A New Year A New Perspective!

 It’s the last friday of the year which is bitter-sweet. I am looking back on the year and reflecting on the things that I’ve accomplished and have yet to do. My resolution aren’t specific goals but are more general goals. I hope to be more optimistic and to be instinctive. I feel that this will be conducive to my productivity and will make me happier. Honestly, I didn’t do too much this past year. I feel like a bit of a slacker so next year I’m turning it up a few notches and plan to “seize the day”. 

What are your resolutions?

And btw, I hope you all have a great New Year’s eve. Be safe!

 (Sweater: Vintage, Shirt: Marshalls, Jeans: American Eagle, Booties: Purchased in NY)

Operation: Beat the Freeze

Today’s objective was to stay warm. Thus, I’m wearing my striped wool sweater, corduroy pants, and scarf. I decided to clothe myself in warm and soft items. Why no socks? I don’t know. My loafers fit better without them.

 

(Sweater: Gap, Pants: Filene‘s Basement, Shoes: Payless, Scarf Gifted (from  Chico’s)

Glitz and Glam

Maybelline

 Be sure to check out Maybelline’s 2012 calendar. It’s packed with makeup inspiration. Each month unveils a super bold, sexy, and creative style.  Shiny and glittery pouts, lux lashes and colorful blushes – are all ways to breathe new life into your daily makeup routine with the help of Maybelline. I’m taking notes on how to recreate these looks at home.

Stella McCartney Hawaiian Spring Collection

In the past I hadn’t been a fan of Hawaiian prints but this isn’t your normal Hawaiian garb. These styles have appeal because they are modern and fresh. The tunics and harem pants are items that you’d find in any collection but the island flare puts them in a league of their own. Bursts of color and clean lines make this collection sensational. I can definitely see myself wearing these anywhere hot and  sunny.

Cute Hair

I have to start by saying that I idolize and adore Gwen Stefani. She is a fashion pioneer, gutsy and demure. Her trademark glam rock style sets her apart from her peers. This hairstyle is another sensation out her fashion cupboard. I like that it’s whimsical and elegant at once. The high knot is appropriate for a night out or a day at work.  It’s also simple to create and will continue to look  great after a long day or night.  You can also add hair pins or clips to amplify the style.

Pleasing to the Eye

H& M – Spring Looks

The colors put me under a trance. I like the classic designs matched with great colors. I know that some people find black and gray to be the most flattering colors but I like colors that  warm up your skin tone. Blazers, shorts, billowy tops, and floral prints will reign supreme this Spring in their collection.

Feather Mani

These are some funky nails. I haven’t seen anything like it before. This looks easy enough for me to pull off without goofing up. I guess feathers are in. I always see the feather extensions in the store but I’m too scared to buy them. If I do buy them and don’t like them I can use them on my nails…Waste not, want not.  

Earring Cuffs

As seen in the Zoe Report, these earring cuffs are neat and extremely affordable. You can buy them here. They give the look of multiple piercings but there is no pain.  I like the idea of being able to put them on when I’m feeling like a punk or daring and then getting rid of them when I’m not in the mood.

Steve Madden Shoes – Resort Collection

Lately, I’ve been crushing on cute shoes. These are no exception. I’m big on heels. I think they look glam and they dress up any outfit. These are fun sandals for a winter getaway. I have seen women wearing sandals with tights lately. If it’s not too cold or wet out this could be a good look to consider.

Living In Color

As a girl I loved pink. I was obsessed with everything pink. Wearing it gave me such pleasure.  But people began to whisper about us. They were unable to accept what we had. My obsession grew out of control and I had to end my tawdry affair with the color.  It’s been a few years and somehow it has managed to creep back into my life. I never stopped loving it just because I didn’t wear it. Wearing it now makes me feel nostalgic. I am wiser and older hopefully I don’t let it rule my life again. I’ll proceed with caution. But I must confess that wearing pink has never felt so good.

(Sweater and Pants: H&M, Shirt: Marshalls, Boots: Timberland)

Have A Rockin’ New Year’s Eve

Have A Rockin' New Years Eve

Sam Edelman leopard print pumps
$206 - my-wardrobe.com

Zara genuine leather handbag
$100 - zara.com

Mesh jewelry
$20 - bakersshoes.com

Forever21 spike jewelry
$13 - forever21.com

Black rhinestone jewelry
$13 - windsorstore.com

ASOS spike jewelry
$27 - asos.com

 

 

Sad News and Good Buys

Bye-bye Sears and Kmart

You probably already know by now, that Sears and Kmart are set to close over a hundred stores. This is due to years of declining sales since 2005 when the companies merged. As of December 23, Sears had a reported $483 million in outstanding borrowings. This is sad news because (to me) Sears and Kmart  looked out for the consumers that didn’t have deep pockets by offering lay-away plans and lower prices. We still have Target and Wal-Mart which are major corporations faring well in the current economy, but will we see the same thing happen to these companies as well?

DVF Shoes

On a sweeter note, here is the newest collection of shoes from Diane von Furstenberg’s Cruise/ Pre Spring collection. Shoes always put me in a good mood. We all want to step into the New Year on the right foot. It does bum me out to see pre-spring collections in the winter but it also gives me something to look forward to. I can start saving to buy this adorable footwear for the warmer months. I like the nude tones and the subtle streaks of bright colors. I also like that the collection offers styles of both comfort and style. I hate when a collection is one-dimensional and doesn’t offer variety.   

Ultra Lashes

Even when I’m rushing to get out the door, I can not skimp on the mascara. Without it I feel naked. Dionne Phillips has released the easy to apply and durable D’Lashes lash kit. Now you too can have stunning eyelashes like the celebrities. The great thing about this kit is that you can opt for 2 different types of lashes; either a soft and natural look or a more dramatic thicker look. At $65 the kit might be a little pricey but is promises to be worth it.

And the Winner Is…

I almost forgot….the winner of the Ellen Tracey manicure kit is k Elizabeth. Email me: brimahunt@yahoo.com.

Merry Berry

 Elated from my holiday festivities, I wore this Christmas infused look. I had such a great time with my family, reminiscing, eating and being merry. I saw this outfit on Refinery 29. I thought it was so cute. I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t think to create this look on my own. I really like the satin bottom of my dress. It made the overall feel of my outfit festive.

If you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas, you can always swap. Go to swap.com to swap your unwanted holiday swag and to see what goods there are available to acquire.


(Dress: H&M, Vest: Buffalo Exchange, Boots: Marshalls)

Gangsta Grills

Renown fashion plate Rihanna, is trendsetting again with her new gold grill. She’s the latest star choosing to sport mouth bling. Luckily, this mouth jewelry is not permanent.

Grills can be bad for your health.

The ADA has warned that grills can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Bacteria can also accumulate under a grill worn over a long period of time. Additionally, gum disease and cavities can be a result of wearing of a grill.

Is this a style that you can imagine pining over?

Rihanna is known for daring style choices but do you think this is a style blunder for the young pop star?

Expecting and the Unexpected

Here is a fearless Beyoncé Knowles rocking leopard leggings. I guess you can’t let being pregnant stand in the way of looking gorgeous. Jessica Simpson is also making a statement with her fashion choices while pregnant these days that still oozes sex appeal. I think even Mariah Carey dared to wear her trademark stilettos while pregnant.

Do you see anything wrong with these ladies still trying to look hot while in their fragile state?