Diary of a Style Addict: fashion is expensive and addictive like cocaine

Leggings with Short Shirts...A Fashion Do or Don't??

If you follow me on Twitter yesterday you would have seen my Tweet about "pulling an Amber Rose and wearing leggings with a shirt that barely covers my booty". I swore I was hot shit until my mom said "You know you're supposed to wear a shirt that covers you're behind, short shirts are a major don't". And then she had the nerve to say I had too much thighs to wear it that way! Although she's no Anna Wintour I generally value her fashion advice. I think this whole "showing the booty while wearing leggings" thing is a recent phenomena and can be contributed to the likes of Amber Rose and Nicki Minaj who made it popular to show off your assets. 

I consider myself to have a mid sized booty. I could use a lil more but I definitely have some junk in the trunk and I love showing it off with leggings. Makes me feel like I have a lot more than I really have! Now Nicki and Amber are working with a lot more than me and able to pull it of flawlessly. My only qualm would be if you don't have ANY booty, or it's a saggy sack of potatoes to forgoe bringing attention to it with leggings.

You may also have noticed the whole 80's leggings trend is resurrecting with crazy patterns and neon colors. Why be limited to just long shirts that cover up your statement piece?

The moral of the story is if you got a donk, feel free to rock your leggings with pride cause the trend aint going no where.

 

Decoden is soooo my Style

Remember a while back I posted about that blinged out Blackberry Storm case I was salivating over? Well I found out the style of embellishment is called Decoden. It originated in Japan and has been popular there for several years. You can always count on the Japanese to come up with such extreme styles. The style means blinging out to the point of gaudiness anything you can get your hands on including cell phone's, ipods, Nintendo DS's, laptops, makeup brushes, pens, lipsticks, fake nails..you name it and its been done. Besides the ghettotastic looking nails I can certainly get down with this. It's pretty much Kawaii style (kawaii means cute) on roids. So all the kawaii elements still apply such as Hello Kitty, bows, lace, candy, sweets and adding a happy face on any inatimate object to make it CUTE!

Instead of paying $90 for a cell phone case I'm not on a mission to do it myself. I still have to finish that studded jeans project but I promise Ill finish that before I move onto something else lol. I found some sites that sell kits, supplies and whatnot but a few of them are in Japanese. I used google translator to translate but you know how that is...some things are lost in interpretation. I've purchased from overseas suppliers in China before so I don't think it will be that much of a deal. I'll be studying these sites over the next few days and making a purchase soon. The sites I'm digging right now are Dekoden.com and Strapya World. Brand Crea  looks as if their site is under construction but they have a nail gallery.

Trendspotting: Slashed and Confused

This season it seems to be all about the torn and distressed look. This trend has moved onto leggings and I absolutely love it. You can switch it up and layer over colored tights or go for broke and be bare legged underneath. Either way I'm copping me a pair of slashed leggings so I can recreate this edgey look.

Starkill Vintage on Ebay $29

Stolen Girlfriend $149

American Apparell $32

David Lerner Shopbop $99

What Im Coveting: Coach Sierra knockoff by Steve Madden

I walked into the Coach store here in Atlantic City recently and instantly fell in love with the Sierra sandal. I was happy to hear they were currently having a sale on shoes the day I came in, but unfortunately the Sierra sandal was one of the few styles not included (womp womp). So I've been debating back and forth on whether I should suck it up and spend the $188 for the originals or search for a comparable knockoff. I ran across a pretty good knockoff by Steve Madden at a recessioniasta friendly price of $69.99. In the event I can't find a discounted pair of Sierra's on Ebay in my size I may have to hit these up. They arent as luxe as the Coach originals but they'll get the job done on a budget.

 

Steve Madden Hanna $69.99

 

Coach Sierra Sandal $188

Trendspotting: Get wrapped up in Bandage Dresses

Herve Leger made them famous and now everyone covets one. It's the always sexy bandage dress. They're called bandage dresses because they are comprised of strips of fabric that remind me of ACE bandages you wrap your sprains with. And please be forewarned ladies...the form fit can be unforgiving! Pudge problems can be somewhat aleviated with the right undergarmants such as Spanx or a girdle. The Herve original will run you about $1400 dollars so if you're in recessionista mode such as I, you can find some for much less. If you're handy with a sewing machine (which sadly to say I haven't sewed for a few years now) follow the link to Chictopia where they give you instructions on how to craft your own fabulous creations. And don't forget to check out my favorite shopping spot Ebay for some deals.

1. Ali Ro $174
2. Bianca Nero $280
3. Ali Ro $196

Trendspotting: A Feather in Your Cap

While searching on Etsy for my next fashion purchase I came across a few accessory lines that stood out.  Designs by Portobello and VieModerne both produce beautiful Gossip Girl like hair accessories incorporating the latest craze feathers. You've seen them on celebs and you've seen them on Project Runway. I'm tempted to walk out the house all Carrie Bradshaw-ish with a large embellished flower or rooster feather pin in my hair. Unlike most boutiques Etsy sells handcrafted items that are one of a kind so once its sold you are out of luck! I've been lusting over peacock headbands and earrings for a while so I think Ill be treating myself to a few goodies.

 

Headbands by VieModerne

 

Charlotte Headpiece $65  Portobello

 

Hanna Headpieces $39 Portobello

Trendspotting: Latex Legs

I love the PVC leggings everyone has been wearing lately. Of course I don't have the stick thin legs of most celebrities but I'm sure I'll be able to fill it out nice. For some reason I feel a little naked wearing regular cotton leggings and besides being a little more substantial these are a bit dressier. Not to mention they'll be able to keep you warm when it starts to get chilly.

Express has a buy one get one 50% off sale on thier leggings and basic tees. If I had to choose one store as my favorite it would have to be Express. Their clothes are sexy, stylish and simple without revealing too much. I have found memories of going school shopping at Express in high school.....anyway..Hopefully the sale will still be on in a few days and I can pick up this outfit. If you're impatient and can't wait it is also on their website.

Buy 1 Get 1 50% off for a limited time!
Express PVC Leggings $49.50
Express Sexy Basic Cowl Neck Tee $29.50

Trendspotting: Open Toe Boots

One thing this season I cannot grip my mind around are open toe boots. It looks like someone ran your toes over and sliced off a piece of your shoe. They look good until you put them on your foot.  Maybe if I see them worn enough Ill grow to love them.



Not feeling this look...


Other than the fugly boots Angela and Vanessa Simmons are looking pretty put together at the Ralph Lauren show.

For you daring ladies this boot is available at Steve Madden for $149