FashionSnag

Alice + Olivia Leather Leggings

Alice + Olivia Metallic Leather Leggings in Black - Snagged off Shop.AliceandOlivia.com for $268.65 (Retail: $597)

Rock & Republic Isla Pyramid Boots in Black - Snagged off RueLaLa.com for $149 (Retail:$498)

Nation LTD Karen Burnout Tee in White - Snagged at Boogie's in Aspen, Colorado for $87 Retail

Dolce Vita Baby Alpaca Cropped Sweater in Navy - Snagged off Gilt.com for $69 (Retail: $170)

Deep in Vogue Fur Lined Reversible Hoodie in Black - Snagged off Etsy.com (Gruhche) for $120 Retail and worn before here with Sass & Bide black rats leggings and Giuseppe Zanotti electric blue ankle boots

I usually have nothing but love for most designers and brands I wear and talk about on Fashion Snag, but I have to say that I was very disappointed in these metallic leather leggings by Alice + Olivia.  I purchased them last spring on sale directly from their online shop and I wore them for the first time while taking these photos.  When I was in the car and we were driving around I noticed after we took these photos that the leather was literally disintegrating or falling apart on the pants.  There were no ripped seams or threads, it was just falling apart.  They are made of very thin leather with a canvas-like backing.  You can see the weakened fibers and it is really shocking.  I had no problem putting these pants on or anything, but this will be the last time I buy leather pants from Alice + Olivia.  I contacted them directly, but I have yet to hear back from them.  I feel it is fair on my blog to tell you the truth about the quality of all the items I model and this is no exception.

The rest of my outfit consisted of a favorite layering technique I have been into lately, probably a kickback from my high school days.  I layered this totally adorable Dolce Vita baby alpaca cropped sweater complete with elbow cutouts over a Nation LTD burnout tee.  Take notice that the elbow holes on the sweater are built for someone with normal length arms.  My arms are freakishly long and the holes did not sit on the elbows for that reason.  Regardless, I love this sweater and I purposely picked it for the black metallic leather leggings because I like to mix navy blue and black.  Anyone else into mixing those two colors?  I am announcing here that I want to resurrect the burnout tee.  I am sure many of you remember Nicole Richie and numerous other celebrities wearing this Nation LTD karen burnout tee to death back in the day.  I thought what better way to make a comeback then underneath a cropped sweater.  It keeps the burnout under control, but still allows me to use something older from my closet.  By the way, this tee is very soft and I may have slept in it a few times.

For shoes I chose these Rock & Republic isla pyramid studded lace up boots that I snagged off RueLaLa.  I have to admit that I was looking for these boots for a long time and was very happy to see them pop up on a sample sale website.  These boots have been seen on Emma Watson and Chanel Iman.  Believe it or not, Rock & Republic used to make their shoes in Italy and these particular boots are made in Italy.  I like the little patch of studs on the front of these ankle boots.
However, a year ago I bought a pair of shoes from one of their recent lines and was suprised to see that they are now making their shoes in China.  Those shoes were really cute nonetheless. 

I bought this coat from Vera last year and it is reversible faux fur.  I wore it both ways to show you how versatile it is.  If you need to keep warm, this coat will definitely keep you toasty.  Which way do you like it best?  Furry on the outside or the inside?  As always, if you want to buy something from Etsy you should look up Vera and check out her blog Deep in Vogue on my lovely links page.  She is always coming up with new creations and the quality and sewing on her pieces is incredible.

UPDATE:  Today Alice + Olivia contacted me and they are sending out a replacement pair of leggings.

xoxo

Jacqueline

 

Alaia Braided Suede Ankle Boots

 

 

Alaia Braided Suede Ankle Boots in Black - Christmas Gift from Boyfriend

Rag & Bone Suede Elger Leggings in Burgundy - Snagged off ForwardForward.com for $192 (Retail: $1250)

Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Fitted Stretch Shirt in White - Gift from Boyfriend

Vanessa Bruno Cropped Sweater in Gris Chine - Worn before here with Anna Sui skirt and Fendi cutout mary jane pumps

The Limited Leather Button Down Jacket in Black - Snagged at The Limited for $99 (Retail: $350)

Deep in Vogue Faux Fox Fur Shawl - Snagged off Etsy.com for $30 Retail and similar shawl worn here with Wolford bondage tights and Prada platform pumps

So you won't believe the story behind these Rag & Bone burgundy suede leggings that I snagged off Forward Forward.  I was home on a Friday night as usual and I saw some new arrivals e-mail pop up in my inbox.  Off I went to check out the new goodies.  My eyes went straight to these beautiful Rag & Bone elger leggings in burgundy suede.  When I looked at the price, $240, I could not believe my eyes.  It seemed way too cheap for suede leggings from Rag & Bone.  I checked out as fast as I could and even used a 20% off code I found which made the total come to $192.  As soon as I was done checking out I noticed that the leggings had completely sold out.  Later I looked around the Internet and found that these leggings by Rag & Bone actually retail for $1250.  Somehow someone at Forward Forward input the price wrong.  I suspect they forgot the '1' at the beginning of the price.  Thus, the leggings were marked for an extremely low price.  Needless to say, I will not be sending these back and I have to say that these were the snag of the year for 2010!

In this outfit I was going for more of a preppy look and incorporating some layering for the lower temps here in Colorado.  I first layered this Brooks Brothers shirt that my boyfriend bought for me underneath this Vanessa Bruno gray sweater.  I think Brooks Brothers makes some fabulous fitted shirts for women.  Plus, these shirts never wrinkle so no ironing or steaming.  What could be better?  I then layered this leather button down collar jacket from The Limited on top.  There is a great story behind this little leather jacket.  I bought it from The Limited probably 9 years ago after work one night in Fargo, North Dakota.  It was on sale for a very cheap price.  Well, all this time it still had the tags on it and I finally took them off and looked at the tag inside the jacket.  To my surprise it says 'Made in Italy.'  I was so happy that it said that, but I never knew that at one time The Limited actually made leather jackets in Italy.  I am definitely keeping this jacket around and wearing it a lot more.  Does anyone know if they still make things in Italy at The Limited?

To top it all off I paired this burnt orangey looking faux fox fur scarf that I bought for a bargain price from Vera of Deep in Vogue with the Rag & Bone burgundy leggings.  There is something pleasing to the eye about burnt orange and burgundy together, at least in my eyes.  I love Vera's Etsy shop and I would buy this faux fur scarf in more colors.  It goes with everything!  Last but not least, my lovely boyfriend bought me these Alaia braided suede ankle boots for Christmas.  The photos on Net-a-Porter did not do these shoes justice.  The detailing in the braided suede and the fit is second to none.  I love all Alaia shoes I think, but not the prices.

Watch my video for more outfit details or just to see me making goofy arm and head movements.

xoxo

Jacqueline

 

 

Wolford Bondage Tights

Wolford Bondage Tights in Sahara/Black - Gift from Boyfriend

Rock & Republic Caitlin Turtleneck Sweater Dress in Black - Snagged off HauteLook.com for $98 (Retail: $400)

Deep in Vogue Faux Fur Shawl in Cream - Gift from Vera and Worn before here with Fendi wedges and Kova & T lace dress

Prada Platform Patent Pumps in Black - Worn before here with Alice + Olivia denim and leather leggings and a Rock & Republic blazer

What a difference a pair of tights can make!  These tights have been seen on Cheryl Cole.  My boyfriend bought these for me as a gift for Christmas and I think they are fantastic.  They really spice up a little black sweater dress.  Wolford is great for quality tights.  I didn't know if I would like them when I first saw the name of them, bondage, but they are great for the winter.  Next time I am trying them out with shorts.  They have a nude part near the top half of the thighs that this dress covers up.

Vera gave me this shawl last year as a special present with one of my orders.  She makes some beautiful pieces and I included a link to her Etsy shop.  If you want some faux fur in your life this winter she designs these shawls and the price isn't bad for the beautiful craftsmanship.  Black patent pumps by Prada seemed to be the proper shoe to top off this outfit.  I never thought I would find a perfect pair of black pumps until I saw these.

Also, my giveaway for a Society for Rational dress leather skirt in brown is still open so please enter here!  I am keeping the giveaway open until the end of the year. 

xoxo

Jacqueline

 

Miu Miu Leopard-Print Platform Booties

Miu Miu Leopard-Print Platform Booties - Snagged off BergdorfGoodman.com for $990 Retail

Elizabeth and James Button Back Skirt - Snagged off Shopbop.com for $276.50 (Retail: $395) and worn before here with Topshop wisteria wedges

Deep in Vogue (Vera) Tulle Vest - Snagged off www.etsy.com/shop/gruhche for $100

This reminds me of the perfect 90s outfit I never got to wear.  The long skirt and the black vest together are giving me a Rick Owens vibe.  Vera of Deep in Vogue designed this beautiful leather and tulle vest and I was lucky enough to snag it.  Next time I will wear it open, but I really like how it looks closed.  I opted for a long silky black skirt that I had worn before a long time ago on the blog.  The Miu Miu leopard print ankle boots were the only color and print I felt like putting with this outfit. 

xoxo

Jacqueline

Valentino Fairy Tale Sandals

Valentino Fairy Tale Floral Organza Sandals - Gift from Boyfriend (Valentino store in Boston)

Deep in Vogue Vera Nude Tulle Skirt - Gruhche on Etsy (favorite seller)

Tucker Silk Draped Camisole in White - Snagged off Gilt.com

J Crew Skinny Belt in Gold - Gift from Boyfriend at J Crew in Aspen, Colorado

Free People Cropped Lace Tube in Champagne - Snagged off FreePeople.com

R.J. Graziano Bow and Flower Pendant in Gold - Gift from Boyfriend

My boyfriend was away on business for a week and brought me back these lovely Valentino Fairy Tale Sandals.  He was walking by the Valentino store and saw these shoes in the window.  They are so delicate and the flowers are made of leather and very detailed.  He is always looking out for me when he goes to other cities and bringing me back beautiful designer goodies.  I bought this pretty tulle body con skirt from Vera in many different colors including this nude color, which is right on trend for spring.  I tucked this white silk cami by Tucker (pardon my play on words) into it and added a gold belt, which I think made it look like a one piece outfit or dress.  I added this gorgeous bow and flower necklace to play off the gold of the belt.

Biking is one of my favorite activities so for this shoot we pulled out my townie bike and if you look closely you can see that my toenail polish matches the bike color.  I have a mountain bike as well, but it isn't quite as cute as this starry townie bike.  I wish I had a basket and a bell on my mountain bike!  As you know, I am big into star jewelry so it was only fitting that my townie bike have stars as well. 

xoxo

Jacqueline

Faux Fur Fantasy

Kova & T Black Lace Renata Keyhole Back Dress - Snagged off Giltfuse.com

Deep in Vogue Vera (Gruhche on Etsy) Cream Faux Fur Scarf - Gift from Vera

Danskin Black Opaque Tights - Snagged off Danskin.com

Fendi Black Suede Wedge Shoe Boots - Snagged off theOutnet.com

Hermes Gold and Black Wide 'H' Hinge Bracelet - Gift from Boyfriend

What can I say?  I am loving lace more than ever so I decided to break out one of my favorite (and my boyfriend's favorite) body-con dresses on a snowy day. I love the back details on this dress and the three buttons on the back of the neck.  The sunshine hasn't shown its face for a few days and Colorado has finally decided to kick this whole winter season into high gear, much to my dismay.  I haven't let the weather dampen my spirits though.  I dressed up in some suede wedges I know would never make it through the snow without being permanently disfigured.  I love the shiny wedge detail and the mesh inset upper.  Can you tell I read the clothing descriptions on Shopbop a little too often?  These things are going to be cute once the snow goes bye bye. 

I buy absolutely everything Vera makes because the quality and design is always perfect and in one of my recent Deep in Vogue packages she threw in this cream colored faux fur scarf, which is so soft I think I could sleep with it every night.  I decided to pair it with black for a rich black and cream/gold color scheme.  We set up our photoshoot in a corner bar of the master bedroom and went to town.  My dear boyfriend bought me this lovely bangle that he picked out himself from Hermes.  He has pretty good taste in jewelry and I make sure to let him know.  I picked up this stuffed kitty at the Denver Zoo when my sister, niece, and nephew visited us in Colorado in the summer of 2008.  He still had his tags on, but I finally cut them off for the photos.  I love his big blue eyes.  My niece picked out the same cat on that trip.  I think he loves Vera's faux fur scarf just as much as I do.

xoxo

Jacqueline