Winter Coat Ideas

The holiday season has come upon us once again and with it comes all kinds of events in the chilly winter air! Here are some of my favorite winter coat ideas to help keep you cozy throughout the season. Happy Holidays! ♥

Last-Minute Halloween Decorations!

Happy Halloween!
My husband came up with this cute idea to decorate string lights with paper balloons and I thought I should share it. :)
ENJOY!

Fall Wardrobe Staples

Now that the weather is cooling off, it's time to start thinking about investing in some great staples for your fall wardrobe! Trying starting with a great pair of flat boots and a lighter jacket, both in neutral colors.
Here are my thoughts on how to pick them; ENJOY!

*Both the jacket and the boots are from HAUTELOOK.com; feel free to sign up, but be warned, it can be seriously ADDICTING!*

Get Ready to be Inspired!

10 Tips to Make Your Home Feel Cozier

Now that the weather is starting to cool off and we will be spending more time indoors soon, it is a good time to consider ways to make your home cozier!
Here are some of my tips to help you out:

Good Luck! :)

October Decorating Tips

It's finally fall!!!
October is one of my favorite times to switch up the decorations in our home for a more festive look. Try looking in discount stores like TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and Marshalls for fun, funky, and inexpensive seasonal decor to add to your home.
Here are some quick and easy ideas:
Items were purchased at The Christmas Tree Shop, Marshalls, Target, Michaels, and Barnes & Noble.
Have fun!

Bouncy Curls!

Style is about looking and feeling great from head to toe, so why not try new things with your hair, makeup, and beauty routine? :) I've been enjoying the fun, bouncy curls I get when I use sponge rollers at night, so I thought it would be fun to try making a tutorial to share some tips.

Enjoy!

Style Research

Whether you're looking to delve deep into a new style or you're just seeking a quick refresher course to keep your look lively, I would argue that there is no better place to go than Rachel Zoe. I've mentioned her daily email newsletter-- The Zoe Report--before, but I would also love to recommend her awesome styling guide, Style A to Zoe. Covering everything from vacation to parties to everyday life, Zoe's book is the perfect "Style Bible" for today's modern gal. Thank goodness my husband bought it for me this last Christmas because it truly helped to inspire my style when I needed it most: the dead of winter in New England--EEK!

Enjoy! :)

(To order online, click here.)

Welcome Home

One of the things I love about the idea of style is that it can stretch far past clothing and accessories. Since I was young I've enjoyed interior design as a hobby and was often found at my grandparents' house watching HGTV, flipping through Better Homes and Gardens, or partaking in very "Martha Stewart-esque" conversations with my Mammo. I remember redecorating my bedroom at my parents new house twice since we moved there when I was in Jr. High. My husband laughs at me for always having some sort of project or idea brewing, but I truly believe that styling your home can be just as important as styling a day's outfit. It is all about expressing yourself and being able to present that special space to anyone who enters your home.

My husband and I have been in our new apartment since August, so it isn't completely finished yet, but we have really enjoyed the decorating so far. So please, come in and take a look! (Wow, that came out really cheesy...)--But seriously, you're inviting into our little Boston abode. :)

Enjoy!

The Vault

Whether you are a fashion junkie, a total nubester, or you're just looking for a little inspiration; the Internet is chock-full of great style resources. If you're not sure where to start, try visiting my Top 3 Faves:

1. The Zoe Report.

If you don't know who Rachel Zoe is, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to immediately file you in the above category of "total nubester." Many consider her the top stylist in the world, but she is also an author, designer, and editor. The woman knows her stuff. Just sign up for The Zoe Report and you'll receive daily (Monday-Saturday) blurbs from Rachel on style, beauty, lifestyle and more. I have to admit, I look forward to a little dose of fashion each day. ;)

2. Who What Wear.

Ran by Katherine Power and Hilary Kerr, this online fashion magazine is a fabulous source of daily ideas and inspiration to keep your style on an upward swing. Sign up for these weekday emails, and if you're like me, you'll most likely find yourself getting wrapped up in the site for hours. But hey, "for best results, apply liberally" right?

3. Michelle Phan.

Best known for her creative makeup tutorials on YouTube.com, Michelle Phan has taken it a step further with the recent launch of her new self-titled Web site. Beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, OH MY! The site is definitely a fun place to explore when you're looking for a little boost.

Have fun! :)

Style 101

Like many of the style-obsessed, I have an unnatural love for clothes and all things glam. After what can only now be described as "The Year That Changed My Life"--in 2011, I have moved 3 times, finished my degree in Journalism, and got married to my beloved Julio--I find myself starting a new job that has nothing to do with the fashion world. And although I'm enjoying the new experience, my heart still aches for the day to day exposure to new designs, styling opportunities, and the people and culture of it all that I have grown to love.

I spent about two years (2009-2011) working for Theory clothing company (more recognizable as "t h e o r y") and although I have always had a weak spot for a fabulous outfit, nothing in the world could have prepared me more for the big leagues of style. That place truly kicked my excitement for style into high gear. I will miss it greatly.

So, in an effort to fill this void in my life, I have decided to make this blog as an outlet to share my ideas, thoughts, and (of course) my outfits with the world. This is a place dedicated to all things style: accessories, beauty, clothing, and maybe even a little interior design.

Let's begin with my own set of Style Rules, a sort of "10 Commandments of Style," if you will. Feel free to follow them religiously or toss them out and make up your own. It's all about what makes you comfortable and happy.

Enjoy!

"Style Rules"

1. Dress like the world is watching.

Think of life as a movie and you’re the star. I love the idea that on any given day, I can be any kind of leading lady I’d like. Just remember, ultimately you get dressed in the morning for you and no one else—but it does help to pretend your life is full of hidden paparazzi… what will you be caught wearing?

2. Style trumps trends.

Just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t always make it universally flattering. Focus more on developing your own style rather than following trends and odds are you’ll be more satisfied with the end result.

3. Dress how you want to feel.

Playing with different colors, textures, and shapes can easily affect your mood for the day. In the same way, dressing a certain way can help you fill a role or reach a goal as well—hence the saying “Dress for the career you want, not the one you have.”

4. Take it easy.

No matter how cute it may be on the mannequin, any outfit can turn south if it is too fussy. You never want to spend half your day pulling your shirt down and your pants up. It not only makes it impossible to rock your ensemble with confidence, but it also interferes with your daily routine. So make sure to test out your garments in the dressing room before whipping out your trusty credit card. Sit, walk, and stand in an outfit to test how it may move around on your body during the day and adjust the size accordingly. Fit is everything.

5. Mother of reinvention.

Use style as an opportunity to grow and evolve constantly. Getting creative with your outfits is one of the best ways to express yourself to the world, so don’t be afraid of change. You can be anyone you want to be, so why not keep ‘em guessing?

6. Shop smart.

Don’t buy unless you LOVE. No matter the magnitude of the sale, it’s still a waste of money if your new dress stays tucked in the recesses of your closet. Clothes are meant to be worn and loved, so don’t adopt any new friends unless you’re dying to take them out on the town!

7. Tailor me mine.

Dress the body you have, not the one you want. Whatever it takes, your clothes are there to make you look good, so if you have to size up on your pants to accommodate some particularly womanly hips, do it. Tailors exist for a reason. More often than not, there’s room for a tweak here and there. No two bodies are the same—celebrate the one you have.

8. Risky Business.

The best style icons are leaders, not followers. So if the mood strikes you, take the risk. After all, you only live once.

9. “Miss Match.”

Some of the best looks appear effortless—“overmatching” can often make a look feel much too contrived and ruin the whole vibe. It’s best to go with colors that compliment each other, rather than matching everything exactly.

10. Make your own rules.

It all means nothing if you can’t enjoy it in your own way. Save pictures of your favorite style icons, looks from magazines, or anything that strikes you as inspiring. Keep a notebook going and look through it in times when you need to be refreshed and inspired.

Good luck! <3