Hello fellow followers--I wanted to let you all know, I have officially moved CSI Fashionista to a new home: http://csifashionista13.wordpress.com/
Please join me on a new journey of blogging and follow me here :)
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, Wanna Dance The Night Away
Nothing extremely special about this post. Whenever I go vintage/thrift shopping, there are a few sections I always seem to gravitate toward: dresses, picture frames, and jackets/blazers. I think vintage blazers are amazing purchases--you know they're one of a kind, and every once and awhile, you'll find a designer one for a steal. This one I found about a week or so ago at our local Salvation Army. It's a 'Reflections by Spiegal', which meant nothing to me until I googled it. It's an older brand, nothing fancy, but what drew me to this jacket was the color: it's a beautiful cream, with black trim and black buttons going all the way down the sleeves. If I would have seen this jacket in stores now, I would have purchased it, so this became a must have for me. A blazer is a fantastic way to look pulled together and classy, so, of course, I own many of them :)
**Lyrics: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing by Leo Sayer
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| Blazer: Thrifted T-shirt: Gap Jeans: American Eagle Boots: Kohls Sunglasses: RayBans Ring: Coach (Square Stone Ring) Earrings: Target (Teal/Gold Round Lever Back) |
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| My new ring from Coach--it looks so much more colorful and beautiful in person than online |
**Lyrics: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing by Leo Sayer
Friday, October 26, 2012
Back In The Saddle Again
Hello fellow followers! If you're still out there, checking in to see if I'm actually still alive...yes I am. I never thought a full-time job would consume my life so much, but it has! Plus the fact that I have to wear the same thing day in and day out (Yea red & khaki!), doesn't give me a lot of time to do fashion posts. But yesterday's day off, combined with beautiful weather gave me the inspiration to do a post.
The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS! Since much of my wardrobe consists of skirts/dresses, on warm days I love to take advantage of wearing them without boots/tights. I bought this "mullet" skirt from Forever 21 a couple of months ago because, well, it's black and lace--so enough said! Something about this skirt makes me want to strut my stuff--and for those of you who know me know I'm not a 'strutter' :p It just gives you a sassy attitude and makes anything else you wear with it seem blend in to the background. I love that you can dress up the skirt for an evening out, or pair with a chambray shirt (as seen) for a daytime look.
Happy Friday Everyone!! :)
**Lyrics: Back In The Saddle by Aerosmith
The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS! Since much of my wardrobe consists of skirts/dresses, on warm days I love to take advantage of wearing them without boots/tights. I bought this "mullet" skirt from Forever 21 a couple of months ago because, well, it's black and lace--so enough said! Something about this skirt makes me want to strut my stuff--and for those of you who know me know I'm not a 'strutter' :p It just gives you a sassy attitude and makes anything else you wear with it seem blend in to the background. I love that you can dress up the skirt for an evening out, or pair with a chambray shirt (as seen) for a daytime look.
Happy Friday Everyone!! :)
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| Shirt: TJ Maxx Skirt: Forever 21 Cuffs: Ann Taylor Belt: Banana Republic Shoes: Coach Sunglasses: Betsy Johnson |
**Lyrics: Back In The Saddle by Aerosmith
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Eyes on Fire, Eyes on Fire, and They Burn Through All the Tears
Until now, the majority of this blog has been about fashion--combined with a little bit of fitness. I haven't really let you into the real me--other than the real fashion me :) But I've read many a blog where the bloggers just let themselves go, almost as if their blog is some form of cathartic release.
This post is difficult for me to write, but I hope in doing so that I can let you in on a little part of myself, and hopefully each one of you can find a piece that you can relate to...
When I was 10, my older brother Matt died. He was born with cerebral palsy, and although his life was full of love and joy, it was also filled with struggle. In February 1999, things just became too much for his body to fight off, and he passed away. Being 10 years old, I guess I didn't really know how to handle death, so I did the only thing I knew how to--I became closed off. I didn't really cry much, which made me feel like a horrible person, but this was my way of dealing with pain. And to this day, this is how I've dealt with every single difficult part of my life. Does it work?--Maybe. Does it make it difficult for people to get close to me--Definitely, just ask my boyfriend, but I know no other way.
So, why am I tell you all of this? Because about 2 weeks ago, I had to put one of my best friends, my dog Molly, down. Now, you may laugh that I considered my dog one of my best friends, but I'm sure there are many of you out there that love your dogs with all your heart. They're always there to listen, to offer kiss, and somehow find that perfect way to make you feel that no matter what's going on in life, everything is going to be ok. Those who have followed my blog know how much I loved my dog--there are pictures scattered throughout my posts...and although since I moved away to college I didn't get to see her much, I always looked forward to going home, just to be greeted by her little happy dance and stutter bark.
We were never able to have pets when I was younger, because the pet hair would be detrimental to my older brother's respiratory system. So I think once he died, my parents saw getting a dog as something that might be therapeutic to our family. And that's when Molly came into our lives...and I immediately fell in love with her. She became my pooch, my punk, and, truly, one of my best friends. There were many tears shed while talking with her through all my crazy middle school/high school years (and no, she never talked back to me--I'm not that crazy!) and many laughs heard watching her freak out after a bath or burying a bone in the passenger seat.
Over the years, Molly always thought she a cat--she hated taking baths, her best friend was a neighborhood cat named Rollo, and we all started to think she might actually be when she appeared to have nine lives. Since I left for college, she's had two or three close calls, but somehow always bounced back. The vet even told us that, "This dog is never going to die". But two weeks ago, we had to make the difficult decision that while it wasn't going to be easy, we had to do what was best for Molly. I decided I wanted to be with her till the end--a decision I'm glad I made, but that also will always torture me. Nothing can ever prepare you for having to say goodbye to a loved one--be it a friend, a relative, a brother, or even a dog. Sometimes you have no idea that the last time you see them is truly going to be the last, and sometimes you do. Because I was not able to say goodbye to my brother, I developed this, we'll call it habit, that I always make sure to say "Goodbye" or "I love you" to those I love every time I leave, just in case. I did this every time I had to leave home with Molly.
So this post is in honor of my pooch--will always love you Mol.
**Lyrics: Blow Me (One Last Kiss) by P!nk
This post is difficult for me to write, but I hope in doing so that I can let you in on a little part of myself, and hopefully each one of you can find a piece that you can relate to...
When I was 10, my older brother Matt died. He was born with cerebral palsy, and although his life was full of love and joy, it was also filled with struggle. In February 1999, things just became too much for his body to fight off, and he passed away. Being 10 years old, I guess I didn't really know how to handle death, so I did the only thing I knew how to--I became closed off. I didn't really cry much, which made me feel like a horrible person, but this was my way of dealing with pain. And to this day, this is how I've dealt with every single difficult part of my life. Does it work?--Maybe. Does it make it difficult for people to get close to me--Definitely, just ask my boyfriend, but I know no other way.
So, why am I tell you all of this? Because about 2 weeks ago, I had to put one of my best friends, my dog Molly, down. Now, you may laugh that I considered my dog one of my best friends, but I'm sure there are many of you out there that love your dogs with all your heart. They're always there to listen, to offer kiss, and somehow find that perfect way to make you feel that no matter what's going on in life, everything is going to be ok. Those who have followed my blog know how much I loved my dog--there are pictures scattered throughout my posts...and although since I moved away to college I didn't get to see her much, I always looked forward to going home, just to be greeted by her little happy dance and stutter bark.
We were never able to have pets when I was younger, because the pet hair would be detrimental to my older brother's respiratory system. So I think once he died, my parents saw getting a dog as something that might be therapeutic to our family. And that's when Molly came into our lives...and I immediately fell in love with her. She became my pooch, my punk, and, truly, one of my best friends. There were many tears shed while talking with her through all my crazy middle school/high school years (and no, she never talked back to me--I'm not that crazy!) and many laughs heard watching her freak out after a bath or burying a bone in the passenger seat.
Over the years, Molly always thought she a cat--she hated taking baths, her best friend was a neighborhood cat named Rollo, and we all started to think she might actually be when she appeared to have nine lives. Since I left for college, she's had two or three close calls, but somehow always bounced back. The vet even told us that, "This dog is never going to die". But two weeks ago, we had to make the difficult decision that while it wasn't going to be easy, we had to do what was best for Molly. I decided I wanted to be with her till the end--a decision I'm glad I made, but that also will always torture me. Nothing can ever prepare you for having to say goodbye to a loved one--be it a friend, a relative, a brother, or even a dog. Sometimes you have no idea that the last time you see them is truly going to be the last, and sometimes you do. Because I was not able to say goodbye to my brother, I developed this, we'll call it habit, that I always make sure to say "Goodbye" or "I love you" to those I love every time I leave, just in case. I did this every time I had to leave home with Molly.
So this post is in honor of my pooch--will always love you Mol.
**Lyrics: Blow Me (One Last Kiss) by P!nk
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Just Forget It, You Talk It, I Live It
Living in a new city, I always enjoy exploring what the area has to offer. On my days off, this is exactly what I've been doing, from discovering new vintage shops, finding some new favorite bars, and hitting up a concert of a legend. Two weeks ago, Bob Dylan came to town, and I couldn't turn down seeing someone who played at Woodstock. Even though he's definitely aged a bit, and was quite hard to understand, it was still a great show. I tried to find an outfit that was equally stylish, but also laid back, and I find a fedora always matches those criteria! Props to the stylish boy as well, who's new found love for Banana Republic makes me smile!
One of my favorite places here has been the zoo! I am a huge animal lover, and other than that the fact that I can't play with the animals (the lions just look so cuddly!), I love the zoo! A & I went here last week, a gorgeous day, and lots of animals to see! We even got to pet a giraffe! As you know if you're a follower of my blog, I love animal print (FAUX animal print mind you), and I love seeing the beautiful patterns of all the animals at the zoo. If I were ever looking for fashion inspiration, this is were I would come! Topped off with a healthy mexican dinner and margaritas, it was a perfect day!
**Lyrics: HAM by Kanye West
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| Shirt: Ann Taylor Shorts: AE Sandals: Banana Republic Outlet Fedora: JC Penny Ring: Buckle Earrings: Kohls Purse: Dooney & Burke (vintage) |
One of my favorite places here has been the zoo! I am a huge animal lover, and other than that the fact that I can't play with the animals (the lions just look so cuddly!), I love the zoo! A & I went here last week, a gorgeous day, and lots of animals to see! We even got to pet a giraffe! As you know if you're a follower of my blog, I love animal print (FAUX animal print mind you), and I love seeing the beautiful patterns of all the animals at the zoo. If I were ever looking for fashion inspiration, this is were I would come! Topped off with a healthy mexican dinner and margaritas, it was a perfect day!
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| Such a beautiful animal! |
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| Shirt: Ann Taylor Skirt: Gap Sandals: Kohls Ring: Hobby Lobby Sunglasses: Marshalls Purse: Vintage Dooney & Burke |
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| Thanks H for the beautiful glasses & amazing margarita mix!! |
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| Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchinis (from Skinnytaste.com)--AMAZING and super healthy for you!!! |
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| Southwestern Black Bean Salad (also from Skinnytaste.com)--a great tasting side dish |
Saturday, August 18, 2012
And So It Is...Just Like You Said It Would Be
A beautiful outfit to go with a beautiful day! I have minimum clothing options since I am still living out of a hotel, but I was able to put together a new outfit I hadn't before. I consider both of these pieces "neutral", because I basically can wear them with almost any other article of clothing. I find myself buying more and more pieces like this, not only because I love them, but because I can get so much more use out of something I can wear with numerous outfits, over something that I can only wear with one thing.
So if you have to splurge on an item (although these were both discount buys--surprise, surprise! :P), make sure it's something neutral and timeless :)
Lyrics: The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice (one of my favorite songs--download it, you'll love it!!)
So if you have to splurge on an item (although these were both discount buys--surprise, surprise! :P), make sure it's something neutral and timeless :)
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| Chambray Shirt: TJ Maxx Belt: Banana Republic Skirt: Urban Outfitters Shoes: Coach Necklace: Urban Outfitters Ring: Tiffany |
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| And for my favorite time of year: FALL FASHION MAGAZINES!!!!! |
Lyrics: The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice (one of my favorite songs--download it, you'll love it!!)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Spot the Deal
This is one of my favorite things to do: compare different pieces of fashion and see if I can tell which ones are the bargains and which ones could break the bank.
Here's my latest challenge for you: Boots. I now own one of these pairs--I became obsessed as soon as I saw them in a weekly ad. They're the perfect fall boot, being able to wear them with skinny jeans or dresses. Very "western" without going all out with the cowboy hat and spurs :)
So, which is the bargain boot???
(answers are at the bottom, but try not to cheat! ) :)
So...how'd you do?
If you picked #3....you'd be WRONG! Haha, had to throw you off. The bargain is in fact #2, from Target. These boots are extremely comfortable (as I'm sure all of them are), but they are also very much in my price range. Just further proof that you don't have to spend a lot of money to look fashionable :)
#1--Steve Madden boots (seen at younkers.com)--$169.00
#2--Mossimo Kalea boots (seen at Target.com)--$29.99
#3--Lucky Brand boxer boots (seen at macys.com)--$149.00
Here's my latest challenge for you: Boots. I now own one of these pairs--I became obsessed as soon as I saw them in a weekly ad. They're the perfect fall boot, being able to wear them with skinny jeans or dresses. Very "western" without going all out with the cowboy hat and spurs :)
So, which is the bargain boot???
(answers are at the bottom, but try not to cheat! ) :)
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| Boot #1 |
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| Boot #2 |
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| Boot #3 |
So...how'd you do?
If you picked #3....you'd be WRONG! Haha, had to throw you off. The bargain is in fact #2, from Target. These boots are extremely comfortable (as I'm sure all of them are), but they are also very much in my price range. Just further proof that you don't have to spend a lot of money to look fashionable :)
#1--Steve Madden boots (seen at younkers.com)--$169.00
#2--Mossimo Kalea boots (seen at Target.com)--$29.99
#3--Lucky Brand boxer boots (seen at macys.com)--$149.00
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Hey Man What In The Hell Do We Know? We Strike Out And Then We Strike Gold
Good new: I'm finally reunited with my Canon camera! It was a very lonely two weeks, but we're finally back together! Which means--YEA!--pictures again!
I finally had the day off today, and after a horrible run, I decided to go check out the Toledo Museum of Art. Now, one of the first things that drew me to it was that it was free (since I'm poor!), but I was also intrigued about the different type of art it might house. I'm not exactly a connoisseur of art--I believe that you know instantly whether you like a piece of art or not. I'm also not one to sit in front of a painting for hours, contemplating what the painter must have been thinking. But I do enjoy walking around, seeing beautiful works of art; in particular I love Andy Warhol, Edgar Degas and Claude Monet. Here are just a few shots from my visit today (and a few of past outfits)--Enjoy :)
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| Peace! |
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| I want this clock so badly! |
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| Claude Monet's Water Lilies--absolutely beautiful |
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| This was the most unique piece of art I saw, but also the most creative! |
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| Woman has a TV for a brain, but I love her dress and that she's carrying a cocktail! :) |
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| SPARTANS--WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION? |
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| Proof that less isn't always more with jewelry! |
P.S. Yes, I'm a little kid who likes to play on the playground--got a problem with that? :p
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| T-shirt: Jockey Pants: Loft Sandals: Banana Republic Outlet Watch: Fossil Bracelet: Vintage Sunglasses: Ray Ban |
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| One of my finds at Fort Wayne's Three Rivers Festival antique fair! Gorgeous! |
And now for today's outfit. Remember these two outfits--two different options for wearing the same deep-slit skirt from Express?
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| From Give 'Em A Little Leg (June 7, 2012) |
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| From Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of (March 17, 2012) |
Well today I decided to wear it as a dress. Further proof that you can get many uses out of just one item of clothing! The slit is still a little high, so I was cautious not to "flash" anyone today, but I have to say-- love this skirt as a dress.
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| "Dress": Express Belt: Banana Republic Necklace: Vintage Ring: Hobby Lobby Sandals: Target Sunglasses: Ray Ban |
**Lyrics: Softens The Blow by Lisa Marie Presley
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