April Shopping - How I Did

I wasn't saving for anything in particular in April and it definitely showed because I shopped like it was going out of style.  I am shocked/disgusted by how much I purchased, and I definitely think this exercise is helping me understand I have huge shopping issues and is showing me the importance of a shopping diet (which I am imposing on myself for the month of May).

Thrifted: A jean jacket that I made into a vest, three pairs of shorts (the jean and floral below plus one not shown), a blouse, and a clutch.  Luckily none of these items cost more than $5 each.

 

Old Navy: A pair of flip flops (not shown), a knitted tank, and a pair of jeans (shown with the belt below)... all on clearance

Clothing: A pair of jeans at 70% off (at the tailor right now), a J Crew cardigan on sale, and a pair of Rory Beca Shorts (purchased with a Shopbop giftcard)

Jewelry: 2 pairs of earrings from Kathleen Whitaker

Bags: The Rafe Roxy Painted Python Mini Swing Bag and a Whiting and Davis Mini Drawstring Pouch (purchased with a Shopbop giftcard)

Accessories: A belt from Banana Republic Outlet

Won: Sunglasses from Cafe Fashionista, an ELZEE Pink Sandbar Necklace from Jeana Sohn.

Wow, crazy.  In May I am going to start saving for a leather jacket and curtains for our dining room.  Hopefully having a goal keeps me on track and this list is non existent next time around.

Style Profile: Lauren M.

This is the first post in a new series on my blog called "Style Profiles". 

I have talked about Lauren, my best friend of 15 years, a few times on my blog.  Lauren moved to LA in 2005 to pursue a career in acting.  In 2008 she started writing her blog L's List and a few years later started a second blog titled Instead of Pajamas.  It was fun learning about the thought process behind Lauren's style and how being a working actress has effected the way she looks at fashion.

Did moving from the East to West Coast change your approach to dressing?

Definitely! There's a more laid-back feel to SoCal so I started dressing more casually when I moved here.  I also started wearing more color. People don't wear as much black here as they do on the East Coast. 

How has being a working actress effected your style?

I find that having to be in touch with different sides of myself for different roles makes me drawn
to an eclectic array of styles. One day I feel bohemian, the next glamorous.

What are your favorite places to shop in LA?

One of my favorite things about LA is the selection of independent boutiques. I LOVE shopping on Main St. and also Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. Melrose (Ave.) is great also. Planet Blue is a must if you're in town.

Who are your style icons?

Audrey Hepburn, Kate Hudson, Kate Middleton.

What 5 pieces in your closet can you not live without?

Level 99 skinny jeans, Nine West boots, BR black dress, black leggings, cut off shorts.

In your opinion what 5 pieces should every women own?

A LBD, a nice white tee or blouse, a black blazer, a pair of dark jeans, and a statement bag.

What lead you to create your blog/blogs?

I've always loved writing and I thought it would be great to share things I enjoy with others.
Also, after taking journalism classes I thought the regular writing (even if it is short and casual) would help me keep my skills fresh.

Which tv character's wardrobe would you like to raid?

I have several! Both Blair and Serena from Gossip Girl, Brooke from One Tree Hill, Victory from Lipstick Jungle, Pamela Barnes Ewing from Dallas, and Alex and Jane from Happy Endings.

What is your favorite item to splurge on?

Handbags!

What is the best your best vintage/thrift find? How much was it and where did you find it?

I think my best find to date (not in terms of value, but in what I really enjoy wearing) is my red print dress seen here.  I bought it at Cafe Society in Brookline, MA for $19.

Are you a shoe, handbag, or jewelry girl?

Definitely handbag. (I also have a watch and knee-high boot fetish!)

What blogs do you find inspiring?

I like seeing the different outfits Jessica puts together at What I Wore; Betty is amazing at Le Blog De Betty; Rockstar Diaries for clothes and lifestyle; Style Me Pretty (even though it's wedding-centric, the ideas are transferable to other events-so pretty and creative); and of course the vintage finds at Brileeo are inspiring! 

Thanks Lauren!  If you are interested in being my next "Style Profile" please email me at brianneoneil@gmail.com

Giveaway! Follow Shopbop for a $100 Giftcard!

Who wouldn't love $100 to spend at the online retailer Shopbop?  The purveyor of all things cool, Shopbop is my number one stop for items such as Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Calvin Klein underwear (my fav), Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, Pamela Love jewelry, and Rory Beca.  In order to enter the giveaway:

1. Please be a follower of my blog and leave a comment below with your email address
2. Follow Shopbop on Twitter.

This giveaway is open to US and International readers.  I will choose a winner, Monday, May 7.  Good luck!

You Are Mine!

Source: ebags.com via Brianne on Pinterest

Rafe "Roxy Painted Python Mini Swing Bag"... boy, that's a mouthful.  On sale here. (use promotion code BEST to get 15% off the entire website plus free shipping)

And here is how I would style it for a date night with the hubs.

Source: briannelee.polyvore.com via Brianne on Pinterest

NEED

Source: style.com via Brianne on Pinterest

I "need" a tiny cross body bag!  I even had a dream last night that I found a vintage one at an estate sale.  So far I haven't come across any in my price range that I actually like.  Any suggestions?

I'm Shipping Up To Boston

Source: briannelee.polyvore.com via Brianne on Pinterest

In a few weeks I am heading back to Boston to visit my family and friends.  I can't wait!  However, again I can only pack a carry-on due to that fact I will be schlepping my bag around two airports and NYC later in my visit.  Luckily I am staying with my parents so I can do laundry while I am there.  I will be wearing clothes on the plane that can be easily mixed and matched through the rest of my stay.  I will try to pack basics that can also easily be mixed and fun accessories to jazz things up.  Most likely I will be doing some shopping while I am home, but then again, I am not sure how I will get it back to Michigan so we will see.... 

Passed Down

 

Today I am wearing an old Army shirt that belonged to my uncle.  I love how O'Neil is right on the front :)  I belted it with a vintage belt from Goodwill and added my Dream Collective bracelet.

Jean Vest Dilema

Source: Uploaded by user via Brianne on Pinterest

Random, but I decided I want a jean vest.  Today I went to the thrift store and found a $4 jean jacket to alter, but when I got home and tried it on, I decided it was too cute to cut up.  Sigh... what to do, what to do.

I wore it to lunch today with John's watch.  I like his watch so much, I don't want to give it back ;)

Girl's Night Out

Source: polyvore.com via Brianne on Pinterest

Does anyone else hate the new version of Blogger???!!!  I tried posting this directly from Polyvore with no luck and finally had to resort to pinning it.  Blah.

Anyways, my sister in law Anne's bachelorette party is next month in Chicago and of course I am already planning my outfits.  The first night is a girl's night on the town and the second night is a bbq with family and friends.  I chose a sparkly hands free bag for dancing and shorts and a sillk tank for the more casual night.  Can't wait!