Cheetahlicious

 My all time favorite trend/print is cheetah! I am obsessed and have so much clothing and accessories with it I could open up my own store! The problem is that this print has a bad reputation. Cheetah can be associated with promiscuity and cheap, but it doesn’t have to be! It is all about how you wear it. The biggest key to wearing not only cheetah, but any overwhelming print is to wearing it sparingly. It is hard to pull of a whole dress of cheetah, but by picking either pants or a shirt, you can wear it without screaming “RAWRR”

Here are some examples of tasteful and classy cheetah: 

Jessica Alba, Olivia Palmero, Kourtney Kardashian and Siena Miller all got this trend right! Nicki Minaj’s Grammy ensemble wasn’t as fortunate.

To rock this look, you don’t need a skin tight dress to amp up the volume. Instead invest in small items such as a scarves, shoes, bags, skirts or skirts to give a maybe boring outfit into a party.

I recently invested in cheetah shorts and a cheetah top to add to my collections. I encourage you do the same as we all embark on this journey of our individual style together hope

From witch to woman

Emma Watson walked into all of our hearts when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone first premiered in 2001. Since then we all have been mesmerized by her overwhelming poise, grace and elegance. I always liked her until she cut her long locks into a pixie cut:then I loved her! Now its 2011 and the Harry Potter movie franchise has finally come to an end. Yet I strongly believe this is not the end for Emma Watson who not only is a great actress but is a fashion genius. Here I wish to take a look at her London and New York premiere dresses.

 This Oscar de la Renta dress is utterly flawless that was worn to the London premiere. She has skipped the princess stage and looks like a queen. I love the sheer top and the tulle ball gown bottom is magical. And the hair!! Although its grown out a bit, I love the wispy strands by her ears. Its pulls the whole thing together. It does almost cross the line into maybe bridal/prom, but I think she carries it well.

This  dress is by Bottega Venta Fall 2011. When I first saw this I didn’t know what to think and I am still a bit confused. I love the structured top with a recycled, eco-friendly look. The bottom is…okay. I like the color contrast but it looks like the top was put with the wrong bottom. Like it could be ripped off later and reveal another bottom. Once again I love the hair and the makeup and despite its lack of a ‘bang’, I think she left her mark.

 Lastly I thought I would just show the large contrast between Emma then and now. From feathered boa to ball gown! I wish all of us could make such a transformation!

Lately I...

Lately I love... my TexasLash Mascara by Cargo.

I have been obsessed with this mascara for the past three years and have refused to use anything else. Yet last year I went into Sephora and my worst nightmare became a reality: it was no longer sold! I was devastated and switched to Covergirl. My eyelashes were never the same until last weekend when I went back to Sephora and my mascara was once again in stores. My eyelashes have been rejoicing ever since. It has a really thick brush that really lengthens and thickens my lashes. Mascara is my fave makeup product and this one has given me the best results. I cant find it online, but if you go into Sephora and just ask for the Texas mascara they will know which one you want.

Lately I want... a chic bag.

I used to only wear huge bags, but since I started college I have downsized to cross body bags. I also usually only ever wear black, but black is out now especially foe the summer. I now want a nude  big bag for the summer that can take me into the fall while carrying all my stuff. I have fallen upon these two bags and decide which one I like better!

The first is a good size with a variety of ways to wear it, but maybe a bit too plain for me. The second I fear will not be able to lead me into the fall season, but I absolutely adore it. Thoughts? Which one should I invest in?

Lately I need...black heels!

I have wide feet so finding shoes especially heels is extremely difficult. While I am also in search of nude heels. I have finally found a great pair of black heels by Rocketdog that fit!! I found them at work, Famous Footwear, and need to own them before I go back to school! I love the side cutout and the knot detail at the toe!

What have you lately been loving in your style, craving to have and dying to own? Let me know here as we embark on our journey to individual style together.

Lately I….

Lately I… am in love with Gap and their basic t-shirts.

Currently Gap has been having amazing sales and with the shirts on sale for $9.99, you can find a great deal. Since the last time I posted I have collected 5, yes FIVE, basic tees. They are so comfortable and come in about 12 different colors. I have them in light blue/turquoise,  lilac, dark purple, burnt orange, and coral. I highly suggest  investing in these tees for yourself. I promise it will be love at first wear.

Lately I want… more skirts!

Skirts have become my new best friend but all I have is black and one floral print. Since I work retail, it is important to be comfortable especially when its 80 degrees outside. Dress pants are my worst nightmare especially when looking for them in petite. Now that I have a bevy of different tees from Gap, I can accommodate colorful skirts. I really like these: (all from Forever 21)

        

          

Lately I need… a braided brown skinny belt.

   I confess I am addicted to wearing black and silver, but there are a few select items in my closet that require brown/gold accessories.  As a result I keep a few gold earrings and rings on hand, but I have no belts! I have been looking for this belt for ages. And being only $2.50 I think I may just get it!

         

Let me know what you lately love, want and need right here as we embark on our journey to our individual style.

My fashion icon

Fashion is so subjective and really relies on an individual’s taste. Although we are all responsible for our own fashion sense, we are constantly inspired and influenced by others.

I tend to be most inspired by just opening a magazine and looking inside. Yet my biggest fashion inspiration is Lauren Conrad. I have looked to her for many things in this my own life and this blog whether it be her hair color or clothing line. The biggest way she has inspired me is with her signature side braid. The side braid is my go to style when I’m having a bad hair day! I have loved her since Laguna Beach and I am glad that she is not just another reality show girl gone wrong. Here are some of my favorite Lauren Conrad looks.

          Whether she is walking around L.A,

 At an event

Or on the runway!

She currently creates her own line of fabulous and affordable clothes at Kohl's. If you go to the link for Kohl's, you can also watch videos by Lauren and her suggestions on how to wear pieces in her collection. And now she has created Paper Crown with two friends and it will soon be featured in stores such as Nordstrom's!

If you want even MORE Lauren Conrad, pick up a copy of her style book, Style. LOVED IT!

Who is your style icon? Let me know here as you embark on your way to style!

Lately I…

Lately I have not been blogging. I have so many ideas running through my head, but now that it is summer I have been a bit lackadaisical. But I have decided to start a bi weekly blog to keep me on track. It is called Lately I love,want and need. I will post bi weekly items in fashion that at the moment I love, desperately want, and absolutely need. This week will mark the first installment. I hope that by doing this, I will also post more frequently about the fashion we all love!


Lately I love… my cat eye sunglasses and white sandals.           

When the summer started I wanted to earn some extra cash by selling some clothes to Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor. (Clothes Mentor is for women and buy brans like New York & Company and Ann Taylor). Personally I had some good stuff they didn’t take, but they are pretty picky about quality and style. But I still made almost $60 at both stores combined.  Anyways that’s not the point. The point is A) I got these awesome sunglasses at Plato’s for $6 and B) The sandals were only $12 at Kohl's! I have been looking for cat eye glasses forever and jumped on these! These are definitely my summer staple and I also was searching for cute white sandals. I declare success!!

Lately I want… a maxi dress!
To be specific I want this maxi dress by Lauren Conrad. I love the sweet heart neckline and bold print. I am obsessed with her and her line at Kohl's! I love maxi dresses because they are perfect for summer with a cute wedge or flip flop. My only issue with buying a maxi dress is that I am so short! Standing at a meager 5''2” I fear that a maxi dress will make me look even shorter. I also fear that maxi dresses may make me look pregnant. Crazy? Probably. Legitimate? Oh yes.

Lately I need… NUDE PUMPS

 I have needed nude pumps for the longest time! Nude pumps are as important as an LBD in a girls closet. They elongate your legs which I need since I am so short!  I really like ones like these at Aldo.  My problem is my dumb wide feet! I am a devoted size 7…wide. With heels it’s the hardest because if I try and go up a half size for the width, the length to too long! It is impossible for me to find heels. But the search continues because I worry that without them my life can not go on much further. Too dramatic?

Royal Wedding: Best and Worst

Although Kate Middleton was the star of the Royal Wedding, she was not the only one who looked good. Unfortunately there were some that looked bloody wretched.

Lets start with the good:

1. Carole Middleton- Mrs.Middleton, mother of the new princess, definitely represented herself well in front of the royal family. She stunned in a Catherine Walker sky blue dress and wool crepe coat. I thought the color was perfect for the season and it fit her flawlessly. While watching TLC’s coverage, Clinton Kelly wished it had more bling, but I disagree. She is the mother of the bride, not the bride and she dressed as such. She still looked fashionable and was able to show off her great figure without looking dumpy. Remember people were in England, not America!

 

2. Pippa Middleton- As Maid of Honor, Pippa also came out strong in her own Alexander McQueen creation. She really looked like the hot, sexy, single sister with the low neckline and buttons down the back. It also clung to her perfectly engineered body which makes me want to never eat again.

3. Although I wish Diana could have been here instead, Camilla Parker, Prince William’s stepmum, did pretty well. I liked her hat as well the details on her two toned Anna Valentine coat. She also looked appropriate, yet fashionable.

Now lets take a look at the bad:

1/2. Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice- It was bad enough that their mother Sarah Ferguson was not invited to the wedding, but was this the right way to revolt?! The both wore hats by Phillip Treacy while Eugenie chose Vivienne Westwood and Beatrice chose Valentino. First the hats: Why Beatrice why? Is it a bow? Is it a toilet bowl with toilet paper on the seat? While watching the ceremony my mother saw her in the crowd and gasped saying “ WHO is that?” I quipped in remark, “It looks like Lady Gaga!” Somehow this reminded me of Lady Gaga’s lobster hat. Thoughts?

And Eugenie’s dress?! I didn’t mind Beatrice’s as it flatters her new figure, but Eugenie’s blue mess does the opposite. Her bust looks gigantic and the bottom hem is awful. She needs a genie to help her find a new dress.

3. Chelsy Davy- Maybe its just because she is dating the eligible Prince Harry, but I hate this look. Her dress, created specially for her by Alberta Ferreti, was so bad. I hated the color, the sheen, and the fit. She is a beautiful girl, but I feel this dress does not do her justice. She earns some points with the hat and shoes, but can you can really go wrong with nude heels? Come on Chels, if you want to marry the other Prince, step up your game.

Fit for a princess

So although I did not wake up at 4 am to watch the Royal Wedding, I was eventually sucked into the wedding frenzy. Not only is the Royal Wedding an excuse for American’s to get caught up in a monarchy that we do not have, it is also a chance for us American girls to fantasize about being a princess.

Commoner Kate Middleton had that dream become a reality by marrying the dashingly handsome Prince William yesterday. Not only was she becoming a real princess, she got to dress like one too!

             

Kate Middleton was able to evoke class, elegance, and fashion in her wedding dress.The dress, which was designed by Sarah Burton of the late Alexander McQueen’s fashion house, did not disappoint. I absolutely died when she stepped out of the car and was followed by the beautiful train. The lace top and lace sleeves were beautiful and the slightly plunging neckline reminded us that it is the 21st century and she is a young woman. She was also able to show off her tiny little waist!

And what about that train!!! Although long trains typically bother me because it is constantly being arranged, Kate’s was perfect. Reaching 6ft long, it was not too short and not too long and her sister, Pippa, did not have to continually adjust it.

Not only was the dress exquisite, so were the accessories. The veil ,which made of silk ivory tulle, was sheer enough to see her beautiful face. She also decided to wear her hair half up half down which she apparently chose because William loves her long hair. Her earrings were a gift from her parents and the tiara was borrowed from the queen herself.

My only disappointment was with the bouquet. The size was in ratio to the dress, but I wish the flowers had been a bit more stunning.

What are your thoughts on Kate’s wedding dress? And what is your strategy to win Prince Harry’s heart? Share your thoughts and look for a new post of best and worst fashions of the Royal Wedding.

I may not be the best, but…

I may not be the best, but I am working my ass off trying!

I don’t look good everyday. I don’t dress up everyday. Some days I just want to lie in my comfy bed and watch John Hughes’ movies. (Ferris Bueller is my fave!)

We are not perfect people, but I encourage everyone to fight for what they want in this lifetime. When it comes to fashion, which is what this blog is all about, take risks! I can not stress that enough.

RISKS! RISKS! RISKS!

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say “Oh I could never pull that off.” Really people, really? Who says?! You will never know until you try, right?

Currently my biggest obstacle I am tackling is newspaper writing. I am completely ignorant when it comes to journalistic writing and AP style. Luckily one of my best friends is a Journalism major and has taught me some basics. Yet I still feel way out of my element. Despite my fears I have tried to write multiple articles for my school’s newspaper this year.

It can be discouraging when your article comes back with a million edits and suggestions, but you just have to be confident that they are all helpful and you can fix it!

So I dare everyone to take a risk before the semester is over and do something you have been afraid to do! Whether it is trying out color blocking, wide leg pants, or feather extension or even adding a second major (I just did), go for it! I am right here cheering for you

First Fashion Show!

 

On Friday I went to my first fashion show! It was the 3rd Annual Unity  Fashion Show. The goal was to promote diversity by having several designers, photographers, stylists, and models from several backgrounds and demographics.

I went as press for Northeastern’s newspaper and was able to sit front row with my favorite roomie and photographer for the night. I took this opportunity to get all glammed up and take advantage of being press! When we arrived, we got a cute goodie bag and I prepared for the show.

Although not all the designers were my style, the show definitely accomplished its goal of diversity whether it was clothes, jewelry, or models. I can appreciate everyone’s unique style and beauty and although the event was long (almost 4 hours!) I had a great night.

This was also a glimpse into my future life, but then I’ll be doing ten shows in a day! I can’t wait!

Here’s a picture of me all dolled up with my press pass!

 

Also last night I attended Relay for Life and was touched by how many people in this world are constantly affected by cancer. I am fortunate  to have never lost anyone to this never ending disease. I just want to remind everyone to be grateful for their family and live every day to the fullest. And to those fighting for their lives, keeping hoping and keep fighting <3 If you would like to donate click here

Isn’t it fitting?

 

When shopping, finding the right fit for your body can be one of the most frustrating things ever. Whether you are short or tall, curvy or straight as a pole, clothes will not always fit you correctly. It is our daily struggle to walk into a store and fit into everything we see.

A common misconception is that if you want clothes to fit, you must be a size 2. FALSE! No matter what shape or size you are, clothes can fit you well!

If your worried something doesn’t fit, it probably doesn’t. Never settle for something because its on sale either because you will never end up wearing it. Also belts are your best friend! I suggest thin,skinny belts in an array of colors. And don’t forget about your friend the tailor. It can seem silly to tailor something, but it will be worth it especially with jeans.

My personal dilemma is trying to find pants in petite or short. More and more stores are making short pants available yet they are never in stock! It is so frustrating. Yet my favorite stores that have multiple length pants are Delia’s, Gap, Kohl’s, and Ann Taylor (Loft). All of these stores have short, tall, or petite options. Delia’s allows you to order your size in the store while Kohl’s and Ann Taylor have sections of their stores dedicated to petites.

I recently encountered some fit dilemmas this week when searching for a spring coat for my birthday. I really wanted a trench coat. I found this really cute one with cheetah print cuffs, but soon realized it swallowed me! When looking for jackets, especially ones that are usually long, short women should look for ones that fall above the knees. Shorter women can also look for jackets that skim the top of your pants. Show off those legs ladies! Tall women have the option to wear longer coats, but not too long!.

Here is the coat I finally decided on: It can be found at H&M which unfortunately doesn’t have online shopping (yet)!

 

Who ever said blondes have more fun…

I DID IT!!! I DID IT!!!


I finally got the guts to dye my hair! I have been a blonde most of my life and now I have finally gone back to my roots. Blonde be gone!


I just did this less than a week ago and am still getting used to it. Every morning I look in the mirror and do a double take. I feel like a different person! I am so happy with this drastic change!


Anyone else gotten up the nerve to make a beauty change? If not I encourage you to take the leap because it will be worth it.
P.S. I am also loving my outfit today! I just bought this shirt at Kohl's and love the look of classic stripes with the feminine lace. Thoughts?
Photo credit: my lovely roomie Laura

Put some pants on

 I understand the lure. I understand the convenience. I may even understand the comfort. What I do not understand is how it is flattering. I am talking about wearing leggings as pants. For clarification, leggings are NOT pants and they are certainly not a pant substitute.

I am not completely against leggings, but I find that there is a time and place for leggings. More specifically when worn with a shirt longer than, as Chelsea Handler would say, your coslopus. When leggings are worn with a shirt, like a graphic tee, that hits 3 inches or less past your belly button, there is a problem. No one wants to see that! Leggings were created to go under a short dress or a skirt especially in the winter.

The biggest problem is that leggings and the even more wretched jeggings, are not flattering. A majority of leggings are made from spandex l which clings to every bump and flaw on your body. It may seem that leggings suck your body in tight, but in reality they do the opposite. The other issue with leggings is how it outlines your crotch area and your butt. Leggings do not flatter your lower half like a good pair of jeans.

There is also the misconception that incredibly skinny people can rock the leggings. In my book, as long as the shirt doesn’t cover the necessary parts, it does not work. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule, but ladies, just put the leggings down.


Here are some ways to still use your leggings:
Long sweater-Megan Fox

Dress- Claudia Schiffer

Long Shirt-Lauren Conrad

Blazer and knee high boots- Kim Kardashian

Clothes: Just to keep us warm or a complete attitude changer?

 
There are always those days when you wake up and just feel gross and lazy. The results are rolling out of bed and putting on the comfiest and warmest thing you own. It happens to me at least once a week and now even more frequently since I’ve been at college. Yet last night as I tossed and turned wondering if H&M got the turquoise blazer I need, I decided to plan out my outfit for the day ahead of me.

I had recently been searching for a cute denim shirt that would compliment my body type and I finally found it! But for the past two weeks it has been hanging there, waiting patiently for me to show it off. And today was the day! I fell asleep dreaming of how cute I would look the next day and of meeting my future husband in this shirt.

Well one of those dreams came true! (No, I didn’t meet the future Mr. Amateur PR Guru) I looked adorable! After having such an up and down week, it was time I felt good about myself. Now you should too!
It seems so easy to throw on those sweatpants and college tee, but that outfit does NOT make us feel good about ourselves. Women need to constantly portray confidence in themselves and I believe that we underestimate how much our clothes can help us do that. Having a horrible mood? Dress up! Put on your cutest outfit, throw on some statement jewelry, and let your make up shine! It is not vain or shallow, but a way for us to recognize what a remarkable person we are inside and out. Cliché? Maybe. True? Yes!

Today I felt like a different person than I did the day before when I did retreat to the college students typical wardrobe. Clothes are an expression of who we are and I dare you to show everyone the true you the next time you are deciding what to wear.

*An insider’s look into my PACKED closet” P.S Thanks to my fab roomie for being the greatest photographer ever :)

Hair today, changed tomorrow

  
My number one motto in life is to always trust your hairdresser. If you can’t trust them, who can you trust, right? Hair has become one of the most important features that a woman has, and we protect it to the death. Most women can’t even stomach the thought of cutting their hair an inch, and I totally relate.

Yet a trend that always existed and is popping up more and more is changing your hair color. Some are drastically different, like Emma Stone, or simple, but impactful, like Lauren Conrad. Personally I admire and love all the changes these ladies above made (even Khloe’s!), but how did they get the guts to do it?! Sure Emma has movies that make her millions to help cushion the blow, but it scares me to death.

I have been debating dying my hair dark for weeks and have not taken the leap yet. Its exciting and nerve-racking all at once to imagine waking up with something so different. I have been getting blonde highlights since I was 12 and am done being a blonde! I want to go dark a la Lauren, but I am so afraid I will hate it. I have also never completely dyed my hair before. I just want a drastic difference that says “Hello world!” and I think I’m finally ready to deal with it.

Besides this is what fashion is all about! Taking risks, making changes, and trusting your own gut. Hairdressers may have all the right tools and brains to give you a great haircut, but they can’t make the decision for you. Sometimes you have to swallow your fears and say “Just do it!”

* Official addition to New Year’s Resolution: Dye hair brown*