Fizz and Fade

champagne fizz and faded blue jeans

Friday, June 17, 2016

Red Ruffle Heels

Shoes : Forever21 (similar here, here and here)

If you follow me on Instagram (@emilykfarina) you may have seen that I did a fancy little DIY project lately that involved a pair of Forever21 shoes and a whole lot of ruffled silk.

The technique I used was not a new one, but rather a shoe-decorating method I had employed for my senior fashion collection at Cornell. I had seen a pair of designer shoes recently that had chiffon rosettes all over them. Immediately I thought "I can do that. I'm going to do that". So I found an affordable pair of heels (in case it didn't turn out so well, minimal loss) and hit up Mood Fabrics for a little silk crepe de chine. Rather than go for some boring color like black, I went for red. Bright red.

Monday, May 23, 2016

How I Shop : Forever 21



Many of us twenty-somethings probably have a love-hate relationship with Forever 21. We love how easy it is to test out a new trend or pick up a full look for a night out without having to think twice about the price tag. But we hate the crowds of tweens and teens, the anxiety-inducing overstuffed racks and how you always find the perfect top just to see there is make-up on the collar. Sigh.

I love Forever 21 and gotten tons of great finds from the retailer. In fact, I often have many friends ask me where I got a select item after which I gleefully exclaim “Forever!”. I am always met with the same response - “I can never find anything good when I go in there”. It’s true, the store makes it extremely difficult to find anything decent. And then even if you do, the line is long and you just give up and walk out with nothing. I hear you. But I want to let you in on my Forever 21 secret. 

Shop online! 

It really is that simple. From the comfort of your own couch you can spend as much time as you like scrolling through the options, where you an actually see what the stuff looks like versus in the store where it’s packed together. Plus, you can take your time looking without worrying about the people everywhere. This time around I have done the work for you, and pulled out a handful of my favorites currently for sale online. But go have a look for yourself and tell me the stuff available doesn’t look way better than it does in the store.

What do you think? Can you give Forever 21 another try?

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Stealthy Style : Camel Coat

Way back in the day there was a show on the Style channel called ‘The Look For Less’. The show featured a runway look that was re-created on a very limited budget. I loved, loved this show and someday I have a dream of re-lauching it with myself as the host! But until that day comes, I will continue to hone my look for less skills. After many, many years of shopping I have learned what items are best to splurge on and when you can find an amazing steal that looks way more expensive than it is. I am such a fan of the cheap thrills and wear them so frequently that I often get asked where I got an article of clothing and my response is an enthusiastic “Old Navy!” or “Forever 21!” often met with a comment like “I can never find good stuff when I go there”. To give my assistance, I am introducing the first installment of Stealthy Style, where I will feature a current look I am craving and where to snag similar items that easily fit into a limited budget. I am also including my top 5 tips for shopping at discount stores at the bottom of the post, so be sure to read through!

Let me know if there are certain looks your interested in getting for less, I’d love to hear from you!



I love the simplicity of this look, the colors are neutral yet impactful. I would wear this to work on a casual Friday and easily swap out the heels for ankle booties for brunch or a casual dinner out. The best part of this outfit is how versatile every piece is and can be worn with many items you already own. I'm a basics lover and this outfit has key basic elements you will be able to wear again and again.

shirt // Old Navy (alternative option : Madewell)
jeans // Urban Outfitters (alternative option : Old Navy // Cheap Monday)
coat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Forever 21)
shoes // Sam Edelman (alternative option : Sam Edelman - on sale!)
bag // Halogen (alternative option :  Halogenx2)
hat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Asos // Old Navy)


Thursday, March 25, 2010

neutral selection.

 My beige-tone obsession is beginning to grow, just in time for the lovely colors of springtime; odd. Beige, blush, off-white, ecru, cream, so many names, so little time. Here are a few items, some I own, others I don't, that are just perfectly blah...obviously I mean that in terms of color. The inspiration here is Chloe Spring 2010 RTW Collection, which showcased lots of neutrals and a strong utilitarian influence. My selections for the neutral trend are not very useful in terms of activities, but I would venture to say useful in your closet.




thee selections:

1. forever21 ($5.80)
2. NastyGal ($44.00)
3. J.Crew ($165.00)
4. Steve Madden ($99.95)
5. Free People ($188.00)
6. forever21 ($4.50)
7. Emily Kate Farina (priceless...or negotiable)

Monday, January 25, 2010

Lip Service


Maybe it's because Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, but lately I've been wanting some lip accents. Not so much in the form of makeup but in accessories. They add a little vamp attitude with some tongue-in-cheek humor. Perfect to liven up the drab color of the winter months.





Monday, December 28, 2009

Post Holiday Cravings; what I am currently fixated on


1. Silk Romper: Forever21
2. Essie, Looking for Love: Essie
3. Pomeranian Puppy
4. Capri Blue Candle: Anthropologie
5. Jeffery Campbell Boots: ShopBop

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Recent Closet Additions

After a long (four hour) journey home for fall break, it was time for a little r & r; retail replenishment, and where else is better than the good ol' King of Prussia Mall? Ok, New York, Paris..., there are many better places to shop, but as far as the Main Line goes, all hail KOP. While I must admit I do not need many items added to my clothing repertoire, it never hurts to update things a bit at the start of a new season. Now that things in our dear U.S. of A. are slightly less than parfait on the economic front, multi-tasking is of the utmost importance. The multi-tasking I'm talking about is in fact of my wardrobe items. No more will I spend oodles of cash on something to wear once, no ma'am, the time is ripe for items that can transcend from dawn till drunk. This trip to the mall I was searching out some trendy items that will look fresh for the fall season, as well as some basics that I can wear non-stop, and (hope) no one will notice. As I said, I'm trying to keep things light on the wallet here, so I hit up two stores that won't break the bank; Forever21 for trends, and American Apparel for basics.

1. My recent class-attending wardrobe has consisted of skinny jeans, drapey thin tees, and a leather jacket or blazer. This Unisex Viscose Sexuali-tank from American Apparel is a great addition, with it's slinky sheer fit, and basic color. The scooped neckline is flattering and the relaxed fit very forgiving. I plan on wearing this with my usual jeans/jacket uniform to class, and tucked into a form-fitting, bandage mini at night.

2. Leggings, leggings. Probably the most useful bottom staple other than jeans. The Cotton Spandex Jersey Leggings, from American Apparel come in every color in the rainbow. I opted for black, simple and will be worn countless times with boots this winter. While the $26 price tag might seem like a lot for leggings, AA's version is significantly more durable than say, my F21 pair, and with how much I wear them, the long lasting element is worth the money, plus they're thick enough that you won't get that sheer effect when you put them on (you know what I'm talking about).

3. Jumping on to Forever21, I snagged this panther ring when I was waiting in line to checkout. I like the animal element, it gives a little kick to the hand. For under six dollars, this ring is a great way to add a little somthin' somthin' to a nighttime outfit.

4. I restrained for awhile, but I had to go for this time; boyfriend jeans. Perhaps a hard style to pull off (you guys can let me know how I do), but I thought it was ok to test out the trend with a cheap pair from Forever21 rather than investing in a something actually nice. I plan on wearing these suckers with casual flats during the day, maybe with a boyfriend cardigan and simple shirt, and testing them out at night with a silk top and heels. ?. We'll see.

5. Another Forever21 item, this necklace is simple enough to wear with just about anything, and it has both silver and gold in it, so it will match with everything other metal jewelry item I own. See, multi-tasking!

6. Also from AA, this tie dye tank is made out of viscose, like his grey friend above, which if you don't know, is that incredible material that makes a tee feel like soft, light heaven. While some may think tie dye seems a bit summery, you don't know me very well. I'll be wearing this to class with jeans,and moccasin boots, and out at night with my latex leggings and dominatrix heels.

7. I am a huge fan of plaid shirts, and this Heritage dress fit the bill. It doesn't come across too well in this photo, but this dress will be a great fall item, worn with layers to class. The color is just punchy enough to keep it young without being dowdy. I plan on wearing this with tights and black boots, and a leather jacket. I promise country plaid can look chic. Just don't wear it with cowboy boots. Please.

8. Last but not least; the sequined mini. Ok, I know what you're thinking; I said I wasn't gonna spend money on something I will only wear once. But this skirt is different! If you didn't know, sequins are a hot commodity this season, and this skirt is the perfect way to get the trendy look at a low price. And surprisingly, I believe I will wear this a lot. While it is a fine line between trashy and cute, this skirt will need to be worn with caution. I will wear this skirt with a slouchy tee, (or one of the tanks I got), and a loose cardigan to go out. Yes, I wear sweaters when I go out. The key to keeping it cool and offbeat and not Wet Seal trash, is to keep the rest of the outfit very casual and un-sexy. It's all about the balance.

So there it is, all my newest friends to join my wardrobe, and a little peek at how I will wear them. Now when any of you see me out, you can call me out on my little Forever21 bargains. And let me know how I do with the boyfriend jeans.

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