Faster Pussycat, Thrill, Thrill

Currently Listening to:

"Funplex" by the B-52s

(Beanie from F21, thrifted hat clip, glasses by Ray-Ban, top by Derek Heart Clothing,
shorts from Mossimo Denim, purse/clutch by LuLu, shoes by Dollhouse)

My new glasses came in last Friday and even though I'm incredibly sick, I have been enjoying the ability to see again! I've never owned a pair of Ray-Bans before, but I really, really love them. My mom and sister are super jealous; my step-dad calls them BCGs. (That's Air Force code for "Birth Control Glasses" XD) However, I'm currently mucking about the house with a sore throat and horrible sinuses. On top of that, I'm having a really bad UC flare-up, so its been a rough week so far. Still, I thought I'd post an outfit for all of you!

When I'm feeling better, at the request of couple of my amazing readers (namely miss Amalia of A Little Bit of Shine and miss Frances of Polka Polish and Making A Mess), I will be putting together some tutorial videos on how I do my hair and makeup. If there's anything else anyone would like to see, whether a certain make-up look or hairstyle that I've done in the past or if you just have some questions for me, feel free to post them here or e-mail me at cocol@muffintopbaby.com and I will be sure to answer them for you :}

Lots of love! <3 <3 <3

xoxo Coco

P.S. MUFFIN TOP BABY TURNS 1 YEAR OLD ON SUNDAY!!!

So Where You From, Son?

Currently Listening to:

"Gold Coast" by GROUPLOVE

(Top from Forever21, shorts by Mossimo Denim, purse/clutch from
 White House | Black Market, JC charm bracelet, platforms from Forever21)

So I've been really, really busy the past week with school and all that, but to my excitement; I was also entrusted to develop a Tumblr for Healthy is the New Skinny! So my time for the past several days has pretty much been devoted to putting together an awesome layout and graphics for it. I can't wait to unveil the final product to all of you when its finished! In other news, my step-dad, who recently applied for some jobs at a few of the Air Force bases across the pond, heard back from the one in Aviano (Italy) and they've basically given him the job. I'm so stoked! We're unsure where everything will go from here, as there's still a lot of negotiations, but its likely the majority of the move won't be happening for another year. So, I have twelve months to decide whether or not I'm going with them or if I want to stay here and possibly move down to LA. Either way, I'm super excited!

Also! It's time to welcome a new round-up of followers! So please say hello to the eclectically stylish miss Froso M. of Style Nirvana, the very inspiring Elspeth Angharad at Glitter and Pearls, and the suuuper chic Jennifer Worman of Red Soles and Red Wine! Thank you so much for following, you fabulous ladies, you! <3

xoxo Coco

P.S. I added a music widget, an MTB "Jukebox" if you will, so you guys can hear the songs that inspire each of my posts!

Love Is A Four Letter Word

Currently Listening to:

"The World Should Revolve Around Me" by Little Jackie

(Tee from Anchor Blue, Vurt plaid from PacSun, cutoff high-waist shorts from Heritage1981,

faux fur fox-tail from the alleys in LA, B.C. ankle biker booties)

Hello, lovelies! After a long Labor Day Weekend and the flu, I thought I'd post a new outfit for you! Pretty simple and relaxed, really. A tank top layered with my favorite graphic tee and I decided to rock my favorite plaid button-up as a sort of skirt, channeling 90s Grunge if you will. I kind of liked how it looked over shorts too though. The look kind of reminds me of  elementary school days, when we wrapped our sweaters and jackets around our waists at lunch time and recess... A great trip down memory lane...

Anyhoo! I've been running around like a mad woman today, trying to get things done (including some school work and some new graphic/website design commissions) and sorted out before the big FNO event tonight. It should be a ton of fun and I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favorite fashion-forward faces there!

Hope you all had a fun, safe Labor Day! <3

xoxo Coco

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

I've Got All My Bridges Lined Up And They're Waiting To Be Burned.

Currently Listening to:

"Raise the Fences" by Lower Than Lowercase

(Vintage negligee top, Celebrity Pink high-waist shorts

altered by me, and Plum Velvet Dany's)

I finally did it. Not only did I manage to get out of the house (only after taking lots of pain reliever, mind you), I also managed to take some new outfit shots for you guys. It's been long enough, eh? Lolol. I'm glad that I did though, because the weather has been perfect the past few days here in Sac. We're at that beautiful place right before it gets sweltering, which luckily we have a pool, so bring it on Summer! Hehe! We're actually the only house on our block that has one too, so nah-nah-nah-nah-freakin-boo-boo at my neighbors with their loud rap music and relentless barking dogs XD

Anyhoo! I'm sitting here, listening to some music of my own, and loitering on We Heart It. If you can't tell by my twitter, I'm slowly, but surely becoming addicted to that website. Seriously, there are so many pretty, pretty pictures. I feel like a kid in a candy shop! Here are a few of my faves of the day:

Love you, guys! <3

xoxo Coco

Far Too Long.

Currently listening to:

"DayGlo" by Iglu & Hartly 

I am so, so sorry to all of you, for not updating over the past month. I didn't mean to leave you guys in limbo like that! As you may have gathered from the last couple posts I made, I was not doing well health-wise - I'm still not actually - but I'm working on recovering and getting back into good condition.

Last year, I was diagnosed with a disease called Ulcerative Colitis, which is an inflammatory disorder that's incredibly painful and difficult to manage. It makes even simple things like riding in cars a nightmare for me, and more often than not, I can't keep food (nutrients) in, so I run out of energy quickly. Unfortunately, my health care ran out as well and I've not had the medication to manage it, nor access to any pain medicine, so as you guys can imagine; I've been faced with a lot of hardship lately. But I promise to try and get some good stuff up for you guys, though I warn you it may be sparse for the next few weeks until I get some results back... I appreciate you guys being so patient with me and all the love and support. I hope you're all well and I can't wait to be in tip-top shape for you guys again! :}

In other more fun news, my friends over at Healthy is the New Skinny featured me on the website yesterday!

I was so excited and honored to get a text from the lovely Miss Katie in the morning to tell me about it :} You can read and see more HERE <3

xoxo coco