Afternoon Tea + MORE AMAZING FOLLOWERS!

Currently Listening to:

"Fidelity" by Regina Spektor

(Tripp NYC "Pop Tart" leopard print dress, White House | Black Market convertible polkadot

clutch/purse, JC charm bracelet, Forever 21 black platform maryjanes)

I was feeling a bit girly and quirky for my Sunday lunch date with a friend of mine at this adorable little cafe up in Placerville. It was a bit hot, but the weather was still nice, and due to the fancy nature of having tea; I opted for a cute little dress! This leopard one is by Tripp NYC and its called "Pop Tart" which I absolutely love. Taking full advantage of the fact that we were having afternoon tea, Dee and I got pretty gussied up for our fun day together; and I couldn't help but get a bit fancy with a birdcage veil and cute charm bracelet my sister got me from her trip to Monterey a while back. We felt a little bit like royalty and made sure to have our pinkies raised at all times! I was reminded a little of the very, very funny Saturday Night Live skit called "A Spot of Tea" with Russell Brand, Andy Samberg, and Bill Hader.

Needless to say, I really, really wanted to yell "Seismograph" at the top of my lungs the whole time we drank tea and ate our lunch, but managed to keep it together. Afterward, we drove up to the ranches to pick some of the last of the berries before we transition into Fall, but not before enjoying some of the famous pie near Apple Hill of course! (Delicious!) It was so much fun. We plan to go back this labor day weekend for the opening of the apple ranches too and maybe go to the sneak preview for the new movie Fighter.

Goodness knows, I love me some Tom Hardy!

To my delight, I have some more amazing new followers to thank and urge all of you to check out! First we have Amalia, a nineteen year old style blogger from Greece with the coolest hair I've ever seen. (I've been a big fan of her blog for a while now and adore her style!) Second is Shay of donewithconformity, a blogger with some seriously skills: she runs The Blogger Project in which she features some of her favorite bloggers by turning them into an awesome work of art! DEFINITELY a must-see. Then there's "Fashion Kat" Rita, a stylish blogger who loves fashion, shoes, and - you guessed it! - cats! (Among other things!) Then there's the romantic Russian herself, Miss Annushka Litvinova with her quirky and whimsical fashion sense! She's so sweet and I always look forward to seeing what she's wearing! I can't forget Beth from Stylish Confessions either. I love her blog and her casual and oh-so-cool style...

Last but not least, Michelle and Hiven, who don't have personal blogs, but I still wanted to thank them for the follow! It means a lot to me that they enjoy reading MTB so much.

So thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone! You are all amazing <3

xoxo Coco

P.S. I'm so glad you guys like my Back To School outfit; I want you to share your's too! So don't forget to send in photos of yourselves in your favorite back to school gear for my "Back To School Special" coming up! Be sure to include your name, age, and link to your blog! Send to: cocol@muffintopbaby.com for a chance to be featured here on MTB :}

Back To School + HELLO, NEW FOLLOWERS!

Currently Listening to:
"With You" by Jessica Simpson

(Sunglasses from PacSun, vintage fur collar, vintage 60s blazer, Nollie top from PacSun, cutoff high-waist shorts from Heritage1981, convertible polka-dot clutch/purse from White House | Black Market,
wedge platform shoes from Nine West)

So I had to be up super early for a mandatory orientation for one of my classes and...I wasn't thrilled to say the least. Mainly because of my stomach, which is prone to flareups most in the mornings. Luckily, its an online class, so I won't have to be on-campus much. It didn't make sense (to me, anyway) for an online class to have an in-person orientation, ESPECIALLY on the weekend, but aaaanywaaay...

Unfortunately today was one of THE hottest days of the summer in Sacramento, so I had no choice but to opt for shorts, but couldn't resist wearing my fur or my blazer. I wore my favorite shorts from Heritage1981 that used to be a really great pair of flared jeans, but unfortunately were ruined; and I cut them up and converted them into shorts instead. I was so bummed, because they were literally THE perfect pair of bell-bottoms. Now I'm on a search this Fall for a new pair of flares/wide-legs to replace them. I hate shopping them vintage though, because I can never find any in my size. It seems like the only proper surviving bell-bottoms these days were worn by girls with 24" waists!

I was pretty simple, just tucking in a nice Nollie v-neck that I picked up when I used to work at PacSun. I think its safe to say that they make some of the most comfortable tees there are... I got a bit dressy by throwing on my blazer (a vintage piece that the costumer and home-ed teacher let me keep after our high school production of Pillow Talk a few years back) and some great wedge-style platforms from Nine West that I've had for what seems like forever. I don't know why I don't wear them anymore, because they are wonderfully comfortable as they are stylish. I also broke out my White House | Black Market clutch that's been in hibernation since I got my newer, faux-snake skin one a few months ago. I love the polka-dot ruffles and I love that it's convertible; it can be used as a clutch or a purse by tucking and un-tucking the chain shoulder strap.

Since it was for a business class, they asked us to dress for something of an ideal job we had in mind. Myself, wanting to work in some division of fashion, tried to keep it relaxed, but still stylish. I also couldn't resist the chance to sport another blazer, which as you all know; I'm completely crazy over at the moment. I've been window-shopping like crazy on Romwe (check out the Romwe Blog too!); they have an EXCELLENT selection of trendy suit and boyfriend-style blazers HERE. I pretty much want each and every one!

Also! I wanted to take this time to say hello to my newest followers: Stephanie Matti, a very talented up and coming photographer from the U.K. (I wish I lived closer so I could work with you, Stephanie!!!), equally talented aspiring photographer Emelia Taveras (your work is absolutely beautiful); fierce fashion-lover and blogger Joanna S. (one of my favorites!) from South Poland; and David-Martin of Sick By Trend, a blog that absolutely lives up to its name, with the dish on some seriously sick styles and tasty trends! Thanks so much for following, guys! I love what you do <3

So let me know what you guys thought of my Back to School Ensemble. Would you hire me? Haha! Also, as I'm finishing up the Summer Style Special (there's still a chance to submit your outfit/photos and blog link!), I'm preparing for a Back To School Special as well and would love to see you guys' in your back to school gear! If you'd like to see yourself on MTB, then send a full outfit shot and one detail (up-close) shot, as well as your name, age, and url to your blog link; to cocol@muffintopbaby.com and be a part of the fashion fun!

xoxo Coco

Don't Let The Sun Blast Your Shadow

Currently Listening to:

"Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" by David Bowie

(Vintage fur collar, Lane Bryant top, vintage Yves Saint Laurent scarf as a belt, tiered black lace maxi
skirt by Solemio courtesy of GoJane.com, vintage Mudd booties, assorted vintage & F21 jewelry,
 gifted one-of-a-kind patchwork purse from Amsterdam)

So I had to run some errands and do some last minute shopping for school. Not the fun kind of shopping where you get to spend hours in stores trying on outfits with your mom, but the kind that involves purchasing supplies you'll never use and over-priced paperback books. To my surprise, it was fairly warm and I just did not feel like sweating up a storm in denim; so I decided to wear my favorite skirt instead! The gorgeous black lace one that GoJane.com was kind enough to send me earlier this Spring/Summer! Anyway! I paired it with one of my trapeze tank tops from Lane Bryant that I love so much. Then, as you guys can see... I started to get a bit creative.

I've had this vintage YSL scarf for forever, since I bought my fur collar in fact (they came together, the scarf was a gift) and thought I'd play with it. It was on my head at first, tied up like a turban, but ended up around my waist instead. Since I was going in a very 70s, Hippie-Rocker-Chic direction, I decided to break out my trusty collar and the purse that my parents brought me back from their trip to Europe a few years ago. It has these beautiful patches of velvet and blown glass beads on the shoulder, which I absolutely love, and even though I've never been much of a jewelry kind of gal (I'm a bit simplistic); I think I was actually wearing every piece of jewelry that I own!

I borrowed (read: stole) a bunch of my step-dad's old records/albums and have been inspired by the music of his generation lately. I especially love listening to I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama, Frampton Comes Alive, and The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders from Mars. Plus, I wanted to try my own take on the new Free People August 2011 "in Venice" Look Book with all the layers, vintage-inspired prints and accessories. Please ignore my somewhat tired look. I just put some blush, eye shadow and lipstick on. That color is actually one of my favorites that I unearthed whilst sifting through my armoire for my bangles; its called "Flirt" and its by Benefit (my favorite).

You guys can see my new Ombre hair a little bit better too, which has totally and completely grown on me (literally). I absolutely love it; it feels really natural and sexy! I've been working a lot with my hair recently, trying to achieve that perfect beachy, boho-wave. I've tried a few different ways, but I think the closest I've come to the ultimate wavy 'do was through Cara's Wavy Hair Tutorial over at A Fashion Love Affair, which has become one of my favorite personal style blogs as of late! Cara's also hosting a giveaway for a Hana Titanium Flat Iron (as seen in Red Book and Marie Claire), so be sure to check that out and enter for your chance to win!

And with that, I shall leave you all with some words of wisdom that I think everyone should try to live by:

"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, I'm a mortal with potential of a superman."
- David Bowie

xoxo Coco

Outfit Inspiration: Oh, Foxey Lady!

Currently Listening to:
"Foxey Lady" by Jimi Hendrix

1. UNIF Birkin Fringe Top in CREAM @Nasty Gal - $78

2. Vintage Rocker Jeans in ECLIPSE @Madewell - $110

3. Beaded Religious Necklace @GoJane - $5.80

4. Lace-up Suede Platform in TAUPE @GoJane - $38.55 (ON SALE!)

5. Rhinestone Embellished Shield Ring in PEWTER @GoJane - $14.30


As Fall approaches, I find myself more and more inspired by the laid-back, yet edgy aesthetic of vintage rocker chic. Its relaxed and a bit disheveled, but still sexy - tight jeans, wavy bedhead hair and all! I LOVE the intricacy of the new UNIF Birkin Fringe Top (nothing says 70s like a fringe) from Nasty Gal, and the details of the rosary-inspired necklace and Rhinestone Shield Ring from Go Jane; paired with these simple, but excellently made not-quite-skinny, not-quite-flared jeans from Madewell, who absolutely live up to their name. To top it all off, who could resist these towering platform boots, which look oh-so wickedly close to the infamous Jeffrey Campbell "Lita" - only, for a quarter of the price! A much sweeter deal for bargainistas on a budget, if you ask me!

I could totally see myself rockin' to the sounds of Hendrix, Zeppelin and Muddy Waters in these super hot, but super cool threads.

Now if only I had this exact outfit for my shoot in the morning! Haha!

xoxo Coco

Take A Peek Inside My Purse + The Free People AUG 2011 Lookbook + MY NEW OMBRE HAIR!!!

At the current moment, these would be the contents of my purse:

As you can see there's nothing too spiffy going on. I have my M*A*C essentials for retouching my makeup when I'm out and about (I like to keep things natural for the most part), my clutch, which contains my ID, license, cards, etc., for when I want to switch from a big, bulky side-bag to something a bit sleeker; my sunglasses to fight off this blazing Sacramento sunshine and of course my copy of the new Free People "in Venice" August 2011 Lookbook that arrived in the mail for me! I really love the look of 70s inspired separates for this Fall and definitely plan on taking a page (no pun intended) from FP's book for style inspiration this season.

Here were a few of my favorite looks:

I wish I could just walk into my closet and walk back out wearing all of these ensembles! I especially love the maxi dresses and the shaggy coats, both of which I plan to buy and wear many, many more of! You all know that I love my Summer and that I tend to be a summer and springtime girl, but I have to say that FP's August Look book has me itching for Fall. I seriously can't wait to try some of these layered looks for myself. I also realized that I am in dire need of a really big, really floppy hat! So if you guys have any suggestions as to where I can shop the perfect one, let me know! I'm all ears!

In other news... (Drum roll please...)

I played with my hair!

I know, I know... AGAIN, COCO?! (Or "you're killin' me, girl" as Katie put it! Lol!)

But you guys know me. I get bored easily and I just could not resist the calling of the Ombre. (Plus things have been so hectic as of late that I just felt like I needed some sort of change or overhaul or something.) I've been a little obsessed with the relaxed and messy, laid-back, over-grown hair trend recently, which is not surprisingly still going strong - there's something grungy, but still very glamorous about it. I kept flipping back to Drew Barrymore's take on Ombre (or "Balayage" which is the formal name) hairstyle last year, which I personally think she rocked the heck out of. Other honorable mentions definitely have to go to Hillary Duff, Rachel Bilson, and of course miss Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast, who was actually one of the first people I saw to sport the style.

Its not for everyone, but I really, really love it. I feel free in a strange way. I don't know why. Possibly because the whole idea of it; is to look like you've skipped months and months of salon appointments to let your roots grow in wild and free. That being said, Ombre is pretty much the perfect style for any girl who wants something low-maintenance and its easy to do at home with a highlight/lifting or bleach kit. All you do is paint from the tips of your hair upward in graduation, let it set for a bit, then rinse, and repeat the process until you're happy with the lift/how light it is. There are several great DIYs online if you feel like being adventurous too! Be sure to check out these awesome step-by-step tutorials by Zoella and Brittnee Caan of L'ing the L :}


What do you guys think of Ombre hair? Think its still hot or just a hot mess?

xoxo Coco

Bye, Bye, Boyfriend. It's Time That I Be On My Way...

Currently Listening to:
"Bye Bye Boyfriend" by Fefe Dobson

(Watercolor Graphic Print Dress by B R A N D, Layered Chain necklace from Forever 21, Black Tuxedo Blazer by Necessary Objects, Plum Velvet "Dany" T-strap Platforms by Jessica Simpson - not seen - and gifted Black Faux Snake Skin Clutch)

Like many, I hate to admit that I watch the occasional reality show, let alone enjoy them. I have to be honest though and say that one of my absolute favorite shows is TLC's What Not To Wear in which stylists Clinton Kelly and Stacy London ambush unsuspecting fashion victims, fly them to New York, berate them for their fashion sense (or lack thereof) and then pick apart their wardrobe before they send them off into the overwhelming jungle of department stores and designer labels to build a brand new one; one piece at a time.

After a shopping struggle and then a breakthrough with the help of Clinton and Stacy, they send their victims to much sought-after editorial, runway, and celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson for a luscious new 'do, cut and color included, and commercial and editorial makeup artist, cosmetics line Sally Hansen Natural Beauty co-creator, and The 5 Minute Face author Carmindy to learn first-hand how to enhance their already natural beauty - whether they know they've got it or not! While I'm not sure What Not To Wear is actually considered "reality TV" it is much realer than most other shows out there; and I just love seeing how great people feel about themselves at the end in the big reveal!

Now on the other hand, I don't really WATCH Keeping Up With The Kardashians, but I am a fan of the Kardashian style. I happen to think Kim and Khloe K. are two of the most beautiful women in Hollywood and even though they seem to land a spot on What Were They Thinking on a weekly basis, I LOVE that they always remain true to themselves and that they refuse to dress down their curves! They embrace their bootiful, bodacious bods and they're very inspiring in that aspect.

So when I got an invitation to my friend Matt's wedding scheduled for later this month, not only was I excited that my "older brother from another mother" was finally tying the knot; I was stoked to get to dress up! What's more, when I found out my ex was going to be there, I thought what every girl thinks in a similar situation: "I have to look hot!" And as a bargainista, I descended upon Ross with that exact goal in mind. Being a curvy girl I decided to take a page from the Kardashian style book and try out for myself, Clinton and Stacy's never-failing formula for dressing for success:

Color

+ Pattern

+ Texture

+ Shine

+ Completer Piece

OUTFIT

...and I couldn't be more happy with the results!

I feel amazing in this watercolor-esque graphic dress. It hugs my curves perfectly and supports and CONTAINS the girls (Betty and Veronica) with a deep sweetheart bodice, complete with boning. The side-ruching detail not only creates a great silhouette, but it also enhances my waist in the best possible way. Normally, I'm not one for patterns and even my mom doubted it when I pulled the garment from the racks, but I couldn't ignore this little number when I first saw it peeking through the crowded hangers of otherwise disappointing and underwhelming cotton summer dresses and club-style cocktail-wear.

Now, while you can't see them, I paired the dress with my Plum Velvet Dany Platforms by Jessica Simpson, which matched the purple in the dress spot-on and since they're velvet; they added the texture I needed. In addition, the Tuxedo Blazer added even more texture to contrast the sheen of the dress. Finally, I was able to incorporate a little shine with some accessories: a necklace of layered chains and a faux snakeskin clutch! And voila! An outfit that would make even Clinton and Stacy proud! (And that Kim and Khloe might even sport down the red carpet ;D)

So... What do you guys think of my outfit? Think I'll make my ex jealous? Hehe

xoxo Coco

Photoshoot with Danny Fung!

Currently listening to:

"Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae

I had a photoshoot a little while ago with a local, up and coming photographer named Danny Fung.

Danny specializes in very beautiful, journalistic lifestyle and portraiture and he just resonates this great, positive energy on set. I had so much fun shooting with him! We explored downtown Sacramento for a couple of hours and took to little side streets and charming Victorians for the backdrop. These are just a few of my personal favorites from the photoshoot, but I'll definitely be posting more for you guys soon! Be sure to check out more of his work at his Official Website: Danny Fung Photography

In other news: I've been feeling a lot better lately. I have a new health care plan soon to kick in, thanks to the help of my Congresswoman, who has really done a lot where no one else could or would regarding medical assistance. I'm really, very grateful to her, and I can't wait to have access to the help that I need. In the meantime, I'm just trying to stay positive. Of course, you guys have also been a huge support for me and I just appreciate the well wishes and the sweet e-mails!

Also! Don't forget to send in your photos of your favorite Summer outfits for the Summer Special I'm working on. I've gotten a couple really great submissions so far, so keep them coming if you'd like to be featured here on MTB! Make sure you include your name and the url of your blog! Send to: cocol@muffintopbaby.com

Also, be on the look-out for a new outfit post in the next day or so!

xoxo Coco