High Waisted Flares & Trouser Jeans

I think the first thing that pops into all of our heads when we think of high waisted flares are the numerous magazine covers Jessica Simpson was plastered on circa 2009...I still tremble at the thought...

Let's be real here: there's a right way and a wrong way to wear these types of jeans, and my girl, JS, got it all wrong. We have to give her props for trying though. I bought my first pair last week and had to ransack my closet to figure out what to wear them with. It's not an easy look, but with a little help, anyone can pull them off. 

First, find a pair that fits you perfectly. Don't squeeze yourself into just any pair, because the end result...well, see upper left. Make sure they have a little room in the waist to tuck in a shirt or blouse. The bigger the flare at the bottom, the blousier you want your top to be. If you go for a mid-size flare, like I happen to have on today, try it with a cute top tucked in, a flowing, short-waisted sweater, or a lace top. Audrina got it right with these vintage-washed flares, a tight sweater, and a slim belt and pumps to complete the look. Fossil has an adorable lace top that they paired with their new wide leg jeans that really fits this seventies style. Whatever you choose, dare to step it up a notch with your jeans, because wide is the new skinny, and I doubt we'll ever be able to say that again as it pertains to fashion...

Only Gold for Me...

Sephora by OPI, Only Gold for Me Top Coat, $9.00

For New Year's, I attended a super fun disco-themed NYE party (shout out to the Hoods' for making it so awesome!) and I tried my best to tap into my retro side. Never being one to go against the theme, I proceeded to buy a one-piece jumpsuit, over-the-top earrings, a flower power ring, and chunky wedges. But the icing on the cake: my disco-esque nail polish. Thinking no one would even notice, I polished the golden flakes over a layer of black and made my way out the door. But to my surprise, everyone loved it! I tried it out later on bare nails and it was so fun and flirty. Make sure to stop by Sephora and pick up a bottle. It's available in numerous colors, and the perfect top coat to your favorite polish!

Itching for Spring to.....sprung? You know what I mean...

Jessica Simpson, $79

Now is that frustrating time when retailers have put out their fabulous new Spring lines, but it's still too frigid to even think about wearing them. If you pick up any March magazine on stands right now, they are filled with the latest Spring styles; bright colors, florals and lace, strappy sandals (like these JS shoes I am just dyingggg for....)And when there's snow still on the ground, it's hard to imagine Spring will ever get here...

Colin Stuart, $99

But there is one great thing about this time of year: Winter Sales. I know we all want to be fully clad in our new wardrobes, but let's be honest...even in Dallas I can't get away with open toes and a tank top. So take to the stores and hit up the sales. Because unless you live in Cali or Florida, you really are stuck in mittens and thick jackets for at least a few more months. Don't be swayed by all the new 'Spring Must-Haves' on the front page of every website...check out the Sale section and get those boots you were eying all during the Fall! Or these Colin Stuart studded clogs...get them in a light color and you can wear them all through the Spring too! $99 bucks?! I'm sold...

I'm Backkkkkk...

Gosh, it's been a while...feels like ages since I lasted posted! But life, as we know it can, has gotten in the way. I don't want to make promises I can't keep, so I have decided to re-structure my blogging so that I can fit it in with work, yoga, more work, travel, and oh yeah...work. My days of writing page-long posts are gone, but I had a new idea. If you are as busy as me, most of you don't even have time to be reading all that anyway. So, here's to the five minute blog spot. Every day I'll post something new. Maybe it's a pair of shoes you just can't pass up, a make up item that should never be missing from your purse, or a trend that you most definitely need to ride the wave of. Whatever it is, you won't want to miss it!

Capes...Not Just for Superheroes

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving, and even better Black Friday shopping spree! I was out early on King St. in Charleston checking out all the hot trends for Winter and the upcoming holidays. And the one trend that stood out the most: Capes. Now I know what you may be thinking; upon googling "capes," I got all sorts of images of wizards, superheroes, and Elizabethan-style sword fighting straight out of medieval times. And if that's your thing, I say go for it! But what I have in mind is a much more elegant way to dress up any outfit.

Gap Poncho Sweater, $79.50

Nordstrom, $53.90

From runways to retail, capes have hit the scene in a big way. And while adding one to your wardrobe is a must, it's also important to know how to wear them and what works best for your body type. If you're shorter, go for a cropped cape that hits right at the waist. If you're pear-shaped, pick a more flowing option and add a belt around the waist to accentuate those curves! And variation in the length isn't the only new trend in capes; designers have added different fabrics into the mix, as well as detailing like faux fur trim, ruffled necklines, and button details that mirror the military influence seen in jackets this season. Pair a wool cape with skinny jeans, boots, and fingerless gloves for a cute and casual look, or dress it up  with a sequined capelet, silk blouse, and mini skirt for a night out! And while Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tory Burch are just a few of the high-end designers to choose from, check out the page (and the web) for other more affordable, and just as stylish, options!

The Loft, $128

Zara, $89.90

H&M, $39.90

Bonafide Packing Guide

Packing Guide

For those of you who know me, you know I tend to let my OCD get the best of me at times, and packing is no exception! I feel like I'm always on the go, whether it's a quick trip for work or a weekend away, and I absolutely hate to overpack. And with baggage fees being ridiculously high, I've had to figure out ways to get everything I need into only one bag, which is not an easy feat considering my love for shoes...

With that being said, I had my dear friend, Ms. Laura Hansen, (who just happens to be awesomely bada$$ at graphic design) take a boring excel template I had been using to list all my packing needs and create something actually usable. I wanted to be able to list outfits and essentials for day wear and nights out so that I could plan for each occasion on my trips and have exactly what I needed. It's pretty self explanatory and I hope you all get some use out of it! Click the link (under the picture) and print yourself a packing guide for all your upcoming holiday travel. I guarantee it will make packing a cinch!

Fall For Fur - Faux , of course!

Warm and fuzzy this winter means fur everything! From vests and jackets, to collars, gloves, and hats, the furry touch adds a luxe look to any outfit. And with the growing efforts of anti-fur campaigns, not only is faux fur bigger than ever, it's also a much more affordable (and animal-friendly!) option. I haven't come across a retailer yet that isn't carrying some element of fur in the line, and with so many options to choose from, there's no excuse not to be fully draped in fur! To get the look: pair a low-key outfit with a bold fur piece, like a jacket or vest, to vamp up your style. Whether you're running to the store, or out for a girls' night, fur has become a staple item for the wardrobe, to be worn for any occasion.
 
Not entirely sure you can pull off the look? Go for an item that's trimmed in fur, or add just a touch with a hat or gloves. Gap has a great cable-knit beanie with a faux fur pom pom that is too cute to pass up. Warm your frost-bitten hands with fur-trimmed gloves from the Loft or Mango. If you're like me and own way too many scarves, switch it up and add a fun fur neck warmer. Whatever your style, make sure you add a little something furry this season. And don't forget...save animals (and some $dough$) by buying faux!

Stay Tuned...

Check back Monday for my 'Fall for Fur' post!

Time's running out to save 30%!!

I can't say enough great things about The Loft right now! Whoever they hired as their merchandiser has done a spectacular job of pairing pieces and combining style elements to create classic and romantic looks for your wardrobe. I literally want every item in their 'Looks We Love.' Everything is on trend, from the fur-trimmed vests to the riding boots, capes, and over-the-top sparkle accessories. Whatever you do, do not forget to hit me up for the 'friends and family' 30% off coupon before you make your way to the store!