The Crown Bijoux: Fashion Blog

Showing posts with label Fashion Blog. Show all posts

9.12.14

Ewok Chic

I've had a fur vest on my wish list for a while. When I found this one at TJMaxx for $20 I knew I had to get it (even though I was TRYING not to shop for myself... I swear!). It's super out of my comfort zone to wear fur, but I need to start taking risks, and I'm not disappointed by the result. Even some of the men from my office complimented me on it.

Is there something you've been wishing to purchase, but are afraid to wear?

Also: you'll notice I've kind of toned back on the blogging - don't worry! This won't be the normal. Unfortunately, since before Thanksgiving, I will not be spending both nights of my weekend at my house until New Years - I'm CRAZY busy. On top of the normal holiday craziness, I have four birthdays (Dad, Mom, Brother & Boyfriend) around the holidays so this is a crazy busy shopping for not me time. AND I'm going up to Manhattan next weekend for work so it never ends!

I'll return after the holidays with a more consistent blogging schedule - and I promise to get to all of your blogs at some point... it just may take a couple of days more than usual. <3 all="" p="" you="">

16.11.14

Falling in Love with Fall

Boyfriend really wanted the last picture to make the cut. I feel super British in this outfit. And that is a wonderful thing. I'm pretty sure I need to go to a fox hunt and drink some Earl Grey and go by the name Lady Sissy of Lancashire or something.

Point is, this outfit is my perfect fall outfit and I love it. Tweed, riding boots, and light, soft sweaters speak fall to me. What speaks fall to you?

14.11.14

Always Eat Dessert

So I need to do a public service announcement: One of my best friends from college has started a new blog:

Always Eat Dessert

And it's awesome. You know those girls who always have their shit together, yet are SO much fun and so real? Yeah - meet Allison. She's perfect - she can cook, she can sew, she's like Martha Stewart mixed with Sheryl Sandberg with a touch of Mindy Kaling. You're like, you can do everything, you're smart and a go-getter AND you're fun? Yeah. She's that girl.

I remember the first night we met. She was one of my best friend's "little" (yes, we are sorority girls, don't judge) and I don't know what words were said, but one trip to the bathroom together by ourselves and we became hooked. That night, I fell in love with this awesome girl and that love has only grown. (Also, this picture is from that night - see we already were in love! And for some reason it looks airbrushed... I promise that's not on purpose!)

When it comes to blogging, Allie has been my partner in crime and I'm so glad she took a break from wedding planning (did you really think she would still be on the market?) to start up a new place for me to keep up with her (she's in Philly and I never see her. It's a travesty, I tell ya!)

So please - check her out! I promise it will take you one blog post to fall in love, just like it took me minutes to know I wanted her around forever. Love you to pieces, Allie!

PS - I've updated my Blog Inspiration page. I'm all about promoting other bloggers, so please check out these ladies. We are all amazing women, so why not spread the wealth of information!

4.11.14

Old Navy Owns My Soul

I went to Old Navy over the Columbus day weekend and ended up giving them my first born child.

I bought the two sweaters you've seen in these two posts (1 and 2) and this sweater. Because, duh. I bought these pants and as well as the same pants in two other colors/patterns (you'll see them soon, don't worry). I bought some riding boots. I bought the camel coat. And I bought some jewelry. Just because why not hit that final punch in the wallet. I've been very impressed by Old Navy lately. They've definitely stepped up there game. These pants are a must for work and the sweaters are so comfy. It's just great!

Also... the wind on the Northeast is awful. Case in point below:

31.10.14

Hand Me Downs

Let me start by saying, I wanted to wear this outfit with black knee-high boots.

I don't have black knee-high boots and this outfit is mocking me.

But alas, I'm trying to make a point here. One of my favorite people in the world decided to go through her closet and give me some of her clothes. Now, she's a naturally generous person, but I don't know how someone can give away clothes - except I kind of can. You know that shirt that you purchased on a whim and were like "no way, I'm not trying just this shirt on... it'll fit" and then it didn't? Yeah, you don't wear it... what are you going to do with it? You have some options:

A) Keep it and never wear it. Hi, Hoarders is calling.

B) Consign it... except you've already tried that and it didn't sell within the 9 week time-frame.

C) Donate to Goodwill - Great cause! Total option... but...

What if your friend wants it?

I'm not saying don't give to Goodwill (or your other local charity thrift store). I make a point to give up clothing at least twice a year (sometimes more) because I'm SO super fortunate, and I need to give up some of my material possessions for the greater good.

But... to save money and kick that "must go shopping" habit for a couple of weeks, have a clothing swap! My dear friend gave me this AWESOME wool sweater - BRAND NEW and I love it.

I'm usually freezing at work - not today!

Get over the stigma of hand me downs. They're fabulous. And sometimes, you may try something you normally wouldn't but continue to try because you just love that friend. I know this because this said friend loves jewel tones (I'm afraid of them) and she gave me a couple jewel toned shirts. Every time I wear them, I think about her and it makes me happy because I live an hour and a half away from her and don't see her often. It's like a token of friendship right there.

Hand me downs are great.

In other news:

HAPPY WEEKEND/HALLOWEEN!

19.10.14

Fall is here

I'm so excited about this skirt and sweater. Both have been on my list for a while. The skirt has this awesome and sexy zipper in the back and I love it! Plus, a good cableknit was on my list for this year and I found it! It has a slight turtleneck but you can turn it down (for what? haha) and I like the butt flap. I haven't purchased new jeans that fit yet, so I plumber-butt often - this will be nice to have meanwhile...

In other news, have you ever had a cold that went away...... exccceeepppttt you're still kind of coughing and blowing your nose more often than normal? Yeah, I'm there. So annoying! I guess that was fall's welcome to me!

13.10.14

Trick or Treat

It's coming up! Halloween! Even if you're too old for trick or treating (and to be honest, I guess if you are reading thing, you are... which makes me really sad for all of us) you can still partake in the awesomeness that is dressing up. I really like theme parties and don't have enough of them. And I also appreciate a reason to celebrate. So get that fancy dress on, and eat some candy while you're at it!

Pinterest Board | I did this one year which was great until people started coming up to me saying I had things on my shirt....

Coppertone Baby | My best friend did this with blue shorts and looked absolutely adorable

Wilson from Home Improvement | Do you remember this show? Hey, blast from the past! If you need an outfit in a pinch and don't want to be yet another cat (which is cute, don't get me wrong, but you run the risk of not being the only cat around), this is perfect!

Jellyfish | This may or may not be my choice this year. Not only do I get excited over jellies but I appreciate any and all comfy options for Halloween. One year, when it was extra cold, I seriously contemplated being a grizzly bear so I could wear a fur coat...

Pinata | This is one of the non-skanky, but still really pretty and adorable outfits out there. I love the color! Maybe a little time consuming, but what's a girl to do when being forced to watch football, I mean amiright?

11.10.14

Cobalt

I told you I was ready and willing to accept fall. Well, I am... but can I continue to wear bright colors, please? When I saw this sweater at Target, I knew I had to have it - that color is a color of fall! I love the brightness of it and I love my other sweaters like this. Unlike many items I buy from Target (cardigans, for example) they stay soft after multiple washes. I love them. They're comfy & don't break the bank and are awesome for layering. Point - buy one now. You won't regret it!

7.10.14

Lacey Business

Lace shorts were on my list of must-haves this summer and I was no disappointed. This was the comfiest party outfit I've had for years. The shorts and shirt were like PJs! Definitely chic. Super cute. Happiest girl in town. They look great with a chambray shirt and booties too. The possibilities were endless.

Not sure if they will be so cute in winter with tights, but it's worth a go. Especially since I feel like 2+ months just wasn't enough time with them!

30.9.14

Menswear

This is the most comfy outfit for a day full of errands with the boy. We started our day bright and early heading to a delicious brunch joint in town (we love brunch, because we're basic, so we are trying out all the lovely places). We then went to so many stores and did some many errands, I was glad I was comfy. It was boyfriend's first time at DSW and he was as happy as a clam. I love when I show him my "secret" places that turn into his shopping heaven.

Also, this ring is one I wear ALL THE TIME. I love it. It was a graduation gift to myself. In college, we had various vendors come to the school and one of them always had gorgeous jewelry and this piece caught my eye time and again. I thought what the hell, spent the $60, and have not regretted it. It's so unique & pretty!

29.9.14

Pantone Colors of Fall | Mauve Mist & Cognac

Mauve Mist

Cognac

28.9.14

Early Halloween

My favorite television show of all time is Gilmore Girls. During their 100th episode, Emily Gilmore, the grandmother who is impossible to please, tells her daughter Lorelai that it's very important to find a man who has excellent taste in jewelry. Well, I've never made that a large part of my criteria, but it is pretty nice. Boyfriend tends to get me an item or two each Christmas and Birthday for me, and this necklace was one of them. Not only do I love it, but it's something that I probably wouldn't have picked for myself. But I love that he looks at pieces and thinks of me, and that's the best part of all.

Also - the wrap dress is my favorite thing, ever. Like, no lie, I love it. This one is actually a faux wrap, but it is so chic, so comfortable, and just a great classic piece. Thank you, Diane Von Furstenberg. I will always be indebted to you and your fashion creations.

26.9.14

Dotted Twice

This dress is incredibly out of my comfort zone aside from the polka dots. But I'm definitely glad I made the purchase. It is so light and airy, fits like a charm, and makes me look all nice and dressy when I'm just running errands. It's hard to feel gross and sweaty in this airy outfit. I'm just a little sad to put it away for the fall.

22.9.14

Pep-y Business

I love this jacket - it's warm and fits well, so I don't have to think much about what I wear underneath. And I love that it does all the talking. No worry business professional. Which worked out well, since I didn't put too much effort into this outfit and ended up going to a talk with the First Lady of Pennsylvania. NBD.

21.9.14

Fab Find September!

A quick "run" to the mall to go to one store with the boyfriend turned into a three-hour trip. He had to stop in to Abercrombie to see if maybe, MAYBE they stopped selling skinny jeans (they have not). Of course, that's when I saw this beauty.

I must have her. Of course, I wasn't really in the market to just drop $98 on a jacket seeing as I hadn't planned to even go to the mall in the first place...

So I now will lust and long for a couple of weeks until I break down.

| Jacket - Abercrombie & Fitch |

20.9.14

The Dress You Should Have Seen Months Ago

I got this dress months and months ago and yet here I am... showing it to you now. I know. I'm awful. The texture is almost like a burlap and there are very tiny flecks of gold thread woven in giving it a tiny shimmer. It's love. I feel crazy professional in it which makes it like a power dress. What's not to love?

Also: I finally got black suede pumps like Princess Kate, and I must say, I know exactly why they're a go-to.

19.9.14

Closet Organization 101: Clothes & Pinterest

I love organizing. I like to organize my home room by room and then start all over again because I just love organizing. I love it so much that it has become a large part of my job (and no I am not the delusional dater poster child, Ashlee Frazier, "Professional Organizer").

I happen to love MANY types of clothing. Yet there I go, out shopping, and oh, what's that? Another navy top and black dress? We're shocked. Over time, I started realizing that while I had a good amount of clothing, I didn't really know what I owned and didn't realize how many outfits I could make from items in my own closet.

So I decided to take an inventory. Think Cher in Clueless. I went through every item of clothing, decided if I really wanted it, and then wrote it down. I've even organized my list by type: tops, sweaters, athletic wear, dresses, skirts, etc. I then went through my Pinterest board and looked at how many outfits I could make with what was in my closet. I also noted which outfits I could make if I had a certain item and added that to a wishlist. I also looked to see what was a reoccurring theme to my favorite outfits, and added them to the wishlist. Now when I go out shopping, I know what I need and what I don't and I'm not as drawn to my staples. I'm on a mission.

Are you like me and tend to stick in your comfort zone? Do you wish you dressed like your clothing Pinterest board?

Need some outfit inspiration? Check out my clothing Pinterest Board here

18.9.14

Dotted Once

I live within 20 minutes of an H&M. This is so dangerous. Before the move I was an hour and a half a way. That was some serious driving and dedication to get to my Mecca. No it's like NBD, I'll just run to H&M, do a quick run through a voila. My bank account is screwed.

The first trip to my new H&M I purchased this dress and bag (as well as a pair of shorts & a jacket) and I'm so glad I did. This bag carries everything I could ever need but looks super chic and much higher end ("Sarah where did you get that bag?" "H&M" "SHUT UP."). The dress is light and airy but looks nice and polished. It's perfect for a walk in Central Park (that actually happened) and a day at the office without feeling too stuffy.

Also I may or may not have a thing for navy polka dot dresses.

16.9.14

21st Century Betsy Ross

I don't know why I loved this skirt when I found it, but I would put bets on because it's red, white, and blue. Patriotic and my favorite color combo? Done. It's like, running for office? Sign me up to be your companion because I'm looking the part, yo! It also makes the white button down a LOT more fun.

However, the paneling on the side really accentuates my stomach... so I kinda look preggers (nooooooo I'm not, don't even try to start that rumor!)

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