Go Green with Eco-Fashion for 2012!

Still looking for a new year’s resolution? Well even if you aren’t, 2012 is a great time to start going green. We all know the basics and importance of recycling, but there’s another effective and fun way to help the planet, eco-fashion! With the green movement growing, more designer and stores, such as H&M, are offering environmentally conscious lines. Traditional eco-fashion textiles were often seen as expensive and uncomfortable. However, environmentally friendly textiles have come a long way. Two materials that are commonly used are organic cotton and bamboo. The pesticides used to grow traditional cotton are extremely harmful to the environment. When you buy a product made from organic cotton, you are helping to save our planet! Bamboo is exceptionally versatile, making it incredibly eco-friendly resource. Bamboo fibers can be woven together to create a soft and breathable fabric. The fashion industry has made remarkable progress in eco-friendly materials, even textiles made from recycled water bottles! With the start of a new year, it’s a great time to begin making environmentally conscious decisions in your life (and for your wardrobe!). Next time you’re out shopping, look to see what your garment is made from and make the eco-friendly decision; you can help reduce the fashion industry’s carbon footprint and save the planet! 

New Year's Eve Must-Have: Sequins

With 2012 quickly approaching, you're probably searching the perfect resolution, or scrambling together last minute New Year's Eve plans. If you are anything like me, you're NYE plans are never quite as glamorous as you would like them to be. However, no matter what I'm doing for NYE, I have a rule that I MUST wear sequins (or some sort of glittery apparel). I recommend that you adapt this rule too (trust me, you'll feel much better starting off the new year with some sparkle)! Whether you are on vacation, going to an exciting party, or just hanging out at a friend's house, there is an easy and stylish way to add some sparkle to your look! 

For something cute and casual try a tee with sequin detail, like this one from the Gap:

For a little more pizazz, go for something like this dress from Forever 21 or these pants from Urban Outfitters:

                     

If you aren't a glitter-lover stick to something simple like metallic shoes or nail polish! No matter your budget or style, there's something sparkly out there for you that will add some glamour to your NYE. If you are looking for others ways you can add some fun and sparkle to your NYE party, bring silly party hats or some plastic champagne glasses from the party store for yourself and other guests! 

Day 12: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 12th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

12 stilettos strutting 

11 designer handbags

10 colored denim
9 earrings dangling
8 polishes dazzling 

7 garments a sparklin'

6 stylish shades

5 COCKTAIL RINGS

4 fun phone cases

3 leather jackets

2 pairs of Toms

& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

Ok so Santa probably won't be bringing me a pair of Louboutins, a Prada bag, or Chanel glasses, but a girl can dream, can't she? 

Day 11: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 11th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

11 designer handbags

10 colored denim
9 earrings dangling
8 polishes dazzling 

7 garments a sparklin'

6 stylish shades

5 COCKTAIL RINGS

4 fun phone cases

3 leather jackets

2 pairs of Toms

& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

yes, I definitely need all eleven. 

Day 10: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 10th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

10 colored denim
9 earrings dangling
8 polishes dazzling 

7 garments a sparklin'

6 stylish shades

5 COCKTAIL RINGS

4 fun phone cases

3 leather jackets

2 pairs of Toms

& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

Colored denim is a huge trend & a total must-have! I already have a few pairs but I'm totally infashuated with all of these colors from Joe's Jeans (there's 55 colors to choose from)!

Day 9: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 9th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

9 earrings dangling
8 polishes dazzling 

7 garments a sparklin'

6 stylish shades

5 COCKTAIL RINGS

4 fun phone cases

3 leather jackets

2 pairs of Toms

& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

I love earrings! I already have a ton but I could never have too many! The earrings above range from $5 to $700 can you tell what pairs are a steal and what pairs are a splurge? Probably not! (And that's the best part!)

HOLIDAY MUST-HAVE: Christmas Jammies

I like to look cute 24/7, even when I sleep. So naturally, I have a few pairs of cute and super soft pajamas so I can stay stylish at all hours of the night. Of course in doing this I’m taking big a risk of winding up stuck outside my dorm in a pink nightgown at 1 AM after someone set of the fire alarm, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take. Most people don’t really care about what they are sleeping in, but if there is one time of year that cute jammies are absolutely necessary that would be the holiday season. Trust me, you’ll look much better on your home video of opening Christmas presents if you are decked out in red thermal pjs. I’ve acquired a few pairs over the years including, fleece “Ho Ho Ho” pants, festive patchwork shorts, and of course a red snowflake thermal set. Here’s some great pjs that will keep you looking super cute from Christmas morning to your New Year’s Eve sleep over:

All of these pieces can be found at aerie for about $25 plus an additional 40% off!

Day 8: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 8th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

8 polishes dazzling 

7 garments a sparklin'

6 stylish shades

5 COCKTAIL RINGS

4 fun phone cases

3 leather jackets

2 pairs of Toms

& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

(hoping to find a few of these stuffed in my stocking!)

Day 7: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 7th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

7 garments a sparklin'

6 stylish shades

5 COCKTAIL RINGS

4 fun phone cases

3 leather jackets

2 pairs of Toms

& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

In the fine words of Taylor Swift, I like glitter and sparkly dresses. 

Day 6: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 6th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

6 stylish shades
5 COCKTAIL RINGS
4 fun phone cases
3 leather jackets
2 pairs of Toms
& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

(I'm officially infashuated with the Chanel pair in the center of the top row!!) 

Horrors & Hassles of Holiday Shopping

Unlike many fashionistas, shopping is hardly one of my favorite pass times. I’ve never been a big shopper.  Don’t get me wrong, I love clothes and any new additions to my wardrobe but shopping isn’t always the most enjoyable experience. This is especially the case during the holiday season. So yesterday when I went to the King of Prussia Mall, I was preparing for the worst. Thankfully, I survived, got some things crossed off my list, and had an overall low-stress shopping experience.

Here are some tips to help you survive last minute holiday shopping:

1. Have a “game plan”: know where you are going, how much time you have, how much you want to spend, and what you need to get (making lists are helpful)

2. Drag along some friends that have similar shopping goals (if nothing else, they’ll keep you entertained in long lines at the cash wrap)

3. If possible plan out a time span away from rush hours and busy times, it’s already crazy enough around the holiday season (starting or ending a shopping trip in traffic is not fun)

4. Take advantage of all the discounts & store promotions! A lot of stores have up to 40% off all merchandise! Spending money is much less painful when you know you are getting a good deal!

5. If you don't have a lot of time and don't know what to get someone, look online for ideas ahead of time! If you don't have a lot of time and don't know exactly what you want, call in advanced and have the store put it on hold for you. If you can't find something you need, remember sales associates are there to help you! 

Day 5: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 5th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

5 COCKTAIL RINGS
4 fun phone cases
3 leather jackets
2 pairs of Toms
& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

(totally obsessed with the ring on the bottom right , it's gorgeous) 

Day 4: 12 Days of Christmas

On the 4th day of Christmas, Santa brought for me:

4 fun phone cases
3 leather jackets
2 pairs of Toms
& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

I have had my eye on the Kate Spade iPhone case (top right) for a while but I can't get myself to drop $40 on a phone case! (I'm hoping Santa will)

Day 3: 12 Days of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas Santa brought for me:
3 leather jackets
2 pairs of Toms
& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

Last year my dad gave me his old leather jacket that is HUGE and manly.... not exactly what I had in mind. Needless to say a leather jacket remains of my Christmas list.

Day 2: 12 Days of Christmas

On the second day of Christmas Santa brought for me:
2 pairs of Toms
& fuzzy socks in Hunter boots

Toms may not be the most glamorous shoes, but I love them! I think they are so cute and comfortable and I love that they are giving back to the community! I'm hoping for another pair under the Christmas tree!

12 Days of Christmas

In honor of the holiday season, I turned my dream wish list into a fashionable "12 Days of Christmas"

Keeping my wintery walks to class in mind....
On the first day of Christmas stylish Santa brought for me:
fuzzy socks in Hunter boots