Studded Glam!

Studs and spikes are SOOOO fun because they make a cutsey, girly outfit look straight fierce! I love the DIY aspect of applying studs and spikes to items you already have, like an older pair of shorts or a blouse! Mr. Kate does it best on her (his?!) blog, http://www.mrkate.com/2012/06/22/diy-studded-shorts-and-stuff/ 

Look at her end result!

For those less inclined to follow youtube tutorials, you can buy the Stone Setter Stud Styling Kit (or the likes!) at Joann's! The instructions are super simple and leave you with the freedom to let your mind run wild with stud styling possibilities! 

Then again, for the spiked and studded shoes and purses of the world, we should leave it to the pros. 

And seriously - even for the blouses and the shorts, I'm always a fan of purchasing the perfect statement piece when it hits the "I-need-you-so-bad" heartstring! ;)

Below, the opposites of shoes attract! (But how can you not LOVE THEM BOTH!?)

Left, J Crew. Right, Nasty Gal

 Gold Jewelry Accents add Glitter to Any Occasion!

Nasty Gal

 Shoes and Chocolate are Alike: YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH OF EITHER!

Left, Steve Madden. Right, Sam Edelman

And for the Best of the Girly Studs!

Left, Juicy Couture Wrap Around Leather Bracelet. Right, French Connection Earrings

Pretty Peplum

It's so difficult to accomplish a look that doubles as both professional and super trendy -- let's be real, everyone wants to be happy hour ready the moment the boss leaves! So, why bother even changing?! The key is to look for pieces that mark you as a trend-setter both at work and around town. My favorite new look to accomplish the seemingly impossible: PEPLUM! It's a unique statement piece, and is now being made in comfy cottons and stretch blends! The definite no brainer for a classy, super-posh look in an instant!

Express

(I absolutely loveee their color block peplums!)

  

C. Luce Peplum Skirt (left) and Boundary & Co. Peplum Dress (right):

 Tinley Road Vegan Leather Peplum Top (left)

and a classic Banana Republic Chevron Stripe Peplum (right):

And the best part of all?

Peplum looks flattering on just about any body type!

Swimming in Sunshine!

With this lousy weather we've been having, it's time to think of what's just beyond reach: FUN TIME IN THE SUNSHINE! Too Early?! NO WAY. Whether you're in desperate need of a new suit, or just go through the seasons old ritual of a yearly splurge, every girl deserves to spice things up this Spring with a new, stylish look! Warm up your Winter's day with this dreamy look into the coming seasons:

As Always, Nordstrom Never Fails!

Check out the pretty coral theme that's so hot for Spring:

Try Something New with SeaFolly!

This hip Australian boutique-brand knows what's up - 

One-Pieces are Bringing Sexy Back:

You Know Me,

CAN'T PASS UP NASTYGAL <3

And of course, J Crew is a forever Classic option for swim wear, with unbeatable quality:

These are just a few of my faves! Post a comment below and let me know

your favorite place to shop for swimsuits!

Lovely Legging Legs!

Leggings are the cure-all to "my-closet-is-full-and-I-have-nothing-to-wear!!!" syndrome. While some critics will forever claim that leggings cannot double as pants, I beg to differ. Showing off your honker isn't always the classiest, but with the right (and thick enough) tights + a great, long-enough top, you can turn these comfy-as-PJs-bottoms into real statement pieces. Today, I share with you some of my favorites, showcasing (as always) the bright and the bold!

From Nasty Gal:

From Sabo Skirt:

Inspired yet?!

Get away from those black-as-night leggings and try something new!

Splendid Stripes

Splendid (www.splendid.com) has become one of my favorite brands of recent. The style is casual and laid back, and super comfy! In my opinion, Splendid clothes are just that - SPLENDID! And despite being effortlessly stylish, the clothes boast great quality and stay feeling super soft even after multiple washes.

My favorite thing about the brand right now - SO MANY STRIPES!

(I love stripes because they never go out of style, and you can 

always work them into an ensemble during any season of the year!)

Pucker Up Buttercup!

It's amazing what a little lip color can do! My biggest tip: don't always go with the behind-the-counter makeup brands. Most of my favorites have come from endless experimentation, and now I get to share all of my trial-and-error with you!

For chapped lips, try Guerilla Beekeepers Lip Sentry! I met these guys at my local farmer's market, and I simply can't get enough of the all-natural, so-organic-it's-edible lip balm! The stuff's awesome, check it out at http://guerillabeekeepers.com.

If you haven't jumped onto the BABYLIPS bandwagon, it's time. 'Nough said. Just try it. I love the plum because it leaves lips a soft, sheer, deeply sophisticated color (plus it tastes so yummy!)

Next on my list: LIPSTICK QUEEN! I get mine at Anthropologie, but check out the website (www.lipstickqueen.com), because her stuff can be hard to find. Be sure to try both the Saint's line and the Sinner's line, which come in sheer and opaque to please all tastes!

Fresh. I'm obsessed. Who wouldn't be?! This magical little stick leaves lips beautifully colored and literally feels like your rubbing on silk. It's pricey, but worth the splurge.

tricky tricky...

OK. So I admit... I have expensive taste! But who doesn't?! There's nothing wrong with having good taste, especially when you know how to use the vice to your benefit! My favorite trick: shop on sites you love (I love anthropologie for work dresses - they're super classy and look great on just about any body type!), then try to replicate the look at a more affordable shop! You'll be surprised - a lot of times, a look that would have slipped under your radar will stick right out, shining with potential, after you've seen a similar all-star on a fancier website!

I'm really into the beige-with-black look right now, and fell in love with this Anthropologie dress: 

ONLY TO REALIZE, I can totally hook it up with this oh-so-much-cheaper version from Forever21:

YOU GET MY VIBE?! 

They may not be exactly the same, but at the end of the day, the same chic look is achieved!

SPICE UP your SCARVES!

Too many of us play it safe with our scarves - and it's true! There's nothing that screams "put together" more than a well accessorized, classic scarf. Here's the challenge: this spring, I dare you to go CRAY CRAY with your scarves! Wear them as belts, but them around your head, wrap 'em up in your hair, and of course, keep them around your neck! But instead of choosing the "I'd wear this so much more often" option, pick the funky one! I promise, it'll make a statement, and you'll be surprised how often it becomes your go-to accessory! Let the following gorgeous Tori Burch (www.toriburch.com) blends inspire you!