Hot Pink Re-Mix

A few months ago I was a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding. I've been working on repurposing my bridesmaids dress for an upcoming occasion. I took my hot pink dress to a seamstress to be shortened.

I envisioned a puffy, party dress and had my seamstress cut the bottom portion in an A-line fashion --similar to the original cut of the dress. Sadly, it didn't look as great as I envisioned.

So, for round #2 I decided to go with a pencil style for the bottom of the skirt, and it was a winner! See the new, winning dress below.

Round 1:  Original

Round 2:  A-line

Round 3:  Winner - Pencil Style

This past weekend I was invited to attended a local charity gala and the attire was "black tie." Welcome my friend Jonathan to the blog in his tux. I'm pumped about this newly, re-worked dress!

Happy Halloween! For last minute costume ideas, check out some idea inspiration.

Dress:  Alfred Angelo

Shrug:  Charlotte's Russe

Belt:  Kohl's

Shoes:  Guess, TJ Max

Hairclip:  Clarie's

Halloween: Flashback - Looks That Insipire

As you know, I love Halloween. However, paying a lot of money for a costume is never an appealing option. Frugality has forced me to be very, very creative.

I've compiled some costumes from prior years for those of you feeling uninspired. I used things in my closet, borrowed from friends, created pieces, and bought some extra accessories to "make it work." I would venture that I haven't spent more than $20 on a costume for the past several years. Feel free to make your own version of the costumes below!

Check out my first 2011 Halloween look here!

UP - Russell

Shirt:  Borrowed from a Boy Scout

Shorts:  Bullhead shorts, Pac Sun

Sash:  Borrowed from a Boy Scout

Socks:  Borrowed from a Boy Scout

Boots:  Doc Martins

Belt:  Gap

Hat:  Borrowed

Neckerchief:  Jo-Ann Fabrics ($2)

Flag:  Orange card stock (printed "Wilderness Explorers" logo), wooden dowel - Jo-Ann Fabrics ($4)

Balloons:  Party City ($5)

Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter

Cape:  Loft 

Glasses:  Hot Topic

Tie:  Museum of Science & Industry

Shirt:  Gap

Pants:  Express

The Incredibles - Violet

Shirt:  Gap (I printed the "Incredibles" logo and taped it to my shirt)

Shorts:  H&M

Mask:  Halloween store

Gloves:  Halloween store

Belt:  Laminated construction paper with Velcro

Shoes:  Erynne in Black Suede, Nine West | shop

*Other friends pictured:  Little Miss Muffet, Reno 911! - Officer Dangle (Will), 70s Boho-chic lady

SNL Spartan Cheerleader - The Spartan (Cheri Oteri)

Shirt:  Walmart, $10

Shirt decoration:  Black, White and Red Felt Fabric Jo-Ann Fabrics

Skirt:  Jo-Ann Fabrics 

Tights:  Wet Seal

Halloween: Jane the Riveter

Halloween is just around the corner and this year here's my ode to Rosie the Riveter. 

I visited my 12- year old cousin in Australia a few years ago and I distinctly remember her asking me, "Is Halloween real?" She had seen a magical world of free candy, masks and ghouls on television. I told her, "Yes, it's real! Come visit us in October because it is wonderful and fun." 

Truly, this is one of the best American holidays. You get to dress up and get free candy. I'm not sure that it gets better than that. Happy Halloween and good luck finding the houses that give full size candy bars!

Shirt:  Gap, 1969

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop

Shoes:  Nine West

Necklace:  Old Navy

Bandana:  Walmart, $1

Lipstick:  Color Sensationals Lipstick in Red Revolution 630 | shop

PFC 11: Vacation Vogue

PFC #11: SkiPetite has challenged us to "Put together an outfit made for sightseeing. It should be one that will be comfortable for walking around in and can last you from the early morning until dinner and drinks in the evening. Plus, you're on vacation, so you'd better make sure you look good in photos, which you'll have for years to come. You can choose just one outfit but vary it by adding or taking off layers or accessories to take you from the a.m. to the p.m. and make one outfit easier to last through the day."

I love travelling to new places. Since, I've not been to Rome, but would like to go someday; Rome has inspired today's look. Rome's Colosseum? Here we come...


Sightseeing
I anchored the looks with these great legging jeans from Gap's 1969 line. The material is nylon, rayon, and spandex - great for comfortable sightseeing. Check out ExtraPetite's review for more info.  My Missoni bag is perfect for holding the guidebook, camera, phone, water bottle, snacks and it leaves plenty of room for trinkets.

After lots of travel with my sister, I've discovered one of the best travel shoes - these ballet crocs. I am usually anti-croc, but these ones are adorable, comfortable and perfect for travel.

Disco
I pumped up the volume by removing the cardigan and adding a jacket and boots to the outfit. Putting your hair up, rocking a pair of funky earrings and some great lipstick makes for a seamless transition to the clubs!

Sightseeing Jane
Cardigan:  JCrew
Pashmina:  Walmart
Pants:  Gap 1969 Ponte 5 pocket | shop
Tank Top:  Seamless Scoop Cami, Limited | shop
Shoes:  Malindi Flats, Crocs! | shop (very similar in cheetah print)
Bag:  Missoni for Target | $50

Disco Jane
Jacket:  Parisian Boutique
Pashmina:  Walmart
Pants: Ponte 5 pocket, Gap | shop
Shoes:  Erynne in Black Suede, Nine West | shop
Earrings:  Charlotte Russe
Lipstick:  Color Sensationals Lipstick in Red Revolution 630, Maybelline | shop