Everyday Fashion for the New Year

Well, the New Year's hoopla has come and gone and I’m just starting to detox from my sugar-coma over the holidays.  The New Year can be a very exciting time: a time for improvement, personal reflection and goal setting.  For me, one thing remains the same with the turn of the New Year; my unrelenting love and enthusiasm for a kick-ass fashion blog.  With that being said, I wanted to highlight and personally introduce you to one my favorite fashion blogs/bloggers.

Who? J’s EverydayFashion

What is J’s appeal?  J boasts on her website that she is not “an authority on fashion” and that she is “just an average girl”, her motto being “if I can do it, you can do it, too!”  She states her sense of style is completely self-taught.  J’s background is in communications and corporate marketing and she capitalized on her blogging business after being laid off a job in 2010.  J considers herself to be a type-A and non-creative sort; however, she is a classical painter in her spare time.  A jack of all trades!

What sets J’s Everyday Fashion apart from the endless fashion bloggers?  J’s blog is unique because her entry technique is quite simple.  She uses style inspiration from fashion bloggers, street style bloggers, advertisements, and celebrities.  J essentially re-creates the look using her own wardrobe (coupled with other sponsored items) and she admits she’s a bargain hound.  Bonus: J almost always posts exactly what she is wearing and the origin which it came from (i.e. brand, price, location bought) and sometimes she even posts a direct link where to find the identical or similar item (point, click, buy concept—I totally love).

How often does J post entries?  J’s Everyday Fashion delivers new looks, every day.  I always look forward to her interpretation of a super trendy style. I follower her page on Facebook and I’m delightfully fed new styles every day.  J is committed to serving her loyal fans and her content is always fun, fresh with an emphasis on being thrifty.

J’s Everyday Fashion isn't a high-fashion, couture blog with a bunch of bells and whistles.  J showcases fashionable street wear on a budget and I love her willingness to be creative and try something new.

Jump on the J’s Everyday Fashion bandwagon and have some fun creating new and exciting styles for the New Year!

Cherry Blossoms

You ask, “Where have you been?”  My honest answer: I’m not sure!  Maybe I left my mind on the beaches of San Carlos, Mexico—or I could just blame my absence on my impatient mind wandering 24/7.  Bottom line, I’ve absolutely been MIA.  Quite honestly there is a relative correlation between blog writing and my quality of life; therefore, I feel it’s necessary to pay a little (and by a little, I mean a lot) more attention to my blog. 

Oh, and I guess spring is finally here.  Hooray!  That sure happened over night, huh?  There’s not too much blooming here in Flagstaff but I am aware other cities have been graced with the debut of the gorgeous cherry blossoms.  How delightful!

Oh, I am finally getting my hair done for the first time in an embarrassing 3 to 4 months, tonight.  I think it was my budget-friendly attempt at giving myself a natural looking ombre look.  Ha!  I am giving Lauren Conrad, Drew Barymore and all of the fashion-forward ombre hotties a run for their money!   My stylist, bless her heart, has her work cut out for her tonight.  Goodbye, tattered tresses!  Although, for as much as I desperately feel I need a color and trim, I am really loving my hair today.  It’s hard to part with a mane only comparable to a bushel of golden straw…

Oh, and I also read the Hunger Games and saw the movie directly afterwards.  The book was, as no surprise, much better then the film.  But, the movie was entertaining and I’m glad I saw it on the big screen. 

I am most certainly looking forward to a relaxing Easter weekend.

What are your plans for the upcoming holiday?

Bootie

Kendi, rocking the nude bootie!

The bootie, oh the bootie!  The bootie is a shoe you can’t go wrong with.  It's a versatile, stylish and comfortable alternative to a pump or a knee-high boot. 

Here's some reason's why the bootie is simply the best:

1.  No need to fuss with knee-high boots if you sport thick calves or muscular legs. Go ahead and give your legs some breathing room while still sustaining the appearance of wearing a boot. 

2.  You can wear booties with trousers, bootleg or flair style jeans or pants; however, the skinny jean looks best.  Try rolling up the cuff of the jean to create a fun and fresh look!  Exposing ankle is sexy, right?

3.  Unlike flats, the booties traditionally have a modest to high-heel, most baring just a modest heel.  Anytime I can get away with wearing a heel, I will.  I am odd in the fact that I cannot stand flats and the bootie is a fabulous alternative to pulling off a casual but put-together look. 

4.  Comfortable.  Every pair of bootie that I have owned has been extremely comfortable.  When a shoe is comfortable you wear it and that is a good investment.

5.  Cross-seasonal.  Don’t know if I just made that term up but what I’m saying is that you can honestly wear the bootie year-round if you style correctly.  Winter; with skinnies and an oversized sweater.  Spring; with a maxi skirt and cotton tee.  Summer; with boyfriend jeans and a flirty tank.  Fall; with tights and a blazer.

6.  Can be dressed casual or fashionably chic.  Fun colors?  Sign me up.  Pointy or almond toe?  Work appropriate.  Check, check and check.

The most conflicting issue of all. . .  which to choose?  With such variety in style and selection I would recommend buying a nude or neutral pair first.  Nude is chic and will elongate the look of your legs (and will go with just about…anything).  If you feel inclined; buy in multiples!  Once you find the perfect pair, see if it comes it different colors. 

What is your favorite way to style the bootie?

Report; $99

Bracelets & Bangles

DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet

DIY utilitarian-style bracelets!

The wrap and utilitarian, chunky-style bracelet is totally in right now.  I especially love the look of using metallic bolts (i.e. this DIY project!).  What a creative and inexpensive way to wear one of this season’s hottest jewelry trends!  

The same genius blogger who posted the pictured DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet has also posted instructions on how to create another DIY gem, the DIY Embellished WrapBracelet.  I think the wrap bracelet would be especially fun because you could find some real rustic-looking leather rope and pair it with some statement beads (glass, metallic… your options are essentially endless). 

Besides the feeling of accomplishment after completing a DIY project, these featured DIY bracelets would make fantastic holiday treasures or birthday gifts.  Seems like the perfect opportunity to spoil a loved one and be creative without breaking the bank. 

Best of all, these DIY bracelets look almost identical to what are being sold in specialty boutiques and high-end department stores; at fraction of the cost!

No-Bake Energy Bites

No-Bake Energy Bites

Cute blog, great recipe!

I am really into the "no bake" recipes and these energy balls look absolutely divine.  Check out Smashed Peas and Carrots for recipes of numerous other tasty, fun and most importantly, unique, treats.  

Cookies for breakfast?  Sign me up!

Kendi Everyday

Kendi Everyday

Another one of my top favorite fashion bloggers is Kendi, from Kendi Everyday.  This woman is drop dead gorgeous and full of sass and style.  Her sense of style is immaculate and polished and her blog post today is certainly no exception.  I am drooling over her chunky-knit infinity scarf.  And, what more, she made it!  Fantastic. 

Let's break this look down, shall we?

1.  I have long been a fan of anything mustard colored (even though it really isn't a complimentary color to my complexion, so I try to exhibit it sparsely) and the chunky, cable-knit texture is to die for (on almost any occasion).
2.  Again, the high-waisted pants are elegant and flattering on all body types.  Best of all, you don't have to worry about any cheek exposure; smashing! 
3.  The tank top is exquisite; geometrical shapes with a fun funky tribal vibe.  I love it.
4.  Camel colored cardigan; check.  Everyone should own one. 
5.  Statement gold bracelets and a big, slouchy bag keep the outfit on the causal side.
6.  and ... Nude-colored shoes balance out the whole act.

Along with her successful blog, Kendi has also managed to open her own clothing boutique, Bloom.  What a rock star!

What a picture-perfect gal.

Blogger Spotlight: Corporette

Super-Fantastic-Blogger-Spotlight: Corporette.com

Okay, so technically the blog, Corporette, is written by a stylish lawyer.  But, the content of the blog is relevant for all young and aspiring professionals. Corporette covers topics related to career advancement, personal achievement and style.  The variety of subjects addressed within the blog makes for fun and interesting point of views.

Whether it be money management, to-die-for shopping splurges, budget friendly fashion, fantastic products, organizational tips or career advice--Corporette has you covered.

Check it out!

26 and Counting

Liz, from Twenty Six and Counting Blog

One of my favorite fashion blogs is 26 and Counting and today Liz (the creator) is looking exceptionally cute.  I love Liz's daily fashion blog because of her sense of creativity and her dedication to "remixing" outfits which already exist in her closet. 

Liz makes a conscious effort to construct both budget-friendly and stylish work wear outfits.   Most of all, I enjoy her sense of honesty, humility and her commitment to posting daily entries.  I always look forward to seeing what she pulls together!

Don't be fooled.  Liz is a hard working and ambitious young professional.  It is astonishing that she manages to maintain a full-time job, a successful blog and pursue a masters degree--all at the same time!  Keep inspiring and keep up your great work, Liz!