Yes. I know. I know. As if I needed another temptation in my life to buy clothes. Someday, I like to pretend my pocketbook will catch up with my eye. Until then though, I give you Couturious, a brand spanking new virtual styling and shopping site, complete with models (I've named my gal Natasha), different background or "mood" settings and tons of designer clothing (hello Cynthia Rowley, goodbye paycheck).

Launched by Like.com, Couturious is highly addicting, so reader be warned! You may just lose an entire afternoon like I did to making outfits. Just make sure you come up for air every once in a while and maybe grab a high-carb snack while you're at it.

Want to try it out? Shoot me an e-mail for one of my invite codes or just visit the site and apply for your own invite code today! Seriously. You won't regret it. After all, who doesn't like dress up?

Nothing says Fashion Week like a day full of talking blog shop with lovely fashionable blogging mavens. Held last Monday, Feb. 15 in NYC, the IFB Evolving Influence Conference was nothing short of inspiring. Lots of great panelists, interesting debates and a general atmosphere of excitement for how fashion blogging is changing and will continue to change the way we look at and discuss fashion.

YES.

And of course, I got to hang out with some of my favorite ladies around (Suz, Tavi and Jessica!)

Just hanging outside the tents at fashion week. Rubbing elbows with pretty, pretty people in fur coats and tall, tall heels. Ya know. The usual.

Truth be told, I sort of lived in several incarnations of this outfit while in New York. The high-waisted trousers and jean shirt just fit the bill for my mood (on most of the casual days anyway).

I'm a bit swamped at work right now, playing some major catch up, but expect a wrap up post about NYFW sometime tomorrow morning, followed by a wrap up post about the Independent Fashion Blogger Conference. If there's anything else I need to wrap up, please, tell me now because my memory has gone to crap. (I blame stuffy airplane air for that.)

As for these photos, I have to say, Suz reallly brings out the inner, um, idiot in me for our photo sessions. I guess, dear readers, you had to find out at some point, but I really am a huge nerd. Sorry if that ruins any illusions of grandeur that you had of me. That first photo is pretty accurate in capturing the "essence de Krystal."

I'm one classy broad, huh? 🙂

Shirt: Jean shirt, Gap
Blouse: Black lace tank
Pants: Black silk high waisted trouser pants, Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Leopard print heels, Aldo
Hat: Black panama hat, Halston

WHEW. What a whirlwind of events. And so much to catch up on! I literally just got back to the west coast a few hours ago and in between unpacking, answering e-mails and basically nursing my feet back to health from too much quality time walking NYC streets in heels, I wanted to fit in a quick post to say:

I will update in full soon about NYFW and the Independent Fashion Blogger Conference that was held this past Monday. In short though, it was AMAZING being surrounded by so many inspiring people in the industry! Met some awesome bloggers, put some lovely faces to lovely names and all in all, couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear the whole time, despite the "feels like -8 temperatures."

Life is good, friends. Very good.

Side note: the above photo was snapped on Valentine's Day, right outside Bryant Park. I just loved this style of dress on her.

I loved seeing couples out and about today, all dressed up, typically with the girl carrying a single red rose.

Beautiful (and surprising) Valentine's Day in NYC today. Hope it treated you all well! As for tomorrow, Independent Fashion Blogger's Evolving Influence conference! Can't wait to hear some of my favorite ladies (and gents) speak! If you haven't already checked out the lineup, please do!

Speaking of which, best get off to sleep! Big, big day tomorrow!

I know, I'm a bit behind everyone else's tributes here, but once I saw this painting by Danny Roberts, I just wanted to reiterate that we have truly lost a creative genius. The fashion world is forever changed and will dearly miss you, Alexander McQueen.

I'm currently still in New York for fashion week and will have more updates hopefully today. In the meantime, feel free to follow my Twitter.

Also, Happy Valentine's Day everyone and I hope you're all holding on to the ones you love.

So amongst all the confusion of moving, I'm a bit behind these lovely ladies in updating about the (drumroll, please…)

Delightful Dozen.

12 fashion bloggers. Several different parts of the country. And a lot of traveling clothing items.

While I don't think we'll be writing each other lengthy letters about soccer camp or how we've fallen in love with an artist while living in Greece, the concept is the same: traveling pants (or insert any other clothing item here) between a stylistically varied group of girls.

I can't wait to see what comes out of this, but don't let me convince you. Just check out any of the girls above and you'd be excited, too!

Starting from the top left, we have Jenn of Sally Jane Vintage, Jen of Jen Loves Kev, Mel of Idee Geniale, Rebecca of The Clothes Horse, me, Indiana of Adored Austin, Julie of Orchid Grey, Kristin of Leproust Vintage, Tieka of Selective Potential, Jessica of What I Wore, Erin of Calivintage and Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky.

Lovely collage courtesy of Tieka of Selective Potential.

On an unrelated, side note, I have NOT packed yet for fashion week. It's 10:38 p.m. and I leave tomorrow morning at 7. Shhhhhhooooot.

Lately, I've been rocking this ring, reveling in the fact that I could land a mean, left hook on someone, but do it with love.

Ha.

Thank God for this weekend. So many things to tie up. Too bad 48 hours isn't enough to do it.

On a side note, what to wear to fashion week…seriously, the stakes are high here and I'm suffering from a serious case of looking at my closet and feeling UNINSPIRED.

Anyone have inspiration they can spare? I'll gladly trade you in kind words and maybe even some light-hearted e-mail banter. Let's talk!

Cardigan: Waterfall drape cardigan, Urban Outfitters,
Shirt: Ruffle wrap blouse, Gap
Jeans: Dark skinny jeans, BDG
Shots: Black over-the-knee boots, Topshop
Jewelry: Two finger ring, "Love," Forever 21

Well I just finalized some plans to make it out for part of fashion week coming up. And I can't express how much it doesn't feel real! I'll be in town from the 13th through the 17th, so all you ladies and gents in town that week, let's make something happen.

Other plans: to kick this damn cold I have and maybe catch up on sleep. Maybe. OK. Probably won't catch up on sleep. But one can hope for miracles, right? More impossible things have been known to happen.

Alright, fro yo time. G'night folks.

Shirt: Blue and white striped ruffle blouse, Gap
Vest: Black tuxedo vest, Urban Outfitters
Jeans: Dark skinny jeans, BDG
Shoes: Black suede platform pumps, Steve Madden
Headband: Gold chain headband, Forever 21

Yes. I am quite addicted to Forever 21. It's official. Somehow I can't leave that damn store without picking up the makings of an entire outfit. I'm convinced they sprinkle some kind of crack throughout the store, making your body physically crave it.

I'm shaking my fist at you Forever 21. (Angry fist shake ensuing now.)

Jacket: White leather jacket, BDG
Shirt: Black lace tank top, Forever 21
Jeans: Dark skinny jeans, BDG
Shoes: Black heel wedges, Aldo
Jewelry: Yep, you guessed it, more stuff from Forever 21

Here's one of my interview outfits, remixed just a tad with the denim shirt under the blazer (a combination I've been dying to try out for a while now). Unfortunately, I have zero time to really write much here, as I'm lugging some luggage out the door and heading to the bay the second I finish.

When I finally catch my breath and stop changing time zones like crazy, I'll explain all! Until then, take care everyone! I promise posts will soon regain sanity. I hope. For my sake.

Blazer: Black tuxedo blazer, Express
Shirt: Denim button up shirt, Gap
Skirt: Floral mini, Forever 21
Tights: Black sheer tights, Target
Shoes: Black platform pumps with studs, Steve Madden
Sunglasses: Carrie sunglasses, Fred Flare (I went back to Fred Flare in Brooklyn to hunt these babies down after I lost the first pair at a restaurant a few months ago. I was so surprised the nice gals there remembered me!)

I know. I know. I blend into this wall. My go-to red wall was blocked by a bunch of parked cars today, so this had to suffice.

As for the jacket, I know this is about eh, six months behind everyone else, but I finally got my hands on one of the BB Dakota Battalion jackets, thanks to the lovely folks at ModCloth. I styled it rather simply today, as I was running out of the house to do some last minute errands before next week.

Our freak snow storm (evidenced above) lasted for most of the evening and is currently melting today. But don't let the puddles of watery snow fool you. I was cold as hell for these photos and laughing only because I couldn't feel my fingers anymore.

I know I bitch about you sometimes, but where are you summer??

Jacket: Battalion jacket, BB Dakota, courtesy of ModCloth
Shirt: Grey v-neck t-shirt, American Apparel
Jeans: Dark skinny jeans, BDG
Shoes: Black suede platform pumps with studs, Steve Madden

Yes. Stripes again. I couldn't help myself though. I recently got this gold embellished brocade print skirt at Forever 21 and loved how it looked next to my striped t-shirt dress from H&M. Match made in pattern mixing heaven.

My first instinct for layering (as we're supposed to get a huge storm that promises power outages!) was to grab for my black boyfriend blazer, but rethought it once I spotted my trench coat on the bottom of a pile of clothes. Lately, I've been rocking the trench a lot more and love how ladylike and reporter-esque I feel in it.

Finally, I am about to commence the video fun for the hair tutorial, in t-minus 5 minutes once this curling iron heats up. Be afraid, people. Be very afraid.

Happy Wednesday!

Shirt: Black and white striped t-shirt dress, H&M
Skirt: Gold embellished brocade print skirt, Forever 21
Tights: Black sheer tights, Target
Shoes: Black cage heels, Beacon's Closet
Jacket: Trench coat, Old Navy
Sunglasses: Vintage Donna Karan cat eye sunnies

So this is a little something that I like to call my I-just-spent-most-of-the-morning-answering-e-mails-and-now-need-something-comfy-and-chic-to-throw-on-but-don't-want-to-think-too-much-about-it outfit.

Whew. Out of breath.

Threw on a trench coat over this and I was out the door. Also, just loving the bold shoulders on this Forever 21 top I picked up the other day. Too bad the shoulders aren't that BOLD. Sometimes I catch myself nudging the pads out a tad, just to make them stand out a bit.

Anyone else excited that it's Tuesday?? Matinees all day… Score!

Top: Black and white striped bold shoulder tee, Forever 21
Jeans: Light rinse distressed skinny jeans, Bullhead, PacSun
Shoes: Black suede studded platform pumps, Steve Madden

P.S. I didn't forget about the hair post. Promise. It's in the works!

I used to make fun of one of my friends who would always have such a soft spot for these kind of shirts at Savers -- the picturesque lone wolf or elk, on a mountaintop, so dramatic. And here I am. Wearing one. Oh, how the tables have turned.

Fun fact: Did anyone know that today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year? Odd, considering that my day is actually off to a pretty darn good start.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Blazer: White linen blazer, Urban Outfitters
Shirt: Wolf t-shirt, Savers
Skirt: Black velvet mini, H&M
Tights: Black sheer tights, Target
Shoes: Black wedge heels, Aldo
Jewelry: Gold Dad Knows Best Watch, courtesy of ModCloth!

Any aspiring musicians out there are welcome to take the title of today's post and use it as their new name. Go ahead. It's yours.

As for why I look so darn happy in these photos, it was really a matter of jumping around to avoid cars, frogger style. Good thing the outfit itself is pretty comfy. I seriously cannot stop wearing this velvet dolman cut top since I got it courtesy of ModCloth. It's comfy enough to lounge in, but fancy enough to throw on a pair of heels and dodge traffic in.

What more do you need in life, really?

And before I forget, check out this feature at SheKnows.com about 2010 trend predictions, where little ol' me weighs in on what I think will be everywhere in the coming months. Enjoy and I'd love to hear your thoughts on my pick!

Shirt: Navy blue velvet dolman cut top, courtesy of ModCloth
Jeans: Light rinse skinny jeans, Bullhead brand, PacSun
Shoes: Black platform studded pumps, Steve Madden

P.S. Check back soon. Video post is in the works, folks!

P.P.S. Thanks Joe for catching my typo!

I was flipping through the Early Spring 2010 Urban Outfitters catalog and fell in love with the cover photo (top photo, duh). Hence, this is the horrible reenactment that followed.

In other news, I've been receiving a lot more attention to my hair lately (probably because I've recently acquired more time to actually care about it) and was wondering if you guys would be interested in a how-to post for my curly/wavy thing I have going on most days. Yes. I'll even entertain the thought of a (gasp!) video post!

Scary thought. I know.

But for you guys. Anything.

(No sarcasm in that last comment. Honestly, you guys brighten my day and I know I'm cynical most of the time, but I really mean it. So thanks. For that. Truly.)

Happy almost weekend!

Jacket: Fatigue jacket, Forever 21
Shirt: White button down blouse, Abercrombie & Fitch
Shorts: Jean cut-offs, random pair of Levi's
Tights: Black sheer tights, Target
Boots: Black motorcycle boots, Dirty Laundry

Due to the unfortunate dying of my camera battery this morning which ruined my plans of an early post, many of you might have already seen ModCloth's blush-inducing feature on me. Needless to say, I am beyond giddy and honored to be their Blogger of the Moment, as I've always admired the ladies that they choose to feature. If you haven't checked it out yet, here is the lovely write up they posted about me.

But it doesn't quite stop there.

Much to my surprise (after I recovered from the Blogger of the Moment surprise), I received this little dress in the mail from ModCloth, their new This Time Tomorrow dress, available now on their Web site. I think right about then was when I lost it. I feel so completely unworthy of this. Thank you so much ModCloth!  

As for how I styled it, because I'm sure you're all shivering at the sight of my bare legs, I first opted for a leather jacket and tights combo. That is until I saw the sun shining outside and decided to don some gams. Immediately after setting up my tripod though, the wind reminiscent of yesterday's tornado reared it's ugly head and I regretted it. Long story short, I can't wait to wear this little number come early spring. It'll be perfect for window shopping, don't you think?

Dress: Racer back tank dress This Time Tomorrow dress, courtesy of ModCloth!
Jacket: Trench coat, Old Navy
Shoes: Black platform pumps with studs, Steve Madden

P.S. If you got some downtime at work and need an online shopping break (who doesn't, right?), check out my top picks from ModCloth here!

I think I let out an embarrassingly audible squeal this morning when I opened a much-anticipated package from ModCloth. The first thing that caught my eye? This beauty of a poncho, The Wanderer Cape, just screams traveling gypsy child that I immediately threw on my riding boots and headed for a field.

Until the wind pretty much foiled my posed plans. I lost the hat once past the barb wire fence (thanks for fetching it Michele) and actually lost my balance numerous times because of some gusts.

So if it looks like I'm hanging on to my garments to save my life, it's because I am.

How's everyone's Tuesday, thus far?

Cape: The Wanderer Cape by Hot & Delicious, courtesy of ModCloth
Blouse: Button down chambray shirt, Gap
Shirt: White v-neck t-shirt, American Apparel
Pants: Black leggings, Target
Hat: Black panama hat, Halston
Shoes: Tan riding boots, vintage

P.S. Be sure to check back tomorrow. I have some exciting news that I can't quite divulge just yet!

I'm currently nursing these boots back to life after underestimating how mucky the above pictured mud was.

Any tips for cleaning suede? Anyone? Help!

As for my current locale, yes, still in Nevada, not NYC. This week didn't quite work out flight scheduling wise, but I'm shooting for the last week of January. Thanks for all your well wishes for the interviews and while I'm at it, does anyone in the city need a roommate?? I'm clean, love pets (if you have them, I don't have any myself) and just need a little (OK, a lot) of closet space, but that's negotiable. Feel free to shoot me an e-mail! I'd love to hear from you.

Also, thanks guys for the blog feedback. I received quite a few requests for my face sans sunglasses. So here it is. In all it's (goofy) glory.

Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday!

Jacket: Leather biker jacket, H&M
Dress: White ruffled dress, thrifted, no brand name
Boots: Black suede over-the-knee boots, Topshop

Today I had a productive coffee shop blogger session with my good friend, Emily. We discussed possible blog features, how-tos and how unbelievably broke we are (mainly me, not her). Overall, I think it helped immensely to have an outside person tell me what they would like to see more of from my blog or other blogs for that matter. (That said, if you have suggestions/comments/concerns/general feedback, I'd love to hear it!) It made me more amped and ready for 2010, which brings me to my next bit of news…

I'll be in New York for part of the week next week for some job interviews. Any NYC blogging ladies who are free? Let's hang. Let's talk. Let's do lunch. Yes, feeling motivated. Finally!

On a side note, happy weekend!

Vest: Long black tuxedo vest, Urban Outfitters
Shirt: Ruffled blouse, thrifted, Ann Taylor
Skirt: Black velvet skirt, H&M
Tights: Black lace tights, American Eagle
Shoes: Black suede over-the-knee boots, Topshop

EDIT: Also, just found out...I made it onto Weardrobe's top 100 style bloggers of 2009 on page 25, right next to little Ms. Tavi! Stoked! Check out the rest of the girls here.

Raise your hand if you've ever had dinner while discussing different outfits from Scott Schuman's book, The Sartorialist.

If you haven't yet, I suggest you grab your best, fashion-forward (or wine appreciating) friend and rectify that situation right now.

Last night, my friend Jordan and I flipped page by page to find the perfect embodiment of what his revamped style should be as he will soon be moving into the heart of Manhattan with his girlfriend in February. While we couldn't quite agree on any particular photo (he was a bit hesitant about wearing suits on a casual, regular basis) the process was fun nonetheless. And in the spirit of taking style cues from Mr. Schuman's impeccable eye for fashion, here's my attempt at this outfit.

Casual. Yet refined. And yes, I always lounge on park benches when answering text messages. Doesn't everyone?

p.s. Thanks again to my sister, Michele, for putting up with me today!

Blazer: Navy blue boyfriend blazer, Urban Outfitters
Shirt: White V-neck shirt, American Apparel
Vest: Grey button up vest, gift from Japan
Jeans: Distressed skinny Bullhead jeans, PacSun
Shoes: Tan jazz flats, vintage

Hey ladies and gents. This Time Tomorrow is now accepting sponsorships for the month of January and I'd love to have you! I have very reasonable, small business friendly weekly and monthly rates, not to mention, I'd be more than happy to work directly with you to find the best way to maximize exposure for your business.

Interested? Please send me an e-mail at krystalbick@yahoo.com and let's chat!

Well I recruited a new This Time Tomorrow photographer as my sister was so kind to snap a few today for me. Her trick to making me loosen up in front of the camera?

Imitating this video.

Yes, that's right. We stood in an alleyway today, talking in cute baby voices and mimicking a small kitten.

Life is tough, sometimes. Very tough.

Then I ran around for the rest of the day, like a mad woman finishing up some errands. Thank goodness I wore my trusty flat pseudo-biker boots.

How's 2010 treating everyone else thus far? Disappointed we don't have hoverboards? Yeah, me too.

Sigh.

Dress: Olive green body con dress, H&M
Vest: Faux fur vest, BB Dakota, courtesy of ModCloth
Shoes: Black leather biker boots, Dirty Laundry