It has been over a month since I posted...

I am so sorry! Sometimes life gets in the way of life, you know? I promise that this weekend I'll have a great new post up for all to enjoy!

In the meantime, check out this romantic tutorial I did for Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be just for the the big love day! I wear this look a lot and I find it to be simple, but really pretty. Let me know what you think!

From Professional to Personal: Three looks that easily make the transition!

Hi Everyone!

It seems like the longer I work the longer I work, do you know what I mean? I seem to spend all my waking hours during the week typing behind a computer screen. Therefore when out shopping it's so difficult for me to pick up a great outfit for girls night, a chic weekend ensemble, or a spicy little date night number. I feel guilty. I feel guilty spending money on clothes that I may not get to wear very often, so that's why I think it's so important to pick up pieces that easily translate from your work life to your personal life. Check out below what I've put together and you'll really see how easy it is! You can invest in great pieces, that worn a certain way, that be perfect for almost every occasion!

 

Let's start out with the most practical: from work to weekend. I know it easy to want to throw on those Old Navy yoga pants and basic t-shirt or zip-up and go about your weekend activities, but I totally believe that when you look good - you feel good! Let's start with work. First I paired a Michael Kors Sequin Shell (1) with a Jaeger Birdseye Pleated Pencil Skirt (2) in silver grey. It's definitely worth it to invest in a beautifully constructed pencil skirt. There are so many things you can pair it with and a sassy sequin top is one of them! A top like that is also perfect for a variety of occasions, keep an open mind! Over top of the skirt consider investing in a great fitted blazer. This exquisite jacket is the Alexander McQueen Crepe Jacket (3) with jeweled buttons. Now, of course you don't have to spend your entire paycheck on a terrific piece and that's the best part. Stores like J.Crew, Anne Taylor's Loft, and Banana Republic have very affordable and very chic fitted blazers. I chose ASOS SCAMP Suede Wedge Court Shoes (7) to complete the basics of this work look. I love the added texture and surprising comfort offered by a suede wedge shoe. To pull the outfit together I added a bright, but classic YSL Kelly Green Scarf (4), a showy Kenneth Jay Lane Amethyst Cocktail Ring (8), and rebel chic Alexander McQueen Skull Cuff (5).  Every girl needs a great versatile bag and Marc Jacobs is my man! This Marc by Marc Jacobs "ClassicQ Hiller' Hobo can be found right here on Oohilove for a great price! 

Now to transition this outfit from work to weekend simply trade the pencil skirt for a great pair of skinny jeans (9), like these from 7 For All Mankind, and trade the sequin top for a basic fitted v-neck t-shirt (10), for example the James Perse Scoop above -- and that's it! Everything else can stay the same! You've gone from totally work appropriate to sophisticated weekend casual in an instant!

Sometimes though you have to make your work outfit your Thursday night date outfit, but don't worry this can be just as easy! Start off with essential basics!

Most offices are pretty business casual, so I think it safe to say that you can probably start out with a great pair of professional looking skinny jeans. This pair of Citizens of Humanity (5) are in grey. I absolutely love to layer, especially when that means I can still wear some of my favorite spring and summer tops in the colder months. Try taking a thin long sleeved black turtleneck, like this one by Rick Owens (3), and pairing it with a super feminine and sexy top like this Valentino Rosette-embellished top (4). You can find a turtleneck like this everywhere imaginable, but definitely start at places like the GAP and H&M. As for the girly top, that will be just as easy! Even stores like Forever21 have very cute and feminine pieces. As for footwear, let's be comfortable! I love these Tory Burch flats (6) from Oohilove. The hardware accent definitely brings these shoes from boring to interesting in a heart beat! It's also so important to invest in a great work bag. This simple Givenchy Elme Leather Shopper tote (1) is perfect. It's simple, but classic. Add perhaps some cute silver cuff bangles and you're good to go! The interest on the shoes as well as the top keep you from having to add too many accessories.

There isn't much to do at all to transition this look from work to date night. You could of course add some killer heels, but I don't think it's all that necessary. You want to look polished and put together, not like you were trying too hard, right? To change up this look simply lose the turtleneck and trade the work bag for an interesting clutch like this Y-Mail Clutch in Patent Leather (2). You're definitely sporting some figure friendly and sleek clothing, but without showing off too much skin - perfect combination! Now there's no need to go home after work and then have a 9:30pm dinner date - you're good to go right from the office! 

This third transition is probably the most fun to put together: from work to girls night!

 

Making this transition probably seems like a difficult task, however it can be really fun! I like to start with a great dress. This  Lanvin Washed Satin One-Shoulder Dress is absolutely beautiful! Alone this dress is gorgeous; even with just flip-flops in the summer it would be divine. However, for work we have to manipulate the statement the dress is making. First I'd added some chocolate brown leggings underneath, like these from FarFetch.com. And then to make the outfit a bit more business casual I paired with with a cute and chic boyfriend cardigan, like this one above (1). I love taking really feminine outfits and pairing them with a classic pair of riding boots. I absolutely love this YSL pair (3)! When you have a really great outfit you must have a really great bag! I love this Louis Vuitton bag (5) from Oohilove.com. It's classic and elegant, what more could a girl ask for?! To complete this look I added silver bangles from Blu Bijoux Grecian Bangles (7) for only $45 bucks and this really interesting Aqua Blue Octopus & Fish Cocktail Ring from Inka  (6) for only $46! This outfit is probably my favorite of the three!

To change up this look from work to girls night, just lose the leggings, boots, and cardigan and add some super sexy pumps. As you can see I'm totally into suede for the season, so there's no surprise that I'm all about these Christian Louboutin brown suede gems! And there you have it - from work to girls night! 

As you can see it's much more simple than you think to pick out great pieces that will translate perfectly from your professional to personal life - all you need is a little creativity! 

Thanks for reading and I hope I sparked some good ideas!

Let me know what you think :)

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Happy 2011!

I know I'm a little behind on wishing you all a very happy new year, but to my credit I haven't been posting much of anything lately. I definitely took a little blogging and tweeting hiatus for the holidays, but not to worry - I'm back! There will be lots-o-stuff posted this week/weekend, so make sure you keep your eye out!

As you know resolutions are a big part of ringing in the new year, therefore I did a little beauty resolutions video. Please enjoy! And thank you so much for making 2010 such an awesome year -- I can only see colorful things for 2011! - xo- A

2011 Winter Wearable Shoe Trends!

 

Hi Everyone!

So yesterday was officially the 1st day of Winter and I absolutely cannot believe how fast this year went! I feel like December is a pretty crazy month. If you work full time, you certainly don't want to work - you just want it to be the holidays already! If you're in colleg,e you scramble to finish up finals, so you can party with your friends and ring in the new year. And if you're still in school - you're basically falling asleep in class most of December waiting for the long anticipated break! 

The other day while at work -- not working, of course (c'mon I just explained the way December works to you!) I started to peruse the Internet and brush up on all the winter trends. I decided to share with you my top five favorite trends for Winter 2011 and how wearable they really are!

1. This first trend I fell in love with is the pump platform combo! Honestly, you add a platform at the toe to any shoe and it's instantly more comfortable! I decided to pick a shoe that fit this trend, but also had a little extra interest to it. I love the deep cobalt blue color as well as the simple crinkling/ruching around the back of the heel as well as on the stiletto. This pair are Vince Camuto's  Momas in Midnight at they're priced at $109.99 from Heels.com. The best thing about these pumps are their versatility. They can be worn as a neutral or a statement piece. I absolutely love them! Don't fret if blue is not your hue though, they come in black and charcoal too!

2.  Boots with hardware is another trend that caught my eye. I know Kors and few other designers love dressing things up with metal and steel, however I'm a little too girly to pull that off. So if you're like me, try sporting a boot like this pair of Carvela Sisley One Buckle Platform Ankle Boots. They're on sale now for $165! And that's totally affordable for a boot you plan to wear often, right? This fabulous boot with a 4inch heel can be, again, worn with a multitude of outfits for a wide variety of occasions - you can't go wrong! 

3. This third trend  is something that is not very trendy at all - the classic stiletto shoe. I feel as though this shoe style is timeless, however it's really being showcased for the Winter 2011 season. I decided to share with you the simple stiletto shape, but dress it up with some sparkly accessories! This pair of  Michael Antonio Lloyd Pump's are priced at a ridiculously reasonable $65! The dramatic pump boasts an upper covered with glitter, and a striking stiletto heel that's sure to make jaws drop. The heels measures approximately 4 1/2 inches and the comfy platform is roughly 3/4 inches. Don't worry if you're not a gold girl, the pump comes in black, red, and silver as well!

4. This fourth trend is probably the most wearable of all five I'm showing here for the winter season. It's a simple, yet elegant wedge boot.  This Rachel Zoe pick are Report's Bowie Boots for $89! I have this pair and I promise you that they are so incredibly comfortable! This boot hosts a 4inch heal and a slight platform at the toe. The boots are leather with a suede heel. Please don't think you can't pull off the suede wedge - it's subtle yet divine. These boots are absolutely perfect for going out, shopping with the girls, hitting up a local hot spot, or going out on a date with your beau! I love them! As Zoe would say "I die!" 

5. This last trend could definitely be one that people would shy away from. The two toned shoes that many of the designers are showcasing are often a little crazy, wouldn't you say? They're exquisite and beautiful, but not really wearable. That's why I've chosen to show off these Mojo Moxy Cinderella Triple Platform Pumps in Black Cat for $79! We're rockin' the two tone trend with something beautiful, sophisticated, and totally feminine! These pumps also come in a Champagne color, if Black Cat is not your style. These have a slight platform at the front as well so you'll be extra comfty.

This seasons shoe styles are brimming with choices and fantastic selections. It's fun to find affordable versions of the couture designer brands. It's difficult to choose though! Between the amazing fur boots by Chanel,  lace up boots by Fendi and Givenchy, and  boots with hardware from Kors and Pucci I could spend my yearly salary on just a few pairs! We can't forget the gorgeous stilettos designed by Prada and Nina Rich and the stiletto platform pumps by Dries Van Noten and Calvin Klein! How about the crazy and impressive wedges by Bottega Veneta and Marni? I think the most wild styles of the season are the color combinations from LV and Balenciaga! Too many options! Now if I only I had Lady Gaga's bank account!

So there ya go my favorite 2011 Winter Shoe Trends!

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading!

Tis' the Season!

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The Perfect Holiday Outfit

As we're well into the holiday season I can't but help to find myself pursuing the racks for not only gifts for friends and family, but ensembles to wear to the variety of parties I've promised to attend.

Above is an outfit, hair, and makeup look that I think is totally posh, playful, and appropriate for any holiday soiree.

Let's start with the dress. The dress is a folded-sequin silk-organza dress is by Adam and absolutely beautiful. This is party piece itself! Layers upon layers of folded dark-purple/black and gold sequins! I love the simple V-neck, pleated skirt, and exposed silver zipper. This is such an understated statement piece and the classic shape would look quite lovely on a variety of body types.

I paired this dress with some delicious red pumps. These heels are by Yves Saint Laurent. I love mixing textures and these suede pumps are exquisite. Although the dress is full of bright sequins, I feel as though the two paired together look simply divine!

To accessorize I chose a subtle snake skin leather clutch from Intermixonline.com. Again, it's the  inconspicuous way you choose to mix and match textures that can really make an outfit.  I love the feminine envelope shape of the purse as well as the size. You'll be able to fit more than a $20 and your car key! - Ha! The best thing about this clutch though is that you can match it with very casual outfits as well. Very versatile.

Because the dress and shoes are such statement pieces, I didn't want to clutter the look with a ton of jewelry. I chose one large sapphire blue cocktail ring for the right middle finger. The love the classic, but sexy look of one large ring on your hand. I toned down this piece with a subtle nail polish color by Essie. This color is Sew Psyched from Essie's Fall 2010 collection. I love the rich gray tone. I have been absolutely obsessed with gray toned nail polishes, including another Essie Nail Polish entitled Chinchilly. OPI's You Don't Know Jacques! would work really well too!

As for hair and makeup, I thought a really tossled simple barely-there-updo would look sensational. Putting your hair up with really pretty bobby pins accented with silver rosettes would add a really finished touch. Try checking out this set by Paris, however I am very sure you could find something at a much more reasonable price! 

To finish the look you need the perfect makeup. I chose to use this palette by Lauren Luke entitled My Smokey Classics Palette.  My Smokey Classics Palette includes a bevy of complementary beauty essentials to create sultry eyes, flushed cheeks, and luscious lips. This palette includes two blendable shadow primers - Nude Slip Dark & Nude Slip Light, three flattering eye shadows - Antique Pewter, Twilight Ash & Cashmere Cream, one defining eyeliner - Raven Black, one contouring blush - Peach Glow, two luscious lip shades - Plumberry & Cranberry Stain, and one My Glossy Lips lip gloss in Sheer. What else could a girl ask for?

And there ya go! My idea of an absolutely perfect holiday outfit!

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading!

Tis' the Season!

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Glee Hair Tutorials: Quinn & Santana!

If you're like me and in love with Glee then you'll love this tutorial! Quinn's hairstyles are often sweet and girly. She usually has her hair in some kind of braided do. In this tutorial I show you three different braid styles; the Lauren Conrad brad, the Boho chic braids, and the fishtail braid. As for Santana, I show you how to achieve that perfect sexy and full bodied hair style.

Don't worry! It's all easy! You can do it!


If you have any questions feel free to comment :)

Thanks for watching!

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My Fabulously *Mostly* Faux Holiday Gift List!

Hey Everyone!

If you're like me you're almost (or already done) your holiday shopping! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are my days to shop! After clipping coupons and bookmarking shops online the week prior, I totally set myself up to splurge for the entire four day span! Here I've compiled a list of some gifts I'd love to receive and some wishful-not-gonna-happen-unless-I'm-Kim-Kardashian purchases. I'm sure you'll be able to spot the difference!

1.  Joie Somerville Paper Leather Jacket - $748

How absolutely beautiful is this coat? I even love the gray. It's one of Rachel Zoe's picks on Piperlime and I cannot agree more with her. The jacket is loud, but simple all at the same time. It's one of those pieces that you would have for life -- that would just get better with age! The details are absolutely exquisite and the fit would flatter all shapes. Hitting you just above your hips, this jacket sure knows how to work your curves!





2. Christian Louboutin's Pigalle 120 polka-dot pumps -$595

These incredibly sexy heels measuring approximately 5 inches high hold up a classic metallic-silver stitched polka-dot patterned pump. They definitely stay true to Christian Louboutin's iconic black satin pumps with sparkle. I am completely in love with these shoes. Picture it - skinny jeans, a simple top, refined jewelry -- I would let these babies do the talking! They are extremely versatile and allow you to pair them with a variety of wardrobe styles.

  



3. OPI's Skin Teal We Drop - $9
 

This color by OPI comes from their Winter 2010 collection. I'm not really a blue/green lover for my nails, but for some reason I am just so attracted to this color. I love the subtle quality of the blue, but how the deep rich color gives off a very refined appeal. The warmth of the tone reminds me very much of OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark. I know it would be easy to steer clear of an "out of your comfort zone" color, but I have firm beliefs that it will not let you down!

4. Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Bellevue PM in Pomme D'Amour - $895

The bag I have my eye on is the smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Bellevue style and I am completely won over by this very expensive monogram embossed patent leather bag. I adore the regal feel and I have dreams of pairing it with simple casual outfits (for some reason I am all about pairing casual outfits with an amazing piece). It's such a statement and for just under $900 it could be all mine. Ha! A girl can dream though right?





5.  Burberry Check Rain Boots - WIN them via Auction on Oohilove.com

 Here I go with the classic style again! I think all gals need a pair of these! They are adorable and - get this - actually functional! Paired with just about anything these shoes can get us where we want to be, but without ruining a pair of heels in the process. And the very best part? You can score these babies for a fraction of the price on Oohilove!

You're just a few bids away from splashing in Burberry!



6.  12 Flash Color Case by Make Up For Ever - $95

I'm sure you've seen this palette before! The 12 shades offer so much versatility and fun. I've seen several bloggers and YouTuber's use this palette, but I can't seem to justify the price tag -- no matter how badly I want it!  These twelve cream shadows can be mixed and matched to create so many different looks. You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to enjoy something this divine!


 


7. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses - $195

I love the retro yet modern shape of these sunglasses and out my entire wish list I may just want these the most! Even though I live in New York City I am much more a Charlotte than a Carrie. The styles and shapes I usually go for are tragically classic at times, therefore I am quite surprise how in love I am with these pair of shades!

I would even wear them at night! (Because, you know, the sun never sets on a bad ass! ha!)



All in all I think it's perfectly healthy once in a while to totally online window shop and daydream. With online shops like Oohilove though, we no longer have to drool on our computer screens! You can win fabulous designer bags, shoes, clothes and more for almost nothing!

Thanks for reading!

Tis' the Season!

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