Out with the maxi's and in with the mini's

   For years, maxi skirts have created their own name in the apparel industry, they were the norm when it came to skirts. You would often see maxi skirts on the streets paired with sandals or sneakers and a crop top or tee, they were the bohemian girl's go to outfit when flared pants just weren't cutting it. But lately, maxi skirts have been traded in for a better model; the mini skirt. As time goes by, hemlines are beginning to get shorter and the mini skirt is sneaking up on us. Mini skirts trace back all the way to the 1960's where they were seen as a symbol for youth culture and its rebellion. The more and more mini skirts were seen on runway and introduced into collections by fashion designers, it gained popularity, but was also dismissed. Designers such as our very own Coco Chanel who called them "just awful" and Christian Dior who was also against the trend. From the 1960's to now, mini skirts are back and better than ever, and we all have Mary Quant to thank for creating this remarkable pieces of clothing.

 

   Just recently in 2015, suede and fringe mini skirts made their comeback, and you know exactly which skirts I am talking about. The suede skirts with the buttons going down the center or the suede mini skirts with the fringe hanging on them, like c'mon almost every girl I know has at least one pair of these styles. Although, one style of mini skirt that I have not seen on the streets since the early 2000's would be the denim mini skirt. I remember when I was about 13, denim mini skirts were everything. You would not be fashionable or "cool" unless you had one, or more. Pairing a denim mini skirt with a colorful tube top that I could not fill out to save my life or with a tight Limited Too camisole. Although, its 2016 now, and I am a 19 year old girl who could fortunately (thank heavens) fill out a tube top, who wants to give denim mini skirts another go.

   Usually when I participate in trend alerts, I get my inspiration and style from what I see on the streets and in the media, but the more I search and look at what is currently hype, mini skirts keep popping up, like from what hole did they decide to come out of? I do not know, but I am growing on them deeply. So as I currently type this blog post, I am looking up at my other tabs besides this one and I kid you not I am also on three other websites trying to track down where to buy a mini and what to wear them with once I have my own.

                                                                  SOOO...

   I have done the research to find out more about the growing popularity of denim mini skirts to find out style inspirations, like what to wear it with, where to buy them, and what styles to buy. So here is what I have collected to help anyone who is wanting to give them another chance!



|Style Inspo|

 Conclusion: Denim mini skirts are usually paired with any tops from a bodysuit to a simple tee or camisole. You want to keep the attention on the skirt so a comfortable and easy going top will go perfectly with a mini skirt to keeps its cute and casual concept its seeming to run with. Although with its authenticity and vintage look it has going on, find shoes to carry on its look at the same time making a statement, so midi boots, sneakers, or gladiator sandals would work. Always remember to stay true to your own style, just like these style icons (shown above) did, while preserving the overall purpose and idea of the denim mini.


|W2B (Where to Buy)|

• Urban Outfitters
• Express
• Nasty Gal
• ASOS
• Macy's
• Lulus

Go out there and find that mini!
xoxo

"Coco Chanel hated me. I understand why"-Mary Quant

"Hey where'd you get your swimsuit from?! I love it!"

Happy summer ladies!

Whenever I make a blog post, I usually go to social media for inspiration, whether its on Instagram to see the latest seasonal trends or on twitter to follow various fashion accounts for recent news to share. To me, it is all about Instagram and posting basically my entire summer and my adventures. Anyways, lately I've been going through my feed and I have been seeing people I follow post their photos of them wearing swimsuits, yes obviously because its summer time and every girl knows to post those cute bikini pictures, but I can promise you every time I scroll through them all I think is "Omg where did they get that swimsuit?!" Sometimes I will comment and ask, and other times I will not even get a response, which is embarrassing, but its besides the point! Instagram, believe it or not, is an easy way to find a lot of fashionable and less mainstream swimsuit companies and boutiques. So I thought to take matters into my own hands and research websites in which trendy yet affordable swim suits are sold since Target.com is just not cutting it since every girl out there has those swimsuits. After researching many, many websites, here is a list of my favorites ones that you all will love so you do not have to ask "Hey where'd you get your swimsuit from?! I love it! (and then not get a reply).

 

ASOS.com

 

 

 ASOS is definitely one of my favorite websites to turn to
when I am looking for a one of a kind swimsuit for the summer.
They have any kind of trendy and unique styled swimsuit that
you cannot find anywhere else! Their designs are so vibrant
and playful. Their swimsuits are more on the expensive side
but they always have amazing sales going on. Check it out!

 

 

 

Nordstrom.com

 

 

 If your looking for more comfortable and more moderate
swimsuits, then Nordstrom is your go to. Many of their
swimsuits are less riskay and more on the safe side with color and
design. If you lean towards more cute and less bold apparel, these swimsuits
would be perfect for you. Nordstrom's swimwear is from numerous
popular and high quality companies such as Kenneth Cole, Kendall +Kylie, and
even BCA!

 

 

Freepeople.com

 If I could describe Freepeople's swimsuits in one word
it would be bohemian splash, okay that was two words.  Free
peoples swimsuits are more on the earthy and warm toned
sides if you love to let out your inner flower child. Many of their bikinis are made
of crochet and have a boho style and cut to them. They are more expensive but I
can guarantee you won't find better quality and design.

 

 

 

Mangomolliswimwear.com

 

 

Patterns on patterns! Mangomolli's is full of different

styles with the most creative patterns on their

swimsuits (shown above). I love their swimsuits because

they have numerous designs to choose from that you would

never see printed on a swimsuit, which is why they are very

expensive. If you love standing out then this boutique is perfect

for your swimsuit needs.

 

 

 

Venus.com

 

Venus, unlike any of the other websites shown, only

sells swimsuits and beach wear, which is why they

have every color, style, and designed swimsuits you could

imagine. Their styles range from a tankini to a halter top to
a bandeau. One thing I love about Venus is that they have so much

to choose from for any body type so your bound to find a
swimsuit suitable for you. 

 

When it comes to looking for the perfect swimsuit for the summer, you want to keep your mind open. Nowadays, styles are changing so rapidly especially with swimwear, it is smart to be on the lookout for what's hot on the market. Although many are opposed to shopping for swimsuits online since there is that risk of it not fitting properly or just not what you were hoping for, in my opinion, going online is what you should be doing if you want more options rather than hitting up your local Target or Macys.

 

 

"Bikinis are like fries-you can't just have one"-Rosie Fortescue

 

 

 Comment your go to website for your bikini needs and let's all help each other out!
XOXO

 

 

Here are the links if you were interested in any of these swimsuits shown! (in order)
 



http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Peachy-Palm-Print-Neoprene-Bikini-Top/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6103667&WT.ac=rec_viewed&CTAref=Recently+Viewed

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Lace-Up-Side-High-Waist-Bikini-Bottom/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6321812&WT.ac=rec_viewed&CTAref=Recently+Viewed

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tavik-ali-moderate-coverage-bikini-bottoms/4262290?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=WHITE

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bca-cross-back-longline-bikini-top/4227927?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BALI

 

https://www.freepeople.com/shop/lafayette-bikini-bottom/

https://www.freepeople.com/shop/mihira-cheeky-bikini-bottoms/

 

http://www.mangomolliswimwear.com/collections/womens-swimwear/products/boys-arrows-margot-the-mess-and-yaya-the-yuppy-Baja

http://www.mangomolliswimwear.com/collections/womens-swimwear/products/stone-fox-swim-malibu-bottom

 

 http://www.venus.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=24~89~&ProductDisplayID=21812

http://www.venus.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=24~3200~&ProductDisplayID=34079







Summer Essentials (What's in the bag?)

Summer has finally arrived (thank the lord), and after all of my spring cleaning, I have been anxiously awaiting to get into summer mode and bring out the sandals and swimsuits. Since summer is a time where the sun is shining and it feels beyond hot and humid out, it is always important to make sure your taking beauty and skin precautions to ensure you are maintaining that healthy summer glow and being prepared for however those long summer nights may take you. Feeling good while looking good is my go to saying for the summer, and I do my best to do so, and I thought, why not share a few summer essentials that I always keep on hand in my little black purse as I'm on the go.

 Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On

This is one of my favorite products to use, it's made with cucumbers
and perfect for when I wake up with puffy eyes after a long night out
and just need a quick wake up call around my eyes. Every morning
I get up and after I wash my face I roll a little around the eye area
and rub excess serum around the area. You can find this product
at your local Walgreens or drugstore for around 5$.

 

 

Vaseline

Vaseline is one of the most underrated beauty products
out there, it comes with so many uses, whether you have
a cut, or dry lips, or you want to tame your eyebrows, Vaseline
is perfect for any beauty need. I personally use it on my lips
because it keeps them smooth for hours on end, I also put a little on my
eyebrows whenever they are all over the place. You can find
Vaseline at almost any drugstore or any retailer such as Target or Walmart. 

 

Nail File

If you are one of those who constantly feels like they need to have
well manicured nails, then a nail file is your best friend. There have
been numerous times where I get hang nails or I am caught
biting my nails and wish I had a nail file to get them fixed quick
so I am not sitting there biting them and trying to make them straight.
Nail files come in all shapes and sizes for very cheap, so keeping
one of these babies on you  and they will save your life and wallet size. You
can find nail files at any beauty store and local retailer for as little as 1$.

 

Sugar Free Gum

When I am out and about, whether being outside or on the town,
I never know when I will need something to freshen my breath and
clean my mouth. Sugar free gum is perfect, not only because it is
sugar free, but it will instantly give your breath a pick me up for wherever
you may go. I recommend buying flavors like peppermint or mint
and stay away from the fruity flavors since sometimes they may
wear out quicker. Gum is so cheap and you can purchase it almost
anywhere, so always keep a pack in that purse of yours!

 

Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Eye Makeup Remover Pads are a beauty must! Whenever I am
not close to home and end up staying out, using a
eye makeup remover pad before bed is key to not waking up
with raccoon eyes and clumped mascara on my eyelashes. It is
perfect for when you need to get that mascara and eye shadow off
fast and each pad will remove all the eye makeup necessary.
These come in separate travel packs, perfect to keep a few
in your bag!

 

Mini Perfume Roll-On

One of my other favorite products! I always have a mini perfume in my purse,
sometimes I even carry a few, just in case I wanted more options for scents. In my purse I currently have a mini roll-on of Victoria Secret's perfume, Heavenly, and I love it! It's important to pick a perfume you enjoy wearing everyday, and it is always perfect to have it on hand just in case you need a quick spray from being out in the hot summer air. You can use little mini spray sample bottles of perfumes or buy a roll-on, (shown above) like me. Victoria Secret has many to choose from for no more than 15$. Most of their scents come in these roll-on bottles.

 

Aspirin

Aspirin is a miracle worker, and is something you should always carry
on you. I think it is important to carry some form of pain reliever on you for
whatever may come. I get headaches all of the time so carrying aspirin with me
comes in hand. Make sure to buy a bottle with a good amount of pills in it
so you do not run out quickly! Aspirin is very easy to find and there are so many
different brands to choose from depending on your own preference!

SPF Moisturizer

Being outside or at the pool during the summer, it is so important
to make sure you are treating your skin like it is your child. Using a
moisturizer with SPF in it, even when your not outside, is key for
having good skin. SPF Moisturizers prevent sun damage, while moisturizing
your skin. I use Image Prevention Daily Matte Moisturizer, I apply it
after I cleanse my face and before I apply makeup on so that my skin is covered
and protected, while also staying healthy and soft. You can find Image
products at imageskincare.com or other SPF moisturizers you can find
at Walgreens, CVS, Target, and so on. Choose an SPF between 15 and 30,
depending on your sensitivity to the sun.

Deodorant

I cannot stress how important it is to keep deodorant with you, during the
summer I sweat constantly, so having deodorant always with me keeps
me smelling fresh and keeps me away from smelling like body odor. It
is one of the worst and most embarrassing things to be the one out of the group
smelling gross, so keeping up with your underarms is definitely key. During
the summer, I like to wear deodorants that are gel based, and that smell like floral,
it is almost like wearing a perfume. I tend to stay away from the powder texture and scents since they pile more when you sweat and I feel like the fresher scents hide the smell of underarm sweat more. Deodorant is at any beauty store, local retailer, for a cheap price depending on your choice of brand and style. 

 

 

Germ X

I will always carry germ-x on me, I use it numerous times in a day,
for so many reasons. When I am out and about, I constantly remind
myself before I touch something to put germ-x on. Whether I am
out to eat, doing something physical, or at a public place, using germ-x
kills almost all the germs and makes me feel more clean. Wearing
germ-x that has a more fresh and sweet scent is better, in my opinion, because
original scent of germ-x is more harsh of a smell. You can find germ-x anywhere, I
buy mine from Bath and Body Works because of their mini size bottles and
they have a great variety of scents!

 

 

 

Tinted Moisturizer

Aside from the SPF Moisturizer, Tinted Moisturizer will also
be your best friend. I never wear makeup on my face over the summer
so Tinted Moisturizer was perfect because it will give me a little color on my face, while moisturizing at the same time. I prefer NARS because it helps cover blemishes, conceals, and corrects, while giving me a good color and keeping my skin feeling smooth. You can purchase tinted moisturizers from brands like L'Oreal, Clinique, NYX, Maybelline, and so on!

 

 

 

Clear Brow and Eyelash Gel

Mascara is my go to beauty product, if your eyelashes are curled
and you have a bit of mascara on them, then you are good to go. Mascara
makes all of a difference to the face since the eyes are one of the first things
you notice on a person. Although, over the summer, with the hot and humid
weather, I choose to not wear much mascara because I sweat, and sometimes
it can be a pain to always have to remove and re-apply, so clear brow and
eyelash gel is perfect because it is like your wearing mascara, but you are not!
E.L.F has my favorite gel, all I need to do is curl my lashes then apply and it looks
like I am wearing mascara! There is no clumping or anything. Also when my eyebrows are going in all kinds of directions, the clear brow gel tames them completely! You can find E.L.F products at Target, for under 4$! It lasts forever too!

 

And here you are! I make sure to always be carrying these products in my bag for whenever I may need them, whether I'm outside or going out with friends, these products can help for that little beauty emergency!

So I might ask, what's in your bag?

xoxo

"I don't carry little purses. I carry big duffels, always."-Diane Keaton

Spring: Colouring Book

        Spring has finally arrived! I have been anxiously waiting for the day I get to pack up the piles of sweaters and boots that were taking over my closet and in exchange, getting to hang up all of my spring dresses and tops. There is no better feeling than making your closet just a little brighter since no one wears black in the spring (well, okay I'm guilty). One thing I adore about the springtime is the colors, like every girl, I am a fan of pastels. Yes, the girl who says her favorite color is black, loves pastels. Rose gold, lavender, and sea foam green, oh my lord. Although those are spring colors, there are many others. So, I thought what better way then to name a few other popular spring colors that you must incorporate into your outfits to create a bold, cool look. Here are a few of my favorite Spring 2016 colors, according to Pantone's Color Report.

                                                          Rose Quartz:

Rose Quartz is one of my favorites because of its elegance. It holds such a light but balanced look.When it comes to wearing a color like Rose Quartz, finding a loose blouse or a pair of trousers or pleated cropped pants would best show off this color, pair it with another bright colored apparel item to complement its bold yet fresh sweet color.

Iced Coffee:

 

 

Although I do love my iced coffee, I would also enjoy wearing it as much as drinking it. This color gives off a more gray version of a beige or ivory. It's very solid and decadent and I think wearing this color in a maxi dress or loose long pea coat would best show off its color. Pair these outfits with similar colors, when it comes to a color like this, I think wearing colors such as cream, tan, and beige would best show of its milky color.

Lilac Gray:

Lilac Gray is the new lavender this 2016, spring time is all about brightening your color palette, but it is also about darkening it as well. This lilac gray is such a soft color with a hard statement. If you were to wear something with this color in it, pick out a pair of heels or platform flats, or a floral dress to accentuate this deep color.

Green Flash:

There is nothing more about springtime than the color green! Green is everywhere, although a more difficult color to pull off, there are always ways to show off its radiance. Green Flash gives off a sense of openness and exploration so what better way to wear it than to wear this color on a pair of pleated pants or a sheath style dress.

Buttercup:

This color is as yummy as it sounds! Shades of yellow have always had a major partake in spring fashion and in color trends, but this color takes the cake. Buttercup is a color that is as shiny and bright as the sun. It's as if wearing this color takes you to a happier destination. It's glow gives off peace and contrast. In order to wear Buttercup the best, find a skirt, any style would do such as flared, circle, or even A-line. Wearing a skirt with this color will best show of its brightness with the flow of a skirt. A accessory that would be paired with this color is a messenger handbag as well.

Springtime is all about the sweet and smooth colors, but also creating a statement and imagery. There are also many more colors from Pantone's Spring 2016 Color Report shown that best express this season!

xoxo

"You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming"- Pablo Neruda

 

http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2016&pid=11

It's not New Years Eve without a new celebratory outfit

   Ok I know Christmas is coming up, and the chaos of going through the crowds at malls, or thinking of what dish you want to make for your family's annual Christmas party is taking over your life, but as any girl who loves the holiday season, they know that just in a few short days after Christmas, is the madness of New Years Eve. New Years Eve and New Years Day, to me are almost two separate holidays, both celebrated to its highest potential of course. One thing that I look forward to when New Years Eve rolls around is the biggest question of all time, "What am I going to wear?!". Bringing in the "new year, new you" cliché has always been important to me, and the perfect outfit is one of the factors in that so called cliché. I have been vigorously stalking all of my favorite clothing websites such as Nastygal.com, Windsor.com, and Forever21.com in order to find the perfect outfit and style inspiration so I can start the new year off with a style bang. So I thought, why not share some outfits for you guys to limit your options on what dress you should wear or depending on what style you are leaning towards.

 



LWD

Little Black Dresses are not the only popular going out outfit, find your perfect white mini dress with bold jewels in order to create a statement for a fun and flirty new years look.














(Nastygal.com)

Pants + Two Piece Crop (My favorite!!!)

 

If your not feeling a tight dress or skirt, then pants would be your next best option. Pants will give you the opportunity to find and pair with your favorite skimpy crop top (if they are high-waisted) in order to show of your curves! If the pants are bold, then find a solid and less textured top. Vice versa.












 (Nastygal.com)



Romper

Rompers are always a yes if your trying to be more comfortable yet still dress accordingly for NYE. Find a romper with more edgy cuts, such as deep v or other cut outs. Pair a romper with statement necklace along with knee length boots or heels, open toe of













(Windsorstore.com)





Maxi Dress

A silk maxi dress with slits would be perfect if your wanting to dress up more formally, with a bit of a more sexy look with a deep v neck and slits above the knee. Pair with your favorite black jeweled choker and heels to complete the look.












 (Forever21.com)



 Crop + Mini Skirt







For a more fierce and promiscuous look, pair a textured and bold crop top along with your favorite black leather mini skirt for a chic badass look. Also a colorful fur scarf would top it off for a bold and fearless outfit.










 (Forever21.com)




Wby? :The style of my NYE outfit that I am leaning towards is black and chic. You can never ever ever go wrong with black on any going out occasion and I have been wanting to show off my waist and curves lately, therefore from researching outfits, I have come to conclusion that I want to wear a two piece outfit. My two-piece outfit will consist of a black V neck cut crop top, along with a black high waisted pencil skirt. Now next stop: SHOES!

Have a happy holiday season and New Year!
xoxo