New Trench

My old trench coat is starting to fray at the edges. While I'm just tempted to call it a fashion statement, it might be time to retire it and find a new one.

J. Jill Trench

I'm considering this one from J. Jill. I like the crinkly fabric, and it's a little different because it has no buttons and closes just with a tie belt like a wrap. Plus, it's only $49.99 right now which doesn't hurt, but I have a feeling that the sizing is going to be too big for me. 

What do you think? Try the more relaxed version or stick with a more traditional trench coat? 

Gap Design Editions

Such a perfect pair of spring shoes.... I'm off to see if they're in stores and check the quality (it is Gap after all). Gap, you better not mess this up for me...

Gap heels

Shoes That Are So Bad, They're Good

I understand that there are some parts of fashion that are just simply not flattering, but that we (or perhaps just I) wear because they're fun and I enjoy just looking at them. Flatforms would be a perfect example of this. I understand that they do nothing for the figure, but I enjoy the way they look regardless of how they look on me.

Calvin Klein flatforms

That got me thinking, and I realized there's a few other shoe styles that I love regardless, or perhaps because, of their fugliness.

Cut-out wedges....

Calvin Klein wedges

Split toe shoes...

Maison Martin Margiela flats

I feel a shoe binge coming up in my near future....

Body Chain

I finally had the chance to wear my body chain out (and had time to take some pictures, that was key). So here's a peek of how I decided to wear it. Originally I had wanted to throw a jacket or blazer over this whole ensemble, but it was much too hot.

If you're interested, the designer is Linquist Jewelery at Etsy. The chain is quality stuff, very light, easy and well-made. I honestly kept forgetting I was wearing it until someone would invariably comment on it.

From Russia With Love

S.Nine

Looovveee this dress, so sexy!
Come to my closet pretty...

Light Up Shoes

OMG, why has no one thought of this before? They're like the grown-up version of those light up sketchers sneakers that I had as a kid (in neon pink, if you must know).

Irregular Choice 

While the shoe itself is pretty fugly, the concept is completely blowing my mind. Could I please have these made with a slick, frosted lucite heel and platform and a plain patent-leather black upper?
'k, thanks.

Red Pants

I don't know what's wrong with me, wanting all of this color. But hey, it must be spring fever or something.
The latest on my red/orange color wish list is a pair of red skinny jeans. How hot would these look with a sheer white button down and some cute sling back sandals?

BDG Pants

Because, if I buy these I'm certain that I'll look as awesome as this girl:

Perfect Persimmon Tote

I think I have found my absolutely perfect summer bag. Canvas, decent size, punchy color, lady-like shape, and best of all? Since it's from Land's End it's super cheap.

Land's End Ragtop Tote

Shopping Spree

Don't worry, everything's back to normal in Erin world at the moment. A little battered but as mum always says "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". I'm considering getting that tattooed in Latin script on my ribcage, what do you think? Perhaps a graduation present for myself?
Anyway, as you all know I'm an emotional shopper. It's amazing what a new pair of shoes, a hair cut, mani-pedi, and a cute shirt can solve. Much cheaper than a therapist.

So here's what I wound up picking up this past week:

BCBGeneration Halter Tunic

Lesley Platform

Melly Satin Shorts

Linquist Body Chain 

YAY!

I just found out I won a ticket to the Outnet's birthday sale, where everything is $2!
Sooo excited : )

If you want to get in on the action too, there's still time. They're picking winners until Thursday April 14th. To enter, click here. 

Polka Dot Paradise

If you saw the Topshop runway, you know that polka dots are in for this season.

I love these little guys, they're just so bubbly and girly and feel very fresh for spring. I'm on the hunt for the perfect polka dot dress (and shoes, of course : ) ) but here's a few of my favorite picks: 

 Aldo clutch

 Delia's dress

Aqua tank

One Teaspoon shorts

Help Japan

I've been eyeing this line for a while. What can I say? I have it in my head that I want a tiny, dainty little pendant around my neck. Something that is delicate and pretty, but with a twist or an intelligent side glance.

These little guys would do the trick.

B-side Rights necklaces are imprinted with historically significant laws, such as:

517 U.S. 620 1996 – Romer v. Evans – protects against discrimination by sexual orientation.


258 U.S. 130 1922 – Leser v. Garnett – upholds 19th amendment – Women’s right to vote.
347 U.S. 483 1954 – Brown v. Board of Education – desegregates schools.
388 U.S. 1     1967 – Loving v. Virgina – legalizes interracial marriage.

I would love to have the women's right to vote or perhaps the protection against discrimination by sexual orientation.

But this one has the Immigration and and Nationality Act of 1965, and half of the price goes towards relief efforts in Japan. Perhaps the perfect opportunity to splurge?

Ken + Dan necklace 

Snakeskin is the New Leopard

That's my trend prediction for Spring/Summer 2011 right there.

I love leopard with all of my heart, but I think I could be tempted to show a little love for our reptilian friends out there as well.*

Chinese Laundry Platform Sandal

Chico's Clutch

Macy's Dress

*What kind of nonsense am I talking here? You've seen my shoe collection, half of them are snakeskin. New rule: leopard on top, snakeskin on bottom.

Photos Chloe F/W 2011 Courtesy of Style.com

Shopping for Dresses

Since at ELLEgirl we're in full prom mode I've been looking at many, many dresses. Possibly too many.
While my own prom was a while ago, every once in a while I'll find a more casual outlier that I would like to throw into my cart.
Also, am I the only girl who was sort of meh about prom? Actually, I have a story to tell about prom, but first to the shopping:

 

Wyatt Chiffon Dress

 

Amanda Wakeley Jersey Dress

 

Arden B. Maxi Dress 

Ain't this dress just a dead-ringer for that Michael Kors one I was drooling over before? 

 

Aqua Drape Back Dress

Anyway, so my prom story. 

I wasn't exactly thrilled about prom, but what I was thrilled about was dress shopping (hard to believe right?) but I hated all of the dresses at the mall. Too shiny, too sequiny, too fluffy, too trashy.... 

Then I was thrift shopping one day with mom at the local consignment store, and the owner pulled out this couture dress that had been sitting in the back of a society lady's closet, tags still on, that she had bought in Paris a few years ago. I had even less boobs then than I do now, so it was a perfect fit. A bit of haggling and I walked away with a beautiful black bustier silk dress, with a big swishy skirt that was long in the back, mini in the front (basically, my love) for $150. 

Best part is that I still am able to wear it to any functions where my red dress won't do. Unfortunately, those pesky boobs have grown in recently so the zipper has broken from the stress. Right now it's in the pile to be taken to the tailors, but hopefully it will be back in rotation soon! 

A Case for Red

Everyone knows how much of a neutral girl that I've become, and hey, I'm comfortable with it.
It simplifies things. I roll out of bed and grab enough clothing to cover my body, and it all matches. It also lets me experiment more with silhouette, length, material, and cut than I would be able to with color.

However, I will make an exception for red.
I only own one red piece, a great little cocktail dress, but I love it so.  So I feel like it might be time to add a few more red pieces to my wardrobe, I'm thinking a kick ass pair of stilettos and a little red dress for the day... what do you think?

The case for red really is that it is a serious attention grabber, since whenever we go out to a fancy occasion everyone says they just look for me in my red dress in a sea of lbds. It gives the appearance that you are a confident fiery personality (in this case, I'd say it's a fair assessment :) ). Also men are turned on by red. Weird, but scientifically true, according to this article.

Well, those reasons are good enough for me.

Red Patent Heels

Red Dress

Red Swing Jacket

Leather Pants

After seeing The Divinitus pulling off leather pants again, and again, and again to perfection I think I need a pair myself.
btw, she's the perfect example of a minimalist closet. Always sleek, always chic, definitely check her out.

Of course, she didn't help matters by encouraging me too as well. You are a grade A enabler, Ms. Divinitus.

So I've been perusing, since leather and fur seem to be going no where for next fall.

If we're going retail, here's my top pick. Vegan and under $100? Sweet.

Blank Faux Leather Pants

But once again, we realize that second-hand trumps retail (or at least I think it does)

Guess by Marciano Leather Pants 

Originally $280

$36, 11 hours to go 

Jane Doe Collection Leather Pants

Originally $300

$19.99 and 2 days, 10 hours to go 

Want List

A few things that I would love to come home with me....

Fish Ring

Red Dress

Mineral Mask

P.S. thanks to Broke & Beautiful for showcasing that fab fish ring!

Silk Shorts

I'm drooling over these silky shorts from Madewell.
How perfect for lounging around on a spring day? Slouchy and classy all at the same time. Not to mention I'm sure they'd pass my touchy-feely test*

Silk Scooter Shorts

*My expert touchy-feely test is this: if I want to rub the material all over my face, it's a winner and is coming home with me. Hasn't failed me yet. 

Gap is Going Minimal

Gap, I'm very impressed.

You had a moment there where you had me worried.
I mean, you're basically my childhood store, you're where I used to go school shopping every September with my mom. I still own a pair of jeans from you circa 2002 (and hell yes I still wear them).

Then you tried to be J. Crew or something. But let's get real here Gap, not everything needs to be covered in sequins, ruffles, and random bits of tulle. Bad design can't hide behind flash and knick knacks.

So to say that I'm relieved that you're embracing minimalism is an understatement. I'm closer to ecstatic. While the whole new design collection hasn't dropped yet, there are a few promising jewels in the rough this season.

That racerback tank and ponte knit dress? Be still my heart.

One Shoulder Tee

Leather Bomber

Racerback Tank 

Drape Dress

Ponte Dress