OK, so I think it’s safe to say that my bridesmaids are in full-on plan mode regarding my bridal shower and bachelorette party. Over the course of the last few days, I’ve been getting “coded” calls and emails requesting information about specific dates and times.  

I will admit that lately, I’ve been a little lax while planning this wedding. I am a procrastinator but that is no excuse for this shameful display of laziness! I blame the weather. Yeah, I said it. Summertime in NYC ain’t no joke sistahs … But, I digress. 

Now, back to the matter at hand. Is it wrong for me to be focusing more on what I’ll wear to these events then what I’ll be doing about, say — the wedding programs? I mean, really. My priorities are all screwed up, but what’s even sadder is that there is no shame in my game.

I just got a visual: I swear if FI were reading this, he’d be rolling his eyes. But, he can’t front, that is so one of the reasons he loves me!  

I know what the themes are for both shindigs and this makes it easier to visualize how I want to look! Let’s start from the top.  

For the bridal shower, I’m thinking of running with the premise — if you will — of our wedding. Modern meets vintage … We’ll call it MODAGE.

One of my favorite high-end designers is Zac Posen. But, the trouble is that Mr. Posen and I just can’t see eye to eye on the cost of his astonishing frocks. My inspiration? His oversized bow dress (pictured below and priced @ an obscene $1,650). 

I decided to hunt down an alternative option that would satiate my problematic shopaholic expenditures. See exhibits A: (ASOS Satin Pleated Bow Dress, $76.62) and B:(one of my favorite eBay sellers, Retrobarbies Ruffle Trim Pencil Dress, $29.99)  

A:

B:

What is it about rufles and bows that make a dress look sexy AND sweet? I don’t know, but you got to love it!

On to the bachelorette party. So this is where my girls and I will get our “stop staring” on. Ladies, although we should look and be fabulous at all times, nothing gives you a better excuse than your bachelorette party to WORK. IT. :: snaps fingers::

If you’re anything like me, you’re often wary of the teeny-bopper stores. But, while planning a wedding on a strict budget, I must be open-minded. 

Never underestimate the power of a simple form fitting dress, like this Cross Bust number from Wet Seal ($16.50). Paired with the right accessories and heels … you’ll be doing the booty dance like my girl Bey!

I love mixing casual and dressy pieces to create a chic, “i am so not trying hard” look. I think this gold Vanessa top from dELiA*s goes great with a pair of yellow shorts like these Kitson Robertson hotties! Match this with some fierce gold heels and we’re good to go!

And finally … this next mix and match combo is inspired by one of my fave celebrity fashionistas, singer Rihanna:

Tank tops are probably one of my favorite wardrobe staples. I wear them under cardigans, alone with a pair of sassy jeans or when I’m going to the gym. I have them in a multitude of colors and styles. So why not get crazy and pair one with a sexy candy colored skirt like the ones below from Oasis & Tobi respectively:

I think I see some potential in all of these ideas. Who knows, I may even switch it up and go a completely different route … Either way, I’ll keep you ladies posted.

Who loves you Babbie?

Whether it was the neon bright garbs of the 80’s, the baggy TLC-esque attire of the 90’s or the requisite 7 for All Mankind denim jeans paired with a fun Alice + Olivia top, three-inch peep toes (cause I’m a shortie) and the delicious butta leather Kooba bags of today. Fashion has always been as much a part of my life as brushing my teeth.

My maternal grandmother, though I never got the chance to meet her, was a fashionista in her own right. From the stories my mom tells me, Grandma would never leave the house without smelling good and looking chic. When mom would share these fun facts, I’d store the tidbits of information for later, running back to my room so I could daydream about the lady they called Melanie Rose.

In these reveries, I would be transported back in time. Most days, Grandma Mel would be a local celebrity, comparable to a Dorothy Dandridge or the fictional yet remarkable Holly Golightly. Other days, she would simply be my Grandma — there to spoil me and make promises to me that all of her classic pieces would be mine someday. As I got older, thinking back to those times always made me wonder if the love of fashion and style was something that was passed on from generation to generation.<!–[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]–>
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My mom is a stickler about looking good too. The days I would leave the house sporting an average outfit and (God-forbid) no makeup — she’d cringe! It would be nothing if she did it, but her two daughter’s would always have to step correct. She’d been blunt with her comments too. You can always count on mom-dukes to “keep it real” with ya if you were not looking up to par.

Today, I am a grown woman. I still get giddy when I think of NY Fashion Week. I still get all bright-eyed and bushy tailed when that new glossy issue of Lucky or In Style is released. I still have that passion for fashion.

I now have a chance to share all of my thoughts, opinions, experience and knowledge on this subject with all of you lovely ladies . . . Whether you like it or not! So, here I am. Fashionably Yours.

Here are a few pictures, for your viewing pleasure:

My grandmother: Melanie Rose

Me – getting my bath & body on in a too cute cardigan

Circa 1985 … I think I saw Mischa Barton with this outfit on

H.S. Days … What was I thinking? I was definitely channeling Aaliyah. Is that a swoop bang?

FI used to tease me about wearing the corset-belt, but boy did it become a phenomenon!

Older & Wiser. Summer of ’07 (this pic taken the day before FI proposed) rocking the now ever popular maxi dress.

Christmas ’07 … I’ve gotten lots of compliments on this look. This was one of those outfits I put together on a whim.

Me lounging on FI on our flight back home from ATL. Chucks are one of my FAVORITE things to wear on my comfy/downtime days.