I won't grow up!

When we’re young we can’t wait to grow up…at 16 we get a driver’s license, 18 we’re finally an “adult,” and 21…well you know, and if you can’t remember I’m sure there’s a “private” album on facebook to remind you. Growing up it’s as if we’re in a race to the finish, never stopping nearly enough to enjoy life until we reach our golden years. We rush and rush and rush until our youth has passed us by. Today I’m putting the race on pause and being thankful for my youth because I plan to enjoy every minute of it!
In 1902 audiences were first introduced to, what I consider the ultimate symbol of youth… Peter Pan. A mischievous boy who can fly, Peter Pan magically refuses to ever grow up. Instead, he spends his never-ending childhood searching for adventure on the island of Neverland with his gang of Lost Boys. Peter is an exaggerated stereotype of boyhood - the boastful and careless child, always quick to point out just how great he is.

The story of Peter Pan has inspired countless dreamers to recreate his tale in books, films, stage productions, and surprisingly in the fashion industry. While the Peter Pan Collar originated in the mid-twentieth century, current stars like Natalie Portman, Naya Rivera, and Emma Roberts have easily managed to rock the look in an unpdated style for fall.

Images via mystyle.com

Intended to evoke a sense of eternal youthfulness, the rounded collar adds an elegant touch of whimsy to otherwise every day attire.  However, trea with caution fashionistas...the trick to this trend (ironically enough) is to not appear overly youthful. Try pairing it with edgy accents and bold colors for a more age appropriate style. Check out the looks below for a little inspiration of your own.

Look 1:
With a bold dress, try pairing with nude pumps. They not only elongate the leg line, but also keep from overwhelming your look. Let the dress and accessories speak for themselves.

Dress: Oasis-stores.com, $35 (Sale)
Clutch: Asos, $36
Ring: Swell, $12
Pumps: Jc Penney, $40

Look 2:
Peter Pan meets punk rock! Tone down the sweet with leather leggings and stud embellishments.


Blouse: Oasis-stores.com, $45
Leggings: Bluefly.com, $50 (Sale)
Earrings: Charlotte Russe, $6
Clutch: Top Shop, $50
Booties: Wet Seal, $21 (Sale)



It's beginning to look a lot like WINTER!

Today I’m thankful for the crisp, cool weather.

After miserable days pushing triple digit highs completely devastated every part of Texas this summer, the entire state gave a collective sigh of relief when the temps finally began to drop. 2011 will forever be remembered in the minds of Texans as one of the hottest summer we’ve ever experienced – outside of 1980, which consisted of more than 40 consecutive days of 100+ heat, a record we were two days shy of breaking.

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of the heat I’ve always been more of a cold weather kind of gal! What better way to welcome the upcoming holiday season than with forecasts of cool air and highs in the 50s and 60s. It’s that wonderful time of year when you bundle up in plush scarves and cozy knit hats.   There’s something special about stepping outside and being greeted by that first cool blast of air that nips at your nose.  But just because the temps are going down doesn’t mean your style does too. When it gets cold out it’s so tempting to slip into a fashion rut and live in our Victoria’s Secret sweats (guilty as charged), but this season  add a scarf to spruce up your look and  leave your sweats on the shelves!

Prints

Choose a vibrant print for a flattering look that frames your face this season.  Pattern choices generally only go as far as stripes and plaids, with the occasional cheesy snowflake motif, but this winter prints are loud and proud!

Top Images Via Bing.com
Scarves from Left to Right: Arden B, $34; Forever 21, $10.80; Mocloth.com, $18

Fur

Fur scarves are on the top of fashion wish lists for winter. Able to be worn above the coat or with an evening dress, give your look a luxurious dose of fierce with faux fur! Instead of neutral tones, go for a deep jewel tone like those seen on the runways at Prada and Christian Dior.

             

Top Images Via Bing.com
Scarves from Left ot Right: Juicy Couture, $88; Forever 21, $13; TopShop, $40

Snoods

Looking for a piece that exudes comfort and joy? Try a snood! Huge for winter 2012, snoods keep you warm while still looking stylish - as seen at Hermes for Paris Fashion Week and on Jessica Alba.

     

Top Images via Bing.com
Scarves from Left to Right: TopShop, $32; Jane Norman, $29; Miss Selfridge, $32

A-L-P-H-A, C-H-I....Want to be, got to be, an ALPHA CHI!

Today I'm thankful for....MY SISTERS!

Growing up as an only child I always wanted a sister – mostly because my Dad wasn’t the best at playing barbies (sorry Dad). I even enlisted the help of Santa Claus! More times than I’m sure my parents can count, the word SISTER was written in big bold letters at the top of my Christmas list, but the closest thing I ever got to a sister was a wiener dog named Roxanne…Fast forward several years, and like most college students I made the choice to go Greek and join a sorority! The day I was inducted into Alpha Chi Omega is still one of the proudest moments of my life. I may not have had blood related siblings, but that day I joined a group of incredible women who I still proudly call SISTER.

Through good times and bad, breakups and marriages, fashion faux pas and “beyotch stole my look,” I can always rely on my sisters to have my back no matter what. Alpha Chi gave me the sisterhood I longed for, and for that I am beyond thankful.

Sweet sentiment, but how does this tie into fashion you ask? Weeeell, since it’s Fall and Alpha Chi's colors just so happen to be holiday favorites - scarlet red and olive green  (chosen to commemorate its fall founding) check out the stylish pieces below for a quick dash of Alpha Chi inspired fab!

Olive Green

From Left to Right:

·         Marc New York Shirt Dress, $110, bluefly.com

·         a.ok wool felt fedora, $58, oaknyc.com

·         Gloves, $40, Debenhams

·         Jack by BB Dakota Jacket, $80, modlcoth.com

·         Sherpa Short Bootie, $26 (sale), Wet Seal

·         Opaque Tights, $13, Gap

Scarlet Red

From Left to Right:

·         Kimono Sleeve Dress, $35, oasis-stores.com

·         Helene Berman Gloves, $48, houseoffraser.co.uk

·         Wool Beanie, $29, Debenhams

·         Sheer Blouse, $38, Dorothy Perkins

·         Mia ‘Uptown Girl’ Pump, $59, Piperlime

·         Wool Car Coat, $55 (Sale), Old Navy

"It's shake and bake, and I helped!"

When you think of the home you grew up in what room carries the most significance? For some it’s a living room filled with memories of the entire family squished on the sofa watching the Cowboy game, or maybe it’s the garage where you were surprised with your first car…for me, it’s the kitchen.

Like any girl born and bred in Texas, I know there’s nothing quite like Momma’s home cooking. From bad breakups to bronchitis, there’s no problem too big or too small that can’t be solved with one of her famous recipes.  As a child, often in the way (sorry mom!), I watched my mother wide-eyed and excited as she prepared dinner and tried to remember every detail. A dash of this, a sprinkle of that – I looked at my mother as a culinary genius!   Now as a young adult, more times than I can count I’ve sat at the dining room table with my mom and discussed life over a scoop of her delicious dump cake (the name doesn’t do it justice).  There’s truly something to be said about comfort food and good company, which brings me to my first of many posts on things I’m thankful for this November…Momma’s home cooking.

And while I may not know the secret to her mashed potatoes, I do know a thing or two about style, and what better way to celebrate Momma’s home cooking then with a stylish apron?

Check out the super chic aprons by Elizabeth Scokin at Haute Hostess Aprons. Featured in various media outlets including Oprah, Glamor Magazine, and USA Today, Scokin has created three glamorous collections for the hostess with the mostest!

A proud SMU alumnus (Pony Up!), my favorite is from the Give Me Sugar collegiate collection as seen below.

 Images via Haute Hostess: Give Me Sugar Collegiate, $100

For additional styles be sure to check out Haute Hostess Aprons, for the Dallas fashionistas look for Scokin's designs at Stanley Korshak...Who says you can’t be chic AND a chef?

Jeepers creepers!

Sing along everybody....Jeepers creepers, where’d you get those peepers? Jeepers creepers, where’d you get those…lashes?

How do you make your eyes sparkle and shine on Halloween night? Swipe on a layer of glittery eyeshadow, or maybe dot a few rhinestones near your tear ducts? Or how about spending $1,350 for a pair of diamond-dusted falsies from Barneys?

That’s right! Available only by special request, the Kre-At Beauty lashes, feature 18-karat gold and diamonds lined along the lashline. 



Image via The Huffington Post



If you’re like me, and need something a little less posh and a little more pennywise check out these outrageous falsies! Rock a pair for the perfect costume accessory  and guys and ghouls alike are sure to say Jeepers Creepers!

1. Pink Dot Feather Lashes, $10, mydivascloset.com
2. Urban Decay, Urban Lash HBIC, $15, Ulta
3. Fantasy Wonderland Lashes, $15, Ulta
4. Cleopatra False Eyelashes Kit, $8.99, Party City
5. Black & Blue Mod, $10, mydivascloset.com
6. Green Feather Lashes, $12.50, mydivascloset.com
7. Sexy Lashes with Crystal Stones, $7.00 (Buy One Get One Sale), mydivascloset.com
8. Red with Red Metallic Lashes, $7.00, mydivascloset.com

Over-the-Top but Oh-So-Fabulous Costumes!

Halloween is right around the corner and hopefully by now you all have a fierce and fabulous costume picked out! For most adults, All Hallows Eve isn't just about collecting yummy treats, it’s about who has the best costume. …which often translates into the most expensive one.

According to The Business Insider, the average American household is expected to spend an average of $72.31 on decorations, costumes and candy, an increase over last year's average of $66.28. But of course, there are those select few “over-achievers” who prefer to go above and beyond a black leotard and cat ears. If that’s you, continue reading for over-the-top Ebay finds…but buyer beware, these costume prices aren’t for the faint of heart.

1.       300 Spartan Warrior Fancy Dress Costume / $9,299.57  (Approximately)

2.       Tron Legacy Siren Gem Halloween Costume / $1,700

3.       Stormtrooper Supreme Costume  / $1,305

4.       KISS Gene Simmons Destroyer Halloween Costume  / $600

5.       Medieval, American-Made, Suit of Armor / $3,585

Pucker Up For A Little Lip Service!

Costume? Check!...Wig? Check!...Fake lashes? Check!...Lip tattoos? Huh???

Transform your look for Halloween and try the newly launched line of TEMPORARY lipstick tattoos by Violent Lips. Considered the “ultimate form of self-expression,” Violent Lips offers a variety of colors and prints – I love the cheetah and glitterati!  

The Violent Lips’ line is all natural and vitamin enhanced and will stay put for up to 8 hours – definitely long enough to meet your Prince Charming at the Halloween party, right? And for all you animal lovers, these FDA approved, vegan lip tattoos, are tested on supermodels, not your furry friends.

One pack contains three applications, so if you mess up just remember – third time’s the charm! Follow the instructions on the back of the package, or visit Violent Lips to view their online tutorials. And to help you get in the spirit they’re running a Halloween Special – 15% off any order over $20 when you use the code HWEEN at checkout. Happy Haunting!

Images via Violent Lips



Haunted Couture

One of those rare types that don’t enjoy donning a costume for Halloween? Would you rather sit at home in sweats than be caught dead in fishnets and a tutu? Just because you’re not dying to dressup doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the Halloween fun. This year designers and retailers have made it super easy to look stylish AND spooky! Cross over to the dark side with skulls, creepy cats, and scary prints… After all, there’s no reason to not be fashionable on Halloween!

Jessica Kagan Cushman Good Witch Bad Witch Bangle, $113, Max and Chloe
Vivienne Westwood Giant Witch Blouse, $518, farfetch.com



 

Jolly Jack-O-Lantern Dress, $78, Fred Flare
Halloween Pumpkins High-Top Sneakers, $40, yesstyle.com
Juicy Coutute Pumpkin charm, $78, Nordstrom

 

Charlotte Olympia Cat-Face Velvet Pump, $795, Bergdorf Goodman
Multi Cat Pussybow Blouse, $34, Dorothy Perkins
Meow Print Top, $36, TopShop





Frighteningly Fierce Fingernails!

After spring pastels and summer brights, it’s the perfect time of year to change it up a bit! How about something darker, daring, and dare I say…ghoulish? Put away the coral and sea foam of seasons past and reach for a Halloween inspired nail color instead. Keep an evil eye out for dramatic shades of blood red, black, midnight blue, and orange for a look that’s frighteningly fierce!

The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my favs for 2011.

OPI Spookettes, $9, Amazon



Fright Night Claw Polish, $3.99, CVS & Target

Fantasy Makers RIP Polishes, $1.99, Kmart

Care to take the creativity up a notch? Try a little nail art! For the DIY Divas try a matte black background, and using a white nail pen paint on a spooky ghost or cobwebs. Sally’s Beauty Supply and CVS have a great selection of nail pen colors and rhinestones (if your ghoul needs a little glam). Need a little direction? Click on the caption for a quick tutorial on how to create the look below.

Halloween How-To

Still not enough? Then check out these creepy creations from the ghouls at Sephora and Sally Hansen.



Sally Hansen Salon Effects, $9.99, Ulta
(Image via The Polish Aholic)





Sephora Nail Bling, $7, Sephora



Happy Haunting Fashionistas!

Orange you looking stylish!

When you think about Halloween what’s the first color that comes to mind? For me, it’s orange. Jack-o-lanterns, candy corn, pumpkin patches…the color is everywhere in October! And after today, that includes your closet!

If you’re going to buy one new item for fall, go for orange! The bold color is rarely a fashion favorite, but this year, we’re seeing deeper shades of orange that have a more elegant appeal. No need to dress from head to toe, just a hint will do the trick! Try adding one of my favorite finds below and you’re sure to get a Halloween treat.

    1. Scarf, $32    .     2. Bracelet, $5.40  .    3. Cardigan, $39

4. Pumps, $70  .   5. Dress, $24    .     6. Belt, $24.50

7. Polish, $8.00  .  8. Earrings, $43  .   9. Clutch, $43

Día del Fabuloso

Fall is finally here and my favorite holiday is right around the corner…HALLOWEEN! In honor of All Hallows Eve, all posts for the month of October will be spooky inspired. Continue reading for a fabulous find that’s sure to scare up some style…no bones about it!  Turns out I’m not the only fashionista who loves a good haunt, take a look at the dark designs of Couture by Lolita – handmade creations by jewelry artist Danielle Maree Langley.

Inspired by the romantic style of Gothic fashion and the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, each custom created cameo is carefully molded with resin and dried naturally. Tiny details are hand sculpted to give each piece a unique touch. On my personal favorite, the Swarovski pieces, individual crystals are placed one by one to surround the cameo, and truly radiate when light reflects.  Check out a few of the styles below to bring out your inner dark diva, for more info or to order visit Couture by Lolita.

From Left to Right: Gothic Pink guns N' Roses Skeleton Swarovski Teardrop Earrings,
Gothic Ivory Lolita Skeleton Cameo Neckalce, Red Rose Black Cameo Ring,
Gothic Ivory Lolita Skeleton Swarovski Cameo Neckalce



What is Day of the Dead?

Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that focuses on the gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have passed. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. The origins of the modern Mexican holiday trace back to observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess, Mictecacihuatl.



1st Annual Fall Taste of Trend

“A night full of fashion & beauty featuring Dallas’ hidden gems!”

Thursday night, burlesque-inspired hotspot Teddy’s Room was the place to be! Hosted by Cheki Signature Accessories and various local businesses including Lash Candy, About Face Medical Spa, and Vive, the 1^st Annual Fall Taste of Trend kicked off to a house full of Uptown’s most fashionable and fabulous. Guests indulged on tasty appetizers courtesy of Greenz and sipped Grey Goose concoctions while browsing the silent auction and mini boutiques set up by vendors. My favorite drink was a delicious raspberry creation that had the perfect balance of sweet and tart, kudos to the bartender!

The stage, normally frequented by pin-up style dancers, was dominated by models showcasing the latest and greatest fashion trends. My favorite look of the evening was a mustard sweater with dark skinny jeans and a mod yet feminine take on the “faux-hawk.”  

Proceeds from the event went to Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, also known as Girls Inc. For more than 40 years, Girls Inc. has motivated young women across DFW to be “strong, smart, and bold” through life skills and enrichment programs that empower girls to take charge of their lives. For more information on Girls, Inc. or to find out about volunteer opportunities visit their website Girls Inc. Dallas or email info@girlsincdallas.org. Remember my fabulous friends, giving back never goes out of style!

They Call Me Mellow Yellow

Take your wardrobe from bland to bold with fall’s newest color sensation, mustard yellow.

Often times shied away from because people immediately associate the color with 70s style appliances or the more obvious…a hot dog, mustard yellow has received a bad rap in the fashion world. But not anymore, designers are craving the condiment inspired color this fall! Don’t believe me? Then take a hint from the always fabulous Michael Kors, “Mustard yellow might be just the thing to add zip to an otherwise bland style.”*

Confused on what colors to pair it with?  The safest route is to start by pairing with neutrals, but my favorite is to throw navy or rust into the palette. Here are my recommendations:



Navy Blue, Chocolate Brown, Charcoal Gray, Garnet, and Rust

Look for mustards that (ironically) aren’t overwhelmingly sunny. Think bold statement pieces, or fabrics like tweed that incorporate rusts or browns .Need a little more inspiration? Check out the looks I styled below:  

From Left to Right: Jacket, Modcloth; Dress, Dorothy Perkins; Ring, Max & Chloe;
Clutch, Modcloth; Booties, heels.com

 Show up looking fun and fabulous in a mustard cocktail dress for girl’s night out! Need a quick dose of fierce? Add a caramel biker jacket; it’ll come in handy when you jump on the back of Mr. Right’s motorcycle.



From Left to Right: Sweater Vest, Buckle; Skirt, Mango; Pumps, Polyvore;
 Tank, Old Navy; Earrings, Oasis Stores; Bangles, JcPenny



Slip on a pair of mustard pumps with a sparkly sweater and steel pencil skirt and you’re ready to conquer the corporate world.



From Left to Right: Dress, Old Navy; Handbag, Modcloth; Booties, Zara; Ring, Dorothy Perkins



All about comfort? Try a cozy sweater dress and mustard accents for a casual and cool weekend look.

* Quote From Michael Kors- Courtesy of Richard Drew/AP