Friday Afternoon Shopping Spree

If I didn't go out shopping on my lunch break, I might have killed myself via jumping off the fourth floor of my building on to beautiful marble. No, not really, but I wasn't feeling very well. At least when I'm outside I can distract myself. And if I have an agenda, than that's even better.

So I couldn't wait around to find the perfect silk Romper with frills and pockets, so I just decided to make the trip to Urban Outfitters and buy the one I saw online. Thankfully they had one in XS! They also had other colors there that I didn't see online like a weird grey and a green (that I should've tried on!)


Lucca Couture Silky Zip-front Romper - $58

I was also on the hunt for my boyfriend blazer that I know is out there somewhere. I couldn't find one. So I settled with a long cardigan that I've been intending to buy for over a year! I finally found one at Express. They actually have a lot of cute cardigans, I just never follow through. I escaped with just one. I almost bought another one in a different style in white. It would've been perfect for spring!


Express Elbow-Length Sleeve Flyaway Cardigan - $39.90

So I wore this outfit out to a lounge in the City. I would have to say I received an overwhelming amount of compliments from my own sex, than I did from men. But I think that was to be expected. While women are on top of trends for the current season and do their best to replicate what they see in magazines in real life (even if their male-counterparts don't understand it or find it aesthetically displeasing), men have no clue what's going on. For all they know, the romper is a weird overall hybrid that looks like a dress. Dummies!

Oh well. I still love it.

Shopbop Picks

I'm a very predictable person when it comes to personal style. My body type has restricted me to certain outfit combos that I have learned to exploit to my fullest advantage.

If you were a stalker and watched me leave my house every day and kept a log of what I wore, you would know within a week that the primary color I utilize is BLACK.


From left to right: Equipment Sisley Blouse, Elegantly Waisted Micah Belt, Alice+Olivia Ballerina Bodysuit in Safari.

I would wear all three of these outfits. I actually just recently bought a sheer, black button down blouse from American Apparel and LOVE it. I love how other girls style it.


I'm currently searching for the perfect boyfriend blazer with lining. So far Zara has offered the best out of all the stores I have scouted. For some reason, I am absolutely dying to find an olive colored anything. I even dreamed about it last night!

When I go out at night, I always wear something tight. But I don't wear hoochie mama outfits. I like to describe my style as understated, demur, and sophisticated.

I tend to pair frilly or loose tops with a tight mini skirt. I do this all the time because it really compliments my body. I have finally come to accept that I can't wear dresses. But if I could, I probably be wearing Herve Leger.


Alice+Oliva Body Suit, American Retro Nirvana Dress, Rebecca Minkoff Claudia Dress.

Something new that I'm doing is pairing lace corset tops with mini skirts. You can definitely use this combo for the day or night. I've already experimented with the combo on a date and in Vegas. I also really like see-thru lace right now too. It's everywhere.


Nightcap Clothing Lace Camisole and Kettle Black Studded Corset.

Since spring is here, it only feels natural for all of us to start bringing out our frills. I'm a sucker for frills. I don't have curves, so anything that makes me look less like a skinny boy with long hair is a plus. I could wear silky shorts and loose tanks everyday.


Tibi Carnaval Embroidered Tank, Catherine Malandrino Relaxed Couture Ruffle Dress, and Diane von Furstenburg Figue Top.

I think if I had to dress up everyday, I'd probably go to work in these skirt-top combos. Again, very predictable.


Plastic Island, Rachel Roy Graphic Black Sleeveless Dress, and Alice+Olivia Molly Mod Dress.

I'm not a big jewelry person because ever since I broke out wearing fake metal I decided to just avoid it altogether. Plus I don't wear plastic. But I'm missing out on the costume jewelry and wearing watches! But if I did wear jewelry, it would be the most feminine pieces I could find.


Rachel Leigh Zelda Crystal Stud Earrings, Bop Bijou Pyramid Studs, and Kenneth Jay Lane Shadow Drop Earrings.

I was a French Woman in My Previous Life

My name was Raquel Nicolette Faustin.


I had a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and Harlequin Great Dane. And copious amounts of jewelry.

Return of 4-eyes

They're done! After pestering my optometrist office consistently throughout the morning. I must have asked them "are they done yet?" several times but, I finally was able to go pick them up! And besides the fact that they make me a little dizzy when I wear them, they're everything I wanted. They're clean, new, shiny and are plastic!!! If I take really good care of them, they'll last me forever. That's if my vision doesn't change.

For the first time in my life I want to wear frames often and outside of the home. I think it'll be my new look. And I wonder if anyone will recognize me! When I get a chance I'll definitely post a picture of myself wearing them.


It cost me an extra $35 to get a nose piece put on them but it was well worth it!

Shop-a-holic Solutions

You've all seen that movie Confessions of a Shopaholic. What do you do when you find yourself in a mess because you just had to have that shiny new pair of shoes? Sell your stuff! Right now I'm in the process of selling several luxuries I don't need. These include my DVDs and books, snowboard and bindings ($200), electric guitar ($150) and Lady Gaga concert ticket ($80). But selling things isn't as easy as buying things.

I even have to return things I don't really need. This morning I canceled my Zoraya advanced inversion class ($75 for 1.5 hours on my own pole). I don't even want to think about that anymore because it actually makes me really depressed thinking about that sacrifice. I'm going to bury it deep away so that I don't even remember it happening. And I'll probably end up returning a MAC fragrance that's too musky ($25).

Even though I can sell and return things, I'm always going to buy more than I make. I'm planning on making a really big purchase soon. Since my laptop is pathetic at this point and I need one that can handle all the software I'll be using for school, I'm going to purchase an Apple 13-inch Macbook Pro! Yay! I'm finally converting to Apple after all these years of using a PC. I'm really excited and I'm going to buy all the accessories including the clear cover guard, keyboard protector, and hard case.



It's strange, but I fantasize about typing on my cute new notebook and sipping on a coffee while working away. I also dream about an Apple iMac too. I think it's the coolest computer ever. No huge computer box, just one giant monitor (computer). It's absolutely sexy in my opinion and if I had a professional office I would get this. I was actually debating on getting an iMac or a Macbook Pro, but I'm going to be a student again so I need something more practical.



Like I said...the shopping never ends. But at least I can sleep somewhat peacefully knowing that I'll be getting a great discount on my apple products! I should just buy it already so that every time I look at my bill it'll put me into such an extreme shock that I won't have the guts to spend another dime on something unnecessary. Haha! That's impossible.

The Urban Gentleman Blog

I'm just going to come out and say it. I'm more fascinated with menswear than women's wear. I think this is the reason: Dressing myself up and shopping for myself is fun, but a necessity. (One of the many things we do as single women on the market to attract potential soul mates.) But to study and observe menswear is one of my favorite past times...in addition to collecting as much lingerie and hosiery as humanly possible.

The Urban Gentleman: Men's Fashion Blog, is a new blog that I have started to follow. At first the blog was too overwhelming and I could just look at the pictures before my brain was overloaded. But I went back today and was able to start reading a little bit. Now if only I was a man so I could actually put some of tips to use.

My Fragrance Collection

So like the shopping addict I am, I went to Macy's after work today to take a look at the Versace perfume and cologne I would soon be purchasing with my friend's handy dandy discount! I couldn't decided on which set to get, the 1.7 oz or the 3.4oz for both fragrances. I would really be getting an amazing deal on either set, I just couldn't decide if I wanted a good size bottle or a huge bottle that will last me the rest of my life. In the end, my girlfriend persuaded me to get both of the large sets. And it was great advice!


I love how this bottle has a huge crystal on top! I think it actually made me want to buy it even more! While the 3.0 FL. OZ. set that comes with the perfumed body lotion and perfumed shower gel would normally cost me $84. I got it for around $60!


After much internal debate of whether I should purchase cologne, I finally decided to go for it. The vendor told me that it wasn't a really strong men's cologne so that I could most definitely wear it out if I wanted to. I really love this scent and will spray it in my bedroom every night before I go to sleep. It's just so soothing.


Normally the Eau Fraiche 3.4 FL. OZ. gift set would cost $68, I got it for around $48! And it's a huge bottle. I know that in most people's eyes my purchases are extravagant, but these types of purchases make me extremely happy. And I had a rough day.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that for a limited time Macy's was also giving away matching miniature sets if you bought the large gift set. So I got two baby gift sets of the same perfume and cologne! Score! I ended up giving the two baby Bright Crystal perfume bottles and the gift set to my girlfriend who gave me the hook up. Well earned I would say.


I have no idea why it came out sideways. Sephora describes this fragrance as seductive, elegant and charismatic. All very good words. The notes are White Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Tarragon, Cedar Leaves, Clary Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore Wood. It must be the lemon that attracted me because I used to wear Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue.


This scent is described as Sheer, Sensual and Luminous. It's definitely sheer and luminous because I have to spray a lot to even smell like this throughout the entire day. And the notes are Iced Accord, Yuzu, Pomegranate, Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower, Acajou, Vegetal Amber, Musk. I think it was the pomegranate and peony notes that attracted me to this scent. For the most part, I always wear light fragrances so these two were perfect for me.

I know that I have a silver tray somewhere in my house. I just need to find it. One of the things that I love to do is display the things I treasure. You guys already know that I do this with my shoes, photos, bras, make-up...now I can do it with my fragrances!

Rompers aren't just for babies

Before I went to bed last night I envisioned myself for the first time in a silk romper. Until last night I have either been against it or neutral. I never saw myself in one until recently. It's simple and subtly sexy at the same time. Rompers are perfect for spring and summer. You just have to pair them with a sexy pair of heels, bracelets, an easy hair-do and you're done!

Right now, I have already put on my list to buy an orange, tan, black and blue rompers. Orange would be perfect for a lunch date. Black to go to school in (I would pair with sheer black hosiery). And Blue or some other cool color/pattern to go out at night in. You can just throw on a boyfriend blazer over it if you're chilly and you're ready to walk out the door.

For a while I couldn't find any decent rompers online...until I finally remembered Shop Bop! I love their website! They always have great stuff.

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent - Deep V Romper


Rory Beca Venito - Two Layer Romper


LaROK - Summer Love Romper


Joie - Amara Romper


Elizabeth and James - Avery Romper


Twenty8Twelve - Anaiya Blazer


Rag & Bone - Classic Blazer


L.A.M.B. - Linen Jacket


Dallin Chase - Duncan Blazer


Bop Basics - The Fiance Blazer

Menswear

I think I'm a really peculiar person when it comes to interests. While I do have an inner desire to exude my sexuality and have an obsession with living an ultra femme lifestyle...lingerie, heels, make-up, hosiery, manicures, and ridiculously luxurious surroundings included...I DO also have this FASCINATION with menswear.

While most female magazine subscribers tend to go for Elle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, In Style, Lucky and Allure, fashion magazines that clearly target women, I have long lost the curiosity to flip through their pages. What I need is inspirational, dramatic and sexual iconography. So for the woman's side I choose W and Vogue. I would probably subscribe to Nylon and Harper's Bazar too if I had that much spare time to read. Yes I take the time to thoroughly read my magazines cover to cover. For the man's side I subscribe to Details, Maxim and GQ. I would subscribe to FSM if it wasn't so darn expensive to get my hands on the UK version.

So while I love Vogue and W magazines because of the ads (photographers are the best!) and insights into the luxury fashion world, I have to say that GQ is my clear favorite. I always look forward to their articles which the journalist do an amazing job researching and the topics are always so unconventional (they don't follow trends!). But before I discovered their must-read articles, I was drawn first and foremost from the complicated art and practice of coordinating a modern man's outfit be it casual, work or play.

I think if was a man today, I would have a lot more difficulty than a woman dressing myself if I wanted to look GQ. As a woman I barely ever accessorize. Sometimes it's not even really necessary. So to me, it's a piece of cake dressing up a woman. But how in the hell would I ever be able to piece together a GQ outfit?

What's kind of strange is that I think about these things. Like where would I shop if I was a man? Here's my list...

Low-end:
H&M
Forever 21

Medium:
Urban Outfitters
Zara
Diesel
Ben Sherman
Puma

High-end:
Reiss
Hugo Boss
Thomas Pink

Sometimes I think about how cool it would be to have a fashionist-o male friend. I've actually always wanted to live with a male friend who dressed exceptionally well, and there would be no way in hell that I would ever fall for someone like that either. Who wants to date a guy who grooms more than you and has more accessories than you? No thank you.

I was actually going somewhere with this if you all thought I was just babbling! Haha. Well while I was searching for online images of Gucci shoe ads, I stumbled upon an image that was actually from a blog for men. This blog is heavily influenced by Kanye West's outfits, and I don't blame them either, because Kanye does have style.

So while I'll occasionally check out blogs that focus on womenswear, I'm so much more fascinated with menswear. Oh well.

BTW, I also have been playing around with the idea of wearing men's cologne. Specifically Versace's Eau Fraiche which I just sprayed in my room and am loving!!!! I'm not really concerned of its effect on men, but I am a little apprehensive of women sniffing me. Haha. Versace's Bright Crystal for women is also a great fragrance. I like it because it's sensual and soft, but you're going to have to spray about half the bottle on yourself because I feel like it's too weak. Actually I've been trying out different perfumes these past couple of days and I think I'm making my nose very unhappy. I did settle on a MAC fragrance that smells of Vanilla, but it's so musky that I have to add a floral scent to it so it's not so overwhelming. This is supposed to be my "men magnet" combo, but I'm still working on the perfect pairing.

Gucci Shoes

While I'm not a big fan of Gucci purses and its trademark pattern or red and green stripes, I DO love their shoes. I finally have some free time to flip through all my magazines that have been piling up over the past months. And while I was flipping through my stack of W magazines, which I decided to tackle first because they're not as thick (although that's conceiving because they compensate by being vertically longer), I saw a Gucci ad for woman's shoes.


Helena
I was in love. While there is no way I can afford Gucci shoes, I can at least appreciate their beauty.


Debra


Daryl


Daryl


Kim

I don't enjoy being crazy

I'm one of those people who really understand themselves. I know myself and my peculiar tendencies, but I still let them control me. When it comes to men in my life, I usually go through these crazy love-hate cycles that can be a bit self-destructive for my self-esteem and tiresome on the guy's side. I'll be alright for most of the month, and then out of the blue (and it's really OUT OF THE BLUE) I'm totally the most insecure person and need to start a fight or make some kind of dramatic statement that I'm gone and done with everything. Maybe it's not really out of the blue and I pent up a lot of my feelings and then take them all out on the one I care about, but who knows.

So last night I did this! And being a creature of habit I read my horoscope this morning and this is what it said!

"Your moods have been a bit erratic lately, which is starting to puzzle the people closest to you. Instead of making promises, like, “I’ll never let myself get (insert emotion) again,” honor the fact that you go through a rotating cycle of emotions. Create a soft space to land when you’re sad, pissed off, or otherwise in a negative space. This could come in the form of a chill space that’s all your own, or a weekly appointment with a healer or therapist. It’s not okay to take these feelings out on the people you love, but that’s what winds up happening when you don’t have a proper support structure set up for your dark spells."

People say that horoscopes are bogus, but sometimes they're really spot on. I've been using Elle's astrology website for a while and that's because most of the time it's accurate and can get pretty detailed and specific. I believe it told me go out and buy a purse one time.

Well even if I do go through these emotional cycles (probably a roller coast for men), I still think that what I say and what I feel are true and not just things I make up for the heck of it. I just know one thing is for sure, and that's if anyone ever wants me they're going to have to be prepared for this every month.

To complete my badass look...

My new shoes came in! And my first reaction was UGLY UGLY UGLY UGLY UGLY. Why didn't I listen to my instincts and just say no? I just had to buy them because the 6 inch version looked so hot! But they didn't have my size in the 6 inch so I decided to get the chunky 7 inch hoping that it would be ok since I'm so short to begin with anyways.


As soon as I put them on I knew that I lost a chunk of cash. Well I took them off and decided to eat my boredom and sadness away. I've been letting my food cravings run wild the past two weeks and I need to chill because Vegas is right around the corner!


Since I haven't put my new pole up yet, I've been trying to practice just the sultry part of pole dancing. It's so much easier without shoes on, but then eventually I decided to try the moves with my new pair of shoes sitting outside the box. I was giving them a second chance to redeem themselves. And the second time around they didn't look so bad. I liked how they looked like so much I decided to put on an outfit that I would probably pair with the shoes...which ended up to be my pvc hot shorts, a studded belt and loose black tank top (which I love and hope lasts forever!).


I wear a lot of black. I can't help myself. I think that it just looks sexier and makes you look more dark and mysterious which I guess is the look that I'm trying to go for. After putting on the outfit, I decided that yes these shoes weren't a bad investment after all and that I could make it work as long as I wear tiny ass shorts to make my legs look longer.


On a side note I've been playing with my hair style lately. I've been trying to grow out my bangs to get the parted hair-do that you see in so many designer fashion shows that models wear. But I only get so far before I decide to chop my bangs and go back to my fringe...which I'm VERY close to doing again.


What's your opinion? I think they make me look a little different from the other girls and they cover my ugly forehead and emphasize my eyes. I guess I'll never find out what I look like without bangs.

Aviators

Aviators, you either love them or hate them. In the past I've been neutral about them. I've never really been a huge fan or disgusted by them. They've just sort of existed for me, but I've never really paid attention to them until recently.

I have a really really REALLY tiny nose. It might be too small to be even considered a nose. So the nose piece on the aviators actually are really advantageous to me. When I was checking out optical frames, I naturally started to peruse through the sunglasses as well. And the one style that I only tried on while I was there were aviators. I tried on two Ralph Lauren pairs...

Ralph "Easy" $98

...and one Dolce & Gabana pair...and they all looked great! (especially with my new hairdo!) Now I am asking for your help. Please please PLEASE don't let me buy a pair!

Can you imagine a girl with long hair parted down the center with a pair of aviators? That's sexy right? Right. I don't want to sound cocky, but this is just an observation...ever since I started to part my hair down the center I've experienced an increase in compliments from random dudes I come across on the street. And NO they're not all crazy people. These are working professionals in suits. It's like an experiment I'm conducting with my hair. Apparently older men like women with parted hair dos. Who knew! Actually I really wander what exactly about the hair do attracts men.

Here are just some random sunglasses that I like...

Marc Jacobs Collection
# MJ 098/S



# MJ 248/S




Marc by Marc Jacobs
# MMJ 096/NS



Louis Vuitton
Evidence in Noir $675



Evidence in Blanc $675


Gucci $275


Gucci $295