Inspired: Vintage Christmas Eve

Like most kids, three and older, around the world--I'm feeling pretty excited about Christmas Eve...Eve. Redundant? Yes. Irrelevant? Not at all. It's the EVE before the eve of a holiday that I have been anticipating since the autumn winds started blowing. Maybe a little premature, maybe not.

I dress up for Christmas Eve every year. Despite the fact that we stay in our house and don't even step near enough to the front door to feel the cold that's slipping in uninvited, I enjoy getting creative with my red, green, and sparkles (which are a color. Do not rebuttle). 

If my closet were endless (like Santa's oversized, velvet, drawstring, tote) then this is the outfit I think I'd put together this year:

I liked the idea of taking the typical color scheme and putting a twist on it. I think the lace adds a vintage feel and, in combination with the shoes, looks so vivid. I chose gold accessories, including a detachable gold collar, to give it a classy sophisticated feel. I'd accent with a red lip, winged liner, and maybe a pair of tasteful (and minimal) tights.

And yes. I would carry around a pretentious stack of well wrapped presents.

What're you wearing this year?

Until Next Time,

Lo

Back to School/Fall Trends, Episode 3: Bottoms up

Things this blog post isn't about: drinking in school, popping bottles, or that one overplayed hit by trey songz. No, in fact this is installment number three in my fall fashion series. I know. You could hardly wait for the next post. 


Today's topic: whats hot on the bottom. We've covered overall trends, but today I thought we could get a little more specific. Leather minis and midis (recap: calf length skirts) were all over the runways for fall, and, believe me, there are PLENTY more styles than just the unfortunate way-too-tight, way-to-short fashion don't we've all come to know and love (slash hate). If you are in fact rockin' this aforementioned skirt, then people might be referring to you as one of the following: trampy, not so classy, and way too sassy (there is a limit to sass. I promise).


Designers took the leather skirt and added length, pleats, stitches, pockets, volume, and lots of other details to create a variety of looks to choose from this season. Leather isn't just for night, but can definitely look chic for day and it comes in lots of colors, too (but we'll get to that later).

So in this look not only is there a leather mini (high waisted with a quilting detail on the pockets), but there are two other fall trends as well: the tuxedo jacket and round sunglasses. I chose a floaty, ruffled blouse with an exposed zipper down the front to add a little flounce while still being edgy. I opted for a patent leather heel to add a little shine at the bottom of the otherwise black lower half of the look. Finally, instead of choosing a small black clutch I thought maybe a studded black bag with a baroque-esque clasp and a chain shoulder strap could continue to make this outfit feasible for a whole day of work or class. Finish this look off with a pinky-nude lip and you are ready to rock it out.

Another fall trend this year is colored pants. This trend is just a branch off of this spring and summer's everpopular color blocking infatuation, except in this way the color is a bit more localized and thus maybe even more dramatic. These high waisted skinny pants are paired with a skinny belt and a patterned button up to liven up the outfit (mixing the solid and the pattern adds excitement). Accessories include the black framed glasses, the snakeskin bag, some gold bangles that mimic the detailing on the belt, and a hot red lip). Throw on some black wedges (mary jane style or not) and you're set. 

Exercise caution when you see the neon trend and the colored pants trend being executed at the same time. You are either going to look incredibly fly, or like a highlighter. I'd hope you'd shoot high and go for option A.

Sidebar: you may have noticed a bit of a change in my styled looks. I've decided to start using street fashion as a bit of a muse. I think it makes things more realistic than using solely runway examples of fashion. Real people are a bit easier to relate with than models.

Until next time,

Lo

Hello, Yellow

So, today I was watching e news and, amongst the countless clips of celebrity scandal and movie rumors, they had a segment on how the hot new summer color was yellow. Yellow is a sunny, bright, and popular color so I see where they get that, but the celebrity outfits they chose weren't the most original takes on the bold summer statement. 
Instead of pointing you towards a database of celebrities looking their best in various shades of lemon, butter, and baby yellow, I thought I'd style a few looks myself to show you some interesting ways to make yellow work.

For a cool and contemporary work or lunch look, try a little color blocking. Primary color combinations (such as the turquoise, mustard, and red orange that I used here) are a good way to make your yellow look a little less sunshine and a little more put together. Here I paired a looser, blouse top with some skinny jeans and a red orange cropped blazer. I accessorized with a unique watch, who's band is the same color as the wedge oxford shoes, and topped everything off with a color blocked Vivienne Westwood shoulder bag to tie it all together.

For a fun, weekend look I focused more on the complementary color of yellow, which is purple. The skirt and tank top combination would be super comfortable, and the ruched short sleeve jacket adds a little extra style to it. The accessories add the whimsy to the outfit, with the lego earrings, statement watch, and patent leather bag. It wouldn't take much to amp this outfit up from a day of shopping to a night on the town. Just a little accessory swapping and you are ready to go. 

Finally, I did an evening look, and a monochromatic one at that. The different shades of yellow work together to create an interesting effect. I think the jewelry I've chosen to go with this outfit is super elegant, and that the shoes and bag add even more of a vintage touch to the ensemble. 

There is so much you can do with yellow, other than just wearing one shade of it to the video awards. Get creative and see what you can come up with.

Until next time, 

Lo

It's Aldo Rage!

So, since about January I've been receiving the spring issues of the magazines that I subscribe to. This is exciting for two reasons. Reason #1: I love getting mail. I am a mail monster. If there is an envelope with my name on it in our mail box, then chances are I don't even make it back into the apartment without carefully tearing (with the caution of a 3 year old opening a Christmas package) the envelope open. Reason #2: I love a good fashion magazine. 


Amidst the spreads about color blocking, 70's chic, and bold lips, though, something other things began to catch my eye. These things were spring ad campaigns, and this year they do not disappoint. A good ad campaign is so important because it's all about catching the magazine reader's eye and directing them to the creative vision of your store/product. If the ad is memorable, chances are they'll remember to pay a visit to your store in pursuit of the cute pair of wedges you had so expertly styled or the dress that made the model look flawless. If your store gives off the same attractive vibes as your ads then chances are you, my friend, can ad one more name to that frequent shoppers list.


I love ads that are spunky, well styled, and fun. On the other hand, I also love ads that are artistic, unexpected, and intriguing. I also love an ad with a good pun, but who doesn't, really?


Recently I've been obsessed with one ad campaign in particular, and that is the ALDO spring campaign. Primary colors and an abundance of vintage styled hair, makeup, and clothes make for fun and eye catching 2 page spreads. See for yourself:

ALDO's spring campaign was very successful in my opinion. I have a had a craving to go there ever since their ads graced the pages of my February issue of NYLON. I look forward to the day I rip them out and stick them on my every growing wall of fashion.

until next time

Lo

now listening to: Local Natives-Gorilla Manor (or my favorite cd in the world)

Spring Fever

This morning when I stepped out on my balcony I expected to be faced with another morning that was a little to brisk for my taste. What happened instead is that I was suddenly over come with spring fever, and a day that was 75% completed sans cardigan. I got in a little while ago, and I want to say my car thermometer read 60 degrees. Thank you, sweet sweet groundhog, for predicting an early spring this year. I owe you one.

Outfit of the Day

I technically wore this outfit last weekend, but temperatures were pretty similar to how they were today, so I'm posting this guilt free.

Tank top- William Rast for Target. I got this tank top for my birthday from my mom. It was on clearance when we ordered it online, and with target's lack of shipping costs, it was a steal for about $8. It's a light pink color (a  current fave of mine) and made of a thin, slick, soft material. I could look on the tag to be more specific, but it's in hamper land right now, and begging not to be disturbed. I really love this top, and expect to be wearing it often this spring and summer.

Cardigan- Urban Outfitters. I got this cardigan last spring on clearance at urban. It's a really thin material, and a size up from what I normally get so it hits the big baggy notes that I crave every so often. It kept me just warm enough (and offered my hands some shelter in it's pockets) and was easy to store in my purse when it seemed to warm for it.

Jeans- Levi's. Levi's are my holy grail of jeans. Never do they fail me. The only thing I'll wear more than my Levi's this spring is my jeggings...and don't even get me started on those. They are a lighter denim and have a few rips and the perfect stretch. Skinny fit, aka the only jean fit I ever buy, but not to tight. Perfect.

Boots- Lucky Brand. I got these boots for my birthday, and ohhhh my lord do I love them. They are military/work boot style, olive green, lace up, and comfortable as can be. They tops and tongue can be worn up or folded down (depending on the look you are going for). I got mine at Belk, but as far as I know they are still available on Lucky's website, and are available in the green color I have as well as black. They are made very well and I can tell I'll be wearing them for a few years before they give out.

I already know this spring/summer I'll be doing the half tuck I did with my shirt this day. I love the way an outfit looks with a tucked in top, but leaving it untucked makes it look more relaxed...the solution? If you tuck in a bit of your shirt in the front you still get the length in your torso, but the remaining part of the shirt that is left untucked keeps your outfit looking easy going and comfortable. Voila, an easy way to amp up your outfit.

Spring Fling
When it feels as good as it did today outside it is hard for me NOT to drive with my windows down and my music turned up ridiculously high. Here's my driving playlist of the moment:

• Annie waits - Ben Folds
• Howling for You- Black Keys 
• Wagon Wheel-Old Crow Medicine Show
• Calamity Song-The Decemberists
• Dog Days are Over-Florence and the machine 
• All the Pretty Girls -Fun.
• Tight rope-Janelle Monae
• Camera Talk-Local Natives
• Kids-MGMT
• Winter Winds-Mumford and Sons
• Mutiny, I Promise You-The New Pornographers
• Badman-Newton Faulkner
• Little Secret-Passion Pit
• Holiday-Vampire Weekend
• Let's Dance to Joy Division-The Wombats

**click on the link above to hear the whole playlist**


Spring trends I'm Stoked About
According to the magazines, blog posts, youtube videos, and websites I've been reading there is a lot to look forward to this spring, but to narrow down the huge, intimidating list of trends that is going to be enveloping our malls and boutiques within the coming weeks, I'm just going to rant about a couple of my favorite up and comings.


BALLERINA
The ballerina trend is something I've been a fan of since I realized what it entailed: pretty girly dresses, chiffon (aka sheer, my fave), flowy silhouettes, frills, neutral colors, and bodysuits. All of the above are something I crave to wear in the springtime. I love the femininity they bring to the table.

white top-topshop, chiffon skirt-urban outfitters, 

rouched blue dress-topshop 

SIDEBAR: I am a sucker for neutral colors and chiffon, so those will definitely be a huge part in my spring wardrobe.

70'S

 I never hear anything positive about fashion in the 70s. Even when I was in a history of fashion class, the teacher did nothing but grimace through that chapter in the book. This seasons modern take of the 70s style is really intriguing to me. Bold colors, longer hemlines, crochet, and bright patterns made for a delicious spectacle on the runway. I cannot wait to wear rompers, crop tops, and MAYBE even a maxi dress.. but I think we all know about how I feel about those on short people. Either way, whether this spring trend lives in fame or infamy, i'm excited about it.

both the top and dress are from topshop

until next time

Lo

currently listening to: The Avett Brothers Live: Volume 3

The Skinny

Things have been a little ridiculous since birthday weekend. Assignment after assignment, weekend shifts at the PF, and work study have been consuming my free time. Good news? There are a lot of exciting things coming up from here on out. Spring break is so close I can taste it. And then after spring break it's smooth sailing, other than the dreaded finals week, all the way to my Italy adventure and Bonnaroo!

Official Italy countdown: 83 DAYS.

I have some goals before Italy. Namely: lose about 10 pounds and about 5 inches as well. I thought I could document that on here as well, because who doesn't love a good tip on staying healthy and fit. I technically started last week, but with the amount of free food that is being hurled in my direction it's been really difficult to stay on track. Sidebar: when trying to eat healthier, there is nothing wrong with eating what sounds good when it sounds good...because if you shove it away, you will likely come back at it, when it is presented to you again, with a vengeance. 

My eating habits aren't unhealthy, by any means. But I am going to monitor my cheese and my sweet intake. If you know me, or have seen my cheese drawer in my refrigerator, then you may know that I have a bit of a problem NOT putting cheese on things. Cheese on broccoli and rice, cheese on vegetable burritos, cheese on salads...I know. It's out of control. I'd really like to only be eating cheese 3 times a week, and sweets about the same amount. This doesn't mean I'm going to cut out my annual weekend pizza veg out, but it does mean that the mexican shredded cheese probably won't be finding it's way into my shopping bags as often. 

Something to remember though: is that when you are making something, such as broccoli cheese rice, is that you can add more beneficial things TO THEM to make them a)last longer, b)better for you, and c)more filling (so you eat less of the bad stuff.) Good example: when you make broccoli cheese rice, you can toss in some frozen broccoli before the water boils, and then serve it over a small can of tuna (white, canned in water), and you'll find that there is more broccoli and tuna than there is cheesy rice. LOOPHOLE, AM I RIGHT?

If you're looking for a website with recipes to keep your calorie count down, check out Hungry Girl. They have lots of tips and tricks for staying healthy, and eating what you like. If you sign up for their daily emails, you'll receive recipes in your inbox, and if that isn't enough for you then they have a few books out (available at your local book store) and they also have a whole bunch of recipes available on their website as well. 

**Not only do they have recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, but they have news on new products at the grocery store that are healthy options, or dupes for recipes that, otherwise, might not be the best idea if you're trying to think thin.

Another thing I'm going to do [much] more frequently is make regular appearances at the gym. The eliptical machine,  weight machines, and I need to become much better friends, and I need to get back to running at the park as well (I much more prefer running outside to running on a treadmill. Much more fun.)

Fro yo for you

For those of us who live in moderately sized cities, I'm sure we have all witnessed the fro-yo craze that began a couple of years ago. I know in middle Tennessee when the topic of frozen yogurt rolls around there are, probably, only two words that pop into people's mind: Sweet Cece's. Sweet Cece's began in Franklin, TN and has now spread further east, south, north, and west. It has grown from a single flagship store to new locations opening (what seems like) every week. I've been to a few fro-yo places and I can honestly say that Sweet Cece's is my favorite. Their variety in flavors and toppings and their atmosphere are what keep me coming back. My most recent favorite combination: Peanut butter (low fat) swirled with New York Cheesecake (no fat!) and topped with a few strawberries, a couple bits of reeses pieces, and some peanut butter chips. 

Why the fro-yo freakout? Besides the high variety of toppings and flavors, Fro-yo is a lot less worse for you than ice cream. But, as shape magazine pointed out, it still shouldn't be considered "healthy." There are still calories and sugar in it, and when you fill the cup and pile on the toppings you aren't really helping your case. If you're watching your weight, try and stick with fruit and sugar free fro-yo's. You won't feel like you're missing out. Promise.

Ship Shapely
Speaking of spring fashion and shaping up, I subscribe to a channel on Youtube called "The Style Diet." Anna, the woman who films videos for it is constantly talking about hair, makeup, fashion, and healthy cooking/habits. She has even written a book called, "The Style Diet." Anna recently posted a video about dressing for your body shape that I thought was really good and informative, check it out.

March Wishlist
Because what girl doesn't have a list of things she would buy if she had unlimited money at her disposal. The 3 cosmetic items are very much going to be a part of my collection ASAP :)

dress modcloth; nail polish- lilacism, essie; mineralize skin finish- soft and gentle, MAC; 

lipstick- vegas volt, MAC; purse, ModCloth; Shoes (all) -ModCloth

Until next time,
Lo

Currently Listening to: MGMT- Oracular Spectacular

Outfit of the Day and Fashion week (Christian Siriano)

So, tonight the ladies and I went out to Chuy's to get our Fiesta on for my big 20 b-day. The verdict: (in the word's of our favorite international traveler, Borat) great success.

Top: I got this Free People top last summer, and I could not be more obsessed with it. It is a flowy sheer top that has a snakeskin type print on it. Pinks, oranges, golds, and purples combine to make a really fun color combination, and the gray lace detailing down the middle does a nice job of adding some physical texture. The neckline is trimmed in gold sequins, and the straps actually do this really cool Y shaped situation in the back. Wear it alllllllll year long. (I wore a fuchsia colored tank top under it, as it is a sheer top and I would prefer my style to be described as sassy, not skanky). 

Jacket: A piece of my roommate's. There is some niiiiice zipper detailing on the pockets that looked good with the trim on the neckline of the top.

Jeggings: I got these back in the fall at Urban Outfitters. They are by the brand BDG and they are really great for jeggings. They actually feel like denim and have sewn on back pockets. Qualities that make jeggings unacceptable: printed on pockets and stitching, are more cotton feeling than denim feeling, and if they are on the commercial for "pajama jeans." 

Shoes: Steve Madden and I have become really close closet friends within recent years. These platform, gold metallic heels are perfect for special occasions and for going out. My toes may have been cold, but the shoes are comfortable and the material they are made of is a really soft, textured kind of leather. They are the perfect amount of glam.

Jewelry: Was, again, just some simple gold chains, and a really nice silver and turquoise ring.

So dinner was completely delicious (mainly the part where we all went at a piece of Tres Leches cake like a pack of wild hyenas) and then Jennifer and I decided to take a quick field trip to the mall so I could spend the MAC giftcard she got me (she knows me altogether to well). After browsing for a good 10 minutes I had my selections for the evening. MAC's lipstick in Snob and Cream Color Base in Shell.

In fashion news..
FASHION WEEK STARTED TODAY IN NEW YORK

I'll admit, though, it's a little hard to get excited about fall color schemes and trends when I am so ready for some sunshine on my skin. Skirts and sandals could not sound ANY better right now (especially with the way I was sliding around on the ice in my heels tonight in the mall parking lot...yikes).


As some of you may know, Christian Siriano (AKA my designer soul mate) got to present his collection today. As always: I am in love. Ever since Project Runway Christian has had a piece of my heart. The show started off (kind of uncharacteristically Christian, in my opinion) with lots of asymmetry, high necklines, neutral colors (blacks, greys, and olive greens), strong silhouettes (masculine with a hint of feminine), legs, dominant collars, and a combination of sheer, shine, and the occasional sparkle. Gold zippers made a reappearance (from last fall's craze) in his collection, and leather seemed to dominate as well. As the show went on the Sirano sass I've come to know and love became more evident with evening gowns that still sported the high necklines, asymmetry, and struture, but there was a lot more texture, femininity (draped details, rose pinks, etc), and some very memorable evening gowns. To see the whole show click here. The verdict: LOVED his collection. Can't wait to see what other designers put down the runway this week.




until next time
Lo






Currently Listening to: The Decemberists - The King is Dead (newest album! So good.)

5 products I adored in January (and a little fleet foxes on the side)

I realize that if I use the "login issue" excuse one more time it might seem like a "crying wolf" situation.  Good news: I think I have the situation figured out.


This post is alllllllll about things I was infatuated with during the month of January. From body products, to hair products, to clothing, to makeup, to music.. it's all on here.

Favorite Body Product - St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash

About a month ago I decided it was time to stop using my cupcake flavored body wash and find something a bit less sugary and a bit more effective. I wanted a product who's scent would last (and potentially that WOULDN'T smell like buttercream infused with sugar...not a good purchasing decision on my part.) and who would help me beat the infamous dry skin of winter. I've found it. I love the way that this body wash smells, suds, and the way it works in combination with St. Ives Vitamin E advance moisturizing body lotion. Not only is Oatmeal a nice scent, but I can definitely tell a difference in the way my skin feels.

Favorite Hair Product- Loreal Paris Hair Expertise Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Color Care System

 (Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner) 

When I got my hair done in December I got it dyed a lot darker than I had, had it before and I wanted to make sure that my color didn't fade. I saw this shampoo and decided to give it a try...totally worth it. This shampoo/conditioner has helped to keep my hair the rich brown/black that it was over a month ago. The Ever Pure line is sulfate free, which means it isn't as hard on your hair; it is made with natural botanicals, 100% vegan, and (the volume ones) are scented with Rosemary and Mint. After washing/drying my hair after using the products I could definitely tell a difference in the way it looked and felt as well. It was much more soft and healthy. I hiiiighly recommend these products. I believe they retailed at around $8 a tube. The only downside: because they are packaged in a tube there is much less product than there would be in a bottle.

Favorite Blush - Wet 'N Wild Blush in the color Mellow Wine

While watching youtube guru amarixe's video about drug store cosmetics that were worth giving a shot, I heard her mention this blush. Wet 'N Wild is usually something I don't usually give a second look to (unless I need a top coat for my nails), but I hadn't really seen their blushes before and decided that I would give it a try (and at about $1.50 how could I pass it up?) The blush is a good, neutral color (kind of a peachy color) and looks really good on fair skin tones (I would imagine it would also look good on medium and dark skin tones as well). It is really pigmented though, so if you end up picking this up be aware that you need to use it sparingly. I definitely will be checking out Wet 'N Wild's products more often now.

Favorite Lipsticks - Revlon Color Burst in Soft Nude and Raspberry 
and MAC in Rebel

If there is one thing I love...it is a good lipstick. I have become quite the collector as of recent, and am a big fan of making my lips one of my accessories to my outfit. My three favorites this month: Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in the colors Raspberry and Soft Nude, and MAC Lipstick in the color Rebel. The Color burst lipsticks are great quality lipsticks. They have a good payoff, and last a good amount of time.  Also, the color that you see in the tube is very true to the color that you get on your lips. Raspberry is (as it's name makes clear) a pinkish red, and soft nude is an orangey gold nude color. The lipsticks are a little drying, but it's nothing that is unbearable (*if you begin with a coat of chapstick it is much less noticeable). The MAC lipstick (rebel) is a really, really great purply lipstick. It does a look a little intimidating (and super vampy) in the tube, but when you put it on it is a purple with strong magenta undertones. The finish is very nice, and (as with all MAC lipsticks) it goes onto the lips in a very creamy fashion. MAC lipsticks are $14.50 and Revlon's are around 6 (I think).

 Favorite Item in my Closet in January

I got these tights from target. They are, what I am going to describe as, a geometric jumbo Fishnet. They are so cool! I am quite the tights fiend, but I didnt have anything at all like these. When I wore them the first time I wore them with a black dress and black boots for work, and I got about two hundred compliments on them. They are comfortable, and the material they are made of is very soft. They are by the brand Merona and were between $6-$8. I did get them a few weeks ago, so I can't make any promises that they are stil in stores.

Music of the Month

I've been listening to a lot of music recently. Mainly because I am pumped up (like you cannot believe) about an upcoming season of amazing shows, namely Fleet Foxes and Cold War Kids. Fleet Foxes recently reduced a track from their new upcoming album, "Helplessness Blues," which will drop on May 3, and it was outstanding. They are playing a show in Nashville shortly after it drops and (after a very dramatic few minutes of doubt) it is final that I will be attending. Thankkk goodness. That would not have been the show to miss.  Cold War Kids also dropped a new album recently titled, "Mine is Yours." I feel like it strays a little from their usual style, but I really really like it and am looking forward to their show as well. They are playing in Nashville on March 28 at the Cannery. 




Also, if any of you are interested in reading my more personal, random blog the link is
here




until next time (which will be soon this time)
Lo

Stuck in my head

Technology and I have never had a more love-hate relationship than we do at the moment. Since the first night I had this blog I haven't been able to get back on it because I couldn't remember my login information (I realize I should have written this down). I couldn't recover the information either because I didn't know the password to the email that I set up JUST for this blog. I used every password that I normally use for new accounts and nothing was working. Tonight what happens? I type in blogspot.com and IMMEDIATELY it logs me on. I go to gmail. Same story. Thank you, google? I appreciate it?

ANYHOW, on to more important things.
Like things I am currently infatuated with.

1) William Rast for Target

I saw the first few pieces of William Rast's line for target about a month ago...and I loved them. Target's efforts to bring in higher fashion within the past couple of years have been a definite step in the right direction. Jean Paul Gaultier's contributions got my opinions about it started off on the wrong foot, but Rodarte and William Rast have definitely won me over. Rast's line is made up of edgy tops, bottoms, and outerwear. Zippers, clever (and tasteful) logo placement and structured details paired with neutral colors and a variety of flattering silhouettes (not to mention awesome pleating, tucking, and stitching details) combine together to form a really desirable situation in the junior's department. The pieces vary in price from $17 to $200 dollars (which is a pretty hefty price for a target item, but from what I can tell they are well made with good fabrics. All in all: worth it). My favorite items are the leather jackets (two in particular: the camel colored leather one with the shoulder detailing and the member's only-esque one. Both pictured above) the cargo pants (which I never thought I'd be saying), and the logo tank tops (just enough feminity and flirt while still being ultra casual and comfortable.) 

2) YSL's "Iconic Arsty Oval Rings"

in the color blue

The first time I saw one of these rings it was on youtuber beautycrush 's Christmas video. It immediately struck me. The textured, metallic finish of the gold surrounding the marbled oval shaped stone could not look more stunning on. It is such a unique piece. The ring can be purchased on YSL's website, as well as in their stores I'm sure, for $250.00. The colors currently offered on the website are blue, fuschia, green, and coral.

3) Riding/Work Boots

gojane.com,

steven madden

 I am a huge fan of this fall trend that is continuing over into spring. Lace up boots weren't something I took an immediate loving to, but they have seriously grown on me. The ones pictured in the center are Steve Maddens Troopa boots in the color "Natl Lea." I think they are my favorite lace up boots I have seen so far this season (and unfortunately Belk was out of them in my size, on Steven Madden's website they go for $100). I love the fact that they have a zipper detail in the side so that getting them on isn't such a hassle. The go jane boots on the right have this detail as well (they retail for 23 dollars on gojane.com).




4)The Mixing of Hards and Softs

 

There is nothing I love more than some femininity served with a little masculinity on the side. The structure of the boustier and the leather shorts take the light pink cardigan and pastelly floral print to another level. I guess it also wouldn't hurt to hit on how much I am loving vintage inspired outfits right now. The quilting stitch on the shoes is such an excellent touch. When I imagine a someone rocking this look I can only imagine it with her hair up in a messy bun, the smoothe sounds of the black keys blaring through her ear buds, and an immaculate smear of MAC's Snob lipstick across her lips.

4)Bold Lips

Good lord, do I love a bold lip. More than not, with my makeup, I'll often sport a smooth face, a subtle flush of blush, a simple eye (winged out liner, of course), and a lip that is the perfect pop of color. Fendi's spring 2011 runway show was plastered with the same look. Simple face and eyes and an astonishing lip. Pinks, reds, corals... all of the above.  From my experience you can get a good bright lipstick both in the drug store and at the makeup counter. Taking a dive into my lipstick pouch (which is getting pretty extensive as I am turning into quite the collector) you'll find a lot of MAC, Loreal, Rimmel, and Revlon. Colors I highly recommend as of right now? Girl about town (MAC, Amplified), Alarm (Rimmel London), Peachy Scene (Maybelline), Baby Pink (Revlon), and MAC Cremesheen Glass in Double Dare. Be aware when finding one for yourself that your undertones play a big part in what colors work for you. If you have lots of blue undertones then reds and bright pinks and oranges might not look best, but there are quite the range of pinks that will definitely complement what you've got going on. Asking questions at your favorite makeup counter will definitely help you out if you're still kind of confused.

until next time

 Lo