How to: Mix Prints

Mixing print upon print can be very tricky. I have three rules when achieving this and unless you are prepared to follow them, do not attempt this look.

First, if you are going to mix prints, make sure the prints share similar colors. You would not mix an orange and yellow stripe bottom with a navy and white polka dotted shirt. That just says, “I got dressed in the dark.”

inspiration via Shopbop

Second, make sure one print is bigger and more visible than the other. For example, if you were to pair a stripe with a floral, one print should be the “dominant” one. 

inspiration via Shopbop

Third, keep jewelry and accessories simple. If you are going to wear such a busy ensemble, wear basic colored shoes and simple gold jewelry.

Real vs. $teal: A Look from Michael Kors Spring 2011 Runway

During the summer, maxi dresses are an easy way to create an effortless, stylish look. Additionally, if you get tired of the long length, you can always take it to a tailor to get shortened!

I recently saw this look from Michael Kors Spring 2011 runway and kept it for inspiration.

I then found a great alternative in Forever21! For only $10, you can get a great tank dress and then splurge on great accessories. With this look, just like the runway, I suggest a low-slung boyfriend belt, oversized messenger or clutch, and chunky soled wedges.

Add beachy, messed up waves with sun-kissed make up and you're a walking Michael Kors model!

What I'm Loving Wednesday..

need this outfit for summer.

head to toe brights

maxi pants!

searching for boots like this.

tribal prints + stripes

Shopping Tips & Tricks: Lesson 2

When shopping, there are items that can be considered trendy and others that are great key pieces to have in your wardrobe. The best way to discern between the two is reference that list in your head of things you NEED to purchase and also items on your "Wardrobe Staple" list. If the piece of clothing in question is on the pricier side, then ask yourself this question, "is this item and INVESTMENT PIECE or TRENDY ITEM?"

An INVESTMENT PIECE is an item that is expensive but is worth the price because of the use you will get out of it. For example, a nice, structured jacket or well-made silk top will stand the test of time. These types of items are things you will have and wear forever and will be wardrobe builders. 

put that down!

Following a TREND is easy; the problem becomes what to do with all that stuff once the trend is over. The best advice I can give is to buy a trend first in classic colors like black, grey, white, or brown. Second, buy the option with the least amount of detail of the particular trend. For instance, if studs on a jacket are the newest thing, then buy the jacket that has studs just on the shoulder. Also, buy the jacket in a neutral color it will be much more versatile in your wardrobe and for years to come. 

Real vs. $teal: Free People Harmonica Crop Pullover

Ever since seeing High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale in this cute bohemian look, it's been on my mind.  Although the Free People Harmonica Top she is wearing is only $78, I ventured to find an even cheaper solution.

While at the local boutique I work at this week, a girl came in looking super chic in this Forever21 knit top, wide leg flare jeans, and wedges. I had to follow suit and purchased the top as soon as I got home. I know I wont be disappointed!

For those that are a little weary of trying the crop top look, the Forever21 version is a little longer and not as see through. I plan on wearing mine with my grey maxi skirt and an arm full of jewelry. The only thing missing is a California tan!

Current Obsession: Gianni Bini Heels

White heels for summer are usually a NO, but the Gianni Bini "Patton" sandals are an exception. I bought these heels to wear with two different dresses this summer and they have become an instant favorite. These sandals hit all the right style notes with the lattice-looking pattern and thick wooden heel and are bright and fresh.

Best part--These heels just went on sale for $59.99!! Get these while they are still available!

Sartorial Sunday

hair envy.

 bought a suede oversized clutch like this..post coming soon

minimalism at its best.

real life Blair Waldorf

This is in someone's closet.

Britney Spears + Harper's Bazaar

Shopping Tips & Tricks: Lesson 1

Every woman needs a basic cream dress and blouse in her wardrobe. These are basic building blocks to many outfits and are a NECESSITY. Find something that is timeless, simple and can be worn year round. I suggest the brands Equipment, Patterson J. Kincaid, and Express for tops and Theory, Joie, and Forever21 for cream dresses.

You should also have a pair of black flat sandals in your wardrobe. These sandals need to be simple and chic yet unique enough to stand on their own and garner some interest. I have found great black sandals at Urban Outfitters and Steve Madden. If you're looking to spend a little more money, Dolce Vita or Tory Burch have great options.

Real vs. $teal: Rory Beca Retro Lace Shorts

I've been on the hunt all spring to find a great pair of lace shorts. Think of lace shorts as another alternative to your white, cream, or tan pairs but they can be dressed up for a night out on the town.

I fell in love with these Rory Beca Retro Lace Running Shorts but I still didn't want to spend the $95 price tag. I also wanted a pair that were a little more sophisticated and structured than these with the draw string.

I was SO excited to find these Forever21 High Waist Lace Shorts for only $15.80! I love that they are a pretty nude/pink color and are exactly the silhouette I was searching for!

I imagine these lace shorts with a cream silk tank, white linen blazer, and nude wedges.

Style Tip Thursday

When shopping at a sale, sometimes we tend to go a little crazy. Everything seems so cheap! First, you need to ask yourself a simple question: “Do I already own this item?” There are many of times a great LBD or blouse seems too great of a deal to pass up, but we may already have this item in our closet! If you answered yes, then step away! 

Second, if the sale item in question will need additional items for completion such as shoes, jewelry, etc. then it’s actually costing you more money and therefore not a good sale purchase.

Bohemian Rhapsody

I often classify my style as girly-chic but more recently, I've been delving more into my hippie-chic when it comes to getting dressed. Whether it's stacking my arm full of wrap bracelets and bangles, wearing long gold chain necklaces, or adding long waves to my hair, I'm secretly wanting to become a modern-day bohemian hippie.

While I could never pull off this look in its entirety, here is my inspiration from the streets of California to the young, it-girls of Hollywood.

Minimalism

When in doubt, go minimal and monochromatic with your look. When I say monochromatic, I'm saying to wear one color (or very similar colors) head to toe.

And NO I do not mean all black because then you look like you're in mourning. There's a time and place to wear all black but this is not it. I'm telling you to wear nudes, blush, camel, cream, grey, or white.

My go-to minimal outfit is a blazer, silk top, and shorts. To finish the look, just add gold jewelry and a neutral heel and you're done.

For spring and summer months, this look is just chic.

Summer Travel Attire

With school ending and summer right around the corner, vacations are on every girl's mind. Whether heading to the beach, a tropical island, or an international adventure, a girl has to be packed and ready even while traveling. 

Traveling with comfort and style is a hard task to do. I have compiled the ultimate must-haves for any traveling occasion.

Remember, if you put a little extra effort into your traveling ensemble, then you will garner more respect from travel mates, flight attendants, and other personnel!

Current Obsession: Cache Hoops

I recently was having dinner with my dad & stepmom and I immediately was drawn to the hoop earrings my stepmom was wearing. She really surprised me when she said she got them at Cache!! Seriously?! That store died 10 years ago.

They sparkle even more in person!

Well I ventured into Cache to check out the earrings myself and was even more surprised at the price tag--$38! These earrings look good with EVERYTHING & they look rich. I think I've said enough.

Real vs. $teal: Patterson J. Kincaid Tribal Stripe Temple Tank

While usually I do not consider the brand Patterson J. Kincaid an expensive clothing line (I have quite a few items from them), I recently came across their Tribal Stripe Tank Top and gasped at the price tag! I don't mind spending $120 on a nice dress, but for a tank top?! Come on, PJK! Yes, this tank has cool stitching, bright colors, and an interesting back detail, I can do better!

That's why I was so excited to find a very similar Ethnic Print Tank from Forever21 for only $11.80! Wear this tank with white denim cut-offs, a chunky brown belt, and funky sandals for a boho-chic, California-girl vibe.

How to: Shop at Forever21

One secret I'm willing to share with you readers is that a lot of my closet comes from fast-fashion retailer Forever21. I think it's because I like the thrill of finding an amazing piece of clothing for a great price. As some of my friends have said, I'm a "freak" in Forever21. Meaning, I can find the diamond in the rough.

I know a lot of people have said that they just can't even venture into the store because it is so overwhelming. Hopefully these tips will ease your anxiety and help you score endless goodies like I have.

1. Go in with a mission. If you plan to tackle Forever21, shop with a main goal in mind. For example, if you really need some bright tank tops or a few floral dresses, shop only for that. Ask the sales associate (they are actually more helpful than you think) where the items you are looking for are located (they should know this!) and only shop there. DO NOT shop blindly. You WILL be overwhelmed.

2. Know when to shop. After visiting my local Forever21 at many times of the day and the week, I know when the best hours to shop, when the new merchandise is put out, and when the store is empty. For my store, Monday or Tuesday mornings before 2 p.m. is the best time to get all of the new inventory and shop quietly without chaos.

3. Quality of fabric is key. In order to garner a "Where did you get that?" question from friends, you must make sure the fabric is looks and feels rich. This means looking inside the garment to see what it is made of. I will not buy the item if it is made of 100% polyester or polyester-spandex. This SCREAMS Jersey Shore. Stick to fabrics made of rayon, silk, cotton, or a blend of these. If it is a polyester-rayon-silk blend, that is okay as well.

4. Shop Forever21 Online. If your Forever21 brick-and-mortar location is lacking, check online. A lot of times Forever21 will put items online that they will never carry in the store. Most recently, all of my great finds have come from the online store. Make sure you really look at the garment carefully, read the fabric type, and when in doubt about fit, always order a size up. If you spent $20 on the dress, a $15 tailoring job is worth every penny. Extra tip: If you spend $50, you get FREE shipping!

5. When in doubt, shop the jewelry. Still not sold on the clothing? The jewelry at Forever21 rarely disappoints. I have found so many great pairs of earrings and necklaces that are comparable to any other costume jewelry I own. If you are a teenager or young adult (like me), the jewelry at Forever21 is a great way to spend very little money and add pizazz to an outfit. Plus, if you lose or break anything, it's not the end of the world. You probably spent less than $10.

Here are my all-time best Forever21 finds:

white silk tank

cream cotton blazer, white tank, gold leaf chain

faux leather shorts

silk grey blazer

striped linen shorts

taupe silk shirt & linen shorts

Weekend Afterthoughts..

After finals and my boyfriend's graduation this weekend, I had some quiet time this Sunday to put together things on my radar right now..

Just bought a PEACH colored blazer...deciding how I want to wear this..

Jennifer Hudson has been looking AMAZING...re-creating this outfit ASAP.

Um Heaven?! Karl Lagerfeld designs for Diet Coke

Wish I could do this with my hair

I wish my room looked like this...one day..

What an amazing fashion power group of friends

working on creating this DIY purse...details soon!

a perfect casual ensemble 

Real vs. $teal: Equipment Adhan Sleeveless Blouse

I love Equipment's sleeveless blouses for spring especially in the bright colors and funky prints. Once again, I just didn't want to spend $248 for just one piece of clothing. I went searching for a better option to crave my longing for this amazing top and found it AGAIN (I should become a spokesperson) at Forever21.

The print and color are completely different on this Forever21 blouse but I was really looking for a similar shape, fit, and material as the Equipment tops. **Remember, shape and fabric type are key in re-creating a designer look.**

I'll be wearing my top with silky high-waisted shorts, wedges, and a lightweight blazer.