Just a couple of recommendations...

Ok, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to give a couple of great recommendations for those of you who love shopping online!

1) Designs by Stephene (http://www.designsbystephene.com/):  I most recently purchased a pair of Big Star Vintage Taylor Boyfriend crops from this website.  The customer service is wonderful and the purchase arrived in the most timely fashion.  They take added security precaution and want you to sign for the package, but I was very happy to receive such a great pair of Boyfriend crops.  They fit perfect and I gave them a wonderful survey review.  I would recommend this site to anyone looking for a great deal on designer denim.  She almost always has a code up for some percentage off your purchase and free shipping over $100.  In addition, there are so many great items on sale that this website is A+++.

2) Metropark (in stores and http://www.metroparkusa.com/):  My most recent purchase from Metropark online is a pair of 1921 Janis Torn Bootcut jeans and a Red Affliction t-shirt (the Range Tee).  I have made many, many purchases from Metropark online (and the store, as well, in a couple of locations).  I love how fast they ship (even with standard shipping, it's usually on my porch in 3 days from when I order), as well as free shipping when you spend $150.  There is also often a promotion or sale going on and, most recently, I scored 2 Affliction messenger bags and have received MULTIPLE compliments on it (2 of the same bag, FYI).  I have told anyone who asked exactly where I got, so I am passing on the Metropark recommendation all over the place!  A+++ to this site, as well!

I hope these reviews were helpful and even give a few of you a new place (or 2) to shop! 

~ R

HALT! Stay away from the sales, Renae!

So, GRRR!  I hate when there are amazing sales going on and I'm in the middle of moving so I can't spare the $$.  I got my last pair of jeans last night that I'm getting for a few weeks, at least.  I got a great pair of J Brand flare jeans on Yoox.  $59 plus shipping!!  Go me!!

Now, I just ran across some J Brand skinny jeans I like a LOT on Singer22 (they are still having a great sale with clearance items up to 90% off) and also a great pair of 7FAM Roxanne skinny jeans.  Grrr for needing to do the right thing! haha

I will just pass the next few weeks with blogging about great finds and take my mind off my denim withdrawal.  Happy Hump Day, everyone!

~ R

My latest discovery: 6pm.com

...  So, I am quite sure that this site is not a new discovery to so many of you fashionistas out there, but I just stumbled across it a few days ago.  I think it is absolutely wonderful and totally blogworthy.  The denim on there is pretty "last season", but who cares!  There really isn't a whole lot of difference (if any difference at all) in this season and last season, plus the prices are AMAZING!  There are also a lot of other great items such as shirts, shoes, handbags, etc.  I am truly in LOVE with this site and can totally see myself becoming a regular shopper here.

Remember the address:  http://www.6pm.com/ ...  and bookmark it!  You won't regret giving it a try!  Post a comment to me and let me know what you found! :)

Curvy girls CAN wear skinny jeans (and rock them)!

I spent a good deal of time hiding from skinny and straight leg jeans after they became the "it" jeans.  In fact, I didn't buy my first pair until January 2009 and I got those on clearance at American Eagle.  They were a dark wash Skinny 77 jean that I got for 19.99 plus tax.  I have a friend who is significantly heavier than I am and she talked about skinny jeans and how they are her favorites.  I was always saying "omigosh, I'd never wear those!".  I have large, muscular thighs and calves, as I played sports for years, plus I've had 2 kids.  I might wear a size 4-8 (depending on the brand) or breaking it down in designer sizes, which I wear more now, anywhere from a 27-30, depending the cut/brand.  (I have curves and I am proud of those curves hehe.)  I didn't think I could pull off the skinny jeans and boots look, but lo and behold... I can!  Not only do I pull off skinny jeans and boots, I wear skinny jeans and ballet flats, I wear skinny jeans and heels, I even wear skinny jeans with leg warmers and heels! Oh, and I totally rock the skinny jeans!  I look GREAT in them, if I say so myself. Now I'm here to offer up some of my skinny jeans/straight leg jeans suggestions to the curvy girls out there =)

• Big Star Maddie Skinny Jeans
• Big Star Casey K Skinny Jeans
• Big Star Vintage Nico Skinny Jeans *Have become my favorite skinnies/I think I bought every wash!*
• BKE Kate Skinny Jeans
• BKE Madison Skinny Jeans
• Hudson Stella Straight Jeans *More like a skinny jean with a 14" opening*
• Rock Revival Patti Straight Jeans
• Rock Revival Debbie Straight Jeans
• Rock Revival Tori Straight Jeans
• 1921 Carly Straight Leg Jeans
• 1921 Joni Straight Leg Jeans
• 1921 Chrissie Skinny Jeans *1921 are a top 3 favorite brand/flattering with a great rise*
• MEK Edinburgh Straight Jeans
• MEK Mazatlan Skinny Jeans
• Lucky Brand Lola Skinny Jeans
• Antique Rivet Mellisa Straight Jeans
• True Religion Billy Relic-Ridin Dirty Dark
• True Religion Billy Silver Rainbow-Body Rinse
• Joe's Jeans Ex-Lover Skinny Jeans *Boyfriend fit*
• Joe's Jeans Honey Skinny Jeans
• 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Skinny Jeans
• 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere "Gummy" Skinny Jeans
• William Rast Rachel Skinny Jeans
• William Rast Savoy Skinny Jeans
• Silver Pixie Stretch Legging Jean *Distressed, medium wash and mid-rise*
• Aeropostale Bayla Skinny Jeans *Great jeans, great price, almost always on sale*
• American Eagle Skinny Jeans
• American Eagle Straight Jeans

I know that I have found some that just don't fit me well because I have larger calves and also some that are just too low-rise for my liking, but others might really like them.  I am only listing ones that I have found that I really like and that work for me and my figure.

Denim Review: Big Star Maddie Jeans

I just LOVE Big Star Maddie jeans from Buckle.  It's the only store I've ever found the Maddie jeans at, but they have a wonderful selection of them.  Big Star Maddies were the first pair of jeans I ever bought from Buckle and were the jeans that got me really started on the designer denim.  After I got them, I was admittedly hooked!

Maddie jeans have a little over an 8" rise (mid-rise jeans) making them not so revealing for those of us who don't want to show all our assets in every pair we own.  They are slightly more eased through the hips and thighs for those of us who have curves so you might want to size down from the more slim fit jeans if you are used to those.  I am normally a 28L, 29L, sometimes a 30L in designer denim, but I need a 27L in most of the Maddie jeans.  They are definitely a more relaxed fit, without looking baggy on you.  The price of the Maddie jeans are expensive if you are not used to paying designer prices, but not expensive compared to many designer lines.  They start around $94 and go up to around $112.  You will want to try each pair on as they can all fit different, even though they are the same brand.

I probably have 7 or 8 pairs of Maddie jeans and I wouldn't mind having a few more.  I have recently noticed a black pair I'd love to have.  They have a style and color for everyone, from flares to bootcut to skinnies.  I highly recommend them for all my girls!

Buckle jeans are addicting!

...  Well, it's true!!

I thought I could go in that store and get just 1 pair of jeans and that they would not compare to my AE (American Eagle) jeans, which had been my favorites for YEARS.  This was a year ago now, and I must sadly admit, I am hooked.  I must have 25+ pair of Buckle jeans (Big Star mostly, MEK, Miss Me, Rock Revival, Antique Rivet, 7FAM, and some BKE Jeans (Sabrina and Culture) ).   I don't usually even wear my AE jeans anymore.  I do still wear my Aeropostale Bayla Skinnies, but I only have 2 pairs of those.  I am totally hooked on buying my jeans at Buckle (and Nordstrom, too, but mostly Buckle)! 

So I am penning this blog mostly as a direct result of hearing so many girls on my WLS message boards posting that they want to buy a PAIR of jeans from Buckle.  Haha...  That's how it started for me, too, and I hope they realize it probably won't stop at just. 1. pair.   Just sayin'...

I love, love, love my Buckle jeans!

2009~ It was another year of change!

I will say I did change a lot when it came to my own personal style this year.  I think that my changes were certainly for the better because, looking back on it now, I dressed very young for my age.  I think I had also quite outgrown the total "prepster" look I'd been sporting for some years now.

Amongst my favorite discoveries of the year are my Hudson Stella Jeans, Big Star Vintage Jeans(the whole line of them!!), Sinful shirts, Affliction shirts, Rebel Spirit shirts, Crash & Burn shirts, and all other cute shirts I find at Buckle, boots and more boots!, Joes Honey Jeans, Rock Revival Jeans, 7 For All Mankind Jeans, True Religion, Smashbox Cosmetics, and much more!  Thank you Buckle and Nordstrom for a great year hehe!!

Here's to an even better 2010~ I don't see a change in personal style coming, but probably an expansion of the wardrobe.

In pursuit of corset(s)...

Actually, yes, I'm in pursuit of my FIRST corset(s).  I've been wanting one for a long time, probably about 2 or 3 years now, but I've always been afraid of how I'd look in them (call it's self-esteem issues, I guess).  I am over that now and I just really, really want a corset or 3!  I found 3 or 4 that I really liked on the Hot Topic website today (they are Tripp brand, for around $29).  I want to definitely go in the store and try them on and not just order them online blindly, as I am a bit top-heavy for my size, but I'm excited to see how they are on me!

Other than that, I just got a cute pair of Bayla skinny jeans from Aeropostale (on sale for 19.75) and a cute  button down tunic top from Forever 21 (for 15.80).  I just LOVE saving money!

If I don't blog again til after the holidays, Merry Christmas everyone!  And happiest day after Christmas shopping to all!!

Lonnngggg overdue update =)

Hey y'all...

So I have been terrible about updating since right before the Black Friday excursion.  I must say, it was a really successful shopping day, but it just didn't compare the bustle of shopping in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, or even Oklahoma City.  I miss fighting those big city crowds (and better stores, of course haha). 

I have not been getting quite as many outfits lately with the holiday season here, but I have gotten a couple.  I've also finally tackled the boots dilemma x 3.  Yeah!  I got Black UGG tall 5815 boots ($75 on eBay, new in box from reputable seller!).  I got Zigi Girl Sarah Boots in a Tan Leather.  They are tall boot with zippers all over them.  And then, I got these short little BKE Sole Muse Boots in Grey Leather.  They are a little short cowboy boot with rhinestone accents... SUPER cute!

I'm hoping to get some new outfits in DFW (Dallas/Ft Worth)~ Most likely at Nordstrom~ before we go out to California in March.  That's the goal of the immediate future since I am almost positive I gots the boots thing covered now. =D

Black Friday is almost HEEEEEEERRRRREEEEE!

 I just LOVE shopping on Black Friday...  I wouldn't miss it for the world!   I like to scour the web and buy online specials there.  I love the bustle of the crowds in the malls.  I love the line at the Starbucks of people, like myself, who REALLY need their coffee.  I just love to take this festive day in for all its worth and savore it =D!

I have every intention of avoiding Wal*Mart at almost all costs tomorrow.  There is nothing I really need in there.  All the kids toys are already ordered and most have already arrived.  I just don't want to deal with that level of INSANITY.  The mall can get bad, sure, but it's NOTHING like Wal*Mart. 

I pretty much have the day already planned to a T.  We are leaving here between 530 and 545.  First stop will, of course, be Starbucks to get COFFEE.  After that, we are headed to the mall.  We are hitting up the Children's Place first of all.  I'm getting new jeans for Miss Krysten.  She's gotten too tall for most of her jeans and they sell really good quality ones with adjustable waistbands.  Then we are headed to my Personal Shopper fitting at Buckle ...  I look forward to it and dread it at the same time.  I look forward to looking at and trying on some great clothes, but I don't look forward to trying them on the day after Thanksgiving haha.  I feel bloated on Turkey~ ugh.  Maybe I'll feel better about it by morning, but that remains to be seen.  I'm also going to be hitting Maurices to get a couple of Tunics, Rue21 to get some socks & accessories, and Old Navy to get Winter Jackets for both of my kiddies.  After all that, we're going to need more coffee, I'm sure.  Jason and I are taking time out tomorrow afternoon to see Twilight Saga: New Moon (his first time, not mine).  I'm stoked!

I might not have an another blog with a full report in until after the weekend and Cyber Monday (the 30th), but there WILL be a good report coming =D