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

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

All Of Your Pretty, Your Pretty Little Rags & Bones.


Currently Listening to:
"Rag & Bone" by The White Stripes

(Forever 21 top, skirt, bralette and shoes, knee-high tights altered by me, vintage

mink from Rogue Retro on Etsy, and White House | Black Market convertable purse/clutch.)

I still can't believe that it's already 2011. It seems like 2010 went by so fast! I definitely want to say thank you to everyone who gave this blog its chance last year! From you guys, my readers/followers, to the other awesome bloggers who featured me on their blogs too... Seriously, thank you for such a great start! <3

Now behold! Lol! My first outfit post for the new year! A.K.A. my Forever 21 Birthday/Christmas loot! Lolol! This is what I wore to the Agency on Friday (minus the fur) that I didn't get to take pictures of that day. So, after I color corrected the Orange Madness from the last post and a box of waaay too dark Brunette that my mom had picked up; out of my hair yesterday (now I'm a nice, tolerable Strawberry Blonde haha), I took some photos as part of my effort to keep to my New Year's Blog Resolution to post more personal outfits/style photos for you guys. I don't know why, but my skin looks super airbrushed in some of the shots. Its weird. Maybe it's the hair color? Lol :}

I'm super looking forward to this week. My Dany's should be here today, which I've been soooooo anxious to get since I ordered them. I've literally been counting down the days! Lol! The sweater and leggings that I told you guys about came in last Friday, but they aren't the size it said on the site and the sweater doesn't look anything like it was pictured/described. I'm beyond disappointed. I got in contact with the customer service reps so I could return them and get a refund and they are being super shady. They keep dancing around the fact that they lied about their products and don't want to give me my money back, which really sucks. I don't even want to say their name here, because I don't want you guys to look them up and fall victim to their misrepresentation too. I love you guys and I won't put you through that. Lol.

I also joined Chictopia! (And I'm actually liking it a lot more than LookBook.nu.) So if you're there, be sure to add me or leave me a comment here with a link to your profile so that I can add you :} I entered the Payless "Winter Shoe Contest" with my DIY Miu Miu's too, so wish me luck!

xoxo coco

I Don't Care What the Calendars Say: I Wish It Was Christmas Today.

Currently Listening to:
"I Wish It Was Christmas Today" by
Horatio Sanz, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, and Tracy Morgan




I can't believe Christmas was just here. It came and went like nobody's business and I find myself wishing I could do it all over again! (Minus the getting sick part of course ;P) Like most, I spent the day with family, opening gifts and eating lots of treats (I still have plenty left in my stocking that I'm currently snacking on as I write this), our gathering was even complete with Elvis Christmas tunes, which always makes for a great atmosphere! And although the tree is still up, I did Grinch the lights last night and used them decorate my room. (I told my mom I would, so she can't be mad at me XD)


I had a wonderful time with my parents and my (step?)grandparents, who are always a blast to hang out with it! They gave me some green stuff for my birthday and Christmas, so I went shopping yesterday, which I hate going to the mall right after the holiday, but it had to be done; if I wanted good deals that is. Lol. My sister and I went to the Roseville Galleria for the first time and shopped the huge Forever 21 they have there. The place is a seperate two story building from the mall, with its own escalators and elevators (its HUGE), and it was SWAMPED. I couldn't noticing that they had every other F21 collection available except for F21+, but luckily I did manage to find a few really cute pieces in my size that weren't too wiggly:



I love the Black Chiffon button up with the lace-embellished frilled collar. I was really worried at first that it wouldn't fit, but luckily its one of those slightly over-sized pieces that kinda hangs rather than clings, and I have a very flat derriere, so I'm guessing thats why the skirt fit XD The top is sooo sheer though. I had to buy a corselette-bra to go underneath, which I was pleasantly surprised to find they had a 36D. Yay me! Lol! I ordered a pair of the Jessica Simpson Dany's too since they're on sale right now! ($69.99 from $98.00 with free shipping 'til January 11th :D) And also an amazing sweater from Wholesale-Dress.net with some really cool leggings... I'm so excited for my mini wardrobe makeover! Buuut now I have to wait for everything else to come in the mail and its killing me lol





And because she knows I'm a sucker for pretty-smelling things, my mom stuffed my stocking with Citrus Blossom soap - it smells like the Jasmine flowers that used to grow outside of our house in Huntington Beach, so of course I'm head-over-heels for it - and some more of my "signature" scent since she knew I was running low. I love my mom, she gives the best gifts :}

Speaking of family...


The mean family dog (Ginger) and I want to wish you all the Happiest of Holidays! ;D

What was your guys' favorite part of Christmas this year? Any fun plans for NYE?

xoxo coco

Leap Into Fall.

Prepare to take a big leap into the season with the following fab shoe styles!


(Jeffrey Campbell FOXY platform in Mustard and Leopard)

Jeffrey Campbell has taken over the world. He has taken the platform and perfected it; turning it into a surprisingly walk-able, uber comfortable and super stylish shoe that is now a necessary staple in every serious fashionista's wardrobe with his sexy leather and lustful leapord prints.

Tip: For a cheap alternative to the FOXY platform by Jeffrey Campbell (as pictured above) try on Jessica Simpson's DANY platform for size:

Strutting on...



(Gee'WaWa signature CLAW in Femme, Fatale, and Further)

Gee'WaWa is an indie collection from right here in Northern California. Their fierce shoes come out of Hayward and can be seen in online stores such as Anthropologie.com, SundanceCatalog.com, and Nordstrom.com; and with the creation of their incredibly sharp CLAW we can expect to see more of them very soon!

I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait to put my best foot forward this Fall!

xoxo coco