Closet Lust...July

Hi everyone!! This heat wave we've been feeling for weeks on the East Coast is really getting to me. I've been daydreaming about colder weather and beautiful autumn leaves. I've finally acknowledged that I am not a summer person at all and the clothes and accessories I found intriguing for this post is a reflection of that. The colors are bright in the pieces below, but they are cool colors and transitional for the later months of the year. Let me know what you think by commenting!

$429 - One King's Lane Ben-Amun Necklace

I love a good choker necklace and this one is no exception. This blue and green enamel necklace from One King's Lane is very beautiful, but can be read as a bit too formal for a casual setting. It's price tag is well earned given the high quality craftsmanship behind it by designer Isaac Manevitz. I'd recommend saving such a luxurious piece of jewelry for a more formal affair or a business professional setting.

 $89.95 - Gap Striped Poncho

I can imagine waking up, getting my outfit together, and throwing this poncho on. Great casual clothes will never be out of place in my closet. I love the gold and the navy of this poncho and the stitching is superb. It's long and ends mid-thigh, so a belt might be necessary, in which case I'd recommend a silver or black one.

$9 - Etsy LeftbankSV Circle Hair Barrette

I found this hidden gem on Pinterest a few weeks back and I fell in love with the minimalist geometric design. It's a barrette that I think is really sophisticated and sensible for a multitude of occasions. As inexpensive as it is, I plan on buying two myself in the near future.

$62.90 - Eloquii Easy Ruffle Top

Providing luxury clothing to plus-sized women is why Eloquii is among my favorite brands. Many other companies ignore them as a market entirely, but not Eloquii. This green top is perfect for fall and is just one example of the amazing construction of their clothes. Durable, versatile, and gorgeous, this top is more of  transitional item for when we move into cooler weather, but it's still a great piece to add in your wardrobe now.

Thanks for reading!
~Renee Brown

Closet Lust...June

So yeah, I'm cutting it a bit close this month but Closet Lust...June is here!! I've selected four really great items for you guys that are versatile for summer days and corporate office environments.

$525 - ShopBop Zero + Maria Carnejo Oni Cardigan

I don't know about you, but before I choose an outfit for the day, I always check the weather on my phone. And on many occasions when I've dressed for a hot day, the A/C of my office makes me really regret the fact that I didn't bring a jacket to work. I think this cardigan is the perfect solution, with the material and the knitting providing light weight comfort and classic style. It's refined and polished with its light blue color and flattering lines and I'd personally love to have this cardigan hanging in my closet.

$98 - Nordstrom Wool & Cashmere Scarf

I found this scarf on Nordstrom and I love it's juicy color. It's a fun shade between red and orange and it's also a lightweight accessory. When you're going out to the grocery store and you have on a casual T-shirt and jeans, this scarf can add a pop of color to brighten your look. And if you're in the office and the temperature begins to drop, you can wrap yourself in it like the women in my office that wrap themselves in their beautiful pashminas. It's a really versatile piece.

$350 - ShopBop Oliveve Zoe Tote

I wanted to feature this bag because I am in love with it. I've been looking around for a new and interesting brown bag and this is it. What I find most fascinating about it is the shape and the material. It's made from cowhide and the exterior cut of it is really beautiful in the fact that it has a bit of a geometric influence. Either way, it's a really stunning tote from Oliveve.

$69.99 - Banana Republic Talia Leather Sandal

Everyone needs a nice sandal and I really like the cobalt blue color of this Banana Republic sandal. I love wearing outfits with one bright colored item to provide a statement to the whole look and this shoe is something that I'd would buy for myself. It's a simple flat shoe with great construction and it's something I would definitely wear on the weekends.

Thanks for reading!!

~Renee Brown

Closet Lust... May

Summer is basically here but it seems to come and go in Pittsburgh. I've been so chilly in between the warm rays of sunshine that manage to peak behind the clouds. The heat just needs to come already and thaw us out, I swear. But I've found four new items that I think will be very useful for the summer, items I would be consistently pulling from out of my closet.

$44.98 - Aldo SMILE Bag

Aldo is a shoe and accessory company that is really providing an interesting perspective to the fashion industry and this handbag is the perfect example of this. The architecture is so well done that it looks expensive and I wouldn't be surprised if it gets marked up by another $100. The biggest strength I see of this bag is its versatility because I could see anyone using it to go to the supermarket or meet up with friends for lunch.

$99 - Nine West Farfalla Caged Wedge

Summer is sandal season and this wedge is a beautiful addition to any shoe collection. There are a few colors on the Nine West website but I'm quite partial to the blue shown above. This is something that personally I would wear with jeans and a nice t-shirt. It's casual, flirty, and perfect for the season.

$59.95 - NYandCo. Floral Maxi Skirt

A maxi skirt is great to have as they can be worn on many different occasions. One day at work, I saw three different women sporting beautiful maxi skirts and I thought I was out of the loop somehow. I've been searching for a yellow maxi skirt ever since and I'm really happy to have found this one from New York and Company. The floral pattern is summery and bright and from the pics from other users on the website, it looks like a great buy.


So that's it for May. I've been kinda stressed out these past two weeks but I'm glad I came across the items I found. Not sure if I'll have more to say this month, but I'll keep you posted.

~Renee Brown

Closet Lust...April

This post is gonna be a very short one because I've been so busy with work and unnecessary family drama, but I'm managing. Anywhoo, more posting in the future, I promise! I really only have only one item that I've lusted after this month that I desperately wanted to bring to everyone's attention. I bought it a few weeks ago and I've just been loving it so far, so I highly recommend it.

$169 On Sale!!! - Macy's Michael Kors Draped Asymmetrical Trench Coat

As the proud owner of the coat above, I gotta say, it's quite a looker. Michael Kors really knows how to make a girl look good. I may have mentioned this before but I've been on the hunt for a nice trench for those chilly days of Spring. And now I've found the perfect one. Granted, it doesn't have a hood but it packs a lot of style and I just had to have it after it saw it online. It has simple lines, which I appreciate, and doesn't add any unnecessary embellishments. It's clean, professional, and ALL MINE!!!

~Renee Brown

Closet Lust... March

I've been a working woman for a few weeks now, and I have to say that after making some money I feel a little cocky. Like, I'm looking online at really expensive clothing, shoes, and houses as if I'm within financial range of making those purchases. (I'm not). But still, making your own money feels good. You feel independent and strong like an adult should feel. I suppose I feel this way because I've never had a paying job before, just unpaid internships. But anyway, while working and shopping online for things I cannot afford, I found a few gorgeous items that I had to bring to your attention. Take a look.

 $325 - Neiman Marcus Nicholas Long-Sleeved Front-Tie Shirt-dress

I really love this dress. I've seen shirt-dresses done before and I never truly gravitated toward them. To me, they seemed a bit more fancy than my own personal style. However, I'm really feeling this shirt-dress from Nicholas. It looks crisp, sophisticated, and comfy all at the same time. While I don't think this would be ideal for work, I do love the transitional style of it.

 $59.95 - GAP Swing Tank Dress

Gap is among my favorite brands and this swing tank dress is just a prime example of their signature style. This dress is simple, sure, but it can be accessorized into an amazing outfit. The orange, herringbone pattern is really beautiful and adding a stylish belt to define your waist and a few bangles to bring some attention to you arms wouldn't be amiss.

 

$49.95 - DSW Anne Klein Ottila Flat

Maybe it's just me, but in the elements of the shoe, I see a touch of french style. It's a classic shoe  with a sweet vibe that would be the perfect addition to any outfit, either professional or casual. For a work outfit, I would pair it with a patterned skirt, a solid colored top, and a cardigan. And for a casual look, I'd say jeans, a billowy blouse, and some nice earrings would do just the trick.

$46 - Bauble Bar Signs Collar

$42 - Bauble Bar Crop Collar

I've mentioned before my love of Bauble Bar. Their jewelry is perfect for professional women who are looking to spice of their outfits in an inexpensive manner. While looking around their website, I really couldn't choose between these two chokers. Both are bold statements and are very gorgeous pieces of jewelry. I seriously love them both and I'd highly recommend them to you guys.

~Renee Brown

Closet Lust....January

So tomorrow is February and I almost forgot to do a Closet Lust for this month. Shame on me, because this month I've stumbled upon some amazing clothes. I recently discovered an amazing store by the name of Eloquii. It's a plus-sized apparel store, and as a plus-sized girl, seeing such high quality merchandise for women like me really makes me happy. I added two pieces from their online store and they give you just a glimpse of their high quality merchandise. I highly recommend checking out their site. 

For this January edition, I was looking around for quality work attire and the choices I saw below are the apparel and accessories that caught my eye.

$89.90 - Eloquii Studio Midi Skirt

The Studio Midi Skirt come in an irresistible array of colorful hues. The pink and blue are the most striking of the bunch in my opinion but there is an emerald green that is just as beautiful. I think going to work in one of these skirts would make a woman feel more confident and secure in who they are.

 $495 - Coach Designer Nomad Hobo

This Coach bag comes in many different colors as well, but I chose the midnight blue color in particular because of how well it can contrast to any casual outfit. Whether in jeans or a dress, the Nomad Hobo can complement any outfit.

$110.90 - Eloquii V Neck Peplum Flare Dress

I adore simple, white dresses. When they are beautifully designed, you get the end result of elegance. This particular dress from Eloquii is very versatile which is what I love most. A work event, a brunch, a date night, and even a city hall wedding, this dress can function in many settings. I really love it.

$990 - Bergdorf Goodman Proenza Schouler Clutch

The flame red Proenza Schouler clutch is so well done and so beautiful that I had to add it to this month's Closet Lust. What struck me the most about this bag is the color and the craftsmanship. The mesh look is intriguing and overall is a nice, sophisticated touch. *Sigh* If only I could afford Bergdorf.

~Renee Brown

Closet Lust... December

The holidays are just next week and oh, how I wish I were getting the items I'm posting below. Oh, well. Someday. Anyway, it's four items today and each is as beautiful as the next. They come from Nordstrom, Zara, and Zappos and are offered at a luxury price.

$149 - Zara Wool Coat with Hood

Zara's high quality clothes are really divine and this coat is no exception. The soft blue hue is comforting and as the weather finally begins to chill, this coat will become a must-have for the people most susceptible to the cold. And it doesn't hurt to mention that I really love hoods, so that's always a plus.

$170 - Nordstrom Adrianna Papelle Lace Chiffon Dress

The perfect dress for holiday parties, weddings, special events, or anything, really. Personally, I don't do a lot of pink. I think it looks a bit childish in some cases, however, this shade is deep and vibrant and just what I like. This dress in particular is a classic design with lace and chiffon and I'd encourage anyone to add it to their wardrobe.

$1,595 - Zappos Giuseppe Zanotti Winged Sandal

If the Greek god Hermes had been a woman, I'd imagine these as the winged shoes she would wear as she flew around the world. They are fit for the gods as is nearly every other creation from the genius minds behind the Giuseppe Zanotti brand. But these shoes in particular, in their gold hue, quality construction, and winged embellishments are really striking to me. Worth every penny, I'm sure.

 $1,900 - Nordstrom Fendi 'Petite 2Jours Elite' Leather Shopper

Fendi can do no wrong. This bag is no exception. Nordstrom offers this bag in a variety of colors but I particularly love this shade of green, not because of the holidays but because I think this shade of green they offer is really gorgeous and can transition well from Winter to Spring.

Sorry I haven't posted much this month, but with finals and Christmas shopping I haven't had any time whatsoever. I really hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and gets all that they desired for the holidays this year.

XO

~Renee Brown

Closet Lust... November

Fashion orgasms, people. Fashion. Orgasms. What I am lusting after this month doesn't disappoint. Collars, dresses, heels, satchels. I found some serious treasures. This month's Closet Lust is more about splurges and what I picked will make perfect holiday gifts this season. I certainly hope some of these gifts will be under my Christmas tree.

 $74 - Baublebar Mosaic Collar

Baublebar is not cheap but it does offer a lot of quality jewelry pieces that you're not gonna see in other stores. My sister got me hooked on Baublebar this year when she bought me a necklace for my birthday with a pendant in the shape of the crescent moon. Tthis necklace is just as beautiful. It's an elegant, two-toned ombre collar of blue and white gems. And while collars are not everyone's cup of tea, I think this one will be the exception for a couple of people who won't be intimidated by trying something different.

$100 - Zara Oversize Dress

This dress is really amazing. It's detailed and textured, with a touch of art-deco. I just love it. Velvet is not a material you see in clothes that often but it works in this piece. In fact, the plant print pops more against the black velvet material than it would with any other material. But either way, it's really a good piece to have in any closet. You can wear it for a more casual cocktail hour or out to lunch. Honestly, it just adds a touch of class.

$1,750 - Neiman Marcus Givenchy Antigona Satchel

This is a Givenchy satchel. I repeat it's a Givenchy satchel. Do I really need to explain myself? The color, the shape, the craftsmanship. You will practically explode from the luxury of this bag. Like I said before, fashion orgasms. 

$170 - Amazon Fashion Schutz Women's Cadey-Lee High Heel

So these Schutz heels are really great. To be perfectly honest, I've seen this shoe design many times before. YSL actually created a couple of shoes like this but in neon colors. I'm really only showing this one in particular because of its color. It comes in a variety of them but my personal favorites are the orange patent leather and the snake skin. Pops of color such as these can take a regular, bland outfit and just give it a spark of life. Its apparel such as this that women should always keep in mind when shopping for a new look.

~Renee Brown