Never Say Never

When a lace up dress came across my desk at work a few months ago, my immediate reaction was "never," but now I'm trying to decide which one I want to buy. All it took was a little time for me to warm up to this trend, and I was sold. I've been told to keep an open mind when it comes to various different aspects of life, and I definitely think this can be applied to the world of fashion as well. You probably won't see anyone walking down the street wearing some of the bizarre styles seen on the runways, but you are likely to see people wearing more muted and practical variations of those styles. It just takes a little time for it to "trickle down" and make its way into the hearts of young fashionistas everywhere. Never say never, or you may end up missing out on something great. xoxo

A New Year's Thought

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I hope tonight finds you surrounded by family and friends, champagne, and lots of excitement to ring in 2016.

When I first read this quote, I started to reflect on the past year of my life. 2015 was a year of transition for me, both exciting and very scary at the same time. I graduated with a degree in retail from the University of Wisconsin, moved to a new city, and started my first full time job as an assistant buyer for a major retailer. It was unbelievably hard leaving my best friends and the city that has given me so many memories to cherish (Madison will always have a piece of my heart), but it was time to start the next chapter of my life. I don't think I could have maintained the courage to do all of this without the support of my amazing family and friends along the way! I'm so grateful to have them in my life, so if you guys are reading this, thank you for everything you do!

I'm now looking forward to 2016 with much curiosity and excitement to see everything that it brings. Cheers to the endless possibilities!

What's Not to Love?

I think Amy Adams has it right. With a great work ethic and similar love for awesome shoes, what's not to love about Cinderella? I do have to wonder how she lasted so long at the ball wearing glass slippers (I'm not sure how one even attempts to walk in a pair of glass shoes), but hey, more power to her. And speaking of great shoes, Boston Store and Macy's both started their Friends & Family events this week, which means there's a 25% off coupon out there that can be used on designer shoes that rarely go on sale. Happy shoe shopping, loves!

Gratitude is Priceless

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! What are you thankful for today (and every day)? I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for my amazing family and friends, who support me and cheer me on in everything I do, including starting this blog! Find those people in your life, and make sure to let them know how truly valued they are!

A few other fun things I'm thankful for:

1. Pinot Noir, for helping me keep my sanity in tact.

2. FaceTime, so I can laugh with my best friends when we're 1,000 miles apart.

3. Justin Bieber's performance at the 2015 AMA's. 

Sparkle On, Lovelies

It's that time of year again; the holidays are just around the corner, and the thought of trying to figure out what to wear for the upcoming flood of parties and family gatherings can be stressful. Well, I'm going to go ahead and say that sequins should be playing a major part of your wardrobe this holiday season. Whether it's a small sequin accent or full on sequin-covered garment, I encourage all of you to add some sparkle to your life. Since these pieces are typically only worn a couple times though, I suggest looking to stores like H&M, Forever 21 and Express to "sparkle up" your wardrobe, since they'll be a little easier on your wallet. Sequin leggings, midi skirts and tops are no stranger to these trend-focused stores, and you'll be sure to find something that fits your personal holiday style, as well as your budget. Sparkle on, lovelies!

The Real Fashion Show

This is a great quote from Bill Cunningham. For those of you who may not know who he is, I recommend following his life and work; it is truly fascinating. I was first introduced to his character while watching the documentary, Bill Cunningham New York, in my product development class at the University of Wisconsin. The documentary detailed his life as a fashion photographer on the streets of New York, describing his life in general, as well as his knack for catching awesome photos of the personal style and fashion of New Yorkers (along with the occasional celebrity shot). Many of Cunningham's photos have been published on the New York Times website (link below), where he creates short videos explaining the fashion trends he is currently seeing on the streets. Watching a few of these videos will validate this quote a thousand times over. Whether it's trends that are beginning to recycle themselves from earlier decades, or trends that embody the "trickle up" theory (emerge in the streets and are later adopted by designers, such as the t-shirt), you will see that the best fashion show start on the streets, showcasing how each individual expresses their personal style. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to be "spotted" next. 

http://www.nytimes.com/video/on-the-street

Fashion is a Reflection of Your Life

This is such a great quote from Pharrell Williams, not only because it speaks to the point that fashion should be realistic, but also that it can change based on what you are personally feeling. In a sense, I believe that this is really talking about style, since style is so unique to each individual. For me, I definitely have my core style that will never change, but my mood each morning is what really determines the feel of my final outfit choices, and what kind of vibe I will give off each day. Some days I lean very feminine, with pastel color palettes and floral patterns, while other days I feel a little more edgy, and decide on blacks and greys with leather accents. We, and our fashion choices, just like the world around us, are always changing.

"Accessories Are an Exclamation Point"

This is such a relatable quote from my favorite watch and handbag designer of the moment, Michael Kors. Great accessories can take an outfit from an 8 to a 12.5, whether it's a brightly colored statement necklace, a menswear-inspired watch or that perfect clutch for a night out. Oh, and shoes; don't forget great shoes! I personally wear the same watch and three rings every day. These are my staples, and I feel naked when I forget to put them on in the morning. From there, I play around with layering different necklaces together, and finding that perfect pair of shoes to complete my outfit. If you're in need of some new accessories to freshen up your look, a great place to start is Charming Charlie. The store is organized by color, which can either make for a very short trip if you know what you want, or a great time-waster when you're bored on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Take some inspiration from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and go "frost yourself."