Outfit Post | The Vintage Set Returns

Today, I feel positive. You know when you get stuck in a bit of an emotional rut and everything seems to be pretty crappy? Yeah, that. Sometimes it can be the biggest chore to pull yourself out of it, but with a little help from some wonderful people in my life (lovely fellow bloggers included) I'm starting to feel a bit more normal. And what better way to celebrate than with an outfit post. Haha. So smooth Megs, so smooth.

Hat: Topshop. Jeans: Topshop. Blouse: C/O The Vintage Set. Bag: Vintage. Boots: H by Hudson. Belt: Vintage Lipstick: Topshop Infrared.

It's no secret that I am a bit of a sucker for The Vintage Set. Not only do they boast the most amazing Vintage finds (this shirt being one of them), but Charlotte is literally such a darling. She started her very own blog last week too, go and check it out :) I always think it's so refreshing to have a lovely person behind a great brand. I was lucky enough to be picked by Charlotte to write a guest post over on The Vintage Set blog, where I answer a few vintage-y questions! If you want to have a nose, click here to read the full interview :)

This outfit, albeit a bit country (which seems to be a regular choice for me?!), is I think slightly transitional. The days of bare legs and floaty dresses are done for this year and therefore it is time for jeans and a good pair of boots with woolly socks. Agreed? Good. And even though it's a little bit more chilly, there's still a wee bit of sunshine holding out. Which is why this shirt is so perfect. It's thin, floaty, pretty and simple, all of my favourite things in a garment; and I'm particularly fond of the collar. 

Hope you all had a fabby weekend. Mine consisted of Photography homework, watching an Elvis impersonator and copious amounts of sewing. Bloody brilliant.

Bleach

This, ladies and gentlemen, is my post-apocalyptic housewife custom created dress by Haus of Pardon My Fashion. I found this LBD in a Pile Sale (no surprise there), and it was in kinda sad shape. The chiffon was disintegrating and the tulle was all falling apart. But, it fit me like a glove and it only cost $4 so I brought it home with me. It sat in my closet for a loooong time until one day I had a vision; bleach. The dress was already in a state of despair, so why not just take that and run with it? I hung the dress on a fence in front of my apartment, took a bottle full of bleach and just kinda...tossed it on there. I let the bleach sit on the dress for about 10 minutes and voila! LOVE IT. The black satin ribbon turned a gorgeous burnt umber shade. The hemline looks like it's on FIRE! I want to create a collection based on this concept; in destruction there lies creation. All this deep thought from a simple little bleach project. Anywaysssss...I wore this out the the Scion Art Show on Saturday night. We took in the arts, but more importantly, we took in the open bar! After the show, we made our way to Vinoteque on Melrose on ordered bottles of wine and a smorgasbord of tapas. We at on the front porch and people watched, conversed, stuffed our bellies, and had a generally fantastic time.

Custom vintage dress. F21 Jewels. Wet Seal Booties.

Fall Trend Watch Day Five: Moccasins

Are you a girl who values practicality just as much as style?  Are you not willing to tolerate blisters, leg cramps, and lower back pain in the name of fashion?  Do you still want to look cool in chic-bohemian kind of way?

Sounds like you need some Minnetonka moccasins, by far some of the cutest and most comfortable shoes on the planet and available right at B. Younique boutique in Brighton.  These celebrity favorites are hand-made in the USA and are the perfect addition to your fall wardrobe.  B. Younique has tons of styles to choose from:

 These were my favorite; love the metal stud detailing.  I might need to go back for these babies.

Not sure how to wear this trend?  Find some great ideas on how to style your Minnetonka's here.

Watch this video to find out more about the company:



Check back next week for some Fashion Week Wrap Ups!

Have a great weekend!

Thanks Rochester A-List for sponsoring this series!

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

September Joliebox | London Fashion Week

Now, this is my first time trying a Joliebox, and I was super excited when the post-lady knocked the door yesterday afternoon bearing 5 new beauty bits for me to try, squee :)

Before even opening the box, I was greeted with the fabulous JolieMag, which was such a treat. Including interviews with some wonderful ladies and a few hints and tips on making catwalk looks achievable. The contents of the box was tailored to London Fashion week, with the idea that you could use all the products as a pre-fashion week prep. To ensure you were looking your best for the paps ;)

Personally, I think this is a fantastic idea, it makes the beauty box that much more accessible, when all the items can used in conjunction with one another. 

C/O Joliebox: Top to Bottom: Redken Align 12, Balmi Lip Balm, Twistband hair-tie, I Love... Coconut Face Mask, Dr Bragi,

I love that the Joliebox comes with a drawstring bag, and inside mine were these little goodies:

REDKEN Align 12 (Full Size RRP £10-15): Now, in my latest post I've admitted that I think less is more with hair care. And I think to some extent, I will always believe that. However, when I spotted this little handbag sized product I was immediately eager to try it. Volume is usually the factor I go for with my hair, but I must admit when I'm in a rush blow drying my hair, it does end up looking like a big fat bush (the tree kind, ahem). This product promises to smooth the hair leaving it silky and completely straight, whilst adding a little protection. I washed my hair last night, and gave it a good blow dry to test the water. I'm impressed. My hair was poker straight, and frizz free but it was still big and bouncy. Big thumbs up from me!

Balmi SPF 15 Mint Lip Balm (Full Size RRP £4.99): I nearly wet myself with excitement when I saw this. I have a big love for lip balms, and this one is actual perfection. Not only is it ridiculously aesthetically pleasing. C'mon guys, it's a cute little ball of lip balm.  But it's application is so clever. The balm itself is domed, which means you can apply it to both your lips at the same time! I got the mint flavoured one, which is so nourishing and soothing on the lips. Definitely going to pick some more of these up! Also, lovely to see a full sized product in the box :)

Twistband Hair Ties: This. This right here is the best thing EVER. Yes, it's a hairband, and I'm probably a bit too excited, but I don't care. It's my favourite thing in this box. I wear my hair up a lot, and sleep with my hair up too (because there's so much of it), and hate that I end up with a big fat kink in my hair when I have to take it down. This new invention not only looks prettier than a regular hairband, it doesn't leave a kink in your hair! It's lighter and less harsh on your hair but still has a great hold. I'm not sure if you can actually buy them in the UK yet, but they're so cheap in the US it's insane. MASSIVE love for these!

I love... Coconut Face Mask (Full Size RRP 49p?): I love (haha) the I love... brand. I have a few of their body washes from Superdrug and they smell divine. However, I really disliked this face mask. When I opened up the sachet the product was so gloopy I couldn't actually spread it over my face! The bits that managed to stick to my face dripped off, and I admit, I took it off before it could fully set. Not something I would consider using again :( (it smelled amazing though!)

Dr. Bragi Bio Marine Exfoliant (Full Size RRP £25): I tried out one of the little satchets before I tried the Coconut mask. I loved it. The fine beads were big enough to feel like they were working the dirt out of my skin, but not large enough to cause any discomfort. My skin felt so smooth and fresh after use and there was no irritation (my skin is super sensitive, so I was impressed)!

Overall, I am massively happy with this months edition, not only was it a new twist on the beauty box theme, meaning I could use all the products in the same evening; but I've discovered some fab brands that I may not have tried otherwise. 

Have you signed up for your Joliebox yet? If so, what variety box did you receive this month? :)

p.s. You can still get your hands on this box, if you subscribe by midnight on Sunday 30th Sept!!

Fall Trend Watch Day 4: Classic Cashmere

Looking for some luxury in your life?

Check out Tess & Carlos, the beautiful, new high-end boutique in Pittsford where you will find today's fall trend in abundance:  classic cashmere.

Cashmere NEVER goes out of style.  Like ever (to quote Taylor Swift).  This fall, like many falls before, cashmere is back and better than ever before.  More detail, more modern cuts, this season's cashmere sweater is a wardrobe must-have.

I fell in love with this Kokun sweater when I saw it in the window of Tess & Carlos last week:

I had to try it on (with a tank and scarf of course).  Simple, easy style that you can wear year after year?  Yes, please.  The finest, softest cashmere that has ever graced this skin of mine?  The perfect cut and weight?  All in an easy to match with everything I own charcoal?  Sold!  Now just picture this ensemble with the riding boots I featured on Tuesday...  Ah-mazing!  I'm getting excited, are you?

Kokun sweater $475, Majestic tank $105, Franco Ferrari scarf $625

The next sweater I decided to try was this Margaret O'Leary cashmere cardigan.  It was heavenly.  Not only is it uber-high quality, but the cut is so modern and fashion forward.  I liked it half buttoned, but it can also be worn open like a jacket, or get ready, get ready: buttoned all the way up as a turtleneck.  So versatile and gorgeous!

Margaret O'Leary cardigan $495, Majestic tank $105

Tess & Carlos made me feel like I was back in NYC.  It is great to have accessibility to these high-end boutique brands right here in Rochester.  These aint your grandma's sweater sets, they are a modern and fresh take on cashmere; the epitome of downtown chic and comfortable, effortless luxury.  

If you are going to splurge this fall, why not invest in a classic cashmere sweater from Tess & Carlos?  Your wardrobe will thank you.

Fall Trend Watch Day 3: Wear With Anything Leather Bag

Want to know what makes me happy?  A new bag.  Want to know what makes me even happier?  Buying a bag with the same structure as a Louis Vuitton speedy for a FRACTION of the price.  

This fall, practical and structured bags with a bit of fun are all the rage. Fahsye just got in a gorgeous line of leather bags from Thailand called Rainbo. They are the only shop in the US to carry them, so unlike LV, you won't see everyone and their mother walking around with your bag.  They are exclusive, well-made, genuine leather and available at the palatable price of $299.00.  

They are available in three delicious colors and PYTHON is coming soon!  Oh. Baby.

Is anyone surprised that I went for the pink?  Didn't think so.. and yes, I cropped out my head.  Bad. Hair. Day.

Try to ignore my yellow Target rain boots and focus on the overall picture: adorable bag, perfect size, optional shoulder strap, and easy wearability.

Instead of dropping more than two grand on an empriente speedy or getting a new Coach or Kate Spade this year, why don't you head over to Fahsye and give Rainbo a try?  Be sure to tell them that the Fashionista sent you.  ;)  Happy Shopping!

xoxo

Jenny

The Flower City Fashionista

Get caught up with the Rochester A-List Fall Trend Watch here and here.

Daily Hair Care Routine | Video

This is my hair:

Over on my little YouTube channel, I have had many a request to film my 'Hair Care Routine'. I am warning you now, be prepared to waste about 5 mintues of your life if you watch this video, because I probably have the most boring, plain routine known to man! 

Like most things in my beauty regime, I like to keep my hair care quite simple. And although I love trying and testing new products, in all honesty I am very lazy, so once I find something that really works for me I stick to it. In my experience, too much product is definitely not the way forward. Keeping it simple leaves my hair full and manageable! 

Hope you guys enjoyed it :) all the links to the products I use are in the down bar of the video content, should you wish to read up on them in further detail!

What about you...Do you have any hair care products you couldn't live without? :)

Fall Trend Watch Day 2: Riding Boots

Welcome to Day Two of Fall Trend Watch sponsored by Rochester A-List!

What?  You missed Day One?  Have no fear, you can find out what you missed right here:   Fall Trend Watch Day 1

If you know me, you know that my fall/winter "uniform" consists of skinnies and riding boots.  It's such an easy way to pull a look together.

Skinny jeans + t-shirt + cardi + boots = simple, casual fall style. If you're feeling really crazy you can add a scarf and belt to the mix.  I know, I know mind = blown.

Lucky for us Rochester gals, Suzanne's in Pittsford carries Tory Burch riding boots.  You don't get much more classic, sophisticated, and comfortable than these babies.  If there is anything you plan on investing in this season, a timeless pair of boots would be my pick.  A fall wardrobe must-have, these chic equestrian numbers go with everything and won't go out of style.  An investment?  Sure, but you'll wear them forever!

There are several styles you can choose from at Suzanne's.

Classic Black:

That bag is pretty fabulous too...

Sienna:

Two Tone Minimalist:

Here I am giving the basic black boots a test drive:

Pretty cute huh?  (Not me, the boots!)

Let's just say I was pretty tempted to buy them.  If I did not own an almost identical pair, they would be mine.  Hard to justify dropping $500 when their twin is sitting in your closet at home.  Le sigh.  #bloggerproblems

What is the one investment piece that you are dying to add to your wardrobe this fall?

Fall Trend Watch Day 1: Sequins and Leather

In honor of Fashion Week, Rochester A-List sent me on a mission to scour local boutiques for the latest trends.  Armed only with my i-phone and an eye for style, I left the kids with grandma and grandpa on an expedition to shop til I dropped.  (Rough life, I know!)

Every day this week I will highlight a different fall trend and tell you where you can find it in Rochester.

To kick off this series, I went to Dado, one of my favorite local boutiques, in search of sequins and leather.  Think you can't pair a blinged-out cocktail dress with a motor cycle jacket?  Think again.  Leather and sequin accents are big this fall, and like two heads, two trends tend to be better than one.

Here's what I found...  

The moment I walked in, I locked eyes with this beauty; it was love at first sight.

Then these glittery cocktails numbers caught my eye (obviously, I mean, I'm from NJ, we like our bling).

After salivating over everything in the store.  I finally brought these four items into the fitting room:

I loved this combination of leather, silk and sequins.  Sadly the pants were not my size, so instead of humiliating myself and making you uncomfortable witnessing that unfortunate display, I decided to spare you a photo.  Let's just say it wasn't pretty...

 

This sparkly, fringed dress was another story. (Just think how smokin' it would have looked had I come armed with my Spanx!) Note to self:  carry shapewear at all times.

 I could probably go up a size in the jacket, but I still LOVED this combination.  Back in my other life (pre-broke SAHM/blogger) I would have bought both in a heart beat.  Sadly, neither was in the budget.  **tear** But, if any of you want to "adopt" a local blogger... :)

What do you think?  Will you try mixing glitz and leather this fall?  

What trend are you excited to wear this season?

My Daily Make-up Routine | Video

So this is my face without make-up:

Not a pretty sight! But I had quite a few requests to film a 'Daily Make-up Routine' on my YouTube channel, so here it is...

I probably should've saved this video for a day where I wasn't recovering from the flu, or had only 4 hours sleep, but filming it once was more than enough for me!!
It's taken quite a bit of guts to post my naked face on the internet for all to see, so if you're feeling in a bit of a mean mood, it would be lovely if you didn't say anything haha. (I know I have serious bags and spots going on, blergh).

My make-up routine hasn't changed for a LONG time, I kinda just stick to what I know, so if anyone has any tips for me please let me know :) would love to learn a few new tricks.

Mu Launch at TRATA

Head on over to The Flower City Fashionista to read all about the Mu launch party at TRATA last night!  Get the scoop here.

xoxo

Jenny

Drop It

Another day, another shift dress. It's (still) insanely hot in SoCal, so this little number has been the perfect Fall transition piece. I am obsessing over all things drop-waisted right now, and this dress is totally drop-waisting it like it's hot...which it is. HOT. The dress looks great solo, but with a change in the weather I am totally throwing this bad boy on over a choice pair of pants, grabbing a big ass hat, and having myself a Louis Vuitton moment. (I am also very into the dresses-over-pants thing. I think it's a thing? Is that a thing? I am MAKING it a thing.) Future plans for this dress also include chopping it straight down the center and turning it into a long vest, a la my favorite Fall 2012 collection, Prada. Such a versatile piece for a $5 thrift store find.

Thrifted dress and shoes. Jessica Simpson necklace. F21 Bracelet.