Not Just for the Boudoir

I've been noticing this for a bit, but I still haven't mustered up enough courage to give this trend a shot: bralettes as a top.

Just to give you an idea, here are a few of my picks from (all from freepeople.com):

1. http://www.freepeople.com/intimately-bras/vintage-floral-cropped-bralette/
2. http://www.freepeople.com/intimately-bras/cropped-lace-bralette/
3.  http://www.freepeople.com/intimately-bras/striped-hook-eye-bralette/
4.  http://www.freepeople.com/intimately-bras/rose-burnout-velvet-bralette/

This may seem a bit risque at first, but it's a lot more wearable than you think!  If you're like me, and you don't want to wear it bare, the styling options are still pretty limitless!  Here's what I envision:

• Wear one of the above lovlies with a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg jeans, and throw a blazer on top (keep it unbuttoned if you're feeling bold!)
• Again sticking with something high-waisted, wear a bralette with a pencil skirt, add a pair of lacey tights, and the sexiest pair of pumps you own.
• Wear a bralette as a bra, but put a sheer or backless top on.  Think of it as a teaser :)

I definitely need to get my hands on one of these!  Maybe I can hint at it for a V-Day gift ;)

xoxo

Payal

A biiiig favor

Hi everyone!  This is very unlike me, but could you guys do me a favor and fill out the following survey:  http://bit.ly/Fashionsurvey

If you read my blog regularly, I mentioned a while back that I've got something brewing in the fashion realm, well this survey is related :)

Thanks so much guys!  Your support is truly appreciated!  I can't wait to tell you more about this!!!

On a completely random note, I will leave you with a Public Service Announcement from Leighton Meester:

I.love.her.

xoxo
Payal

Birds of a Feather...

Meet my newest obsession - feather hair extensions:

The minute I saw these, I knew I had to have them.  This fits in perfectly with my flared-almost bell bottomy jeans I've been lusting after ;)

This gorgeous hair accessory is made from different colored rooster feathers (love the black/natural striped ones!!), and they can be heat-styled (on a medium to low heat).

I'm not big on dying my hair, or getting highlights (I haven't done that in over 6 years), but I love that these feather hair extensions add a little pizazz without the damage of dye.  The type I ordered was the clip in version, but many salons have started to offer semi-permanent feather hair extensions.  They work in the same way that normal hair extensions would in that they grow out with your hair.  I would've loved to get the semi-permanent ones, but I highly doubt it would bode well with my day job :)

I just ordered mine late last week (I found a vendor on etsy that sells them), so once I get it in, I can't wait to share pictures!

What do you think?  Would you give this a try, or is it a little too wild for your tastes?

Mikkat Market

Pretty.much.obsessed.

I discovered Mikkat Market on yet another Refinery 29 post.  This e-tailer has edgy, trendy clothing that the owner of the online boutique styles in oh-so-covet-able ways.  Another perk - the pieces are completely affordable!  I actually just purchased this a few days ago, got it in the mail yesterday, and I must say, I'm hooked.




How cute does she make this look!?  Hopefully I can pull it off with similar flair!

Needless to say, this has definitely been added to my list of stalk-worthy online shopping sites.

See anything you like??

xoxo
Payal

WhoWhatWear Style Circle

I've been a terrible blogger lately!  And I apologize for those few that actually come and stop by my site.  Anyways, I had completely forgotten I had applied to this, but just a couple of days ago, I got an email from Who What Wear saying I had been chosen to be a part of their Style Circle!  What an honor!!!

The email said, "Congratulations!  You are now part of the Who What Wear's Style Circle.  Please look out for emails and special packages from us and, as always, don't forget to share your thoughts!"

Very excited to see what comes of this :)

Tis the Season

Many of us are deep into our Christmas shopping, while others are just getting started.  I, unfortunately, fall moreso into the latter category.  I had a jump start early on, but I've kinda slowed down as of late.  Hopefully I should be wrapping up my shopping within the next week or two, and luckily, to my rescue, two of my favorite sites just posted these fabo online shopping guides:

1. Fashionista.com
2. Refinery29

What I loved about both of these guides is that, although they had the usual suspects (ie. net-a-porter, asos, anthropologie), I actually discovered quite a few new online retailers websites to stalk!

Some of my favorites were:

1. http://www.pixiemarket.com - bohemian, vintage clothing/accessories
2. http://www.oaknyc.com - dark, edgy designer boutique 
3. http://www.yoox.com - high-end designer discount boutique

Happy shopping!

Bockin' with Bruno Mars

Sorry I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus, but I've got exciting things brewing in the fashion realm.  Until things materialize a little more, you're all going to have to wait :)

In the meantime, this past Thanksgiving holiday weekend (on 11/27), I went to the Bruno Mars concert with two of my besties, her brother, and their cousin at Bottom Lounge in the West Loop.  Her brother actually scored a pretty sweet meet & greet through Gilt City - we got to meet him before the concert, get a picture, and a signed autograph picture!  On top of that, he was super nice!

I didn't really know what to expect, but I was super excited about this concert because this was going to be held at a relatively small venue - totally surprising given the super star status Bruno has, but I'm not complaining!  All I knew was that I wanted to hear "Somewhere in Brooklyn."

Can I just say that Bruno & his band are quite possibly one of the most amazing live performers I've ever seen!  It's a beautiful thing to see how he comes alive on stage.  One of my favorite parts of the show, besides hearing "Somewhere in Brooklyn" during the encore and the Billy Jean mash-up (video below), is when they did Philip Lawrence's jam called "Bock Wit Me."  They're probably just messing around on stage, but it's catchy!  I swear that could blow up!!

Here's the video of the Bruno Mars Billy Jean/Smells Like Teen Spirit/Seven Nation Army Mash-Up

Here's my photo diary of the concert:

The venue - Bottom Lounge, Chicago

Waiting in line outside.  It's freezing!

Oh, hey there Bruno!

He plays the piano, drums, guitar, and has an amazing voice.  Pure, raw, talent.

Jan swooning right after he sang to her - "My favorite part of the day..."

Hey Bruno!  Can we get a "fake picture" with you?

Oh, and incase you were wondering, I wore this lace, navy blue, long-sleeved, American Apparel dress to the concert (this is what I got using the American Apparel Groupon!).

Til next time, keep bockin!

xoxo

Payal