Sandal Shopping

Nude: high, low
Lime: high, low
Crochet: high, low
Color block: high, low
Tassel: high, low

It's that time of year we are all rushing to get our pedicures done and have those tootsies looking fabulous! Sandal weather is just about here! I am drawn to the sandal section when I walk into the department stores. Above are a few of the trends headlining this season and must haves for my shoe closet. Until I commit to a certain trend, I love finding more affordable options to test it out. Stores like Target, Asos and even Forever 21 always gives me that luxury to test!

2013 Style Resolutions: Stripes, Monochromatics and Double Jewels

Stripes

I am terrified of stripes, specifically horizontal stripes. Everywhere you look you will see them this upcoming season. So, my goal is to work them slowly into my wardrobe and find pieces that are flattering on my body shape and that I feel comfortable with. 

Monochromatic

I absolutely love a gorgeous monochromatic look. I'd like to incorporate more monochromatic looks into my closet. I need to retrain my eye to look for those pieces rather than jumping away from exact colors. 

Layered Jewels

I am just crazy about layered jewelry. We all love a good arm party, but I am more intrigued with layered necklaces. It takes a few simple accessories to one show-stopper! 

These are three trends I am going to work at incorporating into my style aesthetic. Like any trend, I will be trying these trends in any way that I feel most comfortable. Do stripes make you uneasy? Try a striped accessory. Does layered jewelry feel like too much? Start with smaller pieces. These are your goals to set, have fun with them!

Pantone // 2013 Color of the Year // Emerald

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As soon as I heard that Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year was going to be Emerald I started scouring the internet looking for pretty finds to add to the wardrobe! These are a few pieces I'd love to pick up early! And the price of the Target captoe pumps? I might not be able to resist...

Gold Sequins

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I was able to do a bit of shopping in Minnesota this past weekend and I wanted to share with you a few sparkly finds for this Holiday season! 

I am a big fan of gold sequins for the 2012 Holidays. Gold is always so stunning and whether you chose to wear a bolder sequin look, such as a full sequin dress or incorporate the sparkle with a sequined accessory you will not lose! 

I even try to get in the festive spirit during the workday by slipping on some glitter captoe flats! These are subtle enough to blend in, but puts just enough pep in my step to get those projects done before the Holiday break! I mean who doesn't feel great with sparkly toes?

Linking up with #YOLOMondays

Paris Photography

Jacket | Top | Pants | Clutch | Shoes | Necklace | Watch | Earrings


Just a little outfit inspiration from a gorgeous Paris photograph, Enjoy!

Gloves

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It’s that time of year I begin to look for a pair of gloves I know I want to carry with me day in day out this winter. Call it the Minnesota girl in me, but gloves are a must accessory for the Winter, so why not make them cute and fashionable? Yes, warmth is a huge factor, but that doesn’t mean those digits need to be draped in dull.

The options I have given you above are all made from wool, fleece or leather. So the warmth factor is already built in.

Secondly, I chose gloves with bright colors or rustic style. Some I’d wear on a fun day shopping, others I’d wear for a night out on the town. Every year I always circle back around to the classic look of a Burberry pattern.

Lastly, you may ask why not mittens? I think mittens are adorable and you will definitely see me rocking my pair of football mittens on any given Football Saturday. But gloves are a necessity I wear every day. Gloves give me the access to remain mobile and functional without ripping off those mittens in chilly weather! Some companies are even making gloves with a touch sensitive finger for the touch screen lovers!

Whether you chose a low or high price point, know that gloves can be a fun trendy piece or nice investment piece. I have a pair of black leather gloves that I wear year after year and they have had barely any wear or tear. Good gloves will last you.

What glove trends are you looking for this Winter?

2012 Fall Shoe Favorites

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These are my top 5 shoe finds for this Fall. If you follow me on twitter you know I am constantly lusting over the Ann Taylor booties. The print is gorgeous and I'm crazy about black and white!

Glitter on casual booties? Enough said.

I love a classic looking heel, but this Fall we are seeing the classic getting glammed up! Adding a gold cap toe is so chic and rich looking.

I love all the burgundy choices of shoes out there. Whether it is in bootie or heel form, snatch up the bordeaux! 

And lastly, I love this two-toned riding boot. I bought mine a few years ago and I believe it will never go out of style. This is an investment piece.  (If you are unsure, here is a less expensive option to try out!)

Mini Gingerbread Donuts

This weekend I put Pinterest Inspiration to the test! I found this recipe from Pinch of Yum and boy was it good! I was nervous to take on a donut recipe, but since these were baked, they were easy! I did need to find a cute mini donut pan and I found one at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. What can't I find at that store? Here are my donuts...

 

 

 

Now head on over to Pinch of Yum for the recipe and her photos are much prettier to look at...but I'm pretty sure they tasted the same...yummy! 

2012 Fall Favorites

1. My first pick is two of my favorite trends in one, peter pan color AND gorgeous bordeaux color.
2. I am still having quite the obsession with black and white!
3. Currently crazy about bows! Bow earrings, bow braclets, bow rings...
4. Riding boots. It's that time of year...
5. Thin leather strap watches. I love the rich brown color AND this Fossil's large face
6. Fur vests - very glam, plus very warm!
7. Right now these are my favorite pair of pants. Skinny tuxedo pants.
8. Again with the Bordeaux - on my nails.
9. Leopard loafers. Great with black pants, colored pants, jeans or skirts!
10. Tweed jackets. I love the streamline of this H&M version, not bulky, not heavy, just right.
11. And again, Bordeaux. On the lips.

Rams

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Tarheel fan or just a fan of Rams in general? Last night my husband and I were talking about how fast this summer has flown and how fall camp is right around the corner. So where does my mind lead? What will I be wearing to the games this year? My first hunt: jewelry! I love the rams pieces I have come across, so now I'm on a mission to convince the husband these are a NEED not a WANT for his football games. Makes sense to me, right?

White Out

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I wish I was talking about a winter wonderland! Instead I'm talking about the extreme heat that has hit this country and my obsessive need to reach for anything and everything white! To me, white is soft and cool. I will always feel breezy in white!  So if you are trying to beat the heat this summer, here are some of my favorite casual white pieces to wear when you are heading out!

Juicy Tangerine

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I am still just as crazy about Tangerine as I was back in April. I can't get enough of the color! Whether I incorporate it in my wardrobe or add a pop of tangerine with a fun accessory, I am known to sneak it on in any way possible! These are a few of my favorite tangerine pieces for this summer!

Nautical Nails

Every once in awhile I get an urge to try something fun and colorful with my nails. I usually have a nude color on my hands, so for me to jump to Turquoise and Cacaos, it is a big jump!

I got today's nail inspiration from Pinterest:

                                                                                      Source: pinkandleopard.tumblr.com via Rose on Pinterest

I started with two coasts of Essie's Turquoise and Cacaos. 

 

Then I added white lines with a white nail pen.

 

Then I added the small black anchors with another nail pen. 

 

This was a fun little project; however, I am far too impatient to wait for three different layers to dry before I can move on to the next step. I will say this may be my favorite Essie color I have come across. 

Stand Out Lips

I love experimenting with new makeup colors, but I usually stick to different shades of eyeshadow or eyeliner. Lately, I can't help but be drawn to the bright pink and orange lipstick shades! I think lipstick is scary. I've never worn it, so call me a rookie. Last Thursday I posted a picture with bright pink lipstick and I had several people tell me they were terrified to try it too! My advice, just try it! It is one of those things where you will be your own toughest critic. Once you start wearing it and get used to it, it becomes a new daily staple. My two colors of choice: Rimmel's Kate Moss #12 and Smashbox Be Legendary in Pink Petal.

You will have to try different shades depending on your skin tone, hair and even age! If you have a pink/rosy  complexion look for something with a blue undertone and if you have a warmer/golden complexion look for something with an orange undertone. Since all of those undertones overwhelm me I usually ask an expert at the counter!

Here is some inspiration:

My number one piece of advice when applying lipstick, especially bold lipstick, is take your time! This isn't a gloss you can swipe on while walking or talking, or atleast not for me. I'd end up looking like Bozo the Clown. Lipstick needs to go on perfectly. Liner is also a great way to help get a polished look!

I hope you go and try a bright color today! Check back tomorrow for Marion's Trend of the Month Challenge!

Neutral Zone

Neutral Zone by msmiamaree featuring wedge sandals


I am summer loving girl that could walk in heels just about anywhere. But what is more comfortable than a heel? A wedge. I love the height I can gain from a wedge and they are so comfortable to walk long distances in. I can also make them work with a maxi dress, shorts, or skinny jeans.

My favorite type of wedge is a neutral wedge. I can wear these babies with bright pops of color or a summer white. I am all about the versatility.

Bring on the warm weather!

The Fishtail Pony

So I don't have time to wash and blow out my hair every single morning, do you? With that being said, I am always trying to find new ways to pull my long hair back and make it look presentable for work!

I follow Giuliana Rancic's Fab Fit Fun website. She sends wonderful every day styles and tips. She uploaded a video of her and her stylist and their take on The Fishtail Pony.

Here are other celebrities with the same inspiration:

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And then my shot at it:

Have you tried the fishtail pony?