Posts from — January 2012

It’s no secret that I love animal print. Since the style is so bold and strong, I just wear one piece of animal print, typically an accessory, and allow it to speak for itself. As much as I love this look, I do not recommend animal print head to toe. My heads (and heart) hurts just thinking about that.

Add any of the following to your wardrobe add a bit of class to any outfit (think Elizabeth Taylor in 1950-60).

1. Just Cavalli Brown Giraffe Patterned Gold-Plated Bangle Bracelet
2. Taj Veronica Foldover Clutch
3. Giuseppe Zanotti Crisscross Haircalf Sandals
4. Banana Republic Leopard Print Blouse
5. Temperley London Ronnie animal-print silk-chiffon gown
6. TopShop Geo Leopard Scarf

Next week, I will be attending my third fashion blogger conference. I will be volunteering at Independent Fashion Blogger’s Conference on February 8th, which kicks of New York Fashion Week, and I can’t wait! I’m so excited to attend a new conference in a new way, and will definitely update you all next week when it’s over.

In honor of IFB’s Conference next week, here are five tips that I recommend for getting the most out of fashion blogger conferences.

1. Dress comfortably. Conferences are a way to show off your newest, cutest, trendiest outfit. Conferences are also all day and you don’t want to tire out half way through the day because your six inch heels are killing your feet. Bring flats if you wear heels and dress in layers in case the venue gets a bit warm or chilly throughout the day. If you aren’t comfortable, you won’t focus on anything else.
2. Take notes and snap [good] pictures. The first Lucky FABB conference I went to, I just had a notebook to take notes, but I brought my iPad to the second one. If you have a tablet, netbook, or laptop, I would suggest bringing that so you can live tweet/blog if you want without draining your phone’s battery. Just make sure the sound is off! I also recommend bringing a separate camera to get the best quality pictures you can, especially if you plan on blogging about it later. I bring my Canon Rebel with me so I can get crystal clear photos to share with my readers.
3. Bring business cards. This is very important! Business cards are the easiest way to hand out your information when meeting new people and making new connections. Check out VistaPrint or Moo.com for some great deals. Interested in business cards but don’t know how to design them? Hit me up, I can help!
4. Arrive before the first panel starts. Many times, the panels run over time and that means, your networking time gets cut short. The best way to get the most out of the day is to get to the conference early and meet other bloggers before the first panel starts. This is especially helpful if you’re attending the conference by yourself (and if you are, more power to ya!).
5. Have a GREAT attitude. The best way to make connections and get the most out of a conference is to have an open mind and a smile on your face. Go into it with a positive attitude and you’ll learn more than you ever thought you would!

What other tips would you recommend for first-time conference attendees? Will I see you next week at IFB Con?

It’s a rainy Friday morning here in New Jersey, so curl up with a great cup of coffee and check out the week’s best links.

• The “Shit ______ Says” videos on YouTube have become insanely popular over the last few weeks, and it seems like every group has at least one video of what they say. Here’s a good one for the fashion industry, “starring” Erika Bearman, Senior Vice President of Communications for Oscar de la Renta. Also known as Oscar PR Girl. [The Cut]
• The Headwear Association named the Duchess of Cambridge its hat person of the year. Well deserved if you ask me. [The Headwear Association]
• Versace for H&M’s buzz and popularity didn’t help the retailer too much, as profits for H&M dipped over 2011. [Fashionista]
• Love vintage shopping? I mean, who doesn’t? Check out some great vintage finds and tips on how to vintage shop on Penny Pincher Fashion. [PPF]
• jpenney is completely rehauling just about everything- pricing, shopping experience, brand identity- in an attempt to become America’s favorite department store. [jcpenney]

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I have been looking for a good snow boot for a few years now. The Northeast was pounded with snow over the last two years and when I had to shovel, I was just wearing my rain boots! Needless to say, my poor feet nearly froze off.

Enter Lucky Magazine’s Fashion and Beauty Blogger conference in September. The bloggers who attended the conference had the chance to check out Sorel‘s collection of snow boots in one of the brand suites. Even better is that we had the choice of which snow boot we wanted to try ourselves! After a few (ok, more than a few…) minutes, I finally settled on the Tofino style in Dark Olive/Sudan.

I finally got to wear them this past weekend, when we were hit with the first snow of the year, and the shoes are really great. I’m about 5’7″ and the boots hit me right below my knee, which is nice. They don’t feel too restrictive when I try to move around, like rubber boots (rain boots) can feel. The lining is so warm and the grip of the sole is really good. I honestly can’t wait for it to snow again so I can wear the Sorel Tofino more this season!

[Cute dog, cute boots, pretty snow. Winter editorial inspiration]

Disclaimer: I received these boots as a gift from Sorel in September and I was not compensated for this review. I really wanted to inform my readers about these great snow boots!

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This week’s edition of Links du Jour includes tons of great stuff. Check it out!

• Jason Wu was on the TODAY show this week talking about this Target collection, to be released on February 5th. I love it all. [The Look/TODAY]
• Looks like everyone played nice and finally settled the dates for September fashion week. [On The Runway]
• These DIY party headbands are ADORABLE. [Pintrest/Oh Happy Day]
• This outfit on Cupcakes and Cashmere is perfect for spring. Commence lusting for warmer weather and lighter fabrics. [Cupcakes and Cashmere]
• Your favorite fashion stars as Simpson characters. Awesome. [Fashion Foie Gras]
• If you haven’t already, educate yourself about SOPA and PIPA. [Google]

Last week, I asked my Facebook fans and Twitter followers what shoes they wear to yoga class when you’re wearing cropped pants and it’s 40 degrees out. I really just wanted to see if I was the only crazy one wearing flats and running out with bare legs, but apparently I’m not (and that makes me feel much better/less crazy).

Anyway, check out the suggestions and let me know what you wear to class in the comments!

Minnetonka – Kilty Suede Moc

Old Navy Women’s Cap Toe Canvas Ballet Flats

ASICS – GEL-Speedstar 5

Sperry Top-Sider Women’s Shoes, A/O Boat Shoes Women’s Shoes

Women’s TOMS Woven Slip-On

Last night’s Golden Globes officially kicked off the 2012 awards season, which means one thing: red carpet! I honestly have to say that I enjoy the red carpet of award shows more than the actual awards, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Big trends on the carpet were blush tones and mermaid style gowns, both of which I’m a bit tired. Thank you to the ladies who decided to wear color and “shake things up” a bit. Here’s hoping the red carpet at the Academy Awards brings more risks. Designers like Zac Posen, Gucci, and Monique Lhuillier had a huge representation on the red carpet. Surprisingly quiet? Marchesa.

That being said, here are some of my favorite looks from the night:

Claire Danes in J Mendel

Katharine McPhee in Donna Karan

Sofia Vergara in custom Vera Wang

Naya Rivera

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

Zooey Deschanel in custom Prada

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Jessica Alba in Gucci

Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta

Debra Messing in Monique Lhuillier

Elle Macpherson in Zac Posen

Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci

Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier

Julianne Moore in Chanel

Photos via nymag.com and instyle.com

I read so many great things throughout the week and it’s difficult to cover here, so I’m starting a new series on the blog called Links du Jour, where every Friday I will post some of my favorite links from the week.

Enjoy the first collection of links below and let me know if I missed any great pieces in the comments!

• Kerry Diamond, Vice President of PR at Coach, was featured in Into the Gloss’s Top Shelf. I’m a bit biased here because I know Kerry personally- met her at this event- but this is a great read full of awesome beauty product recommendations and tips. [Into The Gloss/photo credit]
• Anna Wintour is being honored for [stylishly] crusading for LGBT rights. You go, AW. [Fashionista]
• Completely obsessed with this gorgeous, easy up-do from Lauren Conrad’s beauty blog. [Pintrest/The Beauty Department]
• Here are some recommendations for 10 blog investments to make for under $100. Definitely some good suggestions here. [Independent Fashion Bloggers]
• Target is revamping its designer platform, which will rotate with different designer collaborations every 4-6 weeks. [Refinery 29]
• My friend Megan reviews Rent the Runway (and the dress she’d rent to snag Ryan Gosling). [I Start My Day With Mashable]

I’m definitely turning into a work out clothes junkie. Christmas really expanded my work out wardrobe, and I wrote a review of two items I received last week. Now I’m here to reviews some more products, this time from lucy activewear.

lucy activewear is similar to lululemon in the fact that both brands make stylish, sturdy work out gear. While I was just introduced to lulu’s products this Christmas, I’ve been using lucy’s gear for almost a year now. I have basic pieces from lucy that I wear running or to yoga class. The items are definitely worth the splurge, just like lulu’s, but I love to shop in the sale/clearance section. lucy definitely has more to offer in the sale section that lulu, which my bank account appreciates.

Here are a few of my favorite items for both running and yoga. Each retains its shape after a work out and absorbs sweat quickly. The fit is great and feminine, which I love as well.

1. Women’s Action Tank
2. Fire Me Up Wind Tight (I have the color above, Deep Teal)
3. Novelty Propel Tank II (I have this top in the matching purple/teal for the rights above)
4. lucy X-Training Knee Pant

What are your favorite work out items?

Today is the Duchess of Cambridge’s 30th birthday. As such, I thought it only appropriate to “celebrate” by compiling a few of my favorite looks from her 29th year (aside from her iconic wedding gown, Canadian ensembles, and this beauty), the year in which she became royalty.

As the Duchess enters her fourth decade, the world’s eyes will be on her. She handled this first year with grace and class, and I’m very excited to see how her style evolves- it’s not secret that she’s one of my favorite style icons- and what charity work she chooses to do.

Happy birthday, Duchess! For more of my favorite looks, click here.

All photos via.

Today’s guest post was written by Evan Roberts.

The transition from season to season is the most bothersome for one kind of person: that gal/guy who actually cares about their wardrobe. Granted, many fit this profile in one form or another and the question that seems to be most on our minds is not “What will I wear today?” but more likely “What will the temperature be?” We can be as fly as we want during the summer but come winter, it’s all about function and one in particular – staying warm!

But warmth doesn’t have to mean sacrificing looking swell. All it takes to build an incredible winter wardrobe is a few layers and some inspiration. I’ve gathered some inspiration via the images from various street style blogs and fashion communities below, but you’ll have to layer yourself.

Note: The point is not to copy the exact way these people have chosen to shape their outfits. You have your style, and they have theirs. Pull inspiration from the textures, the colors, the ideas. Then create your own!

Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

When I’m not working (2 jobs), blogging, or playing with my puppy, I love to work out. Yoga and running are my go-to exercises, though Zumba classes are starting at my gym this week so I know that will become an instant favorite as well. Anyway, I need good-quality gear that can keep up with my level of active-ness. As I’ve “grown up” (if you will), I’ve learned that it’s better to put out a bit more buck upfront in the hopes that my clothes will last longer than a month. It took me a little bit longer to realize that my shopping rule applies to my workout gear as well.

Enter: lululemon.

I’m sure many of you are familiar with lululemon and its recognizable red logo, but in case you’re not, lulu sells good quality, high end, fashionable work out clothing and accessories. I tried to stay away, mostly because of the price tag, but after receiving a few items for Christmas, I am a lulu believer. If you work out every now and then, I wouldn’t recommend spending the extra cash on lulu; however, if you are extremely active like I am, here are two items that I definitely recommend splurging on (though one is only for colder weather).

First up is lulu’s run: hustle jacket.

I originally asked for another running jacket from lululemon for Christmas, but by the time my mom got to the store, the jacket was all sold out. The associate at lulu recommended this one instead, except mine is in Paris Pink (think bright, hot pink). Aside from the cute cut of the jacket and the awesome color, this thing is warm. I went out for a run one morning when it was about 30 degrees with this and a long-sleeved Under Armour shirt from high school, and I got pretty warm before my run was over. The jacket wasn’t sopping wet with sweat, so you don’t have to wash it after every wear. The hood is detachable, which is great in case it rains or snows while you’re out running but you can take it off at any time. I went down a size in this jacket and it fit perfectly.

It’s also so cute that I wear it when I’m not running, like to yoga class, or just out for a few errands. Also, there are very thin reflective strips all over the jacket, which helps if you run in the morning or evening when it’s dark out.

Next up is lulu’s the mat.

This yoga mat came to me as a recommendation from my friend (and yoga instructor), Katie. She said that this is the best yoga mat she’s ever used, and she’s used mats that have cost over $100. Luckily, Santa (errrr, my parents) didn’t mind splurging on this mat (and the namaste yoga tote ii, also highly recommended) and I found it under my tree on Christmas morning. It really is a fantastic mat. I’ve used it for the last two weeks in my yoga class, and it’s a lot thicker than the Gaiam mats I was using before, which seems to help me hold my positions longer since there’s more support. It’s also longer than other ones that I used before, which is great because now most of my body fits on the whole mat when I lay flat on the mat.

I will definitely be asking for more lulu items for my birthday and Christmases to come. However, until then, I’m content shopping the clearance rack every now and then.

Do you shop at lululemon? What are your favorite items?