Because Shanna Said So...: forever 21

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Straight Up Poser

I went out on a limb with these shots. I told Ross that I needed to "spice" up my outfit posts. I seem to consistently pose the same way time and again...a big smile, one knee bent with a hand on my hip. I have never liked my profile nor my "serious" face. I feel most comfortable looking straight at the camera, smiling and planning how I stand in pictures. Like most women, I know my "good" side and what angles aren't flattering. I think we have all taken enough pictures to have our stances nailed down to an art. Please tell me that I am not alone on this one.

Anyway, I just went for it, I pretended, for about 10 minutes, to be one of those oh-so-famous fashion bloggers or Pinterest celebrities. Beside the fact that I slightly chuckle looking at myself, I think Ross did a nice job of capturing a few non-poser pictures. I couldn't resist being a "poser" in a least one. It's tradition on this here blog...a big smile, one knee slightly bent and a hand close to my hip.

Cheers to spicing things up!

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

A die hard with a new dress

Dress:Forever 21 (of course) | Sandals: Forever 21 (of course) | Belt:Thrifted | Jewelry: Forever 21 (of course)

Okay, I can't even concentrate on this post right now because my team lost last night. What team? MY TEAM...the San Antonio Spurs. Those who know me well, know that I am a DIE HARD. I even have a pink Spurs truckers' hat that I bought at a game years ago. You remember when those were cool? Well, it's now my rally cap and I wear it for every game...when I am at home watching of course. No public appearances. Anyway, MY TEAM is in the Western Conference Finals and the series was tied 2-2 until game five and we FREAKIN' lost by three points. It was a nail biter until the very last seconds. As I am typing this, my adrenaline is still PUMPING. Can you tell by all the CAPS?!? I am one of those fans that screams at the TV as if MY TEAM can hear exactly what I am telling them to do. Ross and I were so loud that my little Spurs children yelled from their bedrooms for us to be quiet. Yes, we ARE those fans.

So, I can probably bank on most of you not giving two "sha-doobies" about the Spurs or basketball for that matter; that's why I posted this cute maxi, hi-lo dress I recently scored (no pun intended). These pictures were obviously taken before Game 5, hence the smile. It kind of gives off the Bohemian-chic vibe. What do you think? I am still deciding if it's REALLY me or if I should take it back and get something more practical. I am REALLY trying to buy more staple pieces these days, you know, items I can remix. Thoughts? Opinions? I am easily influenced.

Anywho, sorry for the rant. That's what friends are for right...to console one another during heartache. Please tell me that I am NOT the only one out there that get's this worked about about a game? I know there has to be more of us die hards out there. If so, what team gets you fired up?

I will leave you with one last picture. I would be most grateful if you could send some good "ju-ju" our way for the Wednesday night game! Please and thank you!

Cheers to the ritualistic chant, "GO SPURS GO!!"

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Monday, May 14, 2012

A Forever Friend

Top:Lauren Conrad @ Kohl's | Skirt:Forever 21 | Shoes:Lucky Brand | Jewelry:Forever 21

If you have been reading my blog, you know it's no secret or surprise that I have a slight addiction to Forever 21. Many of you have commented that you don't ever have any luck shopping there. I am not sure if it's because the one close to you doesn't carry a large selection or if it's because yours is too big and you don't know where to start. I also think people tend to shy away because there is a perception that Forever 21 is geared toward teens, women in their early twenties, for the super slender and is not well made...for lack of a better term, cheap.

I am here to defend my shopping mecca. I have numerous pieces that I have purchased from there that still look brand new. In fact, no lie, I have a khaki pencil shirt that I purchased there nearly five years ago. Yes, my friends, Forever 21 actually carries timeless, classic pieces.

I receive more compliments on a $29.00 dress I get from there than an $100.00 one from Banana Republic. It never fails and people always seemed shocked at the fact that it came from Forever 21.

And their accessories, I almost refuse to shop for jewelry anywhere else. I am not going to say that I have never had a necklace break or a ring discolor my finger slightly, but for the most part their jewelry is pretty durable and you just can't beat the prices.

I can't stress enough that with all their different lines, there is something for every lady, no matter your size or shape. The best part, being the budget shopper that I am, is I can walk out of there with a bag full of goodies for $100 or less.

If you don't have a Forever 21 close buy; their online store is pretty fabulous. I have found the accessory section to be much larger online than in stores. Take a peek, you just might be surprised at what you find!

I will hold this store dear to my heart. We have a very strong bond...somewhat of a monogamous relationship. Well, I say that until the day (hopefully in the VERY near future) that H&M finally opens in Austin. Then, I will have to seriously rethink my relationships.

What store could you be a spokesperson for?

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Monday, April 16, 2012

My Best Investment

Want to know what I think every girl should invest in? Nope, it's not a white dress because you can find one anywhere. It's not a statement necklace because you can grab a cute one at Forever 21 for under $15.00. Well, what's left in this outfit? You guessed it...my boots! Some of you might be rolling your eyes right about now or clicking your way onto another blog. I am okay with that, but I am sticking to my guns on this one.

Ladies, you do not have to be from the South, live on a farm or know how to two-step to rock a pair of cowgirl boots. My only suggestion is to invest in a quality pair that will last you for years to come. I promise, whether you believe it or not, you will wear them more than you think. Something about slipping on a pair of boots makes me feel a little sexy and sassy...and that doesn't happen very often {the sexy part}.

You can wear them a million different ways {here} and {here} and add your own twist to finish off the look. Out of everything I own in my closet, my Lucchese boots are by far my best investment and if that makes me a Country Bumpkin, so be it.

Dress:T.J. Maxx (old) | Boots:Lucchese | Necklace and Ring:Forever 21| Earrings:My wedding gift from Ross

Doesn't this picture make you want to buy a pair just so you can kick up your boots?

I also wanted to share some quick pics from my date night with Ross. We went to see Alan Jackson Friday night. I have been a huge fan for years. So, I was pretty pumped to finally get to see him "live" and he didn't disappoint. If I haven't mentioned this before, I love country music {really, most any kind of music} and love it even more when it's live. Needless to say, we weren't feeling too hot on Saturday morning. Let's just say the $4.00 pints got the best of us.

What has been your best investment related to clothing?
I know we all play favorites to something in our closet.

Cheers a little "Boot Scootin' Boogie"!

Today I am linking up with these fine ladies!

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

My New Favorite Skirt

Am I the only one that gets excited to check my mailbox every day once I have ordered something online? I love turning the key, slowly opening the little door, peaking in with one eye shut, hoping that there is something, other than junk mail and bills, tucked away deep inside.

After checking the mail five days in a row, it finally arrived, my new favorite skirt! You are probably thinking to yourself, "Really, this girl gets excited about a $23.00 skirt from Forever 21?" Yep, I really do and did! I know, I am not 21 anymore, but Forever 21 is still my go-to store and it takes up the majority of my closet. Just because you are past your twenties doesn't mean you aren't allowed to shop there anymore . They have so many lines now that fit all sizes and shapes of women, it's super affordable, they carry all the latest trends, have an abundance of accessories and did I mention affordable? I will also say that they have really stepped up their quality. I have things from Forever 21 that have lasted longer than some of my higher end, "splurge" items.

Anyway, back to my new favorite skirt. I was so excited to try it on that {embarrassingly enough} I put together this outfit without having anywhere to go. When you get something in the mail, do you immediately start trying it on with other things you already have in your closet? Or am I the only one? I hope not.

I wanted to share my new fab find with you ladies. So, I grabbed my camera last night and kindly asked the hubs if he would, once again, take a few pics of me for this post. We walked next door to my neighbor's house {I needed a new backdrop} and we snapped these up. Please don't judge. I just wanted to get this up ASAP in case you wanted to make the purchase too. Stuff goes fast online and in the stores.

Skirt:Forever 21 | Top:Old Navy | Belt:From Another Dress | Shoes:Aldo | All Jewelry:Forever 21

What is your new favorite purchase?

Cheers to checking the mail, new skirts and husbands that take pictures of their crazy wives!

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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Tarzan The Monkey Man - Luxe Safari, Baby!

Yep, guess what? Leopard prints aren't going anywhere! For those who know me well, I have been rockin' this print since the 90's! I might even be able to dig up that old outfit from college that, to this very day, still get "razzed" about...you know who you are! I remember the first safari print I purchased myself....it was from Cato back in 1994...does anyone remember that store? Am I dating myself? Well, I am choosing to call this Spring 2012 trend "Luxe Safari". It sounds so much more sophisticated.

For those of you who are a little timid by the word "Safari Print"; let me ease your mind. You don't have to rock a head-to-toe leopard get-up to be in style this Spring. A little pop here-and-there...you will be good to go!

Think animal print fabric, snake skin pumps, stacks of gold bracelets, and a some aviators and you will be well on your way as a globe trotting explorer! Like always....K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Sister!

Some colors to keep in mind when putting this look together are earth tones - green, orange, mild purple, gold, copper, tan and of course black.

Other hints of safari to consider in your wardrobe are leopard shoes (they are everywhere), a scarf, a thin belt, bangle bracelets or even a clutch.

I put together the outfit below. I wanted one piece to pop (insert orange pants) and keep everything else neutral while highlighting the Tarzan and Jane in me.

Luxe Safari by because-shanna-said-so featuring a double breasted jacket

I have included some pieces from my closet to show you how you can be "Queen of Your Own Jungle". Please excuse my photography....my hobby is fashion...not taking pictures. Cheers!

Orange & Black - Great with black leggings and riding boots

Bangles with safari intertwined & some orange & turquoise

Not all safari has to be brown & black!

Snake skin dress from Old Navy

My bargain find - Payless - love these wedges

Fun little cropped cardigan - wonderful work wear!

Infinity Scarf - Express - goes with anything!

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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2012 Spring Fashion Trend - #2 Feminine Florals

Everything is coming up roses (and daisies and orchids and even daffodils) in 2012. When the floral trend first appeared last year, I was like really? Floral patterns, UGH! It reminded me of Little House on the Prairie and I wasn't digging it....until recently. As the trend has grown, more designers and lines are creating pieces that I actually like...A LOT! From tops to dresses to accessories, floral prints are everywhere....even on shoes!

The fab news is that you won't have to worry about looking for that perfect floral top or dress because the stores are making it easy on all of us...the prints will be everywhere!

Like I always say, keep it simple. Pick one key item and work around it, add simple accessories like cute a pair of shoes, fun nail polish and minimal jewelry. You don't want to look like The Secret Garden.

I put together two outfits below to give you an idea of what I am talking about. As always, they are affordable fashion suggestions and true fashion on a budget. Remember, the bargains always show up at my doorstep.

The first is fancier & dressier. I call it "Jackie O." meets "Pretty Woman" meets "The Girl Next Door". I love the boldness of the dress and the femininity of the accessories. BTW, I found the dress on www.modcloth.com. This website is a dream! Everything on here is so cute, unique, "boutique-y" looking and best of all AFFORDABLE

Now, are you ready for a "Because Shanna Said So" tip? Target has almost the exact same shoes that I have featured below for $30.00. I saw them today and fell in LOVE. I plan to go make my purchase this week! I tried to find them online, but they aren't listed yet.

Feminine Floral by because-shanna-said-so featuring clutch bags

Retro vintage dress
$90 - modcloth.com

Steve Madden platform heels
$130 - heels.com

Forever21 clutch bag
$21 - forever21.com

Forever21 beaded flower ring
$3.80 - forever21.com

1928 pearl bangle
$14 - 1928.com

Forever21 faux pearl earrings
$1.50 - forever21.com

Forever21 floppy brim hat
$11 - forever21.com

MNG by Mango round frame sunglasses
$20 - jcpenney.com

Dorothy Perkins snake skin belt
$11 - dorothyperkins.com

Amazon.com: OPI Hong Kong Collection Red My Fortune Cookie Nail Polish...
$5.65 - amazon.com

This next creation shows how you can take two simple floral elements, a scarf & ring, and be current with the trend. This is a relaxed, let's go shopping & have a margarita on the patio kind of look. I bought this scarf at Forever 21 and it can be dressed up or down. Also, you can see that I mixed stripes with the floral....it's okay and will be applauded when you overlap patterns.