solar flares

lately, I find beauty in the most random and simple things in life.  a colorful sunset, or an old van that makes me wish I grew up in the seventies.  I don't know whose van this is, but I hope they could appreciate us including it in this post.  most of the time, both my sister and I's, day to day style ends up being much like this van, what I like to call as rugged chic.  that's my fancy.  where it looks like you just rolled out of bed looking that fabulous.  when your hair's a mess and your clothes are just hanging off of your body in all the right places.  there's just something so effortlessly chic about an oversized, distressed sweater that you can slightly see through and looks like it came out of a box at goodwill.  and don't even get me started on the flared jeans or the amazing style of the seventies.  because - crop tops, hair so long that it seems unreasonable, and ridiculously flared pants is so sexy.  this pair is so out-of-this-world flared, that it looks like she has completely lost her mind and has no shoes on, and I adore it.  this is the only time you shouldn't dress for the shoe.  just find your highest heels, look as you have no feet, boys won't don't get it, and rock it.  plus, I love because I'm short, that flares make me look tall.  but that's a whole different story. 

FREE PEOPLE SWEATER, CITIZEN FLARED JEANS, & unseen NINE WEST PUMPS

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velvet valentino

shoes are really the category where I splurge.  I am always all about the sample sales, outlet shopping, and sale racks, but between the chunky heel and the short, 80's flashback height, I was totally okay with swiping away for these boots.  Also, I am going through a phase where my style is sort of changing, and therefore some areas of my closet are in need of revamping.  I am starting with my shoe closet.

I call these kinds of shoes my "start from the shoe" shoes.  the name stems from those times when you are drawing a styling blank and can't find anything to wear, and you know there is nothing more frustrating than this state of mind, so this is when I simply say, "just start from the shoe."  and this story usually has a happy ending.  it's just easier to start by making a statement with a great shoe that can speak for itself.  making a statement down low though means keeping it simple up top.  and when I say simple, I mean looks simple. because even though that silver sweater is definitely one of my go-to basics, putting on that European size four Valentino skirt was not a simple task by any means.  I adore it though - black on black, velvet stripes.  it's a Saturday outfit kept simple, all about the tiny, amazing details strung about. 

VALENTINO SKIRT, SPARKEL & FADE SWEATER, STEVE MADDEN ANKLE BOOTS, 

STELLA & DOT / SAKS FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY,  THRIFTED BELT, TYLIE MALIBU PURSE (75% off at Nordstrom Rack = $29 = happy accessorized girl)

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leopard lush

a fall fashion alert, for those of you who are overwhelmed with life right now as much as I am, (it's really a miracle that I haven't been walking around in a potato sac these days), #leopard is trending everywhere.  leopard is one of those timeless prints that you will be able to accent literally any outfit with for the rest of your fashionable lifetime.  it is just classy and chic and a pop of leopard is going to add character to any outfit.  not to mention, there is something about wearing an animal print that makes me feel expensive, and it is probably the easiest, no-think way to do so.  since I naturally tend to buy a lot of black clothes, leopard is a convenient print when it comes to my wardrobe, which I appreciate greatly.  right now, I am craving leopard scarves, belts, and most importantly, shoes.  I don't know if it was on purpose or just my subconscious taking over, but lately I keep coming home with leopard print shoes.  but I can tell you, they have really been coming in handy.  I just slip one of these amazing pairs on with practically anything and it's instant 1960's bohemian movement, and I can't get enough of it.

my first ShoeDazzle purchase. a classic wedge, business in the front, party in the back.

I had a coupon for DSW, so I snagged these super affordable, leopard, ankle booties by Diba. these are perfect to pair with dresses and skirts.

& obviously, Sam Edelman can do no wrong, but I had to have these mainly because of a craving for a pair of infamous, studded Edelman's but also because of their casual, walk-able heel that I can even sport at work.

ALSO - please don't forget to Vote for your favorite blogger, aka us, in the Very.com blogger contest, by November 9th.  We appreciate all of your support so much!  AND when you vote, YOU will receive an exclusive invitation to the online VIP event and 20% off everything!  So, please vote & thank you!

xo, 

Natalie & Erika 

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consignment queens

I have a hard time not stopping when I see a sign for a consignment store that I have never been to before.  who knows what could be inside? that's really the best part of these kinds of stores, and the reason why it has become one of our favorite weekend activities, you never know what you could find! 

if you have never been to a consignment boutique, it's where people can take their, usually unworn, clothing that they no longer have a need for and the store will partner with them to help sell them for a reasonable price.  these stores are usually filled with everything from last season's Forever21 tops with the tags still on them, to really great vintage pieces, with a bunch of junk strung out all in between.  it takes some searching, but I typically don't have a hard time finding at least one thing that I love. my favorite part of this kind of shopping experience is going home and searching the brands I have never heard of before.  during my most recent trip, to a little shop in Vienna, I snagged these three items for a measly $34.00.

Ann Taylor Loft skirt 

Evan-Picone blouse

Xanadu watch

so it turns out, revealed by a vintage clothing identifier website, that the blouse is vintage, circa 1970's, and during that time the designer provided the wardrobe for The Mary Tyler Moore Show.  the watch is also vintage, I love the large face and numbers.  and where else can you get an Ann Taylor skirt for $11?  this trip to the consignment store turned out to be a success. 

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happy consigning!

xo, 

Natalie 

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