Can't afford to go shopping? No problem. Here's how to work what you've already got.

Calling all recessionistas! I'm broke, so I can't afford to go shopping (minus the birthday splurge), and I cry about it on a regular basis. You know this. What you might not know is that you can easily take what's already in your closet and make it feel new(er). It's not hard.

I know what you might be thinking, "Yeah, right, it's not that easy." I used to think that, too. I was looking at pictures on my camera the other day and realized I have subconsciously found a way to wear my American Eagle denim button-down shirt about ten different ways. And Liza's blog post today for Bebe's new line PH8 (pronounced fate), also proved me wrong. Peep her blog here--it's awesome. Naturally. It's her first blog post EVER so show my sis some love y'all and hit her up with some comments! (Pretty please?)

Tell me: Are you good at switching things up in your wardrobe and making them feel new again? Did you learn anything from Liza's blog? I sure did. Pumps with a puffer vest--Love. it.

Have you ever not worn something because you were afraid a guy wouldn't like it?

I had a conversation about this with a few of my more fashion-forward friends the other day. Should girls think twice before wearing something really trendy or artistic because guys might not get it? I had a hard time answering that question. Ultimately, I think girls should wear whatever makes them feel confident. Afterall, confidence is attractive. However, by doing so, the pool of guys that find your style appealing might be less than say, a girl who wears cute, but basic jeans and heels outfits.

Check out this Dolce and Gabbana suit Rihanna wore at the MET Costume Gala this summer. I actually think the outfit is pretty cool, but I can only imagine what the look on my boyfriend's face would be if I ever wore something like this. Then again, I'm not Rihanna.

I love Fergie and I'm all for individuality, but I am not comprehending this look she rocked recently in Paris at all. Call me crazy, but if I had just found out that my husband was banging a stripper, I'd be more inclinded to wear something a little more feminine.

I was still stumped after thinking more about this question, so I asked my boyfriend what he thought. He basically said that a girl should wear what she likes and what makes her feel good. Even if it's not appealing to all guys, she'll be more inclined to meet the right guy for her--someone who appreciates her for who she is. Good point.

What about you: Have you ever not worn something because you were afraid a guy wouldn't like it? And guys: What's one article of clothing you can't stand on girls? My boyfriend isn't a big fan of boyfriend jeans, but I wear them anyway!

Have you ever worn an outfit inspired from something you saw in a magazine?

Yesterday morning the most amazing thing happened on my way to work. I was running a bit late, so I hauled ass off the subway and started walgging (you know when you're walking so fast, you're practically jogging? That's "walgging") to the office. I saw a photo shoot happening up ahead, and as I rushed passed, I saw MY SISTER crouched down styling the model's outfit. I got so excited, I stopped and started waving like a lunatic; I could hardly contain myself. Liza was equally excited to see me, and when she came over we hugged and started jumping up and down. I have no idea why. We see each other every single day in the apartment. I guess it was just neat seeing each other unexpectedly, and at a photo shoot Liza was doing on the streets of New York, no less! In that moment for some reason, in our own small way, I felt like we both had made it. 

Anyway, Liza told me my outfit was cute and when I looked at it later, I realized it was actually something she had inspired! She did a shoot for the November issue of Women's Health on how to layer clothing. It's probably one of my favorite shoots she's done so far. One of the outfits was a magenta top with a black and white stripe top peeking out at the sleeves (p. 49 for anyone who has a copy of the issue!). OK, so my outfit looks nothing like what that model is wearing, but that's where I stole the idea from! Check it out here. 

I never, ever try to copy things I see in magazines, so I was pretty proud of myself on this one. What about you: Have you ever worn an outfit inspired from something you saw in a magazine?

NYC's superficial bullshit—I'm over it.

In New York, if you're fashionable and skinny, you've got it made. If you are those two things, people will tell you all day, every day just how chic and fabulous and SKINNY you are. Seriously. Oh, and good hair helps, too. Honestly, it doesn't even matter if your mug is fug. 

I don't know, some Manhattanites might disagree with me, but this is the impression I get at every party or event I go to. The girl with the pretty face is not the one being told just how amaaazing she is. And I guess I'm mainly talking about the fashion crowd. My sister and some of my best friends in the city are in the fashion industry, so I kinda fell into this circle by default. (Well, I'm the girl on the outside of the circle peeking in). Going to cool parties can be a lot of fun, but honestly I'm starting to question if it is even worth it—it's certainly not doing good things for my self-esteem. 

Olivia Palermo from The City is stylish, skinny and gorgeous. And she has a beautiful mane. Bitch. I think she's incredibly insecure, though. I saw her at the charity party I wrote about in this post where I got my infamous red bag, and she didn't seem confident at all. She kept trying to join in on other people's conversations, but no one really wanted to talk to her—it was totally awkward. Hmm, I guess even the fashionably elite have their issues.

Sadly, all of this superficial bullshit has rubbed off on me. I'm never happy with my weight, my hair or what I'm wearing. I guess it doesn't help that I can't even afford a haircut and that my D.I.Y. manicure looks like a six year-old did it. I need to find a way to be the best version of myself I can be with the resources I've got right now. I can't keep waiting and waiting for things to get better because even when I do have the money to buy new clothes and go grocery shopping at Whole Foods, I'll have a new set of issues.

Does anyone else feel this way? Do your surroundings or the media have an impact on the way you feel about yourself?

Accessorizing

Last night I went to an Alex and Ani preview party to check out their new fall accessories. The event was so cool—we got to make our own bracelets! I'm so not a crafty person, so I was a bit overwhelmed with all the choices and how to get started, but once I got going I couldn't stop!

Jenn and Tiffany studied all the bracelets for about 60 seconds and then chose exactly what they wanted. They are so in touch with their personal style. Me? I just picked everything I thought was cool and threw it all together.

Here's the final product. Pretty cool, right? And don't you love Tiffany's neon orange watch? It's by ToyWatch—Luke got me a gray one for my birthday last year! Oh, and of course this post wouldn't be complete if I didn't show you a pic of the food.

This brown rice sushi was delish! There was also veggies and hummus, cheese and crackers, fruit and chips and guac. I love that there were so many healthy options. I wanted to take more pics, but I was worried I'd get weird looks from the PR girls if I took more pics of the food than the pretty jewelry on display!

Later we went to a French restaurant called Odeon. I had consumed quite a bit of sushi at the party, so I drank the rest of my meal and snuck bites off of Jenn and Tiff's plates. Over dinner we had a long, important discussion on what we were going to be for Halloween. We do not take this holiday lightly. We came up with a great idea, but you'll have to wait until October to see what it is!

Anyway, I'm off for a run in Central Park, and then I'm meeting my friend Logan in Union Square. The plan is to get some fun pics for "Photo Shoot Friday" and buy Luke a birthday present. Any suggestions on what I should get him???