Rose A La Mode

Best Laid Plans

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You know when you make plans and through no fault of your own everything just goes wrong? That’s what’s happening to us this week. We were supposed to leave on Monday, but had some car trouble. Now, we’re just waiting to hear if our car is fixed. We are trying our best to keep good attitudes, but I’m not looking forward to seeing 6-8 inches of snow instead of 70 degree weather.

We’ve both gotten worked up a few times, but soon realize there’s no use. It’s out of our hands. So, I’m going to list off some things that I’m grateful for instead of complaining.

  1. I’m happy I even have the chance to go on a vacation at all.
  2. I’m happy I got to spend the past 2 days with my favorite person on the earth even though it’s not at the beach.
  3. I’m happy that I got to wear a shirt my sister gave me the other day (a late Christmas present) before we leave.
  4. I’m happy we got to spend a fun day that included shopping at Crate & Barrel.
  5. I’m happy Bob just got a call from the mechanic to say our car is fixed.
  6. I’m happy that I’m alive and living in the land of the free and home of the brave.

I’ve got a good life.

Forever 21 Scarf

American Eagle Shirt

The Limited Cuff

American Eagle Jeggings

Shirt: American Eagle
Scarf: Forever 21
Vest: ??? From Marshalls
My Favorite Jeggings: American Eagle

2011 Spring Trend: Flared Jeans

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Something So wonderful is happening. Skinny Jeans are no longer the only cool denim to wear!! Yea! Check out these looks straight from the runway (Derek Lam and Adam).

derek lam flared jeans

derek lam flared jeans

ADAM flared pants

I found these images on The Sartorialist in November.

The Sartorialist Flared Jeans

The Sartorialist Wide Leg Jeans

What I’m seeing is that these jeans are not meant to be long, comfy, boyfriend jeans. Rather they are to be used as trousers. They should fit your tushie and the top of your leg pretty well, and then flare from there. I’ll wear them with chunky high heels although the skinny heels in the picture above are making me rethink the possibilities.

Here are some jeans that I’ve found that are more in my price range. I already have one pair from Gap and I plan to get more.

Light Trouser Jeans

Banana Republic Trouser Jean | Gap Light Trouser Jean

Survey Says: Merci Blah Blah

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Today’s Survey Says is from Shannon at Merci Blah Blah. She’s a pretty fun gal. I hope to one day meet up with her and let her dress me. I noticed we had a few of the same answers. It really is true that great minds think alike! 😉

Survey Says Merci Blah Blah

1. What is your go-to item?

It’s not an item, but rather, a color – grey. I cannot stop buying things in this color, and am constantly drawn to it. Grey sweaters, slouchy tanks, dolman sleeve shirts…you can pair it with anything and it works. However, I have had to start asking myself when I immediately pick something up at the store – do I REALLLLLY need another grey shirt/top/sweatshirt/sweater?????

2. What is your secret weapon? (Moroccan Oil? Great shoe insoles? Spanx? Give it up!)

I have a couple: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and Moroccan Oil. Love them BOTH, and I go through TONS of the Primer Potion.

3. What is on your (realistic) wish list right now?

Jeez – what ISN’T is more likely. I would love to have a couple of the YSL Arty Oval rings (one in blue and one in coral), and I’m forever on the lookout for a gorgeous kimono or haori jacket to wear, preferably vintage, though I wouldn’t kick the right brand new one out of bed.

4. How do you keep things fresh everyday?

Probably with accessories – great jewelry or shoes. I LOVE jewelry, and I don’t care if it’s el cheapo stuff from F21, though my preference is an insane vintage piece. I have come across a few blogs lately where the bloggers really layer on tons of pieces together, and I love that look. For me personally, more is more. I appreciate when I see people wearing really delicate chains, but what speaks to me are chunky, statement pieces that either have an ethnic feel or a 70s vibe.

5. If you could go shopping with anybody, who would it be and why?

Oh Lord – in blogland it would probably be The Glamourai, because she scores some MAJAH finds on her vintage/thrift trips. If I were shopping with a stylist, it’d HAVE to be Rachel Zoe because well, she’s Rachel Zoe. Or possibly Stacy London, because girlfriend’s wardrobe is SICK, and she would be completely honest and tell me what REALLY looked good on me. In celeb land, it would prolly be Jennifer Aniston, because I’m PRETTY sure we would end up BFF forever and ever. Jen, call me….

6. Who is your Fashion Icon?

If we are talking classic icon, then I have to go with Audrey Hepburn. Audrey was chic, elegant, graceful, effortless, and timeless. That said, there are vastly different modern icons who constantly inspire me: Nicole Richie, Gwen Stefani, and Sarah Jessica Parker are probably the top three to come to mind. All of them have pretty distinct styles, they are not afraid to try different things, and they remain true to themselves.

7. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about fashion?

That it is possible to create amazing, completely unique looks on a budget. The bloggers who mix high and low end stuff – vintage/thrifted with designer pieces, or T.J. Maxx/Marshalls, are the ones that I can relate to most, because most of the stuff in my closet falls into those categories (except for the designer pieces…) Blogging is a dangerous hobby, because especially when doing a style blog, I am constantly browsing other style blogs and finding things I NEEEEED in my life, so it definitely enables a baaaad shopping habit. After Christmas I had a talk with myself about slowing down my shopping, or if I felt like I needed a “fix,” doing it at the thrift store. I really want to strive to find “magazine-worthy facsimilies” on thrift.

8. What do you do to keep yourself fresh & looking great during travel/vacation?

I try to pack in such a way that I can mix and match a handful of pieces into different combinations of outfits. Would The Hubs agree with this statement? Probably not. What does he know? I try to pack things that can be rolled or scrunched up and not come out too worse for the wear (jersey knits are the best). I also make sure to take lots of different options for jewelry, because it can completely change the look of an outfit.

9. What is the best cheap/drugstore item that is totally underrated?

I love the Carmindy for Sally Hanson Airbrush Foundation, and use it all the time. Howevs, I can’t find it everywhere – it seems like I have to go to CVS or Walgreens, and even then I’m not sure I’ll always find it. Jerks.

10. What is the one item you should splurge on?

A great cashmere sweater – I would love to find a grey raglan sleeve cashmere – something that looks totally casual but is really sumptuous and luxurious. Man, I am fancy – I use words like SUMPTUOUS. Don’t hate. Note to self – please see item number one above….