How to Rock the Fishtail Braid

Happy Friday Fashionistas! I, intrepid blogger that I am, have put Tropical Storm Karen preparations on hold to being you a quick post on how to rock one of my favorite hairstyles to lust over. I say lust over, because I have NEVER worn this style - braiding is one of my kryptonite skillsets. That is to say, I don't braid very well! (I can barely re-do a box braid that fell out and I cannot cornrow to save my life!)

Ah, the fishtail braid. Le poisson braide! Zut alors! Please forgive my lapse into ecstatic French, but I was poetic over this braid, which can be worn messily or neatly, and is appropriate for everything from the office to the club and in between. This braid, which has been on trend for awhile now, is often rocked by celebs and starlets. 

Beautiful. Sophisticated. Seductive.

But how does one accomplish this? It's not like I can tell you, but I checked youtube, and found a simple video that will have you rocking fishtail braids at will. As soon as you learn you can come to my house and do my hair...

Fashion-Lust Pick: Big Coats Trend

Happy Wednesday! Here's my Fashion Lust pick: Big Coats Trend. So, I know many of you shuddered at the huge coat silhouettes that made their way down the fall 2013 runway. I have had difficulty accepting this one also. But I've picked a few options that inspire fashion lust and won't drown out your cute curves and femininity. If you notice, the tailoring is exquisite on these coats and they can add structure to your shape while still being chic. I have decided to go on a woman-hunt for the PINP (poise in a pinch/ inexpensive high-quality) versions. I will definitely post when I score. And I shall score indeed!

Big Coat Trend Picks by bree-jenkins featuring a pleated wool coat

Bottega Veneta pleated wool coat
net-a-porter.com

Bottega Veneta pleated wool coat
net-a-porter.com

Bottega Veneta pink wool coat
saksfifthavenue.com

Bottega Veneta pleated wool coat
net-a-porter.com

Burberry trenchcoat
net-a-porter.com

Mason by Michelle Mason car coat
intermixonline.com

Mason by Michelle Mason royal blue coat
intermixonline.com

IntermixOnline.com | Shop Fashion's Best Designers, Style and Trends
intermixonline.com

Have you rocked the Big Coat trend yet, or spotted a affordable PINP version that will make us here at The Gathered lady drool? If so, share your pics with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram @TheGatheredLady and if we like it, we'll share! See ya Friday!

Upcoming Event: Unlikely Heroes Justice Ball

Attention LA Fashionistas, make sure you get your tickets to the Unlikely Heroes Justice Ball . The stylish event will be held at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood tomorrow Tuesday September 24th 8pm-12am. Not only is this an excuse to wear your fabulous formal attire, it's also benefiting the extraordinary cause of ending child-sex slavery. Unlikely Heroes provides safe homes and restoration services for children victims of human trafficking and sex slavery. Tickets can be purchased here for $35. I'll be attending tomorrow and I'll be sure to bring you the wonderful fashion that's helping to support a good cause!

DIY: Rotating Jewelry Display

Image from LifeAnnStyle.com

Hi Fashionistas! I ran across this super cool DIY project from Life Ann Style . It's a fairly easy project that should cost less than $10! You can use cool plates from the thrift store and you can customize it for your particular needs. The girl in the video uses it for nail polish also, which I personally love. I love DIY and I'll post my pics on this project later. Also, I'll be showing you how to make a custom wall display for jewelry and accessories later this month.

She also has detailed step- by- step insturctions with material lists. Enjoy and Happy Monday!

Poise In a Pinch: Stylish Outfits for less than $100 (NY Fashion Week)

Happy Friday! As you know I (Bree) am a PINP (Poise In a Pinch) diva extraondarie. My skills were put to the test this week, when a close friend told me she was extended an invitation to New York Fashion Week 2013, but was considering not going because she had nothing to wear. *screams and shakes fist at the injustice of it all*. Well, being the fashionable friend that I am, made a blood oath promise that I would find her a fabulously fashionable outfit worthy of NY Fashion Week for less than $100. She was a complete skeptic, not that I could blame her. NY Fashion Week is basically Mount Olympus for the fashion gods and her budget was in no shape to ball out. But, the art of being a PINP is not in the cost, it's in the style and eye for a deal! Check out the look we created and how PINP magic happens!

PINP'in ain't easy

Our Desired Outfit:

Houndstooth Dress Before PINP by bree-jenkins featuring a butterfly necklace

Torn by Ronny Kobo long sleeve peplum top
saksfifthavenue.com

Topshop pumps
topshop.com

Nancy Gonzalez magnetic purse
bergdorfgoodman.com

Fendi ring
yoox.com

Givenchy gold earrings
farfetch.com

Roberto Cavalli butterfly necklace
net-a-porter.com

Our PINP Version:

Above is our PINP version featuring:

1. Forever 21 damask cross ring $5
2. Vintage houndstooth peplum dress $8 (Goodwill)
3. Forever 21 gold geo-desgin earrings $5
4. H&M necklace $15
5. Guess geometric retro strapped shoes $15 (CrossRoads Thrift Store)
6. Yellow leather clutch $12 (TJ Maxx)

There you have it, stylish fashion at a fraction of the cost! Original version $5,011. Our PINP version $60! *cues PINP music* (50 cent P.I.M.P.)

I don't know what you heard about me.

but you can't get them dollars outta me

I'm gonna dress so fly you gon' see 

Cuz I'm GATHERED LADY P.I.N.P!!