Easy Like Sunday Morning...Afternoon...Evening...

I love me some Sundays. A day of recovery for some, Sunday is the ultimate day for much needed R&R. After two splendid nights of sleep, I woke up this morning energized and motivated. I worked on my new blog Food: Inside & Out, cleaned my room, did some homework, I'll do yoga in a little while, and if I were going out to enjoy one of the best days of the months, this is what I'd wear. Have a pleasant Sunday!

Jumpsuit: American Rag Jumpsuit, Sleeveless V-Neck Ruffle Polkadot Wide Leg, Macys.com, 49

Belt: Do the Twist Stretch Belt, CharlotteRusse.com, 9.50

Bag: Street Level 78325, Piperlime.com, 75

Earrings: Ethnic Fringe Earrings, Forever21.com, 5.80

Flip-flops: Pebble Tapered Basic Flip Flop, CharlotteRusse.com, 7

Because I Just Can't Get Enough

I have an obsession. A shoe obsession. It is truly a blessing from God that my feet are a severely uncommon size 11 which is the ONLY reason I still have enough money to feed myself. I'm starting to suffer chest pains when I bypass fabulous shoes because I feel I can't always put them on my affordable clothing blog (which I admit is not necessarily always affordable buuuuut what the hell...). ALAS, I can't do it anymore. I can't help myself. 

Therefore from henceforth, I present to you the "OMG SHOES" collection. 

One shoe, one time, at any moment.  

BAM!

Mia Papparazzi (Wheat), Piperlime.com, 69.00

Sale! Sale! Sale!

My name is Whitney and I love Modcloth.com.

(Support Group: (mumbling in unison) Hi Whitney, you are not alone.)

Right now, they're having a sale on shoes, dresses, bags, etc. and I can easily bet that for $10-20 you can find an impulse buy of your own. 

(Support Group: (cricket sounds) ... )

Studious and Stylish 

(just like the ladies at Academichic.com)

SALE DRESS: Glittering Trove Dress, Modcloth.com, $19.99

Heels (left to right): Christian Siriano Alexa Satin Peep-Toe Pump, Payless.com, 29.99 (sale!); Cooperative Peeptoe Woven Wedge, UrbanOutfitters.com, 98

Fun and Flirty

SALE DRESS: Forest Coral Dress, Modcloth.com, $21.99

Heels (clockwise from top left): Womens Beston Stephanie, WalMart.com, 38.95; Bandolino Shelly, Piperlime.com, 59; Michael Antonio Tinsley, Piperlime.com, 24.97 (sale!)

Fierce and Fabulous

SALE DRESS: Happy Commander Dress, Modcloth.com, $22.99

Boots (clockwise from top left): B. Makowsky Island, Piperlime.com, 99.99; Cooperative Sweater Cuff Boot, UrbanOutfitters.com, 78; Lace Up Front Wedge, CharlotteRusse.com, 38.50; Miss Me Sid-6, Piperlime.com, 55

Cute and Comfy

SALE DRESS: Paisley Underground Dress, Modcloth.com, $16.99

Heels (top to bottom): Angelica, NineWest.com, 99; Belmont open clog (black), BananaRepublic.Gap.com, 120; Criss-Crossed Heels, Forever21.com, 22.80

Pretty and Promiscuous

 SALE DRESS: Calm, Cool, and Confident Dress, Modcloth.com, $26.99

Heels (top to bottom): Christian Siriano Caged Strappy Shootie, Payless.com, 54.99;

Kelsi Dagger Linzy (black patent), Piperlime.com, 119; Ivanka Trump Gurdia (black leather), Piperlime.com, 120

Casual Friday

Easy, breezy, beautiful (do I have to designate rights to that?)

Simple and straightforward as this is, in my opinion, some people can't seem to pull it off. Take every single person on What Not To Wear for example.........The palette is all neutral, which looks good on everyone I think (even the pale), but stands out by its cohesiveness rather than bright color or pattern (I haven't abandoned color or patterns, don't get the wrong idea here).

So people, people, people, please take a lesson from Stacy and Clinton and experience things that "go" but not "match." The tricky part about this, i.e. an all neutral palette, is that you need to break up the monotony and pump up the visual interest by 1) choosing neutrals that differ by shade so that each color stands out and 2) varying the texture of the items you're wearing. Everything from the tank to the shoes are varying shades of brown, from the light, sandy tone of the bag to the faded, smoky chocolate of the jacket, and everything has a different texture: smooth, leather pumps--woven belt--quilted bag--soft, wavy cotton tank. The crisp, tailored jacket keeps it smart and fresh. Jeans are a staple, they're like pajamas here in Texas, we wear them at all times....That is one of the few stereotypes about Texans I will support. TTFN

Tank: Ruched Neck Slub Sleeveless Top (barely brown), NYandCompany.com, 24.95

Jacket: Thrill Seeker Jacket, Modcloth.com, 59.99

Jeans: Calvin Klein Jeans, Ultimate Bootcut Jeans, Cobalt Wash, Macys.com, 40.99

Bag: Big Buddha London, Piperlime.com, 95

Belt: Braided Bold Buckle Belt, NYandCompany.com, 17.46 

Heels: Lyons pump, BananaRepublic.Gap.com, 120

Necklace: Love birds on Branch, Necklace, Golden, Etsy.com, 21

Real Life --> Remixed!

Remixing Real Life

I was in the hallway today at school, standing and talking with a friend after class, and a woman walked by us and asked for directions. She was brunette, slender, about medium height and looked really cute in her celebrating-a-nice-spring-day outfit, which consisted of a pale pink, cotton, fitted yet comfy top with tiered ruffles on the sleeves, slim light khaki capris, and heels. My friend and I both noticed how nice she looked for a normal hum-drum Wednesday and it inspired me to start a "Remixing Real Life" series where I'll recreate any look that strikes my fancy when out and about. My friend was lucky enough to find the actual shirt worn by our trendy traveler and I added the rest. I prefer the darker pants because of the contrast in color, and especially because they're made of soft 100% Tencel material and lilac, one of my favorite colors!

Spring is almost here!

Top: Tulip sleeve T (pink fairy), GAP.com, 29.50

Capris (left to right): The soft pant (shady brown), GAP.com, 59.50; Broken-in skimmer (khaki), GAP.com, 49.50

Necklace: Clearly Clustered Necklace, CharlotteRusse.com, 10.50

Bag: Two Time Large Tote, NineWest.com, 99

Heels (left to right): BCBGeneration Anja, Piperlime.com, 118; Street Noise Peep-Toe Platform Heel, CharlotteRusse.com, 38; Christian Siriano Zanzi Exotic Wedge, Payless.com, 49.99

Another Taste of the Rainbow

Eatin' dem Skittles again. (The "Blenders" kind and they are AWESOME.)

(i.e. I'm feeling colorful!!)

Top: Do the Conga Top, Modcloth.com, 13.99

Jeggings: Jegging - Gotham Wash, NYandCompany.com, 39.95

Necklace: The Turquoise Bird and the Vines Book Locket, Etsy.com, 34

Ring: Colored Sparkle Ring, CharlotteRusse.com, 6.50

Flats (from left to right): BDG Marled Sweater Skimmer Shoe purple, UrbanOutfitters.com, 28; T-Strap is for Terrific Sandal, Modcloth.com, 27.99;Christian Siriano Venessa Ribbon Flat, Payless.com, 24.99 (sale!)

I Love the 70's

All over the runway this week (this week was Fashion Week, people) were throwbacks from the 1970's. 

If only my Afro were bigger...........

Shaggadelic Baby

Shades: 10-Day Shades green, Modcloth.com, 11.99

Necklace: Forest Nymph Pendant Necklace, CharlotteRusse.com, 5.50

Bag: Buckled Leatherette Tote Bag, Forever21.com, 34.80

Dress: Boho Chic Dress, Forever21.com, 32.80

Heels (left to right): Alsace (natural leather), NineWest.com, 89; Michael Antonio Gillesbie (yellow), Piperlime.com, 55; BCBGeneration Carete, Piperlime.com, 110

Sweater: Hive & Honey Border Stripe Cardigan (cream), Piperlime.com, 44

Dear Whitney

Dear Whitney,

                I am desperately wanting a bag that's chic and classic, not trendy, but with some fun elements. I want it to be big enough to fit a laptop and a small dog, but maybe not at the same time. Preferably black, but brown will do just as nicely. The most I would probably pay is around $100, but realistically around $50 is more like it. Can you help me?

                                                                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                                                                          Stanky Jankins
                                                                                                                          (name changed to protect the innocent)

Dear Stanky,

                        That I can do. You might even be pleasantly surprised with what I come up with. Here's hoping for the best. The majority of my shopping was done at Macys.com because I found a lot of great styles/brands in one place and couldn't....stop....shopping....I chose tote, satchel, and hobo bag styles for you because that's probably the only bag, besides a backpack, that could comfortably fit a laptop and/or small dog (why not both? at least the pup could get some work done....). Almost all of the bags you see below, if not shown in black or brown, are available in black and/or brown; only a few are not, so I chose the color I believe works the best in terms of giving you a classic, yet versatile and trend-withstanding, look.

Happy shopping and thanks for writing.

Whitney

The Finds:

Less than $50

Between $50-100

Over $100 but Less than $200

Dream On...

Looking for something to wear?

Ask Whitney!

Valentine's.....XXX

Aaah the romance, Aaaah the love,

OOoooo the ssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Yeah, I said it.

Everybody knows, especially men, what Valentine's Day is really about. Reminding them who yo' mama is.

Here are some freakum dresses to guarantee they'll remember yo' name.

(Victoria's Secret body not included)

Starting at top (from left to right): Long and lean dress (white), Venus.com, 19; One shoulder bra top dress, VictoriasSecret.com, 38; One-shoulder sweater dress (black), VictoriasSecret.com, 39.99; Plaited cotton rib turtleneck sweater dress, VictoriasSecret.com, 38.99; Three-quarter sleeve sweater dress mini, VictoriasSecret.com, 29.99; (all 3rd row) Short-sleeve bandage sweater dress, VictoriasSecret.com, 39.99

Helpful in More Ways Than One

Bridesmaids and your Maid of Honor are your wedding posse, there to help you plan and celebrate while you enter into the next chapter of your life. They usually get their own special 

dresses for the wedding that coordinate with your overall design. 

But, has any bride ever thought about joining them? 

If you do, you will most likely, nay DEFINITELY, save more than a few bucks. 

Wedding dresses cost above and beyond what any bridesmaid dresses would, so what about considering the alternative to a traditional "wedding dress"? 

Take these below: 

Bridesmaid dresses by The Dessy Group for Lela Rose that look 

deceptively and acceptably similar to wedding gowns

Now, realistically this approach may only work for us minimalistic brides (obviously, the minority), however I'm sure that more than a few of you would strongly consider chopping that chiffon, slashing that silk, and trimming that lace in order to trim a few hundred (or even thousand) off that price.

I Have a Dream

My Dream Collection

Continued...

I should never have clicked "View all shoes."

Thank God for Shoes

Michael Kors Shoes

$100-1000

I clicked on "Bags" right after this, and had to make a fast exit......so...much....beauty.....

I would've been up all night.

I Have a Dream

My Dream Collection

Continued...

Coming off of a long hunt for a camel coat for my Rosa Parks emsemble, I found these magnificent, uber-pricey, dream coats. The DKNY might actually be affordable, though. 

Oh wait, I spent $33 on my last winter coat. 

 Yeah, never mind.

Top row (from left to right): Marc by March Jacobs Belted cotton-blend coat, Net-a-porter.com, 460; Marc Jacobs Wrap Coat, Barneys.com, 2300; Alexander Wang Nubby Oversized Coat, LaGarconne.com, 550; Smythe wrap coat, RevolveClothing.com, 835; French Connection All hours coat, FrenchConnection.com, 188

Bottom row: DKNY Sidney Reefer Coat, Bloomingdales.com, 132.72 (sale!); Marc Jacobs Felt Three-Button Coat, NeimanMarcus.com, 665 (sale!); Marc Jacobs Mathilde coat, Unique-Way.com, 1745 USD; Hussein Chalayan One button coat in camel, Blue&Cream.com, $500+

Hush Dat Fuss...Everybody Move to the Front of the Bus

Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in….When I declined to give up my seat, it was not that day or bus in particular. I just wanted to be free, like everybody else.” – Rosa Parks.

It was an unintentional protest. Around 6 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 1955, in downtown Montgomery, Rosa Parks paid her fare and sat in an empty seat reserved for blacks. As white-only seats in the bus filled up, the bus driver demanded that she gave her seat up. When Parks refused to give up her seat, a police officer arrested her. Two hours after her arrest, the long-time NAACP activist was released on $100 bail. By midnight, a plan had been hatched for a citywide bus boycott, to which a young Baptist minister named Martin Luther King Jr. would later be elected to direct. The boycott lasted 381 days, until the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was illegal. 

On Dec. 21, 1956 — the day after the United States Supreme Court ruled Montgomery’s segregated bus system illegal – United Press International staged a photo-op of Mrs. Parks sitting in front of a white man on a different bus. UPI journalist Nicholas Chriss posed as the hard-eyed white man behind Parks. Similar photo opportunities were arranged for Martin Luther King Jr. and black leaders riding the newly integrated Cleveland Avenue bus, but the journalists and members of the civil rights community wanted an image that would dramatize what had occurred and asked reluctant Mrs. Parks to pose for the picture. Ironically, the picture UPI intended as showing the bus integration came to symbolize Park’s protest, which happened over a year before. (Other famous photos of Parks, a mug shot and a picture of her being fingerprinted, don’t date to Dec. 1, 1955, either. They were taken on Feb. 22, 1956, after about 100 black Montgomery residents were indicted on charges that they violated a local antiboycott statute.)

Interesting factoid: In 1994, the Ku Klux Klan applied to sponsor a portion of United States Interstate 55 in Saint Louis County and Jefferson County, near St. Louis, Missouri for clean up (which allowed them to have signs stating that this section of highway was maintained by the organization). Since the state could not refuse the KKK’s sponsorship, the Missouri legislature voted to name the highway section the "Rosa Parks Highway."  

Text Courtesy of IconicPhotos.Wordpress.com and Prof. Boerner's Explorations. 

(Awkward...........)

Rosa Parks Remix

(too soon?)

Inspired by Rosa Parks

Not only would I keep the black opaque tights as in the picture, I would tuck in the tunic blouse. Which is even better because it will never come untucked! GAP camel coat is a steal at sale price 59.99, get it while it's hot/in stock/exists.

Cardigan: Button-up basics cardigan, Modcloth.com, 34.99

Blouse: In Plane View Tunic, Modcloth.com, 39.99

Coat: Wool blend funnel neck coat, camel, GAP.com, 59.99 (sale!)

Earrings: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Earrings, resin stone, Macys.com, 26

Flats: Fishnets, NineWest.com, 79

Skirt: StyleKelly Faux-Leather Trim Pencil Skirt, YesStyle.com, 58

Bag: Faux Leather Padlock Tote (white and brown), NYandCompany.com, 27.96

Necklace: Amber Necklace, CharlotteRusse.com, 12.50

I Have a Dream

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month (this month, people, get with it), 

I give you the first post of My Dream Collection: 

items so far out of my budget that I can only dream about having them.

Let's begin.

From left to right: Oryany Two-Tone Tote, ivory, UrbanOutfitters.com, 448; Oryany Two-Tone Drawstring Bag, UrbanOutfitters.com, 448; Oryany Two-Tone Tote, green, UrbanOutfitters.com, 448

Oryany Bags

Out of Place

Sitting in Starbucks right now and I feel out of place. I dressed in comfy clothes hoping to get some work done, when I should've been thinking about setting a good example (damn!); I'm a role model for goodness sake, and I have to starting dressing like one. Yeaaaahhhh...like that'll happen.

What I Should've Worn to Blend In with the Starbucks Population:

Add artfully crafted messy ponytail to complete look

Jumpsuit: Dolce Vita Electra Romper, UrbanOutfitters.com, 99

Boots: Riding Boot With Outside Zipper, CharlotteRusse.com, 40

Sweater: Deconstructed Sky Cardigan, Modcloth.com, 59.99

Tights: Basic Microfiber Tights, CharlotteRusse.com, 6.50

Ring: Pointed Cluster Ring, CharlotteRusse.com, 6.50

Necklace: Faux Pearl And Ribbon Necklace, CharlotteRusse.com, 10.50

Bag: Deena & Ozzy Chain Tote, UrbanOutfitters.com, 58

Passing Out

Been extremely tired lately. Looking for a comfortable, yet chic (duh), ensemble to lounge in this weekend. Preferably one that will also double as pajamas for two nights in a row. 

Don't hate.

Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh Cozyyyyyyyyyyyy

Pants: Sparkle & Fade Melange Legging, UrbanOutfitters.com, 29.99

Outer shirt: Com-pleatly Contemporary Top, Modcloth.com, 54.99

T-shirt: Everyday Glamour Tee, Modcloth.com, 49.99

Bag: Rad Retro Handbag in Dove, Modcloth.com, 45.99

Flats: BDG Marled Sweater Skimmer Shoe purple, UrbanOutfitters.com, 28

If the Shoe Fits

....Then it shouldn't hurt. But since we're hardwired to suffer for fashion, I thought I'd at least share these helpful shoe essentials from CharlotteRusse.com. Especially in the wake of my massive shoe hunt.

Aaaaaaahhhhhh that's the spot

Mission Continued

Date.....02.04.2011
Time......22:26pm
Location.........Home
Authorization.........Procrastination
Mission.......Find. More. Shoes.

....Estimated Time 00:39....Searching....Searching....Searching.....Searching.....Searching.....Download Complete

All under $33.....Mission Accomplished

1st row (left to right): Classic Medium Heels (beige), Forever21.com, 20.80; Classic Medium Heels (grey), Forever21.com, 20.80; Faux Patent Peep-Toe Pumps (nude), CharlotteRusse.com, 25.50

2nd row: Glitterati Platform Pumps, CharlotteRusse.com, 32.50; Perfect Patent Pump, Forever21.com, 18.80; Pleated Satin Peep Toe Party Pump, CharlotteRusse.com, 28; Premiere Night Hidden Platform Pump (silver), CharlotteRusse.com, 30

3rd row: Favorite Uber Platform Pump (nude), CharlotteRusse.com, 30; Sexy Patent Pumps (grey), Forever21.com, 12.99 (only size 8 left!); Sexy Patent Pumps (nude), Forever21.com, 12.99 (only size 8 left!)

My Mission

Date....02.03.2011

Time.......16:38pm

Location.....Work

Authorization......Coworker

Mission.......To find nude and silver pumps for her weddings, 

under $60, no higher than 3.5'' heels, peeptoe acceptable

..Searching.......Searching......Searching.......Searching.......Searching......Searching....Press Any Key to Continue

They couldn't all be under 60 bucks....

1st row (left to right): Alek, JessicaSimpson.com, 69.99; Audrey (silver), NineWest.com, 39.99; Badgley Mischka Kiss Kiss, Piperlime.com, 109.99; Badgley Mischka Randall, Piperlime.com, 99.99

2nd row: Booboo, NineWest.com, 59.99; Boucle, NineWest.com, 49.99; Boutique 9 Alfa (gray), Piperlime.com, 79.99; Caparros Lizzie, Piperlime.com, 49.99

3rd row: Caparros Morgana, Piperlime.com, 29.99; Charles David Lush, Piperlime.com, 99.99; Dally (Gray), NineWest.com, 89; Melaina, NineWest.com, 79

4th row: Nine West Escher, Piperlime.com, 69; Nine West Rocha (silver), Piperlime.com, 69; Nine West Shoes, Escher Pumps, Macys.com, 55.30; Nine West Shoes, Love Land Pumps, Macys.com, 62.30

These really couldn't all be under 60.....

1st row (left to right): Bandolino Shelly, Piperlime.com, 59; Trilla (taupe), NineWest.com, 89; Alek, JessicaSimpson.com, 69.99; Atthesea, NineWest.com, 79

2nd row: Girls and Poise Heel, Modcloth.com, 34.99; Steve Madden 'Russhh' Pump, Nordstrom, 89.95; Audrey (taupe patent), NineWest.com, 39.99; Badgley Mischka Opel, Piperlime.com, 79.99

3rd row: Bail, NineWest.com, 34.99; BCBGirls Ariel (gold glitter), Piperlime.com, 89; BCBGirls Ariel (nude), Piperlime.com, 79; Caparros Gorgeous, Piperlime.com, 49.99

4th row: Caparros Ronnie, Piperlime.com, 69; Crisscross Peep-Toe Pumps, Chadwicks.com, 29.99; Dally (Taupe), NineWest.com, 89; Enzo Angiolini Cristle, Piperlime.com, 89

5th row: Enzo Angiolini Kraz, Piperlime.com, 29.99; Enzo Angiolini Maylie, Piperlime.com, 39.99; Enzo Angiolini Murray, Piperlime.com, 59.99; Faux Suede Peep Toe Wave Pump, FlirtCatalog.com, 29.50

6th row: Impacted, NineWest.com, 79; Jennifer, NineWest.com, 69; Jessica, JessicaSimpson.com, 49.99

7th row: Karen Scott Shoes, Newport Pumps, Macys.com, 47.20; Kendale (cognac patent), JessicaSimpson.com, 79; Kendale, JessicaSimpson.com, 79; Kitten Heel Pumps, Chadwicks.com, 29.99

8th row: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Caia, Piperlime.com, 49.99; Marc Fisher Shoes, Lori Slingback Pumps, Macys.com, 79; Michael Antonio Keme, Piperlime.com, 59; Nina Culver, Piperlime.com, 79

9th row: Nina Evelixa, Piperlime.com, 89; Nina Forbes, Piperlime.com, 79; Nina Paladin, Piperlime.com, 39.99 (only 6.5 or 7 left!); Nine West Ambitious (natural leather), Piperlime.com, 69

10th row: Nine West Ambitious (taupe patent), Piperlime.com, 69; Nine West Quircky, Piperlime.com, 89; Nine West Zuki, Piperlime.com, 79; Paul, NineWest.com, 34.99

11th row: Peep-Toe Bow Pumps, Chadwicks.com, 29.99; Qutiepie, NineWest.com, 89; Rocha, NineWest.com, 79; Steve Madden Ulltra Blush Patent, Piperlime.com, 69; Tahari Colette, Piperlime.com, 49.99

12th row: Tahari Marie, Piperlime.com, 59.99; Tinley Road Aylin, Piperlime.com, 49; Via Spiga Jill, Piperlime.com, 79.99; Women's Merona® Mena Leather Pumps - Tan, Target.com, 24.99

13th row: Women's Mossimo® Black Versie Pumps - Natural Patent, Target.com, 29.99; Women's Mossimo® Pearce Pumps - Camel Patent, Target.com, 29.99; Women's Mossimo® Verity Peep-Toe Pumps - Taupe, Target.com, 29.99; Women's Mossimo® Virginia Pumps - Taupe, Target.com, 29.99

14th row: Woodland, NineWest.com, 89; Zebedee, NineWest.com, 89

The Premiere

If I were attending the premiere of my new blog design, what would I wear...............you know what, that's a lot of pressure and even though I'm just pretending, I'm starting to sweat right now and tingle in my special place...so let's just go with something understated, clean, simple. There, there now, it'll all be over soon.

The clutch is clutch

Couldn't pick a clutch because I liked them all. Maybe I could carry the pink one inside the white one stuffed in the bronze one. Talk about baggage.

Shoes: Michael Antonio Tinsley, Piperlime.com, 24.97 (sale!)
Earrings: Gorjana Westerly Stud Earrings, Piperlime.com, 35
Necklace: Charlotte-Carnelian Flower Brooch Necklace, Etsy.com, 90
Dress: Try This on for Siz-zle Dress, Modcloth.com, 79.99
Clutch (from top to bottom): Jessica McClintock Satin Rhinestone Clutch (champagne), Macys.com, 20.99; BCBGeneration Maya Clutch (bronze), Macys.com, 48; Exotic Minaudiere Clutch (fireglow), AnnTaylor.com, 98