Peplum Party

Peplum is totally having a moment as one of the must-try trends of the season. However I wasn’t entirely convinced of the hip enhancing trend to start with. Why? Because what female in her right mind wants to draw attention to her child barring hips, not this girl! But as a personal style blogger I thought it was only appropriate for me to try the trend and then report back. Not willing to shell out the money for a trend I wasn’t completely on board with, I decided to head to my local Marshall’s to see if they had any peplum tops for me to review. Boy was I in luck! I found this polka dotted number hanging in my size and couldn’t resist the $12.99 price tag! What a steal! While I might not be entirely persuaded, I am a big fan of the silhouette that this look offers - a nod to old Hollywood glamour, don’t you think?

What are your thoughts on the peplum trend? Are you on board?

Get the Look: Peplum Top/Marshall’s [similar here & here], Skirt/F21 [similar], Flatforms/Nine West [similar], Monogram Necklace/MyNameNecklace.com (use code GIFT for 10% off your order), Watch/Fossil, Ring/Payless, Bag/TJ Maxx [similar]

23 May 2 Permalink

In the Trenches

This trench vest is a recent acquisition from Forever21. It was part of a mini-shopping spree I allowed myself to have for my birthday. I’ve been on the hunt for a trench vest for FOREVER, so when I spotted this classic gem I just had to snatch her up. And I’m pretty proud of her because she already has gigs lined up for the summer days to come. Something about a trench adds a little bit of polish to an otherwise bohemian outfit, as seen here.

And don’t you just love my scarf! It’s light and airy and absolutely perfect for the Arizona dry heat. I love Karen Kane because of the quality of her pieces, such well made items and lush materials! I scored this pretty scarf at the Arizona Blogger Conference. It was in our swag bag, along with other goodie. I’m totally lusting over many of the KK new arrivals right now and have to resist going on an all out spending craze. The power of being broke, I guess.

Like my scarf, this Big Buddha clutch was also a freebie. I won it through a giveaway hosted on the Go Chic or Go Home blogger community site. Are you familiar with the GCOGH? As the creators, Cynthia and Robert Brown, like to put it, it’s “Facebook meets Pinterest for personal fashion.” I totally suggest you head on over to the GCOGH site and submit your e-mail address via the invite request! You won’t regret it!

Get the Look: Maxi/Old Navy [last worn], Trench Vest/F21, Scarf/Karen Kane (c/o), Sandals/Target [similar], Bracelets/Old Navy,Target, DIY, BCBGeneration [in silver], Derng, Stella and Dot (c/o), Clutch/Big Buddha [similar]

17 May Permalink

Currently Craving: Mad Hatter

                        1. Drapper 2. Baseball 3. Floppy 4. Panama 5. Banjo 6. Straw

I think summer is the best time to don on a hat - protects the face from harsh UVB rays and adds another layer to an otherwise simple outfit. Easy way to make a statement, if you ask me. I’ve had my eyes on a collection of hats lately, this particular collection is calling my name. Perfect for strolls around downtown, a day full of errands or sunbathing at the beach.

26 April Permalink

A Little Color, A Lot of Block

Although the fashion gods would like us to believe that color blocking is a new trend that made its debut sometime last year, we all know that it’s been around for ages. Sorry kids, nothing new here. The only difference is that now designers are doing the guesswork for us, as they are pairing complementary colors and designing dresses, shirts, shoes and everything under the sun for our purchasing pleasure. However if you don’t have the cash to shell out on the trend, here’s an easy formula that you can apply to your own wardrobe. It’s about the simple, solid pieces we all already own. And trust me, you don’t need flashy colors to get in on the trend. As long as you’re coupling solid colored items, you’re good to go! Exhibit A: today’s ensemble. I tend to have my best color blocking outfits when I’m styling girly hues (seen here and here) but a more neutral pairing would do the trick.

Thoughts?

To see more colorblock outfits in action, click here and here!

Get the Look: Skirt/Forever21 [similar here, here], Top/TJ Maxx [similar], Jacket/Thrifted [similar], Shoes/LC Lauren Conrad via Kohls, Vintage Necklace/ JennieClair (c/o), Bracelet/Derng, Watch/Fossil

18 April 2 Permalink

Peach Pit

A while back I had mentioned that I was eager to get my hands on a peach or maroon pencil skirt. My attempts up until recently had been fruitless. That is until I walked into Forever21 a few days back and instantly fell in love with this little lace number. For under $25 bucks I gladly handed the cashier my debit card and walked away with a smile and a new skirt perfect for spring.

When I consider purchasing an item of clothing, I always mull over future outfit possibilities. Because why am I going to spend my hard earned money for something that is trendy but that I’ll only wear once, maybe twice? I usually go through the mental closet rolodex that I have stored in my brain and put together at least three ensembles. With this skirt, I knew I wanted to pair it a vibrant color, like this new-to-me blouse I picked for a mere $2.99. Add the LC Lauren Conrad lilac wedges I’ve become obsessed with and some peach accents and I’ve got outfit numbero uno.  Some future outfits include spring layering and a more casual look with sneakers.

How do you justify wardrobe purchase?

Get the Look: Skirt/Forever21 [similar], Top/Thrifted [similar], Wedges/LC Lauren Conrad via Kohl’s, Necklace and Bracelet/Langford Market [similar necklace], Clutch/Send the Trend

22 March 3 Permalink

Out of Office

Thank you for stopping by! I will be out of the office from Friday, 3/9 until Monday, 3/12 attending the Texas Style Council. To stay connected feel free to follow me on Twitter, otherwise I will reply to your comments upon my return. In the meantime don’t hesitate to browse around the blog and enjoy this simple outfit post.

Ok, forrealz? I’m uber stoked for this weekend and can’t contain my excitement! But just because I’m gone doesn’t mean you don’t get a post on Monday. I have something queued up, so make sure you stop by! Have a great weekend!!

Get the Look: Skirt/Forever21 [exactly], Button-up/Old Navy [similar], Boots/Target [similar], Belt/Old Navy [similar], Clutch/Handbag Heaven, Necklace/Thrifted, Sunnies/ Sunglass Warehouse c/o

9 March Permalink

Boy Meets Girl

I like the combination of feminine and masculine in this outfit- a little reminiscent of Debra Messing during her Will&Grace days (oh the memories). I loved how her character mixed lady like fabrics with structured pants suites. So chic! That’s basically what I was going forwith this here outfit. For those of you that have been around for a while, you are well aware that I like my skirts and dresses. I never really considered myself a girly dresser until I chronicled them here on FabAve. However lately I’ve been eager to sport cropped pants with structured details like pleats. I don’t know what’s gotten into me! Maybe I’ve been drooling over the spectacular pants suites that Krystal of This Time Tomorrow frequently wears. She sports the boy meets girl look like a boss.

Get the Look: Capris/Old Navy [similar], Backwards Cardigan/Target [similar], Blazer/Burlington Coat Factory [similar], Shoes/Old Navy, Clutch/Handbag Heaven, Watch/Fossil, Necklace/Forever21, Specs/Target

7 March Permalink

Off Day

What do you wear when you you’ve been cooped up in the house for two days and have to run errands? Apparently everything. A tunic, some chambray, leggings, loafers and a knit beanie. Everything.

On Tuesday the fella and I ventured off to Mesa to redeem a LivingSocial coupon for a Thai restaurant. We were excited to find a new Thai spot because its one of our favorite type of food. Long story short, I got food poisoning. And when you get food poisoning off seafood its the worst. Nedless to say, I’ve been home sick from work, resting, hydrating and avoiding solid foods at all costs for the past two days.

Yesterday I had to leave the comfort of my bed to grab some Ginger Ale and for some light shopping. Thankfully I’m starting to feel like myself again just in time for the weekend. I have quite the weekend planned, so I have to make sure my health is at its best. A birthday party, Jason Wu for Target and the Super Bowl? Happy Friday my friends!

Get the Look: Tunic/Urban Outfitter, Chambray/Old Navy [similar], Leggings/F21 [similar], Loafers/2020Ave [exactly], Beanie/F21 [exactly], Sunnies/Betsy Johnson via TJ Maxx [similar], Bag/TJ Maxx [similar]

3 February 2 Permalink

Neutrals

There are a new crop of neutrals taking over fashion, making their way to the blogs of the everyday fashionista. You know what I’m talking about, we’ve all come to embrace them with open arms: chambray, animal prints (of all varieties) and blinged out bib necklaces. On days when I’m running late and am rushing to dash out the door, those are the neutral pieces I pair together for a chic, effortless look.

But let’s be honest here, these items have made their way around the block (and back) and aren’t new to the scene. However as neutrals they are. The chambray top is the new white oxford, leopard/animal print are the new black and statement necklaces can be found everywhere and on everybody.

Are there any other wardrobe items you would also consider ‘neutrals’?

Click to get the look: Skirt/F21- Thrifted [similar], Chambray/Target [similar], Wedge Boots/Target (on sale) [similar], Necklace/Rue21 [similar], Bracelets/Old Navy & Target [similar], Sunnies c/o Sunglass Warehouse, Bag/Relic via Ross [similar]

Have you entered my giveaway?

25 January 1 Permalink

Currently Craving: Forever21 

Normally for the Currently Craving segments I like to feature online boutiques and shops that are affordable for the everyday fabulously average chica. We all can’t just shell out hundreds of dollars for handbags, shoes and trends that are fresh off the runways. Today I wanted to feature Forever21 because the stylish powerhouse is always on trend and offers their goodies for low, reasonable prices.

1. Forever 21 Womens Grey/Dark Grey Snake Print Top
2. Forever 21 Womens Olive Life Utility Skinnies
3. Forever 21 Womens Black Rhinestone Cable Chain Necklace

21 January Permalink

Hello To You

Welcome back my loves! I rest assured you all had a great weekend. If you’re new to FabAve, feel free to take a look around, make yourself comfortable and don’t hesitate to reach out! And for those of you who are daily readers, a very special thank you! Y’all are the jam to my jelly! Is that the saying? Happy Monday!

Stay in touch: Twitter | Pintrest | Blogloving | GCOGH | Smashion | Email | Instagram: joannealma

Click to get the look: Cotton Blazer/Target [exactly here], Jeans/F21 [exactly here], Tee/Target [similar here], Heels/Urban Outfitters [exactly here], Watch/Fossil [similar here], Lipstick/CoverGirl “Devine” [exactly here]

9 January 2 Permalink

I can’t wait for my forever21 order. It should be waiting for me when I get home!!

18 May Permalink