjoyable evening, and even more so because I felt fabulous in my clothes.

So while on my shopping expedition, I also stopped by Article Salon & Spa. They have just started carrying clothing and accessories from Madam Butterfly and are basically a super-cute mini-boutique. While many of the items are still quite pricey they were having a good sale – and may still be if you want to pop in there – so I bought this beautiful scarf:

Seriously, I think I have worn this scarf every day since I purchased it. I am obsessed! And I got it for half off, so really who can complain about that?

After my fun foray at The Fountains I decided to make a quick pit stop at the Rack to see if I could find any must-have steals – and I am glad I did. Because I found a lovely – and incredibly easy and comfortable – Max Studio dress for $100 off! This is one of those dresses that are perfect for travel. Non-wrinkle, you can just throw it in your suitcase and go and wear it the next day … which is exactly what I did for my Sunday – Monday travel day! I will posst that picture next time.

I am so grateful this week has come to an end. Here was my week in a nutshell: Monday – Los Angeles; Tuesday – San Jose; Wednesday – Fresno; Thrusday – Eureka (no, that’s not a typo, I really did drive to and from Eureka); Friday – Los Angeles. So suffice it to say I am very very worn out and am ready to crawl into bed and sleep for hours.

Unfortunately, I begin my training for a half marathon tomorrow morning – so I must be up and adam and ready to run my tail off by 6 a.m.

With me luck! Until next time, Ciao.

A Dose of Tim Gunn

So again this must be short, but since I have rededicated myself to blogging I know a short  post is much better than no post at all. I have to be up super early to drive to Fresno and will be gone all day and probably the next so here is some fashion food for your consumption.

I do not know if anyone knows how truly fabulous Tim Gunn is. You may know him as the lovable and quite honest mentor on Project Runway – but he is a wonderful fashion connoisseur with an extensive vocabulary to talk about it!

He had is own show for a couple seasons, “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.” It is no longer, which I find sad. But I think it had to end because of the extreme extravagance of it! Honestly, the women on the show got gifts up the wazoo! Catherine Malandrino dresses, DVF, even diamonds.

But all this is beside the point. The point is that I found a video of a Tim Gunn interview with TIME Magazine which I find provides good insight into the fashion forward views of the man.

Please take note of the way he says “dowdy.” Trust me – that is exactly NOT what you want to be.

So please view this video to hear some general fashion direction for a true fashion expert.

When I get some time I will dissect some of his signature words and phrases – dowdy being one of them – and try to make them make sense and provide details on how you can avoid the dreaded “dowdy zone” and build a wardrobe you’ll love.

Until next time, Ciao

Connoisseur

Quick Update

Since I am off to the Bay Area this morning and really will have no time to post any insightful thoughts of my own, let me direct you to some wonderful New Year’s suggestions for fashion from Women’s Health. Great Magazine btw. I just read them this morning and I am already feeling inspired to take better care of myself. Click here to read them.

Hope everyone has a lovely Tuesday, I’ll be back soon. Until next time, Ciao.