It seems like just yesterday that Josh and I got engaged. Now, I'm scouring the internet for the perfect dress for our engagement photos. The first spot I'm checking is TopShop, mainly because they don't totally break the bank, and I always find something I like!
Fashion
Erin's Style Chronicles: The REAL Beginning of My New Wardrobe (Plus Big Butts--A Gift and a Curse?) /
I Have No Clothes.
It's true. I've stepped out of my "working in the relaxed lab" to corporate America. I went into my closet and looked at my inventory. Even so, I own 2 pairs of jeans that have no holes, bleach marks, or rips on the bottom. At the end of the day, I hate feeling like I have nothing to wear when I really do have nothing to wear. I'm also trying to figure out the line between "my pants are too tight" and "this is my butt, I'm going to embrace it".
I love to look good, but I really hate shopping. I don't get excited to try clothes on, but I read fashion blogs every day! As you can see, I posted pictures of most of my fashion books. Maybe I like clothes more than I thought.
There are three sources that I'll be using to upgrade my closet:
1. Commander in Chic: Every Woman's Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady
2. The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own
3. A Personalized list by Justin J., of UVanity.com
I am very excited for Justin's list because as an old coworker, he saw the way my clothes would fit, and would honestly say "girl, you need to start running" or "oh my gosh girl I love that" or "Erin, throw that in the trash".
Favorite Fashion Brands
These are the places that I tend to purchase from, or check on every once and awhile for a good deal.
J.Crew / Banana Republic / Kohl's / Kenneth Cole / SUNO / Diane Von Furstenburg / Levi's / Tory Burch / ASOS / Aldo
My Challenge--My Body
I'm truly curvy. Really. I'm a 36D up top, and If I had a smaller butt, I'd likely be a size 8. My butt, however, should probably be a 12. In all honesty, I have gained about 20 pounds in the last 2 years, but I love my body now more than ever. Of course, there's some toning that needs to be done, and with the help of my awesome Pinterest exercise board, everything should come along nicely!
When I saw this Diane Von Furstenburg at Last Call Neiman Marcus, I damn near ran to fitting room to try it on! I am absolutely obsessed with wearing prints, and this silk dress won me over instantly. I took a size 8 in with me, but I know DVF's clothes aren't made for curves, so I took a 10 just in case. The entire point of the trip to the mall was to purchase work clothes. I thought this particular outfit would look great with a blazer, belt and pair of heels. But oh, getting it around my hips and tail was the first challenge. As you see, my butt has filled the dress to capacity. I don't know if you can see the front, but the stomach area is a bit baggy. Obviously, this dress will not be a contender for a work appropriate outfit. A night out, however......
Rihanna, I Love and Hate Your (New) Style, All At the Same Time /
Rihanna hit SO many high notes with this outfit last night. I mean look at her! The dress was inspired by one of my favorite movie characters, Elvira Hancock from Baltimore. I will never get enough of Scarface. While she was an avid drug user, her firm stance and no-mess personality won me over. I wanted her to end up with Tony Montana just as much as he did.
Anyway.
She barely had on any fabric. Her cleavage was out, her back was out, her legs were out. The dress barely had any components to it--and she worked it. The thin chains by Jacquie Aiche wrapped around her body were perfection. It was that hint of jewelry that accents the look. Everything about them is very Rihanna. The makeup was simple, bronzy, and minimal. I loved it. She oozed sexy. And I didn't notice any of that at first, because I couldn't get over her hair.
Rihanna. Come on girl.
I know that she likes to mix it up every few months. She gradually adds length or drastically cuts it, or changes color. She doesn't like to be predictable. I get it, and I respect it. But damnit, this hair is the absolute worst on her, in my opinion. I'm not going to say I'm the biggest Rihanna fan, I don't own any of her music, I don't need to watch her perform. But I always know she's going to bring it on the red carpet. But that 80's chic roots-ablaze-tousled-teased-split-end-looking mess? I just can't get into it.
Image courtesy of JustJared.com.