30.8.13

Even Princesses Have Bad Days

One of my good friends and I were discussing how much we admire Kate's style... but how she's definitely come a long way.  I've always said that fashion isn't something you learn over night.  You're constantly learning, sometimes making mistakes, and the longer you go the more it seems like you're finally getting it just right.  When I was in middle school and high school I went through some seriously questionable phases - Limited Too, "Bang Bracelets", heavy black eyeliner, rolling t-shirt sleeves to show another color sleeve.  I remember when I went to college, I wore a mini skirt with socks to my knees and mules one day - this was huge in high school and definitely a "cute outfit" by my school standards.  The older girls looked at me and just were like "no, sweetie..."  Face palm.  I remember one friend in high school telling me that I would do really well at my college of my choice because I was so preppy.  Ha!  I think I felt like Kate when she went from the most put together girl in town to having to be the future King of England's girlfriend.  Okay, maybe not that extreme.  But I'm glad everyone experiences a learning curve.

See these shoes?  I loved these shoes.  I basically wore them with every outfit.  One time, an older guy my friend was crushing on complemented them and I felt really cool.  She wanted to kill me.  Over these shoes...

This was a pretty standard outfit for me: hoop earrings, t-shirt, matching t-shirt underneath rolled up. I wore the shoes with this outfit, too.  And in the summer - flip flops (neon green, of course).

So here are some outfits of Kate's that prove she's just like any other girl.  Am I "taking the piss out"?  Maybe a little, but only in the same way that I can look back on my life and say "ha, what was I thinking?" (and I'm sure 20 years from now I'll say the same thing about today).  But what I really like about looking at these pictures, is that she's human, she's just like everyone else, and that even the most beautiful and perfect girls have their "oops" moments.

This one Kate wore to William's military school graduation - it was probably her first public appearance officially being linked to William.  I can only imagine how scared she was, how her mother poured over dresses and suits to find the best outfit to wear, how they shopped and shopped until she was perfect and decent enough to be William's girlfriend.  This picture was taken in 2006... not 1996... or 1986. Photo Courtesy of People.
 
The one on the left isn't too bad - I probably wouldn't pick it out, but not horrible.  But the one on the right...  Now I've been in England in the winter and it's cold to the bone.  I understand the tights.  But they don't look brown and the outfit looks a little too boho to wear with tights.  Photo courtesy of People.
  
This one isn't bad at all... but I really, really love the belt with the whole ensemble because it really reminds me of the outfits I wore.  And all the belts I owned and wore.  So many and so often that I refuse to wear a belt around my waist these days.  The scars have yet to heal... Photo courtesy of Time.
This is by far my favorite.  Because this girl is me circa high school.  And it's a comfort to know we were all there.  And our dads had to deal with us out in public showing a little middle, thinking we looked amazing, and rocking the claw clip.  Photo courtesy of Time.

27.8.13

Jackie O





 [Dress (old) - Banana Republic; Cardigan (old) - Target; Shoes - Etienne Aigner from TJMaxx; Sunnies - TJMaxx; Ring - 3 10 Rosemont]

Every time I wear this outfit, I feel like I'm Jackie O.  This is probably the only cardigan I've ever owned that I prefer buttoned all the way.  There's just something perfectly prim about it.




24.8.13

First Day of School

I've only been out of school for two years (okay... college), but every fall, I get the itch.  I don't know if it's all the new styles, the changing weather, or the back-to-school supplies just begging for me to purchase, but there's just something about this time of year that makes me happy.  Here are some of my choices for that first day:

[Outfit 1: Shirt - ModCloth; Skirt & Shoes - Ruche; Jacket - Anthropologie]
[Outfit 2: Shirt - Forever21; Pants & Bag - ASOS; Shoes - DSW]
[Outfit 3: Dress - Lilly Pulitzer; Jacket - J.Crew Factory; Bag - Longchamp; Shoes - Bloomingdales; Earrings - Anthropologie]
[Outfit 4: Top - ModCloth; Jeans & Glasses - Anthropologie; Jacket - ASOS; Necklace - The Loft]



August Birchbox Review


If you don't get a Birchbox and you A) like receiving mail B) have $10 a month to spare and C) love trying beauty products but have commitment issues like me, you need to get one.  I seriously look forward to the middle of the month when I get one and can try out all of the fabulous things.  My favorites tend to be their nail polishes and hair products/accessories.

Here's my review on the August contents:

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash: This product is said to brighten and exfoliate and is a great way to prep skin for self-tanner (which I need and use).  The product definitely did that, but for $22 a pop (oh, by the way... these are mini's.  It's not $22 for that little thing), I don't think I'd make the switch from my go-to Neutrogena Apricot Scrub.

Whish Hair Inhibiting Deodorant Swipes: These wipes "tackle odor and slow hair growth".  I used mine the day I shaved and I will say, I have noticed the slowing of hair growth.  That being said, I'm a horrible athlete mostly because I hate sweating.  Once I start sweating I feel disgusting and just stop.  So I'm a BIG fan of deodorant and I tend to be constantly trying to find the better option.  I'm pretty sure this wasn't any better of a deodorant option than per usual.  However, if you tend to use the white deodorant and hate the streaks that it could sneakily leave on your freshly cleaned clothes, I would choose the wipes.

derma e Hydrating Mist: This mist is supposed to make you feel refreshed like after traveling or you can spray after you apply your make up and let it set.  It definitely was a great makeup set - I sprayed it before going to a cookout and by the time I got home, I still looked like I did when I left.  I loved it!  For a full-size it costs $13.50 which I think is so worth it.  I love a fresh spritz once and a while.

EVOLVh Moisture Conditioner:  This definitely made my hair feel hydrated, and I'm always looking for fabulous conditioner to really help boost my long locks.  The smell was awesome too - it was like a clean flower scent, if that's possible?  I don't know if it'd be worth the $25 but maybe after using it a couple more times, I may be sold...

stila liquid lipstick: I initially put this on and thought "Holy Red Lips!"  This is the red you see in magazine ads.  Unreal red.  I had some serious hopes for it.  It lasted through my chai, it lasted through the morning... and then... I went to go get my lunch, checked myself out in the mirror, and like *snap* it was basically an outline.  One of my big things with lipgloss/stick/tint is that I don't like re-applying throughout the day... so I prefer ones that fade or just go away.  I looked like a freak though.  I would equate it to eating a cherry snowcone.  I was very disappointed that I was told "once it goes on, it's not budging"... around the outline of your lips.

Must Have: The hydrating mist.  Most definitely!


[Please note: This was not a sponsored post by Birchbox - all reviews were my own.  If you want to sign up, visit their website here.]

21.8.13

Patriotism






[Earrings - Simply Charming Boutique; Top - Michael Kors at TJMaxx; Ring - 3 10 Rosemont; Watch - Michael Kors; Shorts - Target; Wedges - TJMaxx]

I hate wearing shorts.  They always just look so awkward on me.  I own a lot of shorts that I bought because I was comfortable, but in pictures they look crazy baggy because in reality, they're too big.  I accepted these white ones into my life, solely because they cover that awkward part of the thigh (you know which part I'm talking about).  But I do love the vintage-flair they have with this top.  Which is also a size too big, but I really like tying it in a loop.

In case anyone wants a hairstyle that boys eat up, here you go.  Boyfriend really enjoys this one.  Then again, this is the guy that prefers me in pigtails....



18.8.13

Aztec

Aztec Skirts




I'm more than obsessed with Aztec skirts.  Every girl I see them on looks super fashionable and awesome.  I'd totally wear one during the day with a Chambray shirt and my suede booties, and then change at night into a sheer blouse with stilettos.  Okay, okay, I'm just really obsessed with versatile clothing.  The yellow & white number I could probably even pull off at work!  Such decisions...

12.8.13

Station-ary



[Sunnies (Old) - TJMaxx; Cardigan - JCrew Factory; Dress (Old) - Target; Sandals (Old) - Old Navy; Necklace & Bracelet - Kohl's]

This whole wedding season thing is very new to me and I'm really lost when it comes to knowing what to wear to certain events.  Today we went to a wedding shower (apparently bridal showers are so last summer?) and I decided that channeling Jackie would do me no wrong.  I just love the vintage print, especially because it takes me out of my comfort zone.

In other news, I really need to stop shopping at Target... this is clearly a problem.

9.8.13

Peek-a-Boo



[Top - TJMaxx; Cami - Kohl's; Jeans - Target [old]; Shoes - Payless [old]; Jewelry - Gifts]

I love this top.  It might be more Pippa than Kate but it's urban without being too crazy for me.  I had wanted a neon yellow cami when I pictured the outfit I would create but the store options didn't have something quite as perfect neon as this pink one.  Since my camera is sick, Boyfriend took the pics with my phone, laughed at me trying to walk in gravel in my heels, and made me laugh by trying to take pictures like Ansel Adams.  

You should also know that after owning these pants for 2 years, I had my first mishap(s) hours later by dropping a piping hot buffalo wing and having a tiny puppy pee on me.  Awesome.

6.8.13

Boston Wedding

Over Memorial Day weekend, I traveled up to Boston for one of my college roommate's wedding.  I love the city, love the history, and loved the wedding.  It was so nice being back with my "college family" - just like nothing changed!  Everyone had adorable dresses, nude heels (Middleton influence!), and a wonderful time.






[First Outfit: Raincoat - LLBean; Shell (old) - Cynthia Rowley at TJMaxx; Purse - Target; Jeans - WalMart; Flats (old) - Audrey Brooke at DSW]
[Second Outfit: Pashmina - Azuri at Nimli; Dress (old) - Ya at The Clothes Vine Boutique; Shoes (old) - Etienne Aigner at TJMaxx]

Red White and Dotted All Over

Red White and Dotted all over



Dolce Gabbana cotton dress
$965 - farfetch.com

J by Jasper Conran black pumps
$68 - debenhams.com


Witchery crystal jewelry
$26 - witchery.com.au

H m
$9.31 - hm.com





I'll pretend I didn't fall in love with this outfit in part because Kate wore it while in the wizarding world of Harry Potter...


(Photo Courtesy of Huffington Post)