Tatiana, queen of the faeries

SO, while they were going on, I sent a lot of entries into Cat Deeley's "In the Dressing Room" dress-up competitions, and it was a LOT of fun! If you're asking yourself,"What the *bleep* is she talking about?", I'll fill you in. During the weeks of So You Think You Can Dance, Cat gave away two items from her dressing room every week. To enter, you had to send in a themed photo, and the theme was designated by Cat twice a week (a different one for each item she was giving away). Cat was waaaaayy creative with the themes - they ranged from "show me your military chic" to "dress as if you were Cruella de Ville". It felt a little bit like Halloween!

One of the themes I dressed up for was "Tatiana, queen of the faeries" (from Shakespeare's Midsummer's Night Dream). What do you think?

H & M metallic knit sweater

Please excuse the surly look on my face, but I love this H&M metallic knit sweater I picked up in France! I promise, I'm happy on the inside.

Metallic is so in for the fall! How are you going to edge metallics into your wardrobe this fall? Casually, with a bit of shine added into your mattes? or all-out tin-woman?

little lace dress

It seems like, in the past year, everyone's been doing their own version of a little lace dress:

Bluemarine lace dress, $1750 at Nordstrom

Nightcap clothing lace dress, about $350

Jean Paul Gaultier Lace Dress, $395 at Bergdorf Goodman

French Connection Lace Shift Dress, $301.87 at ASOS.

French Connection Nero Lace Dress

Dolce and Gabbana Lace Dress

This ubiquitous look, while both darling and daring, can be a bit expensive (a good bit...an awesome bit). Honestly, I am quite smitten by the lace mini's both subdued and overstated sexy siren call. That's why I was overjoyed when I found this gorgeousness at Forever 21 for less than $25:

Ain't she a beaut? (the dress, I mean)

Grrrrr, creepy serial killer

Which shoes do you like better with the dress... the heels or the combat boots?

Back from vacation with an outfit post

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile - I was on vacation and didn't really have internet connection. It's very sad; I had internet withdrawal symptoms (basically, I was a grumpy b*tch without internet)! Who knew I was addicted to the internet?!?!

I will post more on my FABulous trip (yes, even without internet) to France and Italy later, but for now I'll do a DIY outfit post.

So, first let me start by saying I really REALLY love this Rebecca Minkoff Rumi Dress:

Isn't it just beautiful? I love the draping of the skirt! Image cred: shopbop and coturesnob

so much so that I almost bought it - until the price went up to almost $400 (originally the price was around $325). Since that is wayyyy too much for my college student budget, I decided to make the skirt portion of the dress myself!

I bought this skirt on eBay for about $15, including shipping.

A bit too bridal party for normal wear.

It's a skirt from David's Bridal, in a champagne color. There are 3 layers to the skirt, 1 mesh layer and 2 lining layers:

All 3 layers.

The 2 lining layers.

The skirt is an A-line skirt with a rounded hem. I decided to use one of the lining layers to make my Rebecca Minkoff-like skirt. I had to remove the top band to separate the layers. Here is what one of the lining layers looks like separated from the rest of the skirt:

One of the lining layers - this was used to make my skirt!

To make the skirt, I obviously need to cut the front short and keep the back long. I wish I could tell you a fool-proof way to do this, but it was honestly trial and error on my part. I definitely ruined one of the two lining layers trying to get this right! In case it helps, here is what the cut looked like on the finished skirt:

The skirt is folded in half. F stands for "front of skirt" and is on the right side of the picture.

From right to left, I would say 3/4 of the skirt is a slow drop from the front of the skirt to the bottom of the skirt, then a cut back up for the last 1/4 to avoid a tail. Also, when resewing the band on the top of the skirt, be careful where you scrunch the skirt as it will determine where the folds of the skirt will be.

And finally, here is what the finished skirt looks like!

Love the drapey folds!

It's no Rebecca Minkoff, but it satisfies my drapey high-low cravings! Honestly, I love it. What do you think?

Outfit post

Aside: Please vote for me (April) in this fashion face-off battle! I'm in second place right now and really need votes! I'll love you forever!

I've been watching a lot of "My So Called Life" recently. Honestly, I was spurred to watch it by a Tavi Style Rookie post - and it turns out I love the series. The style on the show is rubbing off on me. I want to live in large plaid layers! Here is my "My So Called Life"-inspired outfit (without the crazy hair).

It's only natural I'm wearing two different legwear as my watching of "My So Called Life" is Tavi inspired, and Tavi did the mismatched legwear first. Ever. Okay, maybe not ever. But still.

Get the look:

Dress Layer - Free People Space Dye Slip - Buy at Revolve

Plaid Layer - Free People Tiger Eye Tunic - Buy at 6pm

Necklace - Lucky Brand - Buy on eBay

Leggings - I got both of these at ASOS on sale

Shoes - Steve Madden Zorba - Buy at Dr Jays or Bealls

Aside: Please vote for me (April) in this fashion face-off battle! I'm in second place right now and really need votes! I'll love you forever!

Shopbop Sale

Aside: Please vote for me (April) in this fashion face-off battle! I'm in second place and would <3 you forever!

It's time for Shopbop summer sale, and they do have a few good deals! Here are the ones i found.

Belle Noel, Hexagon Earrings, were $25, now $17.50.

Top Secret Studded Bandeau in M or L, was $44, now $22.

Free People Desert Gypsy Top in XS or L, was $88, now $26.40.

Madewell Silk Linen Pants, many sizes. Was $98, now $29.40.

C&C California Vintage Classic Dolman Tee, S in White, M in Navy. Was $48, now $33.60.

Whiting and Davis Mesh Bag, was $70, now $35.

Pelle Moda Pointed Toe Flats, one pair in size 6 left! Was $120, now $36.

Ami Dans La Rue Open Knit Sweater, S and L in peach. Was $121, now $36.30.

Torn by Ronny Kobo Isabella Aztec Skirt in M or L, was$121, now $36.30.

Patterson J. Kincaid Crystal Linen Tunic Dress, one left in size M! Was $148, now $44.40.

Pray for Mother Nature Encinitas Ruffled Skirt, in M or L. Was $103, now $57.90.

Nightcap Clothing Gold Lace Skirt - one left in size 4. Was $198, now $59.40.

Young Fabulous and Broke Danae Long Dress in XS, S, or M, was $278, now $71.40.

Mason by Michelle Mason Leather Waistband Mini Skirt in size 4,6, or 8. Was $242, now $72.60.

Parker Strapless Dress - one left in L, was $242, now $72.60.

Nightcap Gold Victorian Lace Dress - three left in size 4. Was $345, now $103.50.

Aside: Please vote for me (April) in this fashion face-off battle! I'm in second place and would <3 you forever!

studded shorts giveaway

Hey peeps! I found a pretty cool one-of-a-kind studded shorts giveaway. Check it out! http://ceeharvey.blogspot.com/2011/07/100-followers-give-away.html