August 30, 2011

Karl Lagerfeld Capsule Collection for Macys

Dress:c/o Macys; Shoes: Marc Fischer; Bag: Kate Spade, Tights: Hue
Macy's 'Impulse' department sent me this dress from the new 45 piece capsule collection from iconic fashion designer, artist and photographer, Karl Lagerfeld.  Um, yes, please.  I am so excited about this line because it brings a world-class designer to us fashion conscious ladies with an, uhh..1/16th of a Chanel-like budget.  The collection is mixed with feminine pieces with floral patterns and soft blush colors, as well as structured and more edgy designs with big collars and black leather.  There are also some really cool slouchy tees featuring portraits of the designer himself.  The shift dress I am wearing seems very Chanel like with its sharp white collar.  The pieces are priced from $50-$170 and the line hits stores, tomorrow, August 31st!  Here are a few of my favorites from the collection.  What are yours?  You can preview the full Karl Lagerfeld's Impulse Capsule Collection for Macys here.

August 29, 2011

Stop Staring!

Raileen Dress: c/o Stop Staring!; Shoes: Target; Purse: c/o Windsor Store; Watch: Juicy Couture
Happy Monday!  I spent the weekend sick in bed with my doggies watching hours of HGTV.  Seriously, I almost went into an HGTV coma.  I finally made it out of bed on Sunday to eat pancakes and to go to church.  Even though I had the sniffles and little energy, I felt like a million bucks wearing this vintage style dress from Stop Staring!.  I absolutely love the timeless, classic and simple appeal of it.  The dress is modest in length and coverage, yet, its silhouette is made for a woman, and truly flatters your shape.  Stop Staring! sells dresses inspired by decades past, from the silver screen glamor of the 1930's to the sexy swing of the 1950's.  I swear, they just don't make dresses like this anymore.  And hey, it's ok, to stare every once in a while, as long as it is in the name of fashion.

August 26, 2011

ShopMamie Giveaway!!

Best friends, Megan and Amy, and owners of ShopMamie.com, quit their day jobs to pursue their dreams of owning a trendy online clothing boutique that offers stylish clothes that won't break your bank.  Props to them for living their dream and providing us with more choices!  Today, the Mamie Girls are offering this purty tote, valued at $60, to one of you!  To enter, simply visit their website and tell me your favorite item below!  For extra entries, "like" them on Facebook and/or follow on Twitter!  Remember to leave a separate comment for each!  Winner will be announced next week!  Open to US residents only.
___________________________________ 

And the winner of the Shabby Apple black canvas bow skirt, is Jenea!  Please contact me!  I don't see your email.

August 25, 2011

ROH Featured in ShopKempt Lookbook

I had the opportunity to meet with Jen, the owner of Shop Kempt, and her team/family, out in Los Angeles in July, to help put together their very first lookbook!  Joe Lu took all the photos and Shop Kempt styled it all.  You can find all the clothes on their website for purchase.  But make sure to view the lookbook here!  It was a fun day!  I think the lookbook turned out awesome and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be featured!    

August 24, 2011

What We're Wearing

Whoa...Dress: co/Threadcase; Bag: c/o ShopMamie; Shoes: Target; Hat: H&M; Belt" NordstromsBP; Necklace: Francesca's Collections; Bracelets: Aldo; Watch:  Juicy Couture
I really love this dress from Threadcase.  It is a perfect transition piece between summer and fall.  When it starts to get cooler out (any day now, any day now), I can see myself wearing it with a cute jean jacket, and boots with leggings.  I might even throw on a contrasting scarf to pull it all together.  But right now, it's too hot outside.  Especially for a walk with the pup.  So I just threw on some flats, my favorite hat and an over-sized fringe purse.  Bentley, on the other hand, just wore himself.  He likes keeping it real.  Real cute, that is.

August 23, 2011

Mis-Match

Top, Shorts and Shoes: Urban Outfitters; Blazer: H&M; Necklace and Purse: Francesca's Collections; Belt: Old; Earrings and Bracelets: Forever21; Rings: Aldo and WindsorStore
I love mixing florals and stripes.  There's something about it that looks spontaneous and undone, yet still pulled together.  To get the look, anything goes really, but try to find a commonality between the two prints, such as a shared color.  Also, stick to a two-color stripe to keep the look simple and purposeful.  You want to look slightly mismatching, not clashing.  To pull the look more into "fall", I added a camel colored belt and peep toe wedges, and threw on a blazer, similar in color to my top.  Of course, fall for us Zonies isn't until a couple months away.  In fact, I don't think it even exists here.  It's not like cactus have leaves and 115 dreadful degrees still happens.

August 22, 2011

Virtue

Shirt: H&M; Skirt: Forever21; Belt: NordstromsBP; Purse: Gucci; Shoes: Old Navy; Necklace: Francesca's Collections
You know when you really want something?  And you can't have it?  And you have to wait?
{Oh I hate that.}
You have to wait for the right time, or for the right things to fall into place.  Maybe you hold out for an answer.  Maybe it's approval.  But no matter what it is, there is that period of anticipation where you are forced to sit tight and hold your breath. I for one, have never been good at either.  
Now, more than ever, in this day and age, I think it can't hold more true, that patience truly is a virtue.  Thanks to the internet and smart phones, gratification is made immediate.  But there are still some things in life that no iPhone app can do and Google cannot answer.
So, as I sit and wait for life to deal me the right hand, I'll work on perfecting my game and make time my friend, in hopes to be better prepared.  Because as they say,  the best things in life are worth the wait.  But at the same time, maybe the best things in life shouldn't have to wait.  You decide.

August 19, 2011

Slow Motion

Dress: c/o Frock Candy; Shoes: c/o Shop Kempt; Purse and Turquoise Ring: c/o WindsorStore; Necklace: H&M; Necklace used as belt: Francesca's Collections
Some old man today told me he liked my dress.  "Lookin' good, kid," he professed, as I walked by in slow motion, with my teal dress and hair flowing around in the strategically placed wind.  Even the first 30 seconds of the song "Bette Davis Eyes" played in the background.  It was straight out of an 80's movie.  Except not at all.  But what can I say.  A little flattery goes far with me.  I was hoping that a shout-out from an 80+ year old gentleman would make Husband a little teensy weensy bit jealous.  But it didn't.  I think he figures he's safe.  Probably because he is.  He's got my whole heart, that one. 

August 17, 2011

Blow Dry Your Way to Beautiful Hair

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer from Missiko

Blow drying you hair doesn't have to be a hassle.  It comes down to the right products, the right hair dryer, a little bit of knowledge and time.  Here are my top tips:

1.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  You will want to start out with freshly washed and conditioned hair.


2.  Apply product to towel dried hair.  If you have fine hair, use a volumizer.  Girls with thick, curly hair may want to use a smoother, while those with dry should opt for a leave-in conditioner or shine serum.  Concentrate product on ends and work up the shafts unless, it's a root boost.  A product must-have for all hair types?  Corioliss Laboratory Leave in Protection Mist.  It is a lightweight treatment that provides thermal protection against those blow-dryers, curling irons and straighteners, while at the same time, restores hair's moisture. And triple plus?  It smells soo good.

3. Now that hair is prepped, it is time to break out that blow dryer. Sure, any blow dryer can get the job done, but what long term effects does it have on your hair?  I guarantee you, not good. I use the HANAair Professional Hair Dryer because it keeps my hair shiny with it's ion technology that helps condition and promote healthier hair. It dries hair 60% faster, which is a win for your time and a win for your fragile hair.  It also has a powerful AC on it, so if I wanted to, I could blow dry strictly on the cold setting, which feels good during this summer heat. And lucky for you, it's on sale right now at Misikko.

4. Once hair has air dried slightly, divide hair into sections. Start at the nape of your neck and leave a small section out to blow dry and clip the remaining hair up.  Blast the section of hair with the barrel pointing down the shaft to dry it slightly before styling. Never blow dry hair with the nozzle pointing up because it can casue frizziness and split ends.  Always blow dry down to seal the cuticle.

5.  Pick up that round brush.  My favorite is the Marilyn Brush because it is made with natural boar bristles and it is very gentle on your hair.  It also has good tension while styling and polishes hair to look shiny and static free.  

6. Start blow drying at the root and run your brush through the ends with the nozzle pointing down. You may have to do this a few times before the hair is dry.


7.  Lift at the roots.  I like to wrap all of the hair onto the brush and then lift at the root by pulling the hair up.  Make sure to blast warm or hot air on the underside of the root and also on the top of the root to ensure that it is dry.  Pulling the hair taut is super important because it concentrates on volumizing the hair at the roots so it doesn't lay flat on your head once it is dry.  This will give your hair some bounce.

8. Set the style with a blast of cool air. While hair is wrapped in the brush, blast cool air at the roots and hair, and let the style sit for a 5-10 seconds. Then gently release the hair by pulling the brush gently through the ends.

9. Continue this process through all sections of hair until you reach the top of your head. The key is to make sure every piece of hair on your head is dry.  Never leave roots even slightly damp or you will have just wasted all of your time.

10.  For extra volume, once hair is dry, reinforce with velcro rollers, making sure to pull hair taut at the root as you put them in your hair.  You can even blast them with hot and cold air.  Remove after ten to fifteen minutes.

11.  Finish with a shine serum, concentrating ONLY on the ends.  I like
Hana Shine Shield.  It's not super greasy on the hair.  Make sure to use a small amount.  Anything left over you can rub into the skin (with Hana).  If you have very fine or limp hair, skip this step or opt for something for your hair type.

August 14, 2011


Happy Birthday to my best friend, my shopping buddy, my confidante, my rock, my support, my angel Mother.  

August 12, 2011

Top Ten Reasons Why Birthdays Rule

According to me.
   
   10.  It rains presents.  "Ohh, for me!?  You shouldn't have!"
   9.  It's the perfect justification for those new pair of shoes.   Hey, you deserve to treat yourself to a present. Or two.  Or five.  Whatever.  No one is counting.  It's your birthday.
   8.  All of a sudden, you are popular on Facebook.  That's right.  Friends, non-friends, strange dude you don't even know, blowing up your wall with HBD.  For a second there, you almost forgot what a notification was.  Thumbs up to everyone for making you feel cool.
   7.  Tummy, thighs, butt, legs, and chin, say hello to my caloric friend.  Frosting.  
   6.  Of course, no birthday cake would be complete without candles to make a wish.  So, close your eyes, think really hard, and wish for more wishes.
   5.  Another year older should mean another year wiser.  Of course, the obligatory word here is should.  And guys, we already know you are five years behind on the maturity scale.
   4.  It's P-A-R-T-Y time.  So put on your hat and hope for a surprise.  But, please, whatever you do, do not throw yourself your own surprise party.  That would be totally lame.  Or totally awesome.  I don't know.  I'm not sure yet.
   3.  You have an excuse for everything.  Well, almost everything.  Case in point:
     Me: "Husband, will you go to jazzercise with me tonight?"
     Husband: "No, I'm tired."
     Me:
"But it's my birthday," I say, as I look up at him with big, pouty eyes.
     Husband: "You're birthday isn't until Satruday."
     Me: "OK, it's my birthday
Saturday.  Doesn't change the fact that it's my birthday."  (*Wink*)
     Husband: "Well, let's just go on Saturday then."
     Me: "But, what better way to celebrate my coming into the world, tonight, than with an extraordinary display of jazz hands?"
     Husband: "I'm not going to jazzercise with you."

     Me:  "But it's my-"
     Husband:  "No."
Which brings us to number two:
   2.  It's your party and you can cry if you want to.  
And, the number one reason why birthdays rule is:
   1.  If all else fails, suck all of the helium out of your birthday balloons and sing yourself a happy birthday, champ. 

  

August 9, 2011

Reflections

Skirt: Forever21; Shirt: Sugarlips; Shoes: UO; Ring and Purse: c/oWindsorStore; Necklace and Bracelets: Francesca's Collections
I read a journal entry I had written just over a year ago at the dawn of turning 26.  I intended to start a blog that journaled goals that I have in life; to take pictures and tell stories.  I would go skydiving.  Travel in a hot air balloon at sunrise.  See the world.  Bathe with an elephant.  All equally on my list.  All equally left undone.  A year ago, I felt an insatiable desire to live life with more passion, more adventure. I felt that without those things, I wasn't living life to the fullest.  So badly, I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone, to feel scared, to feel exhilarated, to feel humbled.  But now, as I approach my 27th birthday, I have to admit, my adventurous spirit has subsided.  To be honest, I don't want to go skydiving.  I mean, what's the point of jumping out of a perfectly good air plane?  To possibly have your parachute fail, fly into a power line and get electrocuted?  Maybe that's worst case scenario.  But do I want to take the risk?  Not so much.  Today, my focus has switched, from living, to simply living.  To say that I don't want passion and adventure would be completely false, and to say that I have stopped dreaming, would be all wrong.  But I just dream of different things.  A baby, friendship, love, a professional passion.  I dream more of the life I want to create, rather than the life I dreamt about in the skies, on mountains, or beneath the seas.  And with 100% honesty, I am more than perfectly OK with that.  In fact, I'm excited for the adventure that lies ahead.

August 8, 2011

Sneak Peek

Meet

Whoa, I'm double posting today.  Isn't that like a blogging no no or something?  Oh well.  I am excited to share that I had the chance to meet up with the lovely owner of Le Mode Accessories, Adrianna, while she was in Arizona a few weeks ago. We talked about fashion, blogging, boys and the hot weather, while she snapped some pics of me wearing some of her hot new items. Click here for the sneak peek you little sneaky head! 

Also, winner of the High Gloss Fashion giveaway is:
KelseyA!  She said:
 Congrats Kelsey!  Big, big thanks to all who participated!  You rock!

Birth Week Fantasticness

Shorts, Bag and Ring: c/o WindsorStore; Shirt: Splendid; Shoes: Antonio Melani; Sunglasses: BCBG
I feel better when I speak in the third person when I say this, but someone is turning the big 2-7 this Saturday.  Yep, it's my birth week.  Now, before you say anything, birth weeks can and should be celebrated too.  Think of it like the 12 days of Christmas.  But not.  At all.  Is it as equally important?  No.  Should it be?  Don't answer that.  All I'm saying is, you've got to milk your d.o.b. for all it's worth because one day dedicated just for you is not enough!  After all, you are a miracle.  (OK.  Was that too cheesy?  I can do that sometimes.)  Anyways, I am ready for your wishes at any moment.  Please make them awesome.  And you can throw in a gift too if you would like.
Speaking of awesome.  Today is also my Grandmother's 90th birthday!  Now when you get to an age that is this accomplished, birth weeks are overrated.  Go for the birth year.  Hey, you deserve it.  As soon as January 1st rolls around, you throw that out to your advantage as much as possible.  
But all kidding aside, I hope to have as many candles on my cake as you one day Gigi!  Happy Birthday and wishes for many more healthy years to come!

August 2, 2011

Music


Taking outfit posts lately is starting to become grueling because I am fighting with my camera and the weather.  So.  Here are a few of my favorite songs this summer and a reason why I love them.  I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do!

1. Young Blood - The Naked and Famous.  So Poetic. - "We lie beneath the stars at night, our hands gripping each other tight.  You keep my secrets hope to die.  Promises, swear them to the sky."
2. I Would Do Anything For You - Foster the People.  "Oo la la."  Catchy chorus.  And I would do anything for you.  Well, almost anything. 
3. Walking on a Dream - Empire of the Sun.  This song is just straight up cool.  'Nuff said.     
4.  Shooting Stars - Bag Raiders.  Best part of the song, 2.41.
5. Party Anthem - LMFAO.  I could dance to this song all night long.  In fact, I have.
6. Best Night - LMFAO  Sorry for party rocking.  
7. Room at the End of The World - Matt Nathanson.  "Sad can't catch me or call me baby."
8.  Kept - Matt Nathanson.  Vulnerable and palpable.  I can feel him.  Well not literally, but you know what I mean.
9. Barefoot Blue Jean Night - Jake Owen.  I want to dance around barefoot in blue jeans to this song!
10.  Dancing Shoes - Green River Ordinance.  Love. Love. Love.  Hubby can I get a slow dance please?
11. Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban.  Yes it is a long hot summer.  And I'll be loving this hot song for a long time!


What are some of your favorite songs this summer?!