New Cut, New Cap

About a month or ago, I decided to cut my hair (see default, black and white blog picture). It was one of the most impulsive decisions I've ever made, and I don't regret it in the least. 

I literally took a pair of household scissors and cut off the processed portion of my hair, so all that was left was a few inches of new growth. Needless to say, I avoided my stylist (aka, the person who had given me my curly perm 10 or so years prior) and only spoke to her on the matter when she called and asked me where the hell I'd been. She wasn't too thrilled, but when you get to the point where you want to do the big chop, YOU JUST KNOW. Obviously, I was so over it that I didn't even consult a professional, but thank God for twist-outs because I have no idea what I would be doing with my teeny fro! I'm sure it isn't all the same length but this style does a good job of hiding it, lol.

Today I was out with the boo, and we stopped by H&M. I was telling him he should look for a new jacket when I peeped the Spring hats. Granted, they're mens hats, but who cares? I tried a pale grey one on, I liked it, he liked it, I purchased it, and we rolled. First hat purchase since cutting my hair, woohoo! 

What I Would Wear to NYFW

I've been obsessed with New York Fashion week since I knew it existed.

Not obsessed in that outward, obvious "Who What When Where Why?!?" way, but in a covert, eye-roll-worthy "I don't care but I really DO" way.

I guess cuz I'm never there.

Every year, fashionistas and fashionistos from the globe over converge upon NYC to observe the hottest fashion shows and brush elbows with designers, models, and the chicest of celebrities. And every year, I sigh wistfully while scrolling through my Instagram timeline, browsing womens magazine websites, and visiting fashion blogs as I watch peeps strut their stuff in some of the most inventive outfits they can muster.

Some people make it look easy, but let's face it: the gloves come off for fashion week. Even if you've made a habit of being invisible all year, fashion week is the one week where you want to be seen by the paparazzi.

So what if, for some crazy, amazing, random reason, I was invited to fashion week? What in the HELL would I wear? If you know me, you know I avoid heels like... like they hurt. Because they do. (Good thing sneakers are so in, right? Who cares; I've been wearing Converses for FOREVER...) So perhaps we should start with some awesome, comfortable shoes.

Let's do these haircalf ones, since I just got them from DSW a few weeks ago: 

Kenneth Cole Reaction Salt-N-Pepa Leopard Sport Flat

Then let's add a fun, sporty skirt in a luxe fabric, liiiiiike leather?

Warehouse Drawstring Leather Skirt

And a crisp, yet breezy top...

Equipment Sleeveless Blouse

And of course, a coordinating bag:

Coach Bleecker Toaster Satchel

Add some fun accessories - a hot pair of shades, a chunky curb chain necklace, some sparkly armcandy - and voila: an outfit worth photographing!

Booking It

I have the best news ever! After a lot of writing, erasing, and a few bouts of writer's block, I am officially a published author. Head on over to alexandrabowmanwrites.com to get a copy of my book: A Little Rant on Retail.

All of the years I spent working in retail couldn't fit in this lil ole book, but suffice it to say that I chose a good portion of the more noteworthy stories to relate to you all. There's drama, despair, dancing, dinero... the whole nine.

This book is for anyone who's worked in the service industry. And for anyone who's dealt with difficult customers. And for anyone who sometimes worries if they have a shopping habit. Which, let's face it, is most of us. Here's to you, everyone. I hope you enjoy my pièce de résistance.

Denim Dilemmas

I know I'm not on here much, (to the point where I don't even really consider myself a "blogger"... Doesn't that entail getting pursued by retailers to showcase your style and give your opinion?) but when I do write here, I make sure it's to talk about something that will be relevant for a good amount of time, at least to myself, if not to my readers.

And what's more ever-lastingly relevant in the fashion world than denim?!

Ever since they were conceived, way back when, jeans have been at the forefront of fashion, as far as classics are concerned. I doubt there's been any other garment that's been more reinvented, destroyed, reborn, or reworked than denim has. Jeans have a very no-nonsense back-story to them that keeps them as practical as they are cool: they were originally designed for cowboys and miners. As in, your average, everyday working man.

Fast-forward a few years, and jeans are still some of the most popular pants in closets all over the world.

Being a tall girl has made my search for great jeans particularly troublesome, despite the wide variety of price ranges and styles available on the market. During my my last years of elementary school and into junior high, my Mom used to sew wide ribbons onto the hems of my jeans so she wouldn't have to repeatedly replace good jeans every time I outgrew them. I was fine with the practice until I started being teased about my seemingly peculiar fashion statement.

Nowadays hems of all lengths are welcome, and if you wear skinnies, you're often only a cuff away from your perfect length.

Below:

Two of my Instagram outfit posts featuring a couple of my faves: Madewell destroyed boyfriend jeans and Free People high-waisted skinny jeans. Both pairs were under a hundred bucks. SCORE!

Keep it Simple

Lately I've been paring down my wardrobe a bit; trying to weed out things that I don't wear/need because a.) it frees up some closet space, b.) it makes it easier to get dressed, and c.) if I sell it, it gives me a little extra cash. Haha!

I do my fair share of eBaying, so it makes me feel less guilty about spending money when I sell something that has been collecting dust. Lately I've been selling a few of the leather bags that I fell in love with a few years ago, mainly because they aren't as practical as certain other bags that I grab on a daily basis. It made my heart ache to part with my Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang satchels, but at the end of the day, I didn't miss them nearly as much as I thought I would. It's crazy, because I absolutely LOVE bags. It's like the icing on the cake to a great outfit. I had a pink MbyMJ satchel, a black one, and a grey, badass strappy Wang one, but all of them are making homes in other women's bag collections. So why is it that I DON'T find myself wishing I still had these bags in my possession?

I guess the main reason is because I've fallen head over heels for the leather shopper. It's incredibly simple, yet cool enough to be worn almost Every. Single. Day. Working a 9-5 job in the city means I often take lunch with me most days out of the week, so I like the fact that I can toss my lunch bag in the same bag that I carry my makeup, wallet, and other various necessities in and be ready to go. In the winter, I can stuff my scarf and gloves in it when I get to my destination. In the summer, I can store my cardigan in it when I step out of the sometimes too chilly, air-conditioned office. 

Another great thing about the simplest leather shoppers is that they go with a variety of looks. Perfect for work, whether you work in a tattoo shop, or in a law firm. Wear one with anything from strappy sandals, to Converses, to oxfords, and it never looks out of place. No hardware, so you don't have to worry about matching the metal in your jewelry to your bag. There are also a wide assortment of price ranges to suit any wallet: I found my first (ZARA) leather shopper on eBay for $40. My second, and most favorite one is by Baggu; they offer different colors throughout the year, and sell in multiple stores so you can sometimes catch a deal if you shop around. (The Baggu one was $160, but well-worth every penny, especially when you consider the fact that lots of other leather bags cost $300 and up.)

Anywhoooo, suffice it to say that you need one. Trust me, you won't regret it ;)

Baggu Basic Leather Tote in Persimmon: $160

Genuine Leather Tote in Teal-  Alexbender on Etsy: about $210

All That is Silver and Gold

I'm pretty matchy-matchy.

That is to say, I'm the type of girl who has to wear a handbag with gold hardware if I'm wearing gold jewelry. I guess it's the control freak in me; the part of my subconscious that enjoys seeing everything in its place: organized, and "just so." 

But with the emergence of mixed metal mania, I couldn't help but get caught up in the appeal of changing things up a little. Jewelry designers all over have made it so much easier for us to layer our jewelry, in varying colors, textures, and styles and have it all look so chic.

Nowadays, I tend to keep my outfits pretty simple for the office, which is even more reason for me to go a little crazy with my jewelry. I'm still obsessed with midi-rings, so this Summer I made a point of collecting several gold-filled pieces to add to my ridiculous collection of silver. Needless to say, I'm hooked for the foreseeable future...

All rings from Etsy. Custom bracelet: ShopRyanPorter.com.

Summer's End

     As summer comes to a close, I find myself more and more obsessed with the image of me in an oversized sweater, leggings and ankle boots, trampling dead leaves as I frolic around the city.

     I actually don't even own a pair of ankle boots yet; I became inspired while browsing the blog of Courtney Trop. AlwaysJudging is her brainchild, and a beautiful brainchild it is. Courtney is a natural at putting together outfits that are the perfect combo of grunge, minimalistic, and chic, and her bag collection is to die for. She puts emphasis on go-to basics that are a little more luxe than the usual - silk button-up blouses, modal t-shirts - that you can wear repeatedly and incorporate in a variety of styles. She's also really sweet: I follow her on Ig and she is great about answering questions and recommending things. If you haven't checked her blog out, do!

     Anywho, back to Fall fashion ;) My most exciting purchase to date is a pair of Steve Madden Cinch ankle booties, which I bought in burgundy and are on their way to me now! I saw SM was having a 30% promo, plus free shipping and I couldn't pass them up. I love how versatile cut-out booties are; I've seen them paired with everything from skinny jeans to flouncy dresses. Can't wait to wear them!

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Let's get right into it: I have a new obsession. I'm almost 98% positive it started on Etsy, as many of my bauble obsessions do. The sparkle and luminescence of Herkimer diamonds caught my eye a few months back, and I haven't gotten over them since. 

Herkimer diamonds are gorgeous crystals that are only found in the mines of Herkimer, New York. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are often used in rings and earrings in their double terminated, pointier shape. Since they are usually much cheaper than actual diamonds, but still stunning, I took it upon myself to seek them out wherever possible, and eventually, acquire some of my own. So far I own a couple of Herk rings, one I bought on Etsy, and one I fought for with another bidder on Ebay (both rings are sterling, yet under $30 each).

I bought a few drilled ones and made knuckle rings and bracelets; check them out in my shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TresLexi

 If you haven't discovered these little beauties yet, you're in for a treat!

Rings 'n Things

As an accessories addict, it's hard for me to miss the latest trends in jewelry. 

For the past year or so, midi rings (aka "over the knuckle rings") have been a huge trend in the fashion world. Believe it or not, I was a fan of this particular look before it was a trend. 

I bought my first midi ring while I was in college, from a woman who was selling sterling silver jewelry on campus under a tent near the student center. I fell in love with the many designs she had, and eventually settled on a ring with a zig-zag pattern, and one with a squarish up and down "U" pattern. She came over to me with a tiny Ankh ring and showed me how awesome it looked perched just above the middle knuckle of my left ring finger. I was instantly enamored. Finally a ring that I could wear on even my knobbiest of fingers!

Since then, I've purchased a few other little rings, most of them from etsy. I've gotten a few sterling rings for around $10 each. (Check out Kriya's adorable pieces; she creates each ring, so you can get whatever size you want.)

With so many options to choose from, I can see why this look has been so big. I can't wait to see what jewelry trends become big this Spring.

Spring Cleaning

It's been almost a year! As usual, I got so caught up in everything else, I neglected my writing. Even my journal is looking kind of dusty.

Anywho... I'm sick of Winter. Sooooo through. I'm tired of wearing a pair of socks on top of my sweater tights, tired of squinting in the wind, tired of dreading every little errand that I have to run out in the cold.

Needless to say, my shopping habits haven't changed much; they've just shifted. Instead of making my monthly runs to Georgetown or the huge Forever 21 on F street or Pentagon City, I've been looking high and low for the things I want online. 

Etsy has been getting a portion of almost every paycheck for the past few months. Ever since I got my second earlobe piercing, I have been scouring sites, looking for cool mismatched earring studs. I'm always excited for a new excuse to buy jewelry!

Guess who's back...

It's been forever. To be fair, i pretty much live at the office, and i haven't been on my laptop much since it was pretty much useless. My Dell laptop, that is. Since I got an iPhone in November and a MacBook Pro for Christmas, I can finally have an internet-based social life outside of Twitter again.

I blame the less than stellar weather and my obsession with accessories for my sudden addiction to internet shopping. In the past week, i've purchased 2 rings, a bracelet, a necklace, and a few charms (to go on a chain of my choosing). Giles & Brother, Miansai, Etsy, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Shopbop... *drools*

"Where does it end?" you may ask. I uh... really don't know. That Christmas bonus my boss gave me really didn't help...

P.S. Follow me on Instagram (@ouiouilexiaussi). Most of the stuff I buy will prob end up on there, since a third of my pics are fashion-related, lol

A New Chapter

So I'm finally getting my own place. Never mind that it is in my parents' basement; it will be renovated and will have my own entrance and I will be paying rent, so it will be MY place. Teehee! I'm so excited that I don't even care that my wallet will be much emptier. I already have a huge flatscreen tv, an entertainment center, and a dinette set, so now I'm starting to focus more on the decor. And it's going to be amazing.



I'm going for a natural, apothecary theme, so I've been looking for fun storage solutions, as well as quirky, organic-looking pieces to accent my bedroom and living room. So far I've found a couple things that I had to have and am waiting impatiently to brag about at my housewarming soiree...





One of these display domes (sans flower)... still don't know what I'm gonna put under it yet...! - UO





Laboratory Flower Vases - Urban Outfitters

White Window Wall Frame (clothespins + gridwork = genius) - Pier 1

Feel free to toss ideas my way. Where to shop? DIY decorating tips?

Meet my new bag

Yes indeed. I went a little crazy (ok, a lot crazy) and got an Alexander Wang bag.



But in my defense,

a.) I neeeeeeeded a grey bag because grey is my comfort color of choice. While many say, "Hmmm... I wonder if they have this in black?" when they pick up a tee or skirt or whathaveyou, I ask if they have it in GREY.

b.) I had to have silver hardware. (I am super matchy matchy with jewelry metals/purse hardware). I dunno why Marc Jacobs insisted upon using gold hardware on 85% of his bags, and thus, I was led astray... and into Mr. Wang's arms.

c.) I have been in love with this bag for MONTHSSSSSS.

d.) I didn't pay full retail. And yes, it was brand new, tags attached, dustbag ncluded. Thank you, eBay :)
e.) You only live once. And I want to live with this bag in my got-dayum hand... kthanksbye! (Let's just call it an early birthday present, shall we?)




I'm already planning fall outfits with it; I feel at peace knowing I can wear this bag with every frikkin thing; it can be dressed up or down.

I heart... asymmetrical stuff.

Every time I see an asymmetric, drapey piece of clothing, I stop in my tracks. There's just something so artfully whimsical about a tank top with a hem that dangles a tad longer on one side. A dress that is much longer in the back. It speaks to me...

So it was pretty darn awesome that I found a Cheap Monday skirt in Urban Outfitters that gave my heart a little squeeze. It was more awesome still, that it was the last friggin one, in my size, and had been in the store for so long, (and without a sales tag at that) that they had to give it a random price -oh, say... ten bucks?!- and sell it to your truly!

I wore it today with a striped, loose crop top from American Apparel, and my black patent Sam Edelman Gigi sandals. Needless to say, my bf liked my outfit ;)

Lite Brite

For the past few weeks I've been seeing brights pop up everywhere: in stores, online, in fashion magazines... And so, I have it programmed in my brain that I NEED some fun, punchy colors in my Spring wardrobe. Today at the mall I found a few things that definitely fed my hunger for the trend. I got a stretchy, pink mini (I'll wear it high-waisted with a neutral tank tucked into it), and an adorable orange clutch with a zipper that is the same hue as the skirt. I loved the clutch so much that I grabbed a kelly green one with a bright blue zipper as well. *Sigh!* Now to wait til it's warm enough to wear my little gems...

Skirt: Nordstrom. Clutch: Zara.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Now that I'm a working girl with a job in the corporate world, i have to be more discerning when I go shopping. Every time I pick something up, I ask myself, "Can I wear this to work?" If the answer is no, the piece I'm buying has to be really cute, and fairly cheap. All things considered, I still buy some pieces just for fun ;) Below are a few pieces I expect to live in when the weather warms up... Add a cup of Iceberry fro-yo topped with strawberries, mix well and enjoy! My SM gladiator sandals (Steve Madden shown) Aviators in a hot color (Marc by Marc Jacobs shown) A bright, slinky maxi dress or two... (Arden B. shown)

What are your favorite looks/trends for Spring?

I never...

I never thought I'd buy a pair of harem pants. Untillllll... yesterday. I found the cutest pair in Forever 21 and couldn't put them down! They have a vertical zipper going down each cuff. Plus I figured I could dress them up a bit and wear them to work, lol so why not give them a try?

Jewelry Fetish

Welp... My procrasti- nation has led to this. A half-a$$ed post about my unending love of all things cold and metallic. Here are pics of some of my rings, and most of my necklaces (hung on the arms of my dresser's lamp). I've collected jewelry from Urban Outfitters, Aldo, random boutiques... and there's the occasional piece I fashioned myself.

a nude way of looking at it...

ahhh... neutrals. what's not to love? i'm the kind of girl that picks up something off the rack and thinks: "hmm... i wonder if this comes in gray?" it's bad, i know, because half my closet is filled with shades ranging from heather gray to charcoal, and i'm still not tired of it in the least! i guess it has something to do with my comfort zone: what DOESN'T go with gray?!

not to fret; i HAVE been choosing other colors to aid in doing away with this addiction. i bought a knit hat and scarf in varying shades of forest green, as well as this cropped nude sweatshirt that i obsessed over for a couple of weeks b4 I finally bought it...

Knit trapper hat from Nordstrom Rack, Nude cropped sweater and nude tank from Lord & Taylor, Necklace from Urban Outfitters, Skinny jeans from Hollister, Military boots from Steve Madden

Swooning Over Sweaters

As of late, I've been obsessed with dolman-sleeved sweaters. I have one super-soft charcoal one, one swingy, pale pink one from H&M, and I just picked up a cream-colored one with snaps that go up the back and along the ribbed cuffs :)

I love how you can wear them just about anywhere and dress them up or down with skinny jeans or skirts. Can't get enough of this cozy-looking one I found on BCBG's site... My closet is crying out for one!