Parisian Chic in Texas

I started this blog with the objective to explore what exactly it is that I call fashion and/or style.  I do believe that there is a huge difference between the two and my hope is that I can one day navigate between the two without effort.   One of my goals is to find chic clothes to wear primarily to work.  It will be an added bonus if I can ever wear them out of work!

That said, I really hope to showcase looks that I find stylish and not too difficult to put together.  This weekend I had brunch with a close friend of mine, Morgan.  I am always amazed at how stylish and effortless she looks.  I did end up attacking her with my camera at the Farmer’s Market.  Get ready for photo overload!

She is Wearing:

Sweater w/ floral detail:  Old Navy

Striped Tank: Old Navy

Red Tank: Mossimo for Target

Skirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Predictions for Payless

Purse: H&M

Necklace: Forever 21

Red and Black beaded bracelets: unknown shop in Chinatown, San Francisco

Earrings: Target

Watch: Bella's House (boutique), Rockwall 

We usually end up talking for a while before choosing a place for brunch on weekend mornings. I was telling her about some of the bloggers that I was reading that participated in the MNG by Mango for JCPenny challenges and how I wish I knew how to put together outfits inspired by London, Milan or Paris.  I was thrilled to get to breakfast and see her Parisian Chic outfit!  That she threw together with an hour’s notice!

Yes, she owns a necklace that not only has LOVE written in French…it has an Eiffel Tower! Seriously! The only drawback is that I now had to type that her amazing necklace is by Forever 21.  

Most of you don’t know that Mr. Fantastic and I keep a running list of banned businesses and Forever 21 is on our Banned List.  Why? I could pretend to be noble and tell you that I was horrified by the discoveries of sweatshops and child labor, but the truth is that I simply can’t stand knock-offs and F21 knocked off the red Christian Louboutin sole about two years ago.  I don’t mind “inspired” styles, but straight up knock-offs really disappoint me.  Imagine my dismay when I was done writing this post and had to admit that this rocking necklace is from a Banned Business.

I am very jealous that Morgan gets the very first H&M tag on my blog because H&M is one of my all-time favorite stores.  But, since I still haven’t managed to get to the H&M store in Dallas, I will have to deal with it.  How amazing is this red handbag? I don’t even own a red handbag and this one rocks.  This makes me want to shop.  BTW, did you hear that Gilt Groupe is now a part of Ebates?  Sign up for both and get great designer duds on sale, PLUS cashback everytime you shop! 

Best thing about this rocking brunch outfit? I can totally see this outfit in the office on those days where you want to be comfortable, but put together.