FASHION: [versatility | styling tip #4]

• Tip #4:

Being versatile saves money and gives you options!
Most people buy their clothes and only see it the one was that it's shown. I guess this can also fall in the line of Tip #3: Layering. Because depending on how you decided to layer your outfit together, it can dress it up and/or dress it down, kind of like Tip #2: accessories. All the layering and accessories kind of go hand-in-hand on if you're dressing up or down your outfit.

A great example was when i was trying to figure out what to wear to my brother-in-law's wedding. I knew I wanted to wear a long dress being that it was during a cold winter/rainy month but i didn't want to look to formal. I had had my eye on this Lazaro dress for a while and i think i was just trying to find an excuse to finally buy it and wear it. So to dress it down i decided to add a long dark brown cardigan belted along with thick pearls to accent it. Now i just need to find an event to wear the Lazaro dress in all it's glory. ha! Don't you just love the back of the dress?? I sure do!
Below are before and after images.

[right: Lazaro dress alone. left: me at my brother-in-law's wedding dressing down the lazaro dress]

In most cases personal, I'm more likely to dress something down rather than up being that I'm usually not going to too many dressy event and all. But to dress up an outfit, that depends on the accessories (shoes, jewelry, clutch etc.).

Being versatile doesn't only refer to dressing an outfit up or down. I'm also referring to how you pair things up in general. You can get more outfits out of one item than you think. For example, I have this floral sheer DVF shirt dress that i also convert into a top. Sometimes i add a skirt over it,other times I'll feel like tucking it into shorts or pants. That of course is on top of wearing it as a dress with a cardigan along with belting it and black sheer tights and a pair of booties to top it off.

I Guess what I'm trying to say is, try opening up your mind to how you put an outfit together. Sometimes outfits can be made from things you'd never think of and in multiple ways. Don't be cookie-cutter, explore. Just remember whatever you decide to wear, own it and be you!

Until next time.
xoxo
best,
j

ACCESSORIES: [mens | tie pins]

I know that most of my post are typically geared towards the ladies but today's post is for the men.

It's always sexy when a guy looks like he knows how to dress. Notice how I said "looks like". It doesn't matter how you end up in the outfit, it could be a girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, friend and/or stylist that dressed you, as long as you look put together that's all that matters and in the end its all about the accessories (Tip #2).

I styled a photo shoot this past weekend for my good friends at Krista Mason Photography and i didn't realize until then how much I love men's tie-pins (I used Gentry's Carraway tie-pin from their Fitzgerald collection - Gentry Carraway jewelry collection photoed on the left, click to enlarge). Don't get me wrong, I still love me a good tie-bar on a guy but the simplicity of a tie-pin... i die for!

Most guys might hear accessories and/or jewelry and run when it comes to adding them to their outfit and if you are one of those guys you should seriously reconsider your stereotype of it. Just like it does for the ladies, Accessories give an outfit that finishing touch.

For example, check out the image below taken from Gentry's F/W 2010 lookbook.
It gives a little hint of style and character that some might not even notice right away and I love that!

If you haven't already gone over to Gentry to check out their amazing pieces you should do so now. Their love for the details makes me love them even more. Right now Gentry only sells their tie-pins via their box sets but that shouldn't stop you from getting the whole set because all of their pieces will give you that polished finished look that all men need. You know that saying "dress to impress!"?! live by it!

Until next time.
xoxo
Best,
j

FASHION: [layering | styling tip #3]

• Tip #3:

Layering adds character!


I love layering. I might be a little bias because of where i grew up. We had cold winter days and freezing winter nights. Definitely not like the winters i get now down in Southern California.

When you grow up in cold weather you tend to learn how to layer in order to survive. Especially for someone like me who gets cold easily, I needed to be able to have enough layers on to keep warm outside and be able to adjust the layers while inside. And somehow this stuck and grew into my over all personal style.

Now days I still get cold easily but instead of layering for survival, I layer to add character to my outfits. For example, most will wear and shirt and then a jacket or heavy sweater... but me, I'll add a cardigan in between and sometimes on top of all that i might add a coat. It won't always work, as with anything it all depends on the outfit and the items you're trying to pair together. Check out my Polyvore sets for examples of my layering.

Especially now that it's winter, it's a great time to try layering. Of course layering might not be for everyone, just fallow your own personal style and work off that. It can never hurt to try new things. In the end, just be yourself.

Until next time!
xoxo
Best,
j

FASHION: [lanvin + h&m | collaboration]

For those that have been fallowing my blog, you already will know that I've been a huge fan of Lanvin for years now. So you can only image how excited i was when i heard back in September that Lanvin was the next designers to do a collaboration with H&M. Which was released on Saturday, November 20th, 2010. I think it's great when high-end designers and affordable brands join together to create a collection that more people are able to purchase.

And as much as i love this concept there are a few down falls that I've personally come across. In most of the collaboration collections so far i haven't really fallen in love with any of them. At most i'd like one or two items if that from each collection, that is until now! I might be bias but this is by far my favorite collaboration collection ever! Plus i believe this was the first collaboration to include a men's collection. Another down fall with most of these types of collections is usually the quality but surprisingly the Lanvin collection for H&M's quality is actually pretty decent. I can't wait to see how H&M is going to top this collaboration.


Here are a few of my favorites from the Lanvin for H&M collection:




On top of Lanvin and H&M creating a collection for the masses, Artistic Director Alber Elbaz of Lanvin has customized unique haute couture looks from the Lanvin for H&M collection. The looks were revealed at a fashion show in New York and are now being auctioned exclusively at this site. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to UNICEF, as part of H&M’s “All for Children” project.

Bid for Haute Couture looks customized from the Lanvin for H&M collection.
Don’t miss your chance to own a unique piece of the Haute Couture collection from Lanvin for H&M. Bidding closes at 11:59 PM CET on November 26th.

Five of Mr. Alber Elbaz’s original and signed sketches are also included in this auction.

All the looks are super cute and i wish i could have them all. but one of my favorites is the using the Lanvin for H&M's garment bag and making it into a dress (photoed on the right). I would definitely wear it, i might just have to transform my Lanvin for H&M garment bag into this cute dress. whats your favorite Lanvin for H&M Haute Couture look?

until next time...
xoxo

j

ps. thank you to my wonderful family and friend who helped me get my hands on the collection. i was unable to do so myself because of family obligations. i heart you guys!

BEAUTY: [covergirl outlast lipcolor | review]

Most of you that know me, know that my go-to lip color is natural/nude. I'm just not that type of girl that likes to reapply make-up and when you wear dark lip color you have to keep reapplying unless you want to walk around with a pink/red stained lip. I don't know about you, but that's not exactly the look I'm going for. So the other day i decided to try the Covergirl Outlast all-day lipcolor in burgundy. What's better than having lipcolor that lasts all day, right?!

Well there's a few things you should know before applying the Covergirl Outlast all-day lipcolor. Don't try using any other lip liner besides the ones in the Covergirl Outlast line. If you do, the lipcolor will eventually ball up and peel off. Also, to apply, apply a light even coat of the lipcolor first, let dry and then apply again for a second coat. Be sure not to over apply the lipcolor, it will clump and flake off if you do.

Over all this product works great. It does exactly what it says it will. The only downside is that with the lipcolor on your lips feel dry even when you have the moisturizing topcoat and lipgloss on. Also be sure to reapply the moisturizing topcoat and lipgloss every so often, if the lips get dried out the lipcolor will flake off.

Would i use it again?! Definitely, i just have to get used to the reapplying of the topcoat/lip gloss and the feeling of the dry lips. Oh and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that when you take the lipcolor off with make-up remover your lips aren't color stained at all... that's definitely a plus in my book.

FASHION: [accessories | styling tip #2]

• Tip #2:

It's all about the accessories!
Your outfit won't look complete without the accessories. The way you accessorize can either dress up an outfit, dress it down and if you're not careful it can also ruin an outfit all together.

When it comes to accessorizing, remember the phrase "less is more" and/or "simplicity is key". Here are a few simple rules when it comes to accessorizing: Never wear earrings, a necklace(s), and bracelets all at one time. If you want to wear earrings go with a bracelet(s). If you want to wear a chunky necklace pair it with a cocktail ring and if you want you don't always have to pair them up with another accessory. Some times being extra simple can be best. Keep in mind like i said in Styling Tip #1, there's SOME exceptions to every rule. For example, if you're wearing a dainty/simple pendant necklace (like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Shopbop.com) you're able to pair it with a bracelet(s) because the necklace isn't over powering.

One of the most important accessory to any outfit are the shoes because it sets the tone of the whole outfit. Flat boots to dress it down, heeled boots to dress it up, strappy heels to feel fancy or pumps to make it classic. Shoes are actually one of the accessories I don't think you necessarily have to spend a lot of money on. With so many shoe companies out there creating knock-offs it's not hard to find shoes that look great for less. Just remember to pay a little for something that looks like it would cost a lot more and also keep in mind the higher the heel the nice your legs will look. If you do have some money to spare, it definitely wouldn't hurt to spend money on classic staples, you can never go wrong with a black pump. Like these Christian Louboutin Rolando pumps.

And for the guys, more of you should start looking into more men's accessories like watches, shoes, and even ties clips, neckties, pocket squares like the ones by Gentry. Accessories aren't just for women you know?! Go for it. Add some character and style to your everyday look.



Until next time!
xoxo,
J

FASHION: [cost | styling tip #1]

Style some would say is subjective and in a way I would have to agree with this statement. But i do think there is always a stylish way to wearing anything and this is my 1st tip on styling.

• Tip #1:

Looking well put together has nothing to do with how much an outfit cost.
this is probably one of the most common misconceptions about being stylish. How much you spend on your clothes and/or what brand you're wearing doesn't automatically mark you fashionable. You can still look like a "million bucks" without spending a million bucks and you can look like a hot mess even when you do. Style is all in how will you can put the clothing and accessories together.

My husband and i aren't rich and haven't won the lotto (yet!), so one of the #1 key rules I live by when it comes to putting outfits together is being able to mix a few key pieces that may cost a little more money and match them up with pieces that are more on the cheaper side, like from Target (my favorite store), H&M, Zara and even Forever 21.

Certain key items I personally think needs to have the quality/details and in most cases that mean spending more money on these items. For instance, I personally think that you always have to have a good pair of jeans and a nice bag/purse. If you're wearing a bad pair of jeans (which normally mean the fabric is cheap and the fit is horrible) added with a cheap looking bag, it doesn't matter how nice your top, jacket and/or accessories are it's a recipe for disaster. But of course there's always SOME exceptions to every rule, so I'm not saying this is the case all the time.. but most.

Tops, Jackets and Accessories (costume jewelry, shoes, etc.) are always easier to find at the cheaper stores. You just have to know what to look for. Make sure you're not picking out something that looks cheap even though it is. Always try to buy items that look more than they actually are. If it's $5 and looks like it's $5 DON'T get it but if it's $5 and looks like it's $50, those are the items you want to buy.

Also on the items you do decided to spend more money on, unless you're financially able to, make sure these items are versatile and not trendy. Try to spend your money on timeless pieces and keep the trendier items on the cheaper side. Their called trends for a reason and you don't have be into every single trend in order to be in style. Unless you're rich and/or a celebrity be smart with your purchases.

Here is an example to help you understand the styling tip a little better:

the Tapered Leg Trousers to the left are from Forever 21 for $22.50. But because they have a look and feel of a silk blend even though it's actually polynosic/polyester, it looks like it could be a lot more expensive than they actually are.

Pair these trousers with a loose plain white cotton tank like this T by Alexander Wang on Shopbop.com along with some simple accessories... you have yourself a effortless look for less.

I hope in reading this tip it has helped you to look at your purchases differently and hopefully it will guide those of you in need into developing/sharpening your own personal style.

Best,
xoxo
j