Thursday, December 29, 2011

NYE


If you're anything like me, you've already got your New Years Eve outfit all planned out and ready to go. However, I realize that not everyone is proactive. So, I've put together a few looks that I think would be uh-mazing options. As I always say, "you can never have too many options." Hopefully, these help you in the hunt for an ensemble! I hope everyone has a wonderful NYE, reigning in the new year with good company! 2011 was a growing year for me, although, it seems to have flown by so quickly. I started this blog not too long ago, and I'm so thankful for everyone that has been along for the journey so far. Here's to a new year full of exciting new possibilities! HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)


LOOK #1:


Red Clutch:  $12.80

Black Pumps: 89.95

LOOK #2:


Metallic Clutch: $25.99


LOOK #3:



Purple Pumps: $89.95

CHECK IT OUT







{Shirt & Jacket: Rubbish, Jeans: Rock & Republic, Bangles & Necklace: Forever21, Shoes: Barratts}

I bought these shoes during my last trip to England. At first I wasn't really sure if I wanted to buy a pair of oxfords because I didn't think I'd actually wear them. But when I saw these ones on sale... I couldn't pass them up! It proved to be a great purchase because I find myself loving them more, and more everytime I wear them. Flannels will forever remind me of the Northwest, I don't own too many but always feel like I belong in Seattle when I'm sporting one. I've seen so many people wearing choker necklaces with button-ups and I absolutely adore the look! Do any of you feel the same?

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

SWEET & SALTY


It's safe to say my favorite combination of flavors is sweet and savory, and these chocolate covered pretzels are exactly  that. They take me back to a time when all I hoped for during the day was to get chocolate covered pretzels in my lunch box. My mom didn't like to give me sweets so I rarely got them, but I always hoped! I made these the other day as small treats to send with thank you notes. A lot of them were eaten shortly after I made them... so I made more haha! Simple treats like these are little pieces of heaven, plus, who doesn't love sprinkles?! Do you ever crave sweet and salty combinations?



Tuesday, December 27, 2011

GARLIC PARMESAN BREAD





One of my favorite websites is Stumble Upon. A co-worker showed me the site about two months ago, and I've been obsessed ever since! It will show you websites based upon your interests and give you some great ideas and inspiration. I found this recipe for garlic parmesan pull apart bread here and it is DELICIOUS. Hands down the best garlic bread I've ever made. It's a little time consuming (as all yeast doughs are) but well worth the wait. Because you make small balls of dough, after you bake it, it pulls apart effortlessly. I can't wait for you to try it, when you do, let me know what you think! I'm now going to devour what's left over :)

Monday, December 26, 2011

JEWEL TONES




{Shirt & bracelets & watch: Forever21, Bag: B.P., Pants: Jolt}

After a relaxing weekend with family, I was ready to start this week (not pleased about going back to work, but ready) on a fresh note. I hope everyone had a good Monday! I last wore these pants here, they're very comfortable and I usually save them for my casual/lazy days. Today was one of those fairly casual days. I love the vibrancy of this shirt, along with this one which is equally vivid. As you may be able to tell, it was raining for a majority of the day here in Washington. All I want is some sun! Apparently, that is too much to ask for, I guess I need to move! Keeping my things dry is important, and possible with this great, fuctional bag. When I look for large purses I often lean towards ones that are structured, but still trendy. Do you prefer large structured bags or smaller ones?

Friday, December 23, 2011

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR


As the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season comes to an end (unless you're a christmas eve shopper- AHH!) it's a time to wind down with loved ones and recognize what Christmas is all about. There are a few things that I thought I would get the time to do leading up to Christmas (like go to university village, baking and relaxing) but then things came up and... here we are! It's sad to think that all of the twinkle lights, holiday cheer and Christmas music will stop, but I suppose that is what makes this season so unique (we'll just look forward to next year!) I hope that everyone has a truly wonderful holiday celebrating with family and friends, I'll be back on monday! XO

Thursday, December 22, 2011

CAKE POPS






I don't know anyone who doesn't like cake or even better, cake pops! I first saw these at Starbucks and as soon as I ate one (more like stuff in my mouth at once) I knew I had to figure out how to make them myself. They seem super easy, right?! ...Not so much. The process of making the cake balls is super easy, but coating them turned out to be a more difficult task than I was willing to take on (at 9pm). My advice? (besides starting earlier rather than later) Use a bowl where you can have the coating deep enough so you can literally dip the cake into it. I tried rolling them and I ended up with bits of cake in the coating and all sorts of other nuisances. However, the ones that did turn out great I'm gifting to others for Christmas. I plan to make them again for a new years party (I thought the purple and silver stars were new years appropriate). I used this recipe (which includes a whole can of frosting in the mix!) and Candiqik vanilla coating for these tasty little treats. I guarantee you won't be able to have just one!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

FOREST GREEN





{Bag: Steve Madden, Blazer: Necessary Objects, Shirt: Lucca Couture, Boots: Aldo}

I've got a pretty solid collection of blazers, but they're all basic colors so I decided that I needed one that was an interesting color but at the same time, be very versatile. I knew I had found what I was looking for when I spotted this blazer a few weeks ago. I love the shape, not to mention the emerald green (also my birth stone) is a fab color that will go with just about everything in my closet. These photos were taken at the waterfront on a little trip to Mukilteo. I noticed that when I showed up to the beach in not-so-proper beach attire, I generated a few puzzled looks. Oh well! It was refreshing to be near the water and I can't get enough of the undeniably fresh, crisp air!

Monday, December 19, 2011

POSITIVELY PURPLE




{Dress and Necklace: Forever21, Jacket: Topshop}

I found this dress at Forever21 this summer (during my obsession with maxi dresses) and I love it! This deep purple is a great color, it's so rich. I love this necklace because of it's detail, all of the little chains are fantastic! This leather jacket is something I'm always reaching for in my closet. Here, here (this one's on sale!) and here are some options if you don't already have one! With this frigid weather it's hard to stay warm and while this dress kept the wind from chilling me to the bone, I think I'll reserve it for spring/summer. Are any of you rocking long skirts this season?

Sunday, December 18, 2011

LOVELY LACE





{Dress and Bangles: Forever21, Jacket: Zara, Booties: DIY}

I've wanted a lace dress for, I don't know how long, I originally thought I would get a white one but when I saw this pinky/red version online, I had to have it! It's too short for me to wear alone, I think, but nothing a pair of tights can't fix! Unfortunately, there isn't a Zara near Seattle but I found this jacket in England and wear it whenever I can. I wanted to toughen up the lace dress a little with these booties that I created. Lace is one of those fabrics that can easily be all girly and sweet, or more of a tough-girly look. That might be why I love it so much!

GINGERBREAD CUPCAKES & CINNAMON FROSTING





I found the recipe for these delicious cupcakes here. I can't believe Christmas is a week from today (I'm not finished with my shopping!), making these gingerbread treats seemed appropriate for the holiday season. I found that I had to add a little more powdered sugar than listed in order to make the frosting thicker, otherwise I followed the recipe as is. Cupcakes are always the perfect way to make your day a little sweeter :)

LEOPARD LOVE




{Necklace: Forever21, Bag and Jacket: Nordstrom, Booties: Shoemint, Pants: Jolt}

If you haven't already checked out Shoemint, I suggest you do so immediately! The uh-mazing selection of shoes are designed by Rachel Bilson and stylist, Nicole Chavez. All of the shoes are made by Steve Madden (my fav) and are of great quality. I purchased the "jolly" shoe and I could hardly contain myself the day they came in the mail, needless to say, I love them! The easiest way to add a fun element to any outfit is a great print, in this case, the leopard booties! This military inspired jacket is one of my favorites and I find myself wearing it a lot, it goes with everything! I especially love it paired with this gold choker.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES



Here are a few of my top picks for beauty products and tools:

Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover: I swear by this stuff for taking off my eye makeup, even the most stubborn waterproof mascara. I just rub a little onto my eyes while I'm in the shower and the makeup just melts away.

Burt's Bees Chap stick: I'm not a huge lipstick or lip gloss fan. Most days I don't wander from my regular beauty routine, and keep it simple with some chap stick (the most amazing kind). I don't know how many tubes of this I've bought... but I have one for every purse, my bedroom, and my backpack, so I'm never without it!

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner: Most days I wear liquid eyeliner, but for the occasion that I do use a pencil, it usually melts away. However, this stays put all day (and all night if you need it to!) It took me a while to find this treasure, but I'll never use a different pencil again.

Bath and Body Works' Lay it on Thick lotion: I work at a coffee stand and during the winter months our hands get dried out due to the bleach water and constant exposure to frigid air. This lotion is my little miracle worker. A little goes a long way, it can be very greasy. If you rub a little into your cuticles it makes them look uh-mazing! Plus, the coconut scent instantly sends me somewhere tropical.

MAC Makeup Remover Wipes: I suppose I should have included MAC's liquid foundation in the mix as well, it works wonders! However, it is quite tricky to get off. These wipes are perfect for taking off stubborn face makeup (especially when you're too tired to wash your face).

Bare Minerals Foundation: This loose powder is probably that one item in my makeup routine I couldn't live without. I use it on it's own during the summer months for a lighter foundation, and during the winter I use it on top of my MAC liquid foundation. I always have a back-up so I'm never without.

Covergirl Lash Blast Waterproof Mascara: I used to have a problem with my mascara always melting off during the day... but that is no longer an issue. I love this mascara not only because it stays put all day, but it gives my lashes just enough volume and length.

Hot Tools Curling Iron: For what felt like forever I was on the hunt for the perfect curling iron. I have now found my saving grace with Hot Tools. This iron stays hot and if you don't use the clamp, it gives you the perfect beachy wave look, LOVE IT!

Moroccan Oil: Whenever I get a whiff of this stuff I'm mentally swept away to a tropical island somewhere. This product makes your hair so shiny and healthy, but be careful, you could get obsessed. Just apply a little when your hair is damp and by the time it dries you'll be amazed at the difference in your hair's texture.

CHI Flat Iron: I have thick, wavy hair naturally and it can be a pain to straighten (and stay straight). This seems to be the only flat iron that works for my hair, and keeps it straight all day. It's a little pricey, but well worth the investment.

Urban Decay Naked Palette: I couldn't think of a better combination of eye shadows than the ones put together by Urban Decay. The shadows themselves are of great quality, and I love all of the natural hues.

Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer: My face tends to be a little on the oily side and this is the only moisturizer that I've used that doesn't make my face look super shiny. It's a light lotion, and perfect for everyday use. I feel refreshed and ready to go every time I use it, definitely a must-have.

SPLASH OF PINK



{Blazer, Shirt, Skirt: Nordstrom, Boots: Journeys, Necklace: Forever21, Rings: Vintage}

Black occupies a large part of my closet, but I really do love color! Somehow every time I get dressed I end up wearing more black than I anticipated (I must be a New Yorker at heart). I love how this skirt has just enough color to brighten up the ensemble when paired with a white tee. Speaking of white tee's I own more plain white shirts than I would like to admit... But they go with everything, so it's okay. These boots keep my legs warm along with my favorite pair of black tights (plus a pair of socks... it's cold!) I can always count on Forever21 to keep my jewelry collection plentiful. This necklace is a really easy piece to wear, and I love the look of layered necklaces that it portrays.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

CODE RED





{Coat: Sashimi, Shirt: Forever21, Jeans: Hudson, Shoes: Urban Outfitters}

For the first time in probably a week the sunshine decided to creep out and make an appearance today! It's funny how a big fiery thing in the sky is an insta-mood booster. I wanted to take advantage of this nice weather (and my sudden urge to be insanely productive) by shooting some pictures outside! These shoes are just great for adding a pop of color to an otherwise neutral ensemble. I found this top at F21 over the weekend (they just put in a larger store near where I live, DANGEROU$!) and I couldn't be happier with it. I've loved this pea coat since I bought it almost a year ago... if you don't already have one, you should know, it's a girls best friend when the cold weather rolls in. For one of the pictures above, I took off the coat and instantly regretted it... 35 degrees isn't kind to bare skin. How are you staying warm this season?

Sunday, December 11, 2011

CASUAL SUNDAY





{Sweater, Scarf &Watch: F21, Jeans: Hudson, Shoes: Vans, Shirt: Free People, Bag: Steve Madden}

Sunday marks the day of relaxation for me, winding down after a long week, and getting ready for a new one. Today I wore a simple, casual ensemble that made lounging around and going out for lunch easy and relaxing. I love this striped cardi (and everything else striped), it's a classic that will remain in my closet for a long time. These vans are a great addition to an easy, relaxed look (keeping them white is not so relaxing, but nothing a quick wash can't fix). An effortless look like this one will always be acceptable for sundays, or any other day of the week you want to stay casual.