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

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

Currently Obsessing Over:

Taking a break from cleaning to tell you guys how much I love want  NEED these studded platform pumps in my life. They are soooo adorable! And I would wear them with that Keita Maruyama skirt ALL THE TIME. Lol.

xoxo coco

Soft & Hard.

(Keyhole cardigan souvenir from Paris, vintage blue satin swimsuit, pink stud and zipper heels from Dollhouse, F21 two-finger pink rhinestone ring, polkadot sweet nothings convertable clutch/purse from White House, Black Market)

Straightening my hair takes forever to do, so when I actually do it, I always make sure to crunch in as much action while it still looks nice; and before it starts to fluff up and get raggedy looking. Plus, I had a meeting today and for some reason, straight hair looks more professional to people than curly. Curly has some weird stigma to it, I've found, and people automatically assume you're kooky and weird in a bad way and probably spend your time reading palms and tea leaves like you're Professor Trelawney or something. I actually read about some study regarding 'straight hair vs. curly' and it was scientifically proven that initially, even men prefer the look of straight hair over curly hair. The sheen of straight hair reads as a sign of healthiness and richness, which subconciously told men that a woman with straight hair would make a great potential mate. Curly hair doesn't have the same effect because of its shape and texture. Anyway!

The past few days I've been watching nothing but teen movies from the 90s and was moved to style my hair in what I've lovingly dubbed 'The Sarah Michelle Gellar' for the day. Can I just say how adorably innocent and sweet-looking the down-the-middle, tucked-behind-the-ear part is? I love that. Thanks to Miss Vampire Slayer herself for the inspiration! As for my outfit... I kind of wanted to do something that was both soft and subtly hard, so I decided to don my favorite vintage satin sunsuit and cardigan (a souvenir I picked up while in Paris) with scalloped collar and crystal buttons, and my favorite pink Dollhouse heels, complete with tons of studs and zippers. I topped it all off with my W&B polkadot clutch with the convertable chain I got for Christmas last year <3

xoxo coco

P.S. I'm always amazed how my hair color never looks the same lol

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

Obsessing.

So along with the swimsuit I posted earlier, here is a small list of my current fashion industry crushes; what I'm currently obsessing over like there's no tomorrow!


SILVER HAIR (WITH LAVENDER WASH)

(c. Getty Images, Google Images)
I've really been envying Kelly Osbourne's premature gray, but I especially love the faint hint of purple in it--which is achieved with a light Lavender wash, just in case you were wondering. (Any salon can do it for you.) Others who have recently been spotted donning the same do' are Kelis, Lady Gaga, and supermodel Katherine McNamany. Now, I love my red don't get me wrong, but if I could; I would go Silver in a heartbeat. Unfortunately it'd fry my curls and I can't have that, now can I? =P


FATALE PLATFORM PUMP

(c. Free People, Getty Images, Google Images)

I'm crushing sooo, super hard on these platform pumps by Gee WaWa. So fierce. I love the contrasting look it creates--it makes the feet look clunky and the legs so petite, sort of like Bratz dolls. Lolol. The leather gives them a rough rider sort of look though, which makes them so awesome. You could easily combine the girly girl look with the tough chick look by pairing them with a pretty and delicate neutral-colored maxi and a leather jacket or an acid-wash jean jacket, like the military style a'la Pierre Balmain! (As pictured above :D)

P.S. A flowy, empire-waist style like the maxi shown above is a great way for us curvy girls to take attention away from the love handles and the muffin tops. As well, the look is sort of a throw-back to Ancient Greece and the ultra figure-flattering styles the noblewomen wore; and will make you look positively divine. You'll undoubtedly rival Aphrodite herself in a sweet and super feminine style like this!


SHEER, COLORFUL LACE

(c. Getty Images)
The look of sheer lace against the female form is so sophisticatedly sexy in a simple way, its very subtly seductive I think and something I've always loved the look of. So of course, I was positively elated to see this style as a staple of the Christian Dior Spring 2010 collection. And while the floral silk slips they featured throughout the show may be too springy for fall, I do plan on incorporating lots of just-rightly-see-through lace in my fall wardrobe this season.


PROENZA SCHOULER

(c. proenzaschouler.com)
A deliciously awesome designer, when I saw pictures from her Fall 2010 show I seriously swooned. Especially the layered looks she showed off; pairing charming summer dresses with cropped sweaters and turtlenecks and thigh high stockings. The look was sharp to say the least and definitely a great reason to hang onto your summer minis. Needless to say, I will be trying this look for myself! Her other collections are just as charming, incorporating school girl style with clean lines and plaid patterns.


ETHNIC REDHEADS

(c. Ford Models, Boss Models, Rachel Waniewski)
Scientists say that over the next 100 years, via natural selection redheads will be prized even more than they are now. Within the industry, its almost already a phenomenon to come across a ginger model (and I say 'ginger' with love). Striking, natural hair colors like red and blonde are already viewed as exceptional due to the escalating rate of the inter-marrying and mixing of different races; but red in particular will soon be sorely missed. (Blonde is estimated to last significantly longer than it's crimson counterpart) What's more rare are the 'ethnic' redheads which make up an even smaller percentage of the world's population. Almost a sub-let of the redhead gene, ethnic redheads like Sabina Karlsson and Carmen Solomons are far and few, and a hot commodity in the fashion world.

xoxo coco