My Style: Tik Tok New Year's Eve

Today's Look:  celebrates lights, friends and family, and of course the New Year.  To welcome 2014 in, parties and gatherings are held across the globe.  Many girls ask:  what do I wear?  This post is to help answer that question.  New Year's Eve is all about celebrating and being a little crazy, so in my opinion, sequins are a must!  It's almost like a second Halloween, meaning you can have fun dressing up wilder than usual.  To start the look off, I chose a gold-sequined mini dress.  Gold reflects different colors while looking beautiful on its own.  Since it's winter, I couldn't just wear a mini dress and strappy heels or else I'd freeze.  For warmth and edge, I wore latticework printed tights, high heeled ankle boots, and a black leather jacket. Next, I wore an old party favor headband, featuring "Happy New Year" bedazzled in front of a bed of feathers, and a black sparkly mask to add mystery.  Finishing off the look, I wore big, tarnished-gold dangle earrings, two beautiful bracelets, and two tarnished-gold rings.

Outfit Details:  Dress from Arden B (Scottsdale, Arizona), Jacket from Express (Tucson, Arizona), Shoes from Charlotte Russe (Tucson Arizona), Tights by HUE at Dillard's (Prescott, Arizona), Earrings at Target (Prescott, Arizona), Mask from Earthbound Trading Co. (Flagstaff, Arizona), Rings from Aeropostale (Tucson, Arizona), Jewel Bracelet at Foot Fetish (Prescott, Arizona), Sparkly Bracelet is vintage, Happy New Year Headband was a gift at a party.

Fashion Tip:  For New Year's Eve, what the weather is like and where you'll be spending time during the festivities, meaning outside or inside, definitely help determine what to wear.  In my hometown, we have a tradition called "The Boot Drop."  Thousands of locals and tourists gather downtown to have a massive street party and to countdown till the New Year. At midnight, the lit-up boot drops and everyone cheers while fireworks fill the sky.  The only downside is the freezing night temperature. I suggest wearing high-heeled boots and a nice jacket along with something festive and sparkly.

Billy Stuckman Photography

(except Boot Drop photo from 2012)

Eva Longoria        Nikki Reed         Taylor Swift         Elizabeth Banks         Selena Gomez

Style Crush Saturday: Olivia Palermo

Style Crush:  Olivia Palermo

Known For:  Actress on The City, Stylist, Writer

Style:  City-Chic, Feminine, Glamorous

This week's Style Crush is the stunning Olivia Palermo.  Olivia is a 27-year old American socialite and fashionista that came into the public's eye by starring on MTV's reality based TV show The City.  With a successful real estate developer for a father and an interior designer mother, Olivia attended expensive private schools and was named "the real Blair Waldorf" by her costars.  Born into the Upper East Side aristocracy, Olivia grew up going between New York and Connecticut.  Before starting her fashion career, Olivia attended The American University in Paris, France, but finished in New York City at The New School.  Following graduation, Olivia interned at Quest magazine, and then in public relations (PR) for Diane von Furstenberg.  In 2008, Olivia starred next to Whitney Port in The City, which followed their social and professional lives.  The show documented her job switch from PR for Diane von Furstenberg to accessories for Elle magazine.  She's not only worked for multiple magazines but also cover modeled for names such as Elle Mexico, Tatler, ASOS Magazine, Shop Til You Drop, and Marie Claire UK.

Although her life may seem like a fairy tale, Olivia had to work hard to make a name for herself and stay strong against rumors and jealousy.  After starring on the show and signing a modeling contract with Wilhelmina Model Agency in 2009, other New York socialites wanted a piece of the cake.  Living out a real-life Gossip Girl episode, Olivia went under attack from a New York social scene website.  Throughout the storm, Olivia stayed classy and, of course, well dressed.  Having the last laugh, Olivia became more popular than ever before.  Known for her impeccable street style and glamorous red carpet couture, Olivia is a through-and-through beauty queen/showstopper.  With Johannes Huebl, her model beau of 5 years, and now fiancé, by her side, Olivia travels the world to attend fashion shows, write fashion-related articles, and maintain her own website which features her outfits of the day, write-ups of her travels, sneak peeks of designers' upcoming lines, and much more.  She is one busy woman!  Personally, I admire her fashion sense, fearlessness, and grace.  No one can deny she's a total fashion guru.

* To read more about the engagement and watch the instagram video that shared the happy news, click here. * 1/03/14

Credits:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Work Cited:  1, 2, 3, 4

My Style: Mustang Sally

Today's Look:  includes a knitted horse print sweater, denim short overalls, knee highs, and cut-out ankle boots.  It was a warm, sunny winter's day, so I thought it would be fun to wear shorts with thigh-high socks.  To start the look off, I chose the cut-off overalls and horse print sweater.  Since I've grown up in Arizona, I'm used to cowboys, ranchers, and farmers.  I, however, am allergic to animals and a city girl at heart, so with this outfit I had fun wearing overalls and horses since it's about as close as I will ever get to being a cowgirl.  To match the sweater, I chose thick, knitted, thigh-high socks and chunky ankle boots.  Finishing off the look, I wore heart-shaped, peace sign, dangle earrings, round sunglasses, two rings, and a black studded backpack.

Outfit Details:  Sweater c/o Charlotte Russe ❤, Overalls by Hippie Laundry at Tilly's (Tucson, Arizona), Thigh-Highs at Basement Marketplace (Flagstaff, Arizona), Ankle-Boots by Steve Madden at 6pm.com, Backpack by PINK at Victoria's Secret (Prescott, Arizona), Earrings & Black Band Ring at Earthbound Trading Co. (Flagstaff, Arizona), Sunglasses at urbanog.com, Silver Multi Ring from Forever 21 (Scottsdale, Arizona).

Fashion Tip:  Overalls have been around since the 1700s with most worn by workmen, but these days cut-off overalls or "shortalls" are a modern twist on the old classic. Definitely sexy, tomboy chic!

Denim overall links found here.

Ashley Tisdale   Rachel Bilson     Alexa Chung     Jennifer Aniston     Perri Edwards

My Style: Under the Mistletoe

Today's Look:  celebrates the deep reds of Christmas and the mystery/intrigue of black.  Over the holidays, families often gather together for a Christmas or celebratory feast to catch up and bond.  Every year, my family hosts at our house and we all exchange gifts and laughter.  It's normally an early dinner and casual-yet-nice attire is the norm.  This year, I wanted to wear something festive, feminine, and wintery-ish.  To start the look off, I chose a cozy, burgundy and beige striped sweater and black skater skirt.  For warmth, I chose knee-high burgundy socks and black combat boots.  I love the socks for their unique opaque-then-sheer design and ruffled top.  The boots are edgy yet sophisticated with a nice height and buckles.  Finishing off the look, I wore dark lipstick for drama, a black bedazzled headband for that innocent-school-girl kinda look, a sparkly, vintage necklace with matching earrings, and two rings.

Outfit Details:  Sweater & Boots c/o Charlotte Russe ❤, Skirt by Cemi Ceri at urbanog.com, Socks by Xhilaration at Target (Prescott, Arizona), Headband at P.J. Chilcottage (Flagstaff, Arizona), Black Band Ring from Earthbound Trading Co. (Flagstaff, Arizona), Stone Ring was a gift, Necklace & Earring were a gift from my grandmother (Vintage), Nail by Impress at Walgreens (Prescott, Arizona).

Fashion Tip:  Burgundy and black make a bold and edgy pair - perfect for fall and winter!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and, if you celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!

Outfit links found here.

Selena Gomez      Blake Lively     Gwen Stefani      Alessandra Ambrosio     Taylor Swift

Theme Party: 1920's Flapper & Great Gatsby

Over the holiday season, many businesses host holiday parties for customers to lift the spirits and bring in more sales, but often they also throw parties for their employees to celebrate and raise morale.  My father's employer always throws lavish Christmas parties with themes, ice sculptures, balloons, lights, DJ's, free drinks, raffles, and costumes at a local resort.  In the past, my dad has taken my mom every year as his date and they come back raving about the events.  This year, she couldn't go, so I got to attend.  

The theme this year was the Roaring Twenties which I thought was perfect since everyone is still buzzing about the recent movie The Great Gatsby.  To fully enjoy the party and be able to fit in with the theme, I wanted to have the perfect costume.  I researched women's and men's fashion from the decade and makeup as well.  I created the inspiration board above of what I liked from the wide variety of styles from the era.  I decided to channel a rebellious, yet sophisticated flapper while my dad liked the preppy, conservative gentleman look (like Gatsby).  

The Look:  To get the 1920's flapper look, I knew I needed a modest-length, sparkly dress, layered necklaces, heals, and a headband.  All are essential to pull off the look.  First,  I chose a sparkly black dress and fringe crop top.  I don't own a fringed dress, but the detailed top with fringed embellished rim worked perfectly on top of the dress.  Next, I borrowed two of my mom's pearl necklaces.  One was medium length while the second extra long which allowed me to double wrap the necklace around my neck.  To match the dark dress and top, I wore sheer black tights and strappy heels.  During my research, I discovered ladies back then wore strappy heels that were close-toed, but I don't own a pair, so my open-toed heels made due.  Finishing off the look, I wore a black, old fashioned leather clutch and big, antique-looking earrings that both were from my senior prom, believe it or not, and a white and gold beaded headband.  For my makeup I watched a YouTube tutorial which I included below.  For my hair, I wore a curled updo.  There are a ton of tutorials on 1920's hairstyles as well, but I simply curled my hair using a heated wand, from top to bottom, and used an excessive amount of bobby pins to create a messy yet chic side bun.  

The party was an absolute success.  When my dad and I arrived, we were immediately welcomed by 1920's attire everywhere with everyone in a great mood.  We received numerous compliments on our costumes and had a blast dancing, mingling, and taking photos.  The dinner and dessert they served were tasty, and the guests at our table were lively and talkative.  

Party Tip:  When you get invited to a theme party, don't be too shy to dress up or you'll miss out on half the fun!  Be bold by wearing a funky costume and have a blast dancing the night away!

Style Crush Saturday: Josh Hutcherson

Style Crush:  Josh Hutcherson

Known For:  Acting, his role as Peeta in The Hunger Games

Style:  Hipster, Masculine, Earth-tones

This week's Style Crush is the handsome Josh Hutcherson.  Josh is an American actor who is best known for his role as the endearing Peeta in the blockbuster movie series The Hunger Games.  Since the age of 4, Josh knew he wanted to become an actor.  His family moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream, and by the age of 14, Josh had not only appeared in multiple TV shows and films but also had starring roles in motion pictures such as Little Manhattan, Zathura, and RV.  While becoming a child star, Josh was known for his cute face, sweet charm, and compelling acting skills.  Able to make audiences laugh and cry, he earned respect throughout the industry.  Continuing his success, Josh starred in the movies Bridge to Terabithia and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1 & 2).  It wasn't until 2012 that Josh scored the role of a lifetime, as the lovable and honorable Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games, based on the best selling book series.  Josh instantly became a teen heartthrob and world renown celebrity.  Since then, Josh has traveled all around the world attending premieres, promoting the beloved saga, and starring in additional popular movies including Red Dawn, Epic (voice of Nod), and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

With the paparazzi and fans watching his every move, the pressure is on to look the part of a star.  Every movie premiere and award show is heavily photographed and televised, so Josh makes sure to always look fashionable.  From cute, boyish fashion to masculine, mature male chic, Josh's style has evolved and solidified.  Whether he is wearing designer suits or casual plaids, Josh is one stylish dude.  I'm not the only one that has noticed either.  His style, good looks, and charm have caught the attention of many of Hollywood's young ladies, including Zoey Deutch, Claudia Traisac, Vanessa Hudgens, Victoria Justice, and Selena Gomez.  Commended by his friends and even past girlfriends, Josh has a reputation of being a total sweetheart.  From the red carpet to downtown Los Angeles, Josh Hutcherson always looks dapper and delightful.  I don't know about you, but I am definitely team Peeta. ;) 

 

Credits:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Work Cited:  1, 2, 3