Thursday, August 30, 2012

Lookin' Leggy

I'm in overload with this outfit. Leopard print, Coco Chanel, sequined shorts, burnt orange, booties...yes, yes, yes. I figured since wearing short sequined shorts could potentially expose a lot of leg, maybe going a little more conservative on top was the key to outfit success. Toss in a middle part with large barrel curls and you've got yourself a diva. Watch out world.

Lost in Lace

I knew there was a reason why I "needed" a pair of lace shorts. These ladies are working them and I want to join in on the fun. It's all about finding the right ones, though...the perfect length, the perfect color. I better hurry up and sport these around before Labor Day. 

Poised in Peplum

All of my favorites: high high heels, gold jewelry, big gems, a fitted skirt, a mustard top and Essie nail polish. What else could a girl want? It's like a fantasy football draft...but for beautiful clothes and accessories, all hand-selected and MVPs in my book. Get this outfit on my body. 

Baby Got Buns

I'm not a girl who possesses a lot of patience. So, growing my hair out is a big struggle for me. Once it starts grazing my shoulders, I have it chopped. However, if I were to have long, flowing Kardashian locks, I would wear a sock bun on the reg. It's quick, it's easy and it makes you look put together. It would be my go-to for work, play and everything in between. It's an up-do without being too 1998 prom. 

All That Glitters is Gold

I have a new obsession with fun shorts. With a pair of never-been-word sequined shorts in my dresser, I'm pumped. Nothing makes a statement like your bottom being bedazzled. I can't wait to pair these shorts of sass with a simple blouse and some pumps. Here's the thing about being a former sorority girl...we love sparkles, glitter, flashy items. Voila - sequined shorts!

Outrageously Orange

Above is the French Connection dress I purchased. When I find a function to wear this sunset-colored garment, I will be dancing around in shoes like these, fairly simple jewelry and a clutch that ties it all together. Someone hurry and get married so I have a reason to bring this beauty out of the closet!

Bodycon Bliss

Bandage dresses are not a new trend but they are still a trend. I made my first bodycon dress recently and am  hooked. I bought a beautiful burnt orange colored French Connection dress. It fits every curve and makes me feel fabulous. The color is eye-catching and perfect for fall. Have an event that you'd like to feel your best at? I'd suggest giving one of these getups a try. These types of dresses seem to double as a dress and Spanx, sucking it in and pulling it all in. Genius.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Forever a Fan

Ok...I know I just confessed my undying affection for both Lady Gaga and Rachel Zoe (and I meant it) but then there is Nicole Richie. She's pint-size...she's blonde (most of the time) and she is diva extraordinaire. I love her bohemian chic ways. I will forever be a fan. Peace, love and Nicole Richie. 

Sophisticated in Slippers

Now that we know smoking slippers are the must have footwear for fall, I decided to create an outfit for these bad boys. While you can totally sport these slippers with pants, shorts help you show these over-the-top shoes. The pink helps balance out the rocker studs on the cuff and slippers. Polish off the look with presentable shorts and a classic bag and call it a day. 

L'Oreal Love

I have been screaming from the rooftops about this hairspray since I came out of the womb. Finally, someone else recognizes. Elnett is the MVP of hairsprays. I don't know if it's the chic gold can or the way it man-handles my hair, but I don't love this hairspray...I'm IN LOVE with it. Celeb hairstylists swear by it and so do I. Buy it. Spray it. Love it. 

#Winning in White

Labor Day is right around the corner, which means you only have a few days to get away with wearing white jeans! Add pops of colors with a bright blouse and fun clutch and stay neutral with the rest. Perfect for a night out with friends or a lunch date.

Tangerine Tuesday

Since I did just post on how tangerine is the "it" color for the year, figured I should start wearing a little more of this trendy hue. I mixed in gold jewelry and a leopard belt and kept it simple on bottom with black skinnies and pumps. Hello tangerine...welcome to my world.

Let's Get Faded

Ok, so maybe I am just obsessed with denim vests right now but forgive me. This skirt is gorge. The necklace and ring add a feminine touch to the vest. The shoes, while they would be hidden under this long skirt, are perfect for a little peek-a-boo action. If I had long locks, you better believe I'd have a ballerina bun on top of my head with this outfit. 

Raving About Rachel

This lady is BA-NA-NAS. Rachel Zoe is all that is glamorous in this world. I want to be her and be her best friend at the same time. Her hair is the perfect shade of gold. Her lips were made for rocking red, dramatic colors. She makes a middle part look easy. She makes you want to go out and spend money you don't have to look as fabulous as she does on her casual Tuesdays. She has the understanding husband, handsome son, team of gay stylists and makeup artists that are everything and a career that could make you faint. God bless you, Rachel Zoe...God bless you.

All That's Glam and Gaga

Gaga makes me gaga. I love her. She is bizarre, unconventional and passionate...and maybe a little plain weird. I love her as a blonde. She has too much sass for brown hair. This photo is so angelic (from the September 2012 Vogue issue) that you'd almost think she won't at any moment walk out of a hotel with pasties, undies, 9 inch spiked booties and something crazy like a bridal veil. Whatever...she's brilliant and if you don't find her songs catchy...shame on you.

Gone Grey

Thanks to tropical storm Isaac, the skies are grey and so are my nails. I'm easing into fall with this clay-colored polish. This is still a fairly unexpected hue and a perfect break from the usual pinks and reds. 

Rachel Zoe : Early Fall 2012

I scanned through what seemed like millions of Rachel Zoe's fall looks for 2012 and landed on this set being my favorite because of the sequin mini dress and booties. I want to parade around in that right this second. I'm also all about the look on the far right. Romantic, right? This stylist turned designer packs this collection with chic and polished pieces, perfect for the cooling weather. Fall looks...well, as Rachel would say...they are MAJOR.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Gallery Girls

Bravo has done it again...roped me into being addicted to another ridiculous "reality" show. Gallery Girls shows the lives of seven twenty-somethings from the Big Apple trying to survive the art world. Not only does each of them have their own unique style to admire, but they also have their own attitude that reflects which part of NYC they are from. They are everything from Brooklyn dark hipsters to Manhattan sugar-coated trust fund babies. It's drama. It's art. It's fashion.  

Boyfriend Jeans Meets Girlfriend Glam

Boyfriend jeans. No, they don't belong to your actual hunk of a boyfriend...but they are a little relaxed and hang off your body just right. Add some girlie glam with over-the-top jewelry, feminine colors and sky-high heels. I would wear this in a heartbeat...if I lived somewhere cool enough for fur. YSL makes my favorite lipstick and there is no doubt this lipgloss would be equally as flattering. 

Everything Essie

Looking for the perfect polish for fall? As always, Essie has created the perfect collection for the approaching cooler months. Stylenomics will be on my little fingers in a matter of time. Bold and beautiful.

Animal Instinct

Animal print, especially leopard print, is a fall must have. Because leopard print is comprised of neutral colors like beige, black and tan, they can paired with bright colors or with traditional black. Prints like these add a punch of sass to your outfit and give you an edgier look. To me, leopard print will never go out of style. Find your inner feline with pieces like these. 

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Feminine Flair

Nothing sweeter than pastel pinks, right? Start with basics like a white tank top, grey pants, diamond studs, etc. Add in funky metallic shoes, a fabulously feminine bag, a trendy jacket and you've got yourself a girlie and glam outfit, perfect for a work day, lunch date or happy hour. Cheers to all things bling and pink.

Set the Bar High

Finding the "perfect" piece of jewelry isn't an easy task. But, luckily for you, I've found it for you! This bar necklace by Jennifer Zeuner is the cat's meow. It's available in silver and gold so choose your fave and wear this bad boy with anything and everything. Layer this necklace with several others or rock it solo when opting for a more simple look. Not a necklace person? Jennifer Zeuner makes similar pieces as bracelets. Thank you, Jennifer.

Taste of Tangerine

Face it...you don't want to be the one not wearing the color of the year. This year, tangerine is the "it" color. 2012 is seeing tangerine in everything...furniture, heels, jewelry, jackets, pillows, etc. And why wouldn't it be everywhere? This color looks radiant on blondes, brunettes and everything in between. It's a great color to work into color blocking. Turn your outfits up a notch with some tasteful tangerine.

Anchors Away

Yes, summer is coming to an end...but how cute are these bracelets? This "Lanyard Hitch" Collection is by Kiel James Patrick. This is the perfect accessory to prep up a casual outfit. Wear one or a couple. Add your usual silver or gold bracelets and mix and match with pearls, beaded bracelets, a watch, etc. Find Kiel James Patrick on Facebook and enjoy contests to win creations like these. 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Rainbow Rockin'

If you wouldn't do slightly sketchy things to be wearing this outfit right now, then...I am not sure we could be friends. These orange pants are major. This Prada bag makes me want to cry it's so beautiful. These pumps are the fiercest thing since..ever. Color blocking gone fabulous. 

A Royal (Blue) Affair

The problem is...I'm getting much too excited for fall. Ok, that's not the actual problem...the real problem is that Florida doesn't really have "seasons" so it gets a little confusing down here. But, if I were in a place with true fall weather, this is what I would wear. The bronze shoes are very expected, as is this tiny fluffy purse. The accessories sass up this fairly plain dress. While plain, the color of this garment is perfect. Do it to it. 

All Walks of Life

Whether you are rocking Nikes or sky-high heels, make your foot fashion bright! There is no reason to not love this trend. With color blocking in style right now, you can pair your long-lost hot pink pumps with that yellow dress you never end up wearing. Too scared to of mix matching bold colors and prints still? Make the colorful shoes your focal point and keep the rest of the outfit simple. Sometimes, easy does it.

Spice Up Your (Work) Life

Since I've been getting quite bored with my work wardrobe, I decided to start branching out (in my closet) a little. Yesterday I decided to go with a little dress number that I'd bought more for the night scene. With a blazer over it, it's work appropriate. I paired this outfit with some patent leather pumps, some costume jewelry, a low bun and that's what all she wrote. 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Colorful Combos

Color. Color. Color. Bright jackets and trenches are the bee's knees for fall. Let's not ignore the ombre nails in this photo...greens and blues are perfection here. I love that this jacket is thrown over a top that is purple and a totally different pattern..makes things interesting. Don't question these color combos...just do it. 

Monday, August 20, 2012

Maxi Monday

Maxi dresses on a Monday are a must for this gal. This black and white striped dress is one of my favorites because it's light and perfect for a hot Florida summer day. Instead of pairing it with my favorite denim jacket, I opted for this neutral sweater and added a belt. No complaints here...I'm one comfy lady on this Monday.

Sassy in Slingbacks

What's better than amazing heels? Absolutely nothing. If you're looking for a way to sass up an outfit, toss on some heels with built-in personality. These heels above are to die. Not too pointy of a toe, incorporates the color of the year (tangerine) and are absolute perfection. These are shoes that I would never want to take off...odds that I'd even vacuum in them? Pretty high. 

Sassy Smoking Slippers

Out with ballet flats...in with smoking slippers. There is a fashion trend among us and it's these Hugh Heffner-esqe works of art. These perfect fall accessories are my way of getting away with wearing slippers in public and even better...at work! Smoking slippers in lady-like hues bridge the masculine and feminine divide. Pair these jazzy shoes with something fall and fashion forward.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Pretty in Pink

I'm just as into color blocking as the next gal, but I'm still a believer that there is something to be said for an outfit like this. All black with one pop of color is easy and works. Here, my friend Holly pairs a black top with black shorts, heels and earrings. She tops it off with a hot pink blazer. Perfect outfit for a summer night out on the town. Pink never goes out of style.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Looking So LA

Meet Blake. Not only is a fellow pint-size blonde, but she is fellow fashion enthusiast. I love everything about this outfit. The pants are funky but classic colors so you could mix-match these with any color and even other patterns (stripes, floral, etc.). My favorite part of this outfit is the denim vest...I've been looking for the perfect one and it looks like Blake found it. Between the vest and the stacked bracelets, she is a little rocker and a little glamazon. Too bad we don't both still live in Alpha Phi...wouldn't mind raiding your closet, girl. Los Angeles looks good on you.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Bring on the Brows

There is one piece of beauty advice my Aunt Beth has been preaching since I can remember: Don't overpluck your eyebrows. Of course I overplucked my eyebrows...what girl in middle school did you know that didn't have world's tiniest brows for a year or two? Then once you realize you looked tragic, it took what felt like eons to grow them back. To this day, I still believe in helping your brows out a little bit by filling them in. Not making them bigger than what they are...just giving them a little boost by pronouncing them. Everyone looks better with a little brow definition...I'm a true believer. My brows are thin and light in color and when I do my eye makeup, they can get lost in the madness. I'm not talking about coming out of the bathroom looking like Unversity of Kentucky's Anthony Davis (just Google unibrow) either...just a little something something.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

That's Casual Thursday

Our office is the breeding zone for some of the most casual work outfits around...still stylish and presentable, but casual none the less. I usually have something against mixing yellow and red (yes, it has something to do with the fact that it reminds me of mustard and ketchup). Today, however, I put my opinion aside and did a little red jean action with a yellow and white striped tee. Throw in a denim jacket and blinged out flats and that's a Thursday outfit. Gradually working in the denim to prepare myself for the best day of the week...Friday...Casual Friday.

Music Must

I won't often blog about music but I just can't help myself with this man and his magical melodies. My friend, Drew, introduced me to Matisyahu. This man rocks a traditional Jewish look with his hebrew name and I love every bit of it...do it to it, Matisyahu. I listen to his song "Sunshine" on repeat constantly. He is the perfect mix of American reggae and alternative rock...plus, he tosses in some hip hop beat boxing. My hat's off to Drew on this one.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Heaven on Earth

Hello heaven. These are the Sample Gates at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana...a place where I spent 5 glorious years of my life. In honor of students moving back this week, I couldn't help but think back to all the amazing memories and friends I made in this town. This will no doubt be the most fabulous photo on my blog. You haven't experienced college until you've experienced Indiana University. End of story.

Gold is Glam

What better way to truck through a Wednesday than in an outfit you love? This new top with a gold collar has gold buttons down the back and is slightly sheer. It's a little looser so works perfect with black skinnies. Throw on these loud gold heels, a few gold accessories and call it a day. A full workday can be a doozy but wearing a fun new outfit makes it a little easier. 

Purr-fection

Cats are like soda. Not everyone likes soda but those who do...really love it. I happen to not only be a soda lover, but a cat lover as well. Nothing against dogs...I love dogs and would have multiple pups if I could. However, I do love my slightly overweight tortoise kitty, Bella. She is sassy, loving and has more attitude than I even care for at times. Yes, sometimes she bites my ankles when I'm walking by and yes, sometimes she suffocates me by laying on my face but she means well. Her green eyes and blingy collar make her my soul mate...at least for right meow.

150 Grams of (Norman) Love

If you live in Southwest Florida, you already know all about Norman Love Confections. Norman Love has two Chocolate Salons and one gelateria, Artisan Gelato. I'm not just saying this because it's one of my clients but this place is to die. With confections ranging from Sweet Tea to Peanut Butter and Jelly, how could you go wrong? Here, NLC combined the two things women love...chocolate and high heels. Not only that, they kicked it up a notch by making the shoes leopard (you know I almost fainted when I saw these) and black Christian Louboutins, complete with red bottoms. Well played, Norman Love...well played. 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Bad to the Bone

It's Gwen Stefani meets the new Miley. It's Rihanna meets Fergie. It's bad girl meets fashionista. It's not a coincidence that these pants look like a prison jumpsuit. I want this outfit. Actually, I need this outfit. Bad to the bone. 

Mad About Makeup

Since I was little and sneaking into my mother's makeup stash, I have been addicted to doing my makeup, other people's makeup and well...talking about makeup. I have a huge pet peeve with ladies who do crazy smoky eyes with a bold lipstick. It's one or the other, honey. When I do a fun lipstick, I do a very neutral eye shadow, a little liquid eye liner and mascara. Looking like a clown is not cute. I've tried it all but this Revlon liquid liner is my favorite. For this lipstick, try Sephora's Mr. Lover. 

Try Something New Tuesday

This is my first time with this style of skirt and I'm hooked. My friends say I am always drawn to "granny prints" but I'm just a girl who loves floral pieces. The shorter front provided the perfect opportunity to show off these espadrilles. Perfect Tuesday outfit in sunny Florida. 

Sassy and Sequined

Okay...so maybe you can't wear this just anywhere. This is the type of garment that hangs in your closet while you wait for the perfect time to bust it out...but, it's still important to have it hanging in your closet. Maybe it'll be the perfect top with a mini skirt for New Year's Eve or maybe it's what you want to throw on for a wild evening with the girls. Be sassy. Be sequined.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Ever since Carrie went back into her heavenly closet for her blue Manolo Blahniks in the Sex and the City movie, I've had a thing for blue pumps. I created this look for my girlfriend, Emily. She's classic beauty just like this outfit. The dress is modest so it's okay to spice up the rest of the outfit with bursts of color. This would be the perfect time for some of Judy's vintage jewelry. 

Keratin Cures

Some ladies swear by expensive hair products and some don't. I've always been somewhere in the middle...until a recent trip to the salon. As this sassy flamboyant male stylist pointed out...my hair was having a crisis. Since moving to Florida, my hair has been stressed with not only the normal bleaching and styling but now also salt water, chlorine and a larger than life dose of sunshine. My hair was having a mental breakdown and I was at fault. I tried my first Kertain treatment from Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi line. Heaven on earth. These treatments can be as expensive as $100...mine was $18. I have slowly been accumulating other products from this life-changing line. My hair has made a 180. The scent is to die - wild ginger. Try it and thank me later.

Bargain Blonde

I have tried every hair coloring method and well, frankly...every hair color. Men are fortunate that they don't have to spend an arm and leg every 6 weeks to get their roots touched up. Turns out, neither do women. A coworker of mine branched out and scheduled an appointment for full highlights at the Paul Mitchell School. After seeing her new sun-kissed streaks, I was convinced. Since then, I've been there for highlights, a hair cut, Keratin treatments and most recently my roots colored. You can not beat the prices...I'm saving nearly $90 every time I get my hair colored. Not only do you have the student doing your hair, but their instructor is there constantly checking on their technique so you can rest assured you won't come out looking like a leopard. Two thumbs up on this find.

Mustard's a Must

If you know me, you'll know that it is no surprise that I'm trying to sneak mustard into outfits right and left. My apartment is done in black, white and mustard. So, it only makes sense that it would translate into my fashion. The red lips and nails would pop against the mustard blouse and gold accessories. The leather pants and studded flats mean business and I like it. The necklace is House of Harlow, Nicole Richie's jewelry line, and a favorite of Khloe Kardashian Odom. Give me this outfit and give it to me now.