- Aéropostale
- Aerie
- Aldo
- Charlotte Russe
- Eddie Bauer
- Fanzz
- Foot Locker
- FYE
- H&M
- Jos A Banks
- Journeys
- Lids
- LOFT
- Maurices
- Microsoft
- New York & Co
- Oakley
- PacSun
- Perfume Palace
- Pink
- The Walking Company
- Victoria's Secret
- Wet Seal
- XXI
- Yankee Candle
- Zales
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Black Friday Deals
Black Friday shopping has never been my cup of tea, but if you're willing to get out before the sun comes up, you can find some great deals! Here's a list of select stores opening at 8pm on Thanksgiving night at the Oak Park Mall, so if you finish dinner early you can try and beat the rush.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Holiday Party Dresses
With Christmas and New Years only being about a month away, it's time to start planning your party outfit. Whether you're going to a professional work party, or a night out with your girl friends, you need the perfect dress. Holidays allow for a little more glitz and glam than one might usually go for, so why not go all out? Black, white, or red are my favorite colors for a holiday outfit. Pinterest is a life saver when it comes to finding some inspiration, or maybe even something DIY. A dress with some type of sleeve is more weather appropriate, but if you can't find one you like, you can always toss on an edgy leather jacket or chic blazer.
PhotoCred: http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=holiday%20party%20dress&rs=ac&len=12
Winter Heels
Unfortunately, it's time to put away those adorable strappy wedges, and make room in your closet for a pair of perfect suede booties. Although it's common sense not to freeze your feet off when you hit the town, the unspoken rule of fashion means to cover up those toes once November rolls around, no open-toed pumps! Winter weather doesn't necessarily mean you can't still rock some eye catching footwear. Different fabric and texture make heels look more appropriate for the changing seasons. My personal favorite is anything satin or suede. Charlotte Russe has a great new selection of winter heels, all for around thirty to forty bucks.
PhotoCred: http://www.charlotterusse.com/thumbnail/Shoes/Boots-Booties/pc/2115/2656.uts
Chunky Sweaters for Cheap
Easily my favorite thing about winter is being able to curl up in a big bulky sweater. They'll never go out of style, so if you want to splurge on a name brand piece, I wouldn't discourage the thought. For those of you who enjoy getting more bang for your buck like me, Forever 21 is your one-stop-shop. They have a wide variety of patterns, colors, and styles, all for around twenty bucks!
Must-Have Mixed Knit Sweater- $22.80
PhotoCred: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=sweater&ProductID=2000072470&VariantID=
Menswear-Inspired Marled Cardigan- $24.80
Zigzag Sweater- $22.80
PhotoCred: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=sweater_printed&ProductID=2000066630&VariantID=
Cute and Comfy on Thanksgiving
It's hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Everyone knows this is the one day that you can indulge in all your favorite foods and sweets, completely guilt-free. Holidays call for cute outfits, but who wants to pig out in a pair of tight pants? Here's a list of a few comfy solutions!
Tights/Leggings- a stretchy waist band leaves room for seconds without squeezing too tight
Dresses/Skirts- a flowy skirt doesn't draw attention to your stuffed stomach
Sweaters- a big chunky sweater is warm and loose so you can have as much pie as you want
Belts for Your Body
One of the easiest ways to pull an outfit together is by throwing in a neutral belt with a bright outfit, or giving your midsection a pop of color to match your favorite accessories. Most people don't think about how much a belt can impact your outfit, but they can either accentuate your curves or draw unwanted attention to your trouble areas.
Bigger Belly- if you have a little more in the belly section, don't think that a belt will draw negative attention. A well worn belt can create an hour-glass figure, and give the impression of a narrower waist. Wide belts around the middle of the waist slims down your stomach, and if you can find one with a figure-eight shaped buckle, it also creates the illusion of a tighter tummy.
Short Torso- to create a longer leaner look, pick a belt that is the same color as your outfit. Adding another color cuts your torso in half, making it look even shorter. Monochromatic outfits are subtly slimming, especially around the stomach.
Hour-Glass or Rectangle Figure- a wide belt placed on the waist looks great on both an hour-glass figure or a rectangular shape. It will enhance your figure even more, and belted jackets or sweaters are all the rage right now.
Skinny Frame- a wide belt could look over powering on a small frame, so go for a thinner belt to keep your body proportionate. Thin belts create a classy look with well-fitted pants or a sleek blazer.
Bigger Belly- if you have a little more in the belly section, don't think that a belt will draw negative attention. A well worn belt can create an hour-glass figure, and give the impression of a narrower waist. Wide belts around the middle of the waist slims down your stomach, and if you can find one with a figure-eight shaped buckle, it also creates the illusion of a tighter tummy.
Short Torso- to create a longer leaner look, pick a belt that is the same color as your outfit. Adding another color cuts your torso in half, making it look even shorter. Monochromatic outfits are subtly slimming, especially around the stomach.
Hour-Glass or Rectangle Figure- a wide belt placed on the waist looks great on both an hour-glass figure or a rectangular shape. It will enhance your figure even more, and belted jackets or sweaters are all the rage right now.
Skinny Frame- a wide belt could look over powering on a small frame, so go for a thinner belt to keep your body proportionate. Thin belts create a classy look with well-fitted pants or a sleek blazer.
Four Ways to Wear Head Scarves
Although it's a little more of a Spring/Summer trend, I'm in love with head scarfs right now. On those days that your hair just won't cooperate with you, which are the majority of the time for myself, a head scarf is a quick and easy way to hide your unruly hair. I've shared a video with four cute and simple variations of how to put on a wrap, hopefully it helps! Luxy Hair has a ton of simple tutorials, so check out her YouTube channel if you're looking for some inspiration.
https://www.youtube.com/user/LuxyHair?feature=watch
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Mix and Match: 3 Simple Rules
With a little practice and some confidence, anyone can mix and match the right patterns. If it doesn't come as naturally to you, I've put together 3 simple rules to make it easier.
1.Coordinate one color- select different shades
To create a subtle look, while still being creative, select hues of at least one main color. It’s visually stimulating without being "too much."
2. Vary the size- keep one pattern smaller than the other to create a distinct difference.
One way to make sure that you don't look like you got dressed in the dark is to choose patterns that
complement each other- stripes and floral always mesh well, as well as strips with leopard or polka dots.
3. Accessorize- add a pop of color from smaller details to pull the outfit together.
A colored belt between two different pieces works really well to separate patterns, or colored shoes or a neutral purse pop against different mixtures.
PhotoCred: http://www.chasingdavies.com
1.Coordinate one color- select different shades
2. Vary the size- keep one pattern smaller than the other to create a distinct difference.
3. Accessorize- add a pop of color from smaller details to pull the outfit together.
A colored belt between two different pieces works really well to separate patterns, or colored shoes or a neutral purse pop against different mixtures.
PhotoCred: http://www.chasingdavies.com
Monday, November 4, 2013
Flattering Fashion
When it comes to body type, disregard your height and weight; focus on your shape. There are generally 5 different body types (which it's possible to be a mixture of one or more): pear, wedge, rectangle, apple, and hourglass. Determining your body shape helps you decide which styles to embrace, and which to avoid.
A well-known example of a pear shaped body is Kim Kardashian, if you're in the same boat, you want to focus on your upper half to minimize your lower half.
If you're like Audrina Patridge, and have a wedge shaped body, draw attention downward to your waist and hips where you're the most narrow.
Natalie Portman has a rectangle shaped body, so it's important to try and create curves that don't actually exist.
Apple-shaped bodies like Jennifer Hudson's, need to elongate the midsection to create a smaller looking waist.
If you have an hourglass body that looks anything like Beyonce's, then you're extremely blessed! Finding clothes that don't fit too loose or too tight is key to properly showing off all those curves.
A well-known example of a pear shaped body is Kim Kardashian, if you're in the same boat, you want to focus on your upper half to minimize your lower half.
- Avoid cargo pants or print skirts that draw attention to the hips.
- Try a-line skirts, to camouflage wider hips.
- Balance the hips with wide hems in pants and skirts.
- Contrast light colored tops with dark, slimming bottoms.
- Show off your arms and even out proportions with strapless tops.
If you're like Audrina Patridge, and have a wedge shaped body, draw attention downward to your waist and hips where you're the most narrow.
- Bright colors on bottom.
- Wide-leg pants or full skirts.
- Avoid spaghetti strap tops.
- Experiment with high-waisted styles.
- Look for clothes that accentuate your waist.
Natalie Portman has a rectangle shaped body, so it's important to try and create curves that don't actually exist.
- Create a lean look with long jackets.
- Details like ruffles and collars flatter the chest area.
- Wear layers to create more dimensions.
- Dresses with ruching or cinches on the side are ideal.
Apple-shaped bodies like Jennifer Hudson's, need to elongate the midsection to create a smaller looking waist.
- Monochromatic pieces
- V-neck tops to make the torso look longer.
- Belts at the smallest part of the waist.
- Empire tops and dresses conceal a larger tummy area.
- Boot cut or flared jeans create and even line from the waist down.
If you have an hourglass body that looks anything like Beyonce's, then you're extremely blessed! Finding clothes that don't fit too loose or too tight is key to properly showing off all those curves.
- Fitted dresses to accentuate your shape, nothing baggy.
- Wearing a belt at the waist can accentuate your shape.
- Wrap dresses give your curves a natural flow.
- High waisted skirts and shorts show off your hips while making your waist look thin.
PhotoCred: http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/826747/dressing-for-your-body-type
Boots on a Budget
Well-made boots at an affordable price may sound too good to be true, but sites like Zappos.com and stores like Designer Shoe Warehouse actually have trendy boots on a budget.
These Pink & Pepper combat boots can be found on Zappos.com for less than $50. If that isn't pleasing enough to your pocketbook, Charlotte Russe has a huge selection of boots, starting at only $20. Although they won't be as sturdy as a designer pair of shoes, they're perfect for those chilly occasions that need a stylish kick.
PhotoCred: Zappos.com
These Pink & Pepper combat boots can be found on Zappos.com for less than $50. If that isn't pleasing enough to your pocketbook, Charlotte Russe has a huge selection of boots, starting at only $20. Although they won't be as sturdy as a designer pair of shoes, they're perfect for those chilly occasions that need a stylish kick.
PhotoCred: charlotterusse.com
Designer Look-a-Likes for Less
Marni Leather Pouch Shoulder Bag: $1,555.00
PhotoCred: allwomenstalk.com
Forever 21 Glitter Canvas Tote: $27.80
PhotoCred: forever21.com
A hobo bag is a cute and convenient choice. This look-a-like saves you enough money to almost go to college for a semester!
Roberto Cavalli Swarovski Frog Earrings: $625.00
PhotoCred: allwomenstalk.com
Forever 21 Flashy Frog Earrings: $4.80
PhotoCred: forever21.com
Why spend a whole rent payment on a pair of earrings that will most likely be covered by your hair 95% of the time, when you can get them for five bucks?
Forever 21 Lace Yoke Sequin Crochet Tank: $17.80
PhotoCred: forever21.com
Stella McCartney Sequined Crochet Top: $595.00
PhotoCred: allwomenstalk.com
I’m a big fan of anything Stella, but my bank account disagrees. The top from Forever 21 is a little more flashy, but either would be cute with a bright pair of skinnies and some boots.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
WANELO: Want. Need. Love.
Online shopping is one of my most addicting habits. Hours of “study time” have been put off thanks to my favorite app, WANELO. It’s free and simple to use with a bunch of neat features that allow you to find just about anything you think you might need. There’s a constant “trending” news feed, with options to either buy or save your favorite products. Holidays are coming up, so it’s a great place to either make your own wish list or find gifts for all of your loved ones.
Homemade Halloween Costumes
Photo Cred: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/388505905324737742/
Minnie Mouse: High-waisted skirts and skater dresses are all the rage this year, so scour the racks for something red. You can use a stencil and white fabric paint to make white polka dots. Pair your outfit with white gloves and big round ears to create the finishing touch.
Cave Woman: This was actually one of my costumes last year, which I put together for about fifteen dollars. I went to JoAnn’s craft store to find some leopard print fabric, which I cut into two large triangle strips and tied them around myself like a tube top and skirt. The more distressed the better, so I cut and ripped the edges to look worn. I found some cool wooden beads that I made necklaces and bracelets out of, and to top it off, a big chunky “club” out of my back yard.
Photo Cred: http://www.family.go.com
Tiger: Hobby Lobby will be your one stop shop for transforming yourself into a frisky feline. Find an orange t-shirt and some black or orange shorts. Use black fabric paint to draw your stripes, and don’t forget to paint on your whiskers (you can use eyeliner if you don‘t want to buy face paint). Pair it with some orange ears and you’re good to go.
Recent Discovery!
Photo Cred: http://www.commercialobserver.com
About a week ago, I was on a mission to find some red skinny jeans. As I walked into the Oak Park Mall, I headed straight to Forever 21. Much to my surprise, there was a brand new H&M right below it. Both stores are very similar, with an endless amount of trendy clothes for the cheapest prices, but H&M takes the cake. They’re a little more organized, as any shopper would know, Forever 21 can be a bit overwhelming. Lucky for me, their color coded sections led me right to the perfect pair of red pants. For those of you looking for cute winter wear, I suggest taking a trip to Oak Park. H&M has tons of sweaters for less than thirty bucks, which is a steal compared to any department store.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Film Inspired Fashion
There are a handful of movies that have inspired many great fashionistas, but Pretty in Pink, Dazed and Confused, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s are a few of my favorite classics.
Pretty in Pink
Andie wears soft floral patterns and silly hats, which shows her fun girly side. Her prom dress might have been the best choice, but we all make mistakes.
Dazed and Confused
The senior girls of Lee High School have the high-waisted denim down to an art. Milla Jovovich's character sported a trendy fringed vest that would fit right in with today’s bohemian style.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn is a known style icon for a reason, which the Givenchy black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany‘s had much to do with. Holly Golightly is a timeless beauty that every woman dreams to be.
Photo Cred: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/08/08/best-fashion-movies_n_1753270.html
Pretty in Pink
Andie wears soft floral patterns and silly hats, which shows her fun girly side. Her prom dress might have been the best choice, but we all make mistakes.
Dazed and Confused
The senior girls of Lee High School have the high-waisted denim down to an art. Milla Jovovich's character sported a trendy fringed vest that would fit right in with today’s bohemian style.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn is a known style icon for a reason, which the Givenchy black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany‘s had much to do with. Holly Golightly is a timeless beauty that every woman dreams to be.
Photo Cred: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/08/08/best-fashion-movies_n_1753270.html
Functional Fashion
Looking good when you hit the town is important and all, but what about when you hit the gym? You have to keep your body in check to look good in all of your new outfits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable doing it! Get rid of the big baggy shorts, and find the perfect pair of yogas. Working at an athletic apparel store for a few years has made me quite partial to Nike, but if you’re not looking for that type of price tag, stores like Gordmans and TJ Maxx all carry identical pieces for much lower prices.
I suggest keeping your bright colors on the top half. Plain loose tank tops are a fun and comfy way to show off a bold patterned sports bra without accentuating your tummy area that always seems to need more work.
If you already have that solid six pack, rock a bold racer back tank. There are an endless amount of patterns and colors to choose from, but black is also a flattering choice if you don’t think you’re completely ready to show it all off.
No matter the season, you won’t regret splurging on the right pair of yoga pants. The most versatile choice would be a pair of long capris; which you can wear with a tank top in the heat or under a pair of wool socks and boots in the cold. Black is always the easiest to wear; it generally matches everything and it’s very slimming, but there are a lot of fun patterns to choose from if you have the confidence.
Photo Cred: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/dri-fit-touch-breeze-running-tank-top/pid-724285/pgid-771655
I suggest keeping your bright colors on the top half. Plain loose tank tops are a fun and comfy way to show off a bold patterned sports bra without accentuating your tummy area that always seems to need more work.
If you already have that solid six pack, rock a bold racer back tank. There are an endless amount of patterns and colors to choose from, but black is also a flattering choice if you don’t think you’re completely ready to show it all off.
No matter the season, you won’t regret splurging on the right pair of yoga pants. The most versatile choice would be a pair of long capris; which you can wear with a tank top in the heat or under a pair of wool socks and boots in the cold. Black is always the easiest to wear; it generally matches everything and it’s very slimming, but there are a lot of fun patterns to choose from if you have the confidence.
Photo Cred: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/dri-fit-touch-breeze-running-tank-top/pid-724285/pgid-771655
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