Pandemonium at Plato's Closet Mini Grab Bag Event!

Pandemonium at Plato's Closet Mini Grab Bag Event!

Sunday, (yes I am behind on my posts-don't judge me) I attended Plato's Closet (Dulles, VA) Mini Grab Bag event.  I literally planned for this event.  $10 dollars for a bag I can stuff with as many clothing items as I want? I am so there.

So the day of, I get myself ready and unfortunately the hubby had to go to work so I had to take the kids.  Mistake #1.  Then, since I am trying to get my sexy back, I decided we will walk...I mean it's only a 30 minute walk.  Mistake #2.  My 7 year old son can jump from couch to couch, dresser to bed, and run around the house at dizzying speeds.  However, a simple 30 minute walk?  Too much work!  A 30 minute walk quickly turned into an hour.  Mistake #3.

By the time we reached Plato's it was pure chaos! Women, children, accessories, and clothing were scattered all around the store.  Women were trying to block clothing bins and even had their young children crawling under tables to get to clothing. The staff looked like they had been up for days...poor things, they were weary.  It was pandemonium!  Since I knew I was going to write about the event, I really wanted to take pictures of the store, the staff and the obligatory shameless selfies...but it really wasn't that type of party.  If I wanted to walk away with something (anything!) I had to go all in.  No time nor space for pictures! Plato's gave me little plastic "40" bags (like Old English 40's)  (I apologize but there is no other way to describe the bag) and sent me on my way.  

At first, I tried to be civilized.  I waited patiently and only searched bins that weren't being guarded by self appointed line backers in womens clothing.  However, after a shove or two and complete dismissal of my polite gestures and phrases, I had to unsheathe my blade.  Well not really, I just bogarted my way in and stared at anyone who even looked like they had something to say. (Mind you, I had to shove my way past the rude people anyhow, so I don't lose any sleep over my behavior-believe me) My polite strategy was useless so "Nikki from the block" had to make a special appearance.

It got so crazy, I even had my son going through bins and picking any clothes that were my size to show me. (For shame!)  My five month old baby girl was surprisingly calm...I know she is going to be a retail addict, just like her mom.  I managed to stuff three bags worth of clothes, pay and flee from the ruckus as quickly as little feet could follow me.

All was not lost however!  I managed to pick a few cute items!

I love Target.

I am an NYC girl but Cali seems to have the tee market on lock these past few seasons.

Freaking Miley Cyrus!  Her brand with Max Azaria for Walmart.  Yes I said it, Walmart!  I am so rocking these on some beach...and I dare anyone to say something :)

The knit fabric is forgiving, I promise.

Linen shorts from Forever 21.  Now what the hell to wear them with?

These are my favorite find from the ruckus that was Plato's.  BCBG!  The photo does them no justice, but when I find an outfit I will take a shameless selfie!

I really have no idea what I was thinking or what I am going to do with this skirt.  Whatsoever.  But I'll make it fly (somehow) because I am clever.

One shoulder dress...However, since I have curves (ahem) this will be a top.

I bought 3 bags worth of clothing and accessories for $30 at a (Plato's) retail value of...(drumroll) $110!  SO the pushing and the shoving and general bad behavior was all worth it! (wink)  What do you think?

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Punks Not Dead!!!

Punks Not Dead!!!

The recent Occupy movements across the world and silent protests in the US at college campuses and state assemblies, has ignited a passion in people, young and old, to stand up for what they believe in, while questioning authority.  Around the globe the rebellious punk mentality, concerned with personal freedom and anti establishment sentiments has made a huge comeback.  The fashion world and, of course, Hollywood have taken notice.  With recent spreads in Vogue and celebrities like Rihanna adding edge to her everyday style, it's safe to say, PUNKS NOT DEAD!

This, oh so beautiful, Balmain studded and safety pin lambskin leather is enough to make I (HEART) Retail Therapy's heart "a flutter" with desire and the price tag is enough to make me faint!

However, we suffer for our beauty and fashion, don't we?  If the upper 4 digit price range is too much for your wallet, there are numerous ways to rock the punk look for less.

The spirit of punk culture is personal freedom and self expression, so try to rock a unique look that expresses your rebellious side.  Try wearing old rock tees with a pair of leggings and a Prince fedora from "Under the Cherry Moon" See below

 

To complete any punk look, studs are your friend.  There is no easier way to add edge to your look than with studs.  With studs showing up on shoes, jewelries, handbags and clothing all over the runways, studs are definitely a great addition to your punk style (and easy to find).

This is a recent photo of Rihanna in London with studded shorts and crotch high boots.  I don't know about the shirt hanging under the shorts, but hey, it still embodies the punk style (because it's her own expression of style!)

Don't be afraid to throw a little studding in your look.  If you are more conservative consider a studded jewelry piece, bag or shoe.  Whatever it is, rock it like you mean it!

Adorable Leatherette Leggings $36.50 click here

Awesome Recycled Pop Top Bag with Small Handles (be apart of the green revolution!) $69.99 click here

Ruffled 3/4 Sleeve Shirt with Sequin Detail $24.50 click here

Pagoda Fashion Pumps $60.00 click here

With this look don't be afraid to add touches of color to really stand out from the crowd. A distressed denim jacket or motorcycle inspired jacket would really complete this outfit nicely! If you do try this look please submit a pic with a description so we can see how you rocked it!

rock on!

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Slave to Trends?

I snatched this from the blog, On The 6th "90% Fact 10% Other You Decide"

AVENUE L: STYLE CONSCIOUS, NOT STYLE OBSESSED

AVENUE L

By Lyric Chanel

STYLE CONSCIOUS, NOT STYLE OBSESSED

CHANEL IMAN IS ALWAYS STYLISH BUT NEVER LOOKS TREND OBSESSED (LOVE HER!!)

Trends are fun...I think that's one thing we can all agree. What's not fun about staying up on the latest trends is when they become our OBSESSION. Magazines become our Bible & celebrities become our gods...uhh NO. I have one God & one Bible and trends don't define me. Nor should they define you. Being trend obsessed in an attempt to express individuality makes you just like everyone else. There are billions of people in the world & at least 50% are up on every HOT trend and rockin the same exact thing you’re rockin. Doesn't that make you less of an individual & more of a copy? I think so.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE FASHION. I think looking like you have style & sense is necessary. But I am by no means trend obsessed. I wear what I want, I follow trends here and there, but I always add my own seasoning to the main dish. A trendsetter is not someone who wears what everyone else wears. A trendsetter wears what the average trend obsessed individual never would have come up with. This blog is my idea of style…fashion with a twist. I promise to make the trend I choose mean something to you, so you don't feel like a clone of the style obsessed girl standing next to you. Feel me?

S.T.U.D.

STUDS are “IN” fashionistas. Studded vests, studded bangles, studded ballet flats.

Get carried away, but not too carried away. ONE or TWO jaw dropping studded

pieces are enough. You don't want to look like an asteroid...and you will... if you overdo it. Especially if your studs are gold.

S.T.U.D. = Surrender to UR Destiny. Stay true to yourself, stay true to your style, and do what it takes to become whatever you want to become. When you're wearing your studded vest & the girl across from you is wearing a studded piece too, just remember you're an original...with your own destiny.

I love my Dolce Vita Studded Flats.

Fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar (Australia),

Christine Centenera, rocking boyfriend jeans and a studded jacket.

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