Bring on the Blonde

Let's get one thing straight...blonde is always in style. But, for fall, it's suggested that you say "see ya" to the golden tones and "nice to meet ya" to the white blonde look. You aren't going to hear me complaining. But, let's be serious...if you don't have the skin tone to support white hair, don't get ahead of yourself. Stay realistic with a beige blonde or ash blonde if it suits you better. 

Happenin' Hump Day

I was obsessed with this blouse from the moment my clothes-crazed little eyes spotted it. Black piping...black tied bow...little pinky peach hue...borderline granny...perfection. Paired with black skinny jeans and black suede heels, I was feeling fab all day. I kept it simple and classy with slightly oversized pearls and a pink gloss. Way to go, Wednesday. 

Metallics are Major

As I mentioned before, metallic on your nails is a trend this fall. Branch out from the traditional gold and silver to more adventurous colors like teals and purples. My best friend, Kaitlin, bought me this exact color last year at the time (Essie's 'Trophy Wife') and it's a favorite of mine. Very unexpected and eye-catching. Grab a cotton swab and some polish remover and say bye to your go-to pink...it's time for a change. 

Down to Derby

No, I'm not heading to the Kentucky Derby...just work. I have confessed my love for all things mustard-colored so this is no surprise. This flowing blouse was perfect with leggings and black Michael Kors riding boots. But, what really set it off was red lipstick. Chose my favorite YSL red and it was a perfect contrast with the yellow. 

Trenches Gone Trendy

Rebecca Minkoff is a woman after my heart. Every lady needs a trench coat...that's just a fact of life. But, leave to my girl Rebecca to put a simple but magical twist on it but cropping it. Kicked the trendy factor up a few notches. Trenches are big this fall so why not get one that stands out from the rest. Side note - hello leopard smoking slippers - hop on my feet. 

Don't Boo the Bouffant, Honey

If you ask me, big never went out of style. I, personally, have been carrying the same pick in my purse for the past 7 years. But let me hit you with this...bouffants are back, babe. I'm not talking Amy Winehouse hair. Lord only know what she had up in that beehive. I'm thinking more of a vintage icon like Sophia Loren. Va-voom. 

Dark and Divine

I'm a lipstick fanatic so after ranting and raving all weekend about needing a darker red hue, I see this look as a fall makeup trend and I nearly fell out of my chair. Yes, it's intense but that's quite alright with me. Take a page out of this model's book from the Gucci fashion show and go light on the rest of your makeup. 

Purely Polka

Kate Spade knows a little something about fashion so when the models at her fashion show are rocking polka dot nails, you pay attention. Black and white might be the only way I'd do nail art like this so I guess Kate Spade and I are on the same page. 

Pink Passion

Just when I've convinced my friends that I don't have the "most granny style ever", I purchase high-waisted magenta pants that I could promise you my great grandmother had back in her prime. The truth is, that only makes me love them more. Naturally, I'd mix hot pink pants with leopard print. That's just how I roll..pink and leopard print. Girl gone glam.

Bang, Bang

Bangs. If you've got them, flaunt them. If you are looking for the trendy haircut, you might want to tell your stylist to hook you up with these bold bangs. Eye-grazing hair is in and is making a bang...get it? I've done the thick straight-across bang and let me tell you, ladies you'll feel instantly a little more fabulous. Who doesn't want that?

50 Shades of Fall

When Elle Magazine puts out a list of the top 50 things you should have for fall, you take notes. Leather skirts? I'm listening, Elle. Not only is Alice + Olivia one of my favorite designers, but who doesn't love a good mini skirt? In leather? With pleats? Is this a dream? Yep...my dream. 

Sass it up with Socks

For God's sake, don't run out and throw on some good old Hanes white tube socks with a pair of stilettos...the world can't handle that. The socks need to be thin and preferably girlie. These above are perfect and if I knew where they were from, I'd be drawing you map to get there now. This is one of those trends you need to try on at home first to perfect it. Don't kill the messenger...we just can't have you showing up on "What Not to Wear" next week. 

Love You, Leopard.

What's the quickest way to add a little spice to your outfit when rushing out the door in the morning? Leopard print scarf...duh! I did it this morning. I looked down at my red jeans, nude heels and white top and just felt blah. The scarf made it. Leopard and red is a must anyway.If you don't own one, I'd suggest making the purchase. Splurge or find a good steal...just do it. 

Totally Tiffany's

If it's bratty to post this because I'm intrigued by beautiful Tiffany-colored accessories, then so be it. Maybe it's the fact that she has short, blonde hair and so I feel a connection but maybe it's the precious little get-up she has thrown together. I love the wispy little jacket. And who doesn't love a good cuff? Stamped with my seal of approval. 

Tights...TA-DA!

South Florida better be getting a cold front pronto because I am wearing shorts with tights this "fall" or "winter"...if Mother Nature allows it. Want to take it up another notch? Find some patterned tights. My own taste wouldn't allow me to do crazy colored tights but a nice floral looking black pair of tights could be ta-da!! 

Need the Navy

It's that time of year again. Time to kindly place the corals and pinks to the side and digging out your favorite Linkin Park After Dark and other cool weather appropriate shades. I love navy. It's unexpected but still offers the dark, fall feel. Plus, anything that has a nautical feel is okay in my book.

Fab in Fur

More than happiness and love, I want a fabulous fur coat. That is a stretch but either way. This leopard fur number is all I need in life. I like that it's being mixed with a feminine white dress...gives it an edgy factor. Meow. 

Sweaters and Tights and Boots...Oh My!

I'm in overload with this photo. Too much to comment on. This is what I will say...I would move somewhere cold just to wear that precious little headband...and tights...and boots. I like the black and brown mixup. But first and foremost, that green is everything. Work it, blondie. 

Make it Work

What's the perfect mix with red jeans? A lovely little neutral heel. These heels are perfect for fall because they have a slight suede texture to them. Jessica Simpson can make a mean heel...that's all I know. I like the mini peep-toe. It's like "I mean business but I want you to see my pretty little toes still." Either way, red jeans and a version of a nude heel works. Period.

Gotta Love My Girl Crush

I shouldn't embarrass myself like this but I am just obsessed with this lady. Nicole Richie won my heart over the day I realized she is a peanut-size girl like me (and once she was done being arrested and all that, too). Maybe it's that she once also had a honey blonde bob or maybe it's that she is Lionel Richie's daughter but she is divine. I chose these photos because I'd wear that outfit in a heartbeat. She is like the honey badger...she just does what she wants. I like it. For her necklace, check out her jewelry line, House of Harlow. 

Work (Eye) Wear

If you can't have fun doing your hair and makeup for work, then your work week is just that much more rough than the rest of the working world. I like to keep it interesting. Yesterday I opted for a light eye (never forgetting my liquid liner) and a darker gloss. Today I went for a smokey eye and nude lipstick. Yes, I wore smokey eyes to work...sue me. For both looks, I used my Sephora Eye Palette! Va-voom!

Get It Girl Green

Sometimes you have to buy stuff even if you don't know what you'd ever possibly wear it with. These earrings were only $7, marked down from $40. The nice Spanish lady, Rosa, told me they looked good on me and that's all it took. I think it was her accent that won me over. Plus, my favorite color is green...and bling. It may be fall, but that doesn't mean you have to pack away all your fun colors!

Cuff Me

It's apparent from this blog that I'm overly enthused about personalized jewelry. It's nothing I"m ashamed of...I like things to be unique to me. These bracelets by Jook & Nona are right up my alley. While vacations and seasons come and go, these bracelets don't have to leave your wrist. Designer Shir Michaels stamps them with words inspired by beach life and summertime bliss. Like I always say, this is the perfect gift for a friend...or yourself!

Caboodle Comeback

I haven't been this excited about something since Beanie Babies came in Happy Meals at McDonalds. The Caboodle is back. Since it's birth in 1987, the Caboodle has been keeping our makeup and polishes organized and stashed away perfectly. Vanna White made them popular when People Magazine showed a picture of her using a small tackle box for her makeup. To celebrate it's 25th birthday (we are birth year twins!), Caboodle has brought back their original box. Sign me up. Cheers to Caboodles, Vanna White and turning 25. 

Elegant ELKIN

Looking for a new designer to obsess over? Two sister designers, Kara and Brit Smith, collaborated to create ELKIN Collection. Their looks bring a feminine feel to their clothes but without being stuffy. Edgy dresses are my cup of tea. Expect velvet, black leather and silk fabrics from their Fall 2012 line. Bravo, Smith sisters.

Total Trifecta

This clutch is the trifecta...red, animal print and gold hardware. The Blair Clutch, by Rebecca Minkoff, is the ultimate day-to-night transformation piece. Don't deny that you just fell in love. Just when you thought all you needed in life was to find the perfect man, I throw this clutch at you and your realize your soulmate is actually a purse. Curveball. 

Here Kitty Kitty

If you know me, you know I love kitties. I love them enough to love a sweater than has a kitty on it. Plus, I saw these shoes and just had to figure out an outfit to go with them. The clutch with hardware adds a little edge to the softness. These Lady Gaga-esqe sunglasses brings a little sass to the sweet sweater and ballerina-like shoes and pearls. Meeeeow.

Learn to Love It

Look out for a new label in town: Ostwald Helgason. I can't say I could wear a lot of these looks in an everyday situation but for big city trips, these outfits would be perfect. Keep an eye out for this designer and learn to love it.

Pretty, Pretty Princess

Couldn't wait to incorporate these new collar-like necklaces. The necklace adds a little substance to this ultra feminine, but simple, dress. Add tall heels in a neutral shade to lengthen legs. Keep the feminine theme going with a cocktail ring and girlie purse or clutch. Keep cheeks rosy with MAC blush. A spritz of Chanel Chance is timeless and stays on all night. Try a thick braid or bun for your hair to show off the necklace.

Downtown Diva

Meeting up with an old college friend and going out downtown means I get a little dolled up. Instead of pairing this cream button down blouse with typical skinny jeans or a skirt, I wore it with silky black shorts by Luna. Kept the outfit simple with gold, black and creams with a pop of color (red lips). 

Out and About

Maybe I won't be tossing on jeans and a sweater to run errands anytime soon, but if you live where fall weather actually exists, you might. This is the perfect outfit for being out and about on an autumn day. I have this bag in olive and it's the perfect size to double as a purse and carry-all. These smoking slippers are comfortable but still fashionable. Boyfriend jeans offer a relaxed look and feel and this sweater is so Nicole Richie. Throw some accessories into the mix and you are ready to rock. Love it all. Want it all.

Sky-High Hair

If there is one thing I know in life, it's teased hair. I've got it down to a science. Finding the perfect teasing comb or brush is crucial to getting that hair big and voluminous. If you are going to go the brush route, I'd suggest this one by Paul Mitchell. It'll help you get the poof sky-high.

Oh my, O-GLOSS!

O-GLOSS, a Smashbox product, is the first intuitive gloss created. This miracle product goes on clear and reacts to your skin chemistry, creating a personalized shade of lipgloss. For a more dramatic look, line and fill your lips with lipstick or a pencil and then apply O-GLOSS. 

Forever Blonde

I have tried every hair product there is so I feel that I'm the perfect person to let it be known when I find a keeper. This line by Paul Mitchell, Forever Blonde, does everything it says it does. My favorite is the Forever Blonde Shampoo because the scent is simply delicious. Purple shampoos like this one intensifies blonde and white toned hair. This color-depositing shampoo brightens hair and prevents brassiness. Trying this shampoo was a suggestion from my stylist who was trying to take my hair from damaged from being over-processed and styled to silky smooth. Mission accomplished...my hair is the healthiest it's been in years. Between this line and their Awapuhi keratin collection, Paul Mitchell is winning my heart over more and more. 

Toughen Up

I love all of these pieces individually and even better all together. The jewelry and shoes toughen the dress up a bit. This dress is gorgeous and shows off the tiniest part of your waist...always welcomed and appreciated. 

Loving Loafers

You know what goes with high-heeled loafers? A big corner office. Wear these and you'll feel like the perfect combination of boss woman and sexy secretary. 

Parka Perfection

Erin Fetherston has solved the age-long problem...what truly warm coat do you wear with a cocktail dress? Not only will this brocade parka keep your top half warm and cozy, but the white rose design is chic and so feminine. This designer makes more than just gorgeous outerwear, though. Check out here website for more trendy and fabulous threads: www.erinfetherston.com

Perfect Purchase

It was time. Can't blog about how fabulous smoking slippers are and then NOT buy smoking slippers. They combine everything I am into right now...studs, gold accents, dark red and patent leather. Can't wait to wear these little puppies out!

Gold Rush

Silver is like our childhood best friend...we'll always love them, we hold them close to our hearts for life and we call them up in times of need. But, there is a (not so) new friend in town...gold. It took me a while to warm up to gold jewelry a few years back when it was making its big comeback but I'm a loyal fan these days. Whether it's just a touch of glittery gold in a shoe or dress or 100% glammed out gold in a clutch of booties, I love to love it. 

Falling into Fall Fashion

These boots were made for walking...literally...they are comfortable and have minimal heel. It's time to bust out light jackets and boots. My favorite part of this outfit is the necklace. Monograms are always precious but his necklace is especially cute. Splash on one of my favorite perfumes, Miss Dior Cherie by Dior and the perfect fall shade of nail polish to finish off the ensemble. 

Red, Red Wine

If January Jones does it, I can too. Right? Well, that's what I'm rolling with. Guess there isn't such thing as too much red. Don't go overkill with the rest of your makeup and you're safe to do this look, too.

Mandarin is Major

I can always be talked into a new shade of lipstick. Yes, it's a flaw of mine but there are worse flaws to have. I love my YSL red lip but it has a little pink to it. I needed a red with a hint of orange and boom...here it is. At my Fashion's Night Out event last week, I tried this color (Mandarin by Smashbox) and it is the bee's knees. It's not too thick and pasty-looking but it is matte...my fave. I'd suggest giving it a go and you can thank me later. 

Braids are Back...and Big

The fact that I'm even putting Blake Lively on my blog is just an example of me taking the high road in this situation...the situation being her recent marriage to Ryan Reynolds, the love of my life, behind my back. Either way, I couldn't ignore this braid. Blake has been rocking braids galore at events recently and I'm not mad about it. Braids aren't for 6-year-old girls anymore...they are for bombshells like Blake. 

Flawless Finish? Almost.

Okay...maybe I complained at first with this foundation and wasn't its biggest fan. The truth is, I've come around. This ultra-light "skin perfecting" makeup didn't perfect my face...I'll be honest. But, it's light and has a very natural finish. Not to mention, it has SPF 15 which is a must for everyday in Southwest Florida. Plus, anything that says Chanel is pretty, isn't it?

Metallic Must

I just need shoes with a metallic heel. That's all I know. This photo, from New York Fashion Week, had me at hello. Those floral pants are to die. Yes, my friends say that I get overly enthused about "granny" floral prints  but whatever...I know what I like and I like "granny" floral prints...and metallic heels. 

Must be Miami

Take me back to Miami. The nightlife..the fashion...the culture...the Spanish r & b music.  Mama likes. 

Bronzed & Beautiful

With the summer sun slowly turning into fall days, you may start becoming more reliant on your bronzer to give you that healthy glow. So, why not make it the best bronzer? Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder is the queen bee of bronzers. Find it at Sephora. Trust me, you'll love it. 

So...Spring Yet?

Okay...maybe summer just ended but maybe these Spring 2013 looks were just too fab not to post. This Mara Hoffman collection just debuted at New York Fashion Week and is amazing. Gimme gimme gimme!

Pretty, Pretty Palette

This eye shadow palette, made my Sephora, is one of my favorites...and why wouldn't it be? All these color in this sleek little case? Yes, please. These shimmery baked shadows are easily applied dry or wet. With these 10 sultry shades, you can't go wrong. I especially adore the royal blue and purple shades - perfect for using as a liner below your bottom lashes for a pop of color!

Busting out the Boots

So many it's still blazing hot in Florida...buuuut maybe I still want to dress like it's fall. My tweed-esqe blazer, my favorite Michael Kors riding boots and some bling on my neck made me feel good all day today. Don't mind me...just pretending I still live in the Midwest and enjoy fall fashions.