Gladiators, Ripped Shirts, Boho blouses, oh my! PART 1

This fall, go back to school with style. This season (late summer-early fall), we have been blessed with several gorgeous fashion trends that, when used correctly, can really make a statement. Today, I'm going to take you behind-the-scenes at a closer look of the trends that have either been around for a while, or are FOB (fresh of the boat). By the end of this post, you'll hopefully have an idea of what you need to shop for that perfect FDOS outfit. The first of several trends which I will introduce or re-introduce to you is the well-known gladiator/t-strap shoe which really can go with anything. (Click on the picture)

If worn correctly, these shoes will really add that much-needed punch to a casual outfit. At first, these shoes may seem very intimidating. However, you're guaranteed to look stunning in them if you follow these tips:

BLACK-1
*These shoes are very intricate, and the eye may naturally go directly to them. Thus, you should pair this with long black leggings that naturally lead the eye towards them

*Add an above-knee-length sleeveless babydoll dress (preferably a bright, neon color)
*Accessorize with a loose skinny black belt
*Add several rings and bangles to create that polished look

GOLD-2
*These shoes are very intricate, and the eye may naturally go directly to them. Thus, you should pair this with white skinny jeans that naturally lead the eye towards them
*Add an above-knee-length sleeveless babydoll dress (preferably a dark color, such as navy or maroon)
*Accessorize with a loose skinny gold or white belt
*Add several rings and bangles to create that polished look

Now, let's use those tips to create two stunning outfits:

Pyramid Bracelet Set-Forever 21-$10.80
Cha Cha Cheetah Dress-Lulu's-$37.00
Solid Bangle Set-Charlotte Russe-$4.00
Seamless Legging-Wet Seal-$3.00

The second outfit would be similar, except change it up with the tips provided for the gold gladiators.

Paired with a white/blue/red/black/silver tank, this shirt is sure to grab some attention! Follow these tips to pull off an outfit with this top:

*Pair with any type of jean short or skinny jean.
*Footwear: Converse of any color
*Accessorize with pretty much anything

Ripped shirts are very nice because you can make tons of outfits with them.

Stick around for PART 2 coming soon!

Forever 21 Twist presents *CIRQUE 21*

Forever 21 is known for it's affordable and adorable fashions, but who knew they would present a whole CIRCUS line? That's right, Forever 21 has created a limited new fashion line that has a whole new twist. Based off of circus girls, this line marks a whole new era in Forever 21 history. Here are a couple of my personal favorites from this line. Hurry in stores now to get these fabulous looks, because they are limited!

The way this outfit is presented is a little over the top (i.e. I would take away the ribbons in the hair) but it would be perfect for a small gathering with friends. The plum high-knee socks greatly compliment the dark pink ruffle/layered skirt. Instead of bright pink gloves, I would wear plum gloves to match the socks.

This outfit is completely perfect in every way. The dress is beautiful and a classic, and the bright yellow socks add the greatly needed punch to the outfit. Definitely the way to go for a not-too-big party.

Same goes for this outfit: simply perfect. The definite way to go for shopping in the mall, but I would swap the heels for some black gladiators.
Just like the past two, this outfit is well put together. Perfect for: GNO (girls night out)
Man, score one for the person who put this outfit together. This is probably my favorite. Over sized cardigans are really in at the time, and the red really makes this outfit perfect. Ideal for really anything, but leaning towards the casual side.

Did anyone notice how she's wearing the same shoes in almost all but one of the pictures?

These outfits are really adorable and most definitely in a good price range. Forever 21 is a fabulous store and if you haven't already dropped by, I would definitely recommend shopping there. The only problem is when you get there, you're really overwhelmed by the amount of clothes. It's hard to buy items that you know would make the perfect outfit because your dream skirt may be on one side of the store and the ideal top to fit that outfit is on the other side. I would really recommend (to the F21 owner) to have some sort of system going on. Oh well, for now, we'll just have to use our fabulous fashionista sense. (;

-cirqueDEmoose(:

Recessionistas-shop like they do

Re-ces-sion
-noun
*a period of an economic contraction, sometimes limited in scope or duration
see recessionista

Re-ces-sion-ist-a

-noun
*a fashion loving girl who knows how to work her way around the complicated obstacles caused by the recession

Are you a recessionista? If not, find out how to become one!

So, you've got a wardrobe full of clothes, but they're outdated and old. To top it off, you and your family are all on a tight budget, meaning that you can't splurge on your fave new gladiators are hot pink cardigan sweater. No worries, there's a way to fix it!
Start off by anazlyzing your closet. What do you have? What do you need? Do you have the basics? Now, let's say you have some dark skinny jeans, and a plain white tee. Not definitely the dream outfit, but there's a way to amp it up. ACCESSORIZE! Accessories are going to be your best friend throughout the whole recession. If you're in THIS position, follow these steps:

*Grab a colorful scarf and wrap it around your neck
*Put on a vibrant, eye-catching belt

*Slap on some funk pearls (necklaces), bracelets, and rings

*Paint your nails a wild color to spritz up your plain outfit

*French braid your hair and tie a ribbon in/put bows in your hair

*Put on a boho band
Those are all great ways to spice up an outfit that really needs some spicing up. ;)

Okay, so maybe you have the accessories, but you don't have the clothes. This is a little bit difficult, but manageable. So, the problem is money, right? You don't have enough to splurge on a whole new wardrobe. No worries. Follow these steps to be a smart shopper:

*Clip coupons!
*Keep an eye out for those END-OF-SUMMER sales!

*Go to stores that have a clearance section in the back

*Go to stores that regularly have low prices, such as Forever 21 & Wet Seal

*When seeing an adorable, but expensie, must-have, wait a couple weeks for it to go on sale. You'd be surprised how much you'd save!

Alright, you've got the tips, now let's see how you can put them to work.

Forever 21-Ruffle Front Cap Sleeve Shirt-$12.50

Alright, so this top is affordable, cute, and chic. However, it is pretty simple. Pair this with some dark skinny jeans, black flats, a cute ring, and one simple bracelet, and voila! You've got yourself a fabtastic outfit! No need for a necklace here, due to the high neck cut.

See how easy and simple it is to create a fashionable and affordable outfit?

-MOOSEtheRECESSONISTA;)