Who Shot J.R.?

So as am still not a big fan of Dallas, I must say that Dallas is home to one of the most luxurious and unique thrift stores that I have EVER EVER EVER been in.  ARCHIVE is like a museum to all great designers.  These clothes are from the era when the Gucci family actually owned and operated Gucci and the Coco Chanel actually designed for Chanel.   

The LA Times says "Wading through this site is like perusing a museum exhibition on 20th century fashion... It's a thrill to navigate - each well-designed page looks as if it was ripped from a magazine."

So I asked the owner, how in the world do you obtain such pieces of history.  She then paints a picture which sounds like a scene straight out of the show Dallas.  Texas was once home to wealthy families who obtained their riches from "Texas Tea." She drew a picture of these wealthy socialites driving their Rolls Royce draped in diamonds, furs, and nothing less than the most luxurious  designers.  (I love to hear a glamorous story.)  These women have gotten older and many of the pieces that they once wore have been sitting in their closets for years maybe even decades.  This is where Archive comes in.  I believe Archive has be the only vintage boutique in the U.S. with these types of pieces.  I swear it's insanity.  

I am not going to lie, owning a piece of history is gonna cost you a pretty penny...LOL.  But would I love to own a piece...most definitely.  The high end designer pieces can range from $250 to $1500, but Archive does carry some lower end vintage.  I actually purchased a few pieces myself.  The jewelry alone is worth the trip.  

The UK's Guardian actually named Dallas one of the best places to shop for 1980s vintage.  

The website does the boutique no justice at all.  There are racks and racks of clothes to pick from...I promise.  If you are a true lover of the art of fashion you have to visit this boutique when you come to town.  It is a definite must see.  

ARCHIVE

2912 Maple Avenue

Dallas, TX 75201

214-999-8921

Come into my Bedroom

Alright get your mind out the gutter nasties...LOL.  I did a little redecorating in my room this past week, all by myself.  On Black Friday, my hunni & I bought a new mattress from Macy's.  It's a Tempur Pedic memory foam mattress and I must say it is wonderful.  Please note that it has to be broken in.   It was very stiff when it was delivered.  I have literally spent the whole weekend in bed luxuriating.  Now my spot, at least, is nice and cushy.  Anyways, I figured I'd share my handy work.  The decor included a new headboard, lamps, an accent color, & bedding.  

Room Decor Logistics

Accent Wall Paint - Vintage Gray

Wall Decal "Always Kiss Me Goodnight" - Etsy Seller EpicsDesignsDecor $9 

Duvet Cover- DwellStudio for Target  $80

Decorative Pillows - In Store at Ross at $6/each

Lamps - In Store at Home Goods $40/each

Covered Headboard - Thomas Paul Furniture Sample Sale on Hautelook $350

The decal is there just in case Brian needs a reminder...LOL.

I am not claiming to be any HGTV decorator, but I did take a couple of ideas from their website.  I personally like giving myself little projects so I can see the end result.  And I would like to point out that I did the painting & the decal adhesion myself. :))  

Shoes Clues

Once upon a time there was a girl loved her heels.  Four inch or five inch it didn't matter because in her mind it was always the taller the better.  She loved running through the Atlanta night life and being able to look over the crowd.  It was hard not to notice this 6'1 (in heels) girl at any party.  Then one day the evil "good knee thieves" came and took her good knee away.  Now she is left with flats and kitten heels and her impeccable & marvelous look is forever tarnished by the dastardly knee cap handicappers. So what does one do when you can't bear the pain of the highest of the heels.  

My rules for searching for a shoe I can actually spend more than 15 minutes in:


1.  Keep it under 3 - If there is no platform the heels I look for heels under 3 inches.
2.  Look for Platforms - Platforms decrease the incline of the shoe.  This can allow you wear a taller shoe.
3.  Walking Flat Footed - Flats are always comfortable, I just try to find the most stylish flat I can.
4.  Driving a Wedge - Wedges are a life saver, they aid in balance & comfort
5.  Opt for a Daring & Sexy Color - Can get the heel height you want, opt for a bold color.

My Top 10 Most Stylish & Comfortable Shoes

1.  Halston for Bakers - $65

At on $65 these shoes make are great for casual runs to the market, but they scream chic, expensive, & sophisticated.  

2.  Valentino Couture Lace Pump - $855 (Available at Neimans)

Probably the most seductive mid level heel I have ever seen.  At a heel height of 2.5 inches this is probably as sexy and comfy you can get.  Need a justification for such a hefty purchase.  You know I have always got a shoppers excuse card handy.  Us heel hindered girls, because of option restraints, don't buy as many shoes because of comfort.  So calculate all the shoes you probably would buy and you will have your Valentino pumps.  

3.  Enzo Angiolini 'Killy' Sandal - $134 available at Nordstrom

Get a head start on Spring with this glittery little number.   These scream chic but comfy party shoes that are guaranteed to highlight any Spring frock you plan on wearing.  Added bonus - the girls will be envious of your obvious style and comfort as you dance the night away.  

4.  Be So Bold Heel - ModCloth $34.99

The hot pink color is positively flirtatious with a heel height of 2.5 inches.  Add on as the unpredictable color in your ensemble.  

5.  Chinese Laundry Gisenna 3 - $50 available at Zappos

Fancy and feminine these flats are so romantic and whimsical.  

6.  Smoking by Stuart Weizman - $345

These patent leather cuties can easily be added on to any outfit.

7.  Navy Corsage T-Bar Pumps - Dorothy Perkins $55

8.  Cesena - Ninewest $150

Let's do some math.  The height is 5 inches with a 2 inch platform, so this shoe is the equivalent to a 3 inch heel.  This equals all the height and comfort you want. 

 9.  Ciao Bella Tabby Wide Calf Riding Boot - DSW $100

Opt out for this stylish, but comfortable riding boot.  

10.  Trouserl - Steve Madden $80

Oxfords are a classic shoe that can be added to most looks.  

Hello...Good Morning...Let's Go Let's Go

I have been up since 5 am.  I went to spin class then to the grocery store to get some some breakfast items.  Now I am blogging/cooking.  You might say that I am little crunk.  The burst of energy from exercise has got me going.  I thought I would share an outfit that conveys my upbeat mood day.  I hope you enjoy.  Have a great day!

 Outfit Logistics 

Cardi - Lane Bryant $50

Bow Blouse - Ladan's Closet $89

Wool Skirt - Talbots $130 (sold out)

Burgandy Tights - We Love Colors $15

Nude Flats - Nordstrom Rack $35 (similar)

Bag - ShoeDazzle $40

Belt - Michael Kors $37

Lipstick - MAC Girl About Town $15

Glasses - Michael Kors $179

Oh and really quick I want to use my blog as a place where others can sell their plus size clothing.  Some of you may noticed that I have a shop where I sell plus size clothing that did not work out for me, but could maybe work for someone else.  If interested, all the information you need is on the SHOP page.  

Washing that Gray out of my Hair

So they say youth is wasted on the young and it is, but on this wonderful Thanksgiving one thing I am definitely thankful for is being alive, healthy, and blessed.  And with being alive means getting older I guess that is just something I'll have to work with.  Turning 31 (gosh is looks like such an old number) I have had to adjust to a  few things:  1. Eyesight - no more 20/20 2. Gray hair - I have to figure out what kind how to wash this gray out of my hair 3.  The ability of my body not reacting to bad diet choices.  So with my glasses, hair dye, & running shoes in hand I am thankful.   Now on the fun stuff...

Outfit Logistics

Glasses - Diane von Furstenberg $179 (ValuVision)

Dress - JIBRI $110 

Tights - Avenue $6 

Wedges - Payless $26

Lipstick - Angel by MAC (gifted)

*All the prices reflect today's black Friday sale per the item's website

I probably don't say it often enough to my readers, but I love you & HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Black Friday - The Curvy Edition

SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE 

It's my favorite time of the year and yours.  I am excited to bring you my annual Black Friday sales list.  Please check back as new sales will be added as they come in.  

JIBRI 

Curve Appeal (North Atlanta) - Open Thanksgiving evening from 4-7pm for friends and family. Black Friday  50% off as well as an additional 30% off if they bring in a new Christmas 

toy.

Boutique Larrieux's  promotion is as follows: Friday-Monday with any purchase of $200 or more, you can pick your own promo either a free scarflace or 15% off.  Online codes are FSCARF for the scarf 15OFF for 15% off.

Lola & Gigi - 25% off selected fall/winter merchandise. 

City Chic

Ashley Stewart - 40% off of everything - No Exclusions.  They are great for tights, a great time to stock up!

My Shop - Even I am getting into the spirit of Black Friday - Everything is 30% off.   The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style (book) will also be on sale for $9.  Inbox me at chastity@garnerstyle.com to get the price adjustment. 


Asos - 30% off Winter Style Updates


K Staton Boutique (Baltimore, MD) -  50% off all Outerwear, 30% OFF Dress, 25% off bras & panties, & 20% off Denim plus take an additional 10% clearance items! Open from 10am to 8pm.

LaDan's Closet

If you would like to add your website's  information please email at chastity@garnerstyle.com with the details. Please be clear of the details if the details are not clear I will not post them on my site.  All sales submitted are subject to approval.  

It's a Wonderful Curvy Life - JIBRI 2011 HOLIDAY

JIBRI just put out the most amazing collection ever.  Besides wanting every piece from the collection, the JIBRI Holiday Collection has given us the most amazing fashion (plus or straight) EVER! (Sidenote: JIBRI is probably one of the reasons I can't lose weight.  With clothes like this who needs to drop a few pounds.  Apparently with this collection, I can have my cake and eat it too.)  OMG, can you say LUXURY.  The details are fabulous & the colors are vibrant.  I have actually ordered both jumpsuits.   I ordered the pink one for fun and the black one for a little black dress replacement.  Check out the designs here.  

 $280

$255 

$250 

$235

All I can say is that I am love with the collection.  This is probably my most favorite one from JIBRI so far.  Enjoy ladies.  

Bows & Knots

You have to forgive my after 5pm hair.  My hair isn't as neat at 5pm as it is at 9am...LOL.  Moving on, I picked up this super cute top from Ladan's Closet.  This top is super versatile, I can't wait to wear it in a million ways.   I also picked up these houndstooth tights from Ashley Stewart which are not only cute, but roomy too!  And yes I do go overboard on my personal dress code at work, but fashion is fun and I have after to 5 to lay around in sweatpants. 

 

Outfit Logistics

Top - Ladan's Closet $89

Skirt - Jibri $90

Houndstooth Tights - Ashley Stewart $10

Shoes - Lauren by Ralph Lauren $15 Navahs Closet

Belt - Talbots $15

Lipstick - MAC Red $15

Oh and I learned this little belt not from Cute & Little.  She even has a tutorial on her famous belt knots.   Check it out here.

What is that Velvet?

One of the best lines in the movie, "Coming to America," is "What is that Velvet?  And every time I see anything that is or looks like velvet that line either comes out of my mouth or runs through my head.   If you would like to partake in that hilarious line in the movie, please see the youtube video below. 

I through these flats were so fun.  They have a crisscross elastic band making them look "so ballerina."  They surprisingly came from Payless.  Oh and the velveteen jacket that I picked up from Talbots is sooooo nice.  It is so structured and the material feels great.  It really has a rich look. 

Outfit Logistics

Top - Vintage JIBRI  (a top that I got when I was modeling forever ago)

Jacket - Talbots $139

Skirt - JIBRI $110

Shoes - Payless $26

Belt - Ann Taylor $50

Oh Autumn, How I Love Thee

I can't believe that God actually let Fall visit Texas.  When you have lived in 100+ weather for 40+ days you begin to wonder that if it's even possible for it to get cold.  The high today was actually 70 degrees  and the low 42.  This is proof that small miracles happen everyday.

Outfit Logistics

Dress - Asos $48

Trench - Asos (Sold out) Similar $114

Leggings - Nordstrom Rack $30

Shoes - Nordstrom Rack $60

I thought I'd give you a close up on a pair of shoes that I got for my birthday.  They also have an adorable mini wedge on the bottom.  I picked these up at Nordstrom Rack in Park Lane Dallas.  It has an endless selection of size 10s, 10.5s, 11s, 12, & I even saw some 13s.  I love scanning the Nordstrom Rack shoes...I know there is going to be something there that I will like and that is in my size.