Knee High

I went outside my comfort zone today - I tried some knee high's! Its definitely different, and I definitely love them. And I love my red peacoat, I'm happy its getting colder.
Coat: Nine West (gift)
Dress: H&M
Cardigan: Target
Scarf: Target
Heels: H&M
Bracelet: H&M (its my necklace I love remixed as a bracelet!)
Belt: borrowed from my sis

ps. sorry these pictures came out sort of blurry, such a bummer

Why did you start a fashion blog? Why do you keep doing it? Here are my reasons:

Shirt: A random garage sale about 5 years ago

Skirt: Mervyn's $30

Tights: Target $5

Boots: Gift from Mom two winters ago

Earings: purchased with a gift certificate from some relative a few years ago at Rampage

Total: its hard to say...given all the variables..

I felt inspired to write the following today and it has nothing to do with my outfit above: If I were asked to describe my personal style I would be at a loss for words. I don't think I could narrow it down to any one description. Why do I contribute to a fashion blog then? I originally wanted to contribute to this blog because I like sharing my cheap deals on clothes with others. Now in hinds sight, I have discovered a reason I keep blogging; posting my daily outfits helps me to actually put effort into how I look every day. I have had a difficult past few months in my personal life, with lots of change and transition. I think it would have been so easy for me to have dressed dowdy and not put any effort into how I look. When I don't feel great about myself, I have a tendency to dress that way. These last few months of blogging have given me a way to look great every day and to share my inexpensive finds, and that gives me great joy. And amazingly, when I dress the way I want to feel, it does uplift my mood! What are the reasons you love to blog? What inspires you to keep doing it every day?

XOXO, Natalya

Cozy Sweater for a Warm Day (wait, what?)

It never really gets cold in So Cal, and I have been mulling over ways to still use my collection of scarves. I really love them, but its just silly to wear a scarf in 75 degree weather - however thin and summery it may be. So, how about a scarf belt! Yes, please. :)

Scarf: H&M $10
Jeans: Forever21 $20
Sandals: Old Navy
Sweater: Element (gift)
Top: Target $4 (70% off sale rack heck yes!)
Bracelet: Souvenir from Hawaii trip couple summers ago

The blue dress

Dress: H&M $24.90

Tights: Target $5

Shoes: Target $29.99

Necklace: Styles For Less $5

Bracelet: Mom's

Total: $64.89

I have had this blue H&M dress in my closet for waaaay too long. I am not one who buys clothes and lets them sit in my closet unworn. I strive to only buy items I will actually wear, and that I think are really flattering on me. This dress however, is an exception. I thought about returning it to the store, but for some reason never did. Today I am glad I didn't! I was reviewing these pictures last night, and I love it! Originally I thought the dress was too dowdy but I think I made it work here with my favorite new booties, black tights and simple jewelry. It makes me so happy to finally get some use out of this dress. What do you think? Was it all in my head, or is this dress too dowdy? I'd love to hear your feedback!

My First Attempt at a Celebrity-Style-for-Less Collage

I absolutely LOVE Rachel Bilson's outfit below so I thought this would be a great opportunity to practice my collage skills. Do you think I did okay? I found affordable similar items and posted them to the right. Tell me what you think!

Items in this set:
Forever21 sweater, $18
Miss Selfridge skirt, $20 GBP
Manager.boomspeed.com top
Wetseal.com boots, $15
PS from Aero 1012328 tights, $2.99

My $2.50 scarf find - I'm so proud!

Shirt: Old Navy a million years ago maybe $15?

Jeans: Old Navy $15

Shoes: Sketchers $35

Scarf: Target $2.50

Total: $67.50

I am so proud of my $2.50 scarf I stumbled over in the "$1.00 and $2.50" section in Target. I have a feeling it might be a kids' scarf because it is a bit smaller than my other scarves, but I can get away with it and I love the cheerful colors!

Soda pop and bright colors

Vest: H&M $17
Shirt: H&M $24.90
Jeans: Styles for Less $20
Shoes: Famous Footwear $20
Necklace: Wal-Mart $5
Purse: Castro $27





Total: $114

Detail in the Back in Black

I organized my room last night, with the help of my cousin (thanks Sarah!), but it didn't help this morning. I still couldn't put anything too exciting together! Simple black and gray works though.

Look at me all matchy-matchy.

Thanks to my friend Janet for gorgeous necklace from Greece!
Top: Urban Outfitters - Lux $18
Jeans: Nordstrom?
Necklace: gift
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Giveaways

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Instead of a daily outfit, lets discuss giveaways. I think this an amazing way to get your blog out there, as well as other online shops. Each time some new blog has a giveaway, I fall in love with not only their blog but the online shop who is sponsering it. Case in point, Bijo's FreshPicks is having a giveaway for a Ruche giftcard. Awesome! Took a look at their clothing and within a few moments I already had almost ten things I really want. I had to close the site for fear I would spend my hard earned money. But winning the giftcard would be awesome!

Going out on the town

Kerri and I neglected to post yesterday so I thought I would put up these pictures of our fun night out last night!! Good times!