bebe Mid-Summer Collection

What's great about bebe is that they come out with new floorsets about every 2 months, providing customers with a fresh supply of trendy casual wear and party appropriate pieces for the upcoming season. Even though I was disappointed with bebe's last floor set that took on a more tribal look, I am definitely in love with the outfits they put together for their mid-summer campaign which focuses on three emerging trends that mix very well together: floral, military and animal print. The colors are amazing for fall. They use olive green, taupe, deep purple, tan and black. I also have to say that I absolutely love some of the new shoes including the Yasmin Lace Up Booties ($179), Iris Leather Sandals ($159) and these gorgeous cut-out pumps that are not yet available. I would have a difficult time not purchasing at least one item if I walked into this store...

My absolute favorite pieces are the purple opaque tights (mini fishnet!), Silk Fringe Draped Tunic ($149) in taupe paired with the white Carmen Destroyed Skinny Jeans ($129), V Neck Knotted Top in taupe ($49), and Mesh Banded Wrap Dress ($119) paired with the Iris Leather Sandals ($159). Like I said...how do you pick just one? Screw the budget assignment!

Nordstrom Shopping Spree

It doesn't help making friends with people who have the same taste in expensive clothing when you're trying to practice using a budget.

The other day my colleagues and I were just about to leave work when I saw one of them put on one of the most gorgeous pair of black leather boots I've laid eyes on. They were platformed, had just the right amount of metal decoration around the ankle and they were knee-high. I loved the structure. I loved the simplicity. In terms of design and style, they were the most sophisticated bad-ass, rock star, biker chick pair of boots you could bring into existence.

I tried not to get excited when I asked her where she got them. I learned that she got them on sale at Nordstrom's...but for what price and what brand she would not disclose in front of everyone (and for good reason probably!). So when I got the chance I asked her how much she got them for (because I'm practicing being on a budget for a school assignment) and she said around $300. The most I've ever spend on shoes or boots was $200! Of course this (1) unrealistically validated my past purchases because hers were just as expensive as mine, (2) fueled my desire to add more boots to my collection that were just as delicious as hers (my black over-the-knee GUESS boots have fallen from my favor now...not enough structure!) and (3) attack the next Nordstrom shoe sale (AKA break out the charge card and forget about the budget assignment).

It didn't help that when I went home that evening that there was a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog just waiting for me. And what do you think I found in the catalog? BOOTS! I've been dreaming about a pair of military influenced boots that are so trendy right now to wear to school during the fall. My criteria for the perfect boot was that it was (1) flat, (2) laced up, (3) zipped up on the side, (4) did not go past my calf, (5) had a rounded toe and (6) looked distressed. And yes I've seen these boos walking around San Francisco and all over on the fashion and website magazines. The boots in the catalog peaked my interest enough to make it a point to visit Nordstrom while I was in the City today...bad idea!

I stopped by and it was crazy! There was pre-sale fever! Well sort of. It was busy. I found the same exact pair that I saw in the catalog... the Trouve lace-up ankle boot in natural and black for $99.90 (saving approximately $50 off the original price). AND I found another pair that had the dual lace-up and zip up design I wanted in brown and black, but they didn't have my size available. I tried ont he Trouve boots and when I discovered that I could also flip over the top to wear it a second way I became convinced that I should purchase them. It didn't help that a sales associate walked by just then and told me that they looked really good and ALSO had an amazing jeweled statement necklace around her neck that just screamed J-Crew! Vera Wang! Money! So I had to ask her where did she get it from and she said at the next department over in Accessories. GREAT! So after purchasing the boots (I get to pick them up on Tuesday! And I got them in black after a considerable amount of internal debate) I headed over to the accessories department. I'm not making this up, but the night before I put down Jewelery and Nordstrom boots on my to do list.

I had to say "statement" necklace to the salesperson twice for her to understand that I wanted something big. Then I had to emphasize the word "crystal" for her to bring me to the right section. But I'm glad I didn't give up on her because right next to the section she brought me to there was this gorgeous Cara bib necklace with white and crystal chunky, faceted stones with hanging and interloping silver chains. I don't wear jewelery. I'm a minimalist when it comes to accessories, but I believe that this necklace has converted me. I feel like it actually is the essence of what I stand for...sophisticated beauty, glamorous lifestyle, feminine grace and unrealistic romance. Needless to say, I LOVE IT. I would love it even more if it came in pink. Would I have bought it if it was retail? I'm not sure, but it was on sale so I took it home with me. If I had to, I would return the boots, but I would not give up this necklace for anything!

FIDM Job Fair: I Came and I Conquered

...well, more or less. Fourteen employers came to FIDM's job fair this year including Ann Taylor Loft, Guess, Gap, Levi Strauss & Co. and Tory Burch. Instead of walking aimlessly around from one table to another (or trying to collect all 14 which they challenged us to do), I decided to create a war plan. My mentality was to seek and destroy...or more like seek and conquer. I knew that I would only be applying to three companies at most including J. Crew, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

Bloomingdale's easily became my number one employer given my career goals and the designer brands I covet and shop. I was so glad that the representative was speaking to all the students one-on-one, this gave me my one chance to make a memorable appearance and impress her with my enthusiasm for the position and knowledge of the products. Well see what becomes of it!

Again some of the students brought shame upon the San Francisco campus. Where I come from you dress professionally and conservatively to a career fair, not as if you were going to enjoy a summer day outside in your sun dress or in your party clothes for the evening (I don't care if Forever 21 is there!). I was able to find a stand out outfit that consisted of a patterned dress, royal blue cropped long-sleeve jacket, paired with Betsy Johnson and gold chain-linked accessories. I know it's not always about looks, but to this kind of event it is. Imagine if we were in LA or NY?

Besides the opportunity to find employment, today's job fair was a good chance for me to get to know my peers better. Finally a place to talk about fashion 24/7. Now I won't be talking to myself any more!