Work it.

August 30, 2010

{Tshirt ~ Forever 21 / Cardi ~ H&M / Shorts ~ Torrid / Booties ~ UrbanOG}


Shorts and booties?  What an odd combination! 
Who wears shorts and booties? 

I do. :) 


Combine 2 or 3 pieces that don't go together.  Layer and layer some more.  {Wear jeans and a dress.} Add a pop of color.  Pile on 6 bangle bracelets. {Wear that fancy dress you have been saving for a special occasion.}  Wear animal print. {Mix florals and stripes.}  Wear more than one necklace.  Carry a clutch instead of a handbag.  Throw on a scarf.  {Wear a bright red lip during the day.}  Rock polka dots.  Whatever it is, add a belt.  Mix and wear 2 fragrances together.  {Pop your collar up.}  Wear sequins during the day.  Pull out those heels that you never wear.  {Break rules.} Take risks.  Have fun. 


It's YOUR style.  Make it work! :)

Luxe Polka dots

August 28, 2010















{Polka dot tunic and zip leggings ~ H&M / Suede booties ~ Steve Madden (on sale!) / Louis Vuitton speedy cube / Vintage stretch belt / JUMBO gold hoops ~ street vendor / Watch ~ Kathy Van Zeeland}


Polka dots.  Some people love them... some people hate them.  I happen to absolutely adore them.  And stripes too.  I started to pair this outfit with my new animal printed booties.  I thought it would be a fun combo!  I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to go a bit more classic with these ridiculously comfortable Steve Madden booties. 

And I must say, I felt FAB in this polka dotted number!  It was the perfect outfit for a gorgeous night out in the city with my sister and Honey for dinner and a movie.

What's your stand on polka dots?  Hate'em or love'em?

Roaming Free

August 25, 2010












{Maxi Dress ~ NY&Co / Blazer ~ Vintage (label: Rafferty) / Ivory Platforms ~ UrbanOG / Vintage wooden bangles and chandelier earrings / Suede bag ~ Zigi New York}


Loving this summer dress, purchased in May, that will transition into fall.... YES!  It's been refreshingly cool lately and I have been taking full advantage, grabbing richer colors and wearing blazers all week.  My little fall preview.  I even rocked a tunic sweater this week!

The temps will be soaring back into the 90's later this week into next week, just in time for Labor Day.  Or the unofficial END OF SUMMER. 

It's gonna be hard putting away these ivory platforms.  But as the rule goes, no white shoes after Labor Day.  Well... what about ivory?  Would you wear ivory shoes after Labor Day? 

For the record, I do have a pair of ivory BOOTS that I plan to rock this fall/winter.  But boots are different, right? 

I don't know... I may just nix the rule all together and wear whatever I feel like. ;)

 

OCC Lip Tar LOVE

August 23, 2010



Vintage :




Pageant:


*note - these were applied with a Q-tip.  I have to buy a lip brush :)*


I am completely OBSESSED with these Lip Tars from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, thanks to J. from Fatshionable for posting a link on twitter and raving about them! 

These are an amazing cross between a lip gloss, lip stain and lipstick.  A little goes a long way and they last a really long time. 

The 'Vintage" is especially my fave!  I suspect this deep and luscious color will be in heavy rotation come fall.  I feel like a total VIXEN with it on!  And the 'Pageant" is so FUN!!! 

I am ready to order the "Plum" and "Demure".  At 12.50 each, for a tube that will last forever, WHY NOT!? :)

I can't wait to try them and post pics!

Thanks for reading! xoxo♥

Easy Does It

August 22, 2010













{Denim print leggings ~ Asos / White tunic top and cardi ~ Torrid / Vintage stretch belt and  earrings / Clogs ~ UrbanOG / Suede handbag with straps removed as a clutch ~ Zigi New York} 

Boy do I love a fabulously cheap, comfortable AND adorable shoe!

I also love this quote.  Creating beautiful memories, especially for my kiddies, is what I am all about.


I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! :)

xoxoxo♥

Star Studded

August 18, 2010











{White trousers ~ Lane Bryant / Star printed top ~ Faith 21 / Cardi ~ Banana Republic / Platform pumps ~ Urban OG}

I am trying to get the best use out of the items in my closet that won't transition into fall.  Like these white trousers.  I will be replacing these white ones with an extra long, dark grey pair to wear with rich plums and navy.   Can't wait!

The light and bright tops will need to get put away storage {our garage} until next spring soon.  It's always exciting to see what I packed away last year and what will still work this year...which will most likely be EVERYTHING.  I wear things year after year, putting pieces together differently each time, as if they were brand new.  I love doing that!

I am so excited to dust off the boots and wear them too! (Even though I have been wearing booties all summer long.)

...And yes, I plan on wearing peep and open toe shoes until snow hits the ground.  And even then, they may still make an appearance.  I get the craziest looks when it is 30 degrees and I am coat less with peep toe pumps on - making a mad dash into the supermarket.  Haha!  LOVE it! :)

Am I the only crazy person who doesn't wear a coat every single day in the winter?  It's usually nice and toasty in the car and I spend most of the time driving anyway.  Ok, enough about winter.  I am excited about FALL, but winter can wait!

Thanks for reading!!

xoxoxo ♥

Black, White and Bleached

August 16, 2010














{DIY bleached skinny jeans / Striped t-shirt ~ H&M / Blazer ~ NY&Co / Booties ~ Bebe}  

Bleach splattered jeans and a blazer.  Sort of an odd combination, but I kinda love it.  I had FUN wearing these jeans for a night out on the town with my Honey on Saturday.  We went to the movies, stopped for the most delicious wings, and drove around the city for a bit with the sunroof open, before making our way home. 

For some reason, it actually SMELLS like fall to me.  ...and I love it!  There is always something magical about witnessing the seasons change.  School will be back in session before long so we are taking advantage of these last days of summer.  My mom, sisters and I had a wonderful picnic on Saturday with the kiddies, and we are headed to the beach for the day this Saturday.  Can't wait!

What I will probably miss the most when the summer is over?  Having icy cold, sweet, juicy watermelon after dinner (in a fancy glass of course!). It's definitely one of my favorites of the summer.  YUM!




xoxoxo ♥

All is quiet...

August 13, 2010




...when Isis is braiding and beading her "daughter's" hair. :)

The Butterfly Exception

August 12, 2010











{Pants ~ Torrid / Boyfriend Cardi ~ The Limited / Blouse ~ GO International / Platforms ~ Bebe}


I am normally NOT a fan of butterflies on clothing.  Unless I am buying a dress or top for my 7-year-old. 

This top was an exception I thought twice before deciding to buy it.  Me?  Wear butterflies?  Yeah, it was really that serious. hehe!

BUT ... I just could not pass it up!  I adore the beautiful ruffles with the delicate piping on the edges of them.   The covered buttons down the front and on the sleeves are just adorable.  I actually love ANYTHING with covered buttons, really. And I was absolutely sold on the colors.  I am a huge fan of azure / royal blue. 

This is just a well made, girly top that I bought on clearance at Target for about $15 bucks last fall.  And I will have it forever. 

It goes on {my very long list} of the BEST items purchased.  Ever. :)

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments (and emails) on my last manicure post!  So glad my tutorial made sense.  I am trying to conjure up think of other methods / how-to's / DIY's I can post.  ...and expect a "What's in my purse" post from me soon. :)

Thanks for reading! xoxoxo! ♥


How-To: Do a Salon Manicure at Home

August 10, 2010

I would love to be able to get a salon manicure every 5-7 days, but let's face it... it's just not gonna happen.  It doesn't make sense to spend $12-15 per manicure, once a week when I can easily do it myself at home!  

I have had enough manicures at the salon to know exactly what steps to take.  I need to perfect my polishing skills just a bit more, but my own manicures (and pedicures sometimes too) are the best!



Here are the steps:


 {Gather your supplies.  You will need : nail polish remover / cotton balls / foot scrub / cuticle oil or softener / cuticle pusher / manicure brush / nail file and buffer / hand soap or any liquid soap / hand and nail cream} 


{Fill a pretty bowl with warm water and your liquid soap.  I like Johnson's Body Care ~ Melt Away Stress Lavender and Chamomile Body Wash}


{Remove all nail polish and gently file nails to your liking.  I like a rounded square shape.}



{Gently buff each nail bed.  I do about four-five strokes across each nail for a smooth finish.}


{Soak your nails for about 5 minutes}


{Apply cuticle softener/oil on your cuticles.}



{With the cuticle pusher, gently push back each cuticle towards your nail base and on the sides as well. Trim any hangnails with a nail clipper}



{With the other end of the cuticle pusher, gently swipe under your nails, getting any dirt that may be hiding :)}



{Soak nails for another 3-5 minutes}



{Use your favorite scrub and vigorously scrub and rub your hands. I LOVE Freeman Bare Foot Revitalizing Foot Scrub with Lemon and Sage.  Smells yummy and leaves my hands/feet so soft!}





{Be sure to use a nail brush and clean under your nails}


{Completely rinse and dry hands and nails}



{Apply a rich, ultra moisturizing hand and nail cream. Try and avoid getting cream directly on your nail bed.  I have used many, today I am going with Vaseline Healthy Hand and Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion}


{Pick a pretty nail color.  I always have a tough time deciding, so I get my 7-year-old mini fashionista to help me decide. She is NEXT, afterall, and usually gets the same color! Today, we went with NK, "Fiesta Red".  This is a fabulously CHEAP nail polish.  $1 at the beauty supply store.}


{Apply 1 coat of a good double duty (base and top coat) formula.  I cheat and use Sally Hansen's No Chip Acrylic Top Coat as a base and finisher}


{Apply two coats of your nail color.  For minimal streaks, start in the middle and work your way to the sides. If your polish is too thick, add a drop or two of polish remover to thin it out.  Clean up any mistakes with a q-tip dipped in polish remover.}



{Finish with one last coat of your finishing top coat}



{Ooh La La LOVE ♥}





I try and find time once a week to do the full manicure.  The entire process takes about 20 minutes.  I normally change my polish once, between each time.  I have been loving BRIGHT colors lately. :) 

So tell me, what is your favorite nail color to wear?  Do you do your own manicures at home?

Thanks for reading!

xoxo ♥