The Retail Therapy Diaries: February 2012

Monday, February 27, 2012

Tale as Old as Time

The great thing about Disney movies coming back to the big screen in 3D is that you get a chance to relive your childhood for a good hour or two! Though I didn't have a chance to catch this classic at the movie theater, I was able to watch Beauty and the Beast at the other kind of theater! It had been a while since I last went to go watch a musical, so I was especially excited to head down to the Paramount theater with a few friends. The show was amazing! From the beautifully crafted sets to the spot on costumes and special effects, there was never a dull moment. Inspired by the lovable (and not so lovable) characters of the film, I put a modern spin on some of the outfits they wore. If you want to read more about this great production, check out my friends blog here for a fun review! What's your favorite Disney movie? Is there a movie or character you'd like me to make an inspired outfit for? Let me know!

Taken from heyshowhey.blogspot.com

Beauty and the Beast Character Inspired Outfits

Cardigan: Knit Cardigan $36.00 (Mango)

Skirt: Aiko Two-Tone Leather Ruffle Skirt $445.00 (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Shoes: Ona Ballet Flats $14.99 (Target)

Bag: Freeze Tote $15.00 (Aldo)

Necklace: Kate Spade The Book Elements Necklace $128.00 (Amazon)

Bow: Grosgrain Bow Anywhere Clip $45.00 (Tarina Tarantino)

Jacket: Guess Cropped Blazer $138.00 (Lord and Taylor)

Top: Sleeveless Lace Insert Blouse $64.00 (Topshop)

Jeans: Black Super Skinny Jeans $68.00 (Miss Selfridge)

Shoes: Promise Heels $49.99 (Heels)

Necklace: Mirror Necklace $42.00 (Betsey Johnson)

Bracelet: Rose Pattern Glaze Bracelet $2.52 (Ever Buying)

Top: Utility Shirt with Pocket Detail $63.00 (House of Fraser)

Leggings: Jersey Leggings $25.00 (Oasis)

Shoes: Ottowa Leather Riding Boot $135.98 (Steve Madden)

Belt: Basic Belt $36.00 (Warehouse)

Necklace: Feather Necklace $47.00 (Harvey Nichols)

Ring: House of Harlow Antler Wrap Ring $75.00 (Charm and Chain)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.mango.com

www.saksfifthavenue.com

www.target.com

www.aldoshoes.com

www.amazon.com

www.tarinatarantino.com

www.lordandtaylor.com

www.topshop.com

www.missselfridge.com

www.heels.com

www.betseyjohnson.com

www.everbuying.com

www.houseoffraser.com

www.oasis-stores.com

www.stevemadden.com

www.warehouse.com

www.harveynichols.com

www.charmandchain.com

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Trending Now

With spring just around the corner, several new trends are emerging, lining the shelves with pretty patterns and bright colors. Presented with so many different trends, sometimes it can be a bit confusing and overwhelming choosing which ones to incorporate into your outfits. To make things a little easier, I've selected a few of the more popular spring trends in hopes that they provide some inspiration for your next retail therapy session! Which spring trend is your favorite? Let me know!

Spring 2012 Trends

Back by poplar demand, florals have made their way back onto the spring fashion list! Adorning dresses, skirts, and accessories, this pretty pattern continues to hold strong season after season. Want to add a fresh twist on this classic trend? Look for modern accessories or silhouettes to take your outfit from last season's florals to this season's florals.

Want to incorporate this retro trend into your outfit without it looking over the top? Pick one polka-dotted piece and pair it with basic solids to keep your look simple yet fun! For an updated look, find polka-dotted pieces on fun colors such as red or pink! Looking for something more classic? Look for the trend on neutral colors like black and navy.

Of all the spring trends this season, this one is probably my favorite! Matching the blooming flowers in the garden, these feminine shades can make any outfit girly. For a more subtle step into this trend, incorporate pastel colors onto your nails or find a fun accessory like a pastel belt to add just a touch of color to an outfit!

Pastel colors not your thing? Try this bold trend instead! This bright orange shade has been seen all over the runway this season. Perfect for brightening up an outfit, you'll be sure to turn some heads this season with this eye-catching shade!

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.polyvore.com

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Hot Tamale

Another Valentine's day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't still incorporate a little spice into your outfit! Universally flattering, the romantic hue will definitely get you noticed! Whether you like something more subtle like red shorts or something bold and eye catching like a red dress, it's easy to incorporate this color into an outfit for day or evening! Looking for a super girly option? Look for a red piece with cute heart details! So go ahead and wear your heart on your sleeve!

Red Outfit Options

Looking to create an outfit that's equal parts tough and sweet? Pair a floaty feminine blouse with some leather leggings to add an edgy twist to your look! Finish off with some nude heels, a sweet locket, and a quilted bag with a chain strap!

Top: Polka Dot Chiffon Blouse $21.00 (H&M)

Leggings: Emily D Vegan Leather Leggings $68.00 (Urban Outfitters)

Shoes: Type Z Asher $49.00 (Zappos)

Bag: Quilted Lock Across Body Bag $28.65 (Asos)

Necklace: Initial Heart Locket Necklace $18.00 (Urban Outfitters)

Ahoy sailor! Pair some red shorts with a striped boatneck top for a preppy nautical vibe. Add some braided sandals and an oversize bag to take with you on your adventures! For a finishing touch, slip on a metallic cuff bracelet for a touch of sparkle!

Shorts: Sound and Matter Sweetheart Shorts $39.50 (Pacsun)
Top: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Benny Elbow Sleeve Boatneck $29.99 (Bloomingdale's)
Shoes: Roxy Habana Sandals $33.00 (Zappos)
Bag: Canvas Bag $40.00 (H&M)
Bracelet: Kelly Stretch Bracelet $17.00 (Oasis)

Have a nice dinner to attend? Pair a bold red dress with a crisp white denim jacket for an effortless chic look. Paired with some basic black flats and a glam animal print clutch you'll be sure to turn some heads! Finish off the look with some sparkly accessories!

Dress: What a Keeper Dress $72.99 (Modcloth)
Jacket: Highway Denim Jacket $29.99 (Tilly's)
Shoes: Classic Ballerina Flat $45.00 (Oasis)
Bag: Poppie Jones Leopard Clutch $24.94 (DSW)
Ring: Oval Leaf Cocktail Ring $19.00 (Jane Norman)

Inspired? Look for these items here:
www.hm.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.zappos.com
www.asos.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.pacsun.com
www.bloomingdales.com
www.zappos.com
www.hm.com
www.oasis-stores.com
www.modcloth.com
www.tillys.com
www.oasis-stores.com
www.dsw.com
www.janenorman.com

Image Credit:
Heart Photo

Monday, February 6, 2012

Simply Spotless

The weather in Seattle has been especially wonderful these past few days! With so much sun I feel like spring is already here! Since we're already in our second week of February, I've been receiving many of my fashion magazines for the month in the mail. I've been noticing white pants featured on pages of almost all of the magazines and can definitely say I'm a fan. This past summer I really enjoyed wearing white shorts and I'm thinking that this trend will be a nice change from my usual favorite, dark wash skinny jeans. White pants just seem so clean and fresh to me. They go with just about everything and can work great for the day or for the evening when paired with a dressy top and some heels. The one downside of this trend? Having to worry about getting them dirty! So watch where you sit down! What do you think of this spring trend? Are you a fan as well? Let me know!

Celebrities in White Pants

Victoria Beckham

Eva Longoria

Annalynne McCord

One Pair, Three Looks

How to create three different looks with the same pair of pants!

Pants: Jeans Paty $36.00 (Mango)

Top: Mono Stripe Scoop Vest $9.00 (Oasis)

Jacket: Blazer $40.00 (H&M)

Shoes: Liloia Patent Peep Toe $16.00 (JCPenney)

Top: Splendid Striped Crop Sweater $109.00 (Barney's)

Scarf: Chevron Stripe Scarf $9.99 (Tilly's)

Shoes: Starflower Wedge $34.99 (Chinese Laundry)

Top: Cropped Swing Tank $29.95 (Witchery)

Jacket: Leather Jacket $47.00 (H&M)

Shoes: Black Studded Ankle Boots $20.00 (Make Me Chic)

Bracelet: Fair Trade Gold Hammered Cuff $19.00 (Fashion Conscience)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.chineselaundry.com

www.witchery.com

www.hm.com

www.makemechic.com

www.fashion-conscience.com

Photo Credits:

Victoria Beckham

Eva Longoria

AnnaLynne McCord

Friday, February 3, 2012

In the Nude

Happy February! Now that we've entered a new month, more and more spring pieces have been popping up all over stores. My recent fashion obsession has been nude heels. Being on the short side, wearing nude heels help to create a longer leg line as the color blends together with the color of your skin. A slightly different twist on the black heel, this neutral color goes well with everything! What has been your most recent fashion obsession? Let me know!

Celebrities in Nude Heels