The Beginning Of The End

Of 2011, that is.  There are times when I like to pretend that I'm someone entirely different from my introverted self and that I'm some social butterfly that gets all gussied up for a subway ride leading somewhere super fun that's got me dancin' in anticipation of getting to my destination before the clock strikes midnight ... but I suppose when reality hits and I've really just got a glass of bubbly sparkling cider in one hand and this furry fella to give me my New Year's kiss ... I'm pretty darn content in choosing my introverted little self over the super fun social butterfly. 

Moving Photo Source: NYMag courtesy of From Me To You

Snow White

I don't know if it's from all of my Once Upon A Time Sunday night watching or my just-shorn-and-shaved short Ginnifer Goodwin-y 'do (told ya I'd do it) but methinks I've got a new favorite fairytale character in Snow White because it's starting to show (up) in all my shopping and accessory-buying wants like this (on sale!) wintery white topper of a hat ... and if I'm not careful ... my recently-colored light ash blonde head may be turning all raven-y dark and black beauty-fied before I know it.   

Photo Source: BHLDN

The Girl With The Pearl Everything

Growing up, my Mom didn't wear much jewelry (still doesn't - she's of the minimalist school of accessorizing) except for one strand of creamy pearls she would pull out and wear with her black dress(es) for special occasions like weddings, fancy dinners and such.  And as a little girl - and even now - I thought/still think it the prettiest and most classic of pairings, a la Coco Chanel, Jackie O and now Ulyana Sergeenko.  So I want to find my own striking strand to drape 'round my neck (maybe this or this) so I can look just like my mother dear and be the girl with the pearl everything.

Photo Source: The Clothes Horse 

Merry And Bright

I'd consider it nothing short of a Christmas/New Year makeup miracle if I were to stick with the resolution I fully plan on (possibly) making come January 1st of no more only-red-lipstick-wearing on my part, but who am I kidding ... I'd be lucky if I lasted a week without the lip lacquer.  But I'm gonna give it the ol' cosmetic try by attempting to emphasize only one feature at a time, starting with my eyes.  You know, saturate and douse the darned things in merry and bright kinds of colors.  Only because I'm convinced I'd look just as pretty as the frosty blue beauty above  ...

Photo Source: Greedy Girl 

Zoe Knows Clothes

Sometimes the unemployed stay-at-home fashion/beauty blogger in me wishes I had a place of work to wake up and go to every morning where I was contractually obligated to wear nothing but Rachel Zoe's pretty pieces as my mandated daily uniform.  Can you imagine how terribly chic I would look in all that black and white with just a shock of red popping out from my lips?  Jeepers.

Photo Source: Mama's A Rolling Stone

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Sid Vicious' the name, cuddlin's my game.  In fact, I'm doin' just that (and snoring just a wee bit too) as Bex is typing this little post.  And I do believe I will go down as the best champagne-colored  Christmas present ever to be given in the history of all things present-y.  Forever and ever.  And ever.  I mean, just look at my face.  It kinda sorta explains it all, doesn't it?   Very pleased to meet you.   XOXO Sid.    

Photo Source: My super-talented, camera-wieldin' Auntie H

Duct And Cover

*Hand to forehead*  Good gravy.  After hours spent piecing and putting together an already-lit Christmas tree and then standing on a weeble-wobbly ladder hanging ornament after ornament from its lil' branches, why on earth did I not think to do something this quick and so much more chic in the first place?  Sheeeesh.   There's always next year, right?  MERRY CHRISTMAS anyway!!!!!

Moving Photo Source: Love Aesthetics

Frosty The Showman

As much as I like to mumble, grumble, gripe and complain about the cold winter chill-ish kind of weather we have here in these parts, the little girl in me can't help but hope, wish and dream for a frost-tipped  outside come tomorrow when I wake.   Just wouldn't feel like or be Christmas without it  ...  ya know? 

Photo Source: Lune

Call It A Cocoon Crush

Holy frijole and all sorts of guacamole -- do I want a cocoon coat!  This cocoon coat.  Like a lot.  A lot a lot.  So much so that I can't believe I haven't already (miraculously) found a bag of money containing the exact amount of money needed to afford said coat.  Wait a minute, wait a minute.  'Tis the season for giving, right?  So you wanna?   Give me some $$?  Or, better yet, this coat?        

Photo Source: Calivintage

Bling Around The Collar

It just wouldn't be this close to or feel like the Christmas holiday without me wanting to go on a blinging binge of some kind.   The merry little magpie in me wouldn't have it.   Nor would my bordering-on-boring wintery wardrobe.   So I'm keeping this picture for my inspiration as I search for the perfect peter pan-y collar to top it all off.   And if I prove unsuccessful, I guess I can always ask that big jolly chimney-chasin' guy with the penchant for the color red to help  ...        

Photo Source: *Valentine*

Knit Happens.

I figure if I do go ahead with my scissor-snippin' plans on the ol' head (which, let's face it, is way more likely than not to come to fruition) I'll need to have something cute I can cover it up with once the 'do deed is done, especially in the bone-chilling cold weather we have here.  Seriously summer, you can come back any time now, really.  And the one I was instantly drawn to was this knitted and pom pom-ed number accented with a bright red lip.   Surprise, surprise ...

Photo Source: Stay Fancy Free

The Hair Up There

Call me coif-ly clairvoyant.  I knew, like, knew as soon as I cut my hair short-ish again, I'd have to continue snip, snip, snipping away 'til it was as short as humanly hair-ly possible.  And a little over a month into it and it's hit again.  Like clockwork.  'Cause the second it gets too long and just lays there on top o' my head all fine and limp-like with no possibility of sticking up or styling, I gotta cut it.  So don't be surprised if you see an updated picture post of me with a new short (and shaved) 'do here sooner than later.   Merry Christmas to me.

   

Photo Source: Hair Love By Haartek

Everybody Skirts

Or at least everybody should.  And I was reminded of this fashion-y fact after seeing this black and white snapshot of one lookin' all super snazzy and stuff on lovely layered Beth; also remembering that I've done and gone a full-on boycott of this certain style o' skirt for oh about ... two years now ... and all because the last plaid one I owned decided to up and break on me zipper-wise the very first time I wore it.  The nerve!  So I think it high time I let go and welcome it back into my gam-highlightin' graces.  So I'm gonna.  With this Topshop trio.  Maybe.

Photo Source: B. Jones Style

In Bloom

Let's just take a minute and talk about how I kinda can't get over the fact that the silky kimono-like blazer up there matches my blog's background almost exactly ... and how happy it makes me.  Is that too much information into how my mind and picture-picking process works?  Oh well.  Getting back to the post(ing) task at hand: I want a floral-y jacket.  Super big time.  And since I can't have the one pictured, I'm pretty sure I can be pretty easily persuaded to settle for either this or this one.   But most likely with a blouse underneath to match.   

Photo Source: good night, day aka stay fancy free

Stick 'Em Up

And right onto my little neck, please.  I mean, have you ever seen anything so flippin' cool before and wished that you had thought of and done it first?  'Cause I sure don't think I have.  Gosh.  Makes the mind wander with all the other possibilities there could be out there, accessory-wise, with everday objects just waiting to be picked up and turned into something beautiful, does it not?!?

Photo Source: marukiko via Amateur Couture

And The Envelope Goes To ...

ME!!  It's sure taken me long enough to decide on a clutch to call my own.  I've been feeling a little like Miss Goldilocks, all sorts of indecisive and such, given the color choices and size options out there.  But I'm here now to report that I've most happily settled on making my metallic mark on this trend with this golden one right in my clutches that's not too big, not too small, but ... juuuust right.     

Photo Source: Asos

A Hole In One (Or Two)

I still remember my first pair of earrings: two teeny tiny emerald green (my birthstone) studs.  Pierced totally and unevenly lopsided by a girl at the mall.  For my something-teenth birthday.  Mom and Dad didn't even know I was doing it.  My sister convinced me and acted (and signed) as my guardian for the rebellious event.  Eight-ish years later: Another mall.  But this time, it was my best friend and I getting a matching second piercing in both ears.  Our version of the oh-so-popular at the time BFF half necklaces.  Just way more permanent.  So I thought I'd pay a lil' memory homage to both times today with this recent pastel-y set purchase.  And with a Billy Idol-y rebel yell, of course.     

Photo Source: F21 Sale Section

Good For The Sole

You know, I've decided, what with all my recent (and quite incessant) wedge pledging and wooing that it's getting to be just about the time for me to give it and my poor, poor teetering tootsies a rest.  At least for a little bit.  So when I spied these marked-down (and thankfully flat) ballet pretties, I went ahead and put 'em right in the ol' online basket, so when they arrive, I can just slip 'em on fully knowing that they'll instantly prove to be good for the/my poor sore soles.

Photo Source: Payless Shoes

Dot Dot Dash-ing

There's never really been a cardigan that I haven't liked.  In fact, the bigger and more grandpa-y, the better.  Much to the head-scratching chagrin of a particular sister of mine whose daughter I just so happen to pass them all down to.  And if it's got big ol' red dots AND it's on sale (like the dot dot dash-ing one above) well - it's pretty much a given that it's a-gonna go into my collection and eventually into the hands of my equally cardi-lovin' niece.   So sorry, sister. 

Photo Source: Forever 21

Winning Streak

I'm experiencing quite a root awakening lately whenever catching a glimpse of this desperately-needing-to-be-colored (again) hair o'mine in the mirror.  But feeling beyond bored with my usual one-note dark blonde dousing shade, I'm lookin' to really switch it up.  And am thinking this songstress' strong dark base with contrasting blonde streak might be just the streak of genius I'm in need of.

Photo Source: With Lavender And Lace 

Goin' With The Flo

Sounding off today on my girl, Flo.  Only because I didn't think it possible for me to like an album more than her mantra-making first.  Like, ever.  But I did.  And do.  So designating her latest Ceremonials effort to be my official closing of the eyes, belting out every lyric while feverishly pedaling on the exercise bike soundtrack seemed more than appropriate.  'Cause I could use (and need) all the musical motivation I can get for those pesky workouts o'mine.

Photo Source: Mr. Psychedelic's Art Zone

Letter To Santa

Dear Mr. Claus (it's gotta be all official and stuff, this is serious sartorial business, after all) Ahem.  All this little blogging girl wants for Christmas is really rather simple: Every single outfit in the picture photo that I've conveniently enclosed with this letter.  Just head-to-toe J.Crew-ness is all, Mr. Kringle.  That means the colorful accessories too, please, sir.  Don't forget.  'Cause they're not considered extras, oh no, they're considered absolute necessities to complete all my winter outfits.  That's not hard for a man of your gift-giving stature, right?  I figured as much.  Thanks, Santa.  You the man.  Oh. P.S. I promise I've been real, real good this year.  No crossies, I swear.  Love, Bex. 

Photo Source: A Beautiful Mess

Livin' On The Wedge

Apparently this season my feet and I know no other shoe to wear but the wedge.  The sudden realization and total resurgence of my flare-bottomed jeans and leg-lengthening bootcuts to my wintering wears as of late has made this here train of shoe thought completely possible.  And really, what's the harm in adding one more pretty sparkly pair to the pants party invite list?  None, I say.

Photo Source: Amazon

Naughty Or Nice

For the red color-centered holiday coming up, I figure it's ok at least once a year, to go all (and get all) decked out in my own spin on Santa's famous red suit.  So I'm going to.  With this Where's Waldo-esque red and white striped sweater.  Paired with either my "naughty" black pleather-y pants or my "nice" not-quite-matching reddish-pink t-shirt dress.  Guess we'll have to see which one wins out based on what he just so happens to leave in the ol' stocking, now won't we?

Photo Source: Gap

Missus Jones & Me

Got another style star to file in the ol' sartorial inspiration folder now that I've seen her super covetable ladylike looks on carpet to carpet for her rip-your-heart-out then sufficiently stomp-on-it portrayal of a young lover in this year's top tearjerker-y indie romance.  So I think it's safe to say my current want and need to wear all things tea-length in my dresses falls soley on her.   Like Crazy.

Photo Source: goddesspharo

Two-Timin'

I wanna get all up in this here two-tone lipstick-applyin' (and wearin') grill.  Right now.  Kinda sorta like I can't believe this isn't the way I've always worn all my 'sticks, all the time, ya know?  And I really don't think there's a better way for me to start doing so than with this purdy little pink set, ya dig?  Word.

Photo Source: i heart makeup 365

The Tie That Binds

I've been super mega into the whole tomboy-ish look/thing lately.  All androgynous blazers, shirts and slacks framing and showin' off my ultra femme new short hair gone all curly, wonky-wild with gobs of mascara and bright red lips to top it all off.  And I've been lookin' for that special somethin-somethin that could/would tie it all together - and think I've found it in this accessory piece de resistance: an uber sleek, chic and wittily-worded Blake Bradford tie hangin' ever-so (purposely) loosey-goosey from my neck.   Ya hear that, Santa? 

Photo Source: Blake Bradford

Yeti Ready

All I want for Christmas is literally ANYTHING from Zara.  I know what you're thinking ... broken record much, Bex?  But they just keep coming up with the most fantastical fashions that I would (almost) die to wear (now knowing exactly what Rachel Zoe means when she declares such things over pieces of clothing).  Especially their TRF Collection and this anything but abominable Yeti-like fur jacket in all its modern and chic winter wear-ish glory.  Wowzers.

Photo Source: Zara   

Black Belt Certified

Or at least I wanna be after seeing this black trenched beauty (here) on Miss Calivintage herself.  But since my budget is a tad bit teeny-tinier than this specific one calls for, I thought I'd go ahead and see if I couldn't find a couple comparable cuties in my smaller little price range.  Since I love me a good clothing challenge.  And I think I did.  See for yourself here, here and here.  So even though I may not have an actual black belt for my killer karate chops, I think I may just have one for my killer bargain-hunting chops instead.  Hi-ya!    

Photo Source: Calivintage   

Hat Trick

Oh, woolly cloche hat (that was gifted to me from the top of the toppers, Dorfman Pacific via Lipton Publicity), how I love thee.  Let me count the ways.  You are completely, 100% crushable.  Meaning I can crumple you up and stash you in a purse or glove compartment and you spring right back into wearable shape, instantly.  You are also quite the colorful character coming in shades like black, camel (my personal choice) charcoal, plum, wine or red AND you are offering yourself up for 20% off (Code: ScalaPronto at checkout) with free shipping (US only) over on Womens-Hats.com right now through 12/31/11.  So that's already three pretty gosh darn great reasons right there.  But if you still need more, just lemme know ... 'cause I can give 'em ... at the drop of a hat.   

Photo Source: My Prettily-Profiled And Model-y C 

Bright Eyes

Sometimes it takes seeing something as shocking as these neon lids to shake you up and out of your cosmetic-wearing stalemate.  Because I know I've become way too accustomed to and comfortable with my go-to no eyeshadow and black liquid liner eye look as of late.  Way too comfortable.  I wanna look like this.  All bright and shiny and stuff.   Like nifty-neat neon-y lights.   Yeah.   So it's a good thing then that Keiko here feels my (sorely lacking) pigment-y pain and has put up an easy peasy how-to, complete with step-by-step instructions for me to follow to get this exact lid-brightening look I'm a-wantin' oh-so-badly, huh?     

Photo Source: Keiko Lynn