The Retail Therapy Diaries

Friday, August 19, 2011

Transformers

Feeling a little sad knowing you'll have to eventually say goodbye to your favorite summer time pieces as fall makes its way into town? Enjoy your easy breezy pieces a little longer with a few simple tricks to take your summer wardrobe into the cooler months! I've created three looks featuring some summer favorites, and attempted to make them appropriate for the day and for night. So cheer up, add a touch of summer to your outfits, and embrace the changing seasons!

Summer to Fall Outfits

Romper: Blouson Floral Romper $22.90 (Forever 21)

Jacket: Pu Bomber $43.10 (Asos)

Boots: Strappy Suedette Ankle Boots $20.00 (Forever 21)

Blazer: Turn-Up Sleeve Blazer $41.00 (AX Paris)

Booties: Vintage Lace Up Platform Ankle Boot $32.67 (Make Me Chic)

Romper

For a cute daytime look, simply add a warm bomber jacket with a girly romper for an edgy yet feminine look! Finish off with a pair of calf or ankle boots to keep your feet dry on those rainy days. Another idea is to layer! Pull on a cropped cardigan to make the romper appropriate for those chilly classrooms so you don't have to wear a thick jacket all day long!

With the start of school, that means getting together with friends to catch up and have a little fun! Make the romper appropriate for a fun night out with a sleek and structured black blazer and some pretty high-heeled booties. Finish off with a feminine clutch and you're set!

Dress: River Island Short Sleeve Dress $44.82 (Asos)

Cardigan: Mossimo Long Sleeve Cardigan $19.99 (Target)

Leggings: Full Tilt Basic Ankle Leggings $4.97 (Tilly's)

Flats: Mossimo Odell Ballet Flats $12.99 (Target)

Coat: Plaid Coat $19.99 (Kensie)

Boots: Frogemi $40.00 (Aldo)

Summer Dress

I can never have enough summer dresses and if you are like me, the rain can become your worst enemy on days when you feel like wearing your cutest mini! Luckily for you, the legging will become your best friend this fall! Not only do they shield your legs from the autumn winds, but if they are in a darker hue, they can protect the back of your legs from puddle splashes. Make this summer favorite appropriate for the classroom with a longer boyfriends style cardigan and some fun flats to liven up your look.

Meeting friends for dinner? Simply pull on a warm peacoat in a long a-line style to work well with shorter dresses! Cover up those legs with sky-high knee boots for some coverage and an edgy bad-girl touch! Still want to wear your favorite heels? Leggings can work just as well at night as they do in the daytime! Tights are also a great option, and now they come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns.

Dress: Chiffon Vintage Maxi Dress with Belt $26.99 (Rue 21)

Jacket: Dollhouse Carpenter Denim Jacket $24.99 (Macy's)

Wedges: My Only Taupe Wedge $32.99 (Modcloth)

Coat: Cotton Blend Military Jacket $37.80 (Forever 21)

Heels: Anne Michelle Nude Patent Platform Pumps $33.00 (Lulu's)

Maxi Dress

I've just recently become a fan of the ultra feminine look of the maxi dress! Want to make this piece work for the fall? Pull on a vintage looking denim jacket in a light wash (or dark depending on the color of your dress) and finish off with some flats with a slight wedge. Not only will you be comfortable sitting in the classroom, you'll also look super stylish at the same time!

Create a fun mixture of femininity and masculinity by adding a structured military style jacket over the flowy and romantic maxi. The metallic accents on the coat will add a sparkly touch to your look, perfect for a night on the town! Slip on a pair of your favorite pumps and you're ready to go!

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

What a Stud

Looking to add a pinch of edge to your look this fall? Be on the lookout for studded jewelry and other accessories to toughen up you outfit! Studded pieces also help to add a touch of glam especially with metallic accents like chains and spikes! Not ready to completely take a walk on the wild side? No problem! Simply add studded pieces like embellished boots to a girly dress or a quilted bag with a chain strap for that tough yet girl girl vibe!

Studded pieces can go from day to night with the right accessories!

One dress two looks!

Dress: Strapless Studded Dress $22.40 (AX Paris)

Beachy Edge

Vest: Cropped Denim Vest $18.90 (Forever 21)

Bag: A.N.A Madeline Cross Body $34.99 (JCPenney)

Shoes: Studded Leatherette Sandals $16.80 (Forever 21)

Total: $93.09 + tax

City Glam

Bag: Quilted Lock Across Body Bag $25.86 (Asos)

Shoes: Lipsy Strap Ankle Shoe $33.00 (Bank Fashion)

Earrings: Waco Stud Earrings $13.00 (Monsoon)

Total: $94.26 + tax

Other Studded Options:

Miracle Camel Stud Bow Pumps $24.00 (Topshop)

Black High Heel Studded Ankle Booties $32.99 (Luxury Diva's)

Quilted Hotfix Stud Shopper Bag $24.64 (Dressrail)

Studded Quilted Boston Bag $35.00 (Yes Style)

Club Manhattan Earrings Dropping Studs $26.00 (We Like Fashion)

Silver Pyramid Studded Two Finger Ring $38.95 (Fantasy Jewelry Box)

Studs and Stripes Dress $29.80 (Forever 21)

Bodycon Stud Dress $44.80 (AX Paris)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.welikefashion.com

www.fantasyjewelrybox.com

www.forever21.com

www.axparis.com

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Life in the Fast Lane

I've been a little preoccupied lately so sorry for the short/lack of posts! For today's entry I wanted to do a quick look of a similar outfit that I absolutely love! Ever since I laid eyes on this parisian chic look on Taylor Swift, I've been wanting to recreate a similar look for myself. Everything about this look seems classic and timeless to me, and since all the pieces are basics, they can be easily mixed and matched with other things in your closet for endless options! Luckily for all of us, parisian styles are looking to be a hot trend this fall so we'll be able to get a jump start on this pretty and chic look!

A Peek inside TRTD's Lookbook

Shirt: Oasis Stripe Boatneck Top $19.61 (John Lewis)

Skirt: Vintage Party Punch Skirt $29.99 (Modcloth)

Bag: A.N.A Naomi Cross Body $29.99 (JCPenney)

Shoes: Anne Klein Rosalba Slingback Sandals $29.99 (Lord and Taylor)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.johnlewis.com

www.modcloth.com

www.jcpenney.com

www.lordandtaylor.com

Monday, August 15, 2011

Birds of a Feather

Seems like everywhere you turn someone is wearing a feather extension in their hair! From earthy neutrals to neon bright colors, feather extensions are a fun way to add a touch of flair to your locks. As trendy as these little feathers are, there are tons of other accessories featuring the accent. Many jewelry pieces are created in the shape of feathers rather than using actual feathers, which I tend to lean more towards. Want to add a bohemian vibe to your look? Add a feathery necklace or bracelet for a unique touch. Like the look of feather extensions but don't want to have them in everyday? Look for clip in extensions to provide you with versatility when creating fun hairstyles!

Celebrities with Feather Accessories

Vanessa Hudgens, Hilary Duff, Sienna Miller

Selena Gomez

Feather Accessory Options

Hair Clip: Feather Clip $58.00 (Free People)

Necklace: Rhinestone Feather Necklace $28.00 (Yes Style)

Earrings: Naturally Native Feather and Soulful Stone Earrings $30.00 (Sense of Fashion)

Necklace: Just Female Access Necklace Metal Mix $21.00 (We Like Fashion)

Earrings/Hair Extension: Multi Feather Earrings $12.90 (Windsor)

Fingers of a Feather Ring $14.99 (Modcloth)

Mudd Silver Tone Feather Bypass Ring $9.80 (Kohl's)

Free as Can Be Bracelet $23.99 (Modcloth)

Feather Charm Bracelet $15.50 (American Eagle)

With Love From CA Feather Charm Necklace $9.50 (Pacsun)

Feathered Necklace $16.90 (Zara)

Black Multi Feather hair Clip $8.90 (Windsor)

Beaded Feather Hair Extension $24.00 (Urban Outfitters)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.freepeople.com

www.yesstyle.com

www.senseofashion.com

www.welikefashion.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Paper or Plastic

In need of something different in your closet? Tired of all the same old skirts and shorts? Why not add a fun touch of flair to your pieces for a unique touch! Paper bag style bottoms are a great way to add a hint of visual interest to an outfit, while also helping to draw attention towards your waist, creating a feminine silhouette. The signature flared ruffle detail at the top of the paper bag pieces add some volume so make sure to pair them with a more fitted top to prevent your frame from being overwhelmed with so much fabric!

Paper Bag Style Options:

ArynK Peach Linen Shorts $34.00 (Nasty Gal)

Life in Progress Paper Bag Shorts $19.80 (Forever 21)

Leopard Tie Shorts $24.00 (Nasty Gal)

Leifsdottir Fig Brown Silk Linen Paper Bag Waist Skirt $94.00 (Bluefly)

Stone Paper Bag Self Belt Skirt $66.00 (Topshop)

Janice Paper Bag Waist Skirt $29.90 (Alloy)

Blank Canvas Skirt $29.00 (Nasty Gal)

Life in Progress Paper Bag Skirt $22.80 (Forever 21)

Karen Walker Swing Skirt $72.40 (Asos)

Baking Brioche Dress $94.99 (Modcloth)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Saturday, August 13, 2011

White Magic

I had been on the hunt for a white purse all summer long but haven't had much luck finding one! Luckily as I was out window shopping, I noticed a pretty quilted satchel type handbag in the window! After a closer look I was sold! It looks very similar to a Marc Jacobs bag I had seen at Nordstrom, just with a much happier price. There is just something about white bags that catch my attention. It might be the fact that it adds a fresh touch to an outfit, or that it adds a hint of chic-ness. Since summer is coming to an end, I think that white bags are also fitting for the winter months. Perfect when paired with a warm peacoat matching the snow on the ground, or with a flowy chiffon dress in the summer, I think white bags can work for many different seasons and occasions. Another great thing about white bags is that they can go with just about any color you may be wearing in your outfit. Interested in adding a pretty white bag to your collection? Find some inspiration below!

Celebrities with White Handbags

Victoria Beckham

(I want a Hermes Birkin bag so badly!)

Kristen Cavallari

Lauren Conrad

White Handbags (all under $50!):

Alicia Bow Bag $40.00 (Debenhams)

Worthington Kellie Large Bow Satchel $28.00 (JCPenney)

Leather Astrid Bag $31.03 (Asos)

Smoothie Lace Panel Twist Lock Satchel $35.00 (Yes Style)

White Quilted Handbag $32.90 (Windsor)

(This one is super similar to the one I bought!)

Frame of Mind Bag $48.00 (Francesca's Collection)

(This is the one I bought! It looks more like a creamy ivory color in the picture but looks more white in person.)

The Marc Jacobs bag that my bag reminded me of! So beautiful!

From TRTD's Closet

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.francescascollections.com

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Vintage Victorian

I've done a lace inspired post in the past but figured I love lace so much, why not do another? For this particular entry, I wanted to focus more on a vintage victorian vibe with help from the ladylike fabric. Lace seems to be a girly-girl's best friend throughout the year but lace can be a great trend to try especially in the fall. Lighter pale pinks and nudes paired with black overlay lace can be pretty for the cooler months, and help to give off an elegant vintage feel. Tired of the same old lace pieces? Look for accents such as bows, pearls, higher collars and ruffled sleeves for an ultra feminine victorian style. To prevent your outfit from looking too precious, add some black or metallic accessories to add a touch of edge!

Vintage Victorian Inspired Look