Spot the Deal--UPDATED!!!

I know a lot of fashion blogs do this, but I think it's a skill that all fashionistas try to possess: the skill to find an expensive, name-brand product---for a lot less.  I know I've done this a lot while shopping, and to tell you the truth, it kind of adds to the thrill of the hunt.  What better way to kind of say "screw you" to all those expensive brands than to find something similar to their product, and probably pay 3/4 of the original price.  So, I pose this challenge to all of you: spot the cheapest product!  

PRODUCT #1--LEOPARD LOAFERS

Option #1
Cole Haan Air Morgan Leopard-Print Slipper
$188.00

Option #2
Candie's Loafers (from Kohls)
Reg: $49.99
On sale: $19.97

Option #3
Jimmy Choo Leopard-Print Loafer
$495.00

Option #4
Prada Classic Leopard Loafer
$790.00

Option #5
Dolce Vita-Nariko Leopard-Print Calf Hair Smoking Slippers
$165.00

PRODUCT #2--OVAL-LINK NECKLACE

Option #1
Glass Beads Link Necklace (from Target)
$19.99

Option #2
Tory Burch Resin Chain Necklace 
$195.00

Option #3
Old Navy's Women's Oversized Blue-Enamel Chain Necklace
Reg: $16.94
On sale: $15.00

How did everyone do?  Were you able to spot the deal?  

Red, White, and...Lace??

I actually meant to wear the top half of this outfit yesterday, but the fur vest was calling my name, so I left this out as a potential for today.  As a fashionista, there are some color combinations that I try to stay away from: Red/Green (too Christmas-y), Green/Orange (too Miami Dolphin-y), Green/Yellow (unless I'm cheering on my Green Bay Packers), and occasionally Red/White/Blue.  In moderation, these colors are beautiful together, but I guess I always fear looking too much like an American flag.  But since these colors are a little more demure (and the white is more of a "cream" tone), I decided to try it out.  This whole outfit is a little bit out of my comfort zone, but I decided to just go for it, and I'm actually quite happy with how it turned out!


Does anyone else have their own "Forbidden Color Combinations"??

Cardigan: Target
T-shirt: J Crew Outlet
Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Boston Store
Booties: JC Penny
Necklace: Vintage
Ring: Gift from London 

Snap, Back to Reality...Oh, There Goes Gravity

Well, the title of this post perfectly describes how the weather is SUPPOSE to be in March--cold.  This morning, we were transported back to reality, with a morning temperature hitting 28 degrees.  Now, I'm not complaining at all--this is MUCH better running weather!  We were spoiled for a little bit there, as you can recall from my previous posts last week, where I'm in skirts/sandals, etc.  It was nice while it lasted, but I'm not quite ready to pack away my winter clothing yet.  So today I decided to take advantage and wear some of my fav cold weather pieces before I have to put them away!

Vest: WD-NY
Blouse: Ann Taylor
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Coach
Ring: Hobby Lobby
Necklaces: Gift and Purchased from near Grand Canyon

Showing off one of the latest (or kind of old) trends of the "ribbon" blouse.  There are so many different ways to wear it: you can tie a bow, a low knot (like I did), or even just leave it open.  It can easily change an outfit depending on what style you decide to sport!

LOVE this necklace.  I have an obsession with four-leaf clovers (I even have a tattoo of one), so anything that even resembles one, I usually buy it.  I bought this at a "flea market" in the town just outside of the Grand Canyon.  When I travel I like to buy unique pieces like this...it's a great reminder of that trip, and is usually something no one else has!

Title: Lyrics: Lose Yourself by Eminem

I just thought, maybe we could find new ways to fall apart

Has this ever happened to you: you're watching a movie, let's say a romantic comedy, and there's that really intense scene where the two characters contemplating whether or not they should stay together...and then the guy says the most perfect thing ever, and the girl falls into his arms, and they live happily ever after...and all you can think is, "This is crap??!"?

For example: In 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days', when Matthew McConaughey's character is chasing after Kate Hudson in the cab, they start fighting, she says she is moving away, but after all the bickering, he says "Bull shit"...and suddenly they realize they are meant to be together.

Have these moments ever happened to you?  This is one of the reasons I am not a fan of 'chick flicks'--I just end up getting angry because things that happen NEVER seem to happen in real life.  No romantic music starts to play right before you're about to have sex; whenever it rains, it's not romantic, you're just wet and cold; and the perfect thing never seems to be said at the exact perfect moment...

But I experienced this yesterday--twice.

"Country roads take me home :)"
"Gonna have two sets soon :)"

Amazing how something so simple, can mean so much to you in that exact moment...

Shirt: Gap
Skirt: Express
Sandals: Target
Necklaces: American Eagle (gold pendant); Vintage (blue lapis)
Watch: Urban Outfitters
Hat: Forever 21

My other purchase at the Hell's Kitchen flea market--LOVE!!

*Title--Lyrics: We are Young: Fun (ft. Janelle Monae)

Still looking for that blue jean, baby queen, prettiest girl I ever seen

Even though yesterday was the official "First day of Spring", Michigan decided to jump the gun a little bit.  Since I've gotten back from New York, it's been no less than 70 degrees each day, with the past two being well over 80!  I'm not a huge fan of summer (I'd prefer it never get about 65), but it's been nice to break out some of the summer clothes and show a little more skin :)

And since it's been 85+ in my office this week (because apparently my building still feels the need to have the heat on), I've been trying to dress in the lightest, airiest clothing possible--and what does that mean??  DRESSES!  Last summer living in Vegas, I LIVED in dresses--they are absolutely the perfect summer clothing staple, just comfortable and cool.  I went with my jean dress today, paired with some of my favorite "blingy" earrings and my new Lobster necklace (which I purchased at the Hell's Kitchen flea market last week in NY).  It's a little quirky, but I like my jewelry to stand out, and wearing a gold lobster around your neck definitely does that!  Plus it represents one of my favorite quotes from the show Friends, where Phoebe tells Ross he and Rachel are meant to be together because "He's her lobster".

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market!  My mom and I were in heaven, except for the fact that our suitcases were already packed and we couldn't purchase anything big!

Perfect Spring Outfit!
Dress: Gap
Tank: Gap
Sandals: Steve Madden
Earrings: Forever 21
Necklace: Vintage

Sunglasses: Ray Ban
Scarf: One of the MANY leopard-print scarves I purchased in New York!

I love the scenery during spring!  Everything is so colorful and bright!  So pretty!

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams are Made of

Packing: it is one of my biggest pet peeves.  I put it off until the very last minute, and after I somehow shove everything I possibly can into my teeny-tiny little suitcase,  I stand and stare at it for a little bit, contemplating if one of the outfits that "didn't make the cut" should be reconsiders and packed.  This happens every time, no matter where I'm going.  And it was especially bad when packing to go to New York City this week.  My inner fashionista takes over and wants to create the perfect "city outfits", but of course that's hard to do with a small, carry on suitcase!  I had to leave a few outfits behind (always breaks my heart), but I loved what I packed and rocked it in the big city!

So, even though this was a little "vacation" for me, this trip was mainly about business!  I got the chance to present at my very first Criminal Justice conference (I was very nervous), but it was a great experience, and I was able to listen in on some other great presentations.  There's so many different sides to criminal justice that a lot of people don't think of, so it was nice to get to see what everyone was doing in their research and how many advances are being made in our field!  Go CJ Peeps!

But other than spending some time at the conference, the rest I got to spend exploring the city.  Now, I've been to NYC numerous times in the past, so I've done all the 'touristy' things before: State of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire State Building, etc.  So the past few times I've gone, I like to the hidden parts of the city, find cute little boutiques/shops, and just enjoy whatever we happen to find.  So this is basically what we did all week.  Spent some time in Chinatown, Soho, Chelsea, Hells Kitchen, Upper West Side, Central Park, Upper East Side--we kicked some serious ass walking almost everywhere (Note to anyone who's ever planning a trip that involves a lot of walking: you will see in some of my pictures that I am wearing heels.  You may "think" you've packed a comfortable pair of heels, but no matter how comfortable the shoe starts out as...after walking hours in them, they WILL turn on you and cause you're feet to scream in agony!...But damn they look cute--lol!)

So here's a summary of my New York outfits.  The weather was gorgeous for the first couple of days, then got cold, and was beautiful today (of course, the day we're leaving).  But overall, not bad for this time of year :)

Enjoying my morning coffee from my new fav place (Guy and Gallards)

Shopping in Chinatown
Jacket: American Eagle
Tank: Express
Belt: Banana Republic
Skirt: Express
Heels: Marshalls
Necklace: American Eagle
Sunglasses: RayBan
Rings: Tiffany, Hobby Lobby
Purse: Vintage (Dooney & Burke--purchased at Buffalo Exchange)

Going to see Seminar on Broadway, with my beautiful mother!
Top: Gap
Skirt: Vintage (Kate Spade--bought at Buffalo Exchange, retail: $395, Karie's price: $30!!!!)
Heels: Franco Sarto
Watch: Michael Kors

Had to include it--my encounter with Alan Rickman
I don't know what it is about him, but I've have the biggest crush on him!  He's just so smoldering and refined, and I could listen to his voice forever!!!  So, needless to say, I was just a little giddy at this moment!

Proof that I am somewhat of an academic!  Please disregard how tired I look (this was very early in the morning, and I hadn't slept all week--I get very nervous and stressed about most things!)
Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Heels: Franco Sarto
Watch: Fossil

Liz Lemon--my idol!  Anyone who watches the show 30 Rock will understand my obsession!

In front of Rockefeller Plaza (Doesn't mom look stylish in her trench coat and floral scarf!)

Made our way to Central Park
Dress: Express
Jacket: New York & Company
Scarf: Purchased in Chinatown the day before
Tights: Gap
Boots: Coach

Ate at Joanne's Trattoria, a new restaurant owned by Lady Gaga's parents).  It was an adorable little restaurant, with great food, and we had the chance to talk with her parents for a few minutes.  With me being a huge fan, I was in heaven!
Dress: Marshalls
You can't really see, but this is a maxi-dress, with lots of different animal prints and red/turquoise coloring mixed it.  It's very odd, but intriguing at the same time.  I bought this on extreme sale last summer and finally had the opportunity to wear it!

Having a few drinks before meeting a friend for dinner.  It was kind of rainy that day, so I popped into Forever 21 to buy a hat to cover up my horrible "humid/wet" hair.  Decided to wear that hat out...I love fedoras, and admire anyone who is brave enough to wear them.  They're not for everyone, but if you're even debating it, I say go for it!  It gives you a little bit of an attitude when you wear it, so you'll just radiate "kick-ass-ness"!Hat: Forever 21
Sweater: Ann Taylor
Jeans: Black, Gap
Boots: Coach
Necklaces: J Crew, American Eagle

In Need of More Hours

Do you ever have those days where you wish there were more than 24 hours in the day, just so you could accomplish everything you had to?  That's what I've felt like since getting back from Vegas last Friday.  Besides getting a chance to sit down and watch Michigan State win their way to B1G Ten Tournament Champs (Whoot Whoot!), I don't think I've sat down for more than 20 minutes, not doing work!

So I'm sorry for the lack of posts since Vegas...school work, combined with some interviews (BIG yea!), and preparing for a presentation this Thursday have consumed my life!  I did get a chance to look cute on Sunday, although it was only to run errands.  It was in the 60's and sunny, and that always puts me in a good mood to get "dressed up".  Anyways, this won't be a long post, I'm just finishing up packing, and on my way to New York City for ACJS, a criminal justice conference!  I'm so excited to be going back to one of my favorite cities, and getting the opportunity to present my paper there (scared out of my mind, but still excited!)  I''ll try to post during the week, but I may be too busy exploring the city!  :)

My "airport" attire: J Crew Blouse, Black Gap Jeans, Coach boots, leopard scarf, and J Crew Headband (I don't like black and white at all, do I??!)

Sunday's outfit.  I love the look of boyfriend jeans with heels--it's a great mix of masculine and feminine!
Shirt: J Crew
Jacket: Gap
Jeans: American Eagle
Belt: The Limited
Heels: Marshalls
Necklace: American Eagle
Watch: Fossil

LOVE the "lace" detailing on the top of the shirt!

Mission Accomplished!

Well, I've done it--as of today, March 9, 2012, I have officially worn something different from my closet every day for the past two months!  I know, this seems like a minute challenge, but for some reason, I'm oddly proud of this!  It took a lot of planning, thinking outside the box for some outfits, and just learning to appreciate what I have in my closet.  Now, that's not to say I haven't been shopping since my one-month challenge of that ended...but when I do go shopping now, I find myself being much more selective, second-, even triple-guessing myself, wondering if I REALLY need this piece to add to my closet, or if it's just a "spur of the moment" purchase?  I'm starting to think more in terms of staples, and save those fun pieces for Forever 21 or other low-priced stores that I don't feel so bad purchasing something I may only wear for a season.  So if you're ever interested in having some fun with your clothes,  I highly recommend trying your own "Closet Challenge"...whether it be for a month, two weeks, or even a couple of days...you'll gain a greater appreciation for what you have, and look sexy and fine doing it!

Got back from Vegas early this morning--took the red eye, sitting next to a man who apparently felt the arm rest of optional and definitely invaded my personal space bubble way too much during the flight!  And all while I was out there, I kept hearing how nice the weather was back home--50's, even 60's, so I was kind of excited.  Should have known when the moment I stepped off the plane I could see my breath, and had to drive home in a partially-blinding snow storm that I don't get to enjoy the nice weather!  But oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

And now, picture time!  Just a few random shots, but by now you should know just how random I am, both in life and every day details! :)

Every girl's favorite 'little box', right??  I finally got to go and purchase my first piece of Tiffany's jewelry (I have other pieces, just always been gifts).  This was my reward to myself for running the 11.5 miles (from a few posts ago) and I settled on the Paloma's Venezia Palina ring.  Let's just say it was well-earned and I'll remember the run every time I wear it!

Just enjoying my "Blue-tini" at Level 107 (can see the beautiful view of the Strip in the background!)

Our other "going out" night.  I LOVE to get all dressed, so I look for any reason to go out!  We went to eat at Trevi, which is located down in the Forum Shops at Caesars.  It was delicious, reasonably prices, and you had a beautiful view of Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Versace,  Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo,....need I go on? (Let's just say I was in heaven!)

Random shot, doing work at UNLV.  Sporting a dress from Marshalls (love it so much, I bought it in another pattern), scarf borrowed from Georgette (thanks), and the "my hair looks like shit so I'm going to put it in a messy bun hoping it looks effortless, yet still cute" look.  All girls reading this blog--I KNOW you know what I'm talking about here! :p

And my last adventure before leaving Vegas.  You get all dressed up in wind-suits (I felt it was appropriate that mine happened to be Michigan State colors!), and then you're taken into a "wind tunnel" with a giant fan in the floor, and you literally "indoor skydive".  It's was awesome--I recommend it to anyone!  It's such a weird feeling, but it just reinforced my want to go real skydiving!

Happy Friday!  And Go MSU and Purdue in the Big Ten Tourney--don't let me down guys!!!

Viva Las Vegas

Greetings from the fabulously warm Las Vegas!!!  Sorry it's taken me so long to post, but I know some of you have been checking in, so I figured I'd post a little update.  This week I'm on Spring Break, although "Spring Break" in grad school is anything but the much anticipated undergrad Spring Break!  I had a professor once tell us that grad students don't get breaks, which is why I'm currently sitting at a table on UNLV's campus, writing an annotated bibliography, with a window view of the Palazzo, Wynn and Stratosphere, instead of drinking a daiquiri watching the Bellagio fountains!  Let me tell you, the sacrifices we make--lol!

Today is March 6, meaning I am THREE DAYS away from successfully completing my two month "Closet Challenge".  I'm not going to lie and say it's been hard work, cause honestly, I could probably go another month.  But with the weather starting to get a little warmer, and me running out of new dresses to wear, I think it's about time to say "Mission Accomplished" on the challenge, and move on to finding new ways to create different outfits.

Anyways....I flew out to Vegas last Thursday night--It had been almost a month and a half since I've seen Andy, and it was a much needed "vacation", even if I still have to do work.  This was the first time ever I have taken a carry-on suitcase (usually I use a Nike duffle bag, because I can shove a lot of clothes in it!!), but I decided to go with ease of use this time, and it was definitely difficult trying to fit a week's worth of outfits into a tiny suitcase!  I think almost all girls have this issue--you want options, especially when going on vacation, but with the increase prices of having to check bags, many of us have chosen to try and fit everything into a carry-on.  This has caused me to be creative with my outfits, such as packing one pair of jeans that I know will go with everything and coordinating two shoes so that I am able to wear them with whichever outfit I choose.  Also, always wearing the biggest stuff on the airplane, I've learned, saves a tremendous amount of packing space!  For instance, I chose to wear a black/white striped blazer (new from Forever 21--I love it!!), pair of jeans, tank, Coach boots and a scarf.  This way, I save the space of having to pack jeans and boots (which take up a lot of space)!  Also, and here's just a little traveling tip from me to you--ALWAYS travel with a scarf (or pashmina)--they are the perfect traveling accessory, and can be used to keep you warm on the plane, or even used as a blanket/pillow if need be!  I never travel without one!

I haven't exactly done a good job of taking pictures of my outfits while being out here (sorry everyone), but I have been having fun taking some scenery shots.  Here's some from Andy & mine's night out Friday night.  We didn't really have any plans, and just kind of went with the flow, and have a great evening.  Oh, and here's another suggestion for any of you who might be traveling to Las Vegas soon--be sure to check out Happy Hour at Level 107 at the Stratosphere.  This is a bar located on the 107 level of the hotel, with a beautiful view of the strip.  You can watch the sunset, get two-for-one martinis, and half price appetizers--PLUS you don't have to pay the tower fee of $16 per person.  This is my new favorite place in Vegas--you won't find a better view, or prices anywhere!

Happy Spring Break to all my MSU loves out there, and I hope everyone is having a Happy March!!!  Bring on Springtime!!! :)

My yummy Moroccan Mint tea from The Coffee Bean at the Detroit Airport (perfect for my sore throat/cold) 

Andy & I at Level 107 at the Stratosphere 

BOGO Free Johnny Walker at Happy Hour at Paris (beat it by 10 seconds--WIN!)

Decor at Bond, one of my favorite bars, in Cosmopolitan

Bond (at Cosmopolitan)

In front of the Bellagio Fountains

*****
And just a recap, here of been my outfit choices (again, sorry, no pictures)
--February 29: was sick and wore sweats all day

--March 1: Interview in the morning: Limited pants, NY&C suit jacket, Limited blouse, Simply Vera purple heels; Traveling: Forever 21 black/white striped blazer, PINK black tank, AE jeans, Coach boots, teal scarf borrowed from Georgette :)

--March 2: Victoria's Secret lace dress (I've been dying to buy this for months, check it out: http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265723967298&c=Page&cid=1327029228801&pagename=vsdWrapper), Simply Vera heels

--March 3: Rachel by Rachel Roy strapless dress, Gap black sweater, Target sandals (yes, it was warm enough to wear sandals!!!)

--March 4: Northface fleece, AE Jeans, Coach boots (lazy day)

--March 5: Bar III skirt (from Macy's), NY&C blouse, Gap sweater, Gap tights, Coach boots

--March 6: Gap silver-striped black sweater, AE jeans, Target sandals