OOTD: The Summer Peacock

Summer comes in a luke-warm flavor here in the Northwest.

Here in Seattle, the minute the sun peaks its head over the clouds, and it warms up to 60F degrees, outcome shorts, flip flops and t-shirts. I look around and see the stereotypical "Seattle" summer style, which includes rolled up cargo shorts, flip-flops and a loose, button-up cotton blouse. I thought I'd try and step up the typical "Seattle-summer" fashion game, with my new top, which I've lovingly named the Summer Peacock top. The best thing about this top? It will double as my go-to shirt during my trip to Tuscany in June.

Another note: My new favorite accessory is Lip Stain! The most amazing thing - a subtle pop of color that stays on all day with little maintenance. The shade I'm wearing here is Revlon's "Just Bitten" Lip Stain in "Flame."

What is your go-to summer top? The perfect airy, flowy, bright-colored top - we all have one. Post your summer go-to in the comments!

Top: Nordstrom

Flats: Gap

Necklace: Givenchy 

Bangles: Forever21

Lipstain: Revlon Just Bitten in Flame

xoxo

Natasha

The Chic Curve is Getting an UPGRADE

I've been blogging now for about 6 months and I'm loving it. I love every one who leaves me comments...I've loved reading every one's blogs, and I'm excited to see how far I can take The Chic Curve in the next 6 months!

I've decided that The Chic Curve needed a new outfit, and so I'm redoing the blog. It will be LIVE early next week, I'm SO excited about it...it is a HUGE upgrade. I'm moving to Wordpress, but I'm keeping the Google Connect gadget, so if that is how you are following the blog, don't worry, nothing will change :)

I'm also going to Europe for 3 weeks in May, and will be posting some chic Europeans & myself, on the brand new blog!

Here is a sneak preview. Once the blog goes live, I'll make the official announcement & redirect the blog to its new site :)

xoxo

Natasha

Week In Review: Shopping, Cocktails & Work

Happy Monday!

Last week in 10 words:

1. Work
2. Exhaustion
3. Shopping
4. Limitless
5. Cocktails
6. Friends
7. Mani-pedi
8. Espresso
9. Umbrella 
10. Twitter

Post your last week in 10 words in the comments...10 words! No more!

And here are the outfits & pics:

Bracelet, Nordstrom; Necklace, Forever21; Blouse, GAP

Much needed mani-pedi day!

Cheers! Dinner and cocktails at the lovely @ZoeTapp 's place. I got everyone using Twitter, which is fabulous :)

My Bows came! They are brooches, not bow ties! To buy: Here

Jacket, Nordstrom Rack; Top, H&M; Brooche, vintage; Lace up wedges, DSW

Necklace, Forever21; Lace Dress, Target; Heels, BCBG; Sweater, Nordstrom 

Cropped Jacket, GAP; Top, Nordstrom Rack; Necklace, Urban Outfitters; Loafers, KAYA

Scarf, H&M; Top, Michael KORS; Cropped Slacks, Macys; Flats, GAP

Looking forward to reading your weeks-in-review (10 words or less)!

xoxo

Natasha

Outfit Post: Just Boots, Blues & Brains

This week has been insane - buried in work at my job, I still managed to get a few blog posts up! Currently, I'm giving myself a little pat on the back...

So is it just me or is everything super hectic right now? How is everyone else holding up?

I've been thinking a lot about fate lately - and the idea that everything has already been laid out for you. No matter what you do, fate is fate, and you can't escape it.

Personally I don't think that the idea of fate is very encouraging - no matter how hard you work, it doesn't actually make a difference, because you'll end up in the same place? A bit silly, and immature if you ask me.

However maybe its enlightening to know that your path has been paved, and you are just walking along it with each step.

What do you think? Do we all fall victim to our fates, or do we blaze our own paths?

Well, enough existential thinking...its hurting my already overworked brain. Here are my outfits shots, enjoy :)

Necklace & Cardi: Nordstrom; Top: Forever21; Boots: Crown Vintage; Bag: "Tory Burch "

xoxo
Natasha

Trends: Pierre Hardy Pumps for GAP Design

I'm in love. I'm deeply, madly, crazy in LOVE with these shoes that GAP is releasing this month. Honestly, I thought about not posting these shoes, because if you all know about them, and rush to get them, they could get sold out before I snag a pair.

But then I thought...what the hell. That is the true spirit of a fashion blogger.

So here they are, in their glory. Amazing Pierre Hardy pumps designed for GAP (their special "Design" line). They should be available for purchase within the next couple of weeks! Keep an eye out for them...I'm guessing they are going to sell out quickly!

Trends: Loafers (and how to make them look fashionable)

The newest old trend on the streets of big, fashionable cities is...drumroll please...women's loafers! I'm in love with this trend for two reasons: 1. Loafers are extremely comfy. 2. Can be dressed up and down.

But beware, my fellow fashionistas! Wearing loafers the wrong way can make you look like granny-gone-wrong, and thats not fabulous at all. So I've compiled the best ways to wear women's loafers (in my opinion, of course), as well as some great options for purchasing your own classic yet modern pair!

The J Crew Way: Socks & Pleated Skirt (J Crew Fall collection 2011)

Contrasting & Sexy (J Crew Fall collection 2011)

Opaque Tights & Loafers

Milan: Loafers & Rolled Slacks (amazing image from the Sartorialist)

And its me! And my Kaya loafers. Cropped slacks, long cardi. 

Kaya tassel loafers in chocolate & Isaac Mizrahi LIVE! Loafers in black (my 2 fav pairs)

Crown Vintage Loafers, Buy at DSW.com ($60)

Mark McNairy for Weejuns $475 (Buy at Mirabella.jp)

Leopard Horsehide Studded Loafers by Giacomorelli $590 (Buy at Luisaviaroma.com)

Windsor Loafer by Michael Kors $98 (Buy at Nordstrom.com)

Heisserer Loafers by Aldo $90 (Buy at Aldo.com)

Hope you enjoyed all the lovely loafers! Show me your loafers (link in the comment section)!

xoxo

Natasha

From the Author: Favorite NEW Trends!

I've been seeing some truly amazing trends lately in the streets of Seattle...so I thought I'd show you my favorites! Some of these are so new you may have never seen them before. Trust me...these are bound to be the hottest trends of this year, mark my words!

Let me know what you think, as always :)

Hot in 2011: Clown suits

Hot in 2011: Drunken Grannie Look

Hot in 2011: Hannah Montana Fits

Hot in 2011: Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles!

Hot in 2011: Hot Flash Blush

Have a good April Fools everyone :)

xoxo

Natasha

The Scoop: Coupon for My Readers!

Being a fashion blogger, and a part of the IFB network, sometimes we get exclusive deals to share with our readers! So obviously I'm going to post it here...if you are in to Juicy Couture then this coupon is for you!

Not too familiar with Juicy Couture? They are more than bedazzled pink hoodies you know. Here are some of my favorites from Juicy (available now) that are ON SALE plus 30% off with the coupon above.

Check 'em out! And share this post around with anyone who loves designer on the cheapies :)

xoxo

Natasha

From the Author: What's Your Go-To Outfit?

I was talking with a friend the other night, and we starting chatting about how every girl has that one go-to item. Its the dress, the top, the skirt, the shoes, the WHATEVER, that looks good no matter how you feel or where you are going.

I started thinking...what is my go-to item? The one item that I throw on when I want to look undoubtably delicious...when I don't have time to think or plan, or when I KNOW its going to be a good night. I could throw it on for anything...a date, girls night out, an interview, even a wedding...

...and I figured it out! My go-to item is a polka-dot dress I got in Dublin a few years ago...that is still classic & chic. I've worn it to a wedding, for New Years, a Valentine's date and a couple graduations.

So I wanted to ask everyone...what is your go-to outfit? Post it in the comment, describe it, even link to a picture if you can. I want to see everyone's "go-to items"!

The "go-to" dress, 2008.

New Years 2008, the "go-to" dress!

Can't wait to see everyone's "go-tos"!

Trends: Valentino Studded Pumps *Look-alikes Found!*

I bring this post to you OVERFLOWING with joy because I've found them.

A while ago, I wrote about the gorgeous & unique Valentino Rockstud pumps, but with a price tag of $895, I wasn't going to be rocking those Rockstuds anytime soon. So I hoped and prayed that someone, some smart business minded fashionista, would create look-alikes or knockoffs so I could strut around town some gorgeous fake Valentinos.

And, my prayers have been answered...by Ivanka Trump! Before you get too excited, you have to know that these are not 100% look-alikes. However, they are very cute, they are Valention-esque, and for only $139 these are a steal!

I will be heading over to Nordstrom this week to try on both colors and decide which pair I'll purchase. I hope that someone else out there is excited about this find, just like me.

From the Author: Forgiveness & New Chic

Hello readers. Have I told you lately how much you all rock? I haven't been posting very much recently, and I know many of you followed the blog when it was updated daily. Life has been nuts...but after talks with a few fellow bloggers, and some encouragement, I realize the blog must go on! So thank you for your love & support, emails, and continued comments. I look forward to hearing from you more as I begin posting more regularly.

Below are some pictures that have been waiting on my desktop. Check them out...let me know what you think, and stay tuned! I have another fabulous post coming later today.

My new FAV earrings...I wear them a little too much.

This red jacket will appear again below! I love it. Thrifted! The necklace is my tribute to Flavor Flav and its from Nordstrom. Scarf from Forever21. 

St. Patty's day! Wore my dark green sweater vest and my favorite brooch from Urban Outfitters.

Friday night's outfit. Went to a Tupac versus Biggie party in the Freemont area of Seattle. Very fun night! The Jacket was thrifted, top is from Forver21+.

Love these shoes. Got them on sale at Urban Outfitters for $20! They go perfect with bright colors like red & purple.

Bird's eye view :)