Introducing Tina Returner...

I've been working in fashion (professionally) for a little over four years now so it should come as no surprise to hear that I am a shop-a-holic. If there were enough hours in the day I would literally stroll store to store gazing at every rack, row, and shelf. I have a physical reaction when it comes to clothes which usually begins with tunnel vision for the eye catching distraction. Sometimes it is the thrill of finding that perfect item that gets my adrenaline pumping while other times it is simply the purchase of something new that puts me over the edge into full blown joy rage. However my shopping addiction has also earned me the name, Tina Returner! I have an unfortunate tendency to purchase and immediately return. Usually it is not that I'm dissatisfied, but rather it was an impulse purchase for the sake of immediate gratification.

These new goodies I will however, NOT be returning.

My fashionisto Jacob, last seen here, sashayed into work last week with a present in tow. From his bag of goodies he revealed a Salvation Army gem that, dare I say it, is 70's boho meets spring 2011 Celine...

To beat the heatwave Friday afternoon I made a cooling pit stop into H&M. A quick loop around the flag ship store had me running for the nearest register to check out with another designer inspired addition--this time all in the name of Prada.

{runway images style.com}

Hi, My name is Tina Returner, and I'm a shop-a-holic!

Summer's Best...

I spotted this image on Elle's street chic page and thought, that's exactly how one should dress for the torturous summer heat. Bold colors, mixed prints, airy silhouette...the ensemble's sum is greater than its parts! A well edited mix of colors with that iconic Jill Sanders bag, makes me sweat this heat a little less!

{elle.com}

Hope you have cool plans for the weekend!

FANatic...

The temperature in the city has definitely been rising this week. Growing up in Texas you would think I would be used to it already, but the unbearable heat and frequent humidity is more than I can handle. Since I'm sans car (read no air conditioner) going from apartment to subway to here and there while keeping my cool is nearly impossible. My roommate, also from Texas, sensed my over heating and came home with folding fans for all. I love and adore my portable cooling system. After browsing style.com today, it seems as though everyone is becoming a FANatic these days.

{Louis Vuitton}

{Armani Prive}

{Street Style Cool}

Little Peanut...

{alexander wang's niece}

Some days you just need something disgustingly cute in your life.

Wardrobe Diaries:: "Macking" In My Muumuu...

At the end of the work day there is a tendency to sit around Jacob's computer and take ridiculous pictures. I know, I don't understand it either, but it makes us laugh and keeps things entertaining.

{l-r daphna, ruby, me, & jacob}

In the wake of our photo booth shoot, Jacob snapped a few pics of me in my 70's boho attire. I bought the caftan last summer while home in Texas. I was over the moon when I found it buried in the local Goodwill for 99 cents. My sister absolutely hates it, and yes the unbreathable polyester gave me a moments hesitation, but I really couldn't pass this one up.

Caftan:: Thrifted duo of prints caftan

Headband:: DIY turban

Necklace:: Wire covered horn necklace (gift from Becky)

Shoes:: Marc by Marc Jacobs gold jelly gladiator sandals

Bracelets:: F21 yellow enamel bracelet, F21 wooden bracelet

About Face...

I've been a cargoes naysayer for quite a while and well, I think I might give them a second chance. After seeing this snap shot of June's look, I'm itching to march myself down to the nearest army surplus store and try a new type of fatigue.

I love the slouchy fit with oversized cuffs--however, I'm still not convinced that anyone needs this many pockets :)

Pedal Pusher...

I'm fortunate to work with a motely crue of talented artists that have evolved into my incredibly inappropriate, hilarious, and dysfunctional family! One of my dearly beloveds from the office is Jacob. We met last November (he was working at Vogue China and I was an assistant stylist for one of their shoots). When I caught his gaze through those lilac glasses between rolling racks, I knew this would be a friendship that would last longer than the 2010 Copenhagen catwalk. Yesterday I was doing my daily Internet scavenger hunt and swiped this image of a beautiful color blocked beetle.

{images from Fashion Squad}

When my little peach strutted into the office today, his ensemble immediately reminded me of the perfectly perched critter sitting on my desktop. Post work I went satorialist on his color blocked ass.

If you haven't figured it out, J is an expert when it comes to a block party. To keep up with more of his outfits, inspiration, and witty banter, visit his blog, JCup, here.

In Her Shoes...

A week's worth of outfit inspiration in one photo... Lets see if I can make this happen in the next seven days!

{image:: style.com}

Stay tuned...

Wardrobe Diaries:: The H to My M...

I've been on a bit of a shopping binge lately and H&M has been my poison. The mega retailer is straight killing it lately...

Vest:: Old Navy army jacket (I chopped the sleeves off)

Top:: H&M ivory chiffon sleeveless top

Bottoms:: H&M strapless harem jumper (worn as pants)

Shoes:: H&M espadrilles

Necklace:: DIY hardware store necklace

I ducked inside H&M last weekend and spotted this dream in a pair of soles. Yes, yes very much Prada inspired but the better to strut down the street with my dear.

For a DIY touch an embroidered heart on the chest pocket and a necklace I made with items from the hardware store (climbing rope, nylon string, and copper pipe).