My Style: You Can't Make Up With Us

Today's Look:  celebrates being sassy and having fun with it.  The “You Can’t Make Up With Us” crop top is perfect with the shredded, tie-dyed cutoffs, plaid shirt, and gladiator platform sandals.  The look was great for a casual day of exploring and relaxing.  I accessorized with a chevron print backpack, layered bracelet, and bohemian-inspired rings.  I love the clash of the backpack's design with the plaid - it's unexpected yet somehow pleasing.  I packed a comfy blanket, some of favorite new makeup essentials, including a mirror/screen protector on my phone (seriously so handy), and my new book, Bloom: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Gorgeous to catch up on beauty tips and tricks.  On my downtime, I love reading fashion magazines and beauty books to stay current and gain inspiration; this book specifically has some great ideas and beautiful photos.  Days of relaxation and meditation are even more important now that school is back in session.  Always try to remember to treat yourself to some "me" time, because you deserve it and you're worth it.  Xoxo, Shelly

Outfit Details:  Black Top courtesy of Breakups to Makeup ♡ | Plaid Top courtesy of Garage ♡ | Bag courtesy of T-Shirt & Jeans ♡ | Sandals from Steve Madden | Shorts from Immediate Fashion Company | Earrings & Rings from Earthbound Trading Co. | Bracelet from Hello Venice 

What's In My Bag:  "I Would Cry But My Mascara Is Designer" Bag courtesy of Breakups to Makeup ♡ | iPhone Super HD Mirror Screen Protector courtesy of Glam Screen by Jonathan Cheban ♡ | Book & Makeup courtesy of Carmindy & Co. ♡

               

               

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!