Today's Outfit 3-30-12

Today's outfit was purchased last night at Wal-Mart. My top has a lot more to it but the shape is right. I am keeping it pretty simple because it's a summery outfit and in summer less is more :). Hence the bikini :). The aviators are, again, my husbands and my earrings came from Claire's. The necklace was a Christmas gift from my hubby and the sandals were also from Wal-Mart.

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials - Essential #2

By the picture, you may have already guessed what Essential #2 is.

If you guessed a perfect fitting bra, Congratulations! You are right!

Nothing ruins a perfect top like bra spillage, or uni-boob!

Example #1
Last night I went shopping with my husband. We had to make a run to the grocery store but I did not feel like changing my bra (a sports bra), which was fine at the time because I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans (a fitted t-shirt, not some baggy, high-school sports or college team crap). The uni-boob effect was lost behind my t-shirt design. However, while there I found an outfit I adored (Yes, at Wal-Mart) and I went to try it on. Well, let's just say that the uni-boob was now a showcased feature. My husband said he loved the shorts, but hated my shirt. I told him he only thought so because I was wearing a crappy bra. He gave me a look that said he obviously didn't believe me but this morning when I put the outfit on he said "Aww, baby, you look so cute. Is that the shirt you bought last night?"

Example #2
When I was in high-school I didn't want to come to terms with my cup size. I was a DDD by the time I graduated. To my high-school graduation I wore a pair of wide-leg black pants and a fitted top. It was black with red flowers and shaped like a corset, it flattered my figure enormously but for some reason it didn't look right. At the time I didn't realize why it made me look like I had four boobs but in college I wore the same shirt. I was walking down the hall and someone said, honey, I think it's time to go up a cup size and she pointed to the spillage that had moseyed it's way out of my bra on the way to class. She was actually very sweet about it and really just trying to help but it hit me then that maybe she was right and I went to my first bra fitting. By that time I was slightly larger than I had been in high-school, a F cup to be exact and I bought two VERY EXPENSIVE bras. The next time I wore that shirt it fit perfectly and I wore it to school. I never ran into the girl who saved my wardrobe but I thank her every day.

A great fitting bra is essential because it showcases your body to your advantage. Even if you can't afford the $60 bras that the specialty stores carry, go in and get a bra fitting. You need to know your true size and you need to know it now. It is such a confidence booster when you see your boobs sitting where they should be and looking great molded under your new clothing, or how your old clothes just seem to fit better.

If you don't have much of a chest I would advise you to look into a wonder bra or even water bra. They essentially give what you already have a bit of a boost. You aren't faking how big your chest is, you are simply adjusting where they sit on your body.

How to Make Spring's Trends Work For You! Neon

And for the final trend of the season!

Trend #10 - NEON
Who doesn't love an 80's throwback! Harem-pants, neon, side-ponys, they have all made their fabulous come-back this season and in season's past. Now, I am not a fan of harem-pants (ehem, Hammer-pants) but the other two trends I have embraced fully. Even tights with skirts/dresses was embraced in the 80's.

For the luscious ladies - This trend can be EXTREMELY hazardous for you! Neon is not your friend. Anything you put a neon color on is going to look bigger! It will show EVERY lump and bump you have. Am I saying "Don't embrace this trend!"? Of course not. All I am saying is do not wear a solid neon top or pair of pants/skirt. Find patterns with neon colors! I right now am wearing a top with a neon green and black pattern. Also, do not forget, purses, shoes, even nail polish this season had been touched by neon. Above is some nail polish I purchased this season. The wonderful neon colors have infiltrated almost everything this season so keep your eye out for the patterned dress, the nail polish. And, DO NOT buy anything in neon that is clingy. Yes, that t-shirt is a wonderful shade of green and it looks fab with your skin tone, but also notice that where it clings is where the eye is going to go, all of your flaws will be showcased.

For the skinny girl - Wear neon EVERYTHING! Neon can give you the illusion of curves because it is a color that deflects light. With the rays bouncing off of you, you will have an amazing figure and people will be astonished at your overnight transformation. This is another chance for you to rock the color-block as well. See the skirt above? It's sexy, it's fabulous and you are the only one who can pull it off!

For the in-betweens - Use caution with this trend. It's a fun way to show off your flirtatious side. Keep the neon to the part of your body you are most comfortable with. A neon top on a small chest can make it look much bigger. Neon deflects light and therefore will make you look curvier than you really are. Big hips? Avoid the neon skirt/pants, it will only make them look bigger. Make this trend work for you. Again, I want to reiterate the thing I seem to say to YOU most often, DON'T let the clothes wear you, YOU wear the clothes. If you are comfortable with your body (and have no tummy, back fat or cellulite) try an all over, solid color. *See pink dress above

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials - Essential #1

Many stylists will give you their top 5, or top 10, wardrobe essentials without telling you why but I am here to solve this problem.

Today I will begin to share with you my top 10 wardrobe essentials and why I chose them.

You may come to find that many stylists agree about what should make up a top 10 list. This is because they are ESSENTIALS.

When something is essential it is needed in order to make something complete. AND in order to have a complete wardrobe or a mix and match wardrobe all of these things must be present. Some stylists will toss something in that is essential to their tastes but that's expected since we all have varying tastes.

Essential #1 - A pair of DARK WASH jeans!
Yes, Dark is essential! Why? it is slimming, forgiving, chic, and it compliments just about anything. Dark denim exudes sophistication. When you see someone in acid wash jeans, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Did you think sophistication? Did you think chic? If not, go throw YOUR acid wash jeans in the trash. What about when you see someone with rips or holes in their jeans? Again, if your answers weren't what you wanted them to be toss your jeans out!

Let's talk about fit for a moment. We all have varying sizes, this makes us unique and an individual. If we were all the same size, nothing would be considered sexy, different, or individualistic. If we all fit some cookie cutter mold we would not be happy. SO... embrace your size. You may not be at your ideal weight (God knows I'm not) but if you don't dress the body you have now, you won't be happy either way. If you are a 14, buy a 14 if you are a 2 buy a 2. There is no worse wardrobe killer than a muffin top or a saggy butt. Also, keep in mind, manufacturers DO NOT follow the same size chart. If you are a 14 one place, it does not mean you won't be an 18 or even a 10 somewhere else. Size should NOT be what you are focusing on while shopping, it should be FIT!

 On that note, CUT is just as important. Make sure you get a cut that flatters your body. I heard someone say "They are called skinny jeans, not make you skinny jeans!" and I have to say I agree, to some extent. A big girl should NEVER wear skin tight clothing from shoulder to toe!! Skinnies on a big girl CAN (notice I did not say will) make you look bigger. They should be paired with a tunic or a belted shirt-dress, not a t-shirt! Also, unless you are trying to balance out a large hip, flares are not your friend. Try instead, a wide-leg jean.

*The jeans shown are from Maurices.

Spring Fever

Man, I have been going crazy on Polyvore today. I have been in the mood for nights spent at the lake house, reading on the beach, morning walks in the sand and I have to say, the weather here is cooperating. It is putting me in summer mode instead of spring. I can't get enough of the maxi dresses, gladiator sandals, nude makeup, leather jewelry. It's insane. I feel as if I have wasted an entire day just looking forward to something that is not likely to happen any time soon. I know it's just around the corner but I feel like I have completely overlooked all the wonderful things spring can offer (allergies aside). I have not had a chance to go hiking or camping this year and they are two of my favorite things to do this time of year.
I keep thinking about tanning and slimming down for summer and all the things that go along with it instead of enjoying a cup of coffee in the cool morning on my balcony (which I don't do much anymore, because I have crazy neighbors).
So... take the time with me today and enjoy everything spring has to offer. Put on that maxi dress and take a stroll. Cuddle up in a sweater on your balcony and read a book. Enjoy the mild weather of spring before the scorching temps of the summer drive you inside!

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Peplum

Trend #8 - Peplum
This is a trend I truly never wished to see again. Why? Because it is so stinkin' adorable and it looks hideous on me. It is a retro-inspired trend that works great for girls who want curves but don't really have them. However, if you have curves... I will leave it up to you to decide how you feel about it. I have seen girls like Beyonce pull it off but I have to be honest, I think it is her confidence that makes it work for her.

For the thick girl- this is a trend that could work for you. It gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. However, if you have a large butt and/or hips, this trend will only exaggerate those areas. This is a great way to hide a bit of baby fat or even that little protrusion you can't seen to get rid of. Just make sure that if you are trying to hide a belly that the fabric goes PAST your largest point. You don't want to draw attention to that area by drawing a line in the middle of it. Note the tan pencil skirt above, even the white and pink dress, these items have a longer overhang. This could be perfect for you. Also, do not be afraid to try a pencil skirt. Yes it will hug your sexy curves but you have a womanly figure, use it to your advantage. And do not be afraid of shapewear, a pencil skirt in a light color may show a bit of that cellulite. Shapewear will fix that problem and you will look ravishing!

For the skinny girl- This trend will give you the hips you've been lusting after your whole life. If you have a boyish figure you can embrace this trend with open arms. The lady I have seen pull this trend off the best is Emma Watson. Her slim, slightly boyish physique, is complimented greatly by peplum. Her athletic body is hugged by the tight fabric that gives way to a rich fullness, ending mid-hip to give her the illusion of an hourglass figure.

For the in-betweens - This trend can work for you as well. Keep in mind the tips stated above for both thick and skinny girls. Know your problem areas and know the ones you want to showcase.

Trend #9- Metallic Heels
This is a trend for the masses! Metallic heels have been a classic item for a very long time. They are glamorous and make a girl feel absolutely stunning. I know when I wear my metallic heels I feel like the whole world is looking at me. It may just be me, because if I saw a pair of fabulous, sparkly shoes I would be fixated, but it is a great trend none-the-less.

My advice (and this is great advice) METALLICS ARE NEUTRAL! (this is actually advice from Stacey London but I believe it as well). Metallic colors, minus the sheen, would fall into either nude, grey, brown, tan or black. Why should a sparkly sheen change that?

Today's Outfit 3-28-12

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday's outfit so I am doing so now. This budget fashionista has a confession this week. I have a few very expensive items in y arsenal. But to be honest... who doesn't? See those precious pink studs? Well, mine are real and cost over $150. I have worn them for FOREVER. Actually they were part of a set I purchased for my wedding. I feel no qualms in wearing them alongside my $3 ring and $12 necklace either. No one has to know that some of my jewelry is fake and some is real. As for the rest of the outfit... My sweater was purchased at Dress Barn and it was $9. My tank was purchased at Rue21 and it was $3. My sandals were purchased at Wal-Mart 2 years ago so I don't remember how uch they actually cost. You can follow my link on Polyvore to find the jeans. And my accessories were purchased from the $1 jewelry store. (Other than the earrings... of course).

Today's Loungin' Outfit

So, today, after my little grocery store horror, I have decided to just lounge around the house. I feel no need to go out and conquer the world today. Let's not call it a lack of motivation, simply, a chill day around the house :). Actually, if this were true I wouldn't have changed. I actually have a few errands to run but writing all day and my bad start to the morning have me running at half-steam... even after my four shot latte. I figure I can still look cute without completely dolling-up.
I have a bag similar to this (I only wish it said Geek) but it was free... I found it when I worked at a bookstore. Yes, I am carting around the book I am currently reading (no, it's not Wuthering Heights). My sandals were from Wal-Mart but I don't remember how much they were. My jeans were $19.99 from Cato and my shirt was purchased from the $3 rack at Wal-Mart. My hoodie was purchased from Gordmans :)

How to Make Springs Trends Work for You! Florals

Trend #6- Blue and Green Jewelry

The only thing I can say is be fabulous! Rock it!

Trend #7 - Florals

Ahh... Spring is in the air and flowers are blooming all around us. It only makes sense that we mimic those blossoms, right? Well this is an ongoing Spring trend. Just as the maxi dress and shorts also herald the beginning of warmer weather we all have that one dress that we put on to remind us Summer is on the horizon. I shared mine with you about a week ago. Wouldn't you know it POURED the next day but I got to wear it on the first warm day of the year ;) .

For the Luscious Ladies- Florals are fun at any size. No matter your cup size, waist size or jean size this trend can be pulled off. There will be no harsh words from me in this post because florals are a happy thing. I am not one to be ubber-girly but I love that florals hail summer weather. My advice for you is make sure the print is on the smaller side. I don't know about you but I have come to realize, a big flower on a big boob makes said boob look ENORMOUS! Print is relative but that doesn't mean a big girl should wear a big print. Also if you are self-conscious, an all-over print can hide flaws.

For the Thin-Ladies - Bolder is better! Bold print, bold colors, even big prints! This is a great way to showcase great legs, great arms, even a great rack :)

For the In-Betweens- This is where you need to be cautious. Print is always good for hiding flaws but a small print is better. If you are comfortable in your skin rock the big print but remember if you have problem areas, they will be showcased! If you have a large bottom and a small upper body, put the big print on your chest and find a spring colored skirt. If you have a large chest and are okay with your hips, buy the trendy floral pants and keep your top neutral. It's all about how you feel about your body. Never put the print on the part of your body you are most self-conscious about. You are drawing attention to that part of your body so make sure you are comfortable in your clothing. Never let your clothing wear you! (words to live by - Stacey London)

Florals Are Just Too Girly for You - Rock it anyway! No I am not saying put on that girly, flowing dress you've secretly fell in love with but don't want to admit it (ehem, I am pointing the finger at myself with that one) but find a piece that speaks to you. Wear that floral top under your biker jacket, nab those floral heels with the studs on the heel (see above), grab some earrings that are ubber-girly but will only be seen when you toss your hair back. There are ways to pull this trend off that won't hurt your feminist sensibilities. Trust me ;)

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Leather

Okay, Trend #5 is Leather and like I said before it will be HOW you wear it that makes it trendy.

The Leather Blazer - We all love the way blazers shape our body. Regardless of shape they give us the illusion of an hour-glass figure. This trend is good for ANY body shape and you should play around with color. Don't simply go for the black or brown, how about hot pink, coral or even cream. It's a fun trend... have fun with it.

The Leather Mini- Big girls, PLEASE DON'T!! Leather is VERY unforgiving. This trend will only make you look bigger and you don't want that. Plus, big girls have cellulite! If you don't think you do you are fooling yourself. I know that is harsh but I am saving you and others around you from much embarrassment. Skinny girls, a word of caution to you as well, cellulite is not strictly on women who have bigger thighs. Be honest with yourself. Do you have killer gams? Do you have a fit physique? If not, don't do it. This trend is for the girls with toned, shapely legs. The longer the legs the better, although watch the length, we don't need to see your girly parts. And my last word of caution, girls with big booties, be careful! Just because it looks good from the front DOES NOT mean it does from the back. I know this to be a problem with most skirts and I ALWAYS have someone there to judge my backside (and someone who will tell me the truth, not someone who will compliment me no matter what).

The Leather Dress- My favorite of all the trends! This can be extremely tricky if you are not rail thin. As I have said before, leather is VERY unforgiving. I would only say this, find a cut you already know works for you and TRY IT ON! For the busty girl, honey I am sorry, but we are SOL. There isn't a leather dress out there that will be forgiving enough to accommodate unless you actually have it specially made.

The Leather Biker Jacket - Okay, this is a trend that never really seems to go out of style. This season, however, is about bold colors. Find a funky colored jacket and rock it. If you are skinny-average you can pull off the natural boxy shape of a biker jacket. (I will admit, I own one :) ) But, bigger girls, you need to find one with a little more structure! Note: Three of the ones above have nipped waists. Naturally, I chose these because they are what I am drawn to, but I am drawn to them because of the shape and I am a bigger girl. I know those are what would look best on me.

Faux Leather- Okay, here is my budget friendly tip H&M, Maurices and Burlington have the best selection of faux leather that I have seen. Sometimes Burlington can be pick and choose but it's still worth checking out.

Absent For A While

So before I post my next blog I want to apologize for being gone for a while... Life got a little hectic. I have been trying to get published and I realized 20 pages of my book is missing. That is never fun. And today I pulled the ultimate "MOM" no-no... I walked out the door looking like yesterday's garbage. Tank, jeans, sneakers, sports-bra, hair up, no make-up and glasses. I looked a hot mess. But even though that happened THIS MORNING I don't intend for it to happen again. You see, I am not a morning person, and I never will be, but after a few cups of coffee I am usually awake enough to know I probably shouldn't leave the house looking the same, if only slightly better, than I did when I woke up. However, today there was no creamer, no milk, no flavorings, nothing!!! This is awful because, even though I am fully capable of drinking black coffee, having a cup that strong first thing in the morning is like a slap in the face and I can't handle that much of a pick-me-up. So, to the store I went. No, not through the Starbucks drive-through, to the actual grocery store. I am telling you... brain-no-function-without-coffee (that was my non-coffee-drinking zombie impersonation). I realized my mistake when I saw a young mom in ubber-cute flats, skinny-jeans and a bright colored tee. I couldn't help but think how cute she and her daughter looked. Then it came crashing down on me. I left the house looking the way I did. Since the damage was done I decided to finish my shopping trip but before I left I grabbed a coffee (quad-grande latte to be exact). Now I am slightly embarrassed but the damage is done. Luckily I am married to the love of my life so there were no chances to run into him and face embarrassment (he's seen me at my worst) and I didn't run into any past rivals or future employers :).

My other apology is for not updating my 30 Days of FAB Hair... I cut it... I dyed it... now... I'm working with it. It's extremely layered so I am having trouble finding ways to fix it that don't have tons of fly-aways. But when I find something that works I will post it so you can see it. Oh... and I got rid of 3 inches... so braids are difficult.

Today's Outfit! 3-20-12

This outfit is my heralding spring/summer outfit! I have had a dress similar to this for a few years now and the second I put it on I truly feel as if spring has started! I purchased mine at Old Navy for $10, but like I said I have had it for a few years... My sandals were purchased at Wal-Mart for $10 and they are COMFY! And my jacket was actually from Maurice's so you can just follow the link given on polyvore.com
The jewelry is from the $1 jewelry store.

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Mint Green

Trend #4- Mint Green
This trend has little to do with body shape and much more to do with skin-tone.

For the Dark Complexion- Go for the very light, almost white greens. These colors will look stunning on you and you are the ONLY one who could pull it off well. It's such a contrast to your skin color that it will make you look like you have been prepping all year for the moment you could wear white again. The darker hues will look great on you as well but they might steal the show from your amazing skin.

For the Light Complexion- Go BOLD! Look for mint-greens that are on the darker end on the spectrum, especially if you are blonde. Buy a dress or blouse with a saturated color and pair it with darker heels, stay away from the nudes or your will look completely washed out. Also, if you have brown eyes, try a shadow in a mint green. Anyone else may look completely silly but you could really pull it off.

For the Medium Complexion- This will be more about how much pink undertones you have in your skin. The more you have the lighter you can go. What medium complexions are going to have a problem with are the ladies with olive skin tones. Many ladies with olive skin tones would like to go for the bold mint green but this could work against you. Make sure that your mint leans closer to the blue side or you could look sickly. Always try things on and see how well they contrast with your skin-tone and make sure you get in a place with good lighting.

Trendy vs. Classic

Okay, so for the fashion challenged out there I am going to write a little bit on "trendy vs. classic" and what the two words actually mean. For example, a trendy bag in the 90's was the reinvented backpack, now it's the reinvented clutch. However, the clutch has NEVER gone out of style. This makes it a classic and I believe (big or small) it will continue to stay in fashion. Also, along those lines, leather... It NEVER goes out of style either. The way that it's worn has simply changed over the course of time. We've seen the leather mini, the bomber jacket, the biker jacket, the leather dress, leather pants. The trend would be (again) HOW it's worn. Even for a time leather jewelry was all the rage and I will admit I still own some.

Also, if you just can't bring yourself to wear something (like me, with the whole feathers in the hair trend) then it's probably a trend. Things become "classic" for a reason.

Some things that are trendy right now are color-blocking, day-clutches, mint green, leather, ankle straps and florals.

These pants are probably the greatest example of a TREND because they are the pants that get shoved to the back of your closet, all photos are burned and you pray to God that no one remembers once the trend is over. Funny thing, just because I remember my grandmother wearing this doesn't mean it's classic. (BTW I am old enough to remember Hammer pants and just because you've now deemed them harem pants DOES NOT MAKE THEM COOL or classic.)

Does this mean all trends will eventually become a bad thing? Of course not! It does mean that some things are seasonal, it does mean that some things will cause you future embarrassment, and it does mean that trends will come and go so don't invest too much money into those items.

Some things that are classic are pencil skirts, a-line skirts, structured jackets, wrap-dresses, boot-cut jeans and to be perfectly honest... classic isn't really about any particular item of clothing, it's about CUT!
What do I mean by this? ANYTHING that flatters the female figure ends up being CLASSIC.

Yes, the outfit I chose is a trendy item but I foresee this quickly becoming a classic item. Look at the way it fits her. You essentially have the classic pencil skirt with the classic ruffled top! (Busty girls, stay away from ruffled tops!!) And the belt creates the empire waistline.

The great thing about classic items is that they will complement your trendy items nicely. That sexy black pencil skirt will look amazing with your new neon colored top :). Also, this is what you'll want to invest your money into. Those killer stilettos, that great suit, that amazing wrap-dress, those jeans that fit JUST RIGHT are what you need to make a killer wardrobe 365 days a year!

*Both items are from Forever 21.

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Ankle-Straps

Trend #2 - Day Clutches
Essentially these clutches are just bigger. You can't really go wrong with this trend. However, if you buy a neon handbag and tend to carry it near your belly, guess where the eye is going to go. Or, say you have a small chest and you tend to carry your bag under your arm... well, you get the point. Remember, handbags are where you should GO ALL OUT! Not that I am saying you should blow an entire paycheck (actually, the opposite might be smart) but you should make it a bold statement. The one above suited my personality well (which is why I chose it) but pick one that makes a statement!!

 Trend #3 - Ankle Straps!
This is a great trend for spring because we will all be wearing skirts, shorts, even cropped pants and what better way to showcase a stunning pair of legs :).

For the thick girl: This trend can definitely work for you. Don't shy away from it just because you are a bigger girl. Word of warning though, if you have cankles (and let's be honest, some bigger girls do) and you are embarrassed by them, this trend will only draw more attention to your problem area. For me, I have very defined ankles (chalk it up to the fact that I was a catcher my entire life) but I have large calves. I can never find boots that fit, so when spring/summer rolls around I am ready to wear my ankle-strap, sexy heels.

For the skinny girl: Again, this trend can work for you. However, if you have a lanky figure, this trend may not be the best idea. Bony ankles just look... bony with an ankle strap around them. But if you have defined calves and you have a thicker ankle, GO FOR IT! Remember, you can get away with bolder fashions so keep your accessories muted.

For the in-between girl: THIS trend was meant for you!!! Rock it! You have the ideal legs to pull this look off. Show off those sexy ankles! Don't you know the ankles were once considered the sexiest part of the female body? Show the world why!

Today's Outfit

Today's outfit was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest. I am in love with the navy and green! This is a trend I will def. be following :). My pea-coat was purchased at Rue 21 when they had their $19.99 coat sale. I am not sure if they even still have them but it's worth checking online. My undershirts are almost always purchased at Rue or Gordmans and I never spend over $10 on any of them. My jeans are NY and CO. and my shoes and sweater are from Cato. I am also giving you a two-for here because I am showcasing the hairstyle I chose for today :)

*The jeans, sweater, jewelry and shoes were mentioned in a previous post.

Today's Outfit

Today's outfit is inspired by the latest trends, and the lovely spring weather. I have added color-blocked heels and cropped skinnies. I couldn't find the actual jacket I bought today but the color is right and (me being a bigger girl with much bigger boobs) the tank is an actual tank but the colors are right. I added the brown to balance out all the bright colors.
My skinnies are just as dark but they were only $25. I got them when New York and Co. had their BOGO free pants sale. AND my heels came from Charlotte Russe and were only $50. My handbag came from a place down the street from me, deemed the $1 jewelry store, and was only $25. My shirt and jacket were purchased at Dress Barn and the shirt was $14, the jacket $10. I buy almost all of my accessories from Claire's or the Icing. 

30 Days of FAB Hair - Day 5

This was my inspiration for my Day 5 hair. Again I couldn't get a good picture. All I did was fix my hair the way I normally would but twisted the strands around the straightener for the soft waves.
I have really been obsessed with Vampire Diaries for a little while and I ALWAYS LOVE Caroline's hair. She always has the cutest braids, curls, mod-fashions and I love her as a vampire as well :).

30 Days of FAB Hair - Day 4

Yes, you are seeing me sans makeup and with a red mark from where I bit my lip. In this pic I have come home, put on pj's and have been lounging around the house for quite some time. Please ignore the fabulous Avenged Sevenfold T-Shirt!
This is my go-to hairstyle. The one I am trying to break away from but since I had a VERY rough morning... well... it happened. I actually love my hair but I am getting bored with the same old thing all the time.
I put root-lifter in my roots and shine serum on the rest, blow dry it out with my head flipped upside-down and then run a straightener through it for a polished look.

30 Days of FAB Hair - Day 2 and 3

Sorry I didn't get to post yesterday but here it is! Day 2, I found some really cute headbands and I figured I would buy a few and try them out. This is a style I see a lot and I figured it can't be too hard. All I did was straighten my hair, pull it into a low, off-center pony and then put the headband in. For Day 3 I did a variation of this same style with high-pony and pinned my bangs back with the same headband.

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Color-Blocking

According to People's Style Watch there are 10 must-have/must-try trends for spring! Over the course of the next week and a half I will cover each trend. I have to say I am on-board with the 80's throwbacks coming out this season, as well as the reintroduction of the platform (my 5'4" body loves this very much). I am drooling over the color-blocked platforms that are all over the fashion websites and magazines. I am even happy about leather's amazing return (as if it ever truly goes out of style!).

Now to address some of the problems with said trends and how to make them work for your specific body:

Trend #1 - COLOR-BLOCKING
Many of you may be wondering what color-blocking actually is. Well, remember those baseball tees everyone loved for so long? You know, the tees with the contrasting sleeves? That's color-blocking. This season everything from shoes, to handbags, to dresses are sporting this design.

For the thick girl: COLOR-BLOCKING CAN BE HAZARDOUS FOR YOU!!! (And me too!) This is where you have to be a bit creative. Mix and match colors. A bold colored top with a vibrant belt and contrasting skinnies could work well for you. However, if you have a large chest and you decide to wear a color-blocked top, guess what... You will look like you have an even larger chest! Same goes for skirts and big booties. On the flip side, finding a dress with a thick band of fabric running straight down the front can make you look skinnier. Always remember, vertical lines are your best friend :) If you are too afraid to try the bold combo of contrasting top and bottoms or even unsure of the dress option there is a solution! HANDBAGS AND SHOES!!! (See Above!!)

For the skinny girl: ROCK THE COLOR-BLOCK! Try it with EVERY item of clothing. This trend was meant for YOU! Anything from a skirt, to a top, to a dress! Keep your accessories simple and understated and let your outfit take center-stage. Jessica Simpson's Spring Collection was also meant for you! (Won't lie, gonna buy a dress from it myself!) Also, another great spring trend is neon! Mixing the two will work for you! Own it because this isn't a trend meant for the masses!

For the in-betweens: My only advice to you is keep color-blocking away from your problem areas. It will NOT mask it, it WILL exaggerate it. 

 

*The above picture is pulled from my Polyvore account.

Today's Outfit!

Today, I went for a more muted look. I love yellow for me because I have rich caramel locks and the brown makes my blue eyes pop. The bag I have is actually zebra print but the colors are right. On days when I can't seem to wake up I like to steal my hubbies aviators :) They make me feel a bit better... probably because I can wear something of his and not look like a complete idiot. I don't usually wear gold but after I bought the flats and the sweater it seemed obvious I should own some form of gold jewelry.
The sweater and flats I have are almost identical but mine are from CATO. I believe I only paid $30 for both items.
Hope you find some inspiration!

Today's Outfit!

I like to build my favorite outfit's on Polyvore and this is the one I chose today. I like the punk-rock elements of this outfit. Especially the spikes on the heels. My outfit is actually blue (to match my eyes) but this was the closest thing I could find on the site. I hope you enjoy it. Check out the site for yourself and build your dream wardrobe :)

Day 1 - 30 Days of FAB Hair

Today I went with a half up/half down style. As you can see it's smooth and shiny! I used one of my favorite styling products, a shine serum, to tame my frizz and leave my hair super glossy. I didn't have anyone here to photograph the back of my head (I tried, it didn't turn out well... the photo... the hair looks great!) but it's pinned on both sides with two bobby-pins on either side and in loose ringlets. The pins are the same color as my hair and are hidden but it looks fab.

Beauty Riot 30 Days, 30 Styles -This is where the idea for the hairstyle came from, so you can see the back.

A List of the Best Places to Find Fashion For Less

Okay, like I said in my introduction I am always on the lookout for inexpensive finds. My journeys have led me to a few unexpected places along with some more obvious places. I want to throw out a few cautionary tips before I go into my budget friendly places.

• Shopping the sales racks means you are buying out of season clothing. If you do this make sure the items you are purchasing are classic items (ie, pencil skirts, blazers, slacks and jeans) and shy away from the trendier items (ie, some prints, colors and statement tees). 
• When purchasing accessories/shoes stick with colors already in your color palate. BUT, buy that funky colored scarf or handbag you've been drooling over. Shoes last a LONG time. I have had some shoes for nearly ten years. However, a handbag only lasts me about 4 months (I'm rough with them...).
• As far as trends go... Don't let the clothes wear you... You own the clothes!! What I mean is, simply, this: I am not a girly girl, however, spring trends are leaning in a floral direction. Did I purchase a floral top? Of course! But I paired it with ubber-dark skinnies, nude heels and a brown biker jacket. I promise you, I didn't look like a girly-girl. My handbag also takes away from the ubber-girly trend of florals. It's tan and black and studded!!
• KNOW YOUR SIZE! Whether you are a plus-size, a size two or somewhere in between, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of fashion! If you are wearing a shirt and/or jeans that are two sizes too small, no matter your size, you WILL look like a stuffed sausage!!! I live in Oklahoma so I see this A LOT! It is okay to be a plus sized woman! It is okay to be a size two! Again I say, OWN your clothes! Do NOT let them own you! Same goes for over-sized clothing. Do you want to look like you are wearing a burlap sack? Do you want to look 5 sizes bigger than you normally are? This is a mistake a lot of plus-sized women make. Whether they are trying to hide behind the fabric or do not truly know their size, it is tragic. Plus-sized women USUALLY have MAD CURVES!! Big boobs and a round bottom are something MOST women want. Own it! I will say right now, I breach the line. I wear a 36 H and I wear a size 12-16 depending on the manufacturer. Clothes can be a nuisance to me. I know the struggle of size and fit.
• And last, pay attention to online sizing charts. They vary from store to store. 

Okay now that that is out of the way I will give in and tell my favorite places to shop on a budget

• Wal-Mart Online - I realize my credibility might have just flown out the window for some people but I will tell you now, if you don't take the time to go through their women's apparel ONLINE, you are missing out. I bought a shirt from Wal-Mart not too long ago. I was impressed with the quality and the up-to-date style. It was the first item, other than groceries, I had purchased from Wal-Mart in a really long time... and I have to say, I didn't see a single item in the rest of the store that I liked. So I come home to look it up and post it to pinterest and I find some AMAZING steals! $15 dresses, $20 jackets! I was blown away.
• Target - Same as with above... it's a little more expensive than Wal-Mart but not exceedingly so...
• Maurices - Maurices is almost always featured (in some aspect) in Lucky magazine! I only know this because I used to work there and the Lucky outfits would be put on the mannequins! They even have plus-sizes!
• FlirtCatalog.com - This site has a lot of the featured items from some of the top magazines in the nation. Dresses as low as $15 and shoes as low as $20. I will admit it takes some rifling through to find the real gems but it is worth it!
• GoJane.com - This site is much like the site above... however, you will find trendier items here. This is not the place to find a classic, timeless look but it will showcase the latest trends and keep you within your budget!

So, these are the sites and stores in my fashion arsenal. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
 Happy Shopping!