LoveBrownSugar Chic: Westside Safari

I took a trip to my local H&M recently and stumbled on this tunic for $4.95. At first I thought it was too good to be true. Nothing worth having is $4.95 anymore. But upon trying it on, I fell in love.

I really love the high-low construction of it, as well as the waist tie. That was thoughtful, considering without the waste tie it can turn into a boxy piece of fabric that won't give me any shape.

The tie helps accentuate my waist, and turns it into a mini-dress as opposed to a simple tunic. 

The pattern is really what caught my eye. Once I tried it on, I realized how versatile a piece like this can be. You can take it casual with a pair of flats, or a little dressier with heels.

And for chilly evenings, you can easily slap a sweater or a leather jacket on top.

I paired this look with my red Zara heels (wore them here). They look good with everything, seriously.

My crochet cross-body bag is from H&M as well. It was my go-to when I went to Cali for Coachella.

Tunic: H&M | Jacket: Vintage | Necklace: Forever 21 | Shoes: Zara (similar here) | Bag: H&M (similar here)

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Not Quite SXSW

It was one of those days when I didn't think I had anything to wear. But let's be real, we fashionistas always have something to wear, even when we have "nothing" to wear.

So it went from being a need-to-do-laundry-therefore-nothing-to-wear kinda day to a jeans, t-shirt and sneaks moment. I'm bummed I didn't get a chance to head to Austin, Texas this year to participate in South by Southwest. A few months ago while perusing the men's tee section at Buffalo Exchange, I stumbled on this old SXSW tee and decided to purchase it with the intent of wearing it there.

Life got in the way, as it tends to do, but hopefully I'll make it down next year.

My St.Patrick's Day mani is still going strong (DIY tutorial here). Perfect compliment to an arm party.

 Ever heard the phrase "Been there, done that, bought a T-shirt?" Well, I just bought the T-shirt. *shrugs*

Even though I prefer dresses and silky blouses to jeans & tees, every once in a while it's cool to switch it up.

Leather Jacket: Vintage (similar here) | SXSW Tee: Buffalo Exchange | Jeans: Joe Fresh | Sneakers: H&M (similar here) | Beanie: Street Vendor | Bag: Street Vendor | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova (similar here for $89.99) | Rope Chain: H&M | Nameplate c/o Nameplate Depot

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My Instaweek 10.21.12

Last week was a pretty tough one for me. Lots of ups & downs, disappointments and uncertainties. But
as time passes I'm learning the true meanings of patience and perserverance. When you believe in something, never give up on it. "You become a champion by fighting on more round." - James Corbett.

Cece's Curls Update: In natural hair news, my 2 year natural anniversary is coming up! I can't wait. I've been rocking a top knot for the past few days because I haven't had time to style or twist my hair since taking down my extensions. Can't wait to do a blow out and see my length since these TWA days. Lately I've been obsessed with two product lines -  Eden Bodyworks (the Peppermint Tea Tree Leave-In and Hair Oil are everything!) and Carol's Daughter Hair Milk 4 Piece Starter Kit (talk about everything you need for your curls in one place!)

New Shop Stop: UK retailer SuperTrash has officially made its US debut. They've set up shop in SoHo at a new boutique store off of Prince St (29 Prince St, to be exact) and it's chock full of super fab goodies from lead designer Olcay Gulsen. I popped by the launch party last week and had a ball. I even ran into Angela Simmons. Good times!

One Girl's Trash: I've been slacking on the thrifting front! A few weekends ago I went thrift shopping again for the first time since early summer and I felt like singing "Reunited, and it feel so goood." Top right is a picture of one of the handbags I scored. A leather satchel in mint condition - only $5.99. Sigh, how I love a good bargain.

Anyone else have a high-low week like me? Soundoff below!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: NYFW Day 2

Yesterday for my daily rounds at NY Fashion Week, I rocked a printed dress that I recently snagged at the thrift. Definitely one of my best finds in a while, so I had to show it off plus it's comfortable (necessary considering all the running around I did):

LoveBrownSugar Chic: NYFW Day 1

I wanted to be comfortable and light on the first day, so I opted for loose silhouettes and wedge heels.

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Long Walk

I've always been leggy. In elementary school, I was always the last person in line when we arranged ourselves in size order. I was always the girl assigned to shut off the lights when the class left the room and it was very rare that someone else trailed behind me. So growing up, I've always had a love/hate relationship with my legs.

Considering I spent my childhood summers scraping my knees on NYC concrete, and fending off uncontrollable mosquito bites in the bushes of my backyard - it's safe to say you won't catch me in one of those Nair commercials any time soon. But with age comes maturity, and I've learned to accept them - flaws and all.

I'm ok with my cellulite, my stretch marks, my dimples & scars...

"Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on." - Henry Rollings

Vest - Urban Outfitters, Shorts - H&M, Belt, Bag, Earrings - Vintage, Shoes - Steve Madden, Silver Ring/Cuff - Street Vendors.

Is there anything about your body you've struggled with? Leave a comment. Your story could inspire someone else...

Photography by Erfu Wang

Sick Site Spotlight: Esther Woo Vintage

Those of you who know me, know I'm a vintage addict! I've been shopping thrift since my junior high school days. It's something that intrigues me and my favorite statement pieces have been found at the thrift. Hence, I'm a huge fan and supporter of online vintage shops. Enter Esther Woo Vintage.

Though I love the hunt, many folks new to vintage/thrift might not be comfortable with spending hours scouring vintage racks for one or two peices.Sites like Esther Woo Vintage offer the best of the best in thrift minus the hassle of sifting for hours. Best part of the store? The clothes and accessories are affordable!

The brainchild of retail veteran and entrepreneur Beverly Edmonds, Ester Woo is a "vintage clothing company dedicated to modern fashion and classic style." Check out a few of my fave pieces below:

If you don't know by now, I have a thing for prints. I love bold prints, and florals are my fave. So instantly I was drawn to this Floral Top Blazer, $20.00.

 Oxfords have been a steady trend for the past few seasons. Get the real old school style with these Etienne Aigner Oxfords, $32.00.

These make perfect gifts! Why? Because every girl can use a new handbag, regardless of size. This one's sophisticated with a downtown edge. Appropriately named the Crocodile Dundee bag, $24.00.

 Be sure to check them out at Esther Woo Vintage and let them know LoveBrownSugar sent you!

For those of you based in NYC, Ester Woo Vintage will be selling this Saturday, August 20th at the Artists & Fleas market in Williambsburg from 10am-7pm. Check out the website for more deets on location!

Sponsored by Esther Woo Vintage

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Backyardigan

There's something about a floral romper that makes me giddy. You may have seen me sporting one here and in one of my very first street style posts ever - here.

SHOP LoveBrownSugar: Leather Shoulder Bags

Thanks to everyone who stopped by SHOP LoveBrownSugar last week for our "Retro Printed Blouse" pop-up shop. Seems like you guys are really loving the merchandise, so I'm gonna keep it coming! This week's boutique features some amazing leather shoulder bags you won't want to miss.

There are only a few styles available this week, so catch them while you can. No sizes necessary - accessories are one size fits all!

This leather gem is a vintage girl's dream. Color blocking, long shoulder strap and just the right size for day trips around town.

It can also be worn as a clutch with the straps tucked in. Cute huh? Get it HERE.

If cognac is your thing, check out this cutesy distressed leather shoulder bag. I love the scaled detailing at the bottom and on the clasp. Just the right size to make a statement without being overbearing. Get it HERE.

I love a good drawstring bag. So when I saw this two-toned shoulder bag, I knew I had to bring it home. There's so much character in the details. Take it off my hands HERE.

More in-store, so check SHOP LoveBrownSugar and see for yourself!

The Leather Shoulder Bag boutique at SHOP LoveBrownSugar closes on May 16th at 11:59PM EST.

LoveBrownSugar Chic: New Kid On The Block

I nearly screamed when I found this color-block blazer at a local vintage store. One of the few pieces I'm sure I'll never part with.

Haven't worn a "doctor bag" in a while. To me, they're never out of style...

Color Block Blazer: Vintage. Lace Top: H&M. Skirt: American Apparel. Shoes: Forever 21. Doctor Bag: Jimmy Choo. Watch: Michael Kors. Chains: both Vintage. Ring: Street Vendor [HERE]. BMW: Stylists Own (haha j/k it's my sister's).

Photography by Justified Photos