In My Closet: Playing the [Lace] Card

Burgundy cardigan (HCo., winter 2011); burgundy plaid tunic (A&F Kids, hand-me-down); dark grey lace shorts (A&F Kids, NEW); grey polka dot tights (Target, fall 2011)

Despite being a self-proclaimed girly girl, I didn't have any lace in my closet prior to this fall! I was always a little intimidated by it, not to mention I thought it either looked too "grandma-ish" or too "babyish". Luckily, I've changed my mind, and now I'm a lace lover.

Hot pink cropped cardigan (A&F, winter 2010); navy lace tank with pinstripe waist tie (A&F Kids, NEW); dark wash slim boot jeans (AE, winter 2010)

Light pink cardigan (A&F, winter 2011); dark grey lace-front tee (HCo., fall 2011); owl pendant (AE, fall 2011); brown woven leather belt (A&F, spring 2011); burgundy twill shorts (A&F, summer 2010); grey polka dot tights (Target, fall 2011)

Do you love lace?

OOTD: Business Casual

Blue pinstriped button-down (Gilly Hicks, NEW); navy culottes (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkle tights (AE, winter 2010)

Silver bead necklace (AE, NEW)

I haven't done an OOTD (outfit of the day post) in awhile, and what better time to start up again than the start of school? I'm back for my fourth semester in college, and while I'm thinking it's going to be a stressful one, I hope I learn a lot! 

Silver sequin sparkly flats (AE, winter 2010)

Jeweled snake ring (AE, NEW)

I ordered this button-down shirt right after Christmas, thanks to some great sales at Gilly Hicks. It looks pretty 'business-y' and professional, so I decided to make it look more playful by pairing it with my favorite bottoms--culottes--and sparkly tights and shoes. I added in some shiny jewelry and I was all set for a day of classes!

Do you like to dress business casual?

Lace & Pearls

What's more classic and girly than lace and pearls? With the new year in full swing, I'm getting wardrobe inspiration so I can mix up my style even more this year. One of the trends I'm currently loving is lace.


Lace can be girly, sexy or even edgy, depending on how you wear it. In the past few months, I've invested in a few lace pieces myself and I love how they can dress up any look. I think I've got the girly look down, but I'd love to try lace in an edgy way.


I love statement necklaces, but every once in awhile it's good to stick with the classics. Pearls are a timeless favorite, but they don't have to be traditional! Pile on a bunch of different sized strands, mix and match with bolder necklaces and even try out different colors. 

How do you like to wear lace?

Goodbye 2011!

Well, here we are again, on the brink of a brand new year! I'm so excited for what 2012 has to bring. Hopefully I can get back on track with a more regular blogging schedule--school has taken that away from me, but I know that I can do better! I can't believe in just a little less than 5 months, Apparel Addiction will be 3 years old! The blog has definitely changed (for the better) since then and I hope to continue to keep sharing my style in the year to come. 


Thanks for reading, and have a very happy, safe and successful New Year!

Happy New Year from Apparel Addiction!

Crazy for Christmas Shopping

(Clockwise from top left): Audrey pullover sweater in pink (A&F); AE XO Ring (AE); gold and silver necklace (AE); Manhattan Beach button-down in blue check (HCo.)

It's no secret that I love any opportunity to shop--especially when my wallet is full and the sales are on! The post-Christmas deals are always the best, and I usually have a gift card or two to use up, which is exactly what I did on Tuesday.


First on my list was Victoria's Secret PINK. They have the best selection of bras and undies, as well as some really cute lounge wear in neon shades. But the store was crowded and I couldn't find anything that really caught my eye.


Then we went to A&F and Abercrombie Kids. Both stores were offering 40% off everything, which is a great deal. I ended up buying a pink striped pullover sweater and ruffled light grey tank at A&F and a lacy navy tank with a pinstripe bow at Abercrombie. And all for under $100!

(Closeups from top left): Ashley ruffled tank in grey (A&F); Audrey sweater (A&F); Dessa lacy tank in navy (A&F Kids); Cord Jeggings in light brown (HCo.)

At American Eagle, I was honestly underwhelmed. I tried on a pair of light wash destroyed jeggings, but wasn't thrilled (especially since they were $45) but then gravitated towards the jewelry. I'm almost never disappointed in the selection. I got a gold and silver necklace and a gold jeweled 'X&O' ring, and only had to spend $3, since I had a gift card.


Hollister was the final stop on our list...but we definitely didn't expect to have to wait in line outside the store for our turn to go in! I guess they wanted to prevent the shopper overload that seemed to be present in every other store, which was a good thing. With another gift card, I scored a pair of tan cord jeggings (my second pair ever--I just bought my first denim jeggings from AE last week) and a royal blue/navy buffalo plaid shirt. 


Despite the craziness of the crowds (remind me to never shop 2 days after Christmas), it was well worth it to score a lot of deals and spend just a little over $100 (not counting gift cards, of course)!

(Clockwise from top left): faux leather bomber (F21); Bearpaw Viper boots; ALDO Pirnie booties in grey (Amazon.com); jeggings in dark rinse (AE)

Have you braved the post-Christmas crowds yet this year?

A Shopaholic's Wishlist: Shoes & Accessories

A girl can't live without shoes, jewelry, scarves and perfume, right? Here's part 1 of this year's Christmas wishlist with all the accessories I'm loving. Hopefully it will inspire those of you procrastinators who have yet to finish shopping for the fashionista in your life!


What's on your wishlist?

Mission Impossible? (Ankle Booties)

Since earlier this fall, I have been lusting after ankle booties. Maybe it's because I hardly have any really cute shoes for fall and winter. Sure, I can wear my Bearpaw boots every once in awhile, but it would be nice to have a dressier option.

I had a lot of trouble deciding what exact pair I wanted to invest in. I didn't want it to break the bank, so I was steering towards a price range between $30-$60. I wanted it to have a low wedge heel, preferably around 2-3 inches, so I can (attempt) to wear it to my classes and on errands. And it must be in a neutral color, most likely brown, taupe or grey.

I also had problems figuring out which style would be most flattering. I am pretty petite, and I know that ankle booties can be hard to pull off for smaller women. Originally, I wanted a pair that I could wear bare-legged in early fall with dresses and miniskirts, but I'm thinking that I should stick with wearing them with skinny jeans and tights or leggings. I'm also considering wearing them with cuffed boyfriend jeans.

The one pair I found that I really loved were the ALDO Pirnie booties. They have a hidden wedge heel (wedge is always easier to walk in) and a chic corduroy construction with a leather wrap-around buckle in a contrasting shade. I fell in love with their quirky but cute look, but I wasn't quite willing to drop over $60 for them. I almost forgot about these booties. But then I was graciously gifted with an Amazon gift card...and the wheels started turning. I looked them up on Amazon's website and lo and behold, there they were, in grey (my preferred shade) and for only $27.99! What a steal, right? I wasted no time and snapped them right up. 


I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived just a few days later and I was eager to try them on. When I finally got home for Christmas break, I got the opportunity to test them out--and I gotta say I love them even more in person! I ordered a size up from my usual 6 and they fit perfectly, with just a little slippage that can be fixed with some socks. The instep is ruched, which adds a cute touch, and I love the flared top part. They look a little weird, because the opening is too wide for my ankles, but I still like them a lot. I can't wait to wear them with grey tights and even possibly jeggings/skinny jeans. Overall, I think the booties were a very smart buy!

Do you like ankle booties?