Tuesday, May 31, 2016

1950's Alien Aesthetic

May 2016
May 2016

Hello! I did it: I finally purchased lavender lipstick. I've been attracted to light purple lipstick for a while now but have been a little bit wary of trying this color out for myself. It's not everyday that you see someone rocking purple lipstick and I was skeptical of whether or not I could pull this look off. But when I spotted this lavender lipstick on ColourPop's website, I was determined to try it out. And for only $5 how could I say no? This is one of their lippie stix in "Brills." 

When I received the product, I couldn't wait to try it out. Instantly the quality and color of the lipstick impressed me. The only downside of this product is that it is a cool-toned lippie and because I'm so pale, it needs to be worn with the right colors so that I don't look deathly. For example, I can't really wear it with cool colors such as blue because doing so would make me appear somewhat morbid. No thanks! 

For this look, I selected a leopard print dress in a warm brown color to pair with the purple lippie. I styled the dress with a pair of black platform heels, black cat-eye sunglasses and a purple ribbon choker. The combination of the various elements of my outfit create sort of a 1950's alien aesthetic that I'm totally in love with. The print and silhouette of my dress as well as the cat-eye style of my sunglasses all add to the fifties essence while the purple lipstick and overall look contribute to the out-of-this-world vibe. 

Leopard print dress: American Apparel via Ashby
Cat-eye sunglasses: Ashby
Purple lipstick: ColourPop
Black platform heels: Jeffrey Campbell

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Sunday, May 29, 2016

$50 Giant Vintage Sunglasses Gift Card Giveaway

May 2016
May 2016

Hello! I don't know where I'd be without my collection of Giant Vintage Sunglasses. Sunglasses are a crucial part of my wardrobe; sunglasses have the power to make or break an outfit. Not to mention the fact that they instantly make you look cooler the second that you slip them on. For this look, I created a sense of fun and quirkiness by slipping on this pair of pink bicycle sunglasses that I received from Giant Vintage Sunglasses a couple years ago. 

Giant Vintage Sunglasses has a wide array of sunglasses from fun shades like the bike shades that I'm wearing above to classic shades to trendy shades to deadstock vintage shades. They have every and any pair of sunglasses that you could ever want. About 75% of the sunglasses that I wear are from Giant Vintage and I'm in love with every single pair of Giant Vintage shades that I own. Additionally, their sunglasses are reasonably priced from around $12-$26. Even better yet, Giant Vintage packs your shades with several tootsie rolls as a treat to their customers. Talk about great customer service! 

And today, I have a special treat for you all- a giveaway for a $50 Giant Vintage Sunglasses gift card. Who could turn down the opportunity to update your wardrobe with a few new pairs of shades?? The only difficult decision would be which sunglasses to select. There are so many pairs that you'll instantly fall in love with while browsing Giant Vintage's site. 

Entering is easy- just enter through the Rafflecopter giveaway widget below. To enter all you have to do is follow Giant Vintage and myself on Instagram. There are also several additional bonus entries that you can complete if you wish but you don't have to in order to enter. This giveaway is open worldwide and for about 2 weeks. Good luck!

Polka dot dress: Urban Outfitters via Ashby
Pale pink platform heels: Jeffrey Campbell via ShopAkira
Pink bicycle sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage Sunglasses
Pink purse: Vintage
Lipstick: STILA


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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Focusing on Color

May 2016
May 2016

Hello! Recently, I've been attracted to color as the focal point of my outfits. In the past, I've styled my outfits mainly around various prints and patterns as well as texture. I think that texture will always play a large role in my style choices but I've been relying less and less on prints and patterns in the past few weeks. I used to view color as one of the less important elements of an outfit but now I recognize and appreciate the ability of color to create bold looks. In particular, I've been really drawn to warm colors like the mustard yellow color that I'm wearing above. 

For this look, I styled a mustard yellow, bell-sleeve top with a matching mustard yellow shawl. I also donned a vintage yellow purse and warm-colored neutral platform heels to accentuate the mustard yellow. I shot these photos against a cheery yellow wall to emphasize the colors of this look even further. However, color isn't the only important element of this look. The knit shawl and straw purse both have interesting textures and I highlighted the texture in the look even further by slipping on a pair of lace-trimmed shorts. Accessories perfected this free-spirited look; I slipped on a pair of golden-rimmed sunglasses, a couple golden necklaces and tied a pink ribbon around my neck to capture the choker trend

Watercolor floral shorts: Urban Outfitters
Platform heels: Nasty Gal via Poshmark
Yellow bag: Vintage via Ashby
Mustard yellow top: Forever 21
Mustard yellow shawl: Vintage via RetMod
Sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage 
"Tori" necklace: c/o Personal Necklace
Lipstick: ColourPop matte lipstick in "Donut"

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Monday, May 23, 2016

June 2016 Mood Board

June Mood Board
June Mood Board #2
June Mood Board #3

Hello! For this upcoming month, I'm feeling inspired by the nostalgic beauty, design and fashion of the seventies. There's a certain softness and warmth to the decade that I can't help but be influenced by.

Seventies icons, Jane Birkin and Joni Mitchell, both serve as two of my major sources of beauty inspiration this month. I'm particularly enchanted by their fresh faced beauty routines; the bare faced makeup of the two icons feels perfect for the warm summer weather. Soft, natural makeup is currently tugging on my heart strings; I'm loving light peachy colored makeup, natural brows and defined lashes right now. Natural hair texture and messy braids are on my mind as fair as hairstyles go.

Soft warm colors aren't only found in my makeup bag this month though, they can also be found in my wardrobe. I'm currently drawn to light feminine colors like peaches, light yellows, warm oranges and light nudes. They evoke a softness, an airiness, a sense of nostalgia that just feels so right for this month. I'm shying away from prints as a major source of inspiration and am rather feeling more inspired by textures and the juxtaposition of different textures together. Feathery textures, pleated textiles and lace fabrics are a few of the elements that are influencing what I put on when I'm getting dressed in the morning.

Mood boards created through Polyvore. [Links to the mood boards and items included: #1, #2, #3.]

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Thursday, May 19, 2016

5 Outfit Ideas to Boost your Summer Style

Hello! As summer quickly approaches, it's time to begin prepping your wardrobe for the increasingly warm weather. When it's unbearably hot out, it can be tempting to neglect your style but keeping cool while still looking chic is possible. Today, I've created five different outfit ideas to share with you all that will keep you cool while looking cool this summer. And what's better than that?

Summer Outfit Idea #1


Option #1: The modern day seventies babe. Play around with mixing vintage-inspired pieces with more modern, trendy pieces. Take an off the shoulder dress and pair it with an unconventionally striped purse. The off the shoulder silhouette of the dress and the striped pattern of the bag are both trendy but the relaxed neutral colors of the two pieces evoke a distinctly seventies mood. Add to that seventies boho appeal by slipping on a pair of platform heeled clogs and free-spirited jewelry. Perfect the look with an interesting pair of shades and a light pink lipstick. This look will take you everywhere this summer from movie dates with your boyfriend to solo trips to the art museum.

Summer Outfit Idea #2

Option #2: The feminine trendsetter. This season, baby blue reigns supreme. However, with baby blue popping up everywhere, you want to create a look utilizing the color without wearing the same thing as everyone else. Up your style game by creating a monochromatic look with several baby blue pieces for a major impact. Keep accessories to a minimum, only donning delicate jewelry and neutral shades, in order to let the baby blue pop. Step out in this look to your friend's graduation or dinner with the family.

Summer Outfit Idea #3


Option #3: The playful free spirit. Cali babes, this is the look for you. Take this season's embroidered denim trend to the next level with a pair of butterfly adorned denim overalls. Add to the free-spirited appeal of the look with a Jane Birkin-inspired tote bag, baby pink platform fringe heels and a neutral-colored sun hat. Light round sunglasses and a feminine bralette pull this look together. Grab lunch with your best friend in this playful ensemble. 

Summer Outfit Idea #4

Option #4: The edgy tomboy. Dresses and skirts not your thing? No worries! Stay stylish this season in a distressed pair of high-rise black shorts. To create sort of a rock and roll look, pair a vintage band tee and studded sandals with the shorts. Stay on trend with a Western mini backpack and vintage Western belt. Slip on a trendy pair of sunglasses to complete the look. This look functions perfectly for a day spent thrifting.

Summer Outfit Idea #5

Option #5: The ultimate girly girl. Slip into a feminine floral dress; I was drawn to this floral dress because of the delicate draping and unique silhouette. Accentuate the femininity of the dress with delicate golden jewelry and golden sunglasses. Strappy heels and a chic clutch in pastel shades enhance the airy essence. Emphasize the girly girl feeling of this look by painting your nails pink and swiping on a pretty pink shade of lipstick. This look works great for Sunday brunch with your gals as well as for an interview.

Sets created through Polyvore [links to sets: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5].

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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Feline Charm

May 2016
May 2016
May 2016

Hello! Ashby never fails to cause me to swoon over their incredible selection of merchandise. I'm back in Richmond for the summer and have already made several Ashby shop visits. In the span of a week, I've been to Ashby about four or five different times- do the employees ever get tired of me? For those of you who aren't familiar with Ashby, Ashby is the best fashion resale retailer that I've ever encountered. They buy and sell a variety of fashion-forward clothing, shoes and accessories for both men and women. Their merchandise moves through their shop so quickly that you can visit one day then come back a few days later and they'll have a whole slew of new items for sale. Ashby is located in Carytown in Richmond, VA right next to Mellow Mushroom.

On one of my recent Ashby visits, I scored this stunning leopard print dress. When I spotted it hanging on the rack, the bold feline print, slinky fabric and flattering silhouette all attracted me to it. The brand also caught my eye; this dress was originally from American Apparel. It fit like a dream when I tried it on and I knew that it had to be mine. For just $18, this dress was a steal! Especially since I still had store credit from selling some of my unwanted clothing to Ashby earlier in the week. This dress is one of American Apparel's popular skater dresses and it retails for $56. The dress I scored is actually still available for sale on AA's website! But I got it for a 1/3 of the price.

For this look, I styled the dress with a fifties-inspired pair of cat-eye sunglasses and bright pink lipstick to accentuate the retro feeling of the dress. I accessorized with several golden rings, a personalized name necklace and vintage purse. I finished the look with a versatile pair of black platform sandals. In addition to the dress, my sandals and cat-eye sunnies are actually from Ashby as well. If you live in the Richmond area and haven't shopped at Ashby yet, I would highly recommend a visit ASAP; trust me, you won't regret it! 

Leopard print dress: American Apparel via Ashby
Flatforms: ALDO via Ashby
Beaded purse: Vintage
Rings: Assorted (Vintage, Express and c/o UniversiteeBox)
"Tori" necklace: c/o Personal Necklace
Bright lipstick: STILA
Cat-eye sunglasses: Ashby

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Monday, May 16, 2016

3 Bohemian Outfit Ideas to Shake up your Summer Style

Hello! Are you having a hard time styling your outfits lately? Well today, I created three different bohemian outfits to shake up your summer style! Read on for details on how to create these looks yourself:

Boho Look #1

Option #1: Take your favorite printed dress and layer it with a breezy kimono. Bonus points if the kimono is printed too! Who says prints don't look good together? It adds to the effortless, laidback mood. Accessorize with several free-spirited pieces including a pair of round hippie sunglasses, a fringe tote bag and boho jewelry such as stones rings and a statement coin necklace. Perfect the look with a pair of wooden platform sandals.

Boho Look #2

Option #2: This option focuses on texture as the highlight of the outfit. Take your favorite pair of shorts and style them with a crochet top. Add more texture to the look with a straw bag, espadrille heels and interesting jewelry. A neutral lip and unique sunglasses pull this look together.

Boho Look #3

Option #3: Take your bohemian look to the next level by styling your outfit around a pair of light-wash, distressed denim overalls. Style an airy lace bralette with the overalls. Accentuate the color of the bralette with a floppy hat and sandals in a matching shade. Accessorize with a boho belt, ornate round sunglasses and a detailed free-spirited bag. Pin several summery pins onto your overalls to complete the look.

I created these sets through Polyvore [links to the sets and items included: #1, #2, #3].

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Sunday, May 15, 2016

Philly Model Magazine

Mike Hirata Photography

Hello! This past February, I was featured in the up-and-coming Philadelphia digital publication, Philly Model Magazine. The publisher of Philly Model Magazine, Mike Hirata, ran a competition for those featured in the issue to hype their features up on social media. Of course, I was ecstatic to even be featured so I promoted my feature as much as possible and was lucky enough to be the winner of the competition. Mike and I met up a few weeks ago to discuss the magazine as well as do a quick photoshoot. This was one of my favorite photos from the shoot but you can see all the photos from the shoot in this album on Facebook if you desire.

The April 2016 digital issue of Philly Model Magazine is now out- be sure to check it out! You don't want to miss the wrap-up of the most recent Philly Fashion Week. And you can keep up with Philly Model Mag on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Polka dot romper: Forever 21
Tan heels: Jeffrey Campbell
Sunglasses: Givenchy c/o SmartBuyGlasses
Golden jewelry: Assorted

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Saturday, May 14, 2016

Trending Now: Quirky Statement Bags

Trending Now: Quirky Bags

Hello! It seems as if everywhere I look, quirky statement bags are popping up. From snapshots on my Instagram feed to the inventory of my favorite fashion retailers such as Nasty Gal, I'm seeing these whimsical bags everywhere. Popcorn purses, lemon coin purses, watermelon clutches, ice cream bags, it goes on and on. You can sense a theme of food in these quirky statement bags but food bags aren't the only quirky bags trending this season. Anything bold and unexpected is trending. For example, there's a crab backpack at Nasty Gal that I'm practically drooling over.

It's easy to see why these bags are trending this season; they evoke such an incredible sense of happiness. The eccentricity of these bags is anything but boring. What's even more interesting about this trend is that it represents a shift in the mood of the fashion industry this season.

This season, fashion seems to have taken a break from being serious. There's more of a focus on fun, youth and playfulness. From Valentino butterfly adorned overalls to baby blue mules, the biggest trendy statements this season are light-hearted. And what's more refreshing than that? I'm certainly on board with the cheerful shift in fashion this season!

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Friday, May 13, 2016

Sixties Mod

May 2016
May 2016
May 2016

Hello! I've always been drawn to retro and vintage aesthetics but recently, I've felt particularly inspired by sixties mod. Vibrant colors, bold simple silhouettes, stark color contrasting and quirky sunglasses? Count me in! KJCouture recently sent me their "Blush Cutout Bodycon Dress" and it's the perfect flawless blend of trendy and sixties mod and wow, I am in love. The trendy rose quartz color and bodycon fit of this dress distinctly define it as very now, very hip but the interesting neckline and solid color of the dress indicate the sixties style inspiration behind the dress. 

For this look, I wanted to play up the sixties mod appeal of the dress. I can't get over how much I love the interesting high neckline of this dress.  I added to the sixties mod appeal of the look with the coolest pair of mod sunglasses from Giant Vintage. These shades are deadstock vintage, meaning that they were produced most likely in the sixties and have been sitting around, waiting to be showcased. If you're interested in purchasing a pair for yourself, they cost $22 here

I also styled a vintage embroidered purse and cute platform heels with the look. To keep up with the sixties mod aesthetic, I decided to ditch wearing any jewelry for the day. 

Pink dress: c/o KJCouture
Platform heels: Jeffrey Campbell via Poshmark
Embroidered purse: Vintage
Cat-eye sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage

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Thursday, May 12, 2016

Spring/Summer 2016 Trend Report: Embellished Denim

Embellished Denim Trend S/S '16
Embellished Denim Trend S/S '16

Hello! This spring/summer 2016 season is just full of trends that I can't get enough of! This season, embellished denim established itself as a major trend. Designer brands such as alice + olivia, Valentino, Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana have all defined embellished denim as a trend to keep your eye on. This trend isn't just for jeans though; this trend encompasses all items of clothing and accessories. Yes, even denim shoes! I can't get enough of the Marc Jacobs denim platform heels featured above.

You can shop this trend at fashion-forward retailers like Nasty Gal. However, you could easily DIY this trend. Just take a pair of your denim jeans that you're no longer feeling (or scoop up a pair at a thrift shop for cheap) and embellish away! From beading to patches to pearls, all sort of embellishing is encouraged with this trend. By DIYing this trend, you can choose exactly what sort of embellishment your denim will utilize.

I created these sets through Polyvore [links to these sets and the items included: #1, #2]. 

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Wednesday, May 11, 2016

ColourPop: Yes, Yes and Yes

May 2016
May 2016
May 2016

Hello! I recently made my first ColourPop purchase and the second that I tried out the products that I ordered, I knew it was love. I know that I'm a little late to the ColourPop party but hey, I'm just glad that I arrived. 

For those of you who haven't heard of ColourPop, they are a hip, up-and-coming beauty brand targeted towards visually-inspired college students and young creatives. ColourPop has only been around for about two years but they've already managed to make a huge splash in the beauty industry. While they have prices that you'd expect from drugstore beauty products, they're certainly no boring, drugstore makeup brand. They offer a wide array of creative beauty products in fun colors. Their fun products are sold online through their site. As an added bonus, all first-time customers get $5 off their order and if you spend $30, shipping is free! 

ColourPop is especially well known for their matte liquid lipsticks- which have been proven to actually contain the same ingredients that the Kylie Lip Kits have but for a fraction of the cost: ColourPop matte lipsticks cost $6 while the Kylie Lip Kits cost over three times that amount. I decided to see what all the hype was about and ordered one of ColourPop's matte liquid lipsticks to try out for myself as well as one of their eyeshadows.

I've been super into seventies-inspired, peachy makeup recently so I ordered their matte liquid lipstick in "Donut" and their eyeshadow in "Cheeky." The lipstick cost $6 while the eyeshadow cost $5- both great deals. I'm wearing both the eyeshadow and the lipstick in the photos above and am completely in love with them both. Basically I want to wear this makeup look practically all the time. The products are great quality and I love the nostalgic feel of this look. I'm also wearing Glossier's boy brow in blonde and Benefit's lengthening mascara

For this outfit, I wanted to emphasize the peachy color of my makeup so I slipped into a peachy-colored lace dress. To highlight the nostalgic seventies mood of my makeup, I styled the feminine dress with a vintage, mustard-yellow knit shawl and vintage textured yellow purse. I slipped into a pair of seventies platform heels to perfect the look. 

As a side note, I love my ColourPop lipstick and eyeshadow so much that I actually just ordered seven new products from their site. Stay tuned to see how I wear them! Also, if you haven't checked out ColourPop's site or ordered anything from them before, I'd recommend popping over to their site to check out their incredible selection of swoon-worthy products. Next on my list to try? One of their beloved highlighters

Peachy dress: Urban Outfitters
Yellow purse: Vintage via Ashby
Yellow shawl: Vintage via Etsy
Peachy eyeshadow and lipstick: ColourPop
Platform heels: Nasty Gal via Poshmark 

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Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Tee Shirts Don't Have to be Boring

May 2016

Hello! Who says that tee shirts have to be boring? Or feel super casual? They don't have to be! There are numerous ways to style a tee shirt that won't feel blah or like you're heading off to the gym. Recently, I received this "Growth" tee shirt in my monthly UniversiteeBox. This tee is the perfect example of a tee that can easily be dressed up. 

For this look, I styled the "Growth" tee with a green circle skirt. I slipped on a pair of black platform heels to accentuate my long legs. The combination of the skirt and heels creates a feminine aesthetic that immediately makes the tee feels less casual and more fashionable. I accessorized with a bold statement necklace and pair of retro cat-eye sunglasses. 

Green circle skirt: Forever 21
Black platform heels: Jeffrey Campbell
"Growth" tee shirt: c/o UniversiteeBox
Statement necklace: Kay Adams Jewelry
Cat-eye sunglasses: Ashby

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Monday, May 9, 2016

GLISTER

May 2016

Hello! Recently, Whitney Kuhn of GLISTER sent me one of her lovely creations, this stunning choker necklace that I'm wearing above. This is the "Black Splatter on Nude Clay Collar" and it retails for $46.00 HERE. The second that I opened my GLISTER package, I fell in love. When I say that the necklace is beyond beautiful, I'm not even exaggerating. By far, it's probably my favorite piece of jewelry that I've ever received to style on my blog. It's been hard to resist constantly wearing it!

GLISTER is the work of Whitney Kuhn. Whitney creates handcrafted accessories locally in Richmond, VA and sells them through her site. She primarily creates necklaces as well as earrings. Whitney works with clay to create a variety of jaw-dropping pieces that she then paints. Her pieces are very hip, very modern. The second that I put mine on, I immediately felt cooler and definitely did not want to take it off. Her necklaces cost between $36-$46 while her earrings cost $16- a great deal for the artistic beauty and high-quality of the pieces.

Head on over to GLISTER's website to browse through all of the other beautiful handcrafted options that Whitney offers. And follow along on Instagram @shopglister

Off the shoulder dress: c/o Tobi
Eyeshadow: Coastal Scents styleEYES Palette via Birchbox
Choker necklace: c/o Shop Glister

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Sunday, May 8, 2016

Happy Mother's Day!

May 2016
May 2016

Hello! Happy Mother's Day! I hope that you all have enjoyed celebrating your moms today. And on that note, I'd like to say a quick thank you to my mom: Thank you for constantly taking photos for my blog for me (even when I complain about "dirty" grass and the lighting.) Thank you for letting me constantly borrow your purses. Thank you for listening to me constantly talk about what a look my outfit is or whatever new item I just added to my wardrobe. Thank you for everything that you do. 

Sunflower dress: Forever 21
Tan flatforms: Vintage
Yellow purse: Vintage
Sunglasses: Givenchy c/o SmartBuyGlasses
Golden jewelry: Assorted

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Saturday, May 7, 2016

Spring/Summer 2016 Trend Report: Unconventional Stripes

S/S 16 Trend: Bold Stripes #3
S/S 16 Trend: Bold Stripes
S/S 16 Trend: Bold Stripes #2

Hello! Oh look, another trend that I'm in love with this season: unconventional stripes. Striped designs pop up fairly frequently in fashion because stripes are such a classic pattern. However, this season as stripes arrive once again, they feel anything but boring. Gone are the blah conventional stripes and instead, they're replaced with bold, unconventional stripes this season. Stripes of uneven varied widths, stripes in striking color combinations and diagonal stripes are a few features of this trend this season. I love the bold, eye-catching appeal of the trend.

Unconventional stripes popped up all over the spring/summer 2016 runways at NYFW; Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch, Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Missoni and Salvatore Ferragamo all sent striped designs down the runway that turned heads. You can shop this trend at most fashion retailers; I love Forever 21's selection of striped pieces as well as the striped designs that Nasty Gal offers.

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Friday, May 6, 2016

SidKassidy

May 2016

Hello! Recently, Kim from Sid Kassidy sent me a few of her beautiful pieces of jewelry to style on my blog. SidKassidy, an etsy shop, specializes in edgy minimalist jewelry in pewter and silver. I received a statement silver clutch, chic triangle necklace and stylish earrings. When I opened up my package in the mail, I was impressed by the nice packaging and great quality of the pieces of jewelry. The clutch, necklace and earrings can easily be worn together for a cohesive look but would also all look great by themselves. 

For this look, I styled the pieces of jewelry with a stylish blue and white porcelain print dress; I decided to pile on all three pieces of jewelry together to make a statement. I also grabbed a pair of silver sunglasses to emphasize the silver color of the pieces of jewelry. 

Bracelet: c/o SidKassidy
Necklace: c/o SidKassidy
Earrings: c/o SidKassidy
Porcelain print dress: c/o Yoins
Silver sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage  


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Thursday, May 5, 2016

Spring/Summer 2016 Trend Report: Off the Shoulder

S/S 16 Trend: Off the Shoulder #3
S/S 16 Trend: Off the Shoulder #2
S/S 16 Trend: Off the Shoulder

Hello! This spring/summer 2016 season has been the first season that I've really taken to almost all of the trends that walked down the runway, from baby blue colors to eye-grabbing stripes to choker necklaces to this stunning off the shoulder trend. However, I think that the off the shoulder trend may be my favorite fashion trend this season. It's flirty and playful while also still put-together and feminine.

This trend can be found in a variety of different styles from bohemian to preppy to feminine. I'm particularly drawn to the boho, free-spirited off the shoulder options. Count me in for adventurous prints, unique embroidery and interesting texture! The off the shoulder pieces from the spring/summer 2016 ready-to-wear collections of Alice + Olivia and Madewell were by far my favorites. Other designers that included this flirty silhouette in their spring/summer 2016 collections include Boss, Tory Burch, Prabal Gurung, Creatures of the Wind, Paul & Joe and Chloé. 

One of my favorite things about this trend is that it exposes and emphasizes part of the body that is usually covered up- the shoulders, collarbone and neck. And it does so in an incredibly flattering manner. We're used to seeing tiny mini skirts strut down the runways, leaving a lot of leg exposed or crop top after crop top, exposing half the torso. Not everyone feels like they can pull these styles off (you won't ever catch me in a crop top with my stomach out!) because they are not always universally flattering. However, leaving your shoulders, collarbone and neck exposed flatters every body type while instilling a sense of grace and beauty.

I've already added one off the shoulder piece to my wardrobe and will keep a look out for more of this flattering trend to add to my wardrobe. Wondering where you can purchase this trend for yourself? I'd recommend Tobi (where my off the shoulder piece is from!), Nasty Gal and Free People

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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Lost in a Sea of Blue

April 2016

Hello! I blogged about this dress a couple weeks ago and I wasn't kidding when I said that I thought it may be my favorite dress ever. There's just something about the flattering off-the-shoulder silhouette, deep blue color and bohemian textural detailing that has me head over heels in love with it. Shout-out to Tobi for bringing me my favorite dress ever. This dress is still available for sale on their site if you're interested in purchasing one of these beauties for yourself. This is their "All About Lace Shift Dress" and it retails for $98. However, if you're a first-time Tobi customer, you receive 50% off your first order- lowering the cost of this dress to $49.

For this look, I wanted to keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum as I really wanted the look to focus in on the beauty of the dress itself. However, I did slip on a gorgeous pair of blue statement earrings to accentuate the color of the dress. I also slipped on my Givenchy sunglasses and a feminine pink shade of lipstick.

Blue, off-the-shoulder dress: c/o Tobi
Blue statement earrings: c/o UniversiteeBox
Lipstick: Wet 'N Wild
Sunglasses: Givenchy c/o SmartBuyGlasses

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Tuesday, May 3, 2016

CollegeFashionista Mother's Day Contest

Cfashionista
CF Mother's Day Contest

Hello! As you guys may know, I'm a style guru intern for CollegeFashionista this semester. Recently, they asked their interns to send them photos of their mothers from when they were in college for a Mother's Day contest. I submitted the photo above of my mom in a tie-dye tee shirt with my dad while they were in school. Yesterday, CollegeFashionista posted all of the photos in a Mother's Day album on Facebook. The photo with the most "likes" will win the contest. I'd love your help to win the CollegeFashionista mother's day contest! If you could just "like" this photo on Facebook and spread the word, I'd really appreciate it. 

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Monday, May 2, 2016

Spring/Summer 2016 Trend Report: Choker Necklaces

Collar Trend S/S 16 #2
Collar Trend S/S 16

Hello! There was one trend that walked down the spring/summer 2016 runway that I'm torn between loving and hating: the return of the choker necklace. Choker necklaces were all the rage in the nineties and have made a recent comeback through the past couple fashion weeks, taking over the runways for spring/summer 2016. Some of the most influential fashion designers such as Christian Dior, Saint Laurent, Etro and Versace sent this trend down their runways, establishing it as a key fashion element this season whether we like it or not. Celebrities such as Rihanna and Gigi Hadid have also been spotted sporting this trend.

Largely, I think that I'm torn about this trend because of its versatility. There are so many different ways that this trend could be styled, so many different directions that this trend could be taken. For example, I love how Rihanna rocks this trend, layering it with other necklaces and creating an edgy aesthetic. I'm also drawn to the long suede or leather cord chokers that emphasize the "Coachella" or festival style. I'm even attracted to simple velvet ribbons without adornment being worn around the neck, developing a retro essence.

But this trend isn't always fab. With the wrong styling, it could be a disaster. I think of those plastic chokers that were popular in the nineties and I can literally feel myself cringing and internally shouting "please no." Basic doesn't even begin to describe them, they feel infinitely boring and childish. I think that a choker must have some sort of more interesting texture whether it be leather or metal or velvet in order to be stylish. Also, some chokers border on emo (cringing again) or gothic and just feel outdated. Like retro is wonderful but 12th century gothic? Let's not go there.

What is wonderful about this trend though is its accessibility. You can easily DIY your own choker necklace for under $5 or purchase one for less than $20. This trend prevails throughout major fast fashion retailers but in particular, Urban Outfitters has a lot of fashion-forward options.