PFM Obsession: Inspiration Board

...so my shopping abilities have been seriously curbed lately and it has been quite an adjustment.  though i wasn't insane with it, i did have some room to play.  my playing days seem to be far from returning but that doesn't mean that i'm not drooling for some must have items to add to my wardrobe.  i created this little inspiration board to help organize my current obsessions.  thanks to Net-A-Porter's The Edit, i had plenty to choose from!  though i would love to take home the inspiration pieces, even when my pockets are fatter, i will most likely be unable to justify such extravagant purchases.  if this is the case for you too, be sure to check out my more economical versions of each item.

(from left to right)

Valentino Rock Stud gloves - these are the inspiration pair but i would probably rock these and still feel just as edgy.

Valentino spiked flats - i am feeling the Valentino line!!! love these shoes.  Take the everyday classic flat and bump up the edge with spikes! These are just as fun and way more pocket-friendly!

Tory Burch Peplum Sweater - i love this peplum sweater!! and the bright color is perfect to chase away winter blues! i'm so glad that peplum is in because i love this style. it's such a fun way to add a girly touch to any outfit.  this sweater is just as bright and cute!

Burberry down coat - i am loving Burberry's outerwear.  they have found a way to make a down jacket feminine and cool - all at the same time! this coat is fab in a different way but it would still make a statement and keep me warm!

Miu Miu glitter brogues - i have been looking for the right pair of brogues to add to my shoe collection.  a glittery pair would be right up my alley.  this pair might just do the trick!!

The Row pencil skirt- gasp!  i love this skirt!  the great shape and color makes it so unexpected.  and it's leather!! love that!  this skirt would still be a splurge but it would be timeless addition. 

Rick owens leather jacket - who doesn't love Rick Owens style and now it's been updated to the metallic trend.  this jacket has all the style without the price tag.

Day Birger et Mikkelsen pants - this is another item i've been stalking - printed tapered pants.  with my long legs, i can't just buy any pants.  the price of this pair isn't doable but i love these and they would be a great substitution!

ooo, how i wish i could go shopping!! lol, ah well, my birthday is coming up.  maybe i can stash some b-day cash to get at least one of these items sooner rather than later! xo Sesheta

Daily Outfit: Neon and Nude

one of my favorite combos is neon and nude.  besides being totally on trend, it is a great way to tone down the shocking hue of any neon item and makes it great for day.  adding my denim vest is a perfect contrast.  i don't think i've posted an outfit with my DIY studded vest yet!!  i haven't had much time to wear it because, in my freezing office, i am forced to wear a long sleeve shirt under it.  i can't wait to wear it to summer outings over tanks and sundresses!  

either way, i love this pairing.  my two favorite parts of this combo are: 1) the #armparty happening with all my bracelets (LOVE) and 2) the exact match of my patent nude flats to my skinny cargos (a happy accident)!  this palette just makes my heart sing!! i guess it's the little things!! :) xo sesheta

p.s. having 4th of July fall on a Wednesday is so awkward!  unfortunately, i couldn't  make use of the mid-week holiday to make a long weekend like i had hoped.  despite that fact, i still plan to have a good time with friends and family.  hope you do the same!!

(Cowrie Link Convertible necklace - MavenFresh, Studded Denim Vest - Maven ReFreshed, Neon yellow top - (similar) Forever 21, Taupe Cargo skinny jeans - Blank Denim, Flats - Calvin Klein (similar))

Daily Outfit: Purple Majesty

the sun is shining, everything is sweet

i could've done yoga in this outfit too! lol

i am still frohawked for the summer season - i just can't get enuff!

it was the perfect place for a cartwheel... too bad i can't do one lmao!

is it just me or does the blue pop against this violet purple make your color senses sing??

this one-shoulder top by Guess is one of my faves for instant glam.  i love that it works with different types of bottoms - skinny jeans (black or dark blue) or leggings (sequin leggings for a night out).  either way, i feel dressed to impress yet still comfortable to hang all day or night.  throwing a boyfriend blazer on top makes this an office ready combo and adds layers for warmth (specifically if your office is freezing like mine)!  [aside: i seem to really be into the purple and black combination too (see here).]  

did you notice the lush background? it inspired the post title.  ...but can you guess where i am? in the countryside or in the neighborhood? the funny (and good) thing about Long Island is you can seem like you are in the wilds of the woods when you are really right in an urban space.  


well...did you guess yet?  Becca and i made a Target run and loved this location so much that we decided to snap pics, lmao.  which means we were literally on location at Target! ha!


(Beaded Chandeliers in Black Crow - MavenFresh, One-Shoulder Tunic - Guess, Black leggings - American Apparel (the best leggings ever), Studded Sandals- BCBGMaxazria Cuff - Matt Bernson, Two-finger ring - Erica Anenberg, Nails - Essie Mesmerize)

Daily Outfit: Laced in Violets

who says lace is just for streetwalkers??!!  i love the fact that lace was recently reclaimed by the fashion world and made to be classic and edgy! that was my goal for this outfit.  though many have put their lace tights away, i am still loving mine.  they were the perfect addition to add edge and coverage to make these cute floral-print vintage shorts office ready.  is this your average office attire? well...no. ...but you should know by now that my style choices are anything but average lol.  ... and i would totally do it again!

(Tuxedo blazer - Kenneth Cole, Violet Ruffle shirt - Forever 21, Floral-print Shorts - Vintage Ann Taylor, Lace Tights - Hue, Stud Cuff - Matt Bernson, Mocassins - Minnetonka, Lightcatchers in Violet - MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: Rose Gold Love

Becca isn't the only one who found a new bag love!  sooo around every mother's day, i get a fabulous bag that is a thank u to me for working so hard as a mommy club member.  this year, with soooo many bag crushes it was totally hard to decide but when i found this baby (which i had been stalking but couldn't find anywhere), it was an instant gotta-have-it moment!! meet the Rebecca Minkoff Circle Quilt Affair Bag with *gasp* rose gold hardware!! if you've been reading our blog, you will know that i have a current obsession (lol, notice i said current) with rose gold hardware (see here) - especially when paired with black leather!  though, like Becca, i love a bright bag, with this bag, i felt the need to tone down the color but up the ante in edge!!  it fits right in with my new angle on style.  lately i've been describing my outfits as classic edgy and this new mama jama fits right in line!

(Strong Shoulder Biker Leather - Urbancode from Asos.com, Sequin tank - J.Crew, Dark Skinnies - Uniqlo, Boots - Fergie, Leopard Print scarf (seen as headwrap) - Zara,  Gold Mesh Necklace - Vintage Whiting & Davis)

PFMs Do it Better: DIY Studded Denim Vest

soo... i know the denim vest has been done... many, many, many times before.  you may even have seen a DIY on how to make a denim vest.  either way, i thought it would be fun to show, yet again, how this classic staple can be done at a really low cost to your pocket.  sure you could buy one already made, but where's the fun in that??  this is an easy project that only requires a little bit of time and a bit more creativity.

the first step is to gather your materials.  i hit my local thrift stores to find this denim jacket. i had to consider size, color and styling of the jacket.  i turned down a few because they just didn't fit or look right.  next,  i got some studs, i chose silver, which you can just about purchase in any craft store or order online.  then i got my trusty scissors.  it's really important to keep special scissors for cutting fabric.  it truly makes cutting straight as well as smoothly easier.

the next step is super easy - just cut off the sleeves.  if you have nice sharp scissors, this can be done in five minutes.  you can also choose how close to the seam you go for a more frayed look.  before i moved to the next step, i washed the vest as is - so that it would be fresh and clean for me to wear and also to help start the fraying at the edges.

now comes the final step- studding!! i totally forgot that i had one more tool; i also used my long needle nose pliers to assist me with making sure the studs closed nice and tight.  most people have these in your average tool kit.  (be sure they are clean so as not to mark your clothing.)  though this part can be tedious, especially depending on how much studding you plan on doing, it can be fun to design how to attach your studs.  i suggest thinking it out a bit first before committing.  it can be challenging to remove studs once securely attached - i learned that the hard way lol. 

...and done!!!  as you can see, i chose a simple studding pattern.  i like the subtlety of just a touch of studs.  besides, since we know these vests only get better with time, i can always add more studs later!  i can't wait to wear this with my summer maxi dresses and skirts or with my Docs and skinnies!! yay!!  :)

PFM Obsession: Bag Watcher or Bag Stalker - Zara Studded Shopper

Zara's Studded Shopper

oooo i just love those gold studs!!

i am such a sucker for butter soft leather and stud detailing on a bag.  it never fails; if i see a bag that meets this criteria, i am instantly all over it.  the Zara Studded Tote is no exception.   i spotted this little number while roaming in the mall and it was love at first site.  i convinced myself that the way i love to pack stuff into my bags would ultimately end badly for this tote.  ... but it is too late - the obsession is now full blown.  what makes it worse is i originally spotted it in this gorg olive-y color in store and was smitten.  when i instantly searched for it online, i see that they also have it in black *gasp* ... a black bag with bright gold studding???!!! oh no, it is going to be hard to keep myself convinced that i don't need this bag in my life!  

Daily Outfit: I'ma Kool Kitty

look at my studs :)

Chucks are so effortlessly edgy!

i have an obsession that has been with me since first grade.  i LOVE Hello Kitty!!! those who know me well, know that i stay Hello Kitty'd down - from my wallet to my checkbook to mirrors, etc.... the list goes on.  (i said that it was an obsession lol.)  i am not the only thirtysomething who loves HK.  all you have to do is watch people on the street and you will see her presence everywhere!!  

though i own plenty of HK paraphernalia, this is the only tee that i own (i have to change that lol) and being on the smaller side, i bought this from the girls section of Old Navy!!   i made this shirt work material by throwing on my blazer and dark skinnies.  i added a sequin beret because, well, just cause!! my studded chuck taylors complete the look.  this look says i am about work but always ready to play. :)  it's just another example of how my look can vary from day to day totally influenced by how i feel!

(Grey Blazer - Theory, Hello Kitty Tee - Old Navy, Dark Skinny jeans - Uniqlo, Grey Chuck Taylors - Converse, Sequin Beret - Urban Outfitters, Pineapple Drop earrings - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Native Plume

 

 

 I love that you can glam up an entire outfit with a turban. Is it a hat? Is it a scarf? The concept had my co-worker completely intrigued...and then impressed. It's a little bit of both in today's look, accenting a plain white tee and a dark navy skirt. I love mixing different materials and I was excited to pair my vintage wool skirt with this leather bomber jacket.  I had to bring in the tribal trend with my suede fringe studded booties (worn so many times before, but this is their debut on the blog.) They always seem to get compliments, people are digging their playful vibe. And they feel like slippers, so I enjoy that. 

Who wouldn't want to add vintage pearl clusters into the mix? Studs, pearls, fringe and leather- oh my! It's the details that make this outfit come together into a luxe-hippie-chic dream come true. I had so much fun with this look...it definitely makes me feel like a Premiere Fashion Maven!

PS- did you notice that this title is keeping with Sesheta's "Native Plum" heeheehee we are so harmonious! 

(Turban- Hayden-Harnett Navy Plume Crepe de Chine Scarf, Skirt- Vintage, Tee- Anthropologie, Leather Bomber Jacket- Nordstrom, Booties- Jeffrey Campbell, Braided Belt- American Eagle, Pearl Pendant Necklace- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Sunset Vintage

As the summer winds down, I like to dive into my closet and get one last wear out of certain pieces that might not make an appearance until next spring. These shorts have a paperbag waist and a vintage-inspired style that I love. Honestly I may just end up wearing these all year around with tights and clog booties! I removed the belt that came with the shorts and added in a studded skinny belt for a ladylike touch with a little bling. This flowy patterned top was just begging to be tucked in, and of course I always need a pop of color to up the pow-factor. A friend told me I look ready for fall in this outfit. But bold colors make me feel like summer will never have to end! I added my gold MavenFresh Strands earrings to bring in a bit of modern glam for contrast. This outfit can easily take me from a work day to a summer evening. Or more specifically, from the office to my couch at home where I will be happily catching up on some good HGTV shows!


(Shorts- Anthropologie, Belt- J.Crew, Triple-Strap Tank- Anthropologie, Cardigan- Gap, Bracelet- Milk & Honey, Studded Watch- TOKYObay, Strands Earrings- MavenFresh, Wedges- BCBG)

Daily Outfit: Violet Army

MavenFresh Lightcatchers in Violet

like minds think alike.  there are soooo many times that Becca and i will be dressed in either the same items or similar colorways.  i guess that's what happens when u hang and shop with someone so often lol.  we were obviously feeling flowy today since we both came to work rocking our silk loose tops.  they both even have frills, lol!  i absolutely luuuuvvv this top and for so many good reasons! 1) it's purple 2) it has ruffles and 3) i got it for a steal (who says you have to be 21 to shop at Forever 21)!!  though Becca chose skinny jeans, i chose to put on structured wide leg pants to enhance the unstructured flowiness of the top.  two great ways to wear a flowy top!  i picked up the army green from the pinstripes on my pants and added the blazer to keep me warm in the frigid office temp.  accessorized with my tan cork wedges, a studded cuff and my lightcatchers, in a matching shade of purple, and i am good to go!!


(violet silk top - Forever 21, vintage wide leg pants - Diesel, army blazer - Hollister, Magnolia wedges - Lucky Brand, studded patent purple cuff - Matt Bernson, violet lightcatchers - MavenFresh, of course :)