Dress Up

In a world that still seems pretty dominated by pretty peplums, it's quite nice to see a frill every once in a while. This dress from Zara has many qualities that make that little black dress desirable time after time. From the long sleeves, flirty length, and faux leather, this is a dress that can work for many occasions regardless of the dress code. The way that it is being shown above, creates a more edgy look in pairing it with black patent ankle boots, while skinny-strapped stilettos may create a different look. I would pair this dress with a fabulous statement necklace and balance it out with a classic bag in a similar style as the dress.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Home Improvement

Now, I know that everybody loves a little bit of glitter and shine throughout their days, but this kitchen by architect Emma Templeton and her design team at Templeton, is a whole lotta fabulousness. With such a powerful and sparkly focus of the backsplash behind the counter, the team made sure to balance the room with neutral colors and materials--like variants of brown woods-- to ensure that the space felt special, but not overwhelming. This kitchen is surely a place where enjoying your morning coffee will make sure to start your day off right. 

Would you like some sparkle in your kitchen?

Person of Interest: Eva Chen

While many know of Eva Chen, the former beauty editor for Teen Vogue, you may not know that even though she deals more with face creams and eyeshadows than fashion, she is quite fashionable herself. While her style seems to consist of mostly dark colors in basic shapes with bright colored prints, this beauty editor has an easy-to-wear wardrobe that would make any working girl jealous.

1, 2, 3, 4

Tuesday Shoesday

In the past few years, I feel that leopard accessories and accents have taken the place where red ones used to thrive. Previously, a pop of red in either a shoe or purse made an outfit a bit sophisticated and complete without overwhelming the outfit as a whole. However, it appears that the red trend for accessories had long faded and made way for leopard in all realms of accents. In seeing this great mini-heeled loafer, I remembered how I had wanted to be a wearer of red and how red accessories and shoes can act almost like a swipe of red lipstick--it pulls it together the look while still allowing the details and components of the rest of your pieces to make a statement, as well. And, with the small spikes on the heel, it adds a little bit of edge, without being too bold.

Do you prefer red or leopard for accents or accessories?

Fluorescent Elements

{Forever 21 sweater,  H&M pants, Target heels,  Necklace from Dillard's}

Lately, I feel that the way that an outfit can work best is with simple and basic pieces but with amazing accessories. By using a bright fuchsia sweater and basic black pants as the base, and adding a neon green statement necklace and leopard print wedges, this otherwise simple outfit is now a lesson in mixing brights with patterns. While the traditional suit style has seemed to be fairly distant from the need to be in our wardrobes for a while now, this is an outfit--or style-- that I feel could work well for a creative office setting or even an interview, as well.

I arrived back in Syracuse last night to finish off the rest of the first semester, so look forward to starting off tomorrow with our regular school line-up starting with tomorrow's "Tuesday Shoesday" post. 

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!

Dress Up

While many people save their sparkles and sequins for the holiday seasons, I for one, am a fan of them all year round. A little sparkle is a great way to add a little bit of glitz and glamour into your life, and quite frankly, they're just fun to wear. This week's dress is full of sparkles, but is in a length and shape that can easily be able to be worn for either day or night. For a more day-time appropriate look, this dress would provide just the right amount of sparkle when paired down with a chambray button down and a utility coat, or dressed up with a tuxedo blazer and some simple jewelry to balance the shine. Either way, this dress is one that while easy to wear, can also easily make your outfit feel special, as well.

Would you rock sequins throughout the year?

Give Thanks

As every year passes, I grow more and more aware of how thankful I really am. I am incredibly blessed to have a family that loves me and supports me in all of my attempts and failures, the opportunity to attend an incredible university to study and make what I love, wonderful friends who make me laugh until my stomach aches and embarrass me in the best ways, and so much more. 

I hope that all of you enjoy your Thanksgiving with your favorite people and loved ones and make sure to thank all of those who have made such incredible daily impacts without even realizing. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Odd Pairings

{Delia's skirt (old), Forever 21 blouse + belt, Target shoes, Michael Kors watch and Essie's "Mojito Madness" polish}

Since oxbloods and burgundies have become this seasons everything, every fashion lover has thought of how to make the fashion worlds latest color obsession work in their wardrobes. Upon seeing this photograph of a favorite, Elisa Nalin, at first, choosing to pair a deep burgundy with a lighter lilac seemed odd and contradictory. However, I found myself consistently returning to the image for reference. In my interpretation of this burgundy/lilac blend, I added a bit of subtle pattern mixing, as well. With a delicate floral blouse and a skirt with a stitched circle arrangement, I attempted to unify the light and deeper colors by adding a level of textures and prints to the mix, too. 

Would you ever try an odd pairing? Burgundy and lilac? Light pink and burnt orange?

Scalloped with an Edge

{Madewell dress, Topshop vest, Forever 21 purse, Target boots, Michael Kors watch, Unknown necklace, and Essie's "Mojito Maddness" polish}

As much as I love scalloped edges for their delicate and feminine quality, sometimes they can be the perfect girlier aspect of an outfit to juxtapose with more typically edgy pieces like leopard and (faux) leather. I love this dress for it's amazing ability to take layers well. In starting with the dress and then adding from there, a simple and pretty dress turns into a stylish look that appears quite put-together, but is easy to wear, as well. 

Feeling Batty

{H&M Sweater, Forever 21 Skirt, Vintage Bag, Steve Madden Shoes, Essie's "Mojito Madness" Polish}

While novelty sweaters often featuring animals have been popular lately, I wasn't really a fan of the ones with cats, rabbits, or deer. However, this sweater featuring an upside-down bat, was one that had a personality to it that was quirky and unique without being cutesy. And, when paired with a pleather pleated skirt and vintage carpet bag, this festive novelty sweater doesn't have to just be reserved for Halloween, as it brings an unexpected twist to any outfit. 

Dress Up

As much as a sucker I am for a really feminine fit-and-flare, waist-accented silhouette for a dress, there is a strong place in my heart for a great boxy dress. This week's dress is one that fills many classifications of things that go into making a favorite style boxy dress to me. I love how while the sleeves are short, they are longer than usual, and how as a whole, the dress can appear almost as if it is a top and skirt as separates. Although my university's colors are orange and blue, surprisingly, that is not the reason that the colors work well for me. The combination of a dark navy and almost rusty/metallic orange, are great colors for fall and winter and can work as a great base for coats or tights and the metallic quality would look great with one of my favorite additions--gold jewelry.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'm headed home for Thanksgiving Break. 

Home Improvement

Seeing as I am extremely excited to be heading home for Thanksgiving Break this weekend, today's Home Improvement post is about one of my favorite rooms at home--my closet. Like many girls, I had always dreamed of a closet as more of a "dressing room" than just a storage space for clothes. When my sister and I grew out of using our playroom from when we were younger, we decided it would be more useful to use the space and divide the room in half to make up new closets.
I am very particular in the arrangement of this room. There is a section for everything, and everything within the section is organized by either color, style, or print. Not only does this make looking for a certain piece easier, but to me, I also feel that it is more eye-candy inducing. Seeing similar colors and textures together makes my closet feel almost boutique-like. Also, there are certain pieces that I showcase either for the fact that they were a special wear, or that their display always excites me--such as the vintage 1950's lavender prom dress on the left. While I know that when I someday move to NYC, my apartment will probably be the same size as my closet, for now, it's a space that I really do enjoy.

Do you have a dream closet idea? If you do, how would you have it ideally organized?

Person of Interest: Elisa Nalin

I have been watching stylist and design consultant Elisa Nalin's style for a while now, and I have to say, that I am currently smitten. Her style is sort of quirky and unique with a tomboyish flair and platinum pixie cut, but at the same time feminine and definitely colorful. I am particularly fond of how she can make prints that would otherwise be too symbolic, such as palm trees or leaves, be toned down with a blazer or pleated skirt and still come off with a sort of charm and interest to them. From the collage above, Elisa is also a master at combining interesting color and pattern palettes to create instant trends and overall appeal.

What do you think of Elisa Nalin's style? Are you as in love as I am?

 1, 2, 3, 4

Tuesday Shoesday

Shoes are a part of our wardrobe that I feel people either love or feel indifferent towards. When it comes to shoes for me, I have definitely been headed towards the love side recently. The same way that a piece of jewelry can instantly change an outfit, shoes can do the same. These great Chloe sandals can do that. Although they are not ornate in detail or bold in coloring, these are the kind of shoes that can  change your outfit to look complete by being perfectly simple. The height of the heel and width of the straps, as well as the two-toned leathers, are flattering on anyone and are the style that would work with nearly any outfit that you have on. While these have been sold out for a while, this is surely a look that I will be looking out for soon.

Do you have any shoes that you absolutely love for their simple perfection?

A to Z: Jewelry

{This great necklace completes this simple and beautiful bodice}

When I was little, I was constantly infatuated with costume jewelry. Whether the pieces were real or fabricated didn't matter to me at all, but their intense sparkle and appearance sure did. When it comes to jewelry, my style regarding what pieces I actually wear has varied over the years. Though what I wear may change from chunky crystal pieces to more delicate and symbolic ones, jewelry is an easy way to transform a simple outfit to a spectacular one or to add on to a great outfit even more. Here are some pieces that I am particularly interested in at the moment.

{Stunning opal Art Deco earrings from the 30's.}

{A great lesson in layering longer pieces with shorter ones}

{For me, a great gold statement necklace is a necessity--This is YSL}

{Fun pieces like this Delfina Delettrez ring always make jewelry great to work with}

What are your favorite styles of jewelry? Do you prefer to mix and match or go with more classic pieces?

Dress Up

When the feather trend was beginning and designers began to incorporate them into their designs more and more, aside from this collection, I wasn't so sure. However, when I saw this week's dress of the week, I was more intrigued. I love the way that the black feathers create such an interesting texture to the sleek dress, and their movement adds a whole other component. And, with the holidays coming up in the next few weeks, this is the little black dress that is perfect for a party or special occasion outing. Aside from the feathers, the velvet sweetheart bodice with a slight plunge and illusion neckline add a bit of interest, as well. 

How do you feel about feathers? 

Home Improvement

Following earlier this week's post on Winter Whites in fashion, I felt that they are just as comfortable and cozy when applied to homes. Although light colored furnishings are hard to keep clean, when in colors like Ivory, Light Greys, and Taupes, they provide a similar simple elegance to a room that is as perfectly simple the way it is, or is also an ideal base for accent colors such as the green and yellow plants and candles in the image above.

How do you like your Winter Whites? Rooms or fashion?

Person of Interest: Natalie Joos

This week's POI is Belgian beauty is Natalie Joos. After various positions such as studio manager for photographer Craig Mcdean, Joos branched to starting a career as a casting director. The roll of a casting director is one that is not often thought of, but is extremely important. According to her from a Fashionista interview, being a casting director is an "easy fun job, and you don't need any kind of education or training for it. The only thing you need is good taste and an eye for relevant beauty."Always a lover for prints and color, Joos is also an expert at combining and experimenting with prints, patterns, and textures. Her style is one that is always spot-on, looks effortless and amazing, and consistently leaves me wondering how to emulate my own style to the likes of hers.

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tuesday Shoesday

{here are a few similar styles}

Yes, I know that it is colder and there has been snow in parts of the East Coast in the past few days, but these CROON loafers definitely an amazing shoe for any self-acclaimed "glitter fiend." While some may prefer for their loafers, or any shoe in general, to be in neutral colors to best work with all of their outfits, others may enjoy the opposite idea of a perfect contrast. These loafers would be just that. With their bright salmon-y pink and turquoise tassels and heel tab, as well as the abundance of glitter on the body of the shoe, these are an incredible pair of statement-making shoes that are guaranteed to make any ensemble complete. 

A to Z: Ivory

With the first sight of snow flurries today, and being on "I" for our A to Z features, what perfect timing to discuss a favorite of mine--winter whites. While there are still traditionalists that remain true to the "no white after Labor Day" rule, I find that winter whites can often be just as comforting and cozy as their warmer colored counterparts. In the cold and often dreary months here, in seas of black puff coats and snow boots, these creamy shades also provide an ideal base to add to wintery colors. Personally, I love chunky cream colored sweaters. And, when paired with navy, forest or army green, or burgundy's, I often find that these colors work best. Below are some ladies that have left me feeling inspired about incorporating winter whites into my winter wardrobe this new season.

{mixing a chunky fisherman-syle pullover with a delicate pleated maxi in a brighter white}

{A classic cream-colored toggle coat with warmer toned khaki pants}

{An example from Michael Kors in combining colors (orange pants) and textures (furry scarf) with the cream sweater}

{For more formal occasions, winter white works as well even if you are not attending a wedding. This Lyn Devon all-out cream color-scheme works well by providing a contrast in textures and the fit of the garments.}

Dress Up

Last week, I was in the fashion section of the library picking up research for a project. I noticed that for every book I would pick up for the assignment, I would be just as infatuated with the hundred others that surrounded it. So, when I finally narrowed it down to a few books for my assignment, I couldn't help but resist checking out piece on one of my favorites from this post-- on Christian Dior. This week, the dress is one that is most likely never going to find itself in my closet. This Fall 2012 RTW from Christian Dior, though in a bold choice of pink, is not at all intrusive. The way that the pleats fall softly and create a whispy effect, and the high necked intricate top with long sleeves are all qualities about it that are what make this dress amazing aside from the color. Often to me, a Dior piece is the epitome of femininity and poise, and this dress is nothing short of.

Home Improvement

While mint green is one of my favorite colors, I would never think of using it in an interior space such as the one in the photo above. When I think of living rooms and fireplaces, I often don't think of pastel and cooler colors. However, with the high ceilings, intricate molding, abundance of knick knacks seen in the fireplace, pillows on the couch, and plates and bowls spread throughout, the mint is just as inviting and comfortable as any other color would be. And, it has a sense of uniqueness and freshness that would not often be found.

What do you think? Would you ever use a pastel color for your living room?