Need to get caught up....

Currently I am in love with:

The Lily Pad - they're a local store that sells Vera Bradley (there are limited prints that I'm in love with), as well as a wide array of fun little trinkets. They've recently gotten these awesome scrabble style metal stands with metal frame letters that have unique images within each letter, all in black and white. They spell things like I love you, or inspire, or dream. I also am in love with some of the coffee mugs they have in there.

This vest from Buckle

And I'm loving anything and Everything Plaid. I'm really glad that it's in a bit of a trend mode right now b/c normally I have to travel all the way to Orlando to find western style plaid shirts... now here they are in every store. Makes me all warm.

sweaters I'm looking at... what about you?

http://www.aeropostale.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3699446
http://www.aeropostale.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3755821
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51743&vid=1&pid=696856&scid=696856032

Sorry for the absence, fun things

Hello all, I apologize for my absence, we had a death in the family recently and I've been in and out of town and mostly getting on the computer long enough to do homework and disappear again, but I am back and in the mood for some new things, how about you? I'm trying to prep up for the winter season, I have a grand total of one half sweater, one long sleeved "cardigan" if you will, one heavy sweater that does not fit, one Gator jacket that is a bit big... but is fun when I'm in a slouchy wear mood, and one long sweater that does not fit. Isn't that just GRAND... nothing cute for winter. Oh and one half sleeve turtleneck.... which what good will THAT do me?

So... I'm looking at sweaters tonight and will be posting options for you all to view in a bit.

So about Old Navy... and their Scarves

I'm pretty sure they have the best options for cheap warm scarves. I got some of their fleece 5.00 scarves and they are so so warm, and so so cute. I have an ivory one, a black one, and one that is grey, ivory, black and light brown stripes. I LOVE THEM

Currently

I am about to purchase these :

One Two.... Buckle... my shoe

I have only recently begun to understand the beauty that is Buckle. I'll admit, I've avoided venturing too far within their doors because of the overbearing nature of their sales staff. Although I do have some small understanding of their delima, I hate feeling crowded when I'm shopping. I'm not sure if ALL of Buckle's staff throughout the US are paid via commission, but in future shopping trips, I won't be letting this swerve me either. Buckle's wide variety of clothing, and rough rocker appeal makes them more than worth the 9 pairs of jeans that will be thrown over the door as I'm trying clothes on. See below.

I'm currently really favoring this sweater. It features a blend of slate grey, with lighter green and gray accent. It is versatile, but has its own unique edge. At thirty two dollars it is also ridiculously affordable. Link: http://www.buckle.com/product/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1255953334659&prd=10817882477&sku=6720710300&N=239+43

I'm in love with this brightly patterned wallet. It is edgy, and modern, and would be the perfect addition to give a punch to an outfit. Link: http://www.buckle.com/product/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1255953334680&prd=85114B7171017W&sku=1040180000&N=239+43

Check out this coat. This is the edgy feel I was talking about. A fringed bottom, and fringed sleeves, paired witht he contrasting lining make this a unique piece that is still oh so very fashionable and wearable. I love the buttons too. Link: http://www.buckle.com/product/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1255953913112&prd=594551771&sku=7555950200&Nao=24&N=239+43

This shirt is the perfect example of me wanting to tie in western with a hippy rocker feel. I love the faded dye pattern over the plaid, and it's flowy bottom gives it a relaxed weekend feeling. Link: http://www.buckle.com/product/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1255955520324&prd=10580BZCZMYBI&sku=5270020100&Nao=72&N=43+26

And you of course can't go to Buckle without being confronted with a huge assortment of jeans. They range from the reasonable to the ridiculously overpriced. I will say this... there are three things in life you cannot skimp on. Jeans, Shoes, and Coats. A good pair of jeans will last you forever and a day. Link: http://www.buckle.com/product/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1256347683462&prd=48665BK20116&sku=1975412833&N=43+23

No longer a RL fan

Disgusting .... nuff said.

SistersRoseandRuby on Etsy

If you haven't found this shop yet... make a point to go visit. I happened to find them while skimming through Etsy the other day and I really and truly am going to have to consider working one of the long dresses into my wedding. I messaged the designer to get more information and she hand makes each and every piece using vintage pieces (like slips) as a base and adding in doilies, lace, pearl beads, different linens and fabrics to make these beautiful dresses, skirts, and camisoles. I seriously want them all! Many of the pieces have a very Victorian era feel, which is probably why I am so in love. I swear I lived as a Victorian woman in another life. But anyways, back to the designer. The details in these pieces are second to none, and I really cannot concieve the amount of time these must take, but I'm so glad she DOES take the time because they are all stunning. She does do custom designs, and is super sweet in her emails so don't be afraid to ask if you want something unique! The mermaid-esque blue dress below speaks for itself when it comes to her custom designs. I also really enjoy the victorian chokers, and think that they would be awesome as garters for weddings too (hint hint). There are currently over 100 items in the shop available, including the fantastic halloweenish dress posted below. I'm giving you the link below as well as photos of her work. I'm telling you as soon as I have enough I'm going to get one of the long dresses..... to....die...for!!!!!!!!!!! She did ask that we forgive the photos, but I honestly find nothing to forgive, if they really "don't do justice" then can you imagine what they'll be like in person??? Enjoy :)

http://www.sistersroseandruby.etsy.com/

The above is the dress style that I am so so so in love with.

The mermaid-esque dress, it's like flowing water....

I can just imagine this with a witche's hat and some cute boots and a broomstick .

You have no idea how dangerously close I came to posting all of her pieces on here.... I can't choose favorites....

Target = pronounced Tar+jae

So it is pretty obvious that Target is everywhere. It is easy to access, easy to shop, and easy on the wallet..... if you don't buy the entire store.... That being said, the new Go International Color Theory line is probably one of the best things since sliced bread. I could easily buy all of it.

This is such an easy, fun skirt, and at a mere 27.99 beats nearly any price. I love the design, and that it will match so many different ideas.

http://www.target.com/GO-International-Printed-Ponte-Skirt/dp/B002KUXVIQ/ref=br_1_3?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=1294557011&node=1294557011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&sessionID=179-5433864-5244031&searchSize=30

It is also available in black and white and black and green on the Target website under Go International Colored Theory.

This is hands done one of the best black dresses I have seen in a while. I just hope I can make the strapless work, but the design is made to work with so many figures, and I love that. Throw a cardigan over and it is even work ready!

http://www.target.com/International-Sleeveless-Belted-Ponte-Ebony/dp/B002KUXHVM/ref=br_1_6?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=1294557011&node=1294557011&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&sessionID=179-5433864-5244031&searchSize=30

I pretty much need this cowl neck in every color they have available, which the line up also includes cobalt blue, black and a bright yellow. It is an affordable 27.99, will look great on its own, or imagine how cute it would look wiht a long sleeve black henley, a skirt, some dark hose and booties!!!!!!!

Go .....shop.....Target

Hello my name is Jamie and I'm a Forever21-aholic.

So I have a problem with Forever 21. I can't peruse their website without buying something!!! Mind you, I do understand the need to be careful with them, and check fabrics before commiting myself to a lifetime with a piece of clothing I might never wear, but that my friends is the beauty of return policies. Here's the thing about Forever 21. They are easily accessed either through website or through their many many locations. There is a Gainesville location, an Orlando location, locations in West Palm... I'm sure Tampa and Miami have them, and I'm pretty sure there is a location in Lakeland as well. They also have really amazing pricing. Some of their stuff is amazingly long lasting for said pricing, which makes it all the better to me. They also have clothing that appeals to many different style choices. I tend to wear a lot of different things, vs sticking to one particular trend or brand. I like to mix things up. I love a classic, chic look, but sometimes I'll add in something that gives a rocker feel, or bring my country look back into it. Forever 21 offers great options for this, or great chic options at low prices, vs paying hundreds of dollars for a striped shirt that you can get here for 20. The first photos below are what I got today, an amazing floral skirt for only 8 dollars and a striped sweater for 10. Where else can you get a basic striped sweater for 10 dollars!!! Following my purchases are some cute finds that I think some of you might be interested in.

http://www.forever21.com/images/large/65721769-02.jpg

http://www.forever21.com/images/large/64755817-02.jpg

For the love of all things Etsy

I'm going to kick this off by saying that I have developed a deep love affair with Etsy. Not only can you find great vintage pieces, but you can also find fantastic hand made designs. I am in love with the vast array of jewelry, from the simplest items to the detailed and intricate pieces. I have found tons of clothing ideas, and even bookmarked a dress that I may just have to have to incorperate into my wedding. It is hand made and is a combination of laces, pearls, and intricate hand crocheted pieces. If I can get permission from the designer I will post it here, and I'm really hoping to feature them as a designer, even though they aren't local to me, their pieces are just amazing!

Who is the Gator Fashionista

Well, hello to those who do end up reading. I suppose you'll wonder who I am, and what exactly this is. Well, my name is Jamie, I live in title town Florida (as in Gainesville... as in home of the Florida Gators), which is where I was born and raised. I'll be open in saying that I haven't always been in love with fashion.... I can't even say that I was a natural fashionista. I grew up in ridiculous outfits..... spandex bike shorts, sam and Libby black flats, and tee shirts. It graduated to the trend of baggy pants with anything Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren... then moved to a more country style as I rode horses throughout middle and highschool. I'm sure many of you are cringing by now, and might even be ready to leave, thinking "surely this girl can't POSSIBLY know fashion."
Well I'll admit that a) I do still wear a lot of country styles, though I try to be a bit more chic about it, and b) I really only got into fashion at the end of highschool, so I am still learning when it comes to history, and designers and what they specialize in in a more in depth way. BUT I do know fashion, and I know what goes well, and I feel like I have a good grasp on putting things together. I at one point was aspiring to be a designer, but fear got the better of me so I still design but it is very private. This being said, you also might wonder why on earth I'm starting this blog.
Here's the thing... currently I have yet to find a magazine or website that offers the perfect combination of great outfits, local stores to find great things, great shopping areas, restaraunts, and great street style.... and I mean really focusing on helping people to find things that are reasonable for where they are, and also easy to find in their locale. This is especially so in the South East.... most magazines will do small features on West Palm or Miami.... but that's literally 5-6 hours from me... imagine the poor souls in Atlanta, Savannah, Tennessee, South Carolina, Orlando, and other areas in the South East as well! That's where I step in.

This blog is going to offer easily accessible items and stores and shopping areas and restaraunts that are spread throughout the lesser metropolitan areas of the South East. It will include individual finds, how to get them, great shops and stores, what they carry, restaraunts and their food, and Internet finds that are easy for the consumer to access and try without worrying about return issues. I'll include contact information and map information for vendors, photos of items that I find, and also will try to introduce up and coming designers in the South East as well as elsewhere if I'm able to find them throughout the U.S.

Where I am, the general outfit is jeans, a tee shirt or some other slouchy top, and flip flops....or these horrible rubber.... things that people keep wearing. I feel that part of this is a lack of ease in finding stylish items that fit a more chic New York or L.A. style, combined with this lazy student mindset. Although it isn't just the students. It is throughout Florida. I hope maybe I can make it easier for those who DO want to focus on fashion to do so, and to find great things that are chic, easy to get to, and reasonably affordable.

Wish me luck.