Style Crush.

Alexa Chung, British model turned MTV television host, just topped Vogue's 2009 Best Dressed list, and I could not agree more! Chung is definitely my style crush this year; she has a clearly defined personal style that is chic and funky. Here are some of my favorite looks on the fashionista herself:

 

Come on, how cute is she?

DIY Cheetah Tote.

Very exciting news! I've been given the opportunity to use my blogging experience and creative juices to help with an awesome company- New York Design Shop. NYDS is the mecca for DIY (Do it Yourself) projects; they have detailed how to guides that show everyday fashionista's how to make runway trends using their products! Their site is not only helpful, but great for girls like me on a college student budget. Take a look at my first project; turning their custom NYDS canvas totes into a rockin' cheetah print bag using Sharpie markers: 

For more pictures and instructions, check out their site! 

A Very Fashionable Christmas.

Merry Xmas! Hope everyone had a great holiday! My day was wonderful; spent with friends and family and of course, with some fabulous presents under the tree. I didn't get the pink pony I had asked for (maybe next year), but I did get some great gifts! Take a peek at some of my fave's: 

Mint Candy Apple nail polish from Essie, can't wait to use!

This to die for book that is just so much fun to look at...

And quite possibly my favorite gift this holiday, this Urban Outfitters gold heart watch, love it!

Hope you had a wonderful holiday, I know I did! 

The Ugg Alternative.

I'm the first to admit there's nothing like getting snuggly on a cold winter day. I would know, I'm the snuggle queen. But let's be honest here, the Ugg is the winter version of the Croc. But it seems today that the Ugg invasion is  coming to a hault with all of the amazing different options of boots seen on the market today, both high end and affordable. I have three pairs of boots that I try and wear before I step foot into the wooly mammoth that is the Ugg boot. Ankle boots, studded rocker-chic boots, and leather riding boots are everywhere, so ladies, trade in your smelly furry Ugg's and get on the boot bandwagon....everyone's doing it. Here are my Ugg Alternatives:

 

This...

made me chuckle. 

Pic via StumbleUpon

Olsenboye.

After catching up on some CocoPerez, I came across a post about the Olsen twins coming out with a line for JC Penney and immediately checked their site. I've gotta say, I'm impressed; everything is really inexpensive but is still playful and trendy. Might have to check it out when I do some Christmas shopping this week. Check out some pieces from their line, called Olsenboye:

Let the Countdown Begin.

Lookin' fab as always, not too sure if I love this poster, a little futuristic for me...can't wait for Sex and the City 2 though! 

Snow Day!

Today we had our first snow day and I'm celebrating full on with some cozy pj's and the new January issue of Marie Claire, with the talented Natalie Portman on the cover. I'm not usually a Marie Claire fan, but when I flipped through her spread I had to get it; she looks flawless. Not to mention she's a Hollywood starlet in her 20's who hasn't been to rehab or graced the cover of Star Magazine with a panty-less limo shot. Refreshing, right? Take a peek at some of the photographs featured in the January issue: 

All about the shoulders.

After many hours of procrastinating finals work with online holiday shopping, I've picked up on a fun new trend- shoulder pads. You're probably thinking Working Girl, very 80's, no way in hell you're going to rock that, but I actually think I kind of like it. Why not accentuate the shoulders? If you got em' flaunt em', right? Here are some of my favorite sexy shoulder looks: 

(Top: Red and White striped shirt, $15.80, Forever 21, Middle: Scoop neck tunic, $38, Urban Outiftters,  Bottom: Shoulders tunic, $38, Urban Outfitters)

What are your thoughts on the new trend? 

Gettin' Crafty.

This past week, my sister and I spent our Thanksgiving evening at Michael's, the crafting mecca...cause what says Thanksgiving like a little DIY project! We bought plain canvas tote bags, some stencils and a few Sharpie's to create individualized bags; an idea we both came across on the blog, P.S. I made this. I customized mine with an "M" patch that was just simply ironed on, and created the pink stripes using a sharpie and some tape.The sharpie fumes have subsided and I can finally enjoy my new tote, wouldn't these make great party favors? Check out the before and after below, and if you like what you see be sure to check out my sisters' final product! 

Get Connected.

I've watched The Hills religiously and I had always fawned over Lauren Conrad's personalized connector ring, but had never seen this style ring in stores anywhere...until now! Forever 21 has a bunch on their site and for $3, I think I can fit them into my recessionista budget. Take a look at Lauren's signature ring, as well as Forever 21's options below:

What do you think about the connector ring trend?

I'm Uncomfortable...

Someone get Momsen a barf bag. 

Look of the Week: Can't get any Brighter.

This past weekend I spent a night visiting a friend at Amherst College, conveniently located just miles from not only an adorable, funky town, but an Urban Outfitters as well. I think I'll be visiting her more frequently after this little find...I'm working on a budget, so after sifting through the overpriced silk tanks, I came across a true gem on the sales rack: a turquoise fitted boyfriend blazer with cuffed sleeve detail. In Love. Rocked this bad boy today with a black tank, skinny jeans, and black and white gingham flats. It'll be great for the holiday season coming up with a skirt and some heels! Now I've really gotta plan an 80's party...take a look!

 

Look of the Week: Holding onto Fall.

The days just seem to be flying by, and I still haven't come to terms with the fact that it's November, partially because I don't want to transition into the fashion that comes with cold weather. I'm still questioning why I didn't go to school in Hawaii. But, before the snow starts to fall, I'm trying to get creative with my wardrobe and mix it up a bit. I decided to pair black tights under my homemade jean short cutoffs; a look I've been seeing around lately and finally tried it out. Take a look at my holding-onto-fall ensemble:

 

Halloween Aftermath.

My 80's diva costume didn't end up making it out this Halloween weekend, and I can't help but feel a little guilty for being an extremely unoriginal referee. But hey, maybe next year. Or do I hear a themed party idea!? Anyways, my roommate Julie made a great handmade costume out of a trip to Michael's and Forever 21 and it turned out very cool. Check out the pics below...and in the meantime, I'll be brainstorming for a better costume next year! 

Today just got SO much better.

I just took a much needed homework break and cruised the internet for a few, only to find some fabulous news! What's my second guiltiest pleasure? The first of course being my love for a good fashion bargain...second being a great beauty purchase. Forever 21  has started their own affordable makeup line called Love and Beauty. I'm counting down the days already...

Happy Halloween!

I'll be celebrating tonight in style...I'm dressing up using clothes out of my closet, and what did I come up with? 80's Diva! Hot pink boyfriend blazer, short polka dotted mini dress...should be interesting! Pics up soon...

Geek Chic.

Is October too early to start a Christmas list? I hope not...because I can't get over these shoes from Urban Outfitters, they're definitely at the top of the list! I've been seeing this style shoe everywhere; including in The City where Olivia Palermo rocked them while trekking through Chinatown, Birken bag in hand; I was sold already! Take a look: 

 

Okay, I might get confused for a professional bowler, or maybe even the captain of the mathletes, but I think these geek chic shoes are quirky and fun...will they be dawning your holiday list this year?

Lazy Sunday.

What's the best way to procrastinate homework on a cold, rainy, Sunday afternoon? With a big fat stack of magazines and some raspberry tea, yum! I recently picked up the latest NYLON magazine, featuring Megan Fox on the cover. Ok, I get it. The girl's hot. But she's got style too...she looks amazing in the spread; very glamour meets grunge, I love the look! Check out some of her looks below:

 

Okay, back to snuggling...

I Want. I Need.

$27 Forever 21 teal ankle boots with a rounded toe!? If only Christmas was sooner...

A Classy Event...Minus the Solo Cups.

What's not to love about a theme party? My Friday night was spent at a 21st birthday party with a roaring 20's theme! It was a great night...and the best part by far were the costumes. All we had to do was throw on some pearls, do a little crafting and we were good to go! Take a look at what we came up with:

(Wearing- A Forever 21 black romper, black belt, Steve Madden heels, Faux Chanel bangle, pearls, and a handmade headband)

The outfit worked great; very 1920's, and the handmade headbands we made were fabulous:

We used store bought elastic headbands, gathered some feathers and rhinestones at the craft store and hot glued them all together. Now off to the thrift store to find a gem for an ugly sweater party! Now those pictures should be interesting!

"I can't spend money on food, but I can on shoes."

Okay, this whole college budget thing isn't going as smoothly as expected. I'm trying to save money but haven't really succeeded...especially today, being that I bought these amazing black heels at T.J. Maxx. But there's a catch- I needed black shoes for a black and white birthday party I'm attending tonight, so they're kind of like a necessity, right? My parents and my bank account might disagree. Anyways, I'm off to decide on an outfit, but here's a shot of my $30 new loves:

Oh, and my bright yellow nail polish will indeed be sticking out of that peep toe. Love it. 

Look of the Week: Channeling my Inner Boho Chic.

Lying in bed with the cold all week, I snuggled up with the September issue of Marie Claire, with the always stylish Ashley Olsen on the cover. She looked flawless; she had a sophisticated, romantic, feminine feel in the spread, and for the Look of the Week, I decided to get inspired from the Olsen twins boho look. I just picked up this great bat wing champagne colored shirt for...get this...$7 at T.J. Maxx. It's super flowy and can be worn so many different ways; with a belt cinched at the waist, off the shoulder as I did today or like an oversized tee. I couldn't decide if the shape would make me look like a crazy bag lady...but for $7 I had to take it home and try it out. Here's a peek at the final look:  

(Wearing: TJ Maxx shirt, Target leggings, Forever 21 boots, assorted bangles and to add an even more bohemian look, added braids to my updo bun)

I think I need this.

$13 from Lulu's. I'm seriously considering buying this ring...who needs money for food when you've got this bad boy?

"I am SO blogging this."

Seriously lacking on the posts lately, I know. But the last week has been spent doing massive amounts of reading (who knew junior year would be so hard?), getting accustomed to cafeteria food again, and not gonna lie, the occasional power hour. I just received a wonderful care package from my sister with the September issue of Marie Claire, and this to die for tank:

You know you love it.

And the best part of my junior year so far? Living with ten girls; more importantly, ten closets. It's like summer camp, only better. 

A little procrastination.

I'm officially leaving for school tomorrow, which means for the third time this summer I must pack my life up and move, which I'm not looking forward to in the least. So what did I come up with on this rainy Saturday to do instead? Go see an afternoon showing of the much talked about The September issue, a documentary following Anna Wintour and the making of the fashion world's  bible. Let you know what I think...

Not Buyin' It.

Having spent many hours reading magazines on the beach recently, I have noticed some fall trends I'm still not so sure about, similar to how I felt about the maxi dresses this summer. I couldn't decide whether they were brillant or irritating, and I've decided as this summer is approaching its end that they were indeed, irritating. While I can do without a few questionable trends, there are definitely some that stuck out and I'm hoping are here to stay. Here's a peek at what trends I think are hot (The looks I hope to be rockin', if my college student budget allows me), and some that are not (still haven't wrapped my head around them). 

Hot:

• Military Jackets- love, love, love! This is a huge trend this fall and stores like Marshall's, Target, and Forever 21 have made it super easy to catch onto...Whether you can find them in faux leather or cotton, these cropped jackets made any outfit just a little bit edgier. 
• The 80's look is definitely coming back; through loud, bold, makeup and structured boyfriend blazers. Throw on a boyfriend blazer and some hot pink lipstick and you're good to go...but be careful. Don't go overkill with a side ponytail and leg warmers. Less is definitely more in this case.
• In the past year or so, the beauty world has definitely made changes in terms of nail polish. Nails aren't just for girly pinks and sexy reds anymore; people have become so daring in their nail polish choices. Whether it's neon, darker shades, or matte greens, pretty much any color in the book is acceptable now, which adds a little bit of fun to your everyday wardrobe. I'm currently sporting electric blue!
• And finally, the Blair Waldorf look is still in. So don't pack away your flower headbands quite yet because the feminine look (ok, maybe a little bitchy too) is here to stay this fall.

Not:

• Flannel- Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of flannel and with the large assortment of bright colors they are offered in, I definitely see their catch. But, I think it's a little overkill. Take a look at Delia's website and it's pretty much all flannel, a little too much for my likings, but unfortunately we will be seeing a lot of it this season. 
• Legging Jeans- Ok, I know leggings are still in this season but now we're making faux denim out of leggings? As if denim wasn't comfortable enough...It seems a little odd to me, because they don't look like jeans, they look like leggings with pockets. And now Rihanna's wearing them, so I'm sure Forever 21 is mass producing them as I speak. 
• Harem Pants- These have been around for a while and I don't really grasp it, they're unflattering, unless of course you're Lindsay Lohan. 
• Printed Leggings- Black leggings? Fine by me. Leopard and plaid leggings? I don't think so.

Ok, I've officially vented my fall fashion frustrations. What are you not so hot over? 

Look of the Week: Back to School!

A long week of work is over and I finally had some time to think about what I'll be wearing for back to school...which happens to be only six days away! Went to the mall today and as usual picked up some great Forever 21 finds (aka I need to stop shopping)! Take a peek at my favorite fall looks so far:

 

Wearing: A dress from Forever 21 that I just picked up, I love it! It's super comfortable and I can dress it down with a pair of flip flips and a fedora or dress it up as I did here with my grey ankle boots...I can't wait to wear this dress out!

Wearing: Charlotte Russe slouchy hat, Forever 21 floral racerbank tank (florals are everywhere this season!), vintage tan belt, and ankle zip skinny jeans...a casual, yet feminine look.

Wearing: Forever 21 fedora and silk floral tank, vintage navy blazer, Seven denim cutoff shorts, and Forever 21 slouchy boots; probably my favorite look, as I channel my inner rocker chick. Pretty badass, right?

Wearing: Forever 21 black and white graphic hoodie, flannel stolen from my boyfriend's laundry basket(shh!), and Target leggings with button detail on the ankle...I'm going to need to bundle up before I know it at school, so I purchased this hoodie today, a really great layering piece! 

What's your first day of school outfit? Come on, you know you've thought about it.

Ahh, so this is what heaven feels like...

I almost forgot that tonight was the season premiere of my all time favorite show, Project Runway! Good thing I didn't forget, because I am currently snuggled up on the couch watching the fabulousness that is Heidi Klum while also reading the "bible", aka the five pound September issue of Vogue that is finally out! Anyways, check the show out if you haven't already, its a-mazing! Oh how I've missed you Tim Gunn...

Look of the Week: It's too freakin' hot to wear anything but this...

It's been a busy week full of work and trying not to melt in this heat...so my look for today had to be something work appropriate (I work in a yoga studio so almost anything goes) yet functional, so I paired a $5 Forever 21 tank with a grey American Apparel skirt, vintage belt and some silver necklaces. Check out the bag I've been pairing everything with lately:

This bag, also from Forever 21, doesn't disapoint; it's big enough for work and school but still is fashionable enough to make a statement. Mmm, I love a good handbag...

Once my hectic work week is over with I'm super excited to go through all my clothes and pick out fall back to school outfits (Totally dorky, I know, but you know you wanna do it too), so come back soon to see what I've come up with. In the meantime, time to turn up the AC...