If you can't Buy it .... Rent it ... Maybe ? ? ?

Sorry about the lack of posting. Apparently grad school is a time suck. Between class, data collection, and research I barely have time to …… read up on all of my trashyyyy celebrity gossip and immerse myself in fabulous fashion magazines. Enough about that, let’s focus on what is making me giddy these days.
The Kardashians have a new line at Bebe. I have always been a Bebe fan and although a bit more expensive, you can always find a unique piece from there. I have a pair of suspender gray pants and a pair of 6 inch purple heels a la Bebe that change my life when I put them on. Bebe has been the place for me, many years in a row, where I find that perfect dress no matter the occasion. I guess at 22 I’m in that no man’s land of not being able to shop in juniors anymore and not wanting to outdate myself, while most importantly, not spending a ton of money. Bebe carries dresses that you can wear anywhere, beach, wedding, date, family affair. I really think it is worth the money.

Kim Kardashian wearing a black one shoulder dress:: Kardashians line by Bebe::
Potential Contendor
So, I’m in a predicament. I have a formal event in March and am really wanting to buy (maybe, rent) a new dress. Rent ? ? ? Ok I know you’re thinking “What the hell is she talking about?” or “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” Let me tell you, when I was home over Christmas break I was reading Cosmo. I believe it was Cosmo since I read it religiously every month, that’s neither here nor there, and I saw an ad about Rent The Runway. Normally I don’t check these websites out because they are all the same. I never really got into buy, borrow, or steal or whatever website that is which nobody had heard about until the Sex and the City movie made it famous. That website’s premise is similar to Rent the Runway (RTR) but not quite. Seriously whoever comes up with these genius ideas, I praise them. RTR lets you browse through tons and tons and tons of designer dresses think Herve Leger, Tracy Reese, Alice + Olivia, Cynthia Vincent, Proenza Schouler, ...... and more and more and more and I just can’t express…. Ok I’m like a kid on Christmas morning when I go to this website. Anyways, from here you pick a dress which you can browse by size and even price range which is $50 - $200 + and then you pick two sizes and a delivery date. You can “rent” the dress for 4 or 8 days. It arrives at your house in a garment bag and another garment bag already postaged so all you have to do after you wear it is put it back in the bag and send it away. You don’t even have to get it dry cleaned. The dresses you can “rent” retail for at least $200 some $500 some even more. I will be completely honest here and admit that I have not used RTR yet. So, what is my predicament you ask? I’m debating whether or not to hit up Bebe in search of a Kardashian inspired frock or “rent”, probably a Herve Leger since I’ve had my eye on these dresses for soooooo long now. I need your help and advice. What do you think ? ? ?


Herve Leger:: Golden Girl dress:: rent $200:: Retail:: $1,690 <---- Gaspppp, Sighhh

By the way, RTR is like Rue La La you need an invite so here is my link if you want to peek :: http://www.renttherunway.com/referral/lcdwyer12

Do I buy or do I rent ??? What's a girl to do ?
Peace:: Love:: Fashion::
Lucia

And I’m headin’ out West sucker….. because I wanna be a Cowboy babyyy

With the top let back and the sunshine shining… Cowboy babyyyyyy… I wanna be a Cowboy babyyyy.. Ridin at night cause I sleep all day. Cowboy babyyyyy I can smell a pig from a mile away … Thank you Kid Rock for getting this party started.

This Image is from Cosmopolitan February 2010:: She's showing off her inner cowgirl

Ok . . . Giddy UP ladies and gents because this style is in and fun. There are tons of different ways you can play with these clothes. You can go full out western or you can just add a hint to your wardrobe. I think some staples for the Western look include brown belts, floral print, denim, boots, but honestly you don’t need all of these. Just one item will give an outfit the boost it needs. And I’m not the type of person that likes to do a trend all out. I like this western style but I most likely won’t do all of the pieces at once. It really does give you the option though to go all the way, pair some short shorts with cowboy boots ! ! Do it ! You will look fabulous. I’m going to insert a funny story here because I feel it is appropriate: I attended Auburn University for my undergrad and every year they have a “rodeo” …. Seriously it is the BEST time you can ever have in a day. My 21st birthday happened to fall around rodeo one year so I decided to go “all out”. I paired high waisted tight denim shorts with a blue American eagle rodeo looking shirt and cowboy boots. As my friends and I were walking into the rodeo, a boy shouted “ Damn, why even wear shorts?” at me. This could have been an awkward situation but see I don’t give a shit and simply responded, “It’s my birthday, I do what I want”. Anyways to make a long story short, DO WHAT YOU WANT. If you see a trend and like it, or only like bits and pieces of it, transform it and make it one of your own. You own it. You wear it and wear it with confidence. Don’t let anybody get you down about what you decided looks good on you. Especially if it’s a dumb guy.


Image from Seventeen magazine:: Owning the style, whether it be with shorts, a skirt, or a dress and cute boots.



My Take::
dress:: Charlotte Russe::
belt:: Charlotte Russe::
boots:: Charlotte Russe::


a little bit more westernized::
dress:: Charlotte Russe::
belt:: Charlotte Russe::
boots:: Nine West::

Be a Cowboy Babyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Peace: Love: Fashion
Lucia

Dear Carrie Bradshaw::

Dear Carrie Bradshaw,
I get it. Not wanting a ring, instead, a pair of Jimmy Choos. I dream about sliding on a pair of Christian Louboutin heels with a red sole. I think if that ever happens pigs will fly, unicorns will prance, at the end of every rainbow will be a pot of gold, butterflies, laughter, and candy will fill the air, there will be peace on earth, somebody will find a cure for cancer, and global warming will be resolved. Needless to say, let’s skip back to my reality … exit Jimmy Choo and ole Christian enter forever21, and shoe sales at any department store I can find. The amazing thing about shoes is I honestly don’t think they ever go out of style. Ok Ok, I don’t really believe anything goes out of style since my pockets aren’t very deep but really, shoes???? It’s just not possible. I am the biggest lover, fan, supporter, protester, for a pair of shoes. If you are having a bad day, go buy shoes. If you are fighting with a friend, go buy shoes. If you either don’t have a boyfriend or currently hate the one with your with, go buy shoes. I promise, it will turn your frown upside down. I think I have made it clear how much I enjoy shoes. Let me get to my point. It is so simple to take a pair of old shoes you might be sick of and turn them into gold. How you ask…. pair them with socks. This trend can be seen everywhere right now and it will definitely follow us into summer. You can wear a pair of socks with open toe pumps and a onesie, a skirt, calf-length pants, shorts, etc. You can also wear your socks with closed toe pumps now since it’s still chilly. I really love this style.


This image is from the Forever 21 website. www.forever21.com
I love it!!!!


socks: boutique in PA:
onesie: Forever21:
Shoes: Gianni Bini:



silk blouse: Express:
calf length pants: BCBG:
socks: Wal Mart:

The truth is, some people will look at you funny. Socks with shoes (ooooooooo) who would wear such a thing. Ehhhhh tell them to suck it. Do you. I promise you will feel awesome and seriously look awesome!
Peace: Love: Fashion:
Lucia