FABULOUS GIVEAWAY !!! CHICKDOWNTOWN

I've just discovered a great new fashion site, chickdowntown.com, and some delicious new designers as well. And........ I have a giveaway for all blog readers to participate in!

Check out the Mink Pink clothing line from this link and tell me which item you would want and why. I'll name the winner by the end of the week and will ask for that person to please email me so details like size, shipping address, etc. can be worked out. Beware that the site may not have all sizes available, so make sure to have a backup item in mind.

To wet your appetite - here are some of my favorites:

Chickdowntown.com carries a variety of great designers like Yumi Kim and Mink Pink.

Some info about Mink Pink: Taking cues from designer threads and vintage trends, Mink Pink caters to the every woman with youthful, stylish, affordable pieces. Carrying everything from flirty dresses, to rugged denim minis, the designers at Mink Pink think about what women want in an ensemble and easily deliver just that.

Yumi Kim is also fabulous -- colorful, great prints, and very feminine pieces. Make sure to check them out too!

Chickdowntown Facebook and Twitter pages:

Facebook
Twitter

-- you can follow Amy, the owner of chickdowntown.com, and keep up to date with new "goings on" in the fashion scene. She loves to giveaway giftcards and lot of free stuff!

Easy Does It

Day Look:

Evening Look:

Print Dress: Newport News. White Shoes: Steve Madden. Blue Shoes: Steve Madden. Large White Tote: Nine West. Small White Purse: Ganson.

I had a couple people at work say I was so dressed up in my print dress today, but really it's just a really big t-shirt with a string tied around it! It's probably the most comfortable dress I own.

It was also a really easy outfit to turn from day to evening. I just took off the jean jacket, threw up my hair, and swapped my purse and shoes.

You Are What You Wear

Plum Silky Blouse: New York & Co. Black Vest: Volia. Navy Slacks: New York & Co. Black Heels w/ Buckle: Nine West.

I had a really fun purple dress, pink lace cardigan, and purple shoes picked out for today, but I remembered last minute that I had a meeting with some of our senior management and I wasn't sure that I wanted to show up in bubble gum colors. . .

Though this outfit wasn't as fun for me, it still showed some individuality and I was able to feel confident and correctly attired for the day.

Tips & Tricks

Polka Dot Top: Chadwicks. Gray Slacks: New York & Co. Zebra Pumps: Metro Style.

2 patterns today - polka dots and zebra! Whenever mixing patterns it's always best to do one bolder pattern and one more subtle pattern that can work as a neutral. With this outfit, it didn't matter quite as much since the patterns were separated by the solid gray pants, but either way - a good tip to remember!

Secret Significance

Dress: BCBG. Purple Cropped Cardi: Chadwicks. Shoes: Sam & Libby.

I always think it's fun to incorporate little details into my wardrobe that may have a special meaning that only I know about. Well, today I'm sharing my "secret significance" in this outfit. -- These shoes remind me of ballroom dancing - and make me feel like I'm in an old Grace Kelly era movie.

Everyone knows I'm a shoe loving gal. I'm also a dance loving gal. I've never really done any of the formal dancing like ballroom and have no idea whether I'd be good or not, but somehow these shoes make me feel like I already am.

Short Shorts

White Rusched Top: Vol 1. Shorts: Bongo. T-Strap Brown Sandals: Nine West. Watch: Guess. Handbag: New York & Co.

I don't typically post my more casual weekend wear, but today I'm veering from the norm and posting a basic jean / tank combo.

It was a lovely warm weekend day - so no better time to break out the short shorts and show some leg! I will say, however, that I think I may be getting too old to wear these kind of shorts. I tend to wear the city shorts (just above the knee) most often simply because they are more comfortable. My boyfriend still likes the shorter shorts too (of course), but I might just be at a point in my life where I'm ready to give them away.

What do you think? How old is too old to wear short shorts? I'm 25 - is it time? Or is it strictly contingent on body type and how well a person can wear them? Vote Here!

"I let my chain hang"

Pattern Dress: Candies. Kiwi Green Tank: JC Pennys. Necklace: Thrift.

When I checked out at the thrift store with this chunky gold chain - I think the check out boy thought I was trying to get "thugged-out" with my wardrobe. Not exactly my intention. LOL!

Even though I love jewelry, I typically like to only have one stand-out piece rather than several items all fighting for attention. This white and gold clover was definitely a statement piece, and worked as a great accent to the multi-colored dress. Bling bling!

Rockin 'em Jeans

Turquoise Blouse: Neu Look. Brown Plaid Vest: Antonio Melani. Jeans: Express. Raspberry Ballet Flats: Steve Madden.

Casual Friday with just a bit of whimsy in the blue top and drop earrings. -- Nope, no more ruffles, 3 days was enough to tide me over :)

Black/White.....and Brown

Print Cardigan, Lace Cardi, and Brown Pencil Skirt: White House Black Market. Red Shoes: Stuart Weitzman. Yellow Bracelet: ForeverXXI.

Red lips to match the red shoes!

I just couldn't resist this outfit when I saw it. Just very classic. White House Black Market typically only sells clothing that is black and white, but I loved the brown incorporated in the sweater and the pencil skirt.

3 Days and Counting

Sheer Purple Ruffle Top: New York & Co. Black Pinstripe Vest: Deb. Gray Linen Slacks: INC. Black Peeps: BCBG. Belt: Gifted. Black Leather Studded Purse: Nine West.

Lordy Lordy - just look at those ruffles! I swear, I didn't even plan it. I was looking through my closet and randomly asked by boyfriend, "What should I wear?". He answered, "pants - gray". When I asked what color shirt, he said "purple" -- and so here I am!

Little gold accents -- Gold heels and gold studs. A little bling is always a good thing.

Ruffle Repeat

Black 3/4 Sleeve Blazer: Carabella. Green Silky Ruffle Shirt: Candies. Gray Pinestripe Pencil Skirt: Apt. 9. Purple Peeps: Nine West. White Leather Tote: Nine West.

I guess I'm going with a ruffle theme this week!

This top always seems so Christmas-y to me, so I haven't really worn it that often. However, after I really liked it paired with a jacket and some other non-holiday colors, so I will definitely start to wear it more often.

Regal Ruffles

Chocolate Ruffle Top: Antilia Femme. Black Dress Slacks: INC. Orange Snake Pumps: Nine West.

I am in laaauurve with this top! It doesn't show off that well in pictures, but it has a variety of pleats and ruffles all over, yet still keeps a slim silky shape. I would even dare to say - I felt regal and elegant :)

Indecision

White & Black Striped Shirt: Banana Republic. Black Pants: Apostrophe. Studded Black Cardigan: INC. White Belt: Pangea.

I was indecisive this morning trying to decide what to wear. I finally decided on the black and white outfit. Did I make the right choice?

Back It Up

Gray Blazer: Kasper. Light Blue Checked Button Up: Cutter&Buck. Dark Trouser Jeans: Express. Yellow Pointies: Delicious.

I was going through some of my pictures, and realized that I don't think I ever posted this outfit. I wore this as a Friday "jeans day" work outfit. Dark wash / black trouser jeans are always a staple piece to wear for casual but classy work attire. Same idea with a classic fitted jacket -- and then just a hint of fun with bright yellow pumps!

Black Basic

LBD: Laura Clement. Pattern Silk Undershirt: INC. Black Slingbacks: Nine West. Necklace: Meijer (go figure?!?)

Who doesn't love a little black dress? I love finding little ways to change up this LBD -- however, I notice that I seem to stick with basic black, white, and grays. Next time I'll definitely pair it with something colorful!

In Need of Mending

White Ruffle Top: INC. Plaid Pencil Skirt: Love Tease. Red Peep Toes: Nine West. Belt: Thrifted.

This waist on this skirt is way too big for me. I love the skirt color and pattern, but it is utterly impossible to wear it without a top to cover the waist because it is so big and "gappy". When I bought it, I knew it was a touch too big, however - it is seriously too big at this point. Arg! Tomorrow I go to the seamstress!

Blue Summer

Blue Floral Top: Robin K. Jeans: Express. Shoes: Nicole Miller.

I was a little more summery and casual at work this Friday -- it was such a nice day out I just couldn't resist! I also was meeting some girlfriends after work, so wanted to be dressed to go straight there. This worked!

Another Day in the Office

Black 3/4 length Sleeve Blazer: Carrabella. Colorful Print Top: Kenneth Cole. Gray Trousers: Style & Co. Black Pumps: Bandiolini. Necklace: Thrifted.

Red Accents

Red Top: Nygard Collection. Blazer: Rampage. Pleat Beige Skirt: Body by Victoria. Leopard & Red Pumps: Baby Phat. Red Flower Earrings: Macys.

I love these shoes, but worry sometimes about wearing them to work since they are pretty eye-catching. I thought this outfit was a good way to show them off with out being too showy overall.

I also found an extra bonus to wearing these shoes to work -- I did really good on my eating today! Since the shoes are a bit uncomfortable to walk a lot in -- it kept me from going to the fridge as often and kept me from my Starbucks pastry stop!

Navy Ties

Navy Silk Shirt: Forever XXI. Black Pencil Skirt: New York & Co. Plaid Bow Tie Pumps: Unlisted.

Fabulous Find

Gray Pattern Dress: Jessica Howard (thrifted). Flower Belt: Macy's. Yellow Pumps: Delicious.

I have to admit that I am pretty fortunate with my thrift finds. This dress still had the tags on! It's missing a snap, which I'll have to replace, but in the meantime I just used a safety pin and it worked perfectly - just like new!

I felt very 50's housewife in this :)

One Lovely Blog Award

I am finally getting the time to recognize the "One Lovely Blog Award"! I was given the award by:

• Adventures of a Pinay Neska
• Emily's Box-of-Fun
• Fashion After Forty
  

Thanks so much!

For my awards, I am sending the "One Lovely Blog" to:

1. In a Bug's Drawers - cute and quirky
2. Budget Chic - killer shoes and sassy dresses
3. Dressed Up Like a Lady - so colorful and unique
4. Style Child - fashion forward fashionista

Now - you newly awarded bloggers are supposed to link me back and award some of your chosen blogs!

Repeat

Dress: Do & Be. Shoes: Nine West.

Sorry - this is a repeat from exactly a week ago! It is just such a perfect and easy dress to wear on a hot summer day. Today I went to a grill out, so made sure to wear a bit more functional shoes. Unfortunately - for my blog followers - that's the only change in the outfit... :)

A Little Sugar

Print Tank: Old Navy. Blue Sweater: Forever XXI. Black Skinny Jeans: Lucky Brand Jeans. Patent Fuchsia Pumps: Guess.

I felt very sweet in this outfit. Kind of hard to tell in the above picture, but the sweater has bows on the pockets and my necklace is a bow pendant as well (see below!). Of course, some pink patent shoes just top the cake!

Brown Basics

Tops: Macy's. Pencil Skirt: Moda Int'l. Shoes: Nine West.

This outfit doesn't seem to have a ton of interest or as much color as I normally like, but what I did really like was the silhouette it made. I caught my shadow in the skywalk to and from work and really liked the shape created by the longer fitted skirt.