Trouser Style Jeans: In or Out?

L   //   R

What is your attitude toward a trouser style jean?  Yay or nay?  I own a couple of pairs of trouser style jeans (which I love!) but haven't worn much recently.  They've sadly fallen by the wayside to my skinny jeans.  Question being, are trouser style/wide leg jeans in or out of style?  I really love both outfits pictured above and have a hard time ruling out the style all in all.

What are your thoughts?  I'm thinking... in.

Here are a couple of styles to consider.  As always: the darker the hue the better, the less embellishment, the better:

1.  7 for All Mankind - Georgia High Waist Flare
2. David Kahn - Wide Leg Stretch Trouser (I own these)

Bejeweled

How cute are these necklaces from Molly Suzanne Jewelry?  Fabulous looking jewelry at an affordable price--you've got me sold.  The sale prices will drop your jaw, consider yourself warned and have a little fun browsing this fun site!

Pictured above are a few of my favorites, which one is your favorite?  Hard to choose.  

MAGGIE NECKLACE - WHITE $25

THE TAYLOR NECKLACE $30

BRIGHT LIGHTS NECKLACE - YELLOW $21

H&M Roll Call

Find me on Pinterest

Fall is at our back door (dear God, say it isn't so!) and these new H&M pieces will help you transition from summer to fall with ease.  Plus, who can possibly say no to screen-printed kitties on a tank top?  What do you think of this summer to fall line-up?  I think it's pretty fab!  

The list:
1. A funky, statement blazer
2. Some vintage inspired sunnies
3. Rock-solid studs
4. Sexy, metallic sandals
5. A tank packing some major sass
6. A gold, under-stated bracelet
7. A utilitarian and roomy bag
8. Distressed boyfriend blue jeans

What's better?  All items shown above are less than $40 dollars a piece!  Visit an H&M store location near you to pick up these super cute essentials online with H&M's new e-commerce capabilities!  Amazing...

A Fresh Home Accessory

Pike Place Market Sketch and Peonies

What is a more beautiful home accessory than a fresh bouquet of flowers?  

One of my favorite flower variety is the peony and they just so happen to be in season right now in the Pacific NW!  Last weekend I walked down to the Pike Place Market in Seattle and picked up a very gorgeous mixed variety bouquet for under $10 dollars.  The assortment of fresh flowers at the Pike Place Market will never cease to amaze me, no matter the season!

Last night on an evening walk with my dog I passed by a Trader Joe’s and they had fresh bouquets of peonies for only $7 dollars.  Depending on where you live, the peonies may have already hit peak season but here in the Pacific NW they appear to be widely available.  You have my permission, indulge!

A Little Slice of Heaven

Question: Definition of heaven on Earth?  

Answer: J.Crew Factory online

Below is a good representation of what I'm going ga-ga over at the moment. Granted, space is limited so these are just a few of my favorites.

Also, why just browse when you can get 30% off using the code "SPREE" at checkout.  Hurry fast!  Promo ends soon.

1.  FACTORY RIPSTOP UTILITY JACKET; $98
2. STRAIGHT AND NARROW JEAN; $74.50
3. FACTORY NEON CRYSTAL FAN NECKLACE; $44.50
4. FACTORY PRINTED TEAGAN RUFFLE POPOVER; $64.50
5. FACTORY PRINTED PHONE CASE FOR IPHONE 5; $14.50
6. FACTORY VERO CLUTCH; $68
7. FACTORY EMERY FLATS; $68

[Emerald] Green with Envy

The announcement last month of Pantone’s 2013 color of the year made me very happy.  What’s the color, you ask?  Emerald green. 

Emerald green is rich, powerful and incredibly elegant.  Whether you are incorporating the color into your home or adding a fun pop of color to your existing wardrobe; emerald green does not fall short of absolutely stunning!

Let me share with you a few gems that I've scoped out via Pinterest that I am green with envy of.  Ha. Ha.

1. A great statement jacket

2. Adding charm to a dinner party
3. A splash of color on your arm
4. A beautiful pair of earrings
5. Some studded-out kicks
6. A little bit of romance

A Little Bit of Sparkle!

Add a little bit of sparkle to your usual beauty routine by embellishing your nails with glitter nail polish.  

Depending on the look you are going for; glitter nail polish can be worn as subtle or bold as you intend it to be.  I am sporting a look similar to trend No. 3 (as charted below) using a light pink Essie nail polish with a bold gold/silver glitter accent polish from OPI.  I have been adoring the look as the week goes on and honestly; who doesn't love a bit of glitz and glam?

Glitter and sparkles are all over the map this holiday season and this is the perfect way to ease yourself into the holiday spirit.  Start with a neutral application if you are averse to the bold look and build out from to where you are comfortable.  As a subtle reminder: a little goes a long way!  

Shine on!

1. Neutral nail polish with a single coat of large sparkle polish
2. Neutral polish with a light dusting of sparkle polish just on the tip of the nail
3. Neutral nail polish with bold sparkle nail polish on ring finger of both hands

Purr-fect Pumps!

Animal print, like floral and stripes, seem to have completely overwhelmed my closet.  Whether it be a sassy cheetah, leopard or zebra print—or even a subdued snakeskin—animal-inspired prints have drawn my attention, season after season. 

Meaning, yes, I am not afraid to wear animal print—even in the dead of winter!  In fact, this winter, I recall being stuck in a situation in front of my closet trying to pick out an outfit which did not include some kind of animal print... quite the dilemma, right?  

While I think animal print clothing is fabulous, my recent obsession has been animal print footwear (i.e. leopard pumps).  I get giddy just thinking of all the styling possibilities associated with throwing on a purr-fect pump (I had to do it!).

Sorry for being a tease, these Madewell pumps have been so popular, they sold out completely.  But good God, aren't they gorgeous?

I may be too radical in my theory but consider this: animal print is really just another neutral.  So have fun with the exquisite textures and playful prints and don’t be afraid to take a walk on the wild side!

Holey Moley

Ripped Jeans, GlitterGirl

Many may say, “why in the world would you buy a pair of jeans with holes in them?!” My answer to you: fashion, duh!  How to wear ripped jeans with a little class?  Boyfriend style!   

The boyfriend style jean is a relaxed-fit jean that flatters most if the pant fits correctly.  You will want to make sure that the jean is snug enough around the waist, toosh and thigh to ensure that you don’t create a saggy-baggy-booty.  However, pay special attention that the jean doesn’t fit too tight—you want to appear relaxed!  You may also want to consider a boyfriend jean with a higher-rise; a higher rise jean is generally more flattering, anyway.  As color goes, you can get pretty creative with this.  I like both darker-hued blue jeans as well as light distressed blue jeans. 

Remember, the point of this style is to be relaxed; hence the tattered look.  However, make sure you don’t have gaping holes in (suspicious) places and pay special attention to making the outfit appear feminine.  A simple way to make ripped boyfriend jeans appear feminine is to pair with floral, pastel or stripes on top.  A flowy, long-sleeve blouse would be a complimentary option, too.   

Add a blazer and you are ready for weather elements.  Accessorize up or down but make sure you are wearing some fabulous footwear.  I would suggest a bootie or pump over a wedge—or flats if you feel most comfortable doing so.   

Remember, wearing ripped jeans shouldn’t be for the workplace but rather for social outings such as lunch with girlfriends, a day outing in public, a coffee date or running errands. However, if your work allows you to show up to work with holes in your jeans—more power to ya!

Before you “trash” this style, see if it is a style that works for you!  You may have just found a fancy substitute for your go-to weekend yoga pants. . .

Cosmetic Toss

LORAC, Unzipped; Sephora

Stila, Waterproof Eyeliner; Sephora

I had an epiphany early last week and realized my makeup bag needed a makeover, stat.  My eyeliner and eye shadow palette were looking a little . . . sad.  A sad appearance led me to believe that my makeup might be a potential bacterial hazard.  Yikes!  Let’s get real, bacteria happens and it is critical that you keep your makeup bag clear of any potential “bacteria-parties”. 

After a little research I found there are quite a few inconsistencies as to how frequently you should toss makeup to ensure your makeup bag stays healthy; but I think the following article provides a decent suggestion as to how frequently you should discard opened cosmetics:

Expiration dates: 
Beginning from the time you first open these products

Powders and shadows // 2 years

Cream shadows // 12 to 18 months

Foundation // 1 year

Lipstick & lipliner // 1 year

Mascara & eyeliners // 3 months

Makeup brushes // Clean weekly using a mild detergent

Makeup sponges // Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled

Ha!  I am impressed to say that I actually “toss” out makeup more frequently then suggested.  Most of my makeup ends up running out before the expiration date comes due but it is important to toss out expired makeup when the time comes due.  It is even more important if you occasionally share makeup with friends and/or family.  Needless to say, always err on the side of caution.  If there is an odor, toss.  If you start breaking out, toss.  If the pigment in the makeup starts to discolor or deteriorate, toss.  Pretty simple stuff.

So, my makeup bag ended up being “clean” but I still treated myself to a new eye shadow pallet from LORAC and some new waterproof eyeliner from Stila.  I have been wearing less and less eye makeup recently but the LORAC palette comes with both 10 beautiful neutral-shade eye shadows and a bonus eye primer.  The two together are a match made in makeup heaven.  I am also really excited to try Stila’s waterproof liquid eyeliner (with a felt tip).  I have heard rave reviews of its mighty stay-power and ease of use. 

Moreover, don’t neglect the health of your precious makeup and if you ever need an excuse to buy more makeup; remind yourself of the potential health risks of ignoring the signs of spoiled cosmetics!

Facial on a Budget

Biore ULTRA Pore Strips; $7.99

Rekindling a product adored in your past is always a pleasant surprise.  An example?  My re-introduction to the ever-nostalgic, Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.  During a routine trip to the drugstore last night, I felt compelled to purchase a box of Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and I'm so glad I did!

My first experience using the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips was back in my pubescent days of high school.  I remember a period of time where I was just dying to purchase the pore strips and used them regularly for a few years.  In the early 2000s the Biore Deep Cleansing Strips were ever-so-popular as a result of extensive advertising. 

Anyway, I bought the product and used it a couple nights ago and I am head over heals in love with it; just as I was 10 years prior! 

I would recommend upgrading to the Ultra edition of the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.  Instead of containing 8 strips you only get 6 strips but its worth the slight upgrade.  The pore strips do what they are supposed to do . . . clean your pores!  And needless to say, I was long overdue as in my strip looked like a porcupine’s back after removal.  It was disgustingly-cool. The strip also peeled off a layer of dead skin and actually conditioned the skin, making the skin on my nose feel softer than usual.  After using the product, I could still make out the pore indentations on my nose but  the pores remained free of dirt, bacteria and the process appeared to visibly reduce the appearance of white/blackheads.

Talk about a mini-facial for less than $10?  Super-fab!

Have you been re-introduced to a beauty product from your past that you have had a positive experience with?

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

Lenscrafters

                                                       

Coach eyeglasses - Lenscrafters

       
I made a new eyeglass purchase this weekend, horray! This was my first experience buying eyeglasses from Lenscrafters and I have been more than happy with the whole experience. Bonus: I was lucky enough to have my parents with me to help pick out the perfect pair!

I was impressed by Lenscrafters in the following way(s):

Frame selection.  They carry so many stylish frames to choose from.  Some brand highlights: Coach, Tiffany’s, Ray Ban, Prada, Burberry, Tory Burch, and the list goes on. Also, during the frame selection process, they have cameras to snap photos of you with the frames on your face; providing both a front and side profile image.  This is a major bonus to help you select your favorite and most complimentary frame.

Price.  They seem to have competitive pricing relative to the quality of product.  They offer a discounted product with boutique-style experience.  It's quite nice! They take a variety of insurance plans and offer  discounts for members of AAA and AARP.  Watch out for sales!

Friendly sales staff.  The sales staff made my experience very enjoyable.  There was no “bait and switch” activity happening (which can often happen in these purchasing environments).  They appeared to maximize the use of my medical benefits by calculating different pricing and promotional alternatives to get me out the door with the best possible price. The sales associate that helped me even walked me to the door at the end of our appointment (a very sweet gesture).

Quick production.  My glasses were finished to perfection in less than 8 hours.  Need I say more?

Technology.  Lenscrafters is the only retail optical store that utilizes a high-tech system to accurately fit frames to your face (private or boutique stores also use the same technology).  They pop out the plastic showroom lenses and apply the frames to a sensor mount and then apply the frames to your face and then take a picture.  The sensors sync with computer software making sure the lenses/frames are in the accurate spot.  If I can remember correct, the system can measure up to a tenth of a millimeter in accuracy!

Insurance coverage.  You can buy insurance coverage that protects your purchase for up to a year.  Their policy covers all damages except for being lost or stolen.  Upon damage you pay $25 to get a completely new pair of glasses.  So, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can do a direct exchange within 90 days of purchase (frames, lens quality, etc.).  Talk about being covered. 

Needless to say I highly recommend Lenscrafters for your next eyeglass or prescription sunglass purchase.

Blazer

Blazers; there's nothing more simple and polished then a tailored jacket.  The thing I love most about a blazer is you get maximum polish for minimum effort (i.e. when you are scrambling to get ready in the morning for work).  Also, blazers come in all sorts of textures (light cotton, lined-wool), styles (cropped, boyfriend), colors (black, light blue, . . pink) and weights (summer vs. winter weights). 

Anyway, I was out shopping with my fashionista friend (Ms. Meghan Bas) last weekend we unearthed some pretty serious blazers during our excursion. 

The first find we found was a closeout deal from Ann Taylor Loft.  The blazer is exquisitely made of black wool/tweed with faint white speckles with an applique that runs along the bottom hem and breast flaps.  This blazer was a quaint $24 plus tax and I am certain I'm going to get a lot of use out of it!

I also managed to snag a fun and fabulous bright pink blazer from H&M!  This blazer will transition into Spring very well and I am looking forward to wearing this bold new style. 

Get wild, be crazy.  Buy a fabulous jacket and rock it!

Back to the Basics

Today I had a styling epiphany.

So, this summer I decided to give in and buy an expensive non-clipping hair styling wand as a replacement to my 1” classic curling iron (that costs $10 at Target, honest).  I have been doing the soft wave styling on my already naturally wavy (and sometimes unpredictable) hair for quite some time and figured making the upgrade to the wand would be the perfect solution. 

Boy was I misunderstood!  I will tell you, I have been using this expensive styling wand for the last 6 months and something was just never right with it! The curls often seemed kinky and unpolished but I continued to use the wand despite my disappointment with the results. To my amazement, I borrowed a friend’s basic 1” curling iron to put a few extra curls in my hair before going out and I was blown away by how subtly sweet the curls turned out.  I learned my lesson.  Expensive and trendy beauty supplies don’t always get the job done!  I have packed away my styling wand for another day.  It’s back to the basics for this girl!

What are your essential hair styling tools?

Neck Candy

Shopbop

Particularity Blog

Stella & Dot

The statement necklace is an investment and a power-piece in any woman's wardrobe.  The statement necklace provides the finishing touch and the perfect element of pizazz to make an outfit pop!  Therefore, I honestly believe you should own at least three key statement necklaces and wear them religiously (I am not kidding, wear them everyday).  

Statement necklaces do not have to be overly gaudy or bulky; they just need to serve their primary purpose: to make you feel unique and confident.  A common misconception is that the statement necklace should only be worn for special or "dressy" occasions.  In fact, the opposite is true.  You can take an incredibly causal look and enhance it with an outstanding piece of neck candy.  Yeah, I said it . . . neck candy.  

Available in so many mouthwatering colors and styles; it's an accessory you shouldn't be without.  Try paring a statement necklace with a basic cotton tee or chambray button-up.  Go ahead, treat yourself to a beautiful statement piece.  You won't regret it!

A Nude Palette

Perfect nude eye shadow palette

Bobbi Brown 'Ultra Nude' Eye Palette, $45

Nordstrom

Here is yet another neutral eye shadow palette that has hit the ground running.  Featured in Bobbi Brown's new collection, Neons & Nudes, this comprehensive compact looks as if it can deliver everything you'd ever want in a nude eye shadow palette. . . and more!  This 'Ultra Nude' palette comes equipped with a dual-end eyeliner/angled eye shadow brush and mirror for convenient application.  With six fresh colors to blend and play with, you simply can't go wrong!  

On another note, it is LIME TAG sale at Piperlime for another 3 days.  Get up to 40% name-brand, designer clothing, shoes and accessories with an additional 20% off using the code: LIME at checkout.  

And for those looking for a fresh new start in the undergarment department, look no further than the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual sale that started in-stores Monday.  You can also buy online and all orders over $50 ship free.

As for me, Santa royally hooked me up this year and so shopping isn't quite on my immediate agenda but a slamming deal is a deal.  Right?

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!

Lucky Magazine: A Holiday Party-Going Guide

Outfit: Meeting friends at the bar

Happy Saturday!

So I was casually reading my December 2011 issue of Lucky Magazine this morning and I must say that this issue was really fun to read.  

Highlights from the publication: the "How to Dress for a Party" article.  The article is exactly as it sounds, how you dress *appropriately* for specific holiday occasions (i.e. cocktail hour, dinner party, drinks with friends at the bar).  

Not only does the article suggest valuable information on how to construct the perfect holiday outfit, but it suggests tips which prepare you to be on your best game for your big night out.  

Some valuable highlights being: how to transition from day to night in a flash, pros and cons to carrying clutches vs. shoulder bags, quick fixes in case you show up to an event either under or over dressed, easy hair up-dos, holiday event going emergency kits and how to rock the seasons most trendsetting fashions without going overboard.  Again, all relevant and highly useful information.  

What to do if you are...

Overdressed

Pull a few strands out of your updo and mess up the hair around your hairline

Wipe off your lipstick and any heavy eyeshadow

Take off anything flashy like earrings

Push up or roll up your sleeves to the elbow

Underdressed

Go into the bathroom, dampen your hands and slick you hair straight back

Dab red wine on your bottom lip for a quick lip stain

Show more skin by undoing the top few buttons of your blouse

Keep your overcoat on

Bring on the festivities!  It's time to party!