Confessions of a Shopaholic

Hi everyone!

Today I thought I'd do a fun, silly post since it's a Saturday. This is actually a tag from YouTube, but I don't have a channel so I thought I'd blog it instead. There are fifteen questions, and feel free to do a post or video on this too- I tag everyone who reads this!

So with that, let's get started!

1. How old were you when you realized you were a shopaholic?
I've always loved shopping, and have always been a spender rather than a saver. I probably realized by age six. Crazy right?

2. How do you feel after shopping? Do you have any weird habits you do after shopping?
I usually feel on top of the world, loving everything that I bought, or really accomplished and proud if I've gotten great deals. I love being a savvy shopper! However, I sometimes do get buyer's remorse or question my purchases.

3. What are your top 5 favorite stores to shop at? Why? 
Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, TopShop, J.Crew, and Necessary Clothing. I also love so many local boutiques but since many of you won't have access to them, I did not include them. I love these stores because there is such variety in styles, pieces, and prices. Overall, great selection!

4. What item do you have the most of in your closet? (SHOES, PURSES, WALLETS, GLASSES, BLAZERS, ETC.)
I definitely have the most shoes. I love bags and purses, but don't carry them as much as I wear shoes!

5. What is the most you've ever spent in one shopping trip?
Around $200 probably. I've spent so much money, I can't even remember!

6. Do you ever experience shoppers regret? What was something you regretted buying?
Quite often. I regretted buying a pair of Steve Madden oxfords. If I regret it I usually return it, if possible. The things I regret buying the most are those that are not well made and break quickly after I purchase them.

7. What's your favorite thing to buy?
This is such a tough decision. But I have to say bags. Eeep!

8. Do you buy the same item in different colors?
If I love an item (typically clothing), I buy it in multiple colors because I know that I'll get good wear out of it. I don't usually do this with jewelry, but occasionally with shoes.

9. Do you ever use dressing rooms? Why or why not?
I always try things on before I buy them because even though I can usually tell by looking at an item on a hanger whether it will be flattering or not, I can still be surprised. This is just what I have done since being a little girl and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon! (Although if there is a long line, I'll sometimes find a mirror and try things on over my clothes.)

10. Do you prefer to go shopping alone or with others? Who's you favorite shopping buddy? 
I like shopping no matter who I'm with. I'm content shopping along or with friends, but my favorite shopping buddy is my mom.

11. If you could go shopping with a celebrity/blogger/YouTube guru who would it be? Why? 
Olivia Palermo because she has such great style and is an inspiration to me. I love the way she incorporates accessories so easily into her looks and she always looks polished, put together, and chic. 

12. What is your favorite treat/snack to eat/drink while/after shopping? 
I don't like to eat while I'm shopping so I'll eat a snack like almonds or a granola bar before. I don't like to drink while I'm shopping because going to the bathroom is a waste of precious browsing time, so I'm typically extremely thirsty by the time I'm done. (It's bad, I know!) After shopping, I drink tons of water and eat whatever is made or I'm in the mood for. I'm not picky!

13. What is something you've always wanted to buy, but never had the money to do so? 
A CHANEL bag.

14. If you had a $1,000 dollars to spend on anything you wanted, what would you splurge on? 
Either a really nice, quality pair of leather boots or a very nice coat.

15. Are you a proud shopaholic?! 
I am Martha and I am a proud shopaholic!

I think that as long as you can manage your money well and never spend more than you have to spend, it's perfectly okay to be a shopaholic! Fashionistas FTW!

Remember, I tag everyone! Let me know if you do this tag or if you'd like to see me do more tags; I think they're tons of fun!

Thanks for reading,

Martha <3

Gettin' Foxy

Hi everyone!

If you remember one of my previous posts, I discussed the current trend of animals printed on clothing items and accessories. Today, I'd like to share with you an amazing collection by Tory Burch- the Fox Collection!

I love the print used throughout this collection, and even more, the way the fox is incorporated into the jewelry pieces. Take a look!

I wasn't able to show nearly everything in this post, but I encourage you to visit www.toryburch.com to see the full collection. Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus also carry parts of the collection.

Let me know what you think of this trend and collection!

xoxo,

Martha<3


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More Menswear, Merci

Hi everyone!

I know it's been a few days since I last posted. If you follow me on Twitter, then you probably know why, but due to the number of pictures with links I included in my last post, my blog was put under review to make sure it wasn't being spammed or hacked.

Apparently, there was some unusual activity on my blog. Anyways, it all turned out to be a mistake, and my blog is totally safe and spam-free (not that it ever wasn't), so I apologize for the delay in posts.

Today, I'm going to share with you a trend that has been in for several years now, and is one of my absolute favorites. Yep, you guessed it... menswear inspired fashion for women!

I have really fallen in love with oxfords, loafers, structured blazers, tailored pants, bow-ties, long ties, oxford button-down shirts, and tuxedo-inspired looks. Soon, I will be posting some OOTD's (outfit of the day), with some of these sub-trends incorporated into the looks.

I know this has been a short post, but I am working on doing an outfit-of-the-week post either this week or next week, so get excited! :)

Also, if you'd be interested in watching fashion videos, let me know in the comments below whether you'd like me to make my own YouTube channel.

Thanks so much for reading!

xoxo,

Martha<3

Plaid Please!

Hi everyone!

Today's post is about a fall favorite of mine... plaid! Plaid is such a classic, versatile print. It can be transitioned into every season and is great for layering. There are so many varieties of plaid, with different colors, print sizes, and lines. This is a print that will never go out of style and is an essential for everyone's wardrobe!

Check out these runway looks:

 I have to say that the look below is my favorite. I love this unexpected twist with a plaid dress. It looks generally inspired by the Southwestern United States, which is a big trend in fashion right now.

Now here are some more affordable, ready-to-wear options that you can find at your local Nordstrom or online:

Olivia Moon Blazer in Blue/Green Plaid

 I absolutely adore this Southwestern-inspired blanket coat by Jolt. I love it so much that I bought it myself! It's so comfy and warm... plus, right now it's on sale! Click here to take a closer look.

Band of Gypsies Plaid Chiffon Shirt

Different and a little less casual than the classic flannel.

Fire Plaid Skinny Jeans

I love how plaid can be incorporated into skirts and pants too... even denim like these!

Gibson Preppy Plaid Trim Blazer

I love Gibson blazers because they are so comfortable and flattering. This blazer would be great for someone who doesn't want anything too bold or daring, but wants to add a little fun to her everyday essentials.

Heed Tartan Blazer

Olivia Moon Plaid Blazer in Charcoal/Red Plaid

I found this jacket on Polyvore and couldn't resist adding it!

What do you think of plaid? Love it or hate it? Not sure? That's okay! Try testing it out with inexpensive pieces to see if you like it. Then incorporate it into your own personal style and everyday looks!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Martha<3

New York Fashion Week: Spring 2013 Trends

Hi everyone!

Today's post will be about Spring 2013 Fashion, covering part of New York Fashion Week. Yes, I know it's hard to think that far ahead, as Fall hasn't technically begun yet, but there are several key trends that will be in this coming spring.

It seems that pastels, especially baby pink, will be back this spring, along with pretty golds, cremes, and whites.

Another trend I noticed is a tie-dye that looks similar to plaid.

There has also been many pops of turquoise, which I'm so excited for because it's one of my favorite colors!


Black and white combinations have also been common, which I think is a cool, modern, fresh take for spring.

Denim seems to be making its comeback... but not in the way you might think! Most of the denim I've seen so far has been on the upper half of the body. That means denim jackets, shirts, tunics, and vests, especially in lighter washes, will be seen in many collections and stores this spring.

Dimension seems to be a huge inspiration for designers this spring. Ruffles, roses, and beading have taken center stage, particularly on evening gowns and more formal dresses. Wave patterns and designs have been especially prominent, which I really like. 

An interesting trend that I have observed is dimension inspired by Japanese kimonos. I must say that I find it intriguing and different and I absolutely love it!

Two more trends I discovered that I found myself obsessed with are intricate side hair braiding, and three-dimensional nails with extravagant designs. Check them out below:

What do you think of all of these trends? Love them or hate them? Let me know in the comments below!


All photos from here. To follow New York Fashion Week, click here. All photos are from Day 3.

Thanks for reading!



xoxo,

Martha <3

Posting Schedule

Hi everyone!

I have developed a schedule for when I will be posting. This will go into effect starting on Monday, September 10, 2012 and will continue until further notice. I hope this helps!

Monday- New Post
Tuesday- Check Twitter!
Wednesday- New Post
Thursday- Check Twitter!
Friday- New Post
Saturday & Sunday- Surprise! (There may or may not be new posts. Check Twitter for updates.)

Twitter: @fashion_amour    (Click here to go to my page.)
Email: fashionamourblog@gmail.com

Please feel free to leave a request for a blog post in the comments below, send me an email, or direct-message me on Twitter.

Also, please keep in mind that due to school, posts will probably go up sometime in the late afternoon or evening. If I post earlier, I will tweet about it to let you know. :)

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to check back for a new post on Monday!

Thank you for your patience.

xoxo,

Martha <3

Neo-Baroque Trend

Hi everyone!

I will begin posting on Fashion Weeks soon, but for tonight's post, I want to share a trend that I'm in love with. Neo-Baroque is a relatively new trend and is definitely in for this fall. The gorgeous detail on the garments takes my breath away.


The Neo-Baroque trend is inspired by the Baroque period and its architecture and unique attention to detail. I absolutely adore Selena Gomez's dress that she wore on the red carpet of the Spring Breakers premiere at the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. According to teenvogue.com, Selena is wearing a Dolce & Gabbana black-and-gold frock, black Jimmy Choo strappy heels, and Melinda Maria earrings. Lace is a personal favorite of mine, and I would wear this outfit in a heartbeat. This look was styled so beautifully and her hair and makeup complete the look with perfection.

The intricate detailing on garments of this trend is what really stands out to me, along with the vibrant threading. Here are some more examples of Neo-Baroque fashion:

Now here are some ideas for incorporating this trend into your wardrobe and everyday style:

As you can see, beadwork, damask prints and patterns, and extravagant detail are what make this trend so special. What are your thoughts? Would you try it out? Let me know in the comments below!


Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Martha <3