Fashion Me Fabulous

You may have noticed a lull in content on FMF. A lot of that has to do with the state of fashion right now. We're not big fans of what's in stores at the moment, which is making both shopping and blogging a bit of a challenge. Recently, I made a surprising fashion discover, or rediscovery. I haven't shopped at Hot Topic since high school, but they sell cool fandom stuff now. I went in for Pokemon, and came out with a few new dresses. Surprisingly, Hot Topic has a wide variety of cut dresses that look quite different from the same dresses I'm seeing everywhere else. They have the typical, edgy fair you'd expect from Hot Topic, but not all of it is fit only for teens. This Black Moto dress ($40) and Aquamarine skull dress ($20) have a fun edge but have simple enough designs to still be versatile. Most surprisingly, Hot Topic has plenty of retro, adorable clothing like these two looks. The Red and Black Polka Dot Romper ($32) and the Navy Sailor Dress ($79, pl...

One of our readers brought up an excellent point regarding large wardrobes. Often people who have so much complain like we have so little. Even taking into account cultural and social differences, it's difficult to pinpoint what is that line between enough and excess. becca and I, both Christians and seven year veterans of fashion blogging, are frequently asked questions about consumerism and how it affects our both our purchases and our lives. So today we're taking a break from our lighthearted content to deal with very real questions about shopping. Do you have too much? This is a relative question. We've never done a post about a "20 piece closet" or "the 10 essentials every wardrobe needs," because that varies from person to person. Almost every list I've seen says you need a pair of khaki pants, but the fact is you can get along just fine without khaki pants. These lists also lean toward a classic/preppy style, which doesn't work f...

I am at war with stores right now. Every store I've tried has been a horrible mess of clothes that are either hideous or made of the worst materials ever. Or both. Often both. Everything in the misses department looked like it was purchased at a beach tourist shop targeting out of touch, much older women,. The juniors department was so garish I got so frustrated I sent Jael the following text: "I'm out shopping, but everything looks like it's inspired by the worst dressed list at Coachella." I was ready to give up and keep wearing the clothes I have even if they have holes, but I was shopping with my mom and she really really really wanted me to try this store she went to with my cousin, Maurices. The store is actually new-ish to the Metro-Detroit area, but I remember we had one near the college I attended. I didn't remember it being anything special. When I walked it, I didn't really spot anything right away so I was ready to give up. That's whe...

Red Heels I'm looking for something a little less stilletto sexpot than my last pair of red heels. Chelsea Crew is where it's at.  These low heels work for work or play. Should I get the "Marlo" or the breezier "Zoe" ? Yellow Skirt As I said on our Facebook page, I need more cheery yellow in my summer wardrobe. I'd love a yellow skirt that's not body con or skater. These are all from ASOS. pleated midi skirt $67 linen skirt $53 (I have this in pink!) pleated mini skirt $48 Cream Eye Shadows In the last couple years, I've developed some eye allergies which has made it difficult to wear eye makeup. I read that cream eye shadows are better for people with eye allergies, so I want to give Maybelline's Color Tattoo a try. Colorful Cuff Bracelet Jezebel Charms has an amazing selection of literary cuff bracelets. Despite the fact that I'm a major bibliophile, it's their colorful cuffs using reproductions of vintage...

Talking Snow Queens last week, I realized that I don't have much in the way of a Snow Queen wardrobe. One white sweater and two mint tops that are decidedly summery is about it. I'm not big into pastels. I may ramp up my icy hues for next winter though. Several of the items listed below are now on sale. Others are a little more springy, but with three feet of snow outside of my house, I will be a snow queen well into April. Top: snowflake lace top, Mod Cloth $65 lasercut lace dress, Plenty by Tracy Reese at Anthropologie $188 silver wrap bow skirt, Ruche $35 blue delft print sweater, Mod Cloth $45 Bottom: embroidered organza skirt, Ruche $53 white fluffy sweater, ASOS $38 (sale) mint lace striped sweater, Mod Cloth $45 snowflake crochet sweater, Anthropologie $118 Top: long sleeved crochet top, Ruche $39 ombre sweater, Dorothy Perkins $45 lace front sweater, J. C. Penney $29 Bottom: ice blue ruffle dress, Mod Cloth $93 faux mongolian fur vest, Nordstrom...

People always ask me where I buy my clothes and shoes. Since many of the styles I like are available from online boutiques or indie Etsy shops, I do a lot of online shopping. When I tell them this, they stare at me as if I've said I fly to Greece every weekend. "That's so brave. I could never shop online." First of all, you need to reassess your definition of "brave." Second, follow these tips and you'll be fine. Measurements, not size. I wear a size 2...or an 8. The measurements are the only  numbers that matter. If a website doesn't have measurements posted, some will provide them if you contact customer service. If a website only provides clothing sizes, I am unlikely to buy. Cut matters. My hips tend to trip me up the most when buying clothes; pants and shorts aren't high on my list of things to purchase online. But I know that as long as the waist and length work, I can buy any full skirt. Likewise, I know how different toe shapes wi...

I was going to call this post The Fantastic Fashion Fox or maybe F - O - X or even " I Am the Mother Effing Fox ," but then this video happened: Anyway, foxes (foxen?) appear to be a bit of a trend at the moment. I keep seeing the silent sneaks on all sorts of sundries. They're cute, sly and now they have a soundtrack. Fox Sweaters Pictured: Kissing Fox Sweater, Ann Taylor, $79 ; Fox Crewneck Sweater, Nordstrom, $54 ; Hipster Fox, Old Navy, $33 Fox Tops Pictured: Love is Sly Tee, Modcloth, $28 ; Fox-Print Top, Dillard's, $20 ; Fox Tee w/ Leaves, Modcloth, $30 Fox Jewelry Pictured: Fox Necklace/Earrings Set, Delia's, $9 ; Fox Mask Necklace, Shoptique, $91 ; Fox Ring, Forever 21, $5 ; Origami Fox Necklace, Max & Chloe, $70 Fox Socks (This is fun to say. There is a poem that takes advantage of it. ) Pictured: Knee High Fox Front Socks, Topshop, $12 ; Oatmeal Fox Print Socks, Dorothy Perkings, $4 ; Fox Crew Sock Set, Urban Outfitters, $12...

Jael Paris has been posting lovely spring dresses, and the sun is starting to shine like it might actually want make things warm. It's all very promising. Sadly, my office is absolutely freezing. I've been assured it will remain freezing. I want to wear all the pretty spring things, but I still need to layer. These pretty spring cardigans seem like just the solution.  Pictured: White trim cardigan, Banana Republic, $49.99 Floral panel cardigan, Anthropologie, $49.95 Crochet shrug, Asos, $34.91 Picutred: Mint cotton cardigan, J. Crew Factory, $39.50 Orange open stitch cardigan, Kohl's, $43.50 Floral print cardigan, Target, $32.99 Colorblock cardigan, Target, $32.99 (on clearance in stores)

I recently read a post on a blog called Hollow Tree Ventures (I'm not sure how I got there. That's the joy of the internet) in which the blogger details her ten dumbest purchases. It instantly brought to mind my own buying failures. I'm sure I can exceed ten if I went into specifics, but I'd rather not embarrass myself that much. 10. Anything that just barely fit but I figured I could lose weight for Seriously, this is a terrible idea. Unless you currently employ a personal trainer and are regularly losing, don't do it. Even if you are losing, you don't know how your shape might shift as you do so. Really, a terrible idea. 9. Anything I intend to "fix" once I learn to use (read: turn on) my sewing machine Yeah. 8. Really cute, cheap shoes that kill my feet I learned my lesson. What's the point of shoes I can't wear unless I want to be in pain? 7. Pricey, poorly made costume jewelry I love costume jewelry, but I'm not shelling...

I did Valentine dresses for many styles on Tuesday. If you aren't all about a full on Valentine's Day dress, here are some loveable options that will work for February 14th as well as the rest of the year. Wear Your Heart by fashionbeccafabulous featuring sugarhill boutique Pictured: Lock sweater, Modcloth, $31.99 Sunglasses, Kohl's, $14.99 2-pack socks, Target, $5 Reversible sweater, jcpenny, $25 Belt set, jcpenny, $15 Flats, jcpenny, $24 Tights, jcpenny, $10  Elbow patch sweater, Modcloth, $42.99

2013 will be the year of the cat eye. Eye makeup trends come and go (For the record, this year's trend is blue anything.), but as I'm bespectacled, I don't invest much in them. When I do my eyes, I like to rock the wonderfully retro winged cat eye. Unfortunately, I've never really rocked it. I've wiggled it and smudged it and given up on it. I try it, get frustrated, and erase my not at all chic attempts at wings. But this year, I will conquer this makeup staple. 2013 will also be my year of pants. The 2000s were a decade of dresses, which was very nice for me. Now we're into year two of colorful pants (and year forever of skinny jeans). It's not that I don't like pants, it's that pants aren't made for my curvy petite body. However, this year I will hunt down a pair that understands the complex needs of my thighs and waist and I will buy a pair in every color. What's your New Year's fashion resolution?

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge print nightgown ( $58, Anthropologie ).   On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two spiked dove rings ( $29, Rachel Roy ) and a partridge print nightgown. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three french hen sweaters ( $59, J. Crew ), two spiked dove rings and a partridge print nightgown. On the forth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four calling bird phone cases ( $35.99, Zappos ), three french hen sweaters, two spiked dove rings and a partridge print nightgown.  On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five stacked gold rings ( $28, Miss KL ). . . four calling bird phone cases, three french hen sweaters, two spiked dove rings and a partridge print nightgown.  On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six goose egg lockets ( $21.99, ASOS ), five stacked gold rings. . . four calling bird phone cases, t...

Anyone who has read Fashion Me Fabulous for a while knows that we are nerds. As a nerd and blogger, I love gadgets. As a fashion blogger, I love, well, fashion. These gifts are perfect for the fashionable gadgets lovers in your life as they combine those two things. 1. USB Pyramid Bracelet, Juicy Couture, $34.99 As seen in image 1a, this looks like an ordinary and rather cool cuff bracelet. As seen in image 1b, this is actually a fashionable housing unit for a 4G USB drive. Form and function. Also, this USB drive will be much harder to lose than the one that used to be on my key chain. 2. Tech Touch Gloves, Target, $3 The link actually takes you to the online three pair set costing $9.99, but the store is selling them for $3 a pair which is a better deal and allows you to choose different colors. The finger and thumb of these gloves have conductive thread so you can use your phone, tablet and all the public touch screens like the ones on the ATM and self-checkout grocery lanes. ...

I love Halloween. Sure, the candy is yummy, and the costumes are fun. But those aren't the real reasons I love this holiday. I love that retail gets creepy. I have a thing for pairing skulls and skeletons with my girly dresses and Mary Jane heels. Last year, I bought a skull shirt with a skull design made from butterflies and salad servers that look like two long skeleton arms. I wear and use these things year round. So take advantage of the macabre fare (and the costume make-up, eyelashes and accessories that go on clearance tomorrow) available now and stock up for the year to come. I Have a Bone to Pick With You. by fashionbeccafabulous featuring sheer tops Pictured: Skeleton Print Dress, Modcloth, $69.99 Skull Collar Shirt, Modcloth, $44.99 Skull Print Skirt, Topshop, $40 Ribcage Tee, Urban Outfitters, $28 Skeleton Leggings, Topshop, $50 Skull Cardigan, Modcloth, $49.99 I Have A Bone To Pick With Your Accessories by fashionbeccafabulous featuring grey...

Now that it's layering season, I've been having all sorts of fun getting dressed. Here are the items I've been reaching for again and again. I own three orange blouses from posh to casual. Find your perfect orange (mine is rust), because it really makes your skin glow. basket weave tee, Anthropologie $48 / print top, New York & Co. $27.96 (sale) A purple scarf pops against falls other colors, especially orange blouses.   skull scarf, ASOS $43 / chain print scarf, Nordstrom $56 With scarves, jackets, thick tights and heavy boots, I lighten things up with a strikingly feminine skirt in a neutral color. layered pleat skirt, Urban Outfitters $99 (sale) / rose fringe mini skirt, Nordstrom $78 Knee socks are perfect for transition weather. Pull them up when it's cold. Push them down when it's warm. For extra warmth, layer them over tights. grey, Mod Cloth $17.99 / crochet socks, Sock Dreams $11 Mustard shoes are fall. The end. ...

Whether you are going back to school, back to college or just ready to get back to fall weather, it's coming soon. While I love my flouncy skirts for summer, I love my jeans and jackets in the fall (OK, I also love my flouncy skirts with tights, but this is a jeans post). I'm curvy, which means finding jeans a little more difficult. These are my three top go-to places for curvy girl jeans. I have owned each of these and would consider buying or have bought them again*. Top 3 Curvy Fit Jeans by fashionbeccafabulous featuring boot cut jeans 1. 1969 Curvy Jeans, Gap, $69.95 These are by far the best fitting jeans I've ever owned. This is how jeans should fit (if you're curvy). I never have to pull them up or adjust them or worry about gapping. I was carefree in these wonderful jeans. My main complaint is that they only held up for a few months. That would be find if they didn't cost $70 and rarely go on sale. (But they have some of last season's wash...

If I could go on vacation right now, I'd be a happy little bee. Unfortunately, I don't have any time off until October. Nooooo!! Maybe if I pack for an imaginary vacation I'll feel better. This would be my dream summer suitcase, and I'm pretty sure that I could get at least seven outfits from this without repeating. Top everything off with retro sunglasses and a black straw bag for the perfect look where ever you're getting away. Vacation Packing by fashionmefabulous dress Target $32 beaded top Old Navy $29 print blouse ASOS $46 high rise shorts Forever 21 $17 green skirt Mod Cloth $40   wedge heels INC International Concepts at Macy's $59 sale cotton scarf Mango $7.72

The full flouncy skirt is my summer favorite. It's breezy, light, cute, girly and perfect for everything from a picnic to a day at the office depending on how you style it. In fact, these skirts have so many style options, I've included a few below. What is your favorite way to wear flounce? Four Fun Fresh Flouncy Skirts Under $30 by fashionbeccafabulous featuring a jacquard skirt Pictured: Drawstring Skirt, Target, $22.99 Colorblock Skirt, Target, $19.99 Navy Eyelet Skirt, Target, $29.99 Print Pocket Skirt, Target, $17.99 Wear Two Ways: Drawstring Skirt by fashionbeccafabulous featuring t shirts Wear Two Ways: Colorblock Yellow by fashionbeccafabulous featuring leather handbags Wear Two Ways: Navy Eyelet Skirt by fashionbeccafabulous featuring t shirts Wear Two Ways: Print Skirt by fashionbeccafabulous featuring a polyester shirt