Rocking my gifted stripe hat from Land's End Canvas

Since living in AZ I've become such a hat girl. When Land's End Canvas asked me to participate in a styling project with pieces that have unexpected details I was up for the challenge.
Although this pinstripe hat has a classic flair and can easily be paired with a navy or cream a-line dress or a blouse and some ankle length pants. I wanted to change it up. I wanted it to be a bit unexpected and add some of my Indian flair:). So I paired it with my husbands Indian silk kurta I wore as a dress, red wedge espadrilles by Steve Madden I got from Buffalo Exchange, Indian yellow gold earrings, and the bag is a rice bag, yes a rice bag:). I thought it pulled the look together:)
It just shows how the unexpected details can come together...and I think it's quite a fun look...can't wait to wear the hat in a classic manner...let's see of I have anything maternity that works:).

*Update, this rope trim fedora by Land's End Canvas was $40 and is now ONLY $17.99!  Now through Tuesday they are taking an extra 25% off everything and get free shipping when you spend $50 or more!  Code: PRIVATE and Pin: 2530

Clothing Karma at Buffalo Exchange

I can't believe how amazing the people at Buffalo are!! The other day I was selling tons of stuff and noticed one of the sellers rocking the most Amazing low back vintage dress with a brown and white print and a pocket! I had to know who it was by...and, of course it was vintage...she had bought it from Buffalo and told me she had a lot on hold to buy at Buffalo and was going to sell it!!! She said she would call me and put it on hold for me to buy. I told her I could even just buy it from her. Well, to make the story better. She called yesterday and left a message saying she wanted to just GIVE it to me and and she was happy to know it was going to a home where it would be loved! I still can't believe it and I'm so excited! Can't wait to share the dress! Buffalo has the BEST people working for them! They make it so that it's one of my favorite places to shop!

Please vote NOW!

Hello Everyone!

I have entered into a contest that Stylelist and Saks Fifth Avenue are having to try and win a $2,000 shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue.  I only have 1 day to get as many votes as possible because I was having technical difficulties this weekend with my submission (and that is why the pic is not posted correctly btw:).

This is what I wanted it to say:
Title: Desert Accent
Pieces:
Dress vintage, inspired by Miranda on SATC2.
Belt: vintage Coach from Buffalo Exchange.
Shoes: My favorite rose gold sandals ever!
Scarf: (save the best for last) Rose gold with coral from the GAP.  It's light and perfect for Arizona weather.

Here is the picture the correct way you should be viewing it:

Well, after all of that...please vote here ASAP.  Thank you!  

Loafer LOVE (the Slipper Shoe)

Loafers have been catching my eye since I was preggers (since I haven't been able to rock my heels, usually at least 3" since then), which has been about 2 years now...but, I just haven't found the ones I was searching for at a good price...and, since I'd say The Man Repeller has put them out there, they are on the market in a big way!  I LOVE the way Glitter Guide shared styling ideas for loafers here  (by the way, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Glitter Guide...if you haven't already, check them out!).  I intend on getting the ASOS leopard version and a pair from Buffalo Exchange (if they aren't already gone) that remind me of something Bottega Veneta (which the white Urban Outfitters pair below reminds me of without the tassel which I LOVE!) would do...will share if they are still there:)  To everyone else, check out these fab options I've noticed while searching for the right pair.  Side note: Just from putting my polyvore's together I now have no idea which loafer I should get!!  Which is your fave??

Loafer love by Fashionalities featuring loafer shoes

Black shoes
$395 - stubbsandwootton.com

Steven by Steve Madden leather shoes
$139 - piperlime.gap.com

Suede flat shoes
$100 - topshop.com

ASOS block heels
$73 - asos.com

VaVa slipper shoes
$56 - topshop.com

BDG loafer shoes
$39 - urbanoutfitters.com

More loafers to love by Fashionalities featuring low heel shoes

J Crew loafer shoes
$215 - jcrew.com

Dolce Vita low heel shoes
$79 - tobi.com

Flat slip on shoes
$30 - bakersshoes.com

Wooden heel shoes
$100 - topshop.com

Dolce Vita pointed toe shoes
$66 - amrag.com

Madewell shoes
$70 - madewell.com

Alexander McQueen Hendrix Velvet Loafers
$439 - mytheresa.com

Make credit/money from what you've got to shop for more!

I am always hearing people I know say that they are just throwing away or donating (which is still a good thing) their items without even TRYING to sell anything and I decided I had to share a post for where people should consider to make some money or credit.

For anyone who knows me.  You know that I am one who definitely LOVES the word FREE!  My PowPow always told me nothing in life was free...but, I think I've found a way to make sure I can say not anything...Well, since I LOVE to shop, but know I shouldn't do it as much as I'd like to (which would be everyday) I have found a way to make myself feel fulfilled in the shopping department from everything from clothes to magazines and books.  My motto is to try a few places in case some don't buy what you've got...then, at the end take things to a swap party and finally, donate.  It still ends up helping someone in the end so it's a win, win situation.  Here are a few places you can try.

Electronics:
Bookmans: This is only in Arizona, but they buy electronics as long as you have the remote/all the pieces to ensure it works.
Best Buy: I just learned from the Nate Berkus show today that Best Buy offers potential store credit for used electronics.  The program is kind of odd though.  You have to pay to recycle and then you receive credit back...so it doesn't really make sense to me.
Sears: I had heard that Sears also offers a recycling program where you can receive store credit for items you donate, but it's only online.


Clothes:
Plato's Closet:  Looks like this store is all over the country and quickly expanding...I need to go into a store to see how it is...online it looks pretty cool...we shall see:)
Buffalo Exchange:  I've LOVED Buffalo Exchange forever!  I used to go while in college and I was so excited when they finally made it to NY (I couldn't believe there wasn't one there long ago:).  The one amazing thing about Tucson when I moved here was that this is where it all started.  There is actually an outlet for Buffalo here that I still haven't been to...will have to do soon and share!  And, don't miss out on the Dollar Day Sale on 4/16 at all locations.
New stores opening:
Tucson on 6th Ave. in late April.
First Santa Monica location on April 30.
Beacons Closet: This store is only in New York, but it looks like you can shop online which is kind of exciting.
Bookmans: Once again, this is only in Arizona...but, they do accept clothes and accessorize.
*The take away here is that there are many options.  Locally, there area always small shops that do resale as well.  The tip is to become friends with the person who buys...building a relationship lets them see your style when you drop off which pulls them in of course to be interested in purchasing what you have.  So, always dress reflective of what you have when you drop off.


Books and magazines:
If you have as many fashion magazines and books as I do...these are the best ways to recycle and get more at a lower price.  I usually get the publications I'm not subscribed to at these places.  The magazines they don't purchase I donate to fashion schools.
Bookmans: In AZ only, but search locally for book/magazine resale stores.
Powells: This is in Portland, but allows you to sell books online!

Thrift store trick:
SAVERS: Donate items and receive a gift certificate/discount for future purchases at thrift store.

If you can't get to stores etc.  Check out options online:
I-ELLA: Is a new site where you can exchange clothes/accessories with friends and family or sell!  It's AMAZING!  Use code: FASHIONALITIES to test it out today!

You might think it takes too much time, but using Etsy or eBay ensures that you get 100% of the profit.

******OMG!  Everyone needs this!  I recycle all the time!  Look up about Recyclebank.com and get coupons and gift cards for your recycling!  


*Shop on Freecycle.org to get free stuff...guy on Nate Berkus says it's like "Free"bay.

Buffalo Exchange: Celebrate Earth Day

Celebrate by giving back to the environment by recycling clothing and purchasing select items for only $1!  The Buffalo Exchange in my town takes up the entire parking lot!  Plus, the money made on April 25th goes to saving the whales...there's no better way to give back than to be happy while doing it:)  Check on the site to see when your city is having this event.

Trade Delights: Other People's "So Over It", is My Must-Have

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Buffalo Exchange and other companies that are about trading your gently used clothing for cash or trade...but, sometimes I just don't feel as though you get enough bang for your buck...and so, comes the trade...in New York I attended about 3 clothing swap parties that were AMAZING!  The best part about it was that we were all in the industry and were able to attain fashion items (designer and great vintage) easily so it was perfect trading...I still have a DVF dress and some fab vintage suede boots from those days...well, recently I decided that I had some items that I just couldn't give up to Buffalo and I wasn't wearing so I had a clothing swap party and even though everyone on the invite list didn't show, it was a HUGE success and the owner of Stems will be having another that I am saving up for at the end of the month!

But, something new has come about that I would have never considered, an online swap!  How genius!  It's basically called, Swap Style and allows fashionistas to join this group that allows you to have "guilt-free shopping."  How can anyone say no???  (I am going to experience this shopping experience and ask the creator a few questions and share...let me know if there are any questions people want answered.)

Spring Style Always Brings Something Back

This Spring there are a few things I am seeing again from last year to years ago that are must buys for this Spring.

I feel like aviators really came back last year when people started to wear the Ray-Ban's again...I got a pair on the Air Force base my hubby works at because they were only $88 and today, I found a pair of vintage Ray-Ban's at Buffalo Exchange for only $18.50, what a find!

Staw Fedora's could never get tired.  They make any basic look go over the top...they can even make you look fab even if you have terrible hair from swimming the day before and not washing (gasp)! 

Jellie's have been BIG since I was a kid...they keep coming back and I never tire of them...they are a cute and fun throw back to childhood, who can get tired of that:)  Since I am already a BIG fan of gladiators, jellie gladiators are even more fun! 

The Results: Selling On Ebay

It was fun...I really didn't make anything...most people got a great deal of 99 cents an item:)  Oh well, I guess I tried...but, it was fun!  I hope the people who get these pieces really enjoy!  And I will try and sell the last two items to Buffalo if I can get there this week:)