Look around: the earth is stirring, waking up from a deep slumber. Roses are peeking out of their buds, leaves are squirming out of their stems, and birds are testing their wings against the cool breeze. Spring has sprung and brought with it transformation.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thrifty Thursday: A Wool Coat
I realize it’s officially Spring, I live in Florida, and I’m
wearing a coat. I just couldn’t resist sharing this awesome find with you! Can
you believe that I found this wool coat at a thrift store for $5?!! Yes, $5!
That’s every Floridian girl’s dream. Rarely do I want to spend $100+ on a coat
that I’ll wear once a year or occasionally when I travel up north for work. In
fact, I’m notorious for assuming I’ll keep warm during a winter conference with
just my business suit. It’s got a coat –err, jacket thing, right? Wrong. It’s
really cold up north. Not Florida cold. But I don’t learn and I continue to
freeze. Admittedly, I endure frost bite because I feel that nothing within my
budget looks sophisticated enough for that kind of event. So, I hit a gold
mine when I saw this piece at the thrift store! Besides the amazing cost, the
silky lining makes me feel like I’ve splurged on a designer coat. You’ve heard
of the “Power Suit”? Well, this feels like the “Power Coat”. Cold chill,
blizzard, or snow storm can’t keep me from my next winter conference! Finally,
I won’t be the girl shivering in the business suit while other attendees roll
their eyes and go, “She must be from Florida.”
Fashion Tip: Think
of creative ways to make the thrift store pieces your own. My coat had
missing buttons and no belt but that didn’t stop me from taking it home!
Buttons, fitting, and missing accessories can all be fixed. Just add a
little patience and love!
What I’m Rockin’:
Wool coat – Thrift store
Blue silk tunic – Heritage 1981
Necklace - Beya
Black tights – Target
Boots – Charlotte Russe
Monday, March 19, 2012
A Girl and Her First Louboutins
Ever take the moment to think about the special gifts you’ve
received in your life that left a lasting impression? A recent surprise
birthday gift has had me thinking about those special first gifts. My first
Barbie, bike with training wheels, make-up set, and of course, heels are just a
few of those gifts that invoke cherished memories of my childhood. My recent
surprise birthday gift will be forever ranked as one of those adored first
gifts. A pair of Christian Louboutin! I’m not in a place in my life where I can
enjoy that kind of luxury so this day will be permanently etched in my memory. Why
is it so special? Well, I found out that my husband and family united to
research all they could about Christian Louboutin and save their hard earned
money just to buy me shoes! And now, these will always be more than a pair of
shoes for me. Imagine my poor family calling and visiting Christian Louboutin
vendors all over the state! They never gave up, they never judged, and they
never thought it would be a silly purchase. All they wanted was to put a smile
on my face and it was definitely accomplished. I will always remember this day as
the day that my family put aside all reason and splurged just for me, just to
get me my very first Louboutin.
Honestly, I hesitated posting this video because I reacted
so dorky and silly. But it really shows how I felt that day. I can write about
it but nothing captures the moment like a video! Plus, it gives you a glimpse
of who I am. After all, you read my blog
(I love you for that)! I apologize for all the background noise. This was not a
planned video!
What surprise gifts have left a lasting memory in your life?
Monday, March 12, 2012
Beach Neutrals
How fun are spring trends lately? Bright, bold colors, and stripes are just some of my favorite. Actually, I’ve been so crazy about these trends that the neutral clothing in my closet has been neglected. The poor things. I skip over them as I reach for my purple jeans and bright yellow shirt and they cry a little inside. As an equal opportunity fashion lover, I decided it was time to put a stop to it by taking my favorite neutrals out of the closet and into the sunlight.
Now, I didn’t pick just any neutrals, I picked neutrals that reminded me of one of my favorite places. The beach! A beach-blue ruffle skirt spices up my sand-colored cardigan. I then added an oh-so-cute owl pendant to complete the beach-inspired neutrals look!
What clothing of yours have you been ignoring lately and what will you do to add it back into your life?
Fashion Tip: Be inspired to wear your neutrals by incorporating some of your favorite accessories! Any color is fair game for your accessories so be creative with those pendants, necklaces, or fashionable earrings!
What I’m Rockin:
Ruffle skirt: Express
Cardigan: Taken from my sister
Cardigan: Taken from my sister
Cream colored undershirt: Charlotte Russe
Owl Pendant: c/o Mango
Assorted Bracelets: Nordstrom Rack
Owl Pendant: c/o Mango
Assorted Bracelets: Nordstrom Rack
Wedges: Marshalls
Friday, March 9, 2012
My airport oasis: Mango
Mickey Mouse ears, screaming children, and large crowds. No, it’s not Disney World. It’s the Orlando International Airport. I am acutely aware of the environment at this airport because I visit it more than I visit my own parents. For my day job, I get the pleasure (and stress) of traveling all over the United States and at times it can be several times a month. So, it’s fair to say that I’m pretty familiar with this airport. Due to my constant visits and wait times, I’ve perused (more than once) the shopping center found before you reach the security line. Come on; don’t act like you wouldn’t either! Usually, I’m underwhelmed (to say the least) at the stores at the airport. They are good enough to pass the time but rarely do I dish out money to purchase anything. The mood to shop quickly disappears when I’m dealing with lost tourists, luggage, and annoyed sales associates. Well, on my most recent trip I saw an oasis, right in the middle of the airport. As I passed by the crowds checking their flights on the screen, I saw a sign from the corner of my eye…GASP! Could it be? A Mango store in Orlando!! Eeek!!
I rushed over to make sure this wasn’t just an illusion. My heavy laptop and big coats didn’t slow me down and I just kept saying, “it’s not a mirage…it’s not a mirage.” It wasn’t! There it was in all its glory! Oddly enough, there were no large crowds, no lost tourists, and no screaming children. It truly was an oasis. The sales associates were welcoming with their warm smiles and the clothes sparkled under the decorative lights. It’s official, Mango has returned to Orlando. Obviously, I purchased a few goodies so stay tuned to see how I styled some of their amazing spring pieces!!
Where do you go for retail therapy?
Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to follow on Google Friend Connect (Click on “Join” on the right), “Like” on Facebook, Tweet me on Twitter, follow on Bloglovin, and even see my random photos on Instagram (@StyleOfIris)!
Monday, March 5, 2012
It’s a Bird, It’s a Train… No, it’s Fashion!
You may have noticed that I have a fascination with old
trains (see this post). No surprise that
I was intrigued by this colorful and whimsical one. I couldn't resist striking
a pose with a train that looks like it was pulled straight out of a 1920’s
children’s toy set! This life sized toy brought memories of my own childhood. I
quickly realized it would be the perfect match for my playful bird blouse!
The pattern of vibrant birds reminds me of the bright shirts
I would wear in elementary school. But now it’s a modernized and mature
version. As soon as I saw the blouse my 5-year old inner Iris screeched with
joy. I quickly snatched it up! She screeched again when I passed this train. I
felt like little Iris playing with my old train set while wearing my Rainbow
Brite inspired outfits. Life sized toys mixed with fanciful fashion…what more
can a little girl ask for?
What fashion brings back memories of your childhood?
Fashion Tip: Bored
of pairing your patterned tops with solid colored bottoms? Try pairing it with
tweed bottoms. Tweed will add color and texture to your patterned tops!
What I'm Rockin':
Blouse - Lily White via Millenium Nordstrom Rack
Shorts - Forever21
Heels - Qupid
Bracelets - Gift
Belt - Goodwill (also worn here)
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