Haul: Rue 21 Bandeau VS. Bralette

I went on a mini shopping haul yesterday with the intention of buying a couple of bandeaus because I want to diy some crop tops for summer; however, I have never been a big fan of bandeaus with this season's hype. I don't quite understand how you wear it without making it look like you are wearing a bra out in the open, so I only feel comfortable with it used as an alternative to another undergarment. As I was shopping for them at Rue 21 Outlet, I came across another alternative called the bralette. To be honest, I had no idea what that was before some research; it looks like a bandeau with straps. It was only 2 bucks each since it was on clearance, so without hesitation, I gave it a try. I realized why I never liked bandeaus...as you learned before, I am flat-chested, so I don't fit into anything like tube tops well. This bralette thing, however, was more comfortable and cheaper! I guess I just joined the bralette-band wagon.

Yay or nay? I kind of like how edgy and rebellious this look is...pwahaha. Pairing it with a girly lace crop top definitely makes me look like bad-a. Real talk though, what's your thoughts on it? At this point, it seems like it's a necessity in every girl's closet. Is it too scandalous for your cup of tea? Fellas, does this make a girl look...uhh, not classy? I'm honestly curious.

Aeropostale crop top--Aeropostale Outlets: $7

Rue 21 black bralette--Rue 21: $2

Guess skirt--Garage Sale: $1
Black belt--Rummage Sale: practically FREE

Charles black wedges--Garage Sale: $1

Dooney & Bourke handbag--Momma's closet (purchased at Garage Sale): FREE

Total: $11, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$5

My ten cents #19: Although I wish there is a fine line of what is appropriate in respect to fashion, there isn't. When looking at the runways of Fashion Week, that line is beyond blurry. My best advice here would be to wear whatever you feel comfortable with because it's your body at the end of the day; however, don't expect people to feel the same way.

DIY: From Dress Shirt to Sassy Dress

Hello there. First of all, I apologize for the ugly quality of these photos; my camera is not cooperating with me since one of my light bulbs died, so there is not much light for it to pick up. Anywho, Monday feels like years ago; that must be because Monday was consumed by one thing--this diy project of turning a dress shirt into a dress. I'm the type of person who likes to think that she's artsy, but in reality, it's not her forte. This is a clear example of that; although I've been getting a lot of compliments for this diy project, there are quite a few flaws that makes this a practice project. Note to self when making this again next time: 1) As much as I don't want to admit it, I have a flat chest, so next time, I should cut around 4 inches from the shoulder down instead of 6.5 inches. 2) Try on the collar part before re-sewing anything. 3) Avoid the sewing machine if possible, but never hand-sew the triangle cuts to create the flare effect ever again...4) GET A LARGER SHIRT BECAUSE THIS PRACTICE VERSION IS WAY TOO SCANDALOUS--so you have been warned.

Here's a close-up photo of the collar detailing if you want to attack this project as well. You know me and my fetish with unconventional cuts, so this style fits right in with my closet. Think of the top part as a halter top, so there is a bare back. After snipping the back, just cut the front, but keep the collar, which ultimately supports the top. Also, it fits in with the collar trend since it's back in season...or soon to be out of season (which I hope not because I love collars...whatevs, I'll still rock it :P).

Like I said before, you have been warned...the length is quite short, but I wanted to display the final product of my long day's worth of work. It's not too bad when I'm heels-less because the proportion would be more appropriate, but that would not allow me to flaunt my new heels that I have yet to wear, so my PPW for it is relatively high. They are so fabbbb though. Tehee ;)

Dress shirt into dress--Brother's Closet: FREE

Forever 21 necklace--Gift from a friend: FREE

Dooney & Bourke crossbody--Garage Sale: $30

Charlotte Russe heels--Charlotte Russe: $15 (Clearance, baby!)

Total: $45, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$16

My ten cents #18: Go shopping with a friend..or two. Good friends are honest friends. Honest friends tell you the brutal truth because they know that you are strong enough to handle the truth. Although I love shopping by myself because I can get whatever I want and take as long as I want, I like to shop with friends and family because they make sure that I don't make a bad and compulsive buy, which  I do a lot of. These heels were suggested by a friend and she talked a lot of sense into them. On the contrary, she also talked me out of buying a few items that aren't worth it. Unlike my friend, I'm quite the opposite...I'll tell you what you want to hear, so don't take me with you unless your wallet is ready to splurge. ;)