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!

Flash Bauble Sale

Check out these flashy buys:

1. BUBBLE NECKLACE on sale at The Poke A Dot Shop 

• Over 10 colors to choose from!
• Use promo code SUMMERFUN at checkout for major discount!  
• $20 (including shipping)
• Take into consideration 10-21 day lead shipping time

2. VARIOUS STYLES on sale at Stella & Dot

• 2 day sale!
• "Like" Stella & Dot on Facebook 
• 60% off Garbo Link Bracelet: $31.60 http://bit.ly/NicBaM
• 50% off Tigris Earrings: $29.50 http://bit.ly/OOw9DE
• 40% off Alexandria Necklace: $53.40 http://bit.ly/xKO1II

Get your baubles before they're gone!

Pony Tail

Try it yours

Ah yes, the pony tail.  I don’t know if it is the dry Arizona climate or just the fact that I forget to “put my hair up” from day to day (with the exception of working out, doing chores or running errands on the fly).  Of course, there is no better feeling then getting hair off the back of your neck after a long day at work but in terms of everyday styling; I’ve totally neglected the up-do.  Until, recently, of course! 

I think it was the “sock bun” that inspired me to start pulling my hair back more often.  Or maybe it is a seasonal thing, as the weather gets warmer?  Hence, I am going to share with you my most favorite pony-tail style.  I don’t know the exact name of this style but hopefully the pictures and my attempt below at giving directions will fill in all the blanks.

Pony-tail style guide:

1. Absolutely, do not do this pony-tail with freshly washed hair.  You will want some dirty product in your hair to give the pony some texture and volume.  Although, do as you wish.
2. Tease your crown.  You are going to want some volume at the crown of your head and if you have bangs, give them a little bit of a tease, too.  I tease my hair almost everyday, so this step comes naturally for me.  If you prefer an absolutely sleek look, go for it.  I think this style is fool proof.
3. Lightly brush over the teased mess you have created with a soft-bristle round brush.  You will just want to smooth over what rats-nests you may have created.  Spray with a firm hold hair spray (or whatever you prefer) to keep the shape.
4. Let the hairspray dry completely and gather your hair effortlessly half way between the center of the back of your head and the bottom of your hair line.
5. Secure with a nylon hair tie (or whatever hair tie you typically use).  Slightly tease the bunch of hair that is now your pony tail for added volume.
6. You are going to gather one of the longer strands of hair falling from your pony tail (closest to your scalp).  Make sure you’ve got a good handle on the bunch of hair and begin to wrap it around the base of the pony tail (where the hair tie sits).  Wrap the hair around until it exhausts itself.  Secure and tuck the strands underneath the pony tail with two bobby pins.
7. Spray your head as you feel necessary with extra hair spray and presto—you are done!

The whole process takes about 5 minutes, max (even though my directions could be interpreted as longer then that).    

This look is uber chic, totally glamorous and wicked easy to pull-off in a hurry.  Hail to the pony tail gods, this look is fabulous!

I Believe in Miracles

--Audrey Hepburn

Never, ever doubt your inner wisdome and femininity! xo

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.

Dreamer

Relax.  All will fall into place.  Have patience in yourself and those around you.  

Enjoy the day.  Have confidence in yourself and your incredible abilities!

A Legendary Woman

"I was a rebellious kid. I wanted to encompass the whole world. I wanted to know what everything was like. So, that really set my whole course. " -- Ruth Gruber

Ruth Gruber, who turned 100 in September 2011 has accomplished more "firsts" in her life than many of her era.  One of her most outstanding accomplishments was becoming the youngest Ph.D. ever at University of Cologne in Germany, at age 20.

Gruber's contributions to women's studies, international and governmental affairs and the arts deserves a round of applause.  Her life is awfully inspiring. 

This article highlights a few of her contributions to society as well as her extraordinary documentation of  some of the worlds most provocative social and political issues in the last century.  Please read this article and take some time for reflection.  Girl power!

Wisdom

Word. Cheers to getting what you want! Let's take today by storm.