Blogger to WordPress

My dear followers,

After some intense thinking I have decided to experiment with WordPress. I hope you can join me in this search for the best home for my blog through Bloglovin' or Facebook.

To New Beginnings!

xoxo,

Teodora

What type of handbag is this?

I usually don't care if I call a purse by its correct name, they are all purses after all. But trying to be in the fashion circles lately, I feel obligated to learn the difference between a tote and a satchel, a hobo bag and a messenger, so on and so on. So here is how you can look bag-smart:

TOTE 

A "tote" is a shopping bag getting its name from the verb for "carry/haul". A tote can be a cloth bag used to do grocery shopping at Walmart or it can be a bag made by Burberry or Chanel. It is usually (and nothing is common in fashion) characterized by its large size and opening and square/rectangular shape.

Source: Atlantic-Pacific

HOBO 

The name source for this bag is interesting as well. It comes from its similarity to the piece of cloth hanging from a stick carried by hobos back in a day. As these shoulder bags are made of soft materials, they lack structure and tend to slouch.

Source: Net-A-Porter

SATCHEL 

Satchel bag - it comes from the french word for a small bag but I have seen satchels of all sizes. It usually has a wide flat bottom and two handles. Its variations include the Doctor's bag and the Bowling bag.

SLING BAG

The Sling Bag has a long strap allowing it to rest on the lower back. It includes variations such as the saddle bag, the messenger bag, and the bucket bag.

Source : Mulberry

Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag

Source: Tory Burch

 

 

CUTE LITTLE BAGS

Minaudiere is a small evening bag adorned in pieces of jewels, beads or metals.

Lanvin Minaudiere Satin Shell Clutch

Holly Fulton ‘Africa’ Clutch Bag

Michael Kors

Source: ASOS

Baguette - relatively long small purse

FENDI

Marc Jacobs

Looking Back

Happy Thursday (or Friday) lovely ladies,

Here is a look back on some of my more focal pieces paired in three or more ways. I purchased this pair of jeans for a cameo in a hip-hop video (Rock N Rolla) but only my profile made it for less than 5 seconds (the second look below). I have tried to make the distressed jeans look more girlie and soft by pairing with open toe shoes and round toe pumps. From looking at the versions below, I like the third version the most, as the flowy top creates more balance with the tight fit jeans. Going back and putting these pics together helps me realize what I  could have done better. The next version I would try is with more relaxed, classic, and basic top and a scarf. And the next pair of distressed jeans will be with more relaxed fit and less rip.

I have always thought that pairing a leopard print skirt will be a challenging task but I get to realize that almost everything goes with animal print - leather jacket, stripes, denim (shirt),polka dots,  or a simple relaxed-fit tee. Again, next time I will try to create more balance for top and bottom, possibly with a denim shirt.

I got a little bit a obsessed with the school girl look but I have wanted to do it for years. I decided that if I don't do it before 35, I would not do it at all :) Similar to the leopard skirt, you can pair those boots and socks with pretty much anything. I personally would avoid pairing with tight-fitting skirts. Although I like the look with over the knee socks, I would not venture to do it either. 

Which is your favorite version of all three looks?

How to Shop Consignment Like a Pro

Hello sweeties,

Happy Wednesday! Consignment shopping was something I was introduced to when I came to the US. It was not until recently, though, that I got really excited about consignment. Growing up in Bulgaria, I had never been to a consignment shop and probably the reason was that clothing was already very cheap. I moved to the US in 1997 and things have changed since then as brand and more trendy expensive clothing found its way to this small Eastern European country.

Here are some tips I use when I go consignment shopping:

1) Know the value of items. For example, I am not very familiar with the retail price of items such as Gucci Jeans or Loui Vuitton handbags. I know they are pricey but I don't have the slightest idea if they are charging me the fair amount at the consignment store. If you are buying items like that, doing research in advance will be the right thing to do. On the other hand, I am very familiar with brands like Banana Republic, Guess, Talbots, etc. so I know when I see a good deal. In addition, sometimes you may get lucky and spot a higher-end item priced as a regular item and hit the jackpot! That is how I snagged my Oscar de la Renta skirt shown here. Usually, when I get something at the consignment store, the first thing I do is to get on my computer at home to see its retail value. Most often than not, I feel like I have gotten a deal.

2) Always try the items on that you want to buy regardless of how cheap they are. Even when you are familiar with the brand and have tried numerous items with that label, I recommend trying everything on. Alterations made by the previous owner and numerous washes may have changed the size and fit.

3) Don't be afraid to bargain. The last time I did bargaining was in Turkey, at the Grand Bazaar. And I miss it - it gave me a sense of excitement and accomplishment. The type of bargaining that you do at the consignment store is by no means as aggressive. If you see the slightest deformity or tear but you think you can pull it off anyways, don't be afraid to ask for a discount. Even if you don't like to bargain, make sure you inspect the item thoroughly as the chances that something is not right are greater than in a regular store.

4) Visit the store often and if you like something (not too expensive) don't hesitate to buy it. Compared to other stores, consignment stores get new items every day. Early in the week is a good time for consignment shopping as a lot of people reorganize their closets on the weekend and bring the items to the consignment store.

5) Don't judge a book by its cover. I used to check the consignment stores websites before I visited the stores for the first time. I realized, though, that a lot of the items in the store are not on the website. I can imagine it is very time-consuming to keep up with all that inventory.

6) Be patient. Since the consignment store carries your favorite brands and hundreds of others, it can sometimes take longer to find what you like. Very often I go to the consignment shop to find an item that completes my outfit, i.e. a blue skinny belt, or a mustard cardigan, or a black clutch, etc. That way, when I get to the store, I can go straight to the belts section or to the yellow/mustard color tops section.

7) Always wash or dry clean your items after purchase. Although every time I visit a consignment store I get hit by an overpowering smell of cleanliness, I still feel more comfortable when I clean my items after purchase. It will give you peace of mind and it will make you feel like you have purchased something new.

I hope you have as much fun consignment shopping as I do. Please share any tips or experiences that you may have.

xoxo,

Teodora

Dress - Snap (consignment)

Cardigan - White House Black Market

Belt - Target

Purse - Ann Taylor (consignment)

Jewelry- Coach, Banana Republic

Giveaway Winner!

Hello my dear ladies,

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's day. It is time for me to announce the winner of my first little giveaway and that is.........the beautiful Rory with Wear Abouts.   I can't wait to see how she would style each and every piece. Please make sure to check her blog out!!! I had a truly great experience doing the giveway and my only wish is that I had something for each and everyone of you!

xoxo,

Teodora

Jacket - Silvian Heach

Dress - Rachel Pally (consignment)

Purse - Michael Cors

Scarf - Adrienne Landau

Shoes - Gianni Bini

Belt - Target

  

 

 

 

Why I am truly blessed........to be called Mrs. Weber -a tale of 1001 pictures!

Red Hot Leather Jacket

Hello my dears,

I have again failed on my commitment to post every day this week. But I have kept to my work out schedule so I have achieved some balance:) Today I want to share with you one of my passions: leather jackets. There is something about leather jackets that makes my knees wobbly and my heart rate higher. They are simply sexy. This leather jacket is made of patent red leather and it was stiffer when I bought it. It looks better with wear and it gets softer and softer with natural whiskers at the sleeves. It is not as shiny and glossy as in the beginning and the red color looks deeper and richer. The shine is achieved by treating the leather with Varnish, oils and synthetic resins. A lot of people confuse them with faux leather jackets. Faux leather jackets are fine if you want to be with the trend but if you want something that will last for a long time and get better with age, go for genuine leather.

What is that single item you are really passionate about?

I hope you had the chance to enter my GIVEAWAY. If not, you can find more information at the end of the post. Good Luck and till then, style it up!

Jeans - Ten 25

Turtleneck sweater - Guess

Pencil Heel Shoes - ALDO

Red Patent Leather Jacket - Style by Teodora

Leather bag - Coach

 

 

DON'T FORGET TO PARTICIPATE IN MY GIVEAWAY

SPRING ACCENT

Hello everyone!

You know how sometimes you have a glass of wine and you get unstoppable inspiration and flow of ideas. And other time, you have the same wine, in the same glass and in the same quantity, and all you get is a blank stare into the computer screen for 30 minutes. That is the way I feel tonight so I will keep it short and sweet. I can't help it.

With this outfit I feel like I am half way into the spring. While the boots keep it chilly, the shirt screams spring. I have wanted the same shirt for a while in white and black version but I find this one works perfectly. What do you think is the color? I can't put myfinger on it.

I hope you had the chance to enter my GIVEAWAY. If not, you can find more information at the end of the post. Good Luck and till then, style it up!

xoxo, Teodora

Skinny Jeans - Guess

Shirt - Marshalls

Leather Boots - ZARA

Eyeglasses - Gucci

DON'T FORGET TO PARTICIPATE IN MY GIVEAWAY