Rebecca Minkoff - It's a Girl Thing

Last Thursday night my mom and I attended an event at Halls Plaza in honor of Rebecca Minkoff called It's a Girl Thing. We had such a great time! We mingled, drank, ate and shopped. Oh, and I met the simply, lovely Rebecca Minkoff! I've been a fan for years, owning only handbags but admiring her entire line, and couldn't wait to get a glimpse of her in real life. She is gorgeous, incredibly chic and so nice! I was star-struck. But we made conversation easily. She told me she loved my bag (I was carrying one of hers), chatted about a sample sale in NY where I purchased my first bag and how she owned the booties I purchased that evening in brown.

 

 

I couldn't stop admiring her! Dressed in head-to-toe black, she screamed sophistication. Clad in a pleated, short leather skirt, simple black tee and adorable floral heels, I wanted everything she was wearing. Including this amazing silver bracelet adorned with chains. I've been searching the internet frequently in hopes of finding it! And like I said earlier, so nice!

 

The event was awesome! There were signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvre, the most adorable handbag cookies, an amazing array of pieces from her collection which was inspired by space, and a huge piece of art designed by a local Kansas City artist that shoppers signed as a thank you to Rebecca. And, I met follow Kansas City blogger, Jana! We "met" on Twitter over our excitement for the event. Love that I actually got to meet her in person.

 

You can see the details of her inspiration within the design. The arm of this coat reflects that of an astronaut suit.

 

This dress is darling! I love the fabric and the mystery behind it. And the low back was a showstopper!

Notice the star outline in the quilting? Almost resembles a rocket ship as well.

 

These cookies were darling and so yummy! And the drink was perfection. Nothing like a little Prosecco and raspberries on a Thursday night!

 

I loved this bootie, until I found the perfect one below! I liked that it wasn't suede throughout, allowing for longer wear. And the gold studs added the right amount of pop!

Every girl needs a cross-body bag in her collection! I love the array of colors and the mass of gold chains!

 

The olive green sandal on the left almost made it's way home with me, but I went for a practical bootie. I can't wear sandals too much longer and I didn't want to have to wait until spring to wear it again! However, it is the perfect neutral with black and white!

 

Leopard, leopard, leopard! I love the tennis shoe! What a great way to wear tennies without looking like you are!

And here we are. She's signing the bootie I purchased!

 LOVE!

The Graffiti Wall was so cool! Here was my message to her.

And last but not least, the booties! They are amazing. I love the textured leather, the ankle strap and the heel height. Perfect with skinnies, skirts, shorts and dresses! Definitely a shoe that I will keep for years! 

 

"XO Rebecca Minkoff"! Right back at ya!

 Thanks to Halls for hosting such an amazing event. Here's to many more!

Stay tuned for what I wore to the event and how I've styled the bootie!
 

 

New Age - New Accessories

As of last night, I am now an iPhone carrying member! My sweet hubby purchased an iPhone 5 and I am in love. And not just with my husband! I love this new phone. I am not a techy person, but I love new gadgets. And, what I love more than anything is an excuse to shop! So, because I now own an iPhone, I can finally shop for a case!

 

I've envied the darling phone cases for years. I carried an HTC Evo previously and there were never carrying cases for that phone. Or ones that were readily available. Or ones that were cute. And there are so many cute versions to choose from for the iPhone that I'm not sure I can purchase just one! Here are a few of my favorites, but I warn you, it changes all the time!

 

Kate Spade provides some of the cutest and kitschist cases I've seen! I honestly can't decide which one(s) to get! I love stripes and these two are as simple and classic as they come. I am loving the glitter on the right!

 

 

 I love NY, so anything with a reminder of this fabulous city, is at the top of my list! (Side note, I also love this scarf!)

 



 

Chevron stripes are a new favorite and I love the eyes! Seriously, which one do I get?

Nordstrom carries an array of phone cases, and some of them are simply adorable! Animal prints, as in actual animals on clothing, is a huge trend! I love the fox, but the owl is so sweet!

 

Again, just another reminder of my favorite city!

 

This one from Petunia is so simple yet so chic!

 

 

Honestly, I'm not sure I can decide! Which one(s) do you favor? Are a simplistic gal or one that loves a zany print? Let me know your thoughts!

 

Hope you're having a fabulous day!

 



DIY - Metallic Silver Oxfords

I blogged a couple of weeks ago about the metallic trend and how it's still going strong for fall. Within that post, I featured a pair of silver oxfords on J.Crew and I have been obsessed with getting a pair. I love the shiny edge to such a classic shoe. 

 

J.Crew also overs a super cute Penny Loafer version, another iconic shoe with a trendy twist.

 

 

And than I started thinking.... I have a pair of nude slip-on Steve Madden oxfords that I was going to sell. Why don't I spray paint those silver and make my own pair of oxfords. I would be saving myself money but still getting the pair I've been dying to have!

Here is what you'll need:

Slip-On Oxfords

Spray Paint

Clear Sealer
Black Sharpie

Masking Tape

Cardboard

Newspaper

Plastic Gloves 

 

 Start by taping off the soles all the way around the shoe. Take off the tassels and tape off the small piece across the shoes. Place newspaper inside the shoes so you don't spray the insides! You don't want silver all over your feet and socks do you? 

 

Take the cardboard and shoes into a well ventilated area. I chose the backyard, but you can use your garage or basement. Just make sure you have it ventilated! Start spraying! Make sure you apply several even coats and get in all the nooks and crannies! Once dry, apply the clear sealer so that your paint doesn't crack upon wearing.

 

For the tassels, I've really been brainstorming on how to get them black. Spray paint, RIT dye, fabric paint? After much consideration, I went for a black Sharpie! (Photos not shown) Just apply several rounds of black marker until you get the desired color and the original doesn't show through!

 

Once everything is completely dry, remove tap and re-add the tassels.

All I was out was spray paint and sealer for a total cost of roughly $10! I am digging DIY projects! I feel like I'm transforming my closet, making it trendy without spending tons of money for something that won't be around long! Want to see how I styled them? Stay tuned.....

Dream to Reality - Over-the-Knee Boots

 

It's October and you know what the means....it's officially Boot Season! I love boot season! Honestly, I just love boots! And I always, no matter how many currently reside in my closet, purchase at least one pair a season. This year is no exception!

 

I am in love with over-the-knee boots! I have this pair from Steve Madden, but I wanted another pair with a little less fuss. I've been scouring the web for the perfect pair and I stumbled on these amazing Giuseppe Zanotti boots! They are so sleek in design and I love the gold zipper that runs up the back. Such an amazing detail. They would look awesome over leggings (worn with a long sweater) or skinny jeans and cords! I've secretly always wanted a pair Giuseppe's, but just simply can't afford them!

 

So what does one do when you can't afford roughly $1400 boots? You look for something in your price range....obviously! That's what I found with this Andie boots from Sole Society! Another sleek designed boot with a zipper that runs up the back. Maybe not so bold, since it's in basic black, but I think that actually works better! I mix my metals, but keeping it simple, helps keep my look mainstreamed. Oh, and did I mention they are $129.95? Definitely more wallet frienldy!

 



 

To add futher excitement to Boot Season, and in making these Sole Society boots a reality, they are on their way to my closet as I type this!! Such a versatile boot that I can't wait to style. More to come....

 

Happy Friday!

XOXO

 



Shopping for a Cause - Breast Cancer Awareness

As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! And if you didn't, now you do. Just like myself, I'm sure that some of you know someone who has been impacted by this horrible disease. And, like me, you want to help make a difference. Or at least make some sort of donation to the cause.

 

I am part of a group of women here in Overland Park, that started an organization five years ago called Drink Pink for the Cure. We host an annual event, this past year being a cocktail party, that offers attendees eats, drinks, a silent auction, and a program that features performances by local entertainers. It's an amazing time, with wonderful friends, and such a rewarding way to help support the cause!

 

There are others ways you can contribute and they involve one of all time favorite past times, shopping! This is what I call Shopping for a Cause! Major retailers and designers are also passionate about finding a cure. So much so they have designed specific pieces and proceeds from their sales go to different organizations for research and awareness. Ralph Lauren created the Pink Pony Fund. Their mission: 25 percent of the purchase price of Pink Pony products benefits the Pink Pony Fund of the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation to support programs for screening, early diagnosis, treatment, research and patient navigation. Tory Burch has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She has created specific stylish pieces to support the cause. Essie partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization that provides educational resources and support services to women diagnosed with breast cancer, their families, and caregivers. And, they have created two unique pink polishes that are delicate and so pretty!

 

So, how do you get your hands on some of these items? Well, I've picked my favorites from Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Essie, LOFT and Ann Taylor and I've provided the links to their sites for additional information on how to order and where your money goes!

 

This stunning necklace from LOFT is just one of a few pieces created to "help spread a little sparkle to women with breast cancer." Sixty percent of the purchase price from these pieces will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Fund.

 

 

Ann Taylor designed an exclusive Brilliant Bow Collection that will be sold throughout the remainder of the year. Seventy percent of the purchase price of these pieces will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Fund as well.

 

As I mentioned above, Tory Burch has several pieces to select from. Here are my favs!

 

I love Essie and I love these colors!

 

There are so many pieces to chose from when it comes to the Pink Pony Collection. I love the scoop neck tee and it comes in so many colors!  

 

Even the cosmetic industry is getting in on the action. Bobbi Brown has this gorgeous blush set! I love the soft pink. It will add just that little pop of color every girl needs! And, Bobby Brown will donate $10 of every sale to The Breast Cancer Research Fund.

 

Clinique is my go-to cosmetics line, aside from MAC. Their Pink for a Purpose combo includes this Almost Lipstick in Pink Ribbon Honey. I love this shade and I'm a huge fan of the Almost Lipstick! And who doesn't need a little bag that holds mints, gum, bobby pins and all other beauty essentials! Perfect to throw in your already overflowing handbag! It's a limited-edition too! Clinique will donate $3.00 from this purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Fund.

 

 

There are so many other ways to get involved! These are just a few. Wear your pink proudly this month and let's all work together to find a cure!



A Mix of Browns

Jacket: Ann Taylor; Top: J.Crew; Jeans: Ann Taylor; Pumps: Moshino Cheap & Chic;

Sunnies: Ann Taylor; Handbag: Louis Vuitton (gift); Necklace: Tori Spelling via HSN

Rings: Gorjana via Gilt; Nail Color OPI Diva of Geneva

 

I'll be honest. On this particular morning I just wasn't feeling it. I didn't want to get out of bed, let alone think about what I would wear. Normally, I think of outfits the night before. Since that didn't happen, the result was jeans. There is something about jeans. They are comforting. Like taking your favorite blanket with you to wrap up in during the day.

 

The jeans were all I had in mind! I knew it was supposed to be warmer than normal so I grabbed something the resembled fall, brown. And that's how it all came together. I love the mix of hues. However, I think I look the sans jacket! It just makes me appear wider than I actually am. On the other hand, I have never received as many compliments as I did with this look.

 

 

 

The Jacket: Before and After

 

 

 

 



Work Day Shorts

Top: Anthropologie; Shorts: Zara; Shoes: Jimmy Choo; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff;

Sunnies: Marc Jacobs; Bracelets: J.Crew (gift)/Ralph Lauren; Necklace: JewelMint;

Lip Color: Clinique Drama Red

 

Last week I finally took the plunge and wore my faux leather shorts! I hem-hawed around all morning on if I should or shouldn't wear them, and I finally just said "go for it"! So glad I did! I honestly kept the look as laid back as possible, adding details here and there. I love how Mary over at M.A.S Fashion wears hers, so I was trying to channel her look. I think I need these heels for the next time, however I'm thinking tights and boots will be appropriate in a couple of weeks!

 

 

 

 

What do you think of leather shorts for work? Could you get away with it at your office?