Dressing up my Express Denim

The ability to take a simple pair of jeans and dress them up with accessories makes it so fun to be a girl! Recently, I headed to the Express store, gift card in hand, in search of a pair of jeans. I tried on almost one of each style (ok, I tried on about 5 types) but I of course gravitated to the most expensive pair in the store. Call it a talent, I guess?



Josh and Brittany at the Express in NC were most-helpful and friendly. Josh was the first to help me in my quest for jeans and was knowledgeable of the Express denim line.



After lots of trying on, I decided to get a pair of the Rerock jeans (apparently made by the same people who do designer jeans...maybe Rock and Republic?). I loved the way they fit and the designs on the back pockets.

I've had the chance to play around with some different looks for my new jeans. Here are some looks:

Daytime Casual-Chic

I wore this look to do some daytime shopping this weekend. I wanted to look cute but casual, so I put on a simple white top that was just a tad loose (to balance the fit jeans) and wore my hair down and curly.


This light brown belt just peeked out from under my top.


These chandelier earrings completed the look.

Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Belt: Banana Republic
Leather Wedges: Banana Republic
Earrings: ?

Slightly Dressier Daytime Look

Here's another casual chic look that I think you could take to a casual nighttime event (depending on where you live, of course). The colors are definitely what I'd consider more nighttime, but in the South, the line gets a bit blurry for what's appropriate when.


My accessories - I love the ruffles of this purse!


Close up of my bracelet. With this and the adorable tote, I kept the rest of the accessories simple with no necklace and simple pearl stud earrings.

Tank top: American Eagle
Scarf: ?
Bracelet: J Crew
Ruffle Purse: Ziordia

Casual Nighttime Look

I found this cute black top with purple features at the Express store while I was shopping for denim. It was a bit of an impulse buy, but it's so comfy and chic enough to dress up. Here's the look with a layer of a black sweater.


Sans cover. I dressed up this look with some drop earrings, a leather purse, a silver-leather bracelet and my D&G strappy heels.


Love the back pocket embellishment.

Sterling silver onyx earrings to dress up the look.


A better look at the top.

Top: Express

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Bracelet: Wilson Leather

Earrings: I made them!

Purse: Kenneth Cole

Sweater: Banana Republic

Reader question: What's your favorite way to dress up denim?

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion = Product Love

You guys know I'm not that into beauty products. I like playing with them and all, but I'd rather invest my money in clothes. Now...when I find a beauty product I like, I stick with it. I have my favorites in the world of beauty products, and one I'm currently crushing on is Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

I am now on my THIRD bottle!



I've always had a problem with my eye shadow creasing by the end of the day, and I've found few products that actually take care of this. Urban Decay's Potion is the best solution I've found so far, as proof by my consistent use of the product. If you're looking for something to stop your eye shadow creasing, give this stuff a go. If you're on the fence, I suggest getting a sample (from Sephora, etc), if possible, or getting a makeover with this as the eye makeup base. Hopefully, you'll love it as much as I do.

Shopaholic Blog on Twitter

Hey guys! I finally got around to setting up a twitter account. Check me out by clicking here! :)

Fashionably Yours,

Shopaholic D

Girly Pink for Work

I work in a very corporate environment where most people stick to blues, blacks, whites, grays, and browns (boring!). Wearing my pink shoes is a bit risque, but the other day, I was feeling frisky and decided to wear a whole BUNCH of pink!



I kept the look on the business side with my simple black skirt and cardigan, but I wore my hot pink shoes with a hot pink top. I like pairing colors of different tones together, so I wore a baby pink cardigan, which I thought contrasted nicely against my brighter top. I got some looks but didn't care. I had so much fun rocking out my pink ensemble!

Hot Pink Mary Jane Heels: J Crew
Skirt: Banana Republic
White Cami: Banana Republic
Hot Pink Top: Express
Baby Pink Cardigan: Gap

Work Chic

A simple work-chic look with a girly twist (I wish the lighting had been better so you could see the pretty bright-yellow-green top):




Ruffly Cardigan: Gap
Black Dress Skirt: Banana Republic
Camisole: Banana Republic
Bright yellow-green twist top: Velvet
Bow Peep-toe Pumps: J Crew