Trend Tuesday – The Mullet

Mullets are back!

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I am not talking about the glorious hairstyle of the 80’s but of the hi-low trend. 

Hi-Low trends have rocked the red carpet and runways and are a fun way to show off your legs.  The hi-low trend can be worn by all shapes and sizes.

If you are petite, this trend can show off your legs and elongate your body.  If you are petite, I would wear either a hi-low skirt or dress with a pair of heels to show off your stunning legs.

Chiffon Pink Skirt - $50; Bocca Tank - $25, With Love Neon Necklace - $11, Strappy Caged Heels - $26, Sleeveless Hi-Low Dress - $50, Nude Strappy Heels - $50, Nude Clutch - $37

If you are tall, the trend will help your legs look even longer.  I don’t own a hi-low item but I have my eyes on this gorgeous number!

Apt. 9 Embellished Hi-Low Dress - $27, Silver Plaited Strap Platform - $41, Silver Glitter Box Clutch - $43

If you have curves, the hi-low trend can definitely work on you too.  For a curvy figure, I would select color block dresses to help show off your shape.

Color Block Dress - $33, Beige Platform Cork Wedges - $26, Gold Earrings - $11, Purple Slubby Viscose Tee - $17, Mint Hi-Low Hem Wrap Skirt - $23, Saphia Flats - $35

Will you be wearing the mullet trend?

Trend Tuesday - Neon

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According to runway shows, fashion magazine, and fashion bloggers neon is a huge spring trend right now.  When I think of neon, I think of me as a young girl wearing my absolute favorite outfit - a neon floral top with neon pink leggings.  I have photos somewhere to prove it. 

This years trend is not your typical 80s get up and there are ways to wear this trend without looking like you stepped out of the 80s. 

One way to embrace neon is by using a small amount of neon.  For instance you can wear sunglasses with neon details or a necklace with some neon in it.  

Another way to wear neon is to go pair neon with a neutral color (remember the Bloggers Do It Better Challenge?) If you pair a bright color with a neutral it will contrast the bright look.

You can also embrace neon with going the full route like adding one piece of neon.  Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen rocked a neon yellow blazer in a great way.  So you could add a great neon blazer to your wardrobe or a bright neon skirt.  

Will you be wearing neon this spring?


Today is the last day to enter Week 3 of my Blog Anniversary Giveaway!  Click here to enter!

Ideas for What to Wear to Summer Weddings

The summer wedding season nears.  Long summer dresses, khakis, slacks and even short cutoff dresses will keep you cool during the heat.  Bright colors, dark hues and even some lurid mixtures might mesh well with the environment.  No matter what you decide to don, some outfits may seem more appropriate for a summer wedding. Jackets, well-covered dresses and some long-sleeved shirts may not be the best choices, especially in temperatures above the 90s. 

Women have a few more options available to them, but fear not men, you have plenty of different color choices and options to sport to a wedding.  You may even consider attending online classes in fashion to get ideas for what to wear; and here are a few pointers to get you started.  Ready your dress shoes. Prepare to purchase a new dress, and get ready to dance the night away. 

Women 

Women have a gamut of different options available to them, from the long summer dress to the A-line short dress.  Whether you feel more comfortable in a long summer dress or an A-line dress, these fashionable attires make for a presentable outfit to show off your curves or cover up.

Most women aim for simple patterns, while others tend to prefer bright yellows, oranges and reds to stand out.  No matter which color or style you choose, plenty of options are available.  With plenty of dress options to pick from, some women may enjoy ballet-inspired outfits, A-line, sleeveless drape, strapless or even party dress work well for ladies.  Try to choose a dress that will flatter your body type. For example, strapless may draw attention to your bust, while a party dress pay focus attention on your hips and bust.

Pumps, stilettos and wedges all can work well with short dresses, while women wearing long summer dresses can do fine with just flats.  Try to avoid pants, even if they are slacks. Aim for skirts, blouses or dresses, but no pants.

As for headgear, you can always wear a pretty summer hat with your A-line dress.  Bows and even flowers can also coordinate well with your summer dress.  You have plenty of options available to you.

Men 

Men, you may not have a gamut of different dress styles to pick from, but fear not, you have a bevy of options open to you.  From the slacks to khakis, you can look fashionable with little prep time.  Most men tend to don slacks and sport a decent dress shirt – military, standard or even short sleeves.

If you do wear a dress shirt, don’t be afraid to roll the cuffs up and let your arms breath.  You can wear a tie if you want or opt to go a bit more relaxed with slacks, military shirt and no tie.  As for men wanting to wear khakis, a short-sleeved shirt tends to work best, especially to combat that scorching heat.  If you can stand the heat, you can always wear a long-sleeved collared shirt.

As for any headgear, avoid sporting any hats.  Women can pull off the wearing a hat; however, gentlemen shouldn’t try, with one exception:  Top hats.  Even then, exercise some caution and avoid any lurid colors.

Sources

“Lucky” (2012)

 “Elle” (2012)

Trend Tuesday – Peplum

Right now I am sure you know what peplum is but to be clear peplum is a short, gathered, slightly flared strip of fabric attached at the waist of a blouse, jacket, skirt, or dress. 

Peplum is huge this spring but you may be worried on how to wear it for your body type.  When I first saw the trend, I thought great something to make my hips and legs look larger.  Not for me, but the more I read about the trend the more I knew it could work on any body type. 

When wearing peplum, you want to place the extra fabric in an area to give you the ideal body shape (the hourglass body). 

If you have hips or are pear-shaped you will want to select a top instead of a skirt so that you aren’t adding more fabric to your hips.  One of my favorite looks is this one created by Kimberly from Penny Pincher Fashion.  I have created a peplum look where each item is $50.

G21 Cat Print Peplum Top - $10, Jane Norman Ponte Pencil Skirt - $48, Lilac Textured Peplum Top - $46, Slim Jeans - $24, Pink Peplum Top - $48, Black Ponte Pencil Skirt - $28

If you are a rectangle shape (i.e. straight up and down) add a peplum skirt to create curves or that hourglass body.

Peplum Mini - $36, Red Slash Neck Top - $9, Peplum Skirt - $50, Old Navy Polka Dot Top - $12, Peplum Skirt Purple - $49, Purple Scoop Back Top - $19

Would you wear this trend?

Trend Tuesday – Pastels

One of the biggest trends this spring is pastels. Pastels have been seen on the runway and bloggers too. When I think of pastels, I think of delicious ice cream and marshmallows but I don’t want to look like either. When wearing pastels, I recommend trying a neutral blazer or a top. Here are some of my favorite pastel items and of course on a budget.

Mint Scoop Neck Belted Cardigan - $42, Mint Green Shift Dress - $27, Carin Skirt - $47, Mint Green Amelia Super Skinny Jeans - $47, Asos Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch - $27

Today is the last day to enter my Hanes giveaway!  Hope that you will check it out!

Valentine’s Day Idea

Since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow I thought I would share some great gift ideas for the day.  I decided to stick with items that were pink, red, or heart shaped and under $50.

Kelly & Katie Woven Envelope Clutch - $30, Lulu Townsend Flower Ring Pleated Box Clutch - $25, H&M Ballet Pumps - $13, Platform Heel - $24, Hearts Pleated Min Skirt - $28, Gray Heart Print Cardigan - $49

7-Day Cruise – What I Packed

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Last week, I enjoyed the sunshine and fun of my 7-Day Cruise.  I plan on sharing photos and outfits from the trip, but I am still working on editing photos.  So I thought I would share what I packed.

I am a list maker, so I always make a list of what I am going to pack, because I don’t want to forget something.  I am also an over packer, so I was a bit worried when I learned that my mom and aunts were driving a small car.  A small car equals a small trunk so I was limited on space and luggage size.  So I tried to limit my shoes and other items.  Since dinner was formal several evenings, I wanted a dress for each night.

What I Packed:

            Clothing:

      -  Black V-Neck Dress from Ann Taylor Loft

            -Black Maxi Skirt from Kohl’s

            -Red Tank

            -Black and White Print Dress from Ann Taylor

            -Print Skirt from Forever 21

            -Teal Tank Top from Target

            -Black Jersey Dress from Ann Taylor

            -Red Denim Capris from Kohl’s

            -Black Tank Top from Target

            -DVF Dress from eBay

            -Teal Sun Dress from Macy’s

            -Black Lace Dress from Macy’s

            -Orange Zip Dress from Target

            -Cobalt Blue Calvin Klein Dress from T.J. Maxx

            -Black Dress Pants from Kohl’s

            -Grey Sequin Top from Sears

            -Beach Coverup

            -2 Swimsuits

            -Grey Dress from Dillards

            -White Tank from Target

            -Blue and White Print Dress from J.Crew Outlet

            -Khaki Carpis from Stein Mart

            -Navy Tank Top from Loft

            Shoes:

            -Black Cole Haan Pumps

            -Black Cole Haan Flip Flops

            -Brown Boat Shoes from Macy’s

            -Black Flats from Bass Outlet

            Jewelry:

            -Black Weave Bracelet from Charming Charlie

            -Black Baublebar Earrings

            -Black Diamond Earrings

            -Silver Tiffany & Co Bracelet

            -Silver Ring

            -Michael Kors Two Tone Watch

            -Gold Stud Earrings from Kohl’s

            -Gold U-Cuff Bracelet from Baublebar

            -Red Bead Necklace from Forever 21

            -Garden Party Earrings from Stella & Dot

            -Coral Ring from Pree Brulee

            -Blue Sapphire Earrings

            -Blue Sapphire Ring

            -Grey Baublebar Necklace

           

            Handbags:

            -Snakeskin Clutch from Charming Charlie

            -Black Crossbody Bag from Target

            -Black Handmade Clutch

            -Brown Crossbody Bag from Target

            -Gold Sequin Handmade Clutch

            -Teal Clutch from Downtown Diva’s Jacksonville

            Other Accessories:

            -Black Stretch Belt

            -Black Skinny Belt

            Other Items:

            -Sunscreen

            -Bug Spray

            -Medicine

            -Earplugs

            -Makeup

            -Shampoo/Conditioner

            -Straightening Hair Gel

            -Curl Gel

            -Hairdryer

            -Straightener

Tip Tuesday – Gifts Under $50

With the holidays approaching, we are always busy trying to find the perfect gifts.  I have found some great gifts for under $25.  But I thought I would share some great gifts under $50.

Love Knot Earrings from Mary & Dyer - $15.00

Petite Ribbon and Pearl Pleated Bib Necklace - $32.00

Clara Clutch Gold from Shop Suey Boutique - $38.00

Black and White Flower Clutch Handbag - $45.00

Tangerine Ostrich Leather Handbag - $50.00

Celebrity Sunday – Kelly Osborne

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I love that Kelly Osborne has become so fashionable.  I remember the days when she didn’t look very good, but today she is definitely a stunner.  I love her lace LBD, black tights, and black heels.  So here is my look for less.

Black Lace Tunic - $32

Black Lace Mini Skirt  - $46

Black Tights - $6

Black Carlie Suede Court Shoe  - $17

Look Total Cost = $101

Tip Tuesday – Black Friday Shopping

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I love Black Friday shopping.  I have been doing it for years.  I really think it is one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving.  This year I will be missing out on Black Friday shopping since I will be out to sea, but I thought I would share with you some of my Black Friday tips.

Purchase a Thanksgiving Day Newspaper

If you do not have a newspaper subscription, I recommend purchasing a Thanksgiving Day paper (if your paper doesn’t publish on Thanksgiving purchase a Wednesday paper).  After purchasing the paper, separate your ads and go through every ad folding down the page of what you want to purchase.

Make A Plan

After you have decided what you want to purchase, make a plan.  I always rank the order of my deals to determine where I will be when the stores open.  If you want a big target item (like an Xbox on major clearance) go to that store first because there are limited quantities.  If you have several items in a store you want, rank the order of those items and know the layout of your store.  Black Friday shopping is always crazy so you need to have a plan.

If you are going to another store after your first, pay for your items quickly and head to the next store.  If you take your time, you may miss out.

Always Check Online

Most stores have the same or similar deals online (sometimes even better).  If you don’t want to deal with the crowds then I recommend waking up early and doing your shopping online.

These are just a few tips for Black Friday shopping.

Will you be shopping Friday?

Celebrity Sunday – Emmy Rossum

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I really love this look from Emmy Rossum.  The look is casual but still edgy. 

Full Tilt Hachi Women’s Sweater - $23

Faux Leather Mini Skirt - $35

Lace Up Boots - $41

Crossbody Handbag - $15

Total Look Costs:  $114

Tip Tuesday – Gifts Under $25 Part Two

With the holidays approaching, I thought I would share some more great gifts for under $25.  These gifts would be perfect for friends or even stocking stuffers.

Wire Love & Friendship - Engagement Ring - Braided Silver - $12

Initial Custom Necklace Gold Small, Personalized Jewelry - $20.50

Pacific Blue Earrings - Simple Modern Gemstone Jewelry - $20

Black and White Chevron Clutch - $25

Messenger Clutch Bag with Golden Clasp - $9.90

Celebrity Sunday - Nicole Richie

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I always notice that celebrities look great pretty much all the time probably because the camera is on them 24/7.  This gym look from Nicole Richie is no exception.  This look is great for the gym, but would also be great for a casual lunch meeting or running errands. Here is my take on Richie’s look:

Black Leggings - $25

Black Tank - $12

Stud Moto Jacket - $44

Black Cat Eye Sunglasses - $12

Red Tote - $22

Total Look Cost:  $115


This look is a more expensive than my typical workout look, but the Stud Moto Jacket could be wore with many different looks.

Would you wear this look to the gym?

Savings Saturday – Alexander McQueen Leopard Skull Clutch

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I love this Alexander McQueen Leopard Skull Clutch.  The clutch is such a fun accessory that costs $1,450.  This clutch is definitely not in my budget so I tried to find similar ones for less.

The first clutch costs $15.  The clutch has the same shape, but not the same rich colors as the McQueen clutch.

The second clutch is the most like the McQueen clutch.  The clutch has the same shape and same leopard print color.  This clutch is missing the iconic McQueen skull, but costs only $30.

The last clutch has the same shape as the McQueen clutch and I really like the details of the clasp.  This clutch costs $22.

These clutches for less are similar to the McQueen clutch and have you save a lot of money. 

Tailgate Thursday – Miami and Florida State

This week’s tailgate Thursday is my favorite game of the season – the University of Miami and Florida State University.  I graduated from the “U” so this is my rivalry game and I want to make sure I have great looks for my team.  The Canes’ colors are green and orange.  These are not my favorite colors, but I definitely want to look great while cheering on my team.

Set One

Set Two

FSU's colors are garnet, white and gold.  These colors are definitely fun for tailgating although I will never cheer for the Seminoles. 

Set Three

Set Four 

Go C-A-N-E-S!!

Tip Tuesday – Packing

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I know packing isn’t really fashion related but right now my life is consumed with packing.  J and I are moving to Dallas in 34 days so everything is packing related.  I thought I would share my tips for packing.

Make sure you have a lot of boxes.  Whether you are buying boxes or getting boxes from a store for free make sure you have plenty of boxes.  When you think you have enough get a few more because you will need them.  Every time I think I have enough boxes, I am wrong.  I have gone through so many boxes that I have lost count.  If you think you will be able to get free boxes from a store like Target, Walmart, or Kmart you are wrong.  These stores place their boxes in a compactor and the boxes are no more.  If you want free boxes, I recommend hitting up your local liquor store.  These stores keep their boxes and they are sturdy.

Another tip is to wrap your glass items.  This seems pretty basic, but I have seen people move without wrapping their glass items.  I use bubble wrap for important items, but I also use items that I have in my house to secure glassware.  You can wrap glass items in towels or blankets.  This helps these items get packed, but also helps to secure your precious items.

I use rubber totes for really important items.  For instance, I have a quilt that was made from my great grandmother.  I do not want anything to happen to the quilt so I placed it in a rubber tote.  The tote will help keep liquids out and will make sure the quilt makes it to Dallas in once piece.  My handbags will also go in totes because I do not want them to get scratched in boxes. 

These are just a few tips for packing.

Do you have any packing tips?

Celebrity Sunday - Carrie Underwood

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Carrie Underwood is one of those celebrities that look good on or off the red carpet.  She has that all American style but can bring an edge to the red carpet.  I really like Carrie’s look in the blazer, sequin shorts, and sparkly blouse. 

Black Blazer - $23

Sequin Tank - $40

Black Sequin Shorts - $13

Black Lace Booties - $23

Total Look Costs:  $99

Tailgate Thursday – Underdogs

In sports, I always cheer for the underdog.  I love seeing the smaller schools win and be successful.  In football there are always underdogs, so I thought I would dedicate this Tailgate Thursday to these underappreciated teams. 

The first underdog team is Boise State.  I know Boise State is ranked 4^th in the BCS Poll, but they are still an underdog.  The team knows how to win and has done so for an extended period of time.  But I am sure Boise State will not play for a national championship even if they remain undefeated thus they are an underdog.  Boise State plays on a blue field (how cool is that?) and their colors are dark blue and orange.  These are definitely some fun colors for tailgating.

Set Details 

Set Details

Texas Christian University (TCU) is another underdog.  TCU has played in BCS bowl games but not the national championship.  Although the team is not as good as last years team that defeated Wisconsin, TCU is still a great team and definitely an underdog.  TCU’s colors are purple and white. 

Set Details

Set Details

Do you cheer for the underdogs?

Tip Tuesday – Gifts Under $25

Do you ever have a birthday or holiday come and not know what to get someone?  I always like buying gifts and am always on the hunt for the best idea.  One gift idea is by doing themes.  I love them ideas because they can come together easily for a fraction of the cost. 

One theme idea is doing a movie night theme.  You could purchase a movie, bucket of popcorn, and two drinks.  This is an easy idea and would be great for a holiday or birthday.

Other ideas are finding a fun gift for $25.  I have selected some of my favorite under $25 items that could work as gifts.

One option would be a great clutch.  Right now, I love the clutches from Curly in the City.  These clutches are of high quality faux leather and would look great.  This Gold Sequin Clutch would be great for holiday parties and only costs $14.00.

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I have also found a great satchel from Mimi Boutique for only $20.

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Another great option is fun jewelry.  I always love finding handmade jewelry on etsy.  Some of my current favorites are the leather and chain fringe earrings from SmartNSnazzy only $13.00.

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I also love the woven bracelets from Tara Lane Designs.  The Leather & Chain Bracelet is only $15.00.  

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I also love this Back for a Blast Necklace and Earring set from Anika Burke.  The necklace is the low price of $17.95.

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These are just a few great items I found for under $25.00.

Celebrity Sunday – Hailee Steinfeld

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For a young actress, Hailee Steinfeld definitely knows how to dress.  She always looks put together and this look is no exception.  Hailee is wearing a gorgeous black cape dress, leopard, and copper clutch.  I knew when I saw this look it had to be recreated for less.

Cape Dress - $47.50

Print Leopard Boots - $30.00

High Polish Shell Clutch - $20.00

Total Look Cost:  $97.50