Classics.

"Fashions fade, but style is eternal"

                                                        -Yves Saint Laurent

When I hear this quote, there is ONE style icon that comes to mind here and I'm sure my fellow fashionistas would agree with me...

You can't even tell that this pic was taken in the 50/60's! She is the epitome of classic. You can never go wrong with ballet flats, a bike, and a little dog!

So today, I want to talk about the classic pieces that every woman should have in her "big girl closet". These are items that should be splurged on (or inherited from mom/grandma), but I'm still going to keep each piece under $50. It's still possible to look classy without spending a fortune, but keep in mind that these are things that will be in your wardrobe FOR. EV. ER. so it's alright to spend a bit more on them! Think of how many times you'll use them mixed and matched into your trendier pieces!

Let's start with a piece that I'm pretty sure ya'll already have, but just in case you don't, we'll cover it. The white button-up (or button-down, whichever way you choose to dress yourself). Express makes AMAZING business casual clothing (as well as trendier pieces), and while they tend to cost a little more, the quality is worth it. Get one in white, and if you can afford it, get one in black too-I was searching for a plain black button up at our mall here and couldn't find one ANYWHERE. I had found the cayutest gold skirt that would have looked so adorable with a plain black button up. Boo.

Next up is the trench coat. Preferably in camel (that's my fave), but black or brown will work just as well. There's something about the contrast of the camel and the black buttons that makes me swoon. You can be wearing a hole-y t-shirt underneath it and no one would know you're a hot mess. Or, you could go the naughty route and wear it with nothing but your heels. Your choice.

Some of my all time favorite pieces in my closet are my cardigans; they're so simple, yet can really pull together a look. As a matter of fact, I'm wearing one today (probably my favorite one). Paired with a longer tank, skinnies, and boots, I actually look human. It's quick and easy-and you can get them for a freakin' steal at Old Navy! Target has some really soft ones too-I looooove the ones from Targe Boutique! ;)

Obviously it goes without saying that every woman should have a pair of dark denim jeans and black dress pants in their closet (although I obviously fail at both of those since I don't have either), and I'm sure a lot of you (especially if you have jobs) have those. Ya'll know where to get jeans and pants that fit you, so I don't really need to go into too much depth there.

Personally, I can never have too many basic tees. I just found an amazing fit at Target. They're the Mossimo women's crew neck tees and they fit so PERFECTLY! They're a little stretchy, but made from a super soft material, so you don't feel like you're stuffed into it. I plan on going back and buying a few more in white and olive green (this season's hottest neutral, btw).

A little black dress should be securely stored in your closet. You never know when you'll be asked on a last minute dinner date, or when you can't find anything in the stores to wear to an event (which literally JUST happened to me). Find something with clean lines and that isn't too short, but is still a little "sexy". Ultimately, this is going to be your "go to" piece, so make sure you love it and you're comfortable in it.

Here are a few more pieces that can be added as you go:
-Classic black pumps
-"24 hour bag"-something that can take you from day to night and isn't too big or too small
-A proper fitting suit
-A neutral printed scarf
-Black and brown belts
-A fitted blazer
-A fun/sparkly/ruffly/metallic tank/tee to wear under your blazer that can help you go from work to cocktails in less than 5 seconds.

and last but not least...

pearls, big sunglasses, and breakfast.

Whoa, it's been awhile!

Whew! It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks/months around the L household! The hubster came home from the 'Ghan and then we took a week to head back to the good ol' Midwest. I'm FINALLY getting a moment to sit down and think about what I want to blog about now and in the future. I need to find the discipline to keep up with this beast, I'm totally not willing to just let it go! Buuuut, it is a matter of finding the time with a toddler (who, btw, knows his ABC's already as well as his numbers 1-10!) and a house that needs constant upkeep! I'm also working on an Etsy shop, once I master some crafts, so that's going to hopefully take up even MORE time and bring in some revenue for me! We'll see!

I figured since it's been so long, I'd do a celebrity inspired look. I luuuurve doing those, and since they're fairly easy, it's a good way to slip back into things around here.

Ya know who's cute? Kristen Cavallari. Srsly. She's just adorable, and has KILLER style.

 I am uhhh-bsessed with this pleated leather mini look, hell, I would love it even if it WASN'T leather! It was NEARLY impossible to find a similar skirt, but after much "Bing Shopping", I found one! And get this, it's only $24! Granted, it's a lighter brown, but it'll do! Now obviously, it's not REAL leather, but it's still super duper adorbs! You can find it here, it's from a nifty little shop called Venus!

For the top, you could definitely just use a white button up from your closet, or you could find something a little more flowy and in something other than cotton. I have a really cute satin-y type top that would work perfectly if it wasn't a crop top (damn crop tops). I like this billowy button up from GoJane. They have some really cute stuff there! You could also get it in the blue color, add a little color, that'd be puuuuurty!

I love the bootie with skirt combo she's rockin' too. Can this girl do no wrong? You can go so many different ways with your shoes too if you aren't comfortable with booties (in that case, check out my bootie tutorial right here)! I'm kinda in love with these Studded Peep-Toe Booties from Charlotte, but if you aren't comfortable with those, you can pretty much rock anything. Seriously, even a pair of nude patent flats would be totally cute. There's even a pair of spikey heels that are similar! Can you tell I'm diggin' the tough/soft contrast with the bows and the studs? Orrrrr, you can go with a platform pump in any fun color (assuming you go with the white top)!

Kristen appears to be carrying a simple Chanel quilted bag, but if you're like me and your budget doesn't allow for those types of designer duds, Forever 21 has a pretty awesome "inspired" style. Check it out here. Otherwise, rock your own shoulder strap bag, and hit the town!

That's all for tonight, this daylight savings time is really kicking my rear!

A smorgasbord...

...of my current infatuations.

Enjoy!

1. The Muppets Collection by OPI...these colors are to. die. for. I've been looking for the perfect glittery polish to pair with my new fall clothes and I think I found it in "Warm and Fozzie" (like that cuddly Fozzie bear). It is the most purrrrr-fect bronze glitter shade. I'm also pretty obsessed with "Rainbow Connection" not only because it's my favorite lullaby to sing to my little nugget, but because it literally has every color in it. I think it's perfect for your holiday toes. So above and beyond...

Top row, L-R: Animal-listic, Meep-Meep-Meep, Pepe's Purple Passion, Wocka Wocka!, Designer, de Better!, Warm and Fozzie

Bottom row, L-R: Rainbow Connection, Excuse Moi!, Gone Gonzo, Fresh Frog of Bel Air, Divine Swine, Gettin' Miss Piggy With It

(Special thanks to The Queen of the Nail for this info!)

2. Payless's new collection of Fall booties: ZOMG...I am loving Payless this season! Their Fioni brand has some of the most stylish and affordable shoes which I am totally diggin'. I am particularly obsessed with the Tenley Lace Up Wedge Boot-it is the best camel color that will go so well with aaaaanything. I want to tuck these into my skinnies and pair them with an oversize sweater. A big, cozy, cream colored sweater.

3. Missoni for Target. 'Nuff said.

4. I'm always on the hunt for new lingerie-don't judge, it makes me feel shmexy. Forever 21 actually has a pretty adorable selection-it's girlie without being trashy (which, sometimes trashy is nice, but not for all occasions) and it's affordable! I'm particularly in love with this Sheer Floral Print Robe, and I absolutely luuuurve the frilly sleeves. So cute.

Well that's it for tonight-I'm gonna finish my Summer Shandy, watch the end of "Just Friends" and then hit the hay. I am exhaaaaausted! Night night my lusties!

Muah!

Carrie

My love for TJ Maxx...

I was always thoroughly disappointed with the Home Goods store in Burnsville (which was a bummer since it was basically in my backyard), so when I came back to New York, I didn't have much hope for the TJ Maxx in Wtown.

*Before I continue, for those of you who aren't familiar with TJ Maxx or Home Goods (they're the same store basically), they're like a Marshall's or Ross. Name brands for less basically.*

Aaaanyways, I went there yesterday out of sheer boredom, and happened upon racks and racks of gorgeous clothes. They had a lot of pretty coats too, which means I'll have to go back and check out the selection when it comes time to select one.

I'm not sure if you're aware, but I have a serious love/hate relationship with crop tops. I just can't figure out how to make them look right on my body and kinda feel like I'm a little too old for them. With that being said, I DO own two (that happen to be from Ross and TJ Maxx), and while I was perusing the racks yesterday, I fell in love with two shirts only to realize that they happened to fall into the "top that has been cropped" category. I was bummed but decided to try them on regardless since I liked the way they looked on the hanger. Tried them on and...AHHHHHH (angels singing)! They're gorgeous! I think they're perfect for a laid back Fall look and can take me into the Winter months as well.

So are you ready to see some looks I've put together with my new tops? Are you super excited? :-D

Now keep in mind that this is all stuff from my closet, and I can guarantee you that I bought most of it for under $25...

Look #1: This one is definitely more casual and perfect for a day spent sipping apple cider and taking hayrides!
Sweater: Aphorism from TJ Maxx-ONLY $16.99!
Jeans: &Denim by H&M (they are a couple years old but an AWESOME gray denim)
Tank top (worn underneath sweater): Zenana Outfitters from TJ Maxx (I'm pretty sure I paid like $4.99 for this too)
Scarf: Charlotte Russe bought 2-3 years ago
Flats: Old Navy-seriously, BEST PLACE EVER to buy affordable and stylish (and super comfy once you wear 'em in) flats!

Simple and cute, right?

Look #2: This one is better suited for a girl's night out type of event. The shirt is definitely dressier because of it's "satiny" look (although it's polyester). Since it is a little sheer, pair it with a cami underneath.
Blouse: Mimi Chica from TJ Maxx-and only $12.99!
Jeans: Same as above
Booties: Dollhouse from Ross-and they were only $19.99-BTW...Ross has the most EPIC selection of shoes. It's seriously amazeballs.
Earrings: Forever 21-probably about $4.80 or so
Bracelets: Charlotte Russe-Christmas gift from my mom, but I think they were like $8.50

close up of the purrrty jewelry (I need to invest in a better camera, my iPhone doesn't do these looks justice)

And since I just got back from H&M (ok, a couple days ago), I wanted to share just one more outfit that was styled totally by H&M apparel-well, besides the shoes and jewelry. And if my memory serves me correctly, the whole outfit (just the clothing) was under $75!

Look #3: I call this my date night/"Oh you want to go out NOW giving me only 10 minutes notice? And we're going to dinner at the new wine bar and then to the comedy club? Ok, give me a minute" look.
Tank top (which is a suuuper pretty rust color): H&M-$7-freaking-95! Shut the front door.
Blazer: H&M-$19.99 (I'm not joking)
Scarf: H&M-$12.95
Jeans: H&M-same as above
Earrings: Forever 21-probably about $4.80 again
Cuff-Charlotte Russe-$6.50 or so
Shoes: I bought those puppies at Target FOREVS ago and I think I got them on clearance for under $20.



So there you have it, I've expressed my undying love for TJ Maxx. And H&M, but I think we already had that covered. Remember that stores have BRAND NEW selections for Fall, so grab a friend and make a day of it.

Happy Shopping!

Muah!

Carrie

Booties-a tutorial!

It's come to my attention that a certain pair of footwear causes panic in some people. You see them, you love them, and so you buy them. But when you get home, you realize you have NO idea how to wear them. Welp, have no fear, Fashion Lust is here to help you out. I've put together a few "sets" from Polyvore to help show you the NUMEROUS ways that booties can be worn. No matter if you're having drinks at a swanky downtown bar or perusing the farmer's market, you CAN wear them and ROCK them. It just takes a little courage, a little creativity, and that awesome "I'm hot and I know it" attitude that all my lusties have in common. Muah! Enjoy!

booties1 by fashion-lust featuring a tee dress

booties2 by candypants22 featuring motorcycle jackets

booties3 by fashion-lust featuring wedge boots

Calling all my lusties!

I'm looking for a way to be more interactive with my followers, so I'm reaching out to ya'lls (it it ya'lls or just ya'll? I'm not from the South, so I'm not sure the correct usage of that)!

I'm looking for pictures of YOU! Being stylish, rocking your favorite outfit (past or present), or just pictures of things that you find lustful. Remember, around these parts, we love a good bargain, so try and keep that in mind! If I get enough entries (or even ANY), I'll post them and do a "follower spotlight" of sorts. So get to work and e-mail me at: fashionlustrocks@gmail.com with your entries! Make sure you write a little something about your outfit/find too so we know where to find the pieces!

Muah!
Carrie

It's been awhile...

Wow, I didn't realize it had been that long since I've updated, but I guess life has a funny way of passing you by when you're not really paying attention. I've been so busy with the everyday mundane tasks of holding down the fort and raising a child, that I kinda had to put FL to the side. I really want to be back at least part time, but it's getting to be crunch time for me-preparing for our vow renewal and my hubs' HOMECOMING-but I could at least try to post 1-2 times a week!

I've been struggling with my wardrobe lately. I just turned 25 and I feel like a lot of my clothes and the stores I shop at are a bit too young for me. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, but when I'm 10 years older than every other shopper there, it's hard to feel like I'm wearing age appropriate clothing, know what I mean?

The thing I love about H&M is that it's affordable. You can buy TONS of basics (like tanks, tees, henleys, even dresses) for under $10. Their sales are amazing and their clothes are right on trend. I love that a lot of their apparel can be worn casually, at the office, and at night. One piece can take you from the office to cocktails which I think is super important. I really wish they'd update their website to allow you to shop online-the nearest H&M in NY is in Syracuse, which is over an hour away. I suppose it's worth it though, and I can make a few trips there a year to stock up. Here's some stuff I'm diggin' for fall:
Cardigan-$24.95-I love how fitted and warm this looks. I need a nice "sturdy" cardigan for Fall, and this would look super adorable with a white tank, brown belt, and my faaaabulous zip up boots.
Blouse-$24.95-How CUTE is this?! I like the black and white polka dots, they'd look super cute paired with dark denim and some red flats-so very vintage!
Dress-$24.95-Ok, so this might be kinda hard to pull off, but ZOMG I think I neeeed this. It would look so freakin' adorable with some black leggings and boots. Or better yet, BOOTIES! If you go the bootie route, stick with tights (like thick ones), or just add some cute socks over your leggings. :)
Blazer-$59.95-The PERFECT herringbone blazer! How perfectly preppy is this?! The possibilites are endless with this piece and you can wear it SO many times-and it'll never go out of style! That's what is so great about spending a bit more on classic pieces. I'm picturing this with like a green and black striped tee. I'm not sure why, but I think it'd really pull off that "preppy" look. Or you could go in a total opposite direction and pair it with a flowy blouse and some delicate jewelry. Adorbs! <--Yep, I said it. New word alert!

Oh, and I can't pass up this little boy's cardigan (a freakin' STEAL at $6.95)! Oh my gosh, Liam would look so CUTE in this! Ahhhh....!

Alright, that's all for tonight, it's almost 10 pm which is like 2 am in old lady mom time. I'm glad to be back though and hopefully I can keep this puppy up! Don't forget to like FL on Facebook too! You can do that right...HERE!

Muah!
Carrie