My 2014 Christmas Wish List

It's always fun to put together a wish list for Christmas. I never have any expectations that I'll actually get anything from this list, but it's always fun to share the things that have recently caught my eye. 

Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick 

In colors Beso & Patina - $22.00

I have two Stila Liquid Lipsticks already in Amore & Fiore and I love it! I recommend it for anyone who loves a good, matte lip stain. It stays in place and the colors are amazing. If you like a little shine, you can always add a little gloss or balm on top of the stain too!

Red Dress Boutique

If you have yet to discover Red Dress Boutique, brace yourself. I love basically every product that they have and they're always getting new items in. It's hard to stay away once you give in! The prices are pretty affordable and the shipping is usually free!

Toast & Cheer Dress - $50.00

A Moment Like This Dress - $56.00

Pretty as a Button Plaid Blouse - $49.00

Rhode Island Romance Vest - $56.00

Mistletoe & Kisses Romper - $42.00

Garmin Forerunner 220 - $249.99 
I love working out with a heart rate monitor and watch so that I can really monitor what my body is doing. I used to always work out in the gym, but it's a lot more convenient to just run or bike outside, so I can also track calories based on my heart rate too. I have polar watch and HRM currently, but I love the look of this one and the built in GPS. I usually use my phone to track, but this one connects to your phone as well to keep better tracking. And I really like the way that this one is interactive with the run with just a glance at the wrist.

Michael Kors Bold Faced Watches
Continuing with watches...colored faces on watches have definitely been a huge trend of 2014, but the majority of them were bright colors, like pinks, green and aquas. I'm loving these darker colors for winter and it seems like they would match more with my wardrobe.
Michael Kors Parker Rose Gold - $275.00
Michael Kors Skylar Gold-Tone - $275.00

Tory Burch Handbag
I'm one of those people that rarely switches handbags. I always have a big tote with all of my essentials, so I feel like if I switch bags, I leave something behind! That being said, I feel like this would be a great, neutral everyday bag for me with lots of space for all of my things. It comes in different colors as well, but black will stay the cleanest and match with the most.
York Buckle Tote - $295.00

What's on your Christmas wish list this year? 

Celebrity Spotlight: Glowing Blake Lively

As if I weren't already jealous enough of how stylish and impeccable Blake Lively always looks on a daily basis (and a little jealous that she's married to Ryan Reynolds), she's now a flawless example of a glowing, beautiful mommy-to-be. 

Blake and husband, Ryan Reynolds, announced Blake's first pregnancy on October 6th via her somewhat new website, Preserve.us, in a unique and almost humble and discreet way. The post was titled Preserve Celebrations: Falling for Family. The post started out with the following quote:

"Preserve at it's core is about family. Family is the single word our founder, Blake, built this home on."

The short post continues to talk about pregnancy, family and mothers-to-be, and ends with this quote,
followed by a collage of pictures of expecting mothers with families. 

"Congratulations to all the expecting mothers out there. And thank you for being a part of our Preserve family."

As I scrolled through the photos of a rustic outdoor get-together, I saw small little baby shoes, onsies and women laughing and holding their round tummies as they enjoy a chic picnic with friends. Then as I got to the last photo, my jaw dropped. 

I've always been a little upset that Blake didn't have a blog or instagram, or some form of social media that I can know more about her life for the longest time, so this blog post was quite a shock to me. Of course, everyone went crazy when they saw the announcement because she's so secretive with her private life. Even her wedding with Ryan in South Carolina back in September 2012 was a secret and low-key event. 

Her secrecy and humble personality only makes me love her even more. And since the announcement, she's not hiding her baby bump any longer and still holds her flawless and classy style, wherever she may be, whether that's on the red carpet or hanging out with friends. 

As for now, Blake and Ryan say that they're going to keep the gender a surprise. I'm hoping it's a girl, but I guess we'll have to wait until around late winter/early spring to find out!

Do you love Blake as much as I do? What did you think about the announcement? What's your guess for the gender?

Daring or Dreadful: Baring it All

Recently, celebrities have been in the news for showing off a little too much of their bodies - namely their chest. 

Last week, Scout Willis made headlines when she decided to protest the Instagram's anti-nudity policy by strutting around New York City topless, then posted a few photos on her Instagram account for the world to see. Willis included the caption "Legal in NYC, but not on @instagram," and used the hashtag #FreeTheNipple.

Just last night, Rihanna shocked many at the CFDA Fashion Awards with a sheer, sparkly nude gown that exposed her chest. She was being honored as the 2014 CFDA Fashion Icon of the Year and she definitely made a statement with her outfit. In her acceptance speech, she even stated "Fashion should never be frustrating, it should be fun."

So what do you think about the outrageous new trend? Daring or Dreadful? Do you think that Instagram should change their policy to allow nudity?

Trend Alert: Colored Dial Watches

I'm loving the new trend of watches with a colored dial. Whether it's a rose gold, silver or gold band, the pop of color from the dial is unexpected, yet super chic. I like the bright colors, like cobalt blue, teal and fuchsia as opposed to the more neutral colors like white or navy blue. 

The trend the past few years has been colored watches, band and everything, but the colored dial with a neutral band allows for a more versatile accessory. 

1. Michael Kors Mid-Size Golden/Blue Stainless Steel Bailey Chronograph Watch - $250

2. Michael Kors Oversize Gunmetal Stainless Steel Runway Chronograph Watch - $275

3. Fossil Cecile Multifunction Stainless Steel Watch Rose Gold-Tone - $145

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Amy Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet - $200

5. Michael Kors Mid-Size Rose Golden Stainless Steel Bradshaw Chronograph Watch - $250

6. Fossil Riley Multifunction Stainless Steel Watch Gold-Tone - $135

7. Citizen Women's Chronograph Drive Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch - $295

Are you loving this trend? Do you have any colored dial watches?

Trend Alert: Gold-Plated Accessories

Something that I've seen popping up a lot lately are gold-plated accessories, like jewlery, handbags, shoes  and belts. The little touch of shiny gold adds an interesting and luxe feel to your basics and you can mix and match them with tons of different outfits. 

Lupita Nyong'o rocked a gold-plated belt over her emerald green Dior Couture gown at the BAFTA Awards in February. 

One celebrity who has been rocking the gold plated belt long before it became a trend is Kim Kardashian. She wears them everywhere from red carpet events to the airport and knows just how versatile this simple accessory can be. 

Check out the affordable gold-plated accessories below. The wedges are my favorite!

1. Forever 21 Luxe Wedge Sandals - $36.80

2. Roxx Metal Plate Clutch in Salmon - $19.99

3. ASOS Leather Purse with Metal Frame Plate - $41.39

4. Haute & Rebellious Oversize Gold Plated Belt - $48

5. Forever 21 Luxe Stiletto Sandals - $36.80

6. Forever 21 Sleek Flip Flops - $8.80

7. See by Chloe Plate Gladiator Sandal - $345

8. Vince Camuto Stretch Linen Panel with Gold Plates - $42

9. Shoptiques Clutch Gold Black - $375

Are you loving this new trend? Do you have any gold-plated accessories?

Love It Or Leave It: Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks are making a comeback, and no, this is not a joke. Those chunky, strappy, and usually very comfortable sandals have been seen on runway models and fashionista's feet lately. But personally, I just think they're ugly, so I say leave it. 

I'm not a big fan, but I think this fad won't last too long. I'll give it a little more than a year, but I just don't see it sticking around for much longer than that, and I don't think it will catch on nearly as much as high-waisted shorts or fringe bikinis. They made a short appearance over the summer in 2013, but probably won't really catch on until this summer. 

Growing up in Florida, it's naturally a sin to wear socks with sandals, and that will immediately show a red flag for tourists, but that seems to go along as part of this trend with some Birkenstocks.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were spotted rocking their Birkenstock inspired leather sandals with socks.

1. Kate Spade New York Open Toe Flatbed Sandals - Attitude - $198 

2. MICHAEL Michael Kors Flat Sandals - Sawyer - $110

3. MICHAEL Michael Kors Flat Sandals - Sawyer - $135

4. Birkenstock Flatbed Sandals - Arizona 2 Brand - $130

5. Stuart Weitzman Flat Sandals - Freely Doublestrap - $325

6. Rebecca Minkoff Studded Flat Sandals - Talia Too - $250

7. Birkenstock Flat Sandals - Arizona - $130

8. Gentle Souls Open Toe Flatbed Sandals - Skip Rock Camo - $280

So what do you say about Birkenstock-inspired sandals? Love it or leave it?

Favorite New Brand: Bourbon & Boweties

I was introduced to the amazing Bourbon & Boweties brand in December by my brother's girlfriend. The brand specializes in bangles, more specifically wire bracelets with beautiful stones. I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them because they're so fun and unique, but still super chic. 

So far, I have four bangles - sherbet orange, teal, red and purple - but I'm looking to expand my collection even further (hopefully this weekend when I go back to Tampa!). The bangles usually range from $28-$48 depending on where you purchase them.

Most of their items are only available via boutiques and some online stores, but I think they're working to start selling from their own website. The brand is still relatively new, but it's definitely growing super fast! You can look up local retailers on the Bourbon & Boweties website. 

You can wear one at a time or create an entire cohesive stack. I love how versatile they are and I've already had a lot of compliments on them. They're chunky and gaudy, but amazing!

I recently shot a shotgun for the first time last weekend, so now I feel like I'm deserving of the shotgun shell bangle! It's so unique and unlike anything I've ever seen before. (Pictured below)

Have you heard of Bourbon & Boweties? What's your favorite new accessory?

Friday Favorites 03/14/2014

This week I was loving Kim and Khloe Kardashian's all nude ensembles. I stumbled upon a gorgeous leopard print backpack and sparkling Kendra Scott earrings. 

Kim Kardashian in a Kardashian Kollection sweater and Alaia dress and shoes

Khloe Kardashian in an Elisabetta Franchi jumpsuit and Gianvito Rossi shoes

I've always been a major fan of leopard print - in moderation of course. So when I naturally love this amazing Jerome Dreyfuss backpack. Unfortunately, it's a bit out of my price range at $1,140, but I'll keep dreaming. 

There's nothing better than a gorgeous pair of earrings and I love basically everything from Kendra Scott nowadays. These new studs and drop earrings are amazing, and the turquoise would look great next to my blonde hair. 

Lupita Nyong'o: Red Carpet Season MVP

The Academy Awards tonight sealed the deal for new-comer actress Lupita Nyong'o. I'm not talking about how many awards she has won or how often she has been recognized for her superior acting in "12 Years a Slave," but rather, her amazing red carpet choices.

She has blown the crowds away with her amazing gowns. Red, teal, white, baby blue and emerald green - they're different and daring and the colors look impeccable with her flawless dark skin. It also doesn't hurt that she's so humble and genuine in interviews on camera. 

Here's a quick review of her stand-out looks from the past few months. 

 Golden Globe Awards. Wearing: Ralph Lauren. January 12, 2014.

Critic's Choice Awards. Wearing: Calvin Klein. January 16, 2014.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. Wearing: Gucci. January 18, 2014. 

The British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. Wearing: Dior Couture. February 16, 2014. 

 The Academy Awards. Wearing: Prada. March 2, 2014.

This is my absolute favorite out of all of her amazing looks. The sky blue colors pops and looks so beautiful on her. Lupita even commented in an interview that this blue shade reminds her of Nairobi, where she grew up for part of her life. The gown is so simple, yet so elegant. She was hands down the best dressed at The Academy Awards...not to mention she also won Best Supporting Actress.  

Are you loving Lupita's looks as much as I am? Who was your favorite from the Academy Awards?

Romantic Reds From NYFW

Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Prabal Gurung, Delpozo

New York Fashion Week is just today wrapping up and as usual, there were countless draw-dropping and flawless runway looks from numerous designers. In the spirit of Valentine's Day tomorrow, I decided to share some of these runway looks in rich red! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Costello Tagliapietra, Alice + Olivia, Marchesa, Naheem Khan

Karen Walker, Diane von Furstenburg, Giulietta,  Donna Karan

Victoria Beckham, Reem Acra, Tadashi Shoji, Carolina Herrera 

Monique Lhuillier, Honor, Escada, Narcisco Rodriguez

 Ralph Rucci, ZAC Zac Posen, Josie Natori, Trina Turk

Tory Burch, Vivienne Tam, Timo Weiland, Rachel Roy

What were your favorite looks from NYFW? What are your plans for Valentine's Day? 

Valentine's Day Inspiration

Here are just a few of my favorite Valentine's Day inspired items! What are yours?

1. Victoria's Secret Fringe Halter Top

2. Nike Flyknit Lunar2

3. Tory Burch Danica Tunic

4. Kendra Scott Carly Stud Earrings

5. Yankee Candle Red Velvet

6. Torn by Ronny Kobo Dress

7. Michael Kors Runway Watch

8. Lululemon Energy Bra

9. OPI Kiss Me On My Tulips

10. Christian Louboutin Ron Ron Suede

11. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

12. Kate Spade Cedar Street Elissa

The Bey & Jay Show...AKA The Grammys 2014

Okay, so usually after a big awards show like the Grammys or Oscars I do a recap of the red carpet looks that I liked or disliked most, but honestly, the red carpet looks were so unamusing to me this year that Jay-Z and Beyonce absolutely stole all my attention...and the show in general. Their performance, threads and presence overall were jaw-dropping and show stopping. 

I got home and sat down in my living room just in time to see Beyonce open the show with an amazing performance accompanied by her beau, Jay-Z. She performed her newest hit, "Drunk on Love" while seductively dancing on a chair, yet somehow still doing it in an extremely class way that only Beyonce can pull off.

After Beyonce sang every note with perfection, Jay-Z joined her on stage for his part. They danced together and couldn't have looked better. Her body, I mean, how can anyone even compare it to anything. It is perfection in itself and anyone who tells you it's not is lying. Her curves can make anyone envious.

I loved Beyonce's outfit choice, which consisted of a La Perla collar paired with a Nichole de Carle bodysuit, Saint Laurent tights and Stuart Weitzman heels. I will admit thought that I wasn't the biggest fan of her wet, wavy bobbed hair.

As if the two couldn't get any better, Jay-Z ended up taking home the award for Best Rap/Song Collaboration with Justin Timberlake for "Holy Grail. In his acceptance speech, not only did he give a shoutout to his "beautiful light of a young lady" and his daughter, Blue Ivy. "I also want to tell Blue, look - Daddy got a gold sippy cup," laughed Jay-Z.

And of course, I couldn't finish this off without commenting on their original red carpet looks, which were on point as well. Beyonce stunned in a floral, white mesh Michael Costello gown that showed skin in all the right places. Hubby, Jay-Z, looked dapper in an impeccably tailored tuxedo. 

Overall, I think you get my point. The Grammys 2014 should basically be renamed the Beyonce and Jay-Z Show 2014. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of other amazing performances, but Bey and Jay stole my heart. 

Friday Favorites 01/24/2014

Take a look at my favorites from the week of January 24, 2014, including Beyonce in a head-turning mini, two flawless Spring Couture Collections from my favorites, Zuhair Murad & Elie Saab, and a quote about changing your perspectives. Click to see more below.

Beyonce looked amazing as always in a gold mini dress for Michelle Obama's 50th Birthday Party on Saturday, January 18th. I would wear this gorgeous mini in a heartbeat!

Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab presented their Spring 2014 Couture Collections in Paris this week and I'm loving every piece. Here are my top three favorite looks from each collection (which was hard to narrow down, might I add). I loved the color palettes from each, especially the pastels. 

Zuhair Murad 2014 Spring Couture

Elie Saab 2014 Spring Couture

I love quotes and this one especially. "We can complain because rose bushed have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." It's all about changing the perspective of how you look at things, whether it be something you take for granted, something you complain about or anything in between.