Where I find my most favorite items.

I did a smidge a spring shopping, well sort of. I'm also planning on doing some more, so we'll see how short I can keep this. Everything is from TJ Maxx.

Just a little something I was thinking about, I wear a lot of really weird sizes. For instance I have shoes ranging in size from 71/2 to 9, jeans size 2 to 9 and I have shirts in sizes xs to xl. Of course I know it's the different cuts and designers, but I just thought it was weird and wondered if anyone else has quite the range I do. 

Cheetah Print Loafers $29.99

I just love these, they are a must have style for this season. I have seen some at Kohl's but I really like this print the better, but if you are looking for some Candie's (at Kohl's) makes them!

Hot pink collared top $9.99

I really like this style top, and this color is just amazing!

I've really been in to the collared thing with a necklace.

Striped top $7.99

This is one of those things where it's an xs but I'm still swimming in it. Not sure if I am going to keep it, I just know a few times in the past month I've thought to myself "this would look great with a striped top."

Sheer Collared Dress $19.99

This is such an interesting unique piece, it's a sheer shirt dress with a cinched waist. I thought it would look really great with a bright tank dress underneath, or a printed dress. My intention was also to wear it with the loafers, I actually like it with the purple jeans too. 

What's your favorite purchase this month?

xo Camille

Tribal Print

Just wanted to show this simple outfit I wore to school. I like that from the back it's pretty basic, but the printed top brings in some color and fun. I had this look in my Look Book, and when I put it all on I realized I never added shoes to this look, so I had a bit of a hard time picking out a pair. I really like these tan ones though, they are the right tone and style.

(I did a little side turn so you could see that the top covered my butt!) haha

Jean Top: Hang Ten/ Kohl's

Printed Top: Sweet Claire/ Bob's (c/o) $18.37

Ring: Bob's $2.40

Boots: Target $7.48

xo Camille

Printed Pants

Printed pants scare me a little. It's a very bold statement for little legs to make, but I'm not really one to discriminate against a trend because I'm small, and I don't think anyone should.  I will tell you a funny story though. I decided to hem these pants because I wanted them to look clean and not have to cuff them. So after I cut off about six inches of fabric and hemmed them I realized they were no longer skinny. I made them extremely awkward straight legs, so I had to do some tricks to make them skinny again. Note to self, take things to the tailor. ha.

So I have two different looks with these pants; the first I wore for some dinner and drinks, the second I wore to an early lunch for my grandma's birthday. 

Blazer: TJ Maxx $12

Pants: TJ Maxx $14.99

Necklace: Aldo $10

Flats: TJ Maxx $2

Earrings: Forever 21

Wedges: TJ Maxx $39

Which one do you like better? I think I like the first.

xo Camille

Skirts & Scarves

I dressed up more than normal today for work and I was blown away by the compliments. What a skirt can do for you! My mom even asked me where I came from when I got home. I was no where fancy, just working! I really like the thick stretchy material of this skirt, I would really like to find one like it but cut like a long pencil skirt, this one has a lot of material and is of course a full skirt. To dress it up I added this long cheetah scarf, belted it, put on my rose gold watch and topped it off with classy pearl earrings. I am also loving this lipstick is it called 'Tangerine' by Estee Lauder, it's more red, I just love the color and formula.

Black Tee: TJ Maxx

Skirt: TJ Maxx $19.99

Flats: TJ Maxx $2

Scarf: TJ Maxx $4.99

FWP Earrings: TJ Maxx $10/ 3 pairs

Watch: JC Penney $4 (Black Friday Deal)

Belt: from an old pair of black capris

xo Camille

Black & White, & Red all over...

One thing that I love about my wardrobe is that I can wear different styles, I am not to overly preppy, girly, or boho; I try out all different styles.  This look is a little more edgy/ rocker. I originally had the intention of mixing prints with the bold red color. I started out with the red jeans, then the cheetah flats, I almost grabbed a plain sheer black top, then I spotted this striped tank and wore it instead. Top finish it out I added a girly rhinestone necklace shaped like lips, and a studded cuff. As I ran out the door I topped it off with a black boyfriend blazer, to substitute a coat.
I also got a ton of compliments on this necklace! I know this sounds ridiculous but I wore it on the smallest loop so it sat right between my collar bone and I think it made it look a little more 'styled' then if it had let it hang loose. Just the way the charm is attached on each side, I think it looks better this way.

Top: TJ Maxx

Jeans: Old Navy $14.99

Flats: TJ Maxx $2 (I bought 6 pairs!!)

Necklace: Material Girl- Gift from Alicia @ Funny Face Beauty

Cuff: From my cousin

Do you like trying different styles or do you mostly stick to one?

xox Camille

Simple Statement

I won these jeans from a Facebook contest held by Bongo jeans.  I was a little worried about how they would look because I am barely 5 ft, but I'm actually really liking them! I wouldn't exactly call them bell bottoms, maybe "modern bell bottom." I feel like these jeans have a specific name, I just can't remember it, let me know if you know what I am talking about it!
With the statement part of my outfit being the jeans I wanted to keep everything else simple, so I choose and black tank with chain detailing, and since the shoes are barley visible I slipped on my Jeffery Campbell Woodies!

Tank: TJ Maxx $12.99

Jeans: Bongo 

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack/ Jeffery Campbell $17

What do you think of the seventies trend and bell bottom style jeans?

xoxo Camille

Fashion Book Reviews

The newest article for my University's paper. I co-write a column with Molly called Fashionably Late.

Fashion books are perhaps one of the more underrated sources of fashion knowledge. There are books about designers and their history, personal style, careers in fashion, and fashion icons. Fashion books are a way to keep images of fashion forever and aid us in our quest to find our personal style. Like magazines, they provide tangible inspiration for fashion, but offer a wider variety of information. The Fashionably Late girls asked you: If you don't read fashion books where do you get your inspiration?

 Freshman Lacey Cabral, an Elementary Education and English major, said, "I subscribe to Nylon magazine so I get a monthly issue. I like it." 

Maggie Tobin, freshman Communication Disorders major, said lookbook.nu, a fashion inspiration from real people around the world.

 And of course, there is Youtube. Kiara Cordero, a freshman Psychology major said, "I usually read magazines likeInStyle and Glamour but I also get fashion and or beauty info from watching youtube videos. Dulcecandy87 on Youtube is amazing." All of these channels are very on-the-go, you pick up a magazine at checkout, you browse a website, watch a video. Who has extra time to go to the bookstore?

 These two books are definitely worth that extra trip if you're interested in the fashion world.

The Teen Vogue Hand Book: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion is one of the most useful, insightful, and just downright inspiring books about the fashion industry. With interviews and biographies of designers, editors, stylists, models, makeup artists, and photographers all this information comes right from the source. This book writes about the "toolkit" necessary for each type of major career in fashion, whether it's interning, designing, or styling.

There is an incredible amount of people interviewed for the book, like Blake Mycoskie, the creator of Toms shoes, who explained thoroughly his inspiration for the project, and how rewarding it has been.

One of the biggest fashion websites right now, net-a-porter.com is profiled and explored, giving the history of the popular website. This book is filled with inspirational quotes and tips to be successful in the fashion industry. It stresses the importance of having a true passion for fashion and working hard to have success. Whitney Randant, a freshman Communications major, said, "Teen Vogue and Vogue are great. They're always current and give looks straight off the runway. They're my favorite." The Teen Vogue Hand Book was published in 2009 and is available in most book stores in the art and fashion section.

If you are only interested in fashion but maybe not as a career, Dreaming of Chanel by Charlotte Smith is the book for you.  Smith tells the stories of women and their beautiful dresses, a hobby handed down to her by her godmother, Doris Darnell.  Smith tells the story of how she inherited over 3,000 vintage dresses, each given as a gift to her godmother over the years. With each woman’s dress a story was recorded with it. With over 100 stories, read a few every night to be transported in to different eras in fashion. With a beautiful illustration of each dress featured by Grant Cowan, it is a good piece of light reading.

The Chanel suit featured in the book
dreamingofchanel.blogspot.com

The stories cover things such as a scandalous dress worn by a Quaker, an obscure collection of hats, stories of lust, stories of wedding dresses and, of course, stories about true love. The women who wore the dresses lived different lives but each knew the power of a beautiful dress.  Dreaming of Chanel is the second of two, the first is Dreaming of Dior, each titled because the designer label is featured inside that edition. Smith shows off some pieces of her own she has added to the collection, including a vintage Chanel suit. This book will inspire you to wear a beautiful dress and make your own incredible story to go with it. You can find some photos of these dress at DarnellCollection.com, this however only covers a small fraction of the collection. As Doris did before she passed on her collection, Smith travels the world showing the collection.

Additional recommendations:

Who What Wear: Celebrity and Runways Style for Real Life

What to Wear, Where: The How-To Handbook for Any Style Situation

Hillary Kerr, Katherine Power

Great references for channeling runway inspiration and how-to have stylish appropriate outfits for any occasion. 

Secrets of a Stylist: An Insider's Guide to Styling the Stars

Sasha Charnin Morrison 

Everything an inspiring a stylist needs to know about the fashion industry.

Do you read fashion books? 

Xo Camille

Mix & Match

I'm kind of obsessed with these two pieces at the moment. I really like this top because it's more of a tunic length and it's made of a nice, thick material. The scarf was not only a steal at $4.99 but it's very long, thin and cheetah printed! The first is a day time outfit I wore to school and the second I wore to a casual dinner. p.s. I'm working on some camera quality issues, hopefully will be doing some outside photos soon!

Striped top: TJ Maxx $12.99

Cheetah Scarf: Marshall's $4.99

Wedges: TJ Maxx $39

Solid Jeans: Grane/ Macy's

Ripped Jeans: TJ Maxx $12.99

Turquoise Necklace: Charlotte Russe $1.99

Earrings: TJ Maxx $5

Which outfit combo do you like better?

xo Camille

Shopping in the Sun

I wore this on a little shopping trip with my friend, Michelle, we ate crepes, shopped, then she made dinner and we watched a movie later that night. I love girlfriend nights! 

Dress: Charlotte Russe (w/ belt)

Lace Vest: TJ Maxx $3

Flats: Wet Seal $3

Earrings: Forever 21

Do you like to shop with friends or alone?

xo Camille

What did the mayonnaise say to the mustard?

Close the door I'm dressing.

I thought this sweater was going to be frumpy but I actually like it!

I wore this to a family gathering, so comfortable.

One thing I really like about this sweater is the faux fur detaches so I'll be able to pair it with other items for a little luxe addition to a spring outfit.

Sweater: Macy's/ NY Collection $7.56

Brown Longsleeve Tee: Old Navy

Jeans: TJ Maxx $12.99

Flats: Wet Seal $3

Ring: TJ Maxx $10

Do you have any mustard colored tops?

Xo Camille

Spring Things

I have another article for you about Spring 2011 trends, since I've been doing a little shopping I thought I would incorporate a haul into it! *I write an article for my University's newspaper with with my friend Molly*

  Spring 2012 fashion has been a time for reinvention and evolution of style. The trends this spring have been taken from the last hundred years or so and given a more fresh and current twist. While some of these trends may seem a little avant-garde and out of the normal college student's reach, read on to learn how to wear runway fashions in the classroom.

The first trend is bold or neon colors. This has been a popular trend for the last couple of spring seasons and is growing stronger. Katy Perry and Nikki Minaj have used this trend with their unorthodox hairstyles, but there are plenty of tamer options. If first approaching this trend, a bold-colored accessory is perfect. A belt or pair of shoes in any range of neon hues can add the needed pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. Color blocking is still in style and goes hand in hand with bold colors. Remember when color blocking your clothes to stick to neutral colored accessories, or vice versa.

Neon Cross Body Bag
Old Navy
$19.99 on Sale for $11.99

Ocean-inspired clothing is a new trend this season, trailing the movements to become a greener earth. Chanel showed a variety of clothing in this trend, including beautiful ruffles, patterns and silhouettes that are linked aesthetically to all sorts of underwater animals and plants. This trend can easily find its way into everyone's wardrobes. Want to add a little more blue to your outfits? Select delicate beaded pieces and flowing ruffles.

Jessica, a fashion merchandising major at Lasell College, gave some insight on this season.

"Personally, I think loose, flowing fits are key to this spring" Jessica said in an email. "As for shoes, I'll be wearing lots of gladiator sandals, but would love to purchase some cutout or colorblock wedges.  As a broke college student and a fashion merchandising major, the key is to find trendy, yet unique pieces on a budget. This season is all about having fun with your clothes: mixing prints, going bold, and feeling free!"

Prints are a long withstanding trend, constantly evolving and changing to become more current and relevant. Mixing prints is a really good way to be bold. When mixing them, however, it is easy to get carried away and seem a little costumey. Think about proportion: keep larger prints on top and smaller on the bottom, or stick with one simple print and one more complicated. It's all about balance. Key prints this season will be stars, zig zags, and birds.

2 Sets of 2 Zig Zag Bracelets
Macy's M Style Lab
$12.00 each on sale for $6 each & 20% off- $3.60 each

Cheetah Wrap/ Scarf
Marshall's
$4.99

Pastels are a usual favorite for spring. This season they have been shown in layers, pink on pink, white on pink, and beige on green. Pastels are becoming the entire outfit. If this seems a little too "Easter" for some, they can always be offset by patterns in different colors and darker neutrals. Regardless of how they are worn, pastels are a usual staple for any spring wardrobe. 

Pastel Green Statement Ring
Target
On sale for $4.98

One trend that does not translate well to college life is the mid-drift. The runway showed a number of models in looks that showed skin from under the bust to above the belly button. Although it looks great on the runway, it is not appropriate for the classroom or the dining hall. If you are dying to try it, save it for going out. A neon crop top and high-waisted black body-con skirt will look striking. Wear it with a boyfriend style blazer on top to show just a sliver of skin.

Pleated skirts are very romantic looking and have the ability to work with a variety of personal styles and types of outfits. While a shorter length paired with lace and pastel colors give off a feminine vibe, it could also just as easily be seen in a more bohemian styled outfit. A maxi pleated skirt can be belted at the waist with a patterned shirt and flat sandals. This skirt can be toughened up with a leather jacket or toned down with denim.

When picking a trend to work with this season remember to keep your personal style in mind and do not get too hung up on the designer looks. Think of the runway as a tool of inspiration to give your wardrobe a fresh look for the up-coming season. The best part about trends is picking one that works for you that you feel comfortable and confident wearing.

Here are some more spring things!

Olive cuff Khloe booties
Target/ Mossimo
$29.99 on sale for $8.98

These seem a little 'fall' but I like this neutral green 

and booties are perfect for a colder spring day

Mustard Faux Fur Sweater
Macy's / NY Collection

$54.00 on Sale & 20% off- $7.56

                                                                When I first tried this on I thought it would look too old 

                                          for me but for the price I would've bought it just for the faux fur collar (it detaches)

Red drop earrings
Target
$5.99 on sale for $2.98

Statement Earrings
TJ Maxx
Each on sale for $5

Statement jewelry has been big for quite a while now and

 I am always loving hug earrings. At $5 each these are just amazing!

Braided sandals
Marshall's
$12.99

I don't see braids going away anytime soon, and 

these are just perfect for tons of different outfits!

Will you be shopping the trends this season??

Xo Camille

Night Time Outfit

I love when things just work. I've been dying to wear these tights they are so unique! My outfit depended on wearing them so I went for simple black on the bottom, and I wanted most of the attention on the tights so I stuck with a solid top. The top does have silver zippers but I was just going out so I didn't let it bother me. I finished the outfit off with this black and gold chain bracelet. Honestly my hair isn't even 'done' in this picture, I got ready in about 20 mins. Tights are one of favorite things wear and style, so finding cool ones like this are a must for me!

Top: Wal-Mart/ Miley Cyrus $3

Skirt: Urban Behavior

Tights: TJ Maxx $2 

(the tights are recent, I just never hauled them)

Heels: TJ Maxx $34.99

Bracelet: Forever 21

This picture really captured the tights well.

Do you like to wear crazy tights?!

xo Camille

R I P to the things that used to be

Today I have already put some of my winter sweaters away, and gone through some clothes I've been holding on to. I found a tub filled with jeans.

Jeans that haven't fit me in four years. 

Some of my favorites that took me through high school.

A pair I wore in my senior pictures (and view this ridiculous photo for proof).

A newer pair.

Two pairs of 7 jeans I wore all the time in high school with high heeled boots.

A pair of embroidered American Eagle jeans I loved!

A pair I bought in two different sizes and never got to wear the smaller of the two.

(and I just threw out the one I did wear, I wore them to death.)

Some wicked cool 'dress' capris I'd wear to work in the summer.

And these boots because the back started to rip.

Clothing is like music, when you hear that certain song it reminds you of a certain place and time. We living in clothing, it can give us so many memories. Sometimes it's hard to let them go because you want the memory to be tangible, but it's good to finally give them up and look forward.

xo Camille

The Unexpected

I'm not really 100% sure what is going on in this outfit I just knew I wanted to wear this top when I started putting it together. Then came the sock bun, the MAC Snob lippy and the combat boots. It looks like there is a lot going on. I really liked my hair this day, but I'm not sure if it went that well with this outfit. What do you think?

Top: Charlotte Russe/ L8serSkirt: Charlotte Russe $5Boots: TJ Maxx $16Bracelets: Charlotte Russe
xo Camille

Painting the Roses Red

Red has never been my color but I had a need to buy these red pants, they are just so striking! I went with the obvious option and paired them with a black top for a night out. My favorite part of this outfit is the accessories. My earrings, bracelet and zippered shoes all are a burnished metal. I think if you look close enough to those details it ties the outfit all together. 

Top: TJ Maxx $3

Jeans: Old Navy Rockstar $14.99

Shoes: Forever 21

Earrings: TJ Maxx $5

Bracelet: TJ Maxx $10

Will you buy a pair of red or colored jeans?

xo Camille