Discarded and Oh So Divine

I'm back! I know, I have been on a bit of a hiatus and have had a HUGE case of writer's block. I have had absolutely no motivation to post anything, whatsoever. I am sorry to those of you who actually follow my blog!

Anyways, if any of you are familiar with Discarded to Divine, then you immediately recognized my title, referencing the amazing organization. It is a San Francisco based non-profit organization which works with the St. Vincent De Paul Society in an effort to transform the discarded. Not only do they throw a spectacular charity fashion show annually, but they collect discarded clothing for "discarded" people with the hopes of creating something divine. One of the speakers last night explained it a lot better than that, but that is the gist of the organization.

Oddly enough, I have never heard of this event. I grew up near San Francisco, attended an apparel merchandising and design program near Los Angeles, and one of their educational partners is FIDM. I have no clue how I missed any of this! Needless to say, I am fortunate to have finally been informed about this charitable event and I am so lucky I was able to attend.

The night began with a silent auction made up of amazing creations by fashion students, designers, and even a few guest designers - Project Runway's Sweet P. and most recently, Jay Nicolas Sario. Two things stood out to me, a cluttered eclectic recycled necklace, a beaded silk tulip dress with curves for days. Amidst the crowded room filled with people and fashion, I spotted Jay Nicolas Sario. The room was dark and I had already used one of my drink tickets, but I still recognized the talented designer. I took full advantage of the opportunity and got a photo with the designer I had been rooting for all season long.

After the silent auction came the fashion show followed by the live auction. The Emcee was hilarious and set the mood for a great auction. The show began and I was beyond impressed. There were so many beautifully crafted garments, but only two truly grabbed my attention. First was a military-inspired vest and skirt by Jay Nicolas Sario which was strong yet feminine and fun. The second was a flawless beige dress hidden by the most magnificent white coat - which was auctioned off in a fight to the death for $1,200. Fabulous.

I left feeling motivated and re-connected to the fashion world. It is officially almost a year since I graduated with my degree in apparel design and merchandising and it sometimes feels as if the fashion world is slowly slipping through my fingers. However, last night revived my passion for fashion. Discarded to Divine is a wonderful charity which shares an incredible evening with anyone interested in being a part of something so positive.

http://discardedtodivine.org

*Images: my personal photos

http://discardedtodivine.org

On a Mission

I have been stalking yet another item. For the past week, since I have been sick and was able to do a lot of browsing online. I have been in the mood for the perfect pair of slightly hippie, but totally hot, platform sandals and have been all over the web looking for them. This pair of Nine West wedges kept popping up on every site I visited. I will willingly admit that I am a complete brat for specific brands and stores and the minute I saw them at Nordstrom, I was sold.

I finally acquired enough energy to go out and test my luck at an actual store front. HOWEVER, I was not having very much luck at all. Nordstrom was empty, there were hardly any employees, and the sandals I wanted were just shipped and still sitting on the shipping dock! The economy needs to pick up already so things like this do not happen.

Eventually I got to try on the lovely wedges in three different colors: black, olive, and nutella. I really wanted the nutella but someone who was most definitely not a size 8 tried on the only pair of nutella size 8 sandals Nordstrom had in stock! I was beyond disappointed.

I had to order them from another store and they arrive next week. So, cross your fingers for me, I am hoping nobody else has tried them on!

*Images: www.Nordstrom.com

Gorgeous

Watching the Masters yesterday was a little bit on the boring side. However, witnessing the love and excitement shared between Phil Mickelson and his wife Amy was the highlight of the tournament - for me. If you do not know their story, Google it. Not only is she recovering but she looked fabulous! I was recently asked to write about sunglasses for my department's newsletter and Mrs. Mickelson wore the hottest pair while at the Masters, which needless to say, inspired me. They are probably in no way near Fashion, Friendly & Frugal, however, she looked amazing. Congrats on the win and good luck with the fight!

Want to help fight breast cancer? Follow the link below:

http://ww5.komen.org/

*Image: www.yahoo.com

True Love

Just wanted to share these with you all. I was on revolveclothing.com tonight, then jumped over to their outlet website reverse-reverse.com and stumbled across these lovely Velvet Angels platforms. They are Fashion, Friendly & Frugal because they are only $129 marked down from $480! Love them, enough said.

*Image: http://www.reverse-reverse.com/w/DisplayProduct.jsp?&l=c&s=Category&d=F&b=&c=Shoes&se=&sen=&st=&n=&product=VELV-WZ20&a=true&prefActive=false

Almost There, But Not Quite

I cannot believe I am saying this, admitting this, or even acknowledging this, BUT while I was browsing PerezHilton.com today, I came across a post about BEBE and the Kardashians. Now, I was very critical of their first attempt at collaborating with real designers for BEBE - everything was half faux leather with hoods, corests, and shoulder pads. However, I checked out their second attempt at "designing" and things are kind of clicking for them.

I am still very unhappy with the price points, which range from $59 up to $229! I will reiterate what I stated before in my post "WHY?!", BEBE is poor quality and most definitely not worth their high prices (in relation to their low quality) and the Kardashians did not design a stitch of clothing, however, things are looking bright for the infamous trio.
I am very interested in checking this line out in stores to see what it really looks like, up close and personal. I am not sure I have been persuaded enough to purchase anything, but I do have to give the girls (and the real designers) some much deserved credit. Now I am interested to see what else they will release!

How do you feel about this new line? Did you ever witness their first disasterous attempt at "designing"?

*Images: www.bebe.com

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: All Dressed Up

Spring has sprung - sort of - and I cannot wait until the weather warms up enough so I can start wearing dresses. Whether you are in the mood for short and flirty or fitted and sophisticated, there are plenty of different silhouettes, patterns, colors, and fabrics out there for you to choose from this season; your perfect dress is just a shopping trip away! The best part is that your options are endless when it comes to being Fashion, Friendly & Frugal.

With so many short dresses in high demand, my go-to shoe is sure to pair well with any mini. Platforms + a short dress = UNSTOPPABLE! So this season, keep an eye out for any kind of dress that catches your attention, because you cannot go wrong with something as fantastic as a brand new dress (at a great price, of course!).

Clockwise from top left corner:

Bloomingdale's ~ "Plenty" by Tracy Reese Tunic Dress $95

Victoria's Secret ~ One Shoulder Dress $58

Arden B ~ Floral One Shoulder Dress $64

Forever 21 ~ Faux Denim Dress $22.80

Bloomingdale's ~ Theory Tunic Dress $150

Nordstrom ~ As U Wish Lace Dress $64

Arden B ~ Crochet Dress $69

Urban Outfitters ~ Cooperative Chambray Dress $58

Bloomingdale's ~ BCBG Floral Strapless Dress $108

Saks Fifth Avenue ~ Ella Moss Lace Detail Dress $138

Urban Outfitters ~ Cheap Monday Mini Check Dress $88

What is your favorite silhouette for a dress? Do like prefer solids, patterns, texture, etc.?

*Images: www.ardenb.com

www.bloomingdales.com

www.forever21.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

www.victoriassecret.com

Sky High

I have mild height issues, therefore I am absolutely obsessed with high heels, specifically, platforms; the higher the better. So, I wanted to highlight a few of the heels that have crossed my path within the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left corner:

Steve Madden ~ Caryssa $129.95

Steve Madden ~ Brigitt Platform $129.95

Steve Madden ~ Loyyall Platform $89.95

Piperlime ~Michael Antonio $60

Nordstrom ~ Michael Kors Gansevoort Platform $164.95

Nordstrom ~ Michael Kors Pressley Platform $139.95

*Images: www.nordstrom.com

www.piperlime.com

www.stevemadden.com

Time to Splurge

I am desperately trying to rationalize this MARC by MARC JACOBS watch as Fashion, Friendly & Frugal. However, I do not think I am having any luck. I came across this gorgeous leather watch at Nordstrom.com a few days ago and I have not stopped thinking about it ever since. It is embellished with Swarovski crystals, gold plating, stainless steel, and a simple white face. How could you not love this piece?

The downer is that it is $200, but that is not the problem. However, when you are trying to justify this as "frugal", there is no way to work my magic with cost-per-wear (realistically, no one would wear this everyday for a year or two. It is an accessory made to enhance an outfit, not something to be worn everyday). In my definition, this item is most definitely a splurge!

It is rare that something like this, at this price point, catches my eye. My gut says, this is not frugal, while my heart says, you should be more than willing to treat yourself to something so right. For now, I will simply admire it, but who knows, I may splurge on it in a week and a half - payday! I condone splurging every once in a while, but when it turns into a habit, then you are no longer practicing Fashion, Friendly & Frugal ideas. Be careful what you splurge on!

What items do you usually splurge on? Is this watch worth $200? What is your ideal "everyday" watch and what is your ideal "dress-up" watch?

*Image: www.nordstrom.com

How to Make it in America: Finale?!

I cannot believe it, the season finale snuck up out of nowhere! I usually catch "How to Make it in America" On Demand and they never show the teaser for the next week out; so I had no clue the end was here! Last night's episode was all about creating the suspense needed to promote the second season; I hope there is a second season! Ben woke up with Rachel in his bed; I am 95% sure they got it on. Cam swore at his cousin, which is a huge no, no. Renee stole his own company's truck from Ben and Cam - which had the boys shirts in it! - in order to get money from his insurance company. Rachel quit her job and her boyfriend, but I have a feeling he will put up a fight in season two.
All I can say is that I am satisfied with Ben and Rachel's relationship - because I really want them to get back together! Although, I know it will be very rocky next season. On the other hand, I am a little disappointed with the lack of fashion in the finale. On the bright side, Cam and Ben were able to ship off their vintage shirts to Japan. At the very end of the episode, the guys talked about creating another sample pair of denim - yay! And then Cam offered up the idea of creating hoodies for Crisp Denim; I love it.
I cannot wait for the second season! Catch the full first season of "How to Make it in America" on HBO demand before they stop airing the episodes. I will most definitely be watching the first season one more time just in case I missed anything. Maybe next season there will be even more fashion story lines!!!

Did you see any of the first season?! What do you think? Are you interested in the second season?

*Image: www.hbocanada.com

Two Birds, One Stone

My mousepad at work is very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal (definitely killed two birds with one stone). I am a die-hard follower of InStyle magazine and have been in the routine of reading it during my lunch breaks since my last job; I cannot live without it. I needed a mousepad and it just so happened that my inexpensive InStyle was in the right place at the right time. Gwen Stefani is on the current April color issue sitting on my desk, next to my computer, and under my mouse; the perfect mousepad for any fashionista.

Be creative with your belongings and make your life more Fashion, Friendly & Frugal any way you can!

*Image: cdn.buzznet.com

Rent's Due: Stella's at it Again

I have no kids, I have a very small income, and these items are not very frugal. However, Rent's Due and I have to share something with my readers! Stella McCartney has done it again and designed yet another chic line of apparel for GAP Kids and Baby GAP.

If I had kids and a larger disposable income I would be all over these beyond adorable miniature clothes! Everything is under $100 and looks appropriate for the children's parents to wear (only on a larger scale, of course!). Although these fabulously dressed little ones will soon grow out of their Stella McCartney garments, they will for sure look amazing every time they do wear these clothes. I love them all.

What do you think of Stella's latest creations? Are you a fan, because I am! Would you buy this stuff for your kids?

*Images: www.gap.com