And The Winners Are...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I send out emails to all the winners this morning. Please respond with your contact info so I can get your winnings out to you this weekend. Thanks to everyone who participated, I have something else fun coming up REALLY soon!

A New Addition

Remember when I lost my laptop? Yeah, I try to forget it too... well, this is a happier post than that. I have recently become the proud owner of a shiny new tablet! BF got it for me as belated birthday gift? I am currently typing tapping this post on it. I'll be super honest: it's not exactly what I expected and it takes some getting used to but, I think I'm getting the hang of it. Do you blog from a tablet? If so, how do you like it?

Reminder: Fashion Week Swag Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter to win one of four swag bundles from New York Fashion Week! This giveaway runs until October 16, 2012 and is open to ALL readers in USA! I will pick four different winners via Rafflecopter. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on the original post letting me know what which prize you would love to win most. Check out the Rafflecopter widget for more ways to enter and keep your fingers crossed!

October 8, 2012: I've Got Mustard and A Studded Peter Pan Collar

Mustard is always a fall color, in my opinion. It's one of the beautiful shades that leaves turn to signal the changing of the seasons and blends perfectly with the similarly warm oranges and reds. While I generally like mustard and would wear it any time of year it feels most appropriate in the fall, don't you agree? 

If there was one trend that I broke my shopping fast for it would have been blouses with studded collars of the peter pan persuasion. I'm so in love with the grown up punk inspired style! It reminds me of high school but, I digress... Thankfully, my cousin knew my unspoken wishes and sent me the perfect birthday gift! I've had tons of fashion fun layering it with different shirts since it's sheer AKA not particularly modest or work appropriate. 

Also, I'm still rocking this oxblood manicure...

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP; mint studded peter pan collar shirt, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns  (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

October 1, 2011: Black, White, and Light Layers

Yeah, I've been having some issues keeping up with blogging. October is a new month and I am ready to get back on track without getting ahead of myself (I hope.) One of the biggest challenges I am facing in regards to getting dress is the weather. I wake up in the morning and it's cold but, by the end of the day it is extremely warm. Also, I was pretty darn sick and am still getting over the remnants of my illness so, these seemingly subtle changes in temperature are very noticeable to me. 

My solution for now is light tops and a jackets/cardi with a pashmina in my purse in case I need additional warmth. Have you come down with the rando cold/flu that is plaguing the general population right now? How are you handling the change in the weather?

• Top: black and white polka dot dress, Forever 21 via The Big Fat Flea; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

Weekly Manicure: Oxblood

I have had every intention of doing something spectacular with my nails for my manicure this week but, I have been busy sick and entirely unmotivated. I was long overdue for a manicure but, instead of busting out the makeup sponges, loofahs, or old maps I went in the completely opposite direction and grabbed some manicure strips. Do you think that falls in the category of ultimate laziness or savvy convenience? For my sake let's just say it's the latter...

I went with a shade of maroon called Red Velvet from Incoco but, doesn't it remind you of the quintessential Fall 2012 color? Yup, this shade is SO oxblood! For better of worse I'm not going to look at maroon, burgundy, wine, claret, rosewood, or carmine the same way. Regardless, they are prefect for fall and I am in love with the color, perhaps I am being brainwashed. Have you fallen for oxblood yet?

Normally, I have an extremely positive experience with Incoco manicure strips but, this time they were chipping after the third day. I wonder if it's because I have had this set of manicure strips for a while (think Christmas gift). Have you ever used an older batch of Incoco manicure strips and had a similar experience or did I do something wrong?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

Happy Birthday Cousin V!!

To: V
From: Iris

Sending so much love and good birthday vibes your way!

Image courtesy of happybirthdaymyfluffybear.blogspot.com

"I've Got This!" Week: Fall 2012

Yeah it's that time again! The temptation to shop for new trends is nagging at me and I am trying my best to resist! How about you? It's time to be real about what's actually hanging in my closet... that's right, time another "I've Got This" week! This has been an amazing way for me to familiarize myself with what I have in my closet all over again!

I am going to do things the same as last year since Mr. Linky makes everything so much easier I will put one up everyday next week starting Monday and if you want to participate you can just link up! Just leave me a comment now so I know you're in, grab the banner, pick some trends, and work with what you've got! I'm sure you have things in your closet that fit the trends so put some fantastic outfits with your stuff. No buying anything new!! I know you've got this... 

Here are some trends to be inspired by next week:

• Oxblood
• Equestrian
• Metallics
• Pattern Mixing/Prints on Prints
• Cobalt
• Mustard
• Hunter Green
• Brocade
• Peplum
• Floral
• Menswear
• Military
• Colored Denim
• Gold
• Leather
• Houndstooth
• Sheath Dress
• Printed Pants
• Brooches
• Jewel Tones

Giveaway: Fashion Week Swag

One of my favorite things about Fashion Week is free stuff. Besides the general glitz and glamour that comes along with attending all the events there are generally goodie bags filled with samples and gifts. Honestly, I am kind of a hoarder about it but, I digress... After going through the copious amount of swag I had at the end of Fashion Week festivities there were plenty of things that I didn't really see myself using. I'm more than happy to share hence my current giveaway. With four different winners and a plethora of ways to enter your chances are looking pretty great.

Up for grabs is:

The Makeup Bundle

• Allure Magazine Makeup Case
• Julep for Trina Turk Fall 2012 in Otte
• Julep for Trina Turk Fall 2012 in Delaunay
• MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Reel Sexy
• Votrevu Anti-Aging Eyelid Smoother in Light
• Votrevu Daily Brow Definer in Fair
• Votrevu Tantilizing Bronzer Duo in Monaco
• Origins Gin-Zing Refreshing Eye Cream 
• Hard Candy Lash Call Lengthening Mascara in Peacock
• Violent Lips Temporary Lip Tattoos in The Violet Glitteratti

The Jewelry Bundle

• Crystal Studs from Sorrelli
• White Fabric Rosette Studs from Our Sweetest Blooms
• Gold Chain Earrings from LaureLuxe

Small Case Bundle

• Small Blue Wallet from Tumi
• Black Patent Leather Wristlet from Stella & Dot 

Black Sprout Watch

Now for the fun stuff, this giveaway will be until October 16, 2012 and is open to ALL readers in USA! I will pick four different winners via Rafflecopter. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what which prize you would love to win most. Check out the Rafflecopter widget for more ways to enter and keep your fingers crossed!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: eShakti.com

You probably know by now that I am a big proponent of eShakti.com. When I was offered the opportunity to do a review of a dress from their fall line I jumped at the chance! I was given the option to pick three dresses from their available stock online (at the time) and they would do their best to accommodate my desires. I was very excited at the possibility of ending up with a dress from my wish list that I didn't get for my birthday. When the dress finally came it was my first pick so, the Boucle Sheath Dress, and I couldn't have been happier with their selection; You know how I feel about tweed...

I envisioned myself wearing it to work as the weather cools down, to upcoming holiday events, out for drinks... the possibilities are endless! Unfortunately, when I tried the dress on I was disappointed in the way it fit. The straps were too long and the waist fell in an unflattering spot but, those things are my own fault. Instead of doing my due diligence  taking my own measurements, and custom ordering for the best fit. I knowingly rounded up from my actual size and figured it would all work out as it has in the past. I guess I'm smaller (WIN) than I think I am because this happened with the dresses I ordered for my birthday as well. Thankfully we know a great tailor in the area and they were able to make the dress work with a few seams and tucks. What do you think of the end result?

Image courtesy of falksisters.com

I would love to tell you that I'm thrilled with the way it turned out after the tailor took a crack at it but, they weren't finished with it when I stopped by to pick it up. I will certainly be taking advantage of eShakti's affordable customization options in future orders. I will also read the descriptions about length, waist, etc. more carefully because they make dresses exactly as they are described. It's a rare thing when ordering online. Finally, I will try to be a little more honest with myself about my actual size but, I digress... I know with the new fit, fantastic autumnal color palette, and aforementioned versatility of the dress it is the perfect additional to my fall wardrobe. I can't wait for a chance to wear it.

Right now there is still a great giveaway going on from Katy at ModlyChic and Still Blonde After All These Years. Enter here to win not one but, four eShakti dresses. The first place winner will win one dress per season for the next year AND three second place winners will win a dress of their choice AND three third place winners will get a skirt or top of their choice. This is over $930 worth of prizes and 7 winners! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purchases & Acquisitions: September 2012

September was CRAZY as I'm sure you deduced from my silence. There was so much going on with work, life, Fashion Week, etc. that I barely had time to breathe, let alone shop. However, that doesn't mean I didn't squeeze in a little bit of time at the mall. Attending Fashion Week events brings different wardrobe pressures than everyday life. Even if you don't go to every event that you are invited to you still, at times, find yourself surrounded by industry professionals and fellow fashion lovers. These fabulous people have a keen eye for sartorial hits and misses. You don't want to be rocking a miss. The other challenge for me was the combination of still warm weather and an expectation of fall trends. I wasn't ready to bust out all my fall goodies at that time, it was still summer. For the most part I was able to make it work but, I picked up a couple of things at Target to fill in my Fashion Week wardrobe gaps.

Mossimo® Women's Floral Print Asymmetrical Dress

Mossimo® Natural Envelope Clutch

This high low-hem dress from Target was an excellent find; spot on for fall while being appropriate for the tepid weather we were having. I also grabbed this over-sized snakeskin clutch. While the dress is fantastic, the clutch has already been on my arm at a few late night events. Snakeskin goes with everything, end of story! How is this still a month of no purchases if I got these two items? Two words: gift card, thanks Mom and Dad!