Posts from — December 2011

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I can’t believe the holiday has come and gone and the new year is upon us. We enjoyed a small-ish Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s house and Christmas day at my house, as we do every year. Lots of good food, good drinks, and good company.

I took the opportunity to snap some pictures of both days, mostly just to get some real pictures of my new puppy

Christmas Eve outfit: J. Crew. sweater, American Eagle Outfitters dress, Michael Kors watch, N by Nicole Miller shoes (similar), Stella & Dot bracelets (one and two).
Christmas day outfit: J. Crew shirt and skirt (similar), Kate Spade earrings (similar).

Many of you might not know that I started a part-time job (in addition to my full-time graphic designer position) in the BCBGMAXAZRIA department at my local Lord & Taylor. I haven’t worked in retail in over 3 years, let alone during the Christmas season, so I was expecting the worst when it came to crowds at the mall.

(Bebeto Matthews / AP)

I was wrong?

I only add the question mark because I can’t believe how [relatively] slow it’s been over the last few weeks. I am especially surprised because, as of yesterday, 77% of Americans were not finished with their Christmas shopping. Even more surprising is the fact that Black Friday sales were up 6.6% this year, but 3 out of 4 Americans aren’t done shopping yet? I guess a lot of people are like me and shop for themselves on Black Friday.

Consumer behavior fascinates me and I can’t help but ask: are you done Christmas shopping?

Oh, and PS: as you may have noticed, things on the blog have slowed down over the last few weeks. Between my full time job, new part time gig, new pup, and Christmas, life is pretty hectic right now. I’m still trying to find a balance between the first three and finding time to update Fresh Squeezed with the latest news and trends. Hopefully, I’ll be on more of a schedule starting in January. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you! Thanks for making 2011 a fabulous year for the blog.

Check back next week for a guest post from Evan Roberts. If anyone is interested in guest blogging, please reach out to me and we’ll chat!

This guest post was written by Mariam Shahab.

Pinterest is dominated by our kind (those obsessed with fashion and beauty who like to eat and surround themselves with pretty things, of course). Christa first wrote about her Pinterest obsession and how to use the platform as a fashion blogger here.

When I log on, I know I’m about to be bombarded with beautiful things I will instantly want to repin (and maybe buy or attempt to somehow recreate). While a picture, or pin in this case, is worth a thousand words, the pinboards they belong to and their associated titles are the icing on the cake.

While some pinners tell it like it is with plain and simple vanilla titles like “my style” or “crafts to try,” I’ve started to gravitate toward boards with a personality. First inspired by Emily Spicklemire’s sassy-titled wedding inspiration board, “I’m going to marry you. Plan your life accordingly,” I started paying more attention to creative out-of-the-board titles to organize pins. Clever titles are often a great fusion of visuals and words.

My top 11 fashion and beauty focused Pinterest boards to follow (based mostly on witty titles):

• Get. In. My. Closet. curated by Kelly Cohen

• Such Great Heights curated by Christine Perez

• Bling Bling Baby! curated by Dawn Young

• I would go out in public like this… curated by Kathryn Dover

• you fancy huh curated by Gretchen Grecia

• Diary of a Shopaholic curated by Walee Wang

• Put it on my body curated by Maggie Fogg

• Say it With Style curated by Daphne

• in a perfect world id be wearing… curated by Kailee Phelps

• Fashions fade but, style is eternal. curated by Clifton Gwynn

• a happy girl is a beautiful girl curated by Alyssa Leigh

Honorable Mentions:

• I’d Wear That curated by Emily Rasband
• I’m a pretty pretty princess curated by Alicia McKnight
• Too Cute to Not Try on curated by Camille Queen
• dress me up curated by Becca Menhart
• Beauty is Pain curated by Kylie Marie

Do you have or have you seen other creative Pinterest pinboard titles? Leave us links in the comments below!

About Mariam:
By day, Mariam works in public relations and social media. She loves affordable fashion, caramel chocolate, creative innovation & odd numbers. Learn more about her by following her pins on Pinterest and her tweets on Twitter.

Today’s post was written by the lovely Allison McKenna.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the holiday season. It’s the time of year when our social calendar fills up faster than Santa’s sleigh and the flow of money dwindles down to a mere trickle. But there are brighter times ahead (and lots of sparkles!); for us social butterflies, this is the season for parties, parties and more parties. Whether it be for your office holiday party, your annual Christmas get-together and a swanky New Year’s Eve soiree, we’ve got options for you that won’t burn a hole in your bank account.

If you’re keepin’ it causal for the holiday party, it’s still a good idea to dress it up slightly (the whole dress for the job you want mentality). Here’s what we came up with:

These LC Lauren Conrad Cuffed Ankle pants from Kohl’s in black paired with this Pleione Drop Hem Blouse from Nordstrom Rack make a jolly combo for a business casual office occasion. Sweep your hair to the side in a chic pony tail, add some staple jewelery and slip on black flats and you’re good to go.

If you’re company is having a fancy holiday party, do your best to suit up properly with the following options:

The classic red and black strapless dress is the perfect not-to-sexy look for the holiday office party as the length hits at the knees. Add in a black satin bolero to cover your shoulders and you’ll be dressed to impress.

Whether you’re going to be entertaining nine ladies dancing or just having a merry little Christmas you should be prepared to dazzle the fam in style.

This Jennifer Lopez Collection from Kohl’s Pleated Gold Foil Top puts the five gold rings to shame. Pair it with black velvet skinny pants from Banana Republic and understated accessories for a look that will surely make the eight maids a milking jealous.

If your Christmas is more low-key, try this option on for size. Keep cute and cozy with the American Eagle Outfitters Cabled Sweater in Stone with the Red Jegging and tie it all up with a little bow detailed on the Glitter Ballet Flats in Gold.

To ring in the properly, one must be decked out to the max to celebrate one of the biggest party nights of the year. New Year’s Eve is notoriously a glam night out so let’s ring in 2012 with some style and sparkle!

This eggplant banded-bottom dress with Dolman sleeves from Victoria’s Secret is the perfect ending to a fun and fashionable year and one heck of a way to it start off.

For a quiet and cozy New Year’s Eve in, try this on for size: LC Lauren Conrad Rosette Sweater from Kohl’s paired with Express’ Zelda Jean Legging in Fuscia.

These holiday looks for less can be found in your local department store, or search for them online. Have a safe and stylish holiday!

Big news: I rescued a dog this past weekend!

Needless to say, it’s been a long few days trying to get her adjusted to her new surroundings.

It’s really difficult to not spend all of my money on toys for her. I’ve become an expert coupon clipper for anything I see at Petsmart, Petco, or any other store that sells doggie supplies. However, if money is no option for you, there are chic, luxurious options for your pup. My favorites are below:

Martha Stewart Pets Bone Quilt Mattress, $119 (photo from petsmart.com)

BCBGMAXAZRIA Crustal Stud Dog Collar and Leash, $38 and $48 (photo from bcbg.com)

Coach Signature Collar with Bone Charm and Leather Leash, $78 each (photo from coach.com)

Louis Vuitton Baxter Dog Carrier, $1,920 (photo from louisvuitton.com)

Burberry Classic Check Dog Collar with Brown Trim, $200 (photo from polyvore.com)

Today’s post was written by Evan Roberts.

Christa did an excellent post on how a woman perceives brand loyalty a few weeks back (ed. note, thanks Evan! I’m glad you liked it!). As a marketer, I liked that things like reputation, advertising and a strong brand presence online influences her decision to buy, because honestly, that’s job security (especially if you work for Michael Kors).

Photo from ralphlauren.com

But I only know one guy (and it’s not me) that admittedly is concerned about those things when he makes a clothing purchase. For the rest of us, it comes down to a few simple things:

• Quality Honestly this is the number one thing on your average guy’s mind when making a clothing purchase. What does it feel like? Will it last a while? I don’t want to have to make the same purchase 4 years from now. If a guy does purchase from a brand with notoriously poor quality (*ahem H&M *ahem) it’s likely because of one or both of my two other reasons. Think about it and you’ll agree. When was the last time your Dad bought a new pair of shoes? Or socks? Or boxers?
• Fit This is second to quality only because a lot of guys are still learning what fits them well. I wear a 35 waist in jeans and I’ve only found two brands (there may be more but I like the two I have) that provide a great fitting 35: Gap and Ralph Lauren. So my jeans and most pants are either Gap or Ralph Lauren. Previous experience with the fit of brand plays a key role in whether or not you make future purchase from them. Do Nike’s run large in your size? Does the webbing in those gloves rise too high for true digital dexterity? It is important to think about these things.
• Feedback from the ladies in your life Ladies, never underestimate the power of your opinion. Guys, listen and take note, for future reference when making future purchases. I had a pair of jeans an ex-girlfriend really liked, but I hated, so while we dated I wore them anyway because she liked them. And I’ve made subsequent purchases from the other brands because of compliments from lady friends and relatives.

I hate to be overly simplistic but the fact of the matter is, a guy will pay attention to advertising and such when it comes to things like gifts for others, technology and cars. But my clothes must fit well and last a long time.

Hi Fresh Squeezed readers! I’m Katelyn and I blog over at Chef Katelyn. Nicetameetya!

^^ das me.

Having been a student at Syracuse University the last four or so months, I’ve come to find that keeping your sanity is a bit of an art form involving clothes that are both warm and cute.

College students don’t like bulk, and if you’re anything like me, walking around in a heavy jacket is just bad news. It leads to being weighed down, obscene amounts of invisible-yet-totally-uncomfortable through-the-shirt sweat. Ew.

Michelin Man Syndrome may ensue.

As a healthy living blogger, I like lists; especially recipes. Here is my recipe for the perfect cold-weather outfit for a city- or college-dwelling fiestaface.

How to Be a Cute College Student When You’re Freezing Your Butt Off

Ingredients:

Camisole and padded or pushup bra. Many of you are probably looking at me like ew, why would you ever wear a camisole, that is so high school. First of all, camisoles not only keep you warmer, but provide a security layer when the cold winds come a-whippin. The pushup or padded bra will keep your nips from getting nipped. You don’t want that. It shows.

Feel like a VS Angel’s model. Just don’t wear it in your garden.

Warm socks. I recommend a pair of regular low-ankle socks with a pair of fuzz-fuzz socks over yonder socks and long pants. It’s a second layer of warmth and goodness, as well as holding your pants in your boots. Which brings me to the next ingredient.

Boots. Whether they’re Uggs, Hunters, snow boots, or leather, wear something (mostly) water proof and above your ankles. This will keep your ankles and feet warm, as well as generally deflecting gross things. They look kinda cute too.

Long pants. This is where I feel it necessary to insert, le duh. Choose leggings or jeans, your choice. Just please don’t wear sweatpants. The whole Hot Mess thing needs to be eliminated, pronto.

But don’t look like that, please.

Something long-sleeved. Whether you choose a tank top or tee shirt with a cardigan, or a long-sleeved shirt or sweater, make sure your arms will be covered underneath your jacket so you don’t have to wear anything too heavy.

More Victoria’s Secret lovin.

Jacket. If you’re wearing a cardi or sweater, roll with a warm (but light!) jacket such as a pea coat or a North Face jacket. Try to avoid the Parka at all costs, unless it really is frigid then girl, go ahead and wear your biggest, fattest, warmest jacket. I salute you.

Scarves. Hands-down my favorite year-round accessory, scarves can carry through all seasons, keeping you warm as well as stylish. Having a bad hair day? Put that muffin’ hair to the side, to the back, in a braid or in a pony and wrap a scarf around your neck. No one will notice your nasty ratty hair. This will also keep your precious neck from getting red and freezing in the sub-zero wind chill. If it’s cute enough, wear it indoors with the rest of your outfit. It’s a great way to switch up familiar outfit combinations!

^^ I think I just died a little.

Hats. If you’re a hat person, kudos to you. Personally, I think I look like a muppet oompa loompa with hats on, but if you can wear them, please do. Earmuffs are also a plus, as long as they don’t have Hello Kitty on them. If yours do, I’ll try not to judge you.

Wearing instructions:

Layer up, betches. The warmer the better, and the more layers, the warmer you’ll be. Try to keep the bulk factor to a minimum. Less to wear = less to carry. You can thank me later.

That’s all for now chicas, thank yoThank you for reading, and I hope to see you over at Chef Katelyn!

Why buy when you can DIY? That’s certainly Erica Domesk‘s philosophy. Domesk is the founder of PS- I Made This…, a do-it-yourself blog with tons of great ideas, many inspired by what walks down the runway.

I’m trying to spend less money and make more of my stuff (oh, the life of a frugal, twenty-something). When my sister suggested we try to do this cape found on Domesk’s blog, I was all for it. The instructions were so simple and easy to follow, which is key when you’re doing a DIY project. I definitely suggest trying this out!

My sister picked up some fabric from Mood (as seen on Project Runway) and we sat down one night after work and got snipping!

Ralph Lauren (left) and Marc Jacobs fabrics from Mood.

And here’s the final product!

What are some of your favorite DI Y projects and blogs?