Outfits Of The Yesterdays (Trastevere, Leopard, Stripes, and Shady Love)

♫: Shady Love - Scissor Sisters w/ Azealia Banks

Oh hello again, readers.  I am still sick, and it still sucks. Having no immune system due to Lupus makes for all sorts of entertaining things when I get a cold, usually because it seems to also trigger a flare. And a severe addiction to the syrupy, sugary blue raspberry slushies from the corner gas station.

Or in other words: poor husband; my poor, poor, poor husband.

Anyway!  Bleh. Let's talk about something else. There are lots of exciting things happening in Denver this year as far as fashion goes, with two coming up in the next two months. First up: Goodwill is hosting their annual Good Exchange Clothing Swap & Fashion Show on February 8th at the EXDO Event Center.  I went last year and had a blast--Mondo Guerra will be there again, with a fashion show put on by the kids participating in Goodwill's youth programs and if you bring 10 clothing items, you can participate in a fashion swap and leave with some "new" items of your own!  There will also be some auctions, door prizes, and appetizers and cocktails too. Tickets start at $25 and go towards a fantastic cause--you can get more info right here. Love.

And of course, as I have yabbered about incessantly on Twitter and Facebook, DAM will be featuring Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective March 25th - July 8th.  Did you know Denver is the only city in the United States that will get this exhibit?  It is! I have no idea why! But it's so exciting! There will be over 200 garments (and lots of drawings, photographs, and films) featuring the "full arc" of Saint Laurent's career.

Even better? On March 30th there will be a fashion show featuring eight ex-Project Runway contestants and their YSL-inspired designs. You can get tickets to view the exhibit here and tickets to the March 30th event/runway show here (although I think they are quickly selling out--but I will definitely be there, so if you see me say hi!).

Aaaand that's it. Outfit time? I think J Crew's Trastevere Print from a few years past will go down in history as my all-time favorite. I just love it, and you'll have to pry it away from my (weak) (arthritic) (little) dead hands:

Cape: Anthropologie, old (similar here) (similar here) (and by Mackage, 50% off)

Top: Zara (similar here) (similar here) (love this at ASOS, too)

Skirt: J Crew, old (similar here) (and a fun print at F21)

Shoes: J Crew Mona Oxford Pumps (buy them here) (a lower-heel style here)

Bag: DVF (similar here) (similar here for less + on sale)
Nail polish: Butter London in Macbeth (buy it here) 

I have discussed my obsession with hats before, and I firmly believe everyone needs a good one for those Husband-is-dragging-you-out-of-the-house-even-though-you're-so-sicky-sick days. Hence my fedora below. I think I scared the people at the grocery store during our hot Friday date night in the cold medicine aisle but THAT'S OKAY.

I also finally joined the year 2010 and received an iPad as a gift this year from Husband for Christmas. Every iPad needs a case, of course, and the Marc Jacobs Quilted iPad Case fits the bill plus does double-duty as a regular handbag. The strap is also removable, in case you want to wear use it as a clutch.  I like it when my accessories multitask, and I really like how the coral looks mixed with camel and a super light, gray foggy blue:

Hat: Eugenia Kim (similar here by Eugenia Kim) (similar here by Eric Javitz) (similar at Zappos, under $60)
Gray-Blue Scarf: Ann Taylor (similar at Zappos) (similar here)
Camel Jacket: Rachel Zoe (similar here)  (similar for $99) (& similar here for $60)
Jeans: GAP (similar, on sale) (similar here for under $50)
Flats: J Crew Lula Leopard Flats (buy them here, on sale)
Coral Bag: Marc Jacobs Quilted iPad Case in Coral (buy it here) (similar at Topshop) (similar at ASOS, under $50)
Nail polish: Butter London in Macbeth (buy it here) 
Lipcolor: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square (buy it here)

And last but not least, I had to watch my nephew play b-ball on Saturday (+ run errands) so I decided to give props to those burly referees by wearing a striped blouse.

It is entertaining, by the way, how I married into an extremely sports-centric family. I am personally about as non-athletic as it gets. In fact, unless the Olympic Committee ever gets around to answering my letters requesting that things like  "Dancing To The Scissor Sisters While Vacuuming" or "Gracefully Getting Hit In The Back Of The Head With A Flying Ball Whenever I Walk Across A Gymnasium" or "Bug Punching Those Stupid Bugs In The Summer" be made into bona fide Olympic activities, I will never have a competitive bone in my body.

(It is harder than it looks, okay? Coordination! And being short. I'm talking about the flying balls.)

Anyway. The Polly Popover from J Crew was the only thing from the spring new arrivals that I felt would really make a good fit in my closet; sometimes those polka-dots, floral prints, and leopard spots get a 'tude and need some non-fussy stripes to straighten them back out, you know?

This popover runs huuuuge, though. I have been wearing a 2 petite in blouses lately at J Crew; this is a regular size 0. I could probably have sized down to a 00, but...sometimes I'm lazy. I like it! It works:

And a big thanks to the girls at David Yurman for the new sunnies! I tend to be a straight-laced tortoise shell connoisseur when it comes to face frames, so I was tickled when I opened the super pretty Signature Cable Round Sunglasses. The frame is a mix of flecks off purples, pinks, and browns, making them colorful without being over the top. They are also a nice diversion from my standard cat-eyes and (most importantly) they are light and comfortable. I have an abnormally huge head, and therefore an endless collection of pinchy, hurty sunglasses. No pinching with these sunnies, no-no-no. I love them--thank you!

Jacket: Rachel Zoe (similar here)  (similar for $99) (& similar for $60)
Shirt: J Crew Polly Popover (buy it here)  (and an option at Modcloth) (and a cheap, t-shirt option at F21)
Pants: AG Stevie Ankle Jeans (buy them here) (similar at GAP in rose) (similar by Siwy Denim, on sale)
Belt: J Crew (buy here in 'neon peach') (similar at ASOS for $8)
Purple Necklace: ALDO (similar here for $14) (& still available at ALDO in teal)
Watch: Michael Kors Oversized Rosegold Watch (buy it here) (similar by Fossil)
Shoes: Lanvin Metallic Python Flats (similar here) (similar here, under $100) (& similar by Steve Madden)
Bag: Lanvin Metallic Python Min Pop (similar here by Lanvin) (similar here) (similar in 'pale gold') (and a fun option at Ann Taylor)
Lipcolor: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square (buy it here)
Nail polish: Butter London in Macbeth (buy it here)
Sunglasses: David Yurman Signature Cable Round Sunglasses, c/o (see them here)

Outfit Of The Day (J Crew Orange Mini Skirt + New Beauty Product Reviews!)

It is the most wonderful time of the year right now, aka Sephora's Annual Friends & Family Sale, where the giant cosmetic retailer gives all of the make-up, perfume, skincare, and DiorShow Mascara hoarders in the world a 20% off discount. Hooray!  And just in time too, as I have been running low on my stash. Even my bathroom closet (AKA "The Place Where Good Products Go To Die", as bravely coined by my husband with no sarcasm whatsoever) has been looking pretty sad and empty, oh nooo.

(Have no fear, little closet. I'll be giving you some more half-full discarded products that I bought on a misguided whim and totally hate soon.)

While I usually use this promotion to stock up on my seasoned favorites, I always try to grab a few new things to try, too.  Here are a few newcomers to my bathroom counter:

The Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil was a purchase I made after Sephora sent a sample in one of my past orders, and ohhhh how I love it so! if I could eat the stuff, you guys...I so totally would. I mean technically I think I could eat it, but Google searches for "can I eat argan oil" only turn up articles about nuts and goat butts. Of course! The sexy and chic side of beauty!  Awesome! 

I tend to have extremely dry skin due to an Accutane stint in my late teens, and living in the high desert definitely doesn't help the situation either. Given that I have dry skin from Accutane, this also means that I have really sensitive skin and I tend to break out and flush easily too. Needless to say,  I am typically pretty weary of anything with oil, let alone smearing it straight on my face.  

But I am happy to report that after two weeks now of twice daily usage, my skin drinks this stuff right up with nary a break out.  It also moisturizes better than any moisturizer I have ever tried, makes my skin look great, and works on giving my hair a bit of shine, too! While it's a bit spendy at $48, I only use a few drops of it at a time so it will last forever. We have a winner!

Next up we have Guerlain's Meteorites Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer. I have tried several primers in the past, including the big players like Smashbox's Photo Primer, Urban Decay's Brightening Complexion Primer Potion, and Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer, all with lackluster results. They all seemed to sit on my skin without sinking in, leaving my skin looking, at times, like a bizarre combination of oily and dry and oily and oh, so dry.

Guerlain's primer is different sort of animal.  Instead of using silica to smooth lines and pores, it's more of a thin gel with little shimmery pearls that break up when you pump the product out.  Instead of leaving skin feeling greasy like some primers can do, this leaves my skin feeling powdery soft and kind of...tight? The tight-thing freaked me out at first, since I usually associate tightness with dry (painful! red!) skin, but after applying my foundation there is no dryness in sight--just awesome, super smooth skin.  Another winner.

On to Givenchy's Le Prisme Mono Eyeshadow in Trendy Plum.  If a cosmetics company could win an award for the prettiest packaging, I think Givenchy would win. This eyeshadow compact is all sorts of cool with a mirrored top, and inside are four variations of the same color in a pearly finish, a sparkly finish, a matte finish, and a sequined finish.  Fun!

And last but not least, we have Nars Nail Polish in Versailles. This is a super soft, champagne gold color that makes for a perfect change from the usual dark nail colors of fall & winter.  So pretty, and one of my favorites.

What have you guys been buying at this sale? Finding any new products to love? I would love to hear--so share in the comments!  (And don't forget--VIB's can still take 20% off through Sunday with code "VIBDREAM".)

On to an outfit! We need a little burst of color for this Friday, yes? Happy weekend, you guys!

Coat: Rachel Zoe (buy it here, on sale!) (similar here, under $100) (and here at ASOS + take 10% off with code "BONUSTEN") (and here)

Top: J Crew (similar here at F21) (and a sweater style at ASOS + take 10% off with code "BONUSTEN")

Skirt: J Crew Factory (buy it here) (similar here) (and at F21)

Belt: J Crew Factory (similar here) (and here)

Watch: Michael Kors Rosegold Large Runway Watch (buy it here) (similar style here + take 20% off with code "FRIENDS") (similar here for $135)

Scarf: Simply Vera Vera Wang (buy it here + take 15% off with code "GIFT15")

Shoes: Valentino Python Rockstud Flats (buy them here) (similar here) (and here for under $100 at ASOS)

Bag: Chanel Crackled Patent Camel Classic Flap (similar here) (and here by DKNY) (and here for under $100)
Nails: OPI for Sephora's I'm With Brad (here) with Butter London's Chancer (here)

(Currently Loving) September 2011

Just a few things that I am currently loving this crisp, almost-fall day in Colorado:

 {currently loving: valentino lace booties, caught on sale earlier this summer and waiting to be worn}

{currently loving: new fall butter london colors: wallis, which is a fabulous gold olive; and blagger, which is a bright cobalt blue}

 {currently loving: nanette lepore "cafe sheath" dress (similar style here!) + j crew perfect mix tape cardigan in bronzed twig + j crew necklace - snapped at a wedding in Golden, Colorado}

{currently loving: teaching my aunt how to 'photo-bomb', which she immediately put into action} {and my dad pilfering my twin sister's peacock feather headband to wear while dancing}

{currently loving: my dad entertaining himself, always}

{see?}

{currently (not) loving: breaking in new shoes by gettin' doooown on the dance floor.  I highly don't recommend, ouch!}

{currently loving: really bad flash photography} {and looking oddly happy that my twin sister somehow worked stabbing me with a plastic fork into her dancey-jiggy-dance-one-toosie}

{currently loving: Husband's first trip to IKEA} {and holding 2 new mirrors for the house!}

{currently loving: he's only smiling because we're almost at the end}

{currently loving: the pups finding finding new, snoozy-sun-spots on the new floor}

{currently loving: more new nail polishes for fall, from L to R: Essie Power Clutch, Sally Hansen Cocoa-A-Go-Go, Essie Mink Muffs, and Chanel Quartz} {I might have a bit of a nail polish problem}

{currently loving: lace dress - alexa chung for madewell} {launches tomorrow!}

{currently loving: beautiful jewels paired with bold & sleek dresses at rachel roy}

{currently loving: leopard portfolio clutch from ASOS for under $50!} {and take 20% off through tonight with code "SHOPLFW"}

What are you currently loving this month? Share in the comments! <3

Un-Outfit Of The Day (Linger In Lusk)

Ah, so.  As I'm sure most of you already know (assuming you follow my aimless ramblings on twitter)  (and if you do, I sincerely apologize) that I'm currently off on a little road trip at the moment, heading back "home" to South Dakota to celebrate with my gramma for her 80th birthday.  

Gramma Chloe Conspiracy is turnin' 80!  It seems like just yesterday, she wasn't....um 80.  Yow.  :(

When I originally hatched the plan to do this it was December and unseasonably sunny and warm in Colorado.  Pile into my car with a chihuahua or two for a 12 hour roadtrip to South Dakota to surprise my grandma? Nooooooo problem! Husband couldn't come with so I'd be doing it alone, darnit, but I've done the trip alone before.  It's EASY PEASY, you guys--download a mindless Sophia Kinsella audiobook, set the roadster on cruise control, and done.

Well I've never done the trip alone before at the end of fucking February, when the snow comes down hard and whips wickedly across the flat terrain and vulnerable highways of Wyoming.  Oh Wyoming.  I'm not very smart, am I?

So needless to say a 6 hour trip today (I'm first heading up to my mom's in the Black Hills to spend the night to chop the journey into two days) took about seven, except you know--I am not actually at my mom's.  I am only in Lusk, Wyoming, stopped for the night due to feeling sick after eating five big boxes of Hot Tamales due to stressful eating because I WAS PRETTY SURE I WAS ABOUT TO DIE AFTER SLIDING HERE DOING 45 MILES PER HOUR THE WHOLE WAY. 

I'D SWITCH THE CAPS OFF BUT MY HANDS WON'T STOP SHAKING AND TRIGGERING IT back on.

Lusk is a bit of a funny place.  Husband and I have been through here dozens of times as we head back and forth between Denver and South Dakota, and it always surprises us as to how quaint and tidy it is.  Small towns in this part of the world aren't exactly known for being picturesque, and anyone who has been through the smaller towns of Wyoming (or Nebraska/South Dakota for that matter) probably knows what I'm talking about. This is the last frontier, after all--and with it comes a certain pride full of everything wild, dusty, and unkempt. This includes both the people and their houses, too.  Yeehaw?

Lusk is different though; it's as if the entire town (population: 1,629) is full of cookie baking grandmas.  Houses are bright and clean, lawns are trimmed and well-kept, and the main drag through town is wide and prettily paved....when not covered in snow.  I (literally) slid into a hotel here, fearful of what I might find, but the room is just like the town. Petunia has her own bed, her own room even and TV with 300 channels of Direct TV, but of course is choosing to steal mine.  She hates watching Jersey Shore alone:

If there is a good spot to be stuck in Wyoming, I suppose Lusk is it.   And so I've decided to take a little break from jumping on the hotel bed(s) with Petunia and screaming the lyrics to Destiny Child's hit 2001 song "Survivor",  much as I imagine the pioneers did hundreds of years ago and that Charlie Sheen is doing right this moment on his little vacay in the Bahamas because a little bit of Beyonce is the wrong way only way to heal a mind, to do a quick update on this old blog.

And while you don't get an update of what I'm wearing today (trust me: driving all day in bad winter weather does not a cute outfit make) this is what I wore this past Saturday while furniture shopping and watching my nephew play bball during much warmer weather. 

I will admit that I'm a little obsessed with my snake necklace at the moment, mostly because it's so light that I often forget I'm wearing it. And it's fun!  Hissst:

Blouse: Topshop Floral Frill Tunic (buy it here) (similar style by Joie here) (and under $50 at macy's here!)
Skirt: J Crew (similar style here) (and here for $28) (and a more tailored, longer version here)
Shoes: Valentino Studded Kitten Heels (similar style here) (and here under $100!)
Necklace: ALDO (buy it here - on sale for $9.98)
Ring: Banana Republic (buy it here - now 30% off!)
Bag: Chloe Metallic Marcie Satchel in Gunmetal (similar style here) (and here from the wonderful Nanette Lepore) (and a fun option here that would also work well by Badgley Mischka)

Is there any item in your wardrobe you're currently obsessed with?  Share in the comments & have a happy weekend!