Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Daydreaming of a Happy Outfit...

The weather here has turned from sunny and gorgeous, to cold and gloomy. With my winter wardrobe already shoved away in another closet, my fashion sense is fully committed to dressing for Spring! I refuse to find any more joy in my oversized sweaters and leather boots. I want to let my cajun shrimp toes breathe in some beautiful wedges. I want to let all the bright colors that have been taking a back seat to gray and black, have their moment in the sun. Here is an outfit that screams, "HAPPY" to me. How could it not with pants this bright? I love mixing two bright colors, like these hot pink trousers and the bright turquoise bangle. 
Tribal Turquoise Bangle- Aldo- $15
Fuchsia Skinny Trousers- Zara- $60
Polka Dot Top with Gathered Shoulders- Zara- $60
Black Tawny Wedge Sandals- Target- $25
Faux Diamond Earrings- Aldo- $18

Monday, March 28, 2011

Looks for Less...

Another one of my favorite celebrities to gain inspiration from is, Sienna Miller. Here is one of my favorite fun day outfits she has worn and some pieces you can put together to copy her fabulous style. 

Sienna Miller

Saturday, March 26, 2011

5 Favorite Finds This Week...

1. I went to Gap looking for the white skinny jeans from my previous wish list post but ended up purchasing these trousers for practical reasons. Although I hate making shopping decisions based on practicality, it just seemed like the right thing to do since they were less expensive and I'd be wearing them more often, since I can wear them to work.
2. After I finished making the burlap lamp shade from last week, I had a ton of burlap left over. I used my scraps to recover an antique chair. It worked perfectly for the room of randomness, which by the way is now a very homy and sweet little guest room. Job accomplished!
3. I love this beautiful little gold ring I found for just $2.50. It's a little gaudy but might just do the trick for a boring outfit. 
4. I love these perfect little blush flats from Target. They are perfect for comfort and style. I have found I can pair them with almost anything and know that my feet will not be screaming by the end of the day. 
5. LOVE! So soft and sweet...

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Make a Wild Outfit Work!

5 fabulous pieces combined like magic! From one person's point of view these pieces definitely don't belong together.  Pish-posh! I styled this outfit based simply on the fact that it looks like fun and fashion is FUN! When mixing patterns and colors there should be 2 or 3 key elements that bring the look together to make it work. In this case the complimentary colors: mellow blue and tangerine bring some unity. The black collar and polka dots on this blouse are matched by the black belt and leather trim on these delicious Diane Von Furstenberg heels. If you're the person that is looking at this right now saying, "Oh wow, I would never wear that!", remember my rule # 7, "The people who can pull off anything are the people who do not put themselves in a box". Work it! :)
You can always count on Whitney Port for an interesting outfit. Here are two outfits she has put together and the key elements that make them funky, yet cohesive!
Whitney went out on a limb
with these wild tights. The
outfit came together with
the blazer, sequins, and hoes
all finding a home in the gray
family.
This is definitely not a look
just anyone would put together.
Whitney makes it look fun and
cohesive by choosing a big bold
pattern and layering it with a
small busy patterned dress. The
booties go in the same color
 scheme as the pinky purple dress
without matching perfectly.
A true art. My favorite thing
about the outfit is the different
silhouettes she created by
pairing different textures and
shapes. It's definitely not boring!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Leather and Canvas: Match Made In Heaven

Since the purchase of my military boots, I have had my eye out for this canvas/leather combo everywhere! 
Jerome C. Rousseau- $795 A girl can dream...
In the process of hunting for more of this combo for my own closet, I came across these winners...
1.Urban Outfitters- Canvas Mixed Backpack- $69
2.Torino Leather Co.- Canvas Inlay Belt- $55
3.Nicole Miller- "Kendra" canvas heels- $39.99 
4.Urban Outfitters- Cooperative Canvas Wedge- $58
5.Top Shop- Canvas and Trim Shopper- $56
6.Urban Outfitters- Canvas Cape-Toe Oxfords- $49
7.Cole Haan- "Piper" belt- 29.992
8.Aldo- Flomace- $60
9.Urban Outfitters- Canvas Satchel- $59
This is the perfect way to add a mixture of textures to the outfit you are wearing. I love how the hard edge of leather is paired with the laid back feel of canvas. Because this combo gives such a masculine vibe (safari/army inspired), it is the perfect thing to pair with a delicate dress or skirt. Opposites attract! 

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Sweet Potato Fries...Mmm, Mmm!

My crossfit obsessed husband decided last week that we need to cut bread and sugars completely out of our diet. I agreed in hopes that it was just another thing we'd decide to do and not actually follow through with. The only mistake I made was telling him my hopes, which encouraged him to really stick to his guns on this one. Needless to say I have been without bread and sugar for some time now. While I love the idea of eating super clean and doing what's best for our health, I am only human. Last night I went into a carb withdrawal: hot sweats, panic, fridge/pantry raiding and all! Good thing we had nothing in the house to satisfy and I made it through the worst fit yet. Today I decided to search around for some "Paleo" or "Zone" diet recipes to spice things up and I came across a recipe for sweet potato fries. Just as I was reading the recipe I felt the carb kick creeping back up and raced home to make these delectable treats! They were super easy to make! Here's how...
Preheat your oven to 450. Wash your sweet potato and cut it into wedges. Put the wedges in a bowl and mix with 1/4 cup olive oil, sprinkle salt, and pepper. Lay your fries out on a baking sheet in one layer. Let them cook for about 20 minutes. I did slightly char my batch, which includes fire alarms going of and all. After I finally figured out how to turn off the smoke detectors I thoroughly enjoyed my fries! YUM
...
If you came to bananasforstyling craving some fashion inspiration, here is a picture that brought me pure joy until I noticed the only size left was a 6. They still made my night. :)

Saturday, March 19, 2011

My Current Wish List...


Color Blocked Nude T-Bar Sandals

Metal Mesh Belt with Turquoise Accents
Stone On Leather Buckle Bracelet  
Glaze in Sorbet Lip Color
Pink Scallop Hem Suede Shorts
Off-white  Laser Cut Shoeboots
White Skinny Baxter Jeans
Denim Cropped Waistcoat 
Black Print Drape Wrap Skirt
Turquoise and Gold Ring
Striped Leather Cross-body Bag 
"Do You Lilac It?" OPI Pastel Nail Color

Friday, March 18, 2011

Five of My Favorite Finds This Week...

1. I fell in love with this top the second I saw it at Ann Taylor Loft. Even though I have already met my retail budget for the month, I created some wiggle room so this top could have a loving home in my closet. Why so fabulous? The color couldn't be any more perfect, add the loose and comfy feel, beachy sequin neckline, and you know why!
2. I Found these rugs at Pier1 for a steal... $15 a piece. They look perfect in our charcoal gray bathroom. I've been searching for some funky pieces to go with the bright yellow/green damask curtains (Urban Outfitters).

3. While searching for the perfect birthday gift for my sister, I came across this gem at Target. I'm not going to lie... there was a definite moment of thoughtfulness ("Keep it for myself, or give it away, keep it for myself, or give it away...") Of course I'm doing the right thing and my sister better wear this with nearly everything, the way I would. :)

4. With family coming to use our guest room soon it was necessary to revamp the room of randomness. The room of randomness had Cubs posters, delicate quilts, an antique desk, and mismatched pillows. The project of the week was to get this room in shape. I found this lamp stand at Target and started my own DIY craft time. I covered the lamp shade with burlap and hot glued on an old hair accessory that I rarely wore. I'm pretty happy with my cute little lamp for $25.
5. I love the new lipstick I got at Mac this week, "see sheen". It goes on like a peachy orange color. Perfect for the trend this spring!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

It's looking like a 70's Inspired Spring

70's inspired fashion is what it's all about this spring. It's probably my favorite look so I couldn't be happier about this. If you're still looking for signs of the 70's, consider the following trends for the season: platform sandals, the color orange, peasant/pattern tops and dresses, long middle-part ombre hair, high-waisted skirts and pants, small satchels, colorful stripes, and the overall effortless hippy glamour. 
With Rachel Zoe being the go to girl for 70's inspired fashion, Piperlime is the perfect place to shop. Rachel Zoe personally chooses her favorite picks on Piperlime.com. Rachel is known for rocking all things 70's including: wide leg jeans, pattern tops/dresses, huge shades, and hobo bags. Here is a look at the inspiration I'm talking about...
Wide leg/ Flair jeans are back! Now I'm not saying to burn your skinny jeans anytime soon but if that's all you wear, it's time to branch out. These are called "The Rachel Bellbottom" and are for sale on piperlime for $169. (croak)

If the idea of spending $169 on a pair of jeans makes you feel slightly nauseous, then try this deal on for size...
Gap- $69.50 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Crazy for Color-Blocking


Barney's- $585
A girl can dream...
Miuccia Prada's Spring 2011 collection showed color blocking in full force. While I probably wouldn't be seen wearing any of these outfits on the streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. I will be dabbling in my fair share of color-blocking this spring. So don't be shy... start mixing and matching those bright and happy shades. 
Prada Spring 2011
Color blocking is a technique where blocks of various fabrics are sewn together to create clothing with a few different solid colors. Here are some pieces I would love to add to my wardrobe...
Zara, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21

Monday, March 14, 2011

Fashion Cents- Build your wardrobe essentials

I heard a quote worth sharing while watching, "American Pickers".  Imagine that! While zoning out, watching the history channel at my parents house, a voice of reason says, "If you don't buy it now, next time you want it, it won't be for sale." Now I'm not purposefully trying to be a bad influence on your spending habits but the items you really love and want become what I call a  "must purchase". It's just learning to find the things you love and want at a low cost and having the strength to let go of the things that you only "sort of like and kind of want". I'll admit I am still working towards this goal, mostly for my husband's sake. :) One thing you can do to keep from spending your life savings on your wardrobe is to spend money on building the basics. If you have plenty of closet essentials, that can be worn with anything, you can afford to splurge here or there on the funky pieces that bring life to your look. Read on to see my list of essentials when building your style. If you're missing any of these, consider a "must purchase" and get to shopping ASAP. 

#1: Leather Sandals

#2: Boots 

#3: Fabulous-fitting jeans

#4: White T-shirt

#5: Comfortable camis

#6: Cardigans 

#7: Blazers

#8: Black heels

#9: Statement Necklace

#10: Versatile scarves 


If you need to find some of these "must purchases" start here...
To Save or to Splurge?
1. Leather sandals- Payless- 26.99
2. Boots- Madden Girl- $19.94
3. Fabulous Fitting Jeans- Ann Taylor Loft- $37
4. White T-Shirt- Forever 21- $9.90
5. Comfortable Cami (Not pictured) Forever 21- $3.50
6. Cardigan- Forever 21- $19.80
7. Blazer- Forever 21- $26.90
8. Black High Heels- DSW- $50
9. Statement Necklace- Forever 21- $9.80
10. Scarf- Forever 21- $9.80
Grand Total:$213.63


1. Leather sandals- Aldo- $60
2. Boots- Aldo- $80
3. Fabulous Fitting Jeans- Siwy- $228
4. White T-Shirt- Urban Outfitters- $24
5. Comfortable Cami (Not pictured)- Francesca's- $12
6. Cardigan- Anthropologie- $68
7. Blazer- Topshop- $135
8. Black High Heels- Vince Camuto- $99
9. Statement Necklace- Anthropologie- $42
10. Scarf- Topshop- $32
Grand Total: $780

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Seeing Skirts...




Usually after a day of shopping I return home with a plethora of tops and accessories... not so much with the bottoms. Well now that spring is coming into view, skirts are all I'm seeing. I want all shapes and lengths, whatever I can get my hands on.If you're looking for some feminine skirts that you can incorporate with your spring closet, look no further. Check out some of these flowy or pencil silhouettes. Any of these skirts could be dressed up or down with a simple tank or a sequin sweater. Wear them with flat sandals or patent leather pumps. You'll look carefree and put together all at the same time. 
1. Whitney Eve- Available online March 15th

2. Francesca's- Scattered Angles Skirt- $34

3. Whitney Eve- Available March 15th

4. Topshop- Flock Mesh Bodycon Skirt-$60

5. Forever 21- Button Up Skirt- $24.80

6. Forever 21- Floral Woven Skirt- $13.80

7. Forever 21- Alternating Stripe Skirt- $24.80

8. Anthropologie- Painted Morning Skirt- $88
Rachel Bilson: Inspiration at it's best...





Free Tip: When you wear a skirt, tuck your shirt in! Your waist will look so much smaller and it'll do wonders for your proportions, especially when you're wearing a high-waisted skirt.