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? 

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?

Easter 2014 & Egg Bashing

Happy Belated Easter! I spent the weekend in my hometown with my family and boyfriend. We started out the morning by discovering some presents that the Easter bunny left behind. I got a red hot Michael Kors coin purse that I can use as an alternate wallet or a business card holder for my new job I'll be starting in May, and a pair of gold earrings. 

Later in the afternoon, we had all of our neighbors over to our house for an Easter tradition that my family has been doing ever since I can remember. We call it the egg bashing competition. This is how it works: everyone gets a hard-boiled egg, then you go up against someone, and bash an end of your egg with the other persons - one person's egg will break, while the other will remain untracked. Since there are two ends to the eggs, it's double elimination.

My brother usually makes the bracket, and this year may have been the largest bracket we've had, about 35. It's fun to watch since some people will try to use strategies, like hitting the person's egg when they're not looking or hitting it hard instead of lightly, but in my opinion, there's no strategy, it's all just luck. The champion gets bragging rights for the whole year until next year's egg bashing contest. 

I was out after only two rounds, so I clearly have no strategy, but the championship ended up being my brother's girlfriend, Caitlin, and my boyfriend, Jordan. This was Jordan's first time participating, but Caitlin ended up winning in the championship round. This year, everyone put in $1 each, so along with the bragging rights, Caitlin got $35 too. 

In the end, it's all just friendly competition and a lot of fun to have everyone over and laugh at the egg bashing. 

Do you have any Easter traditions in your family? How was your Easter?

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?

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

Currently Trending: Black and White

First of all, happy first day of Spring to everyone! Unfortunately, I woke up to the pouring rain this morning in Orlando, so I'm missing the sunshine. 

Anyways, a huge trend this year is black and white. There was plenty of black and white looks featured on the runways for Spring 2013 collections and now it seems like everyone is catching onto this "white hot" style. It's such an easy trend to pull off because the colors are so accessible. Checkers, stripes, polka dots, patterns and solids! Whether you're wearing a white t-shirt with black pants, or a fun, patterned dress, it's a look that everyone can pull off!

Check out these runway looks below from these designer's Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear collections.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 RTW

Michael Kors Spring 2013 RTW

Marc Jacobs Spring 2013 RTW

Celebrities love this trend too!

Zooey Deschanel in a striped Kate Spade dress. 

Jessica Alba in a black Stella McCartney pant suit. 

Nina Dobrev in a Naeem Khan gown.

Olivia Palermo in a (very pale pink) and black Dior dress. 

And now, you can pull off this black and white trend with affordable pieces like the ones shown below!

Nordstrom Rack Floral Print Tuxedo Blazer - $49.97

Forever 21 Mixed Stripes Shift Dress - $22.80***

Asos Shift Dress Triangles - $76.30

Express Floral Print Columnist Pant - $48.93***

***I actually just bought these for myself and I love them both! 

Do you love the black and white trend? What are your favorite black and white looks?

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Photo Credit - [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Looks I Love: Jennifer Hudson

This past week was the premiere of the season finale for the 10th season of Project Runway. Even though this was filmed about a month ago at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, fans of Project Runway got their first look into the remaining 4 finalists collections on Thursday (October 18). 

Even though I loved all the collections that the designers presented, I couldn't stop staring at guest judge Jennifer Hudson every time the camera panned over to the judges! I'm usually not the biggest fan on jumpsuits, but this teal ensemble was to die for! At first glance, I thought it was a pant suit, but once she walked the runway, I realized it was actually a jumpsuit. Everything from the teal blazer, to her coral lips, and effortless braid was just perfect.

She stole the show from the Project Runway finalists, and I was more interested in where I could get something as chic and cool as that instead of who was going to win season 10! With a little research, I discovered that it's actually a piece from Michael Kors' Resort 2013 Collection (which was also gorgeous - click here to see for yourself).

She definitely showed up the other judges too. I always love Nina Garcia's choices, but Heidi Klum went a little overboard with her nude, sparkly, cut-out, cleavage-plunging dress. It just seemed like she was trying way to hard. 

Were you in love with Jennifer's look as much as I was? Can you rock the jumpsuit trend?

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Merry Christmas To Me!

I've been in Big Sky, Montana with my family and some friends since Sunday, snowboarding and dying in this freezing cold weather! I'm definitely a Florida girl, that's for sure. Since we'll be flying home tomorrow, on Christmas day, we gave our Christmas gifts early this year. Our main gift was this vacation to Montana, and my mom decided to just let me pick out my Christmas gifts this year. 

That being said....I got near perfect brown butter boots that I've been searching for for two years now (check out my previous post about them here)! I finally found them at Nordstrom Rack and I was so happy! And my second gift was a gold chrome Michael Kors tote! I found it on major sale at TJMaxx. It's my first Michael Kors purse, but hopefully the first of many to come!

What did Santa bring you this year? I would love to know! Hope everyone has an amazing Christmas this year :)

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Rachel Zoe: Resort 2012

It's that time again. Designers are beginning to release their new lines for Resort 2012. Some releases so far include Michael Kors, Chanel, Missoni, Oscar de la Renta, and many more. I'm loving Rachel Zoe's new Resort 2012 collection that she released on May 31st. Although it's only her second collection, it was no where close to disappointing. The collection is made up of pieces in various colors, neutrals and brights. With a mix of patterns, colors, and styles like maxi dresses, high waisted pants (very in right now) and mini cocktails, everyone is sure to find a piece that they love. I know I've found plenty! Here's a quick overview of some of my favorites, but click here to see the complete collection.

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My Grown-up Christmas List

 

 So it's Christmas time and everyone has their lists all made out. Whether you can afford what's on your list or not, it's always fun to pretend. Here's my 2010 Christmas list. Tell me what's on yours.
 


MICHAEL KORS Glitz Chronograph Watch - $250.00

 



Alice + Olivia Open-Back Sequin Dress - $440.00

 

David Yurman Cable Heart Pendant Necklace - $375.00

 

Louis Vuitton Leopard Stole - $715.00

Coach Madison Patent Sophia Satchel - $358.00

Steve Madden  Kattrina - $99.95

Project Runway Upset

 



One of Gretchen's Runway Looks

     This past Thursday was the finale of one of my favorite shows, Project Runway. As I watched the last five minutes in anticipation, waiting for the winner to be announced, I was extremely disappointed, to hear the name Gretchen Jones come out of Heidi Klum's mouth. Between the final three contestants that competed at fashion week, Mondo Guerra was clearly the winner in my eyes. The tiny risk-taking designer with a crazy and fun collection stole my heart from episode one.

     Both Gretchen and Mondo's final collections couldn't be more opposite. Gretchen's used no bright colors in contrast to Mondo's crazy prints and daring colors. Her color palette consisted of muted tones, such as grey, brown and taupe. Using simple patterns and boring colors left me yawning.

     Mondo's runway on the other hand was exciting, playful and attention evoking, all at the same time. He used colors that you don't see every day and wasn't afraid of really pushing his limits by mixing patterns with patterns. Staying true to his roots, his collection was inspired by the famous Mexican holiday Day of the Dead. He incorporated skulls with a circus twist.

One of Mondo's Looks

     When the runway show was over, and it was time for the judges, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and guest judge Jessica Simpson to deliberate, they were split straight down the middle. Kors and Garcia both supported Gretchen's bohemian, effortless look while Klum and Simpson stated that they would wear Mondo's last look straight off the runway.

     Five minutes of arguing went on, battering back and forth about who the better designer is. Garcia claims that Mondo's looks can't be worn by women her age; his pieces are aimed towards the younger age and could even be seen as teenage clothes. In comparison, Gretchen seemed to have an itch for up-and-coming fashion and her collection is ready-to-wear and could be worn by all ages.

     The judges ended up choosing Gretchen, but what a mistake that was. Mondo Guerra is a great new designer. Even though he didn't win Project Runway, I see him going much farther than Gretchen ever will. I loved his whole collection and I personally would buy almost all of his pieces, if not all of them. His vision is innovative and unique, he's not afraid to do something that no one else has ever seen and I respect him for his bravery. I could easily see him collaborating with Betsey Johnson for one amazing collection full of color and fun. But despite his lack of height, Mondo is nothing short of a true designer-to-be.

Who do you think should have won?

Gretchen...



  

or Mondo...

  

Click here to see all the final contestants full collections.