Ring Ring

I’m in desperate need of a vacation, and since that’s not happening anytime soon, I’ve been going overboard on anything summery, beachy, or travel inspired. This short film for Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer 2011 collection takes place in The James (a dream destination) and is all about summer party fun. I keep replaying it, and I think it’s the song that gets me – so perfect (“Ring Ring” by Sleigh Bells). The film is beautiful and the clothes are obviously gorgeous, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did – even if you’re stuck at home too!

Marc Jacobs S/S 2011 from Kalvin Lazarte on Vimeo.

Video and info found via a lovely being

Window Shopping: Kmart Round Two

Today I had to run some errands out of town, and there happened to be a Kmart nearby so I stopped in to do a little browsing. I actually went in to see if they had a fedora similar to the one from my first Kmart window shopping adventure, but no luck in that department. I did find some pretty jazzy stuff though:

This Kmart sold cosmetics…I don’t know if they all do or not, but since it was in the front I decided to have a look around. They didn’t have very many brands, but they did have one that I don’t normally see: Jordana. I don’t know where Jordana is usually sold, but I’ve never seen it before. These summer- perfect nail polish colors caught my eye immediately, especially the coral-orange one in the center:

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I think these were under $3 each

I actually ended up getting two Jordana products to try, and I’m already in love with both of them. I got an Easyshine Glossy Lip Color in Watermelon Juice, and a Blush Powder in 18 Touch of Pink. The lip product is similar in concept and packaging to the Covergirl Lipslicks, but I really like this better. It definitely has more of a tint than the Lipslicks, but it still feels light, almost like a tinted lip balm. Also, it smells like watermelon…I don’t know if this is just because of the name of this particular color, but I love it.

The blush is what I really love because I have a hard time finding a natural looking blush for my skin tone. Darker corals look out of place (especially if they have gold shimmer), and very light pinks (which are normally perfect for pale ladies like me) don’t match my natural flush.  This one happens to be perfect, and it is actually pretty pigmented for how cheap it was. I am thinking about going back and buying it in more colors.

Next up, I stopped by the accessories area. They still had the army green watch that I featured in my last Kmart post for $9.99 (which I considered, again). But what I really wanted were these cat-eye (ish? kind of a blend between a wayfarer look and a cat eye look?) sunglasses:

These were $12.99…also note that Kmart carries some rather questionable merchandise (see NASCAR sunglasses label in the lower right corner. hehe)

This studded tank top was on the sale rack..and wasn’t in my size. To bad, because I would have snatched it up in an instant. Wouldn’t it look gorgeous with army green/olive high-waisted shorts and some rich brown and bronze accessories? I’m thinking yes.

Not exactly sure on the price, but 100% sure it was under $10

This next thing may not be of interest to everyone (especially if you live in Cleveland—er, sorry?) but I had to include it. My family and boyfriend are big Red’s fans, so I thought this would be cute to wear to a game instead of the typical over-sized shirt. I would wear it with black scalloped short-shorts to girl-it-up a bit.

Around $17 dollars. As a side note, I would like to say that I wish Victoria’s Secret PINK would have the Reds as part of their PINK loves MLB collection. That would be helpful to me.

Also dug this perfectly draped crop top. It would make the perfect bikini cover-up.

I did not look at the price on this. It was part of the Joe Boxer brand. Which is a weird name, I might add.

I’m always drawn to basic Ked-like tennies, especially these chambray ones, which would look awesome with a short floral dress and a fedora.

$7.99

Last but not least, I found these really adorable sandals. Perfect for walking around campus in the heat.

You can find these online here and here.

I also checked out Kmart’s website ( you should too – they have a special Kmart Fashion section) and found a bunch of really cool and inexpensive things and decided to make an outfit. The point of these “Window Shopping” posts is to reinforce the idea that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have nice things, so I figured a full look from Kmart would prove that. That doesn’t mean, though, that you shouldn’t mix and match from different places, this is just to prove a point (and show off some more awesome Kmart merch).

Click the picture to go directly to my Polyvore

1. This maxi dress has moved to the very top of my summer wish list. The pattern is so amazing…I really can’t believe that it’s from Kmart (and only $18!!). The print is very chic and summery – perfect for an evening dinner or for a cover-up at the beach.

2. A double looped and long chain necklace in gold gives a breezy bohemian effect, while still adding an element of glam.

3. This bikini is adorb. It’s a  UK Style by French Connection.

 Also, did you know that Sophia Vergara (from Modern Family) has a clothing line coming to Kmart this fall? I will definitely be checking it out –I have a feeling there will be lots of curve-friendly items.Moral of the story? Stop by Kmart the next time you pass!

Queen of the Highway

Photo

Just a little something I’m dreaming about.

1. This is my ideal summer dress. It can be dressed up or down, and it’s under $50.

2. Fringe earrings look all boho-lady awesome next to a messy fishtail braid.

3. Orange lips for a trendy punch – a current obsession. Try NARS Heatwave, or Revlon Siren.

4. Chunky neutral platforms are numero uno on my wishlist for summer.

Burning Down The House

What would you grab before leaving if your house caught on fire?

I could spend all day looking at these. Check out The Burning House for more.

This would be mine, if my dorm were burning:

Clockwise from upper left:

• my two favorite shirts which can’t be replaced
• all and every pair of contacts I can grab + glasses
• my purse (which would hopefully have my wallet, keys, and cell phone in it)
• the ring Nic got me for Christmas (in blue box)
• Mexican blanket…I just bought this but I’m already planning on it being around forever and traveling with me to every new place I live
• horse bust, which is stupid and has no sentimental value but I love it, and could never leave it behind
• my watch and two bracelets that I made and wear almost everyday
• Passport
• whatever I am currently reading: if the dorm caught on fire today it would be Anna Karenina
• A vintage collar necklace that was a gift from a friend
• my laptop
• also, not pictured: a box of cards, photos, notes, ticket stubs, and other mementos from Nic, and a file folder full of important papers

I Forgot to Mention

Do you ever wish I would just shut the hell up?  If your answer was yes (why are you reading this again?) you should check out my tumblr At Attention (see what I did there? At Auds….At Attention. Clever). I post pretty pictures and quotes and personal junk, but you don’t have to read my rambling. I consider it an extension of the sidebar images —–>

Yeah.

3 Shopping Mistakes Everyone Makes

Well not everyone. And not everyone will consider these mistakes, but I’m just going for it.

1. Loyalty

Loyalty is generally considered a desirable quality, but when it comes to shopping, this isn’t always the case. Whether it’s a brand or a specific store, loyalty can sometimes hinder your ability to find the best stuff! If you haven’t figured it out already, I’m always down for a deal, so wherever I go (literally, wherever…I guarantee I could find something to wear at Home Depot) I am on the lookout for something cheap and chic.

Dress from Walmart. Pic via Penny Chic

When people ask me where I get things I’m wearing, they are often surprised to hear Walmart, Kmart, or Goodwill. I’ve even gotten a few “eww”s over the years. This is the kind of mistake that leads to missed opportunities.

Today’s #1 lesson: step outside your shopping comfort zone. Don’t shun cheaper stores or different brands (or even different departments…men’s dept. anyone?). If you normally stick to Forever 21, step in Walmart and see what you can find. If you are all about thrifting and American Apparel, try stopping in an American Eagle. You never know what you’ll find – the fun is in the hunt. How it’s done (man, that sounds arrogant):

A nice mix of brands…proving you don’t have to spend tons (under $60 for the outfit) to get an awesome look: Marc by Marc Jacobs tote – BookMarc store (a gift), Tuxedo Jacket – Goodwill, Floral Blouse – Carole Little, Chain necklaces – Target, Jeggings – American Eagle, Flats – Fred Flare (also a gift), Nail polish – Hard Candy in Sky from Walmart

I’m going to be honest here and say that I mostly just posted this picture to show off my fancy horse head/bust thing ^^. Oh, and the booties in this pic are from Payless

And one more thing. Whether you’re shopping at Target or Tibi, it’s all about how you mix it. Wearing one brand/designer isn’t creative and it doesn’t represent your personal style. Anyone can pull clothing off a mannequin. One of my favorite quotes to get you thinking: “Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year. Style is what you pick out of that fashion…” - Lauren Hutton.

2. Always Shopping Alone

I used to think I did all my best shopping alone, but now I know that’s not true. The key is the perfect shopping partner. You want someone who knows your style, isn’t afraid to be honest, and balances out your typical shopping style.

My brother is my go-to shopping partner (as long as it’s a quick trip…he’s not into hanging out at H&M for 3 hours). I normally stick to basics and neutrals, but when he comes with me he suggests things I would never try on my own. Sometimes this results in horrible pictures outside the Goodwill dressing room, but other times it results in the perfect ensemble. If you generally scoop up crazy pieces that don’t go with anything in your closet, bring a more conservative friend along.

She should have shopped with a friend. This is only partially a joke.

3. Size Denial

Everyone knows you should try on before you buy. Right? But I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is not trying on more than one size. Sizes vary from brand to brand, so you may wear a size 8 in one store and a size 12 in another. Especially if you are someone who jumps from juniors to women’s clothing.

Size denial is the word I’m using to describe people (mostly girls/women in my experience) who refuse to try on another size because they don’t like the number. For example, they can’t stand the thought of being a size 10, so they continue to wear 8s even though they have obvious muffin top. News flash: NUMBERS DON’T MATTER. Going up a size may actually make you look thinner if the size you are wearing is too tight. I rarely go in the dressing room with less than two of one item, because my size depends on the cut/brand/fabric of that specific item (it may even be different for the same brand).

Just a note to prove my point: I currently have items in my closet (that I wear) ranging from a women’s small to a men’s xl….and I like to think they’re all pretty darn flattering :)

So that’s my two cents on shopping mistakes. I chose these three because they are mistakes I have made (or am still making!) Do you consider these mistakes or not?

If You Don’t Like Dogs, Consider Skipping This Post

I like Great Danes. I just think they’re classy. Ditto for Irish Wolfhounds. I would love to own one, but in reality I will only ever buy pound/shelter pups because I just want to give them all the love they deserve (thanks to Sarah McLachlan and those tear-jerking commercials) and I couldn’t justify buying a dogcessory  (yes, I just said that) that will probably find a home without much trouble….or extended stays in a small cage :(

But anyway….look how beautiful: