A Low-key Date Night

Saturday night my beau and I met up for a low-key dinner out at our favorite Cuban restaurant. I had spent the entire day cleaning out my closet, so I really wanted to get dressed up. I knew the casual dining atmosphere and the fact that my beau would likely be wearing jeans and sweater meant I shouldn't get too formal.

When I purchased this dress I intended for it to be worn to work, but after just one washing it was too short for the office. I love the flattering cut and the fun print, so it was a perfect choice for a casual date. I paired it comfy faux-suede boots and tights. I love how long my legs look when my boots and tights are the same color!

Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Cami: Forever21+
Tights: Target
Boots: Payless last year (they're wide calf!)
Bracelet: Claires, purchased a few years ago.

Inspired!

I follow a lot of fashion blogs. Basically any blog with attainable outfit of the day posts gets my love. Sometimes I read the blogs for a few weeks, sometimes for a really long time. One of the first blogs I started following was Fab Finds Under $50. I love Kimberly's affordable and accessible style, and I've been reading her blog for about a year and a half now. 

Each month Kimberly posts an inspiration calendar to help you remix your wardrobe. She takes submissions for the calendar, and links to the blogs of those selected. I've discovered several blogs through the feature, so as soon as I got Hips and Hangers up and running, I knew I had to submit an outfit to the February calendar. I am happy to report that my submitted picture, as well as a link to my blog are included!


Check out the Calendar and share it with your friends!

Weekly Wishlist: Neon Accessories

I am seeing a lot of neon in stores and on bloggers these days. I don't think I'm bold enough to wear neon pants or a neon dress, but I am loving neon accessories. What an easy way to add a pop of color and brightness to an outfit! Here are a few bright accessories for $20 or less!

Image: Forever21.com

Woven Neon Shoulder Bag- Forever21 $19.80

I love a good cross body bag. I take public transit everywhere and using a cross-body bag allows me to to keep my hands free to read something on my phone, tap my transit card, hold my coffee, or just hold on.

Image: target.com

Coral Neon Slap Watch: Target $9.99

I absolutely loved slap bracelets as a kid. When I found some slap watches at Target the other day I couldn't help but feel nostalgic. I slapped a few of them onto my wrist and felt like I was in 4th grade all over again! I resisted the urge to buy one, but if they'd had this neon coral color I don't think I could have resisted.

Image: etsy.com

Neon Green Infinity Scarf: Forgotten Cotton Etsy Shop $20

I recently discovered the Forgotten Cotton shop via a pin on Pinterest. I think I may have to order from them soon. All of the scarves, necklaces and other accessories are made from upcycled jersey. 

Image: forever21.com

ZigZag Ring Set: Forever21 $3.80

These rings are so bright and fun (and cheap!)

What are your thoughts on neon? Too bold? Too 80s? Totally awesome?

Wishing for Spring

The weather yesterday was really nice for January in Boston. The sun was shining and the temperature was above freezing! I took advantage of the nice day, and of having my beau with me and tried to get some outdoor outfit shots.

I absolutely love this mural as a back-drop for the primary colors in my outfit, but the pictures would have turned out better had we not taken them right when the sun was at it's highest. It was definitely a learning experience!

Outfit:
Cami: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy 2 years ago
Jeans: Forever21+
Flats: Old Navy

Location: City Feed, Jamaica Plain, MA

Sexy Sweater Dress

This sweater dress is a little more form fitting than my typical office attire. By layering a long sleeve t-shirt underneath, and pairing the dress with leggings instead of tights makes it appropriate for a casual work place. 

Next time I think I'll wear it with sheer tights  for a hot date with my beau!


In December I went to Ohio to visit my family for the holidays. One of the best parts of the trip was going into a Forever 21 that had a GIANT plus size section. Usually they tuck 2-3 racks away in a corner somewhere, but this F21 had almost 1/4 of the store dedicated to sizes 12+. Needless to say I spent my entire $50 gift card and then some! This sweater dress was one of my finds! 

Outfit:
Sweater Dress: Forever 21+
Belt: Forever 21
Leggings: Target
Boots: DSW Coconuts- (They're wide calf!)
Bracelets: Thrifted- Buffalo Exchange

Cranberry and Mustard

Contrary to what the title may lead you to believe, this post is not about food. Yesterday I was feeling emboldened by my new blog to mix some colors I might not normally mix, so I paired a mustard and white striped shirt with a cranberry/ fuchsia colored cardigan.

Viola!

Were the results delicious? I'm not sure. No one gave me a funny look, and I liked it.  Still, I kept hearing my mother's voice in my head telling me "your colors clash" the way she did when I would channel Clarissa from "Clarissa Explains it All" as a kid, pairing my bright purple bike shorts, green t-shirt and hot pink scrunchi.

Outfit:
Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: another Old Navy cardi
Pencil Skirt: Target
Tights: Target
Boots: DSW- Coconuts (they're wide calf!)

A Wintry Mix

Yesterday I felt inspired to try a little pattern mixing. I grabbed my comfy pinstripe trousers and a polka dot top with a blue cardigan for a pop of color. Truthfully, I was mostly inspired by the fact that I then could use "Wintry Mix" as the title for my post. Unfortunately, the pinstripe in my pants didn't translate that well in photos, but you get the idea?

Obviously I couldn't wear the metallic ballet flats out in the slushy snow and rain, so I threw them in my bag and pulled on my rubber boots to brave the wintry mix outside.

Outfit:
Shirt: Old Navy last year
Cardigan: Old Navy (I own it in 4 colors and might get a few more next time it is on sale)
Pants: Old Navy- thrifted from the Garment District.
Ballet flats: Old Navy clearance for $5.50!

I didn't realize until I typed this entry that my entire outfit was from Old Navy. Do you ever wear the same brand head to toe?

Weekly Wish List: Colorful Flats

Happy Monday!

I had a really busy weekend that included a game night, apartment hunting, and a very expensive Target trip. As a result, I did not have a chance to edit outfit photos. Instead I bring you the first feature for Hips and Hangers- Weekly Wish List. Once a week I hope to post a few items, centered around a central theme, that I'd like to add to my closet.

This week I want to focus on colorful flats. All of the snow and rain we've been getting in Boston means I've been wearing boots almost exclusively for a few weeks. This has me dreaming of spring, and of wearing flats. I tend to stick to neutral colors when it comes to my footwear, but lately I've been lusting after colorful flats to add some instant brightness to my outfits. Here are a few pairs I've got my eye on:

Image via  Pinterest, source: DSW.com

SM Dazzi Flat $34.94 @ DSW 

I love the deep purple color with aqua trim!

Image via pinterest, source: fabsugar.com

Toms Ballet Flats coming Spring 2012.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Tom's Shoes' new line of ballet flats. 

I love their "buy a pair, give a pair" philosophy, plus their shoes are super comfy.  

Image via Pinterest, source: oldnavy.com

 Polka Dot Canvas Flats @Old Navy

I almost bought these the other day, but I am waiting for them to go on sale. 

I am a sucker for anything with polka dots. I also love the nautical lace-up detail at the back.

Image via Pinterest, source: macys.com

Naturalizer Dizzy Flats in Coral from Macys

I love coral for spring, so a pair of coral flats are definitely on my to-buy list.

Naturalizer shoes are an investment, but the quality and comfort is excellent.

What kind of shoes are you lusting after for spring?

Sweater Weather

With all the cold weather we've been having, I find myself craving the warmth of a fuzzy over-sized sweater. But how does one take something so casual and make it office appropriate? Layer it over a work appropriate LBD and cinch with a belt!

I found this over-sized printed cardigan at Buffalo Exchange on Monday, and I knew I had to have it. Cardigans are my favorite item of clothing, but I tend to lean more towards solid colors, so this cozy sweater is a great addition to my closet.  

Outfit:
Dress: New York and Co.
Tights: H&M
Boots: Madden Girl
Cardigan: (Vintage) Buffalo Exchange
Belt: It came on a skirt I got at Marshall's a few years ago

Welcome to Hips and Hangers!

Hi, I'm Tashia. I'm a 24 year old professional and transplanted Bostonian. By day I do HR for a nonprofit, but I've been looking for a hobby or creative outlet to balance out the hum-drum of working a 9-5. In September 2010 I started Eating Feelings as a way to channel some energy into writing. While I love blogging I often find myself unmotivated and unfocused. I decided to start a new blog with a specific focus-fashion.

I've always loved fashion. When I was little I would spend hours drawing designs using a set of fashion stencils. I aspired briefly to be a fashion or costume designer, before realizing I am not skilled in the drawing or sewing arenas. Mostly, I love putting outfits together. Nothing compares to the feeling I get when I find a special piece for my wardrobe or putting together a fun new ensemble. 

Sometimes getting dressed in the morning is a bit of a challenge for me. My body shape and size is such that I am stuck in between "straight" sizes and "plus" sizes. On the bright side this gives me more places to shop, but it can be really frustrating to find pieces that fit and flatter. 

My hope is that Hips and Hangers will function a creative outlet and a hobby, but I also hope that it will challenge me to make more conscious decisions about what I buy and what I wear. Most of all, I hope that you enjoy reading it!

Dive into Layers

Winter in Boston turns me into a layering addict.

My friend chose a dive bar with live music for her birthday venue. The event was on Sunday evening, one of the coldest days we've had so far this year. So, I knew layering up was necessary. I warmed up a short sleeve sweater dress by adding a wool blend cardigan and a cozy scarf. I also layered my leggings over tights and  added a pair of boot socks for added warmth. When I got toasty dancing I just took off my cardigan and scarf.

Outfit:

Dress/ belt: Forever 21+

Leggings: Target

Boots: DSW- Coconuts

Cardigan: Old Navy 

Scarf: Target

What are your favorite pieces to layer?