{Peplum: c/o H&M (similar). Earrings: c/o H&M. Skirt: Ann Taylor (similar). Shoes: Lanvin for H&M}
Confession: Sometimes I kinda miss going into the office. I use the word “kinda” pretty loosely since I absolutely love working from home and the freedom I have right now. But every once in awhile, I want to get dolled up. Great heels, a smart pencil skirt and some trendy accessories are all a gal really needs. My work ensemble typically consists of leggings or the occasional jeans and blazers (again, soooo not complaining) so there’s hardly ever a need to dress up more than that. But this season’s pretty peplums look great styled with pencil skirts which brought me back to office days. It’s a great way to look styled, professional and feminine, without looking like you’re trying too hard.
{Celebrated the purchase of our new home with some bubbles}
{Started planning our renos for said new home thanks to some inspiration from Pinterest.}
I had the pleasure of hosting the “Beauty 2013″ event at Neiman Marcus Scottsdale Fashion Square where 6 makeup brands (Bobbi Brown, Chantecaille, Cle de Peau Beaute, Dior, Lancome and defending champions, Trish McEvoy) all competed to show off their interpretation of the Spring 2013 face. The artists created some absolutely beautiful looks! From a sea-inspired eye by Lancome to a pretty-in-pink eye and lipstick look from Dior, there were tons of gorgeous spring faces to choose from. Ultimately, I ended up choosing Chantecaille as the winner; the look created featured a fresh, pink lip and natural-looking eye which I felt not only channeled spring but was the most wearable and approachable look, too.
The big news of the week has been us finally closing on our new house! It is going to be a HUGE project since we are gutting and renovating the whole thing but it should be pretty exciting. Stay tuned for some Before/After photos and if you have any home renovation/style tips to send my way, feel free!
Remember Dooney & Burke? Which made way to Coach which made way to Juicy Couture and now Michael Kors…EVERYWHERE! Now don’t get mad, I like Michael Kors. I like it very much so. But it’s totally the new everyone-has-to-have-it-lemming-Coach-bag. Which makes me sad. So I hope I’m wrong. But even Bloomberg is talking about Michael Kors taking on Coach. So there you have it folks.
And speaking of 2001 trends…remember the Tiffany & Co. heart bracelets? Apparently those are the new Pandora charm bracelets. I never knew what the heck Pandora charm bracelets even were until about a year ago. Then again, “charm” and “bracelet” are just two words that when used together, totally make me shudder.
Pairing your Christian Louboutins with a dress from Bebe does not a fashionable outfit make. You are not fooling anyone. And, you are a label whore. This seems to be a very rampant Scottsdale style problem. Apparently, Loubs+Bebe are the new 7 for all Mankind jeans+pointy-toed heels look that was oh-so-trendy in the mid-2000s. You are a walking clone, not a fashion statement. And the excessively high heels with an excessively short hemline is downright slutty.
MK and Ashley: who, exactly, are you trying to kid with this $55,000 purse? It’s got pills on it. And it’s ugly. A Birkin is obviously a far better investment.
Leggings are on their death bed. I’m wearing some as I type this so maybe I’m a hypocrite. But just because it’s happening doesn’t mean I like it. They’re overdone. And although they’re comfy and oh-so-easy to just throw on, trust me when I say they’re on death row.
Every season, I try and make a list of a few things to pick up as my new essentials. Multiple reasons:
1. I’m not made out of money and can’t really afford to go buy a completely new wardrobe full of all the hottest trends every few months. And (even if I was money bags) it’s really just not necessary.
2. There’s nothing like investing in a few good, go-to pieces.
This fall, I was after a good three: Fabulous boots that are stylish and comfortable (plus, they go with almost everything), leather leggings, because I am so obsessed with the leather trend and a nice light cardigan. To be honest, it really means multiple nice light cardigans as when you live in the desert, layering is an absolute must. I managed to work all three into this outfit and it’s such an easy way to look put together and still practical to run around town in.
What are some of your fashion must-haves this fall?
It’s hot out, is it still summer? Well, not quite. But at 91 degrees in November, it certainly can make us style and season confused.
I’ve got my a/c cranked so I can write from home in my leggings, but stepping outside right about now in my fall fashion would surely make me sweat. Want to transition to fall fashion, without looking like a displaced winter weirdo? Here’s a few fun finds you can work into your wardrobe, now.
1. Merona Yellow Felt Cloche, Target.I picked up this hat over the weekend, as accessories are one of the easiest ways to embrace fall, without breaking the bank or melting away. Swap out your summer hats for cute cloche hats, fedoras and floppys in fall colors.
2. Fringe Scrunch Scarf with Ruffled Edge. Just like with hats, swapping out your summer scarves for those of the winter variety is an easy fix. Jewel tones and sparkle are some of the hottest trends this season.
4. H&M Faux Fur Vest.All-out fur isn’t exactly practical here, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with some trim with a nice fur vest or fur-trimmed jacket. If you like this vest, don’t forget to enter to win a $100 shopping spree to H&M!
5. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté. Changing up your beauty look is another easy way to embrace the fall season, no matter what the temps are outside. A pretty red pout is a hot trend this season. Not to mention, sexy as hell.
6. Dolce Vita Mesh Booties. It hasn’t been cold enough for me to be able to wear full-on boots yet, but that doesn’t stop me from bringing out the booties. An open-toe pair like this will take you right into fall with flair.
East Valley gals, you are in luck! H&M, one of my favorite places to shop runway-ready looks at super affordable prices, is opening up a location at Chandler Fashion Center this Thursday, November 8. The best part is, to celebrate the opening I’ll be giving away THREE $100 gift cards to three lucky StyleSizzle readers! So you can snap up looks like:
…and much more!
Entering to win is easy. Just leave a comment below telling me what you LOVE about H&M. Want some extra entries? See below! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don’t forget to pop by and see me at the Chandler Fashion Center H&M opening this Thursday, November 8! Doors open at noon, but the mall will open earlier for those that are ready to line up to get first access!
I kicked off the weekend by hitting the fashion social circuit. Event season is in full swing and it was nice to get out and about again. Our first stop had me ogling at these beautiful baubles at Cusp by Neiman Marcus.
Then, we popped by one of my favorite Scottsdale boutiques, Amy Inc. who just moved into a new location a few doors down at The Mix Shops and threw a two-day grand opening soiree.
{And then, there was Prada….} {That’s me with the lovely & talented ladies, Jan of J. Lauren PR and Cynthia of Fabulous Arizona}
Unsurprisingly, the Prada party was quite fabulous. There was plenty of fashion to lust after, interesting cocktails, new bags that I must have and models bringing us bubbles and bites.
This fall, green is apparently the power color. And although green isn’t one of my favorite colors, I can see why it’s become the shade of chic for fall. Case in point, this Stuart Weitzman pony hair beauty. Its chain handle lends it a delicate, classic touch. Its size is perfect for work and beyond, and the green pony hair screams “look at me”. Don’t be surprised if you see this stunner in some fall outfit posts, too.
What fall fashion trends are you most looking forward to?
We had our tasting for our rehearsal dinner at the Millenium Scottsdale. Their Executive Chef has a special menu in mind for our guests!
We started our dance classes. It’s been fun and they even get me a skirt to practice having that extra weight and fabric.
I got to meet with my florist, Shelli at Community Florist, who brought along some beautiful bases for me to choose from for our centerpieces. Luckily, she found one that’s just perfect and I’ll be the first bride to use it! It’s all crystal, tall, elegant and really quite stunning.
Speaking of shiny, sparkly things, on my quest for the perfect pair of wedding earrings, I stumbled upon Scottsdale Marketplace. How had I never seen this place before? Stay tuned for much more on that adventure later.
A few weeks ago, I had a reader email me asking how an AZ gal can wear a summer scarf when it’s a billion degrees out. She asked if I wear them out and just get stared at like a crazy person or if there is a secret to pulling off the look. My answer: yes and yes!
First, it comes down to the actual scarf. Choose something light and breezy, like this sheer orange scarf. Anything knit or thick is just too heavy for the summer months and best reserved for the fall.
Look for a scarf that’s proportionate to your size; the scarf shouldn’t look like it’s swallowing you! Bright colors and silky fabrics are also great for the summer months.
The way you tie your scarf in the summer is also key. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to tie that scarf, check out this video below that shows 25 ways to tie a scarf…in 4.5 minutes! But, take note: some of these styles are best reserved for fall. You wouldn’t be tying your scarf like a turtleneck or have a big thick knot in the summer months. Think: loose and easy, breezy styles.
Do you wear summer scarves? What do you think of the trend?
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