All Burgundy Everything

This seasons hottest color is this deep red, oxblood, burgundy. 

And I absolutely love it!

During the Fall/Winter season, I tend to gravitate towards darker colors.  

And when I say darker colors, I mean black.

This is a great alternative to black because it's dark and versatile, yet not black.

Here are some burgundy pieces I want in my closet!

Shop! 

Corduroy Pants, Flats, Blazer, Nail Polish, Sweater, Fur Vest, Bag, Heels

How do you feel about burgundy?

xoxo

Top 5 Fall 2012 Make-Up Trends

{all photos via Harpers Bazaar}

I love makeup.  There is something about putting on a fresh face every morning that makes me feel so good.  My everyday routine is super simple.  Just some foundation, a little blush, a bit of eyeliner, and a swipe of mascara.  But there is something really fun about experimenting with different colors and different styles.  I keep up with makeup trends, however rarely do I venture out of my regular routine.  So today I wanted to share this seasons hottest makeup trends that I kind of want to try!

1. Deep Red Lips - I can't wait to try a red lip!  Red lipstick is super intimidating and super dramatic, however I think a red gloss would be more wearable and perfect for a night out!

a. Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Brandi

b. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Glossy Stain in 2 Brun Glace
c. Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below 

2. Brown Smokey Eye - I think this is way more wearable and probably easier to apply than a black smokey eye.  I really love neutral eye shadows and can't wait to try this!

a. Urban Decay Naked Palette 2 
b. Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection

3. Cat Eye Eyeliner - This looks really hard to do, but I think this would be really fun for a night out!

a. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black
b. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink 

4. Defined Eyebrows - Eyebrows are those things that are personal and different for each person.  But this season it's all about those thick, natural brows.

a. Benefit Brow Zings 
b. Anastasia Brow Gel

5. Fresh Flawless Finish - What girl doesn't want a flawless complexion?  A flawless finish can be attained with some primer, a little concealer or foundation, and some highlighter.  

a. Bare Minerals Bare Vitamins Prime Time
b. Benefit How to Look The Best At Everything
c. Benefit Watt's Up!

xoxo

Target x Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection 2012

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

So this past weekend I did a little shopping and while walking through the store, I noticed the large amounts of holiday themed merchandise already out on the floors!

It's crazy since it isn't even Halloween yet, let alone Thanksgiving!

I love Christmas though so I don't really mind.  December is my favorite month of the year without a doubt.  It's just such a happy month between holiday shopping, my birthday, and family gatherings!  

Anyway, as many of you probably already know, Target teamed up with the eminent department store, Neiman Marcus, to create a holiday collection being released December 1st.  Tons of well-known designers are participating in this. For example, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, and Diane von Furstenburg are just a few of the established brands.

If you haven't been to Target/tried shopping online when they come out with one of their capsule collections, let me sum it up in one word for you.

Chaos.
Absolute chaos.

I've only gone to the Target closest me, so I can only speak for the people who go there but literally, people act like animals.

Yesterday Target released the look book - to check out the full book click here!

Here are some of the items I'm eyeing - not only for myself but as gifts for friends and family!

Alice and Olivia Luggage $179.99

Brian Atwood Leather Gloves $49.99

Diane von Furstenburg Jewelry Box $49.99

Tory Burch Thermal Drink Container $24.99

So if you are brave enough to face the crazy Target shoppers, make sure to get there early and defiantly wear your running shoes and something comfortable!

xoxo

Back to School Essentials

Happy Friday (almost Saturday)!

Shop!

Cardigan - Old Navy

Flats - Tory Burch

Tee - Forever 21

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Jeans - J.Brand

Scarf - Old Navy

Light Weight Cardigan - I usually wear a cardigan in the morning when it's still chilly outside and throughout the day. But by 3 o'clock, it's usually much warmer out.  A light cardigan is the perfect for keeping warm in the morning, then removing when the temperature raises.

Sturdy Book Bag - I love my nylon MbMJ tote bag because it's easy to clean and fits all my notebooks and everything else I need for school.  Plus having a bag in a neutral color ensures that it won't clash with anything!

Basic Flats - A comfortable pair of basic black flats are an essential in everyones closet! They are perfect to just throw on in the morning and go with anything. 

White Tee - Another basic, it can be worn with virtually anything.

Dark Wash Denim - Finding the perfect pair of denim can be really difficult.  I've really been loving J.Brand jeans - especially their jeggings!  One pair of jeans that you really love is all you need.

Scarf - Lastly, a scarf can completely change an outfit.  They can add color, texture, dimension to any ensemble.  

What are your back to school essentials?

xoxo

Sparkle

Sequins and glitter have always been something that I've gravitated towards ever since I could remember.    I mean what girly-girl doesn't love some sparkle?

I've recently scored these Steve Madden flats at Nordstrom during the anniversary sale for about 40% off! 

My friends always ask me how I could wear such sparkly shoes.  I do have to admit, I own a few (okay more then a few) pairs of glittery shoes.  From sneakers to heels, I just love the effect a sparkly shoe can add to an outfit!

I don't think sparkly shoes are that hard to wear, especially in a subtle color like black.

The key is to wear them with a solid, simple outfit.

But for those of you who are a little hesitant, here a few fall outfits (because there are literally like three more weeks before summer ends ) I would wear with sparkly shoes!

Outfit 1 - This outfit is super simple and can be worn as casual during the day and dressed up at night.  Black and white is a timeless pairing.

Shop!

Top - Necessary Clothing

Necklace - Bauble Bar

Bottoms - Forever 21

Shoes - Nordstrom

Outfit 2 - This outfit is perfect for a night out!  I love how the super fun wedges look with a more structured blazer.  And the color of these pants are beautiful - jewel tones are really in for fall!

Shop!

Jacket - Zara

Top - Banana Republic

Bottoms - J.Crew

Shoes - Saks Fifth Avenue

Outfit 3 - This outfit is extremely casual and perfect for those days when you don't really feel like dressing up.  It's also really comfy - jeggings and a cable knit sweater paired with a large scarf.  If I had $500 to splurge on sneakers, I would buy these Jimmy Choo high tops in a heartbeat.  

Shop!

Top - 6pm.com

Scarf - Zappos.com

Bottoms - Bloomingdales

Shoes - Net-A-Porter

Outfit 4 - Lastly, I don't really wear boat shoes in the fall/winter.  However I feel that these sparkly Sperry's can be an exception.  I love how these silver glitter shoes go with the cranberry chords and oversized gray sweater.

Shop!

Top - Bluefly.com

Bottoms - J.Crew

Shoes - Lord & Taylor

How do you feel about glittery shoes?

xoxo

End of Summer To-Do List

I can't believe how quickly the end of summer is approaching!  With only four weeks (exactly!) left of summer, I'm literally freaking out.  I'm extremely anxious about starting my junior year of high school.  Trying to ease my anxiety about starting school, I want to make sure that I fill the rest of what's left of summer with fun and exciting things to do!  I made a list of all the things I need to do before school starts and my life ends.

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1. Go to the beach a few more times! 

Working on a sun-kissed glow for picture day!

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2. Do a little back to school shopping at the best boutiques in SoHo.

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3. Volunteer more!

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4. Run a 5k!

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5. Have a backyard camp fire {with s'mores of course!} and catch up with good friends before the craziness starts.

What do you want to accomplish before summer ends?

xoxo

Kate Middleton's Gold Metal Worthy Olympic Looks

Kate Middleton has become a huge style icon since her marriage to Prince William.  She always seems to look effortlessly chic and put-together.

I have particularly been loving her looks for the Olympics these past few days.  She pulls off both sophisticated and casual wear so well.  

Oh the things I would do to be a princess. 

Here are a few of my favorite outfits that she has worn this past week!

Thursday July 26th

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I love how simple and casual this outfit is.  Kate wore a white collared Adidas polo with cobalt blue Zara jeans and Stuart Weitzman cork wedges.  A perfect way to start the Olympic games!

Friday July 27th

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Kate wore a Christopher Kane coatdress for the opening ceremony and to the Buckingham Palace reception.  I love how she can go from jeans and a tee to looking like a Princess!

Monday July 30th

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Kate joined the royal family to watch Zara Phillips, the Queen's granddaughter, in the equestrian cross country event.  My favorite part of her outfit are her Stuart Weitzman cork wedges - they are adorable!  She was seen wearing these at the Torch Relay event on Friday as well. 

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Kate wore this grey Roksanda Illinic dress in attendance to the U.K.'s Creative Industries Reception.  The one thing I love about Kate is that she isn't afraid to wear the same thing twice.  She wore this dress last summer when she visited the US!

What do you think of Kate's Olympic games style?

xoxo

Beach Reads 2012

  I hope everyone had a great holiday!  I spent my Fourth with family just relaxing and BBQing at home.  There is nothing better than nice weather and nice company for a holiday.
  Anyway, today I wanted to share my favorite books to read during the summer.  I always, always have at least three books plus magazines in my beach bag.  I am a huge reader!  During the summer I gravitate more towards quick reads.  I have a Kindle and I swear, use it everyday.  I'm always purchasing more books on it.
  So if you are looking for some book recommendations, here are mine!

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad

The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

The Hills used to be my absolute favorite show on TV (I have every season on DVD!) and Lauren Conrad was definitely my favorite.  Her books are about two friends who are casted on a reality TV show that takes place in LA - sound familiar?  They are a fun, quick read - perfect for the beach.  I read the first three and can't wait to read The Fame Game.

Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

Summer at Tiffany is probably my favorite book.  It's a memoir about two women, Marjorie and Marty who work at Tiffany in Manhattan for the Summer in 1945.  The story is just really touching.  I also really love learning about how New York City was years ago.  I read this book again every summer.

Pretty Little Liars  by Sara Shepard 

I started reading this series in the seventh grade - three years ago.  From then I've read every single one.  They are just the kind of book that you can't put down.  I also love love love the TV show on ABC Family.  They are another quick, easy read that are perfect for summer.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Lastly, if you haven't read The Hunger Games trilogy yet, then you have to this summer! The first book starts out really slow, but it gets really good - to the point that you can't put it down!
Plus...
My Summer Reading List!
Here are just a few books I plan on reading this summer!
- The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad
   Her first three novels were good, hopefully this one will be too!
- Most Talkative by Andy Cohen
    I love Andy Cohen - he is absolutely hilarious!  I heard this is a "laugh out loud" kind     of book and I'm really excited to read it!
- White Girl Problems by Babe Walker
     Heard this was an absolute must read.  I have really high hopes for this one!

Summer Essentials

I took my last final today and am so excited about the start of summer! It feels beyond crazy to be done with my sophomore year of high school.  I'm looking forward to spending this summer with friends and family and just really taking some time to relax after this stressful year.  

There are a few things I turn to every summer aka my summer essentials.  These are the few things I use and wear constantly during the warm months! 

Shop!

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

1.  It's so important to stay hydrated in the summer!  Having a cute tumbler to put water in helps remind me to drink enough water every day.

2.  I absolutely love J.Crew 'Chino Shorts'!  They are super comfortable and come in just about every color one could want.

3.  A chic pair of sunglasses is completely necessary to protect your eyes as well as add as a perfect accessory to your outfit!  I love the mix of colors in the pair above.

4.  I love wearing bright nail polishes in the summer.  This coral-red color is super fun and flirty!

5.  I love using straw tote bags during the summer to put all my stuff in.  The stripes on this one make it super unique.

6.  Last but not least, a pair of sandals are key to any summer outfit.  I always turn to Sam Edelman for a pair that can easily transition from a casual setting to a little more of a nicer one.  The neutral color of this pair is perfect!

What are your summer essentials?

xoxo

Summer Lovin'

I'm beyond excited for the warmer months to come!  I only have 30 more days left of school and can't wait to just relax for awhile.  I've been in a little bit of a funk lately, and the only thing that makes me feel better is thinking about summer.  Shopping also has been a source of stress relief recently.  Here are just a few things I've picked up in the past few weeks.

I adore the color blocking of the heels.  They were only $13 on makemechic.com!  Although I will probably get very few chances to wear them, they are great little decor for my room!  The loafers were only $11 and I are a classic piece in any wardrobe.

Shop: {black loafers}

{pink heels}

I immediately thought of these J.Crew sandals when I saw these leopard flip flops at Old Navy.  With a price tag of a fraction of the cost of the J.Crew ones, I couldn't pass them up. Obviously they aren't made as well as the J.Crew ones but for the price, I don't mind buying another pair half way through summer.  I also recently picked up a new pair of Sperrys!  I've wanted a pair in this light leather color for a while and when I got a 25% coupon, I knew it was time.

Shop: {flip flops} - P.S. today is the last day of the OldNavy sale -> save 20% off your order with code: ONSAVE20

{sperry}

Both of these pieces are from Old Navy as well.  I saw this color blocked maxi dress and fell in love.  I can't wait to wear it during vacation on the beach or walking around at night.  The cobalt blue is stunning.  I also bought his cobalt blue gingham shirt.  I have been looking for an inexpensive gingham shirt for awhile and was so happy to find one at Old Navy!  It's perfect for spring.

Shop: {gingham shirt}

For summer, I absolutely love anything sailor/nautical.  For that reason, this little sweater is definitely a favorite of mine right now.  I bought it at Love Culture a while ago and have waited so long for the weather to warm up.  I think it will look super cute at the beach at night with cutoffs. 

These two shorts I picked up at J.Crew and cannot wait until summer to wear them!  I'm such a sucker for seersucker! (haha get it?)  But for real, seersucker in the summer is what I live for.  These are a coral/cream striped pair and couldn't be anymore comfortable. And this sailboat pair?  Tell me these aren't the cutest little shorts ever!  Again in this creamy coral color, I can't get enough.

Shop: {seersucker}

{sailboats}

And my love for colored denim continues.  I picked up these neon coral color at J.Crew and I've been dying to wear them.  My camera didn't pick up the beautiful color of these pants.  It's just one of those colors the make you happy.  Neon has been seen everywhere for spring and I'm lovin' it.

Shop: {denim}

Lastly, I had to have these neon magenta shorts.  Just the classic 'Chino' shorts from J.Crew, they are the perfect length for anything from school to going out at night.  The color is so bright and so happy and just scream summer to me.

Shop: {shorts}

These two pieces I picked up from Zara.  The first dress I bought for a family party I have next weekend.  It's a chiffon-like material and in a gorgeous cobalt color.  Don't let the look of the dress from the hanger fool you, it looks completely different on.  It was so hard to choose between the blue and ivory color, but the blue just seemed like it had a little more character.  I also picked up this skull tank, which just is so Cochella.  I've recently had a thing with skulls, which is so weird, but I loved the bight colors in this top. I plan on going back to Zara soon because literally I want everything from their spring collection. 

Shop: {dress}

And lastly, I recently decided to join justfab.com to see what they had because I see the commercial for this site many times a day.  Like other website such as StyleMint, it's one of those sites where you are credited each month.  Everything is $39.99 and they carry everything from shoes to clothing to accessories.  For becoming a member, I received a 50% code to use that day.  I found this bag and really liked the color and shape.  It's can be super casual or dressed up a little, which I like.  The quality is okay - is equal to what the price was.  I might try buying some accessories next month and see how they compare to the bag.  Overall, I would recommend it to any friend who's on a budget and likes trendy, cute stuff.

Have you ever tried justfab.com or any similar site?  Let me know!

xoxo

Coachella Style

{all photos via refinery29.com}

Clock-wise: Alexa Chung, Hillary Kerr, Kate Moss, Kelly Osborne at Cochella 2011

  Coachella is probably the biggest music festival of the year.  It's also a huge fashion hotspot.  I always have admired the 'Coachella style' thats plastered all over fashion blogs about this time of year.  It's so interesting how some people put together outfits and mix and match pieces.  I'm really looking forward to see what everyone is going to wear this year!  So in the spirit of the festival, I thought I would share a little inspiration with some outfits!

Outfit 1 - This Coachella look is more safe played. One that can easily be pulled off by anyone.  I love the color of the crochet flats!  They are super girly and add a pop of color to the outfit!

Shop -

 Top: Lulus.com

Shorts: Top Shop

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Forever 21

Outfit 2 - This outfit features one trend that I really wish I could pull off - wide leg pants!  They look so effortless and cool paired with a wide brimmed hat and fringed crop-top.

Shop -

Top: Forever 21

Pants: Forever 21

Hat: Forever 21

Bracelet: Charlotte Russe

Ring: Top Shop

Sandals: Amazon.com

Outfit 3 - I absolutely love each of these pieces separately.  Together I think they create an outfit that is so 'Coachella'.  The lace dress is perfect for those hot days and the cute hunters are just what are needed for walking in the dirt.  

Shop -

Dress: Nastygal.com

Necklace: Bauble Bar

Headband: Free People

Boots: Piperlime

xoxo