My Style: Wild West

Today's Look:  is a perfect mixture of city grunge and western boho.  One of my favorite new closet additions is this fringe jacket.  The jacket has beautiful brown coloring so I kept the rest of the outfit monochromatic faded black.  I wore the softest v-neck top and high-waisted, shredded denim shorts. Since the weather is chilly, I wore distressed tights underneath my shorts.  Finishing off the look, I added chokers, platform boots, and the best crossbody bag.  Enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at a scenic lake, making the best afternoon, especially after a stressful week.  Xoxo, Shelly

Outfit Details:  Jacket courtesy of The Mint Julep Boutique ♡ | Top courtesy of Z Supply ♡ | Bag courtesy of T-Shirt & Jeans (available at Wet Seal) ♡ | Layered Choker courtesy of PYKNIC2 ♡ | Hair Extensions courtesy of Crisace ♡ | Tattoo Choker courtesy of Chictopia ♡ | Shorts courtesy of Garage ♡ | Tights from Dillard's | Boots from H&M 

Beauty Tip:  A quick, easy, & affordable way to add volume and thickness to your hair is by wearing Crisace iHair!  The hair extensions don't require weaving or hair appointments--you can easily put them in your own hair and go.  I am so impressed with the natural hair that can be curled, straightened, and shampooed.  Watch the video below to see how easy application of iHair is!  

 

My Style: I Love You, to the Moon and Back

Today's Look:  features another amazing outfit from Garage, one of my favorite clothing companies.  To complete this photo shoot, I made a day trip to beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona.  Enjoying the Route 66 nostalgia, we strolled the historic downtown area and had difficulty choosing which local shops, restaurants, and galleries we enjoyed the most.  These photos were taken in a small alley between the best candy store called Sweet Shoppe & Nut House and my favorite Flag’ eatery called Mountain Oasis International Restaurant.  While walking downtown, I had people complimenting my skirt, my jewelry, and my purse—people in Flagstaff are so friendly and do not hesitate to give a shout-out.  I adore this tribal print double slit maxi skirt with the crisscross crop top, both from Garage.  To accessorize, I added some awesome jewelry—a delicate three-tiered letter necklace from Garage, a pretty guitar-pick shaped pendant from Six Shooter Gifts, incredible rings from Earthbound Trading Company, and gorgeous sparkling nut stud earrings from Liza Schwartz.  To complete the look, I added embellished round sunnies, Steve Madden sandals, and a zebra striped phone case to dress up my iPhone.  I know I've written a lot about the outfit, but what seems like a simple bohemian/festival ensemble actually takes putting together a lot of different elements.

Outfit Details:  Top, Skirt, & "S" Necklace courtesy of Garage ❤ | "I love you, to the moon and back!" Necklace courtesy of Six Shooter Gifts ❤ | Earrings courtesy of Liza Schwartz Jewelry & Accessories ❤ | Phone Case courtesy of Clique Boutique ❤| Eye Shadow & Mascara courtesy of N°7 ❤ | Purse from La Moda | Shoes from Steve Madden | Rings from Earthbound Trading Company | Sunglasses from Hello Venice | Bracelet from Forever 21

Reminder:  P L E A S E  S H O W  M E  S O M E  L O V E and help me win a trip to a music festival sponsored by Garage Clothing as shown on my July 2nd post titled “Garage Festival,” please go to the link at http://blog.garageclothing.com/2014/06/garage-festival-contest-semifinalist-shelly-stuckman/ and leave a comment and/or share the post to Facebook and/or Twitter.  The comments tend to go through “Disqus,” but it only takes a moment to sign up and log in.  This contest ends July 14, 2014, but I really need your support now.  Thank you! ♡

By the way, these are my new favorite earrings--such great quality and beautifully designed.  If you like stunning, sophisticated jewelry with a youthful edge, then check out Liza Schwartz Jewelry & Accessories.

Fun fact:  The pendant above is etched cow bone.  I enjoyed wearing this and another similar pendant to the rodeo dances in Prescott, Arizona, over the July 4th weekend.  If you like a western flare or have some cowgirl inside of you, check out Six Shooter Gifts.

         

   

My Style: Velours Rouge

Today's Look:  was styled with one of the hottest trends in mind: 90's grunge.  First, I started with this stunning red crushed velvet dress from Immediate Fashion Company.  The ankle length hem and spaghetti straps reminded me so much of 1990's styling which totally called for platform sandals and a choker.  To update the staple pieces of the classic ensemble, I wore leather platforms with nice thick straps and a layered choker made of leather with a silver-plated, bedazzled bead; back in the '90s, platform flip flops and plastic chokers were all the rage.  I styled the dress, sandals, and necklace with a skull lace kimono, multiple rings, a silver cuff bracelet, and a jewelry hair clip from Floaters, which gave the look a slightly more bohemian vibe.  For any readers who may have missed my previous post featuring Immediate Fashion Company, they recently opened a new location at 2000 East Broadway Boulevard in Tucson, Arizona!  I definitely recommend giving them a look and anyone can shop their online store at http://www.immediatefashioncompany.com/.  Originally based in California, the store has such friendly customer service, kind owners, and darling clothes.   It's so exciting to see them expanding, and I can't wait to visit their Tucson store this summer!  

Outfit Details:  Dress courtesy of Immediate Fashion Company ❤ | Hair Accessory courtesy of Floaters ❤ | Nail Polish OPI in "Dating a Royal" courtesy of Sunset 45 | Kimono from Hot Topic | Platforms from Steve Madden | Choker from PYKNIC2 | Earrings, Bracelet, & Midi Ring from Earthbound Trading Co. | Middle Rings from Maurices | Cross Ring from Forever 21 | Faith Ring from Premier Designs

Fashion Tip:  I was so excited to showcase my first Floaters's hair accessory in this post, because I truly think they are the new "it" accessory.  Anyone else remember when everyone came back to school after summer vacation with a feather weaved into their hair or the dyed neon color hair strip fad?  Well, Floaters are way better than both of those, because they can easily be clipped on or off of your hair, they come in all different designs and lengths, and they are beautiful jewelry.  If you want to start a new trend at your school or in your town, then get yours ASAP at http://www.hairfloaters.com/.

Last but not least, I tried something new this week!  To show you how Floaters's hair accessories work, I made a short video demonstrating how easy the hair jewelry can be clipped on and off.  It's a little over a minute, so short and sweet.  Check it out below :) 

        

Click here to view other posts feat. Immediate Fashion Company

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!