dres♥scapades

When you're building a wardrobe on limited funds sometimes... you're forced to make tough decisions.

     Ok you in-the-know shoppers, I need your help. This weekend, I was working on a piece for patternrebellion.com (check us out) on Navajo inspired Winter trends. Besides navajo print sweaters point A (request for restock ladies, but PLEASE save one for me), one of the navajo trends you saw this summer that you can certainly rock this winter are Fringe Boots! Now I've been in the long grueling process of tackling my winter wishlist with limited funds, barely made any purchase besides what I found ravaging through what was leftover of Macy's Black Friday Masscre; I want my dollar to go far and I'm certain that fringe boots deserve a spot on that list.

I found these from UO a steal but here's my dilemma...

     You remember mary janes, right? They used to accompany clingy white stockings, frilly pink socks and itchy tulle dresses? Or maybe for you they box stepped in tap class? Or pushed paper in the office? Next in the mary jane evolution? Think a little more height and a little more sexy making an appearance every and anywhere you want.

     No longer just for little girls or tap class, maryjanes have been popping up in wide range of new styles! From two-tone to two strap, platform to wedge, closed toe to peep toe, canvas to  patent leather... In every shade, for any look, maryjanes, an emblem of femininity, have proven their longevity and continued relevance.

Here are some of my favorite mary janes from around the web:

Heels, shmeels. The newest way to add ease and sophistication to your outfits is with loafers! My affinity with loafers began with 80%20's Trudy Seersucker Wedge and since then I've been jonesing for another (million and one) pair(s). And it just so happens I have a wide variety of styles to choose from: animal prints, velvet, colors abound, even loafers with (get this) heels.

So how will you wear yours?

Perhaps pair your leopard print loafers with ModCloth's Essential Elegance Skirt and a crisp white tuxedo shirt to add spunk and effortlessness to your office wear.

Or peruse Urban Outfitter's broad list of cigarette jeans, add v-neck sweater and an elbow patch blazer. Finish off the look with a pair of lush black velvet loafers for a laid back menswear look. 

OR for an all-around comfy chic style, go for an over sized cable knit sweater and sweater tights. Punctuate the grandpa look with either tapestry or tassel loafers.

Of course there are more styles out there--neon colors, studded, woven, metallic and of course as mentioned before heeled loafers... this means more ways to be creative! More looks you can create! Heck enough looks to wear loafers for the rest of your days!

Here are some of my favorite reasonably priced loafers from around the web. Just click the pic to buy! 

Jessica Alba is THE pioneer of wearing the scarf most effectively in Hollywood (with Hilary Duff following closely behind). With a collection of colorful, bright, eye-catching scarves, its clear that this busy mom/actress really understands how to make fashion work for her lifestyle. The point is to let this versatile accessory do most of the work. So for you fashion handicapped: take note, my dears; This is an easy way to look effortlessly chic with the least effort possible.

I didn't wake up January 13th and feel particularly different. I didn't expect much of the world or that anything would change from the day before. But that was day... when she came back. Another graze with a destiny that I suppose will never come to pass.

An eclipse perhaps? A rare and unusual meeting but short lived, nonetheless. Yes I believe the world spins for ModCloth's Floral Falling Leggings. Not the most glamorous of their items but apparently the most elusive. I've been on a wild goose chase in pursuit of these leggings and the harder they are to catch, the more I NEED them. I first laid eyes on them over a year ago in March, at the very beginning of my dresscapade. I'd just discovered ModCloth, who (let's give credit where it is due) inspired my dresscapade. I was learning that fashion wasn't all short skirts and name brands and RULES. When I saw them I wasn't sold right away. It took time but something always drew me to them. They were mysterious, dangerous even--at least for a plain Jane like me. As a college student, you could probably guess that money was tight and while they definitely don't break the bank, at $17.99 I was very hesitant about how and when and why I spent my money. 

Around my birthday I was enamoured and planned to gift them to myself. A few days before I was set to buy it I was devastated to see that they were out of stock. I must've pressed the "notify me on restock" button about a million times. To my luck (kind of. I just so happened to be stressed with finals and graduation and sick at the time) one, I'm guessing, did not impress as they were meant to. So without hesitation. I purchased them. I was ecstatic. Just an eclipse. Rare. Short Lived. You know. I recieved an email that there was an error and that I would be refunded my money. When my other things arrived, I saw on the reciept that the leggings had been crossed out and next to them a hand drawn sad face (which admittedly made me feel slightly better). I tried to move on but when the summer came all I could think about was how great they'd go with my grey v-neck tunic, a long cardi and a straw fedora. I thought to go to the source and so I tweeted ModCloth only for them to confirm the inevitible... We were never meant to be. I had to accept and move on.

Then came January 13th. When I recieved an email that they were back in stock and to "hurry!" I did. I hadn't thought of them in months. I didn't think there would ever be another chance for us. I'd expected to have them in my hands by the following Monday. But not before long I'd recieved another email. I don't think I have to tell you what it said. You see we have a history as you've read. Our relationship, like Moon, is hopeless. My love never waivers though I am the moon. I'm forced only admire from  my dark cold corner and covet you, world, that get to bask in its summery beams. patooooie.

And as we approach yet another summer without you My Love, I can't help but think about what could have been v_v