Design Element: Glitter

Glitter.

It transcends all age groups! It's my favorite. What girl doesn't love it? 

Anyone that's ever bought a tube of glitter at a craft store knows that it's not expensive...why, then, are all of the pretty, pretty glittered items so.expensive.  Is it because all that glitters is Miu Miu?

These are my picks for glittery items, some of which will burn a hole in your bank account & others which are more affordable.

Enjoy. Hope you sparkle in the New Year.
xo.
xo.

1. ASOS Limited Edition Lightning Bold pin - $11.
2. HSN Twiggy London Glitter Bangle - Set of five for $35.
3. Miu Miu Glitter and Suede Slingback Wedge Sandal - $650.
4. Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch in silver- $550 (In a more traditional black color here).
5. Wildfox Couture Gold Sparkle Heart Tee - $105.
6. Zara Glitter Ball Purse - $29.
7. Deborah Lippman glitter nail polish in Across the Universe - $18.
8. Miu Miu Glitter Wedge Platform Sandal (Pre-order) - $750.
9. J. Crew Mona Oxford Pump - $238.
10. ASOS Limited Edition Glitter Star Ring - $11.
11. Marc Jacobs Glitter Mouse Ballerina Flat - $230. 

Old Navy Sweater Dress + Vest

Wore this Old Navy sweater dress again this weekend.  I also bought it in a leopard print which I have yet to feature but I'm hoping the cool weather continues and so that I can sport it soon.

This is one of the first times that I have gotten to wear these GZ shoes that I got in September.  My feet are so narrow that the peep toe actually makes these shoes a little uncomfortable.  Does anyone have a solution for toes that go through peep toes in shoes? I mean really. What the heck? I wore them with an insole, but no luck. 

This dress has turned out to be a pretty good buy; it was a relatively inexpensive purchase and can be worn many different ways, including with a fun vest - as seen below.

xo.xo.

OOTD: Merry Christmas + Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

I've spent the last couple of days with my family + my love. It was perfect.

I hardly ever wear red, but I thought it was the right time to break out these skinny jeans that I got at TJ Maxx.  They're festive paired with the sequined top!

If I'm sort of leery of a fashion trend, I test the trend out by picking up an item at an affordable store like Forever 21 or TJ Maxx.  I love the look of colored denim but truthfully did not break the bank on either the blue or red pair that I now own because I wasn't sure if I'd love the look on me.  

I kind of love red now. 

My lovely boyfriend bought the sweetest gift for me; the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM.  I wasn't so much touched by what he got but how he got it...t and I love him all the more for it. :)

Enjoy the rest of your time off with your friends & family.

xo.xo

Nordstrom sequin small crystal bangle. 

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE PHOTOS

Nanette Lepore & "You wore It Best"

Happy :)

A couple of weeks ago I received an e-mail informing me that I had won Nanette Lepore's weekly "You Wore it Best" contest on her Facebook page.  I was so surprised!  A photo that I previously posted here on TFE was selected.  In the photo, I am wearing the designers' Magic Rain dress.  In June of this year, Augustin of RGB Monster took lots of pictures of me in the dress, and one of those pictures got chosen!

Click here to see the link to the picture that won.

Today I got my prize in the mail - a giftcard for the local Nanette Lepore boutique.  I'm so excited to get something new with the giftcard; I love her clothes.

Thanks again to Magali, Jimmy & the Nanette Lepore team.

xo.xo.

OOTD: Mixing Metals + Gucci Heels

Hello! Are you tiring of shots in front of Christmas trees & presents yet? I'm sort of pushing it to the limit with the  Holiday Cheer, I think. 

I mix metals all the time; I have friends that stick only to either gold, silver, etc., but would never wear a gold watch with a silver bracelet. 

For these photos I had on a bronze cuff, silver watch and gold necklace.  The little pyramid spikes on the belt are pewter.  

What do you guys do? 

xo,

The Fashionable ESQ

OOTD: On A Green Kick + Fendi Forever Boston Bag

Another holiday party and another post with the color green!  

Even though the shade of green on my cami in this post is a bit more springish, the blazer makes it more of a  {Florida} winter worthy outfit. 

I added the leopard belt because it contrasts really well with the color of the top. 

OOTD: Hunter Green Zara Dress With Split Sleeves + Christmas Party

Continuing on my theme of OMG I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!, I attended a holiday party at a great couple's home this weekend.  I wore a hunter green dress from Zara with cutout sleeves.  This style of dress is my current favorite!  I always gravitate towards loose fitting mini dresses with 3/4 length sleeves.  I love the look of something that's not too overtly sexy but still looks chic and effortless.

I think a deep green color pairs really well with gold or bronze accessories.  I resisted the urge to pile on a ton of accessories because the gathering was laid back, but trust me, I wanted to trick this puppy out.

Yes. I really did say that...

Design Element: Bows

Bows! Whether it's on a tie neck blouse or a hair pin, I love the idea of putting a bow on a blouse or a bag as a design element.  They're feminine and flirty and everyone ranging from high-end designers down to affordable brands put them on their items.

Below are two different sets of items; the first is the break the bank set (if you're feeling generous).  The second set showcases items that are affordable, so you can pick one of each up for everyone on your Christmas list (me). 

1. Moschino Cheap & Chic Bow Neck Show Dress .
2. Mulberry Tippi Blouse on Mulberry.com. ASOS carries a similar style blouse by River Island that is on sale now for $39.
3. Valentino Patent leather Round Toe Pumps.  These are showstoppers and I'm absolutely in love with them. The satin and crystal version are amazing. The open toed version is also gorgeous.  You need these.
4. Prada Lurex Jacquard silk sleeveless Dress .
5. I'm embarrassed to say that when I made this set, I forgot to save the designer of this top! I love it! Does anyone know who makes it? Milly? Nanette Lepore? 
6. Chloe Rachel Bow Embellished Leather Clutch on sale on Net-a-porter.com.
7 .Louis Vuitton Sarah Noeud vernis wallet. Out of stock wonderfulness.
8. Salvatore Ferragamo Bow headband.  Currently sold out but now available in a glitter version?! Too.Much.Can't.Handle.

1. Juicy Couture Bow Back mini dress.
2. ASOS Velvet Bow slippers
3. Topshop Bow Trim Cross body Bag.
4. Lilly Pulitzer Skinny Bow Belt.
5. M-Butterfly Victorian Style Blouse. 
6. Dorothy Perkins Green Dandelion Bow Blouse.
7. ModCloth No Cutting Corners Heels.   Want these!
8. Fred Flare Hello Kitty Bow Brass Knuckles Ring
9. Delia's Stripe Bow Tee. 
10. ASOS Orelia Resin Bow Clip.


Readers: If you had to pick one of these 18 items, which one would you choose? 


XO,
TFE

OOTD: Colored Denim in December

Colored denim, specifically, bright blue skinnies from Old Navy. 

It's Florida, so there are no seasonal guidelines to adhere to here, because we basically have no seasons. I'm currently hunting for a pair of rust colored/dark orange ones skinny jeans or corduroys. What do you guys think of wearing colored denim in December? 

Click under the cut for more pictures :D

OOTD: Equipment Lace Blouse + Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Necklace

My Vita bracelet & another treasured bracelet; a gift from a friend.

A couple of years ago Equipment re-emerged with the perfect flowy top; their Signature blouse.  The design quickly became the perfect stylish blouse template.  They're on every fashion conscious girls' wishlist. I got mine on a deep discount at the Outnet.

Elle Magazine & Guess by Marciano Cocktails & Style Sweepstakes - Art Basel, Miami, Fl

Art Basel is a week long Miami art show that draws in a lot of snowbirds and art lovers to the city.  The week is filled with non-stop parties.  Some of the events are put on by high end jewelry lines like Cartier, and other festivities include photography and jewelry exhibitions from lesser known artists.  Regardless of the event, it's always fun to attend something during Art Basel, and it makes for great people watching.

The Patron Social Club sent me and a guest to the Guess by Marciano & Elle Magazine Cocktails & Style Sweepstakes party. 

The event was hosted in South Beach at the Guess Store on Lincoln Road.  For the first time in a long time, we had somewhat cooler and breezy weather so I paired a navy sweater dress with leopard patterned tights. 

The event was a collaboration between Elle Magazine, Patron & Guess.  They served cocktails with ginger beer (not my thing, I discovered) & appetizers like mini lobster rolls and roast beef with crystallized something on top, which was delicious.  Great music, too; great DJ.  Overall a very fun experience.. 

Weekend Snapshots

Juicy Couture T-Shirt from Shopbop (Which I've worn for two weeks straight.
Love this t-shirt). No longer available but check these out from Wildfox Couture.

Mink Pink + Ban.do + Key Biscayne, Bill Bagg's Park

Went to Key Biscayne last weekend with my other half/other ESQ and took a bike ride along the water's edge.

Later we climbed to the top of the lighthouse at Bill Bagg's State Park and I got scared because I'm a wimp.

And we were really high. Really.

Cynthia Rowley + TJ Maxx find!

CasaIdeas, Miami

Last weekend the blog (me) was invited to tour the new Casaideas store in Sunset Place.  Casaideas is a home goods store with an emphasis on...it's hard to say actually.  There was so much going in there!  You can basically get anything from a shower curtain to a cute notebook to an adorable woven basket for your magazines. The store is pretty big, with an entire upper level dedicated to children's items.

I believe the store originated in Chile and there are stores in Columbia and Peru, but the Miami store is the first in the US!  They have a a wide variety of kitchen products like spatulas, timers, and trays.  They also have a large selection of items for the bath, like mats, shower curtains, and shower caps.  I saw a patio umbrella for sale.  I also saw stuffed toys for kids.  I'm telling you - everything.  As far as the pricing was concerned, I thought it was all pretty reasonably priced.

Enjoy the snapshots I took while we toured Casaideas (picture heavy post).

Happy Halloween

Yumi Kim + Zara + Seven + Happy Sunday

Sundays are a reminder that I would like 3 days weekends to be the norm.  Thank you. 

Hello, & happy Sunday.  

We're being lazy.  Sundays are made for that, right?  

Off topic: The Tourist is on TV...how badly do I want every single outfit that Angelina Jolie wears in this movie?!

PS: Picture heavy post

The days are still hot and sticky, but in my mind I'm trying to transition my wardrobe.  The 90+ weather isn't helping things.  Between the humidity fogging up the camera lens and puffing up my hair, these pictures didn't have a chance.  It took a little Siamese cat and a lovely boyfriend to keep me happy for these shots.

Rebecca Taylor + Vince + Ebay Steal

The second I got my new Rebecca Taylor jacket in the mail, I loved it and had to wear it.  There's no way that the weather here is even close to jacket ready but you better believe that I put it on anyway, at least for pictures.  I like how the jacket looks with jeans but I also wore it to work over an all black shift and it was adorable.  I snagged the jacket on Ebay for a mere $24.00, brand new, with tags!  By the way -am I slacking on the picture department lately? Garden hoses in the background and ponytails with wet hair, yikes! Haters to the left.

Recent Acquisitions: Rebecca Taylor + Tahari Earrings

Hi! I've been on a blog hiatus, non voluntarily imposed.  Below are pictures of some new purchases.  Did you know that Tahari has a jewelry line?  I loved the color on the earrings I picked up.  My favorite purchase by far is the Rebecca Taylor jacket that I snagged on e-bay.  You guys will never guess how much I paid for it.  Brand new, with tags...

Enjoy! xoxo:

Pocket detail from my new Rebecca Taylor jacket!

Giuseppe Zanotti's + Hello September

Ban.Do + Weekend Photos

I didn't have a chance to take full outfit photos this weekend but I did get some interesting shots of the accessories I wore.  Hope everyone stayed safe & dry.

JIOIA Jewelry + Arm Party

I attended a trunk show last week for a jewelry line called JIOIA, designed and produced by Jessica (soon to be Mrs. Arango, congratulations!).  She's an ambitious architect
by day and jewelry designer by day, night, and everywhere in between.  She began by taking classes here and there, on how to physically make the pieces, and away she went.  Most of what she makes is hand made & completely gorgeous.  I enjoyed the intimate setting of the show, with low lighting, candles, and lots of delicious snacks.  If you're interested in anything that I feature in this post, please let me know so that I can pass the word along, or you can just e-mail Jessica by clicking here to order a piece.  

Jessica is giving 10% off to readers of TFE!

OOTD: Vintage Vuitton + New Vuitton

This vintage Louis Vuitton is an adorable shaped bag.  This crescent moon bag is chic and can be worn in a cross-body style. 

Jessica's vintage half moon bag by Louis Vuitton 

This is my Louis Vuitton Jasmine bag.  I've mentioned before, my love of LV Epi leather.  My Jasmine bag is a few years old already; LV has updated this style by tweaking the hardware and the shape (slightly) but they still make it.  They do not, however, make it in this beautiful blue color.

I've always loved the color of this bag!

Designer Spotlight: Milly Love

I'd have to say that next to jeans, dresses are the single most popular item in my closet.  I love Milly dresses because they're really well tailored and structured.  They all have a very feminine, lady-like design to them.  I guarantee you, try any one of these on and you'll feel like a million bucks.  And you'll only have to spend about $350 to achieve that million. Ha. 

1. Beaded Maxine Dress 

2. Justene Dress (older dress, so harder to find, but so gorgeous).

3. Lipstick Red Nigela Dress

4. Ruffle Back Lace Dress (Check out the back on this one!)

5. Tribal Tie Dress

6. Crocodile Effect Silk Halter Neck Gown (Look at the back on this one also, dying!)

Girls, I'm trying the collage thing for the first time - Let me know what you think? Are these kinds of posts boring because you see them on a lot of fashion blogs, or do you like them because they expose you to all kinds of new merchandise? As if you needed more shopping temptation!

Blogger Perks + Anika Burke

My dear friend, Meli who authors Melificent was presented with the idea of hosting a secret mini sale of sorts in conjunction with the California based clothing and accessories boutique, Anika Burke.
I had never heard of this small boutique before but as I've browsed their site I found at least 3 things that I wanted. Now.

1. Peacock Feather Necklace
2. Time for Adventure shorts
3. Rompin' Round Romper

The deal is this: the shorts and the romper, along with several other items are available for purchase for only $15 bucks via this link - for Melificent readers.

Enjoy :)

Photo via we heart it.

D&G Lace + Love

Jewelry: Nordstrom; Shoes: Gucci

JIOIA Jewelry

Get excited - I'm was invited to a trunk show for JIOIA Jewelry next week.  JIOIA is an emerging jewelry and handbag/clutch line based out of Miami.  There are some really phenomenal pieces with bright stones; how cute are the bezel cut teardrop earrings?  I think that they're good pieces that transition from the office to after work drinks.  Below are some teaser photos.

Which one of these pieces is your favorite? Let me know! 


Also, if anyone in the Miami area is interested in attending the show, e-mail me.

Recent Acquisitions: Ban.Do + Beverly Feldman

New ban.do accessories & Beverly Feldman shoes!

Review: Gap Bow City Flats

I recently got back from a vacation where I walked/hiked/trekked/whined my way through many city streets.  In this post I detailed how I had wanted a comfortable, chic flat for my trip.  I bought these Gap Bow City Flats after reading the reviews on Gap.com.  The reviews said to size up between 1/2 a size and a full shoe size.  I sized up 1/2 a shoe size and I should have gone with one full shoe size.  They retail for about $40, but you'll always find a sale on Gap.com

Gap Bow City Flats

Giveaway Winner: Stella & Dot Bardot Bangle!

Congrats, Danielle!

Danielle is a new TFE reader and I'm very glad to have her.  She runs a blog called Love & Look Pretty.  She has really good luck because this isn't the first giveaway she's won! (I've never won anything except a cruise when I was in the 6th grade when my best friend and I went to eat at a hole in the wall Chinese restaurant; I dropped my name on a slip of paper in a glass bowl and won.  My parents did not let me go. I was 12.  Now I'm much older and fashionable. Is this post about me? NO. Congratulations, Danielle!  As always, a big thank you to Tracy of Stella & Dot.

Peru Photo Diary

This post is more of a photo diary than a fashion diary.  I hope you don't mind.  There were lots of great pictures from our trip that I wanted to share.  Lots of colors & textures.  The temperature was considerably cooler in Cusco, and by 'considerably cooler', I basically mean that I died and became an ice cube.  This is also the point in our trip where I rocked a ponytail and never let me hair down again - because our hotel ( and I use this word loosely) did not have hot water.  Well, it actually did have hot water, but it was upon request; a fact we did not find out until our last night there.  All in all, it was a completely memorable trip with lots of great laughs, a total experience. 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway.  There's still a chance to win the Stella & Dot Bardot Bangles!

Turquoise heart shaped paperweight found in an open-air market.

Lima, Peru Part II

Here are some more pictures from our trip to Lima and what I wore.

In the lobby of the Hotel Atton

Lima, Peru Part I

I am a terrible packer, I know that you're all aware.  I always miss my closet when I am living out of a suitcase.  I did my best.  Please enjoy some pictures from our recent trip to Lima, Peru.

Lots of colorful shots at every corner.  I really like this one.  Good timing.

Stella & Dot Giveaway + Affordable Summer Pieces

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!!

This outfit is my take on an easy, affordable summer outfit.  A while back, Refinery 29 published a post about putting together outfits for under $50.  I love this idea!  When I started to look through these pictures I realized that a lot of the items I chose for this outfit were pretty affordable.

Do you love glittery, sparkly things as much as I do? 

Now, on to the good stuff.

In this post, I gave away the Charlotte Charm Necklace by Stella & Dot after I teamed up with Tracy Bennet, a really cool & generous S&D sales rep.

What am I giving away this time around??