Wow. It has been almost a month since I posted, and I can't blame that entirely on the holidays. Yes, they were extremely disruptive, and I had to play catch up in both my classes and my jobs, but still. I will get back to posting at least weekly, if not more!
Meanwhile, this weather has been crazy- one day it is snowing in October, the next it is 60 degrees in November! Getting dressed in the morning is tricky, because I never really know what the weather will be like. This has just renewed my love affair with layering. Not only can you bring summer clothes into the winter with cardigans and tights, you can also peel off layers when it warms up. There is a trick to it though; if you aren't careful, you can just look dumb wearing a summer dress and sweater in December. Try to stay with thinner layers, and stick with similar fabrics. Some exceptions are leather jackets with flowy, girly dresses, and heavy cocoon vests with tanks and jeans.
Try it out and let me know how you mix layers and weather!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
flying by
Every year, the High Holidays are the end of September/beginning of October. And it's always nuts with school, work, and trying to play catch up when I have to take off because of my religion. Plus, the holidays have been going from Wednesday night straight through until Saturday night, which is a long time to be cut off from my computer, cell phone, and tv.
But I really do love it- I get to relax with my family, and actually spend time with them, with no distractions. One thing I am not a fan of is sitting in services for hours! But I started passing the time by cataloging and breaking down everyone's outfits (besides for when I'm praying of course!) The pieces people think are okay to wear to services ASTONISH me.... talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly!
This fall, luckily, a lot of designers have come out with appropriate outfits. You should never show too much skin in a house of worship, and I try to follow the either/or rule: I can either show a little cleavage or wear something really tight- never both in one outfit. It keeps my clothing congruous with the environment without being stuffy.
Both New York and Co and Express have really impressed me this season with their wide array of viable options. They have gorgeous separates that work for services, interviews, work, and even dates! (If I ever have one again :/)
But I really do love it- I get to relax with my family, and actually spend time with them, with no distractions. One thing I am not a fan of is sitting in services for hours! But I started passing the time by cataloging and breaking down everyone's outfits (besides for when I'm praying of course!) The pieces people think are okay to wear to services ASTONISH me.... talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly!
This fall, luckily, a lot of designers have come out with appropriate outfits. You should never show too much skin in a house of worship, and I try to follow the either/or rule: I can either show a little cleavage or wear something really tight- never both in one outfit. It keeps my clothing congruous with the environment without being stuffy.
Both New York and Co and Express have really impressed me this season with their wide array of viable options. They have gorgeous separates that work for services, interviews, work, and even dates! (If I ever have one again :/)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
(early) friday favorites
So tonight is the start of Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year) and since it goes until Saturday night, I wont be able to post on Friday, so I figured I would do it early.
I have done A LOT of shopping this week- there was no way I could pass up the great deals I found- but I think my favorite thing is the adorable elephant ring I bought at the Accessory Warehouse. It was my first time at the store, and I walked out with 6 belts and my super cute ring, all for only $18!
The belts were all mixed in on a giant table with tons of overflowing bins, and you really had to dig through to find anything. But I think it was worth it ;)
They also have bags, clutches, wristlets, hats, scarves, and wallet, all super low priced.
I have done A LOT of shopping this week- there was no way I could pass up the great deals I found- but I think my favorite thing is the adorable elephant ring I bought at the Accessory Warehouse. It was my first time at the store, and I walked out with 6 belts and my super cute ring, all for only $18!
The belts were all mixed in on a giant table with tons of overflowing bins, and you really had to dig through to find anything. But I think it was worth it ;)
They also have bags, clutches, wristlets, hats, scarves, and wallet, all super low priced.
Friday, September 23, 2011
friday favorites
Like I said before, I have been sick all week, but still going to class and work (mostly). So I was looking for something cheerful that would brighten up my day. I found that with NYX' super bright eyeliner!
I first heard of NYX from the make-up artist who made my family gorgeous for my sister's wedding. She used the baby blue on my top lids, and it stayed throughout the whole affair- even when I cried! She told me it was cheap and available at most drugstores, so I had to go get my own. I just bought the beautiful turquoise, and a single swipe makes my day that much better!
I first heard of NYX from the make-up artist who made my family gorgeous for my sister's wedding. She used the baby blue on my top lids, and it stayed throughout the whole affair- even when I cried! She told me it was cheap and available at most drugstores, so I had to go get my own. I just bought the beautiful turquoise, and a single swipe makes my day that much better!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
comfy AND cute
Since I've been sick, all I have wanted to do is wrap myself in a blanket and watch NCIS. But that's not an option for me, so I've been living in cardigans and scarves. This gives me the warm wrapped in a blanket feel, but still looks polished and put together.
Throwing on a scarf with any outfit adds instant pizazz, but putting it on with a slouchy cardi is totally fall. Especially with the changing weather, a scarf is a great option because it adds a layer of warmth without being too bulky or too hot when the sun decides to burst out from behind the clouds.
I went on Polyvore and created a set with 6 different cardigans/dolmans with scarves, all under $50! Let me know which one you like best
Throwing on a scarf with any outfit adds instant pizazz, but putting it on with a slouchy cardi is totally fall. Especially with the changing weather, a scarf is a great option because it adds a layer of warmth without being too bulky or too hot when the sun decides to burst out from behind the clouds.
I went on Polyvore and created a set with 6 different cardigans/dolmans with scarves, all under $50! Let me know which one you like best
Saturday, September 17, 2011
friday favorites
I spent ALL day in bed on friday, and still managed to forget my friday favorites post. In my defense, I was asleep almost the entire time, and burning up with fever, but still.
Thursday night, I came home from school and work to a giant bag from Stein Mart on my door. My mom, knowing how busy I was and how rundown, bought me a super cute raincoat!
This is the perfect friday favorite, especially with the forecast calling for rain 4 out of 7 days next week.
The raincoat she picked out is this heather grey with a subtle metallic sheen. It is a belted trench with two zippers on each pocket and an asymmetrical zipper up the front and giant silver buttons. It fits perfectly, and is cute enough to wear even when its not raining!
I have been searching for a picture, but can't find one as of right now. I will find and post one soon, cause this coat is just way too adorable to not share.
Thursday night, I came home from school and work to a giant bag from Stein Mart on my door. My mom, knowing how busy I was and how rundown, bought me a super cute raincoat!
This is the perfect friday favorite, especially with the forecast calling for rain 4 out of 7 days next week.
The raincoat she picked out is this heather grey with a subtle metallic sheen. It is a belted trench with two zippers on each pocket and an asymmetrical zipper up the front and giant silver buttons. It fits perfectly, and is cute enough to wear even when its not raining!
I have been searching for a picture, but can't find one as of right now. I will find and post one soon, cause this coat is just way too adorable to not share.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
DIY Christian Louboutins
Like I mentioned here, here, and here, I decided to handmake crystallized heels for my sister's wedding.
Here is how you can make them too!
You'll need:
1 pair of heels (these can be whatever style you want- plain pumps are easiest)
1 pair of tweezers
4-7 tubes of superglue (i found the gel was MUCH easier to work with)
4 tubes of .55 mm crystals (or whatever size appeals to you; these are what I used)
2 bags of .4 mm crystals (optional)
1. Put down newspaper to protect your work surface, just in case the superglue leaks
2. Lay one heel down on its side so that the back is facing you
3. Spill the larger crystals out onto the table, and turn them so they are all facing up (this makes them easier to grab and place)
4. Gently squeeze a line of superglue along the edge of the shoe, as close to the sole as you can get, about an inch long
5. Using tweezers, pick up and place the larger stones around the edge of the shoe, pressing down to make sure they stick
*It is totally optional to use the larger stones to form a base. I found it easier, and this way the other stones stayed in place, plus it looked nice. If you choose not to, still do steps 3-5, just with the stones you want to use*
6. Continue making a single line of stones, all along the bottom edge of the shoe. Make sure the glue is dry before you lay it down, otherwise the stones will shift
7. Once you go all the way around, put the shoe aside to dry and repeat steps 2-6 with the other shoe.
8. After that first row is dry, you can continue making rows of stones going around the shoe, until the entire shoe is covered. I chose to go around horizontally because I felt it would fit better on my shoe- but the choice is yours.
Of course, the rows didn't fit perfectly, and the lines didn't always match up, but the end result is so stunning no one even noticed!
I used the tubes of crystals from A.C Moore's celebrations section, and it was $4.99 per tube- the amount of crystals in each varied. One tube had only about 250, another had over 500. The bags of the larger crystals were $2.99 each, also from A.C Moore. I actually found the superglue gel at the Dollar Tree, where I got 3 tubes for $1!
2 bags of crystals: $6
6 tubes of crystals: $30
2 packages of Superglue: $2
heels: old pair of never-worn silver shoes I bought from Spring, back when I worked there, I don't think I paid more than $15 for them
So after 14 hours (hopefully it will take you less time! keep in mind, the bigger crystals you use, the less you'll need to buy, and the quicker the shoe will be covered) and around $60, not to mention multiple glued fingers, I had my incredible, amazing, sparkly, fantastic shoes!
Here is how you can make them too!
You'll need:
1 pair of heels (these can be whatever style you want- plain pumps are easiest)
1 pair of tweezers
4-7 tubes of superglue (i found the gel was MUCH easier to work with)
4 tubes of .55 mm crystals (or whatever size appeals to you; these are what I used)
2 bags of .4 mm crystals (optional)
1. Put down newspaper to protect your work surface, just in case the superglue leaks
2. Lay one heel down on its side so that the back is facing you
3. Spill the larger crystals out onto the table, and turn them so they are all facing up (this makes them easier to grab and place)
4. Gently squeeze a line of superglue along the edge of the shoe, as close to the sole as you can get, about an inch long
5. Using tweezers, pick up and place the larger stones around the edge of the shoe, pressing down to make sure they stick
*It is totally optional to use the larger stones to form a base. I found it easier, and this way the other stones stayed in place, plus it looked nice. If you choose not to, still do steps 3-5, just with the stones you want to use*
6. Continue making a single line of stones, all along the bottom edge of the shoe. Make sure the glue is dry before you lay it down, otherwise the stones will shift
7. Once you go all the way around, put the shoe aside to dry and repeat steps 2-6 with the other shoe.
8. After that first row is dry, you can continue making rows of stones going around the shoe, until the entire shoe is covered. I chose to go around horizontally because I felt it would fit better on my shoe- but the choice is yours.
Of course, the rows didn't fit perfectly, and the lines didn't always match up, but the end result is so stunning no one even noticed!
I used the tubes of crystals from A.C Moore's celebrations section, and it was $4.99 per tube- the amount of crystals in each varied. One tube had only about 250, another had over 500. The bags of the larger crystals were $2.99 each, also from A.C Moore. I actually found the superglue gel at the Dollar Tree, where I got 3 tubes for $1!
2 bags of crystals: $6
6 tubes of crystals: $30
2 packages of Superglue: $2
heels: old pair of never-worn silver shoes I bought from Spring, back when I worked there, I don't think I paid more than $15 for them
So after 14 hours (hopefully it will take you less time! keep in mind, the bigger crystals you use, the less you'll need to buy, and the quicker the shoe will be covered) and around $60, not to mention multiple glued fingers, I had my incredible, amazing, sparkly, fantastic shoes!
over 2,000 crystals later...
My shoes are finally done!
I finished them in time for the wedding- which I am still gushing about two weeks later- and they were so incredibly gorgeous. I could not be any happier with how they turned out.
Unfortunately, some of the stones fell off during the reception, but no one noticed, and I had some spare crystals and superglue in my clutch (but I was too busy dancing to bother with it then)
This is just my post bragging about my handiwork- in the next post, I will give step by step instructions - complete with pictures- about how to make them for yourself!
how amazing are they???
I finished them in time for the wedding- which I am still gushing about two weeks later- and they were so incredibly gorgeous. I could not be any happier with how they turned out.
Unfortunately, some of the stones fell off during the reception, but no one noticed, and I had some spare crystals and superglue in my clutch (but I was too busy dancing to bother with it then)
This is just my post bragging about my handiwork- in the next post, I will give step by step instructions - complete with pictures- about how to make them for yourself!
how amazing are they???
Friday, September 9, 2011
friday favorites
This past week has been crazy!! We had a floorset Wednesday night where the entire store was updated with all new merchandise, which took forever to do. Everyone is still shopping for back to school, so the store has been insaneeee and I have been working every day, all day. Plus, I also went back to school on Tuesday (but more on that in the next post)
With that being said, I haven't had the time or the energy to go shopping this week- SHOCKING- I was worried about my friday favorites post, but then I realized that thanks to the floorset, there was super cute stuff in the store to buy! I wanted this turquoise animal print dress as soon as I saw it in the catalog, and we finally got it in the store. It has a navy blue slip dress underneath that is form fitted and silky smooth, and the bright colored chiffon dress is just perfect for the September weather. I love that it is long enough for me to wear to synagogue, but still cute enough for me to wear out at night. The deep v-neck in the slip dress is slightly revealing, even though it is covered by the dress. I will probably wear a bandeau or something under it so my cleavage isn't on display for everyone. This picture doesn't really show the details of the dress well, like the slight gather on the shoulders, or the button hem of the sleeves, but it is beyond cute! I am having some trouble figuring out what shoes to wear with it, but when I do wear it, I'll definitely upload some pics.
With that being said, I haven't had the time or the energy to go shopping this week- SHOCKING- I was worried about my friday favorites post, but then I realized that thanks to the floorset, there was super cute stuff in the store to buy! I wanted this turquoise animal print dress as soon as I saw it in the catalog, and we finally got it in the store. It has a navy blue slip dress underneath that is form fitted and silky smooth, and the bright colored chiffon dress is just perfect for the September weather. I love that it is long enough for me to wear to synagogue, but still cute enough for me to wear out at night. The deep v-neck in the slip dress is slightly revealing, even though it is covered by the dress. I will probably wear a bandeau or something under it so my cleavage isn't on display for everyone. This picture doesn't really show the details of the dress well, like the slight gather on the shoulders, or the button hem of the sleeves, but it is beyond cute! I am having some trouble figuring out what shoes to wear with it, but when I do wear it, I'll definitely upload some pics.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
mea culpa
I can't believe it has been over a week since I posted, and that I missed Friday Favorites (seen here, here, and here) In my defense, this past week has been crazy!! First Hurricane Irene almost completely destroyed my sister's wedding- more on that later- then I worked 36 hours in 4 days and have barely had time to breathe, much less sit and post.
I did just buy my first pair of Tom's, which I am super excited about. They are simple and comfortable, and versatile while still being cute. But as much as I love them, I am considering bedazzling them. They are plain black, which is part of their appeal, but I'm a girl who loves her sparkles! I just don't know if it's worth it. I think I'll buy a knockoff pair from Tilly's, only $15!, and bedazzle those, and leave my real Tom's untouched.
Do you ever buy knockoffs?
Friday, August 26, 2011
friday favorites
This is going to be a super quick post because there is too much to do for the wedding! Which, depending how bad Hurricane Irene gets, may or may not actually happen.
I bought this super cute Steve Madden black metallic woven oxfords this week, and can't wait to share them with you. They fit my foot perfectly, and are surprisingly comfortable.
I'll add pictures after the wedding
I bought this super cute Steve Madden black metallic woven oxfords this week, and can't wait to share them with you. They fit my foot perfectly, and are surprisingly comfortable.
I'll add pictures after the wedding
Thursday, August 25, 2011
good will towards Goodwill
Since I am a broke college student- even though I work TWO jobs- I am always looking for inexpensive ways to update my wardrobe. I have had really good luck lately at Goodwill. Yes, there is a slight ick factor (maybe due to the slightly stale smell?) but if you are willing to invest the time, you can find some great items. And unlike the more 'acceptable' thrift stores, Goodwill is super cheap!
I got a pair of Gap ultra-low rise bootcut jeans for $4, and literally wear them all the time! Plus, Gap stopped making the ultra low rise, so finding them is hard.
I also scooped up two pairs of 7 for all Mankind jeans for only $8 each, saving myself over $200.
It is also a great place for accessories- my chain strap crossbody bag cost me $1.50- the same bag stores were carrying for $40-90 last summer!!
So the next time it is raining outside and you are sick of the mall, go spend an hour in Goodwill and see how much $20 can buy you
Sunday, August 21, 2011
dazzle me
Like I mentioned here, I fell in LOVE with Christian Louboutin's Daffodile Aurora Boreale ($5,995 here) but there was no way I could afford them. I was able to find pairs under $500 on eBay and other discount sites, but that was still to pricey for this college student's budget. 
So I decided to make my own. And now, a few weeks later, they are almost done and I am so excited about sharing them! Check back soon
So I decided to make my own. And now, a few weeks later, they are almost done and I am so excited about sharing them! Check back soon
Friday, August 19, 2011
friday favorites
I love the look of chiffon and how easy it is to dress up or down, but it can be kind of hard to clean and keep looking sharp. That is why I am so excited about this friday's purchase. dELiA*S has a chiffon layered tank that combines the beauty of chiffon with the ease of cotton. It manages to look delicate and ballet-like while still being comfortable and cute. I bought it in light pink, magenta, and grey and can't wait to wear it with my leather jacket and motorcycle boots!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
mixing metals
My older sister is getting married in less than two weeks (eek!) and my little sister and I are her maids-of-honor. Unlike most brides, my sister didn't care what type of dress we were wearing, as long as it was cornflower blue and modest. This was extremely lucky, because it means I got to pick out our dress, and not get stuck wearing some hideous dress straight out of 27 Dresses. She has been even more lax about shoes and accessories, and let each girl in her bridal party pick her own. I fell in love with Christian Louboutin's, but not being able to afford the $1,750 price tag, I made my own (post on these to come soon- promise it will be worth the wait!)
Shoes were easily taken care of, but the accessories are giving me some trouble. I bought a two strand crystal belt off of eBay ($10) but I am not sure about jewelry. Between my belt and shoes, I am wearing over 2,000 crystals, and I do not want to be Pippa Middleton and take away from my sister's special day (I would, however, LOVE to be Pippa on any other day). My mother suggested letting me borrow her diamond and gold pendant, which I immediately vetoed because I can't mix silver and gold, it just wouldn't look right.
But then I started thinking about it. Is it ok to mix metals? Every designer has at least one item in their line that has gold and silver mixed, and they are gorgeous. But is it acceptable to wear gold jewelry with silver shoes? Or a silver necklace with gold earrings? I guess it depends on your personal style, I definitely wouldn't do it. But that doesn't mean I won't be picking up some new mixed metal pieces....as soon as I get paid.
Shoes were easily taken care of, but the accessories are giving me some trouble. I bought a two strand crystal belt off of eBay ($10) but I am not sure about jewelry. Between my belt and shoes, I am wearing over 2,000 crystals, and I do not want to be Pippa Middleton and take away from my sister's special day (I would, however, LOVE to be Pippa on any other day). My mother suggested letting me borrow her diamond and gold pendant, which I immediately vetoed because I can't mix silver and gold, it just wouldn't look right.
But then I started thinking about it. Is it ok to mix metals? Every designer has at least one item in their line that has gold and silver mixed, and they are gorgeous. But is it acceptable to wear gold jewelry with silver shoes? Or a silver necklace with gold earrings? I guess it depends on your personal style, I definitely wouldn't do it. But that doesn't mean I won't be picking up some new mixed metal pieces....as soon as I get paid.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday Favorites
I decided to use this blog as an excuse to buy at least one new thing every week- so that I can write a Friday Favorite!
My favorite thing this week is my peacock necklace from dELiA*S . Unfortunately, it isn't available online (yet?) but since I work there, I was luckily able to snag the last one!
Lately I have been drawn to animal jewelry. I fell hard for an octopus ring from a little boutique in Collingswood, but every time I went to buy it, the store was closed. After the 4th time, I was about to give up, but we went one last time and the store was open. But the ring was not as cute as I remembered: it was huge and kind of cheap looking. That is something hard to avoid when shopping for animal jewelry. A lot of it looks trashy and even gaudy, but there are some places that carry cute items:
Forever21 has a peacock brooch , an owl ring (for only $2.80!), a rose tusk pendant , and tons more.
Buckle has a rhinestone turtle ring, an elephant ring, and a lion ring.
Francesca's Collection has a lovely peacock bangle , a sunbathing elephant, and wide eyed owl earrings.
Slightly more expensive, but still absolutely adorable is Nordstrom- crab studs, rainbow fish ring, and a peacock necklace to rival my precious purchase.
Every website I visited had multiple peacock items, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings in a wide variety of metals and colors, and tons of owl options- both of which are big for back to school and the fall. You can buy a bunch of different pieces or invest in a single high quality item, but you're definitely going to want to get on board with this fun trend.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Straps not so perfect?
A problem I have always had in the summer is trying to decide whether or not to tie back my bra straps when I wear a racerback tank top. I know it is extremely trashy to have my straps just hanging out all the time, but can I get away with it? I always wear another tank top underneath, so its not just my bra showing, but also the straps of my non-racerback tank too.
I did buy the Dollar Tree version of the Strap-Perfect ($1 for 4! and they come with two clear, one white, and one black) and I realized that I tend to use them more often in the winter and spring. During the summer, I either care less, or don't want to wear as many layers? Plus, a lot of my summer clothes are either chiffon or burnouts, so they are see-through, meaning anyone could see my strap-perfect. Is that any less trashy??
SweetiePie on HubPages.com writes on "The Great Bra Strap Debate" and gives a bunch of options for avoiding this classless look.
What do you do in the summer to hide your bra straps?
I did buy the Dollar Tree version of the Strap-Perfect ($1 for 4! and they come with two clear, one white, and one black) and I realized that I tend to use them more often in the winter and spring. During the summer, I either care less, or don't want to wear as many layers? Plus, a lot of my summer clothes are either chiffon or burnouts, so they are see-through, meaning anyone could see my strap-perfect. Is that any less trashy??
SweetiePie on HubPages.com writes on "The Great Bra Strap Debate" and gives a bunch of options for avoiding this classless look.
What do you do in the summer to hide your bra straps?
Friday, August 5, 2011
dolmans for days
I might be very late, but I just started creating sets on Polyvore and I am OBSESSED!
It's not great, but it is a start. I highly recommend checking Polyvore out! It is fun, there are fantastic clothing and accessory options to see, and it's easy to create outfits and magazine-worthy pages.
What do you think of my very first set?
It's not great, but it is a start. I highly recommend checking Polyvore out! It is fun, there are fantastic clothing and accessory options to see, and it's easy to create outfits and magazine-worthy pages.
What do you think of my very first set?
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