Wearable Runway | Fall 2012

Ever look at the seasons newest fashion trends and wonder what people are thinking? This Fall is no exception for me (and apparently others I have discussed it with)! But I see the positive side of it, and see how we can turn something Runway into something wearable (OFF) of it! Here are the Fall 2012 trends that stuck out to me:

Marc Jacobs introduced over-sized accessories, paired with large (fun??) hats and brought knitting back into the trend world.
Proenza Schouler made leather shiny.
Giambattista Valli gave the 'ok' to raid our Grandmothers closets for old-school floral's.
And Ralph Lauren brought texture back into wardrobes.
The overwhelming trend for this season appears to be burgundy, or as it has been deemed 'oxblood'. Jewel tones such as hunter green, and navy blue have also made a huge entrance this season.

The big question is, how do you make these trends wearable? Here are my suggestions:

Grandma's floral's: not quite ready to jump into her flower dress? Try easing into the trend with floral shoes or accessories! Boots are perfect because they can be carried into the Winter months!

Jewel Tones: Jewel tones are the perfect basics to build any outfit off of! Try a simple dress style or solid toned coat and build your wardrobe over it!
Textures: Grab a tweed pea coat, its the perfect way to compliment those jewel tone basics and bring texture into your wardrobe, plus its great for a day at the office, or a night on the town!
Hats: The trend this season is hats, big, bold and in your face. I can't believe this style will catch on, but smaller hats that compliment face shapes and outfits are always a classy accessory! Try a knitted beret to bring in both the handmade knitted style and the classy hats! 
Shiny Leather: If the shiny leather is pulling your fancy, but you're not brave enough to dive into the full head-to-toe outfits and coats, then try something smaller; belts and a classy clutch is a great way bring the look into your wardrobe!
Oversize Accessories: Big is in; over-sized coats, in-your-face pins, and scarves that swallow your head. Personally I'm not into the swallowed look, but you can get the same bold look by using extra-wide belts, thick scarves, and keeping your accessories minimal but bold!

So what's on your wishlist this season? Any trends that speak to you? What other trends did I not mention that you are going to jump on?
Here's my wishlist, make sure you share yours!

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To learn more about the items pictured, click on any of the images to be brought to the Polyvore pages!

5 Ways to be a smarter thrifter

We've all been there, your standing in front of the perfect [insert item here], and you're debating whether or not this piece deserves a spot in your closet/home/garage/friends home-how do you decide? When is the right to time to say no? And when is the right time to say yes to the impulse buy? Have no fear, whether you're shopping at the mall or at your favorite thrift store, Dear Wallet has figured that out for you!
When to say yes:
1. When your head over heels in love (DUH)!
2. When your mind dives into overdrive seeing all the potential in the item for where you can wear/place/give it too
3. When the price tag says "you'd be crazy not to"!
4. When you've been searching for the perfect XZY for-EVER!
5. When you walk away and realize how disappointed you'd be if it wasn't there when you got back.

When to say no:
1. When you really like it...but don't love it.
2. When you feel little-to-no inspiration regarding where you will put/wear/give it to
3. When the price makes you cringe
4. When you have no need or really want for it
5. When you walk away...and forget to come back!

Seems self explanatory written down right? But HOW do you walk away when you fit into maybe 2 points on each scale? Here's how:

1. Leave your wallet in the car-this forces you to put not only mental, but physical exertion into your decision making. Trust me, if you don't LOVEitHAVEtoHAVEit-you will pass on it!
2. Pay in cash-this is an old trick that works! Credit cards trick the mind into thinking plastic isn't money, making impulse buys more common. Cash is real and a physical loss, if you don't need it or really want it, this can and will help you from making impulse buys.
3. Create a wishlist, set a budget...and stick to it! -sounds easy, but can be difficult. Pre-think of all those great items you want and need for your home; furniture, summer dresses, shoes, etc-create a list either visually (like Pinterest-hey add me if you haven't already!) or a text list. And set a budget for each item, for example "I won't spend any more than $50 on a console table for the living room, and $15 on a new summer dress", finally, set a monthly or trip budget such as "I will spend no more than $200 on furniture this month, and no more than $50 on new shoes, or this shopping trip my budget is $25"-even if you go over your budget, (and I'm not referring to financial budgets: just shopping budgets to try and keep you from impulse buying) if you put this work into it, and really make the choice to go over-its because you really, really want it.
4. Evaluate the reasoning behind the purchase-is it functional or emotional? Maybe you love the dress because the color makes your smile, or you had a really stressful day at work and those shoes look amazing right now...these are emotional purchases, ones that once the emotional feeling you get during the impulse buy wears away, you won't feel towards it anymore. More importantly, decide which side the purchase falls behind-functional or emotional, and decide how that makes you feel. If the color makes you happy- that's not a bad thing, just make sure its something that will continue to make you happy over the course of its lifetime!
5. Choose your shopping buddies wisely-much harder than it sounds, but certain friends and family can bring out the impulse buyer in you. If you're not sure if they are affecting your shopping habits, grab your last ten receipts and look for clues! Who was with you, why did you buy these items, who were they for? You may notice things about your shopping habits you never noticed before, and choose wisely. If you need to cut back on your impulse buying, then choose a shopping buddy that doesn't encourage it, or go by yourself!

Would you add anything to this? Let me know!
•linked up to Sunday & Monday Link parties•

HOW TO wear the runway

Designers define the style, start the trends, and kick off the desires of every fashion loving girl (and boy) around. The problem is, the items on the runway are rarely wearable in the real world. But they give us inspiration, and tell us what to (and not to) wear. Interpreting the runway is a personal thing. Most blogs will tell you how to get the same look for less. The problem to me is, it's still not wearable. So not only do I reinterpret it differently, but many of the items you may have in your closet from a previous season. Add a trip to your local thrift store or Target, and you will be set for the season!

This season's must have color tone is 'seafoam' ranging in shades from mint green to soft blue, its easy to find and pair for any style. Here are some great runway examples from left to right: Vera Wang, Tibi, Rodarte, and Tory Burch.

Here's how I interpret the runway:

A. Inspired from Vera Wang, This long sheer sea foam dress leaves you comfortable in the summer heat, classically beautiful for any occasion, and sophistcatedly sexy. Pair with the seasons must have accessory: gold, and you will be the talk of the town.

B. Inspired by Tory Burch, I've opted for a shorter bright blue dress with a loose fit for the summer breeze, and great for any body type and showing off a little leg. Layer your gold with necklaces, bracelets and beautiful gladiator heels for a natural beauty look, with bold statement for a lunch date, or a day of shopping.

C. Inspired from Rodarte, this beautiful bright mint dress, paired with a great contrasting blue belt and shrug when the sun goes down, perfect for a night on the town looking flirty.

D. Inspired by Tibi, this simple ensemble is great for running errands, or a day at the office. A tight fitting cardigan in mint green with pastel trousers, makes a great outfit for days when comfort is key. Keep your tones pastel and contrasting to add drama, steer clear of prints to give maximum affect, and make sure the leg is wide or flared to stay trendy!

Your turn. How do you wear the runway? Leave me a comment or send me a picture!

Click the image to head to Polyvore to find out more about the items shown!

Guest Services: Color Blocking

Welcome to the new and improved 'Guest Services'. Every month I feature a guest blogger, interview, or feature great projects from other fabulous DIYers! Want to be featured, or know someone who deserves it? Let me know!

Since color blocking is a popular trend this summer I've decided to kick off with a few great color blocking projects that are sure to spice up your life!

Yarn Lampshade Tutorial by Vintage Revivals

This beautiful ombre shade made using yarn and hot glue! Love it! Perfect way to bring character, color, and the color blocking trend into your home!

Color Block Bolster Pillow by Sew4Home

I love this pillow, and it has found its way onto my to-do list! A comfy and functional way to add the trend to your home! Choose colors you already incorporate into your room, and this pillow can tie the room together as the finishing piece!

Backyard Bird Bath by The Culinary Cougar

Your backyard needs love too!  How about this bright bird bath! Made from terra cotta pots, painted bold bright color-this is the perfect way to make a splash this season!

Color Block Clutch by PS I Made This

Such a simple project, so easy, so custom and so cute! Perfect addition to any wardrobe, especially if you're not completely in love with the trend! Add this to your daily ensemble and people will be lining up to compliment your style!

Make sure you not only check out these tutorials, but their sites as well! Some amazing projects you just can't miss out on-click on the name or image to be brought to their site!

Summer Trends

This summer, its all about neon colors and bold prints. Pull your brightest tones out, for a bold color blocking wardrobe, pair with gold statement screaming jewelry and you will be the talk of the town! Need something a little subtler? Black and white are always a safe play-pair with a bright colored blazer, layer your accessories and you can't go wrong! Floral's are a strong contender this season in the trend circles, especially in dresses and pants!

Check out this beautiful gold statement find, a Betsey Johnson large dragonfly crystal necklace. Retails for $150, purchased for $20 on ebay!

I've said it before, I'm not much of a trend chaser, but I can't help it when I love something cute...and it just happens to be trendy! I've gushing over florals lately, so my trend wishlist this season starts with florals,  everything from jackets to tops, to dresses and shorts! Next on my wishlist is the colorblock, this girl loves color, so it just seems natural to pair a few bright shades together to make a bold statement. Last but not least is gold. Up until a few months ago I never would have looked at something gold, much less purchased it. But its been creeping up on me-and now its found its way onto my wishlist!

Click the image to head to Polyvore, to find out who makes these fabulous items!

What trendy items are on YOUR wishlist this season?

INSPIRATION [glitter]

I know, I know why am I posting an INSPIRATION post today right? Because I couldn't resist the glitter.
Trust me, I know what they say. Glitter is the herpes of the crafting world. But I looooooove me some glitter!
I do try to stay away from it, but I can't help it if it calls to me with its shiny goodness! Plus I know you feel the same. So this INSPIRATION segment is all about glitter accessories.

Questions or comments? Let me know! Interested in how to get the zebra bangle look? Make sure you hit the subscribed button at the bottom of the page because that tutorial is coming up! =)
And make sure you check out the INSPIRATION tab for more great inspiring looks!

Graphic Print Accessories

Graphic accessories are IN right now. Normally I'm not much a trend chaser, but I've always had a soft spot in my heart for bold, chunky graphics: so being trendy right now means they are easy to find in every price range. Recently I hit up my local Goodwill [Grass Valley HWY, Auburn, CA] to see what kind of goodies I could find. Of course Goodwill is over thrown with Halloween stuff right now, but you never know what you'll find. Unfortunately I didn't score much, but I did find a chunky bangle in teal with a lotus motif overlay print. .99 ¢! 

October is a great time to visit thrift stores, they usually stock up for this time of year and unleash bigger and bigger discounts until Halloween so they can rid all of the stock! Make sure you check back often as the merchandise is circulated from location to location weekly, and the deeper into October you get, the higher the discounts! I've said it before, and I will say it hundred more times:

if you want to save money when shopping, know what you're looking for before you go.

This is true no matter where you shop. Local thriftstore, or Neiman and Marcus! Have an idea in your mind of what you need/want and start there. Sure you'll probably find other goodies along the way, but having a goal in your mind makes it easier to say NO when you get to the counter.

Following the graphic prints theme I made a quick wishlist of graphic stuff that I'm keeping my eyes peeled for!
What are you looking for?

Click the image to go to Polyvore and find out who made these totally cute items!