Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Spring Fever

It is a BEAUTIFUL day here in North Carolina -- it is definitely making my spring fever even worse! Though the snow days the past few weeks have been kind of "fun," I am so ready to break out shorts, Jack Rogers, and sundresses. And...there are only 32 days left until our cruise! I am so excited, I can hardly wait. It'll be so nice to escape for a week to the Caribbean.

There are so many spring pieces that I want to add to my wardrobe!

Here are a few things I stumbled upon this week!



Untitled #8



What are must-haves for your spring wardrobe?

happy day!
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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Winter Days

I have been terrible at posting this week! School and babysitting has taken over my life already, so my spare time has gone to SW, friends, the fam and the pup.

But, crazy for NC, it has snowed twice in the last week! Last Thursday and Friday it snowed just enough to say it snowed, and most of yesterday was filled with snow and sleet. Last week it didn't make the roads too bad, but this storm had made everything VERY icy...which is a struggle for those of us who aren't used to this kind of weather. The past 2 days have barely gotten out of the 20s, if at all.

So what has been keeping me warm on these freezing days?

Right after Christmas, I purchased a great Michael Kors coat. I thought it was going to be a lightweight raincoat, but it turned out to have thermal insulation on the inside. I was a bit disappointed at first, but I have been so glad to have it this winter!

I am also a huge fan of pashmina scarves. I have so many in so many different cord and prints but I have a few favorites. Yesterday I opted for a cashmere blend scarf from Gap. It is so thick and warm that is perfect for a freezing and snowy day like yesterday.

I paired a thick pair of leggings with dark chocolate Uggs. I absolutely love them. I don't find them all that cute but for a day when you're only going to school, they are cozy, comfortable and warm.

Combined with a t-shirt and thick caramel-colored ruffle sweater, I was so comfy for a day that turned into a night in.

What do you wear on a cold dreary day?

xoxo.



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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

What's in a Bag?

I've always thought that posts and magazine articles that include the contents of a handbag is a neat thing to do, so I thought I would create my own! 

Handbag

Things may change every so often, but there are a few things I can't live without. My bag will always have some kind of lip gloss, lip balm, lotion, and hand sanitizer. Most recently I've been carrying my Nook with me -- I have breaks at school plus I babysit for a sweet little boy, so I catch up on some reading or the latest edition of a magazine. I never go anywhere without sunglasses. Gum is a must -- and Orbit Sweet Mint is probably my favorite! And I love my Michael Kors wallet -- it still has that "new factor" from Christmas (this isn't the exact one, but it's pretty close!).

What's in your bag?

xoxo.



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Monday, January 14, 2013

Destination

I don't know about anyone else, but I always get a case of the January blues. This year hasn't been too terribly bad since our Carolina weather has been relatively fair and nice, but something about this time of year just makes me wish for something different. Part of me is missing the warmth and cheer of Christmastime, but the other part of me is ready for the beautiful and sunny weather of summer.

But, today is a great day, because my friends and I booked our spring break trip -- a Royal Caribbean cruise to Cozumel and Belize! Though I love traveling, I've never been on an ocean cruise (a European river cruise, but that's completely different!), and I am so excited to see what it is all about! But now my mind is on swimsuits, sundresses, and a temperature that's right around the 80s. On March 2nd, we will leave from Ft. Lauderdale for 6 days in the sunshine, and I can't wait!

I put together a few things that would be great for a cruise headed to a tropical destination -- but looking at all of these clothes isn't helping my spring fever...I'm ready to go now. The good news is, only 47 days! (only...)



destination

(clearly, I love coral a little too much...)

What's your dream destination?

xoxo.


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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Glitter and Golden Globes

I love award season. Though watching the actual telecast of the awards shows is nice, I really love watching celebs arrive on the red carpet. It's been gown overload the past two days between Miss America and the Golden Globes. I of course have some favorites from tonight!

My absolute favorite goes to Kate Hudson. She was absolute perfection in her low-cut black gown. The low-cut neckline and sleek fit contrasted with the sleeves. I loved the gold accents on the dress.

I'm a Jennifer Garner fan, so I had to include her. I thought she looked gorgeous in her red shimmering gown.

Megan Fox was beautiful as always! I love when she chooses light and neutral colors. She has an incredible body shape, and the color paired with her long dark hair gave off an old Hollywood vibe. I thought she pulled off the look effortlessly.

Finally, Jessica Alba stunned on the red carpet. The color of her gown was perfection! It's rare that I see her in anything I don't like, but once again, she showed her style and elegance in this beautiful gown.

Though these were my top 4, there were a few other celebrity looks that I liked as well. I loved the mint color of Jessica Chastain's gown (and I just love her in general), and Miss Golden Globe Francesca Eastwood was beautiful as well.


What were your favorites?

xoxo.

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Happy Sunday!

Thought for the day.

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Saturday, January 12, 2013

There She Is...

...Miss America! Tonight is the night! 53 beautiful contestants will grace the stage for one last time in hopes they will be crowned Miss America.

I'm a big proponent of this organization, partially because I've been blessed to be a part of it. I was 1st runner-up to Miss North Carolina 2011, and I will be competing one more time to be Miss NC 2013 as Miss Wilmington.

What many people don't know is what this organization is all about: style, service, success, and scholarship. The MAO is the largest scholarship organization for women, which is wonderful. In addition, these girls work incredibly hard to earn this job. They promote their personal community service platform, spent time in their community, and stay physically fit. This is one of the few places you will see that many fitness-oriented girls in one place!

These girls also have a great sense of style. I've included a couple of my all-time favorite gowns at Miss A, and of course a beautiful picture of Miss North Carolina, Arlie Honeycutt.

Miss Washington is in the first black gown, Miss NC in the gorgeous emerald color, and my all-time favorite gown is Miss Wyoming's black number!

Be sure to tune in at 9 on ABC to watch the live telecast, and check in at 8 to see some behind-the-scenes secrets!

It's a show you don't want to miss!

xoxo.


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Friday, January 11, 2013

Pop of Pink

It's a very dreary Friday here, but thank goodness it's the weekend! For a foggy day like today, I was needing some color inspiration, so here are some very pink things that I either enjoy already or would LOVE to have! 
Winter can be a tough season for many people, especially on rainy and cold days, but adding some color to your life will make January much more fun! Add a pop of pink to your winter wardrobe for some fun!

Pop of Pink



I love blazers, but I REALLY love this one! This Armani blazer definitely needs to find a way into my closet.
This BCBG envelope clutch is the perfect accessory for a night out!
No, this ring does not belong to me, but I do love it! The rose gold is gorgeous!
 I love these Kate Spade earrings. If I'm wearing a lot of neutrals, I will put these on just to change it up!
This was a stocking stuffer, and I fell in love with the scent! The name, "Pink Chiffon," is so girly too, so it's hard to resist!
This Bobbi Brown nail polish can be an understated use of a great color!
 
I love the Jonathan Adler Nook HD cover. I've found that I'm reading more magazines on the Nook than buying them in store (there are some GREAT features), and the cover is a stylish way to protect it!


What's your perfect pink for a dreary winter day?

Happy Weekend!
xoxo.



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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thought for the Day

I feel so behind in my blogging! I'm just getting into a new schedule with classes, writing my senior thesis, babysitting the sweetest baby boy, and spending time with my friends and SW (and puppy, of course). I'm hoping that by next week I'll be back in the swing of things!

For now, here's a nice thought!


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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Royal Birthday!

Happy to be back to blogging today. I started my last semester of college this morning, and the past week has seemed absolutely crazy! 

But, on an exciting note, it's Kate Middleton's birthday. Though I look to many celebrities for fashion trends, Kate epitomizes style and class. She is definitely a perfect princess. 

I also love the fact that Kate isn't afraid to "re-wear." She has endless fashion options at her fingertips, but she chooses to wear some of her favorites more than once.

Here are a few of my favorite looks.

Lace.
Kate pulls off the lace trend effortlessly! The Temperley lace gown in the middle is my absolute favorite, but she looks great in all three.

Stunning.
In Alexander McQueen at the BBC Personality of the Year Awards. I absolutely love the green!

Casual.
I love this casual look! So often we see Kate in formal attire, and this is a trendy outfit.

Teal.
Jenny Packham gown. Love this color!

White.
I absolutely love this white Roland Mouret gown. And check out her Jimmy Choo shoe heels. Kate pushes the fashion margin that often surrounds royalty. Love it!

Going Green.
Kate looks fabulous in this Diane von Furstenberg dress, paired with a leopard clutch.


Wedding.
My favorites wouldn't be complete without including Kate's gorgeous wedding gowns. Though her custom lace gown is nothing short of perfect, I also love the satin gown she changed into her wedding night. Both gowns are by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

I could make this list incredibly long because I love Kate's style so much. But for more fashion favorites, check out InStyle!

Happy Birthday, Princess Kate!

xoxo.
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Saturday, January 5, 2013

Oldie but Goodie - Shine White

It has been an incredibly busy day! But, in honor of an event I have tomorrow, I wanted to show one of my favorite celeb red carpet gowns.

This dress is simple, elegant, and timeless. It shows in all the right places. The high neck contrasts with the deep back, and it fits her body perfectly. And what about the white? Absolutely stunning. Kate Hudson pulls this look off effortlessly. Though this Emilio Pucci look is from the 2010 SAG awards, for me, it just doesn't get old.

I love the fact that Kate pulled her her back off her face and neck. It adds just the right amount of glam to her look without taking away from the dress line. She kept her makeup minimal, a dewy look featuring a nude lip. And her accessories? The earrings were the perfect touch. Simple. Perfect. Gorgeous.

One of my favorite red carpet moments of all time.

What's yours?

xoxo.

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Thursday, January 3, 2013

Makeup Matchup

I absolutely love makeup. There are, of course, days that I would prefer not to wear any, but for the most part, makeup is a fun way to express yourself and your sense of style. About 2 years ago, I took a makeup lesson from a professional. I had grown up doing my own makeup, but she taught me some great tips that make applying fun and easy. 

So what's in my makeup bag?

Makeup Matchup

This is mostly what I use every day. For night-time or special occasions, I will often spice it up, adding more color or a smoky eye, but this is my everyday makeup basics. I don't use only one brand. I'm a huge fan of Estee Lauder's mascara and compact foundation, but I tend to lean towards Mac's primer and blus, and Bobbi Brown's bronzer. I also have a wonderful eye makeup pallet from Estee Lauder that offers a variety of colors for both day and night. What about my lips? During the day, I use a light lipstick plus chap-stick and a gloss.  Winter definitely calls for  moisturized lips. At night, I normally step up my lip color, choosing a deep red or a dark pink, something that stands out. Eco Tools (available at Target) has great brushes, though I only use three out of that set. I have a larger brush that I use for bronzer as well as a few other shadow brushes. Oh, and my eye pencil? You can find that at Target too. Check out LineExpress by Maybelline. It's great. 

What's in your makeup bag?

Don't forget to live in the moment.

xoxo.


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