11.16.2010

self?

define : YOUR personal style.

i can't. you probably can't either.

when it comes to an individual's style, it all remains up to his or her own tweaked definition. style is defined in not only the clothes we wear, but how we feel in them, how we accessorize them, and the attitude that is portrayed every single time an outfit is chosen. i flip through the pages of every fashion magazine imaginable - every time a new issue is out. i have my own fashion icons, styles i'd love to try, and inspiration in finding my own REAL personal style. who have you looked to as a fashion icon? there are way too many out there to even name...







Every woman deals with that dreaded question of "what will i wear today?". What you wore today does not define an actual individual style. Some of you may not want to fit into a "type" or box, but figuring out what works for you, defining that, and sticking to it seem to be important to anybody who cares...even just in the slightest bit. 

Here are some key questions on taking a
"SELF STYLE" inventory:
(ask & answer honestly)

1. what is my current style? (if you HAD to define this)
2. what type of style/trends am i drawn to right now?
3. what do i wish i could wear, but haven't tried?
4. what do i feel MOST comfortable wearing?
5. what colors, silhouettes, & types of clothing do i feel the absolute BEST when wearing?
6. see question #5 but ask - what have i received compliments  when wearing?
7. who is my style icon? (if you could look/dress just like someone - who is it?)
8. what do i want my style to portray to others?
9. what are my best assets?
10. what parts of my body do i hate and hope no one ever sees?
11. what are your current "go to" wardrobe staples?

Once you've answered, take a look at your wardrobe. Pull out the 5-10 key pieces that you love to wear, that you feel are versatile, and that feel your best in. Now..start mixing and matching. Pull various "outfits" to be worn with each. Think of ways that your staple items can be worn to achieve various looks. My first piece of advice is obviously - use what you have RIGHT NOW first.

Styling tips (that I think are super important - for whatever that is worth) :

1. Stick to what works :: revolve your style around pieces that you actually wear & that make you feel really really hott (or pretty or professional - you insert appropriate word there).

2. Honesty is the best policy :: find a friend that will be honest & tell you what looks good and flatters YOUR body. As much as you might hate their advice...just do it.

3. Spend money on your lifestyle :: spend the most money on pieces that you will wear often. Consider your lifestyle - over the latest trend. you will thank me when the credit card bill gets dropped in your mailbox.

4. Play up your assets :: find pieces that compliment & show off what you want to show off. and vice versa - wear things that hide areas that you feel insecure showing off.

5. Underwear = Miracle Worker :: spend money & invest on proper under garments. Don't wear a hott little new dress with big ol' panty lines. Get a bra that fits and makes you look 21 (or 16, whatever you're looking to achieve).

6.  Buy the RIGHT size :: who cares what that tag says.  i know, i know..it sucks to go up 2 sizes in your dream skinny jeans - but the truth is - you're gonna look way better in the 2 sizes bigger pair that actually fits. Cut yourself some slack - all brands size very differently. Don't let it get you down (and just cut the tag out the second you get home).

7. Be YOU :: the best style advice is to be who you are and rock it...then figure out the clothing/styles that work with that. (this should have been #1 I guess).

Close your computer. Go straight to your closet. XOXO





happy tuesday


Sorry I fell off the blog-wagon. New post coming in a few hours! For now...here are some little nuggets of happy for you. (orrr... just photo's I like. whatev.)







(all photo's from weheartit.com)

XOXO

11.11.2010

thank you.


thank you to all of our veterans - past & present - for your courage to serve this country, defend our freedom, and sacrifice for this great nation. i salute & celebrate you today.


11.10.2010

crop it or cape it.


ohhh, the weather outside is...amazing actually. It has gotten a little chilly here in Dallas, but just enough to put me in the mood for a cute Fall jacket. Jackets & coats may be my favorite "accessory". They add so much and there are WAY too many awesome options in stores right now. Can we say "t-r-o-u-b-l-e"?

Try a little, cropped jacket with anything - jeans, dresses, leggings, slacks...like I said - ANYTHING! Great options are any color in leather, suede, tweed, velvet, fur or lace. Look for military styles (so many comfy cotton versions out there too), tailored & sleek, or classic blazers.

The "cape" is also BIG.TIME for Fall/Winter. Instantly turn any outfit into GLAM with one of these cozy additions.


I've been on the hunt for finding these trends & not break the bank. There are SUPER CUTE versions for less than $100 at the Gap, Express, Zara, Francesca's, & Target!

Here are some ideas ...
j.crew

club monaco


Zara (shown) :: Also a twinky at Express


j.crew



Bundle up!  (but don't forget your deodorant...since it's not even cold outside)
XOXO








 





11.09.2010

i heart it


the whole "i heart you" or "i <3 it" phenomenon is actually something i heart. i mean, hearts seem to be taking over ...


the cute, little sweatshirt above (that I would NEVER actually wear) led me to write a list of things

 I  <3 right now:

#1. Subtle Nails : any of my friends can testify to the fact that I am NOT the "nail girl". However, I do love these shades for Fall.
(Shown : OPI Over the Taupe & Fiji Wiji Fawn)




#2. Vintage Prettiness : i am obsessed with anything with character or a "story behind it". I cherish the jewelry that has been given to me from older family members, so something about any piece of jewelry, furniture, etc that has meaning or just LOOKS like it does strikes a soft spot in my heart. Mix vintage or heirloom pieces with fashion jewelry any day or night!


#3. Girly Rockstar : i am girly, but totally a wannabe rockstar. So, I am loving the whole pretty look with an edge. Lauren Conrad seems to have it down. Floral dress with a leather jacket. love x infinity.




#4. Big ol' MAN watches : no back story here. I just love them on women. Rose gold is making a huge debut right now, so I'm in heaven. Huge PINK watch - on my Christmas list.




#5. 2 Toned 4 eyes : sunglasses are my weakness. I can have a negative bank account and a sales person can convince me ANY day that I HAVE TO HAVE a new pair...you know...because they fit my face so well and all. I love this 2 toned look right now. Also on the Christmas list. (Santa, i hope you're reading this blog)

shown : juicy couture

#6. Over-the-knee Boots : i'll be honest. I was a hater not a lover of these at first. like most women--they give me a "but, do I look trashy??" feel. However, the more I see them - the more they grow on me. I am still searching for the perfect pair.


photo from whowhatwear



So, there's my little list of loves for now. Oh wait, I forgot a few that are completely 100% irrelevant to this blog but who cares, right? 
I also dearly heart :  cheeto puffs, polaroid pictures, messy hair, old quilts, kittens (or any small animal really), hip hop music, the smell of lavender, reading, writing & arithmetic (minus arithmetic). Have a wonderful night! XOXO 

11.08.2010

bedazzled

"it's the little things that matter".

Fall fashion offers so many amazing wardrobe pieces, but I am a strong believer that the "littlest" add-ons make a really BIG impact. Add the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble with this season's jeweled adornments, mixed-up metals, playful pendants, & messy statement necklaces.


stack 'em up...mix cuffs, bangles, and metals. 


the chain gang...a beautiful mess.


make your point & put a huge cocktail ring on that finger


make a statement with a crazy necklace (just don't forget your pants)

Don't be afraid to wear bold pieces or mix up metals & textures. When it comes to accessories, now is the time to go BIG or go home.
XOXO









11.05.2010

t.g.i.f.

Thank goodness the weekend is here. I am getting ready to go celebrate one of my dearest friends' birthday...what are you doing this weekend?

I am jamming my "gettin' ready" playlist and trying to figure out what to wear. This time of year is wonderful, but gets complicated when trying to figure out what is right for the
in-between weather. Jacket or no jacket? Open toed or closed? In my opinion - whatever makes you happiest is JUST RIGHT!

Here are some good options for a night out with the girls, a fun party, or bar-hopping with buddies :


 i <3 her :: denim, glam jacket, and amazing shoes


 a little leather jacket with ANYTHING & you're good to GO


black tights, black blazer. a winner every single time.


Gotta go finish getting ready! Hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend! Oh...here's a few of my faves from that "gettin' ready" playlist for ya :

"three little birds" :: bob marley
"back down south" :: kings of leon
"raise your glass" :: pink
"i love U" :: chris brown & ester dean
"animal" :: neon trees
"hot tottie" usher
"like a G6" far east movement
"everything's right" matt wertz
"say hey (i love you)" all rebel rockers
"heavenly day" patty griffin
"this is how we do it" montell jordan
"the way you make me feel" MJ
"wanna dance with somebody" whitney houston
"champagne" the dream & diddy

XOXO :)