"I... am a Star"

"You might laugh because every time I sign my name I put a gold star after it, but it's a metaphor. And metaphors are important. My gold stars are a metaphor. For me. Being a star."

Who remembers the days when Rachel Berry from Glee was geeky and defensive, strong-willed and argumentative? Since the beginning of the series, it is clear that as Rachel's character grows and develops, so does her ability to dress herself fashionably. Where plaid and tweed patterns used to adorn her, now are replaced by leather and tighter fitting clothing. Don't get me wrong, Lea Michele and Rachel Berry are both smoke  shows, but I'm flashing back this Friday to season one to appreciate the underrated art form that is 'original Rachel Berry'.

 Here are a few refreshers for all the folks at home who can't remember what this diva used to dress like. Notice the argyle and other preppy patterns.

And here is a lovely timeline of how the style has grown and how much yellow Rachel used to wear.

 After many hours spent tearing apart mine and my mother's closets searching for hideous prints in the hopes of making them desirable, I present to you my own interpretation of vintage Rachel Berry.

vest: daily habit (vintage)

pants: bdg @ urban outfitters

tank: aeropostale

boots: sm @ sears

Although it may not look like it, this checkered vest has a rocker/grunge feel to it when it's hanging loose unbuttoned. 

tank: hollister co

sweater: marshall's

skirt: j.g.hook (vintage)

shoes: forever xxi

A huge Rachel trademark was plaid skirts with knee socks and flats. I chose to stray away from the socks so it doesn't seem like I'm advising any of you to go back to your schoolgirl days.

shirt: piazzitalia

collar: forever xxi

vest: dakota blues

shorts: h&m @ buffalo exchange

shoes: sm @ sears

This outfit is a blend between old and new Rachel. Only old Rachel would wear argyle socks but I used them in this punk-y outfit as leg warmers with combat boots and leather shorts.

Although adopting Lea Michele's character's outfits doesn't include her voice as a package deal, it's safe to say she rocked it and so can you.

- nali xo 

Atreto-laptop: A Short Story by Me Part 2

Atreto- : lacking an opening to ((I looked this up on a doctor terminology website I'm probably using it in the wrong way)) 

As I continue to struggle through this terrible time of not having a laptop I thank all of you who are standing by me. I know this time will eventually pass but as I'm sure some of you unfortunately know, there is nothing that can take the place of a beloved laptop. However I am extremely lucky that I discovered a way to change the format of my photographs in camera so you lucky ducks will be able to see my ootd pictures via my Y2K desktop computer.

It's Tuesday!! For my shoesday pick of the week I chose my cherished Free Lance over-the-knee riding boots. And what better way to welcome in the fall and boot weather but to go riding in my riding boots? My family and I traveled to Bobby's Ranch in Acton over the weekend and were lucky enough to make some adorable (and very furry) new friends.

 All the farm animals were so friendly that most of them weren't even kept in a stable or pen. The whole farm was full of free roosters, ducks, goats and kittens. All beautiful animals I might add.

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This was the very well-mannered horse I had the honor of riding. He was quite modestly named Booger.

  This little guy's name is Honey

And here are the stars of the show.

In the spirit of farming and horseback riding and such, I had to be sure to be comfortable. But you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for comfort. I paired these vintage Express high rise jeans with a basic Marshall's deep blue knit sweater for a poppy and somewhat earthy color scheme. 

Here are ways to wear riding boots when comfort isn't a first concern.

dress: marshall's
tights: forever xxi
earrings: claire's

headwrap: claire's

lipstick:  rimmel london moisture renew #560: as you want victoria

leg warmers: target

skirt: forever xxi

button-down: american eagle

scarf: target

bracelet: ralph lauren @ buffalo exchange

Welcome October right and treat yourself to a new pair of boots. Visit www.freelance.fr if you like the style of my boots and want to see more.

- nali xo

A blogger is only as good as their wireless connection

"Sorry for the wait" - Lil Wayne, YMCMB


*shows up 2 hours late with Starbucks

It's now 1 pm and I'm just getting around to posting because my computer charger nearly blew a fuse and burst into flames therefore unable to charge my computer because it was otherwise occupied.  So I am now furiously typing away with my freshly manicured hands to bring you the first good better dressed mobile post woo0o0o0o0o0o

OKAY back to business. As you all know it's manicure Monday and today's mani is a mermaid inspired look.

Here's how I used color and pattern to help recall the magical mystery we all believed in when we were young and maybe still do. 

If you need help believing, listen to this guy for 3:31

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nilUlU6fM0s

To decide on a matchy-matchy nail/outfit mermaid look I played a lot with cooler colors and peplum or ruffle-y tops, the only way us humans can have fins. This was my favorite combo

top: forever xxi

pants: tinsletown @ marshall's

necklace: claire's

shoes: report @ sears

earrings: forever xxi

bracelet: urban outfitters

hat: calvin klein @ t.j.maxx 

Always be on time and when you can, always always always be a mermaid. Sorry for the iPhone quality pictures... I'll do my best to get back on a computer ASAP! Thanks for reading!

- nali xo

American (discount) Apparel

For those of you who keep clear of thrift stores because you're into wearing name brand designers, you clearly haven't been to the right places.  I'm lucky enough to say that my thrift find of this week is an article of clothing originally sold at American Apparel. Not only was it much cheaper than it would've been had I purchased it directly from the international retailer, but it was also one of the most original things I've ever seen sold from the normally casual store. 

 For anyone who doesn't know about my love affair with high waisted pants/shorts, I LOVE them. They're comfortable, look dressy without trying too hard, and make it much easier to wear crop tops without showing too much unnecessary skin. My lovely sister Monica models the right way to wear the OR scrub-style teal AA high waisted pants.

Another thing I love: elbow patches. Anything that was originally created for men to wear that has made its way to ladies' wardrobes makes me drool because of the slight masculine touch given to a very feminine ensemble.  

top: noble u @ buffalo exchange

cardigan: dex @ t.j.maxx

shoes: no name

pants: american apparel @ buffalo exchange

I've found the best way to wear loose pants like these is to pair them with a fitted top and something that hangs over like a cardigan or jacket. The best choice is a crop or shortened top so the shirt and pants barely meet. Any other loose/high-waisted pants like these look fabulous with heels because they help to visually elongate your legs along with the higher waist.

top: forever xxi

sweater vest: forever xxi

shoes: michael shannon @ payless

necklace: claire's

shirt: american rag die @ marshall's

shoes: no name

Go out and find your own brand-name bargain today! Happy thrifting!

- nali xo

Good Morning, Upper East Siders

Lies, deceit, infidelity...  the upper east side hasn't seen so much of it since the Real World: New York in '92. But when I turn Gossip Girl on Netflix, I'm not drawn in by anonymous texts sent hoping to ruin reputations or not-so-discreet character personality shifts. My attention is entirely on Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) for more than just his smoldering glare. It's undeniable his character has a sort of swagger that gives him permission to wear just about whatever he wants and he takes full advantage of that. I've never seen anyone rock argyle socks and shorts or a yellow and purple cardigan/pant combo as well as Chuck. Although I'd never be able to manage Chuck's exact style on myself, his technique is a great one to be influenced from. Here's my take for moda revelation of the week.

crop top: mezzanine @ buffalo exchange
pants: BDG @ urban outfitters
shoes: etienne aigner @ macy's
blazer: alyn paige (vintage)
scarf: lambswool

A tweed and corduroy mergence is something I could only see Chuck Bass wearing and although I'm not lucky enough to own his signature scarf, I found a way to incorporate a basic one into my ensemble.

Here are a few other ways Chuck provoked me to dress: 

cardigan: abercrombie & fitch

tee: mossimo @ target

shorts: cooperative @ urban outfitters

tights: forever xxi

boots; sm @ sears

cardigan: forever xxi
blouse: forever xxi
tie: enzo fabiano
jeans: miley cyrus & max azria @ walmart
shoes; forever xxi

When in doubt, embellish it out. Don't be afraid to liven up your wardrobe even though the winter months are close ahead. If you can rock it you should and although it is not a popular opinion, when it comes to patterns, more = more so mix away! Now that you've got the look down you need to come up with a pickup line. I've noticed that 'I'm Chuck Bass'  has yet to fail. (;

- nali xo

TGIF

Congratulations to each and every one of you for making it through another week.. it's Friday!!! And according to instagram, it's also #flashbackfriday

If I could've chosen any other era to live in besides the one I do I would 1000% choose the 80s. The music, the rebellious teenage years and most of all, the fashion. One of my favorite trends from the 80s was the leather trend. As always, trends change and then revert back and leather is one of those trends that has come back in our fashion circulation.

Some of the biggest fashion icons of the 80s were team leather. It's so funny to see how much one specific style can change so much over the course of 30 years. Here's my tribute to current day leather

tank: miley cyrus & max azria @ walmart

sweater: forever xxi

shorts: divided @ buffalo exchange

sneakers: converse

 jacket: young and reckless @ pac sun
shirt: forever xxi
scarf: honey
pants: target

shirt: rolla coaster @ t.j.maxx

skirt: one clothing @ t.j.maxx

leg warmers: target

shoes: no name

necklaces: forever xxi

earrings: claire's

Now go out and enjoy the leather!

- nali xo