Polka Dotted Peplum

Friday, are you there?

Slow Mourning

I had one heck of a time trying to force my hind quarter out of bed this morning. I don't know why, but I almost always reach for black when I wake up in a fog.

Jacket: Forever 21, Top: H&M, Skinnies: Target, Shoes: BCBGirls 'Wish', Bag: GUESS 'Ibiza Metal'

Define Me

A Capelet? A Shrug? A Cropped, Cowl-Neck Poncho? A Cowl Pon-Shruglet? It didn't come with an instruction manual so I just pulled it over my head, found what appeared to be sleeves, determined that it wouldn't be too confining and headed to the checkout. The End

Red ???: Target, Camisole: Forever 21, Jeans: BITTEN by Sarah Jessica Parker, Shoes: Nine West 'Ufficio', Necklace: Forever 21

Brunette Brigade

I can't believe it's Monday already! I had a million things to do over the weekend and consequently, time vanished like a vapor. Most important on my list, was getting my hair down to ONE color. I spent 10 years as a blonde and my locks are still in 'recovery', as it were. There is really no painless way to remedy the hue sitch, except to continue cutting until it's all gone. Le Boyfriend is very handy with the scissors and he was kind enough to help me out while I sipped a glass of wine :)

Dress: Forever 21, Boots: Jessica Simpson 'Yindley', Bag: Leflesh

Awwww. . . .Shucks!

Hugs and kisses to the beautiful and thoughtful, Kate- who was so very kind to remember me in such a special way. I am so thankful for this blissful surprise :)

The blogisphere is a network of peers, and since we rely on our 'degrees of separation' to bring awareness to those that have yet to be acknowledged, it stands to reason that any accolade should be paid forward. The fine print is as follows:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

These lovely women show and share fabulously:

Nai of Shane's Team

Cheyenne of I Devour Fashion

Christina of I Love Fashion

Marta of With Love
Elana of The Blog With The Red Sole

Ida of Rouge Marie
Crista of Extra Spicy

M* of My Daily Style

Miranda of Miranda's

Behind The Seams

30 Below

Top: Old Navy, $2, Scarf: Raj, $12, Trousers: Target, $14

Dea. . .

This post is dedicated to a very special friend. She is leaving our beloved San Diego tonight, en route to Los Angeles- until further notice. I want my well wishes for her success to be cemented here so that all of my fellow bloggers will send their good vibes upon each visit :)

Skinnies: Jolt, Shirt: Express, Shoes: Jessica Simpson 'Manica'

Block Party

If there is a Target within a 20 mile radius of a hotel that I'm staying in, I make it a point to drop in. Nine out of ten times, I find the pieces that I had searched my local stores for- case in point, this $7 sweater dress. It's lightweight, I love the sleeves, and it was a no-brainer on this cloudy day.

Dress: Target, Shoes: Boutique 58 'Opinion', Coat: Nordstrom

The Unicorn

The perfect fit, the perfect style, the perfect sweetheart vamp. This was quite the cumbersome acquisition, even by The Consummate Shoppers standards, but I can now say with certainty, that these nude pumps were well worth the effort, especially when most comps were equivalent to one months rent.

Dress: Proenza Schouler for Target
Clutch: Lodis
Shoes: Nine West 'Lucero'

Happy Valentine's Day

With Love from Palm Springs!

-Nicole

Fairy God Shopper

I had my eye on these boots for a little over a year when I was flipping through a Nordstrom catalog and found that they were going to be available in 'Antique Gold' the following season. Almost overnight, my innocent crush turned into full-fledged stalking. I clipped the photo and kept it on my board; searching the internet regularly to find an e-tailer with a code so that I could justify them at a discount, but nothing.

One day, months later, I heard a rumor that they had finally gone on sale at Nordstrom. I called my local store and as I was speaking to the sales person, the customer she was ringing overheard the conversation and proceeded to tell her to tell me that the boots were just racked the day before, that she saw them there herself. *I could have jumped through the phone and kissed her* I took an early lunch, jumped in my car and conquered the racks. The rest is fashion history.

Dress: Target, Scarf: Miami Airport, Boots: Frye 'Villagers', Bracelets: Old Navy

Sheer Fondness

My dear friend Chari will likely remember this outfit. Austin Texas, 2006, South by Southwest; A good time was had by all.

Sky High Waisted

A little sunlight is the best prop and I'm so relieved that it's back today! Heels, belted waist, patterned tights. . . It's beautiful to be a woman.

Cardigan: The Limited
Tank: Target
Tights: Via Spiga
Shoes: Steve Madden 'Jadde'
Skirt: Some random 7-Year Old Thing
Belt: Unknown

Liquid Lace

This top was a gift from my mother and while I'm pretty sure it's meant to be worn as a nightgown- I thought I'd test drive it with my liquid leggings. Hope she's not too embarrassed when she sees this ;)

Top: Victorias Secret
Tank: Generra
Leggings & Necklace: Target
Shoes: Steve Madden 'Jadde'
Bag: Unknown

Well, Color Me Thrilled!!

Over the weekend, dearest Cheyenne tagged me with my first award!
My blog has been a labor of love over the past two years and with such a significant amount of time going into each post, it's refreshing to hear that someone out there is enjoying it.

The blogisphere is a network of peers, and since we rely on our 'degrees of separation' to bring awareness to those that have yet to be acknowledged, it stands to reason that any accolade should be paid forward. The fine print is as follows:

* Link the blog that gave you the award
* Give the award to seven other bloggers, and link them
* Tell the bloggers that you have given them an award

I'm inspired by many, but as of late- I've been drawn in by these:

Alicia of Instant Vintage

May of Mayk All Day Every Day

Jennifer of Over Obsessorized

Carrie of My Bare Style

Eleh of Come Thrifting With Me

Jenny of Cinderella

Sera of Sera-Louise

Thank you,

Nicole

Gone Green

The forecast calls for clouds today, which translates into a stiff breeze for us Californians-- so I thought I'd throw on my favorite trench to add a touch of winter to this outfit; specifically for the lovely ladies in the cooler climates who so graciously comment on my lighter ensembles ;)

As an added bonus, I'm going to do my best to remember to start squeezing my handbags into these photos. As far as accessories are concerned, they're my personal favorite. Have a lovely weekend!

Washed Leather Trench: Pasha & Jo
Dress: Libertine for Target
Shoes: GUESS 'Raise'
Bag: Isabella Fiore 'Medal of Honor'

Ease Equality

It's that 'time' again and I'm feeling rather puffy, but I simply cannot quantify in words how much better it felt to slip into a cotton dress rather than a pair of sweats this morning. That tiny effort is the equivalent of a warm cup of tea to my fashion-soul.

Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: GUESS 'Rally'

Catalyst

There's just something about a stark white garment that makes me feel chic and confident. For many, white is sort of taboo because it isn't as flattering as black and could potentially stain or ruin, but hypothetical mishaps don't trouble me. I find that I tend to gravitate toward this fresh, crisp look. It makes me feel like a lady and locks that feminine spring in my step.

As I put one foot in front of the other, I'm reminded that there will inevitably come a day when my hips won't move so effortlessly, in perfect rhythm with the drop of each heel beneath me. . .and I enjoy the moment even more.

Dress & Shoes: GUESS 'Rally'
Scarf: Nine West
Bracelets: Forever 21