Holy Hiatus.... I'm Back.

Okay... It's a little ridiculous that my last blog post was over a month ago.  Before you judge and call me a procrastinator, I do have good reason.  I moved into a fabulous new apartment-for-one last month.  Pictures to follow!  Also, the past month has been spent negotiating with a new company, who trustingly hired me a few days ago!  So things are calming down a little, or at least until I start my new job in two weeks, which gives me time to catch up on my blogging.

During these last few weeks of insanity, I've been dealing with a lot of drama on the job-front.  It drove me to shop.  Seriously, I splurged a little.  So, let me use this moment to express to you how much it truly helped.  Work was stressing me out of my mind (hence the new job), and that little splurge was just what I needed to snap me back into happiness.  You might think it materialistic of me to resort to such a therapy, but that's exactly what it was for me.  After a long and exhausting day (physically and emotionally), it calmed and revitalized me.  It brings me such joy to find things in life (clothes, accessories, art, books, etc.) that accurately express me as an individual.  It takes me to a deeper level and reminds me who I am and where I'm going in life.  I get all this simply from shopping you say?  Yep.  To each their own right!  So what calms you down after a stressful day of work or school?  If you don't have an answer to that question, find one.  It is so important to have a hobby/interest/passion in life that express who you are and brings you peace in such a stressful world we live in.

By now you must be curious which items I ended up going home with on my latest shopping adventure.  It was all at GAP.  Now, usually this is not a store I go to if I'm needing a wardrobe face lift.  However, this season they have some super cute but flirty basics that every closet should have.  So here's a little glimpse...

 I bought this relaxed tee in three colors!  I usually never do that, but I just love how this one feels!  It hits in the perfect spot, and it is super light-weight and comfortable.  Dress it up or dress it down.  It works for any girl and any occasion.

 This cardigan is adorable!  It takes the classic black cardigan and gives it a fun and spring-like twist.  This is a must have.

You're probably thinking something like, "A plain white shirt?  Umm, really?"  Yes.  This is an essential piece to every girl's wardrobe.  Think about it.  You can pair it with some skinny jeans and boots for a casual weekend around town.  Or wear it with shorts and fun flip-flops when it starts to get warmer.  Throw on a scarf, a chunky necklace, bunch of bracelets....I could go on.  You can do ANYTHING with this shirt.  And I plan on doing just that!

I promise I will not take forever and a day between blogs again!  I have lots of creative thoughts and projects these days so you will definitely be hearing about them.  My next adventure: decorating my new bathroom.... (proving to be quite an unexpected challenge)....

Making Bold Statements With Accessories

Hello all!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!  Hopefully you all got some cool new fashion pieces to sport!  I know I did and that's where I'm getting today's blog inspiration.  I apologize it has taken me so long to post.  With the holidays and the craziness of life I haven't had much time.  Not even time to shop!   Maybe that's why my blogger motivation was lacking a little?  Well here is another riveting installment of my fashion-forward thoughts.

Accessories.  Where do I start!  Accessories are so much fun.  They make or break an outfit.  They set trends.  They change with trends over time.  This being said, sometimes accessories can be difficult.  I definitely struggled with pushing myself in that department in the past years.  But now I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on them (at least enough of one to make people think I do).  The more I got to thinking the more I realized how much I rely on accessories.  For example, the other day at work one of my employees complimented my outfit.  It was cute, but I wasn't feeling very confident in it for some reason.  It almost felt like something was missing.  After much deliberation we concluded it was because I didn't have anything bold on (can you tell we talk about fashion a lot).  I find this love for accessories kind of ironic because growing up I was so afraid of them!  I've had my ears pierced since I was a little girl, but hated anything besides studs (they are still all I wear).  In fact, it took a lot of courage for me to get comfortable with any sort of jewelry.  But you know how I did it?  A little at a time...

If you find yourself struggling with the same things I did, try tackling one category at a time.  If necklaces are something you are really interested in but don't know where to start, start small.  Pick one outfit and focus on accessorizing only that.  Then pick another.  Then start looking for accessories that will go with more than one ensemble.  Figure out what it is you like and what represents your style the best and embrace it!  Take a leap.  The more comfortable you get with them the easier it will be to venture out into bold statement pieces that really push the edge.  Pretty soon you will find yourself getting excited when you find a beautiful bold new item that would previously send you looking for the exit.

I find that pairing statement pieces with a clean, simple outfit is best since you want the accessory to speak for itself.  With that being said, it also serves as a really easy way to jazz up an every day ensemble, or articles of clothing you just don't wear anymore.  It's amazing how much a big sparkly necklace can change the look of jeans, boots and a sweater...or how it can breathe life into that top you've had for years and given up on ever wearing it again.

Here are a couple of really cool necklaces I have that really speak for themselves:

My most favorite, fashion-forward, world-traveling uncles gave me this for Christmas this year!  It is a bunch of little leather strips gathered together in tiers.  Isn't it to die for!  They know me well.  I have yet to wear it, because it takes a special outfit to pair with this!  Maybe some black skinny jeans, black pumps and a simple top?

 

  

The same two awesome uncles gave me this gorgeous piece from BCBG last Christmas.  The pearls detach from the crystal section so I can wear them separate or together for a more dramatic statement.  I LOVE this one.

This is just a simple long gold necklace that my brother gave me (can you tell my family knows what I like).  I wear it all the time.  What I usually do is wrap it around twice to layer it which works better when I wear low cut tops.  It's easy to throw on with any outfit, and with this I don't need a whole lot of other accessories. 

I hope this advice was helpful, and more importantly I hope it gives you the confidence, courage, and tools to get out there and make some bold shopping choices!  Happy hunting!

Fashionable Bags for Fall

Ok... I know we are well into the Christmas season, which means winter is just around the corner, but I had a follower friend of mine, Pamela, write me asking if I had any suggestions on cute, versatile and affordable bags for fall.  I'm going to share a little secret with you:  I struggle with bags!  The perfect one is hard to find and may never truly exist, and trying to find it can be super frustrating.  I know what I like, I know what I'm looking for, but unless I want to spend $1500 I don't know where it is!  So here is a whole blog devoted to finding some really cute options.

Old Navy always has super affordable bags that are, for the most part, adorable.  This first bag totally caught my eye.  Especially since it's only $28.50!  I'm loving this one because it strangely resembles the Balenciaga City Bag that I have been absolutely dieing for!  It comes in an army green color also, which goes with nearly anything.  Or stick to black for a staple bag you can use all year round.

 

Piperlime.com is one of my favorite websites, not only for shoes, but for bags too.  They have an awesome selection of designer handbags and if you're lucky you can walk away (click away rather) with some pretty great deals.  This bag is called the Big Buddha Biker Hobo by Lea.  It's a bigger sized bag so it's great for traveling or when you're on the go.  And I love this color!  It goes with everything and is great for fall.  The price is $62.99, normally $90.  Another great thing about this website is free shipping and free returns on all purchases.  Can't beat that!

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41400&vid=1&pid=817920&scid=817920002

Next up is Urban Outfitters.  I have a couple bags from here and they are great.  They are made with really soft and flexible leather, and have lots of room to stuff your life into.  This next find comes in a chocolate brown, peach-ish camel color, as well as the standard black.  I'm a big fan of anything camel or cognac right now so this one gets a definite thumbs up.  The shoulder strap is a nice touch that not only serves as an added style feature but is functional as well.  Price - $68.

 

Last but not least I found this last one from Express.  Normally, I feel indifferent about their handbag selections.  It's very hit or miss.  However, one of my favorite and most complimented bags hails from this store.  It is similar to the one below, but this one is more suited for fall fashions.  It is a nice, cool earth tone, and is very sturdy, yet very chic.  Totally business professional and definitely fashionable!  Price - $59.90

I hope this helps you all get some fun ideas for bags that are great for fall, and any season really.  I love hearing feedback from you all, so please keep the comments and topic suggestions coming!  Happy hunting :)

Keeping It Casual but Keeping It Chic

Let me just start by saying how much I love Scottsdale.  My home away from home.  The fashions, the shopping, the food, the people, the shopping... Everything about this recent week-long getaway was so amazing.  I absolutely love spending time in Scottsdale.  I am inspired every day just walking down the street.  The biggest thing I took away from this trip this time was the fact that you can do casual but still look fabulous!  And believe me it's everywhere. 

Whether it means throwing on a hot pair of flat boots with some skinny designer jeans, pairing a comfy, over-sized cardigan with leggings, or putting on a boyfriend blazer instead of a sweatshirt...  It is possible, and it makes a statement.  It tells people you value your appearance, and whether you like it or not, we all get judged for it.  I was talking with a client of mine this week about our similar frustration with how people choose to dress.  It seems as though there is nothing in between professional attire and sweats for a lot of people out there.  I know it might seem overwhelming and like a lot of effort because yes, it is easier to just throw on your old college t-shirt and jeans and walk out the door.  But I challenge you to this: put in a little effort!  Take pride in your appearance and see what kind of response you get.  Take note from these celebs...

Here are a few tips to get you inspired:

• Invest in a great of boots for fall (or two). A camel or cognac color is great because they will go with literally everything.  Aldo and Steve Madden have some super cute styles this season.  I must post a whole blog on boots so look out for that.
• Visit www.revolveclothing.com.  They have an amazing selection of designer jeans, and some really great deals if you're lucky.  These will easily change your outfit from drab to fab.  I may just devote an entire blog to the fabulous-ness of designer denim!
• Leggings, legging, leggings!  They work for every size, shape and style and are a key piece to a comfy yet chic ensemble.   Throw on a pair of boots, a shirt, cardigan and scarf and with little to no effort you're ready to go.

So today's lesson is you CAN mix comfort and style.  It just takes a little thought and preparation, but trust me when I say it will make you feel good knowing you look good.  Even on those laziest of days.

The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." - Coco Chanel

Most of you who know me know that fashion has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.  I love all things fashion related.  I always have.  It drives me.  It inspires me.  It challenges me.  It builds me.  It makes me feel good inside.  Over the years this has become such an integral part of my life and I think it's finally time to share it with the world.  Well, ok...mainly just my girlfriends.  But I hope to reach you all in one way or another!

I get my inspiration from all aspects of life.  I get it from what other people do and wear and make it my own to fit my personality and lifestyle.  Maybe I have just taught myself to view things from a different perspective than most, but nonetheless this is how my style has come to be.  So I'm starting this blog to hopefully inspire and encourage others, to share new fashion discoveries, and, if nothing more, to send my thoughts into cyberspace in hopes that someone is out there (Christine, I know you are!).  I have so many great things I cannot wait to share.  Because let's face it!  Fashion isn't always easy.  So herein begins my blog...

Fall is officially upon us!  I am in love with this time of year.  It makes me want to cozy up in my closet with all of my comfy clothes and just imagine all the different ways I can wear them.  This season is the epitome of fashion in my eyes, and I'm so excited for all the things it allows me to come up with.  However, I think I'll start with my obsession with dark nail polish this time of year.  A few days ago I found my new favorite color in the depths of my polish collection - Natasha & Boris by OPI.

Isn't it the best!!  It is a perfect blend of plum and brown and really screams FALL to me.  It goes with everything.  Literally.  Do two coats for more of a purple undertone, or go with three for a dark and mysterious look.  The perfect dark nail polish is hard to find because you never want to go too dark.  Especially if you have a lighter skin tone like me.  I also stumbled upon this blog www.nailjunkie.com.  She shows you what different colors from different brands will look like when dry on your nails.  Super clever because sometimes the bottles can be deceiving!

I'm heading to Scottsdale in a few days to spend Thanksgiving out there with my family.  Yes, I said Scottsdale!  The shopping out there is amazing!  So you know I'm going to be very inspired to blog about Phoenix fashions.  Can't wait!

Today I will leave you with this quote from Gore Vidal (no idea who he is but I like what he has to say)...  “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."