My Recent Infashuation: Maxi Shirts

Getting bored of your usual winter look? Try a maxi skirt! I used to picture maxi skirts as s flowing white or floral skirt that you would wear on a warm summer day. However, my latest infashuation is maxi skirts for the winter! I recently bought two ( a black one and a gray one, both a jersey knit) but it took me a little while to gather up the courage to wear them! It wasn’t that I didn’t know how to wear a maxi shirt, I just didn’t know where to wear it (I didn’t want to look like a total diva!). When I finally did, I got a lot of complements and didn’t feel overdressed (even though I was just going to class!) So if you’re interested in this look but not quite sure how to pull it off here’s some tips:

• Wear a simple top and tuck it in
•  If you need some height, wear heeled boots (flats and combat boots also work well with the look)
•   Wear an interesting belt or statement necklace
• Pair a fitted maxi skirt with a chunky sweater and suede booties
• Extra chilly outside? Wear tights underneath for warmth!

If you think you can pull it off (or act like you can) then everyone else will believe it! The most important accessory when trying a new look is confidence! A bonus to the maxi skirt? The look can be carried in to spring! 

BE MINE?

Don’t have a valentine for the quickly approaching holiday? Not to fret, you aren’t alone on the disliked mushy day! Just because you haven’t found prince charming yet, doesn’t mean you can’t show a little love for February 14^th. Gather up some fellow single ladies and celebrate with heart cookies and sappy love movies (I’ll just stick with the cookies). Make valentines for your friends, have conversation hearts with every meal, or decorate your room! I LOVE Valentine’s Day! Any excuse to wear pink, eat candy, and make cute cards is good with me! I highly recommend being your own valentine! Who knows what you love better than yourself? Here are a few Valentine’s Day presents (from Urban Outfitters) you might want to buy yourself! 

 

Black is the New Black

Once I finished packing my clothes to head back to college, I found myself looking at a suitcase of nearly all black clothing (naturally with some gray in the mix as well). Then I thought back to the night before when I told my brother to wear black and he responded with, “I’m not goth!” or the time I walk out of my dorm only to be greeted with “Where’s the funeral?”.  I’ll admit I do wear a lot of black, especially this time of year. But, wearing black doesn’t have to be boring or depressing! Black should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. It’s flattering, slimming, and goes with nearly everything! Every woman is advised to own a little black dress…. I have at least four. In addition to the LBD, every woman should own a few other basic black articles of clothing: casual pants, dress pants, tights, a variety of tees, and a few pairs of shoes. It seems a little overboard but black goes with everything and is perfect for every occasion. If solid black is too boring for you, there’s plenty of ways to add some excitement. Add a brightly colored accessory such as a belt, clutch, or pink shoes!  Look for black with ruffles, sequins or other fun details. Black is my go to color, even if it isn’t yours stock up your closet with some basic black pieces. Trust me, you’ll wear it! 

Infashuation on the Red Carpet

When award season rolls around, it’s not really the awards I’m looking forward, it’s the red carpet! I love see what everyone is wearing and who is wearing who. For this year’s red carpet at the Golden Globe’s I was not disappointed! Almost everyone looked really amazing! My favorite three looks were worn by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charlize Theron, and Piper Perabo. Michelle Gellar’s fun but beautiful dress from Monique Lhullier gown chosen by her 2-year-old. Charlize Theron wore a gorgeous Dior gown. Although the gown is revealing, it possesses as soft and elegant look. One of my other favorites, which did not receive the best reviews, was Piper Perabo. Her soft gray gown had a very voluminous skirt and a fitted top. Why I liked this dress wasn’t the shape, as much as the sheerness. When Piper Perabo was presenting on stage, you could see her legs through the full gray skirt! It was such a unique look! Hopefully the other upcoming award shows will have as many gorgeous gowns!

Look Good While Getting Fit!

If you’re trying to stay fit for 2012 or recovering from holiday indulgences, you might be looking for some motivation to hit the gym. So why not but yourself a snazzy pair of sneakers and some new work out apparel? As I’ve mentioned before, I like to look stylish and put together all the time, and that includes when I’m hitting the gym. Dozens of active wear brands offer cute, affordable and most importantly, functional apparel and accessories. The textiles used in activewear create breathable and comfortable garments. The details, patterns and colors used in active wear create stylish looks that can range from sleek to fun!

Simple and stylish details on yoga pants and tops, like these from lululemon, give the casual basics a modern look.

Bright colors and patterns make working out more fun (or at least look more fun). For a fun look, try a bright or pattered sports bra like the one below from Champion. These shorts, also from Champion, are reversible and available in a variety of colors creating endless options!

 Any of these items will keep you looking way more fabulous than wearing a ratty old t-shirt! I hope treating your self to some cute new work-out gear will help you get motivated to stay fit in 2012!

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!