Tribal Prints

Here are a few pieces that showcase one of my favorite trends right now. Tribal prints kind of remind me of a grown up cowboys and indians, which are fun to pair with bright colors. Check it, lovies!

1. Buckle

2. Buckle

3. Urban Outfitters

4. Forever21

5. Forever21

Pinterest

I was introduced to Pinterest a while ago, but it wasn't until recently I received a invite to join the 'pinning world'; and I've been obsessed since. Actually, you can now call me the pinning queen because it seems that's all I do lately... sign in to Pinterest and pin my little heart out. For those of you who live a sheltered life and are not sure what Pinterest is, well you are missing out. It's basically a way to create mini inspiration boards of whatever your heart desires. Check out a few of mine here!

Go-To Outfit

There are many times when time is of the essence and I have to be somewhere, well 5 minutes ago. A go-to outfit for these times is crucial for running home and running out the door. Above are a few pieces from Gap, that when pulled together make for the best anywhere outfit. I love how the yellow belt adds a pop of color to an originally neutral outfit.

Royal Fashion

I know this is such a predictable post, but the gowns were too beautiful to not talk about! So let's discuss, shall we? Kate Middleton chose an Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton gown for her wedding dress. It was a gorgeous sweetheart neckline with lace overlay that continued into the long sleeves. The skirt was full with an 8.8 ft train. The Queen let her borrow a Cartier tiara, in which her parents gave her matching Cartier earrings. So fabulous!



Kate's reception dress was just as beautiful as the first chosen gown. The satin gown with beaded detail was also a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen design which she complemented with a white fur cropped cardigan.



Kate's sister, and maid of honor, Pippa's dress was almost as lovely as Kate's wedding dress. Also, an Alexander McQueen design, the dress had cleaned lines and slightly fish-taled out at the bottom. With lace detail on the sleeves and neckline, and buttons down the back this dress will definitely set a trend for future brides.



The guests did not disappoint with their fancy and sometimes outrageous hats.



1^st & 2^nd picture source

3^rd picture source

4^th picture source

Stripes are Forever

Forever21, Frenchie Knit Top, $17.80

Forever21, Striped Boxy Top, $12.80

Forever21, Striped Bandeau Top, $3.50

Forever21, Striped Bodycon Dress, $12.80

Forever21, Striped Sweater Tunic, $15.99

Forever21, Striped Bodycon Skirt, $8.80

The nautical theme seems to arise every time summer rolls around again, and I have to say I kind of love it. Stripes go with everything! Here are a few striped items you can find at Forever21 at some really cool price points.

Wedding Season

1. Topshop, Wrap and Twist Dress, $110


2. dELiA’s, Alexis One-Shoulder, $49.50


3. Rebecca Taylor, Grecian Dress, $345


4. French Connection, London Fashion Week Dress, $78


5. Topshop, Tuck Shift Dress, $95


6. Rebecca Taylor, Ruffle Cami Dress, $325


7. Jessica Simpson, Asymmetrical Dress, $128


8. Halston Heritage, Tie-front Silk Satin Dress, $360, $162


9. Adam, Silk Dress, $395, $197.50

As wedding season approaches I find myself searching for the perfect dress; but with wedding season comes bridal, lingerie, and bachelorette parties and that's a lot of dresses. With vibrant colors popping up everywhere this year any color you choose will be appropriate for any event. Though, my rule for weddings is to never, ever wear white and I always try to find out which colors the bridesmaids are wearing so I don't end up looking like one of them. Since I have started my dress shopping early, here are a few of my choices!

Maxi Skirts

1. Forever21


2. Express


3. UO


4. ASOS


5. Anthropologie


6. Forever21

Hey lovies! I'm back and I know you are beyond excited! With warmer weather rolling in it is inevitable to show more skin, but sometimes less skin is sexier. The flowy fabrics on the maxi skirts above provide enough cool for the hottest of days. Whether paired with a corset top for a night out, or an oversized shirt tucked in for weekend errands, the maxi skirt is perfect for any spring day. I believe my weekend attire will be be based off these skirts in the upcoming weeks!

Best Dressed

Naturally, just like almost everyone else in the fashion realm, I have studied the many dresses that were worn by various actresses and have narrowed down my best dressed list. I almost feel like this is high school, ya know, with superlatives and all. If you weren't picked you aren't cool enough. Just kidding of course, because were talking about celebrities and I'm pretty sure they could care less. Check it, lovelies.



Halle Berry looked absolutely gorgeous in this Marchesa gown. I love the bottom detail, beautiful.



The lace work on this lavender Elie Saab dress is stunning.



This was probably my favorite dress. The tangerine Versace dress is gorgeous on Jennifer Hudson, and the vibrant purple pumps she wore were amazing! And you see the bling? That's about 165 carats worth of Neil Lane diamonds! Oh, to be a celebrity.



All images from People

I believe Camila Alves was the most overlooked celebrity last night. I love this classic black Kaufmanfranco dress, and it has pockets!

Which were your favorites?

Rainy Day Guide

I didn’t realize this morning as I opened the door that I would experience monsoon like weather as I stepped outside. I was completely drenched before making it safely inside my car. Although sometimes rainy days can be my favorite, there is nothing fun about being cold and wet. I was soon over my unhappy cold and wet mood when I turned on the heat and saw a small break in the clouds, which displayed the bluest sky. On my long drive to work I started thinking of how I could have been better prepared to handle the weather this morning. So below is your rainy day guide. Have a ravishing weekend, lovies!



White Trench Coat



Theses Hunter Boots would look so wonderful against the white trench above.



I've always wanted a Clear Umbrella. I'm not sure why, but I think it would be fun to view the rain falling from underneath.



I love making rainy day playlists, but there is no need with this album handy. I recently discovered The Weepies, and even though they have many albums I believe this is my favorite. The catchy melodies will be stuck in your head all day, in a good way of course. Favorite tracks: Be My Honeypie & When You Go Away.

And last, but not least, you must have a warm beverage handy to keep you warm inside. Try this recipe by Paula Deen for a hot cranberry cider. YUM-O!

 

 

Lusting for Spring

E.E Cummings said it best, "The earth laughs in flowers", and I couldn't agree more. As spring creeps in so does color in unexpected places. I have decided that it never hurts to have key pieces in your wardrobe that are vibrant and draw immediate attention. I created a little collage of a few items that are perfect for Spring, and to go along with the title, these are definitely items I am lusting for.



Vince Camuto Coral Handbag, $220

Lilly Pulitzer Shauna Dress, $278

Tory Burch Rubber Necklace, $295

Jessica Simpson Tookie Sandal, $79

Thrifting Queen

Yes, that would be me, The Thrifting Queen. This past weekend was low-key and included some much needed thrift shopping and a Valentine's breakfast with my family. Thrift store shopping can be challenging, especially if you are on some sort of time schedule. Luckily for me my Saturday was wide open, and I thoroughly enjoyed the hours I spent digging through racks of clothes searching for the perfect gem. Above is one of the tops I snatched for an awesome price of $3.50, and with a few snips to remove the shoulder pads and the addition of a trendy necklace I have a beautiful blouse for work or for a dinner date with friends.

You Look Fabulous Dahling

Maybe you have, maybe you haven't, but whether or not you've eyed Zara before you must check out the 2011 Spring Collection. Polished neutrals are refined with pops of color and leopard prints throughout the clothing and accessories that will adorn lovely ladies everywhere in the upcoming months. I pulled a few of my favorite finds off their website, and with a reasonable price point these picks are definitely worth a second look.

Zara Red Leather Skirt $89.90

Open Work Cardigan $39.90

Dress With Flared Skirt $39.90

Animal Print Umbrella $25.90

Two-Toned Silk Top $39.90

Leopard Ankle Boot $139.00

Wedge Heel Boot $99.90

Sash Belt $19.90

Coloured Miniskirt $39.90

 

Love Me, Love Me

The Only Love Tee

As much as I dislike the thought of defining love to a particular month, or day, I find it hard to resist some of the cutesy stuff that comes along with Valentine's Day. After the New Year it's hard not to find hearts in pinks, reds and purples everywhere, and after some casual browsing I found a couple ways to keep the love theme around long after February 14th.



Use this Heart Hole Punch to make home made cards for friends, family or your lovah.



This Giant Magnetic Chalkboard Heart can be used year round to leave lovey dovey notes to your sweetie.



These Sweetheart Sunnies would look great with a summer dress... and maybe a convertible!

Eeeek!!

Have you heard the good news?! Soon, well in about a year, you will be able to browse through the beautiful clothes from H&M in the comfort of your bed, pjs, or from your breakfast table. H&M announced today they will offer online shopping by the end of 2011! Read all about this ravishing news here!

Class Act

No matter your political stance, one cannot deny the fact that Michelle Obama has incredible style. She truly exudes everything classy and fabulous. I can't think of one time I wasn't impressed with her choice of clothing. Below are a few reasons the First Lady is considered a class act.



Check out her equally stylish daughter, Malia, in the last photograph.

Images

 

Young Forever

I was browsing Forever 21's website this evening and started drooling over some of my new finds. Check out below what I will be purchasing in the near future.



I wish these Navy Pleat Shorts were available in a more neutral color, but I think the deep blue will work just fine in my summer wardrobe. I'm also dying to find some pumps like the model's in the photo. I'll keep you updated on my search!



I'm always looking for unique shades in different colors and I'm in love with this neutral pick.



Love, love, love this top! The back detail has me sold. And how awesome does it look paired with the striped skirt?! I'm in love with this entire outfit!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

I know I have totally slacked off my blogging this week, but I am back and plan to make up for the time lost by posting four blog posts today! So get ready to read your little hearts out.

It's always difficult to decide what is appropriate to wear to sporting events. If you are a fan of the team you're watching, maybe you wear a jersey, or a t-shirt supporting the team's name. I find myself always wearing the team's colors in a more glamourous way, through skirts and dresses. I have a few different outfit ideas for whatever sporting event you're attending.

{Forever21 Flannel Woven Shirt; JCrew Leggy Denim Pants; Steve Madden 'Intyce" boots}

This outfit seems simple, but with a few bangles, big earrings and wavy hair this outfit goes from simple to glamourous.

{Forever21 Shimmer Pleat Skirt; Express Racerback Tank; Steve Madden 'Trinidad' Sandal}

This outfit would be perfect for a summer sporting event. With a cute side bun and some shades you'll be ready to cheer on any team.

{Twenty8Twelve Dress; Aldo 'Onishea' Sandal; Aldo 'Patanella' Boot; Hunter Original Tall  Boot}

This dress is so versatile. You could pair it with any type of shoe, belt or accessories to make it work for any event you're attending. I have included three different pairs of shoes to show the versatility.

Spring Forward

North Carolina is not supposed to have this much snow. We've already received a great deal of snow during the Christmas holiday, but once again, Mother Nature blessed us with more of the white stuff. I believe most people enjoy it and love watching it fall, but I could live very happily without ever seeing snow again. The snow has brought a good thing this time around; it has me searching for spring trends. Spring brings so many wonderful events (my birthday, spring break, St. Patrick's Day) and I cannot wait to slip into a few of  my favorite trends for 2011.



Prabal Gurung debuted vivacious citrus hues on the runway. These colors remind me of summer smoothies.



Tommy Hilfiger showed off preppy accessories including nautical striped totes and tassled loafers. I believe nautical prints are always welcome during the summer months.



Big bangles were a theme at the Marc by Marc Jacobs show.



This 60s inspired a-line coat is by far one of my favorite trends! Again, the citrus colors are displayed and I believe this lemon color would work well for a lightweight trench!



While many designers showcased citrus colored trends, Rebecca Minkoff took a different approach showing off nude colors. This spring and summer trend works well with the contrasting black pieces flaunted in the photo.

{Images}

California Chic

I believe my style, as anyone else's, is always evolving. I find comfort in bohemian outfits, but love to incorporate classy, girly pieces. Planet Blue defines California Chic. They offer countless bohemian pieces that can be mixed with sequins, pretty jewelry or fabulous hair pieces to glam up any outfit. Here are a few of my favorites.



{This tie-dyed one sleeve maxi can be found here}



{this piece would look lovely tucked in a bandage skirt}



{this hammered ring highlights a fresh manicure}



{this floppy hat would work perfectly for a summer outing}

 

Looking Ahead

When the holidays are over I immediately look forward to warmer weather. It turns out I am not the only one who is thinking of crashing waves and sunbeams, Victoria's Secret revealed its 2011 swimwear collection. I believe swimwear is one item you can have fun with, whether it's funky prints or zippers and other hardware. Some of the trends I am searching for are punchy colors, animal prints, bandeau tops and hipster bottoms. Below are a few of my favorites.



{I love the royal blue color in this suit found here}



{You can find this lovely animal print suit here}



{Isn't this nautical suit lovely with the skirted bottom?}