Signs of Spring

It’s Spring in New York. It’s still chilly, but the sun is glowing in all its glory.

Signs of spring are popping up everywhere in fashion and beauty, which means there are so many new items to covet and try. Below are a few items on my Spring wish list!

To get you into the mood for the season, here’s a Spring To-do List from Glitter Guide:

 

 

Other things I’m loving for Spring?

A burst of sheer energy: High-performance Naturals set in Energy from Tarte ($10.00, what a steal!)

Natural Radiance: The Forever Nude Makeup Palette from BH Cosmetics (it is now on sale for $11.95!)

 

 

Lavender, Rose and Sugar Pink: Esmeralda Bubble Statement Necklace from Olive +Piper ($36.00)

Mix of translucent and lucite accents: Mini Ombre Links from BaubleBar (for a limited time, $20.00)

Earthy Statement pieces: Tortoise Monaco Collar from BaubleBar ($46.00)

Black, White and Yellow: Vintage-inspired jewelry from Catbird (prices vary)

 

The new T-shirt dress: T-Shirt + Pencil Skirt + Strappy Sandal from H&M Spring 2014, feat. Miranda Kerr (prices vary)

 

 

What are you lusting for at the moment?

 

Spotlight: Beauty & Style Apps

Too busy to fit in that long-over due haircut? Forgot to schedule that appointment to weed-wack the upper lip fuzz? It’s been a busy start to the year but don’t let crazy schedules keep you from pampering and looking fresh!

I want to spotlight a few useful beauty and style apps that can help you stay chic while you’re on-the-go:

StyleBee

Type of service: StyleBee is a team of professionally trained stylists and makeup artists who are available to come to your home, office or hotel room. Before booking, be sure to check out their tips for the best way to prepare for an appointment.

• Blowouts
• Style and Makeup
• Only Makeup
• Updos
• Updos and Makeup
• Massage (in select locations)

Coming soon:

• Eyelash extension
• Mani/Pedi

Why it’s worth a try: If you are super busy or not sure which salon to book with, why not have the professional come to you? Have a party to attend? Inquire about group rates.

Link: https://www.stylebee.com

Beautified

Type of service: Same day booking for beauty and spa appointments. The Beautified team searches for the best partnered establishments to ensure you get the service you want:

• Haircut
• Bikini Wax
• Massage
• Blowout
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Brow Wax
• Facial
• Makeup

Why it’s worth a try: Have a last minute interview or date? Never fear being turned away at a spa or salon because you don’t have an appointment!

Link: http://www.getbeautified.com

 

Flink

Type of service: Mobile fashion source connecting you to your favorite fashion and style bloggers and helps you discover and share their style.

• Follow your favorite bloggers
• Discover new bloggers
• Engage with the fashion community
• Easily share your style inspirations on multiple social media platforms

Why it’s worth a try: Take your blog roll up a notch and start a dialogue with other fashion junkies. Learn style tips from bloggers you admire and find new bloggers to adore.

 Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id798552697

Styletag

Type of service: A curated stream of the most cutting-edge street style looks you can shop. Create your own Lookbook and follow the streams of fashion designers, models and celebs.

Why it’s worth a try: Great coverage of Fashion Week trends and simple format for sharing your inspiration. See what fashion influencers are into and buy the looks you love.

Link: http://www.style-tag.com

Have you tried these apps? What do you think about them? What apps do you use to make your day even more fabulous?

Pin Point: How to Upgrade Your Bobby Pins With Nail Polish!

It’s time for an upgrade. Banish boring bobby pins and embrace one-of-a-kind style. I will show you how to personalize these hair essentials…with nail polish.

Personalizing bobby pins (or any hair accessory for that matter) is so easy that I have actually been doing this since middle school!

All you have to do is paint your bobby pins with nail polish, add any embellishment you want with super glue and voilà! You have instant updated hair flair. (On the flip side: Use the longer tip of the bobby pin as a nail dotter/nail art tool.)

This is a great, inexpensive way to revamp old pins or create a custom look. This DIY tutorial is simple and goof-proof enough for children to do as well.

What you will need:

• A piece of paper or thin card board to secure bobby pins and catch excess paint
• As many bobby pins as your heart desires
• Your favorite nail polishes (My fave right now is anything from Julep. The more variety, the better!)
• Any embellishment you want. (I like to use rhinestones (new or ones that have fallen off other things) or broken pieces of jewelry)
• Super glue to adhere embellishments (optional)

Steps:

• Slide bobby pins onto paper or cardboard, flat side facing you. The wavy side should be worn underneath the hair, facing the scalp. The bumps are what grab the hair so the pin will stay put!
• Line bobby pins up at least half an inch apart (to avoid pins sticking together).
• Select the nail polish color you want and make sure the paint is not dripping off the brush.
• Gently sweep the color along the flat side of the bobby pin. If you like, you can create multi-colored designs.
• Once the bobby pins are painted, let them dry for about five minutes. You do not need to seal the paint but feel free to use a top coat if desired.
• If you wish to add embellishments, wait for the nail polish to dry completely. Apply the super glue (I prefer the gel formula) to the embellishment first and then press it on to the flat side of the bobby pin. Allow at least three minutes for the super glue to dry.

Julep Colors: Winona, Eva, Valerie, Oscar

Perfect Match:

I bought these gold and ivory bobby pins a while ago from H&M and transformed them into little match sticks by adding a some red (Julep color Sheila) to the tips!:

*You can try different types of paint if you have them handy. I use nail polish because I have loads of colors to choose from, they dry quickly (you could literally do this project anywhere, on the go) and it’s been my tried and true method for nearly 20 years. Wow, that sounds like a long time!

*For glitter/translucent shimmer polishes, you might want to paint a base coat with a complementing color to help make the finish more vibrant.

*Try updating office supplies and other accessories with nail polish (i.e. Color code keys, makeup brushes or paint plain paper clips and thumb tacks). Yes, I have used bobby pins as substitute paper clips and ear bud clips!  

*You can even create a red bottom tape dispenser like I did below:

You can find this tape dispenser from Staples.

ShopStyle: We Search. We Find. We ShopStyle!

Personal style. Everyone has it. To me, style is an opportunity to express how you feel or how you want to feel.

Well, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to express my personal style by partnering with the POPSUGAR Select team and participating in the ShopStyle We Search. We Find. We ShopStyle. advertising campaign.

ShopStyle is an innovative and chic way to search all the hottest trends and items so you can cultivate your own style story and purchase these items immediately. ShopStyle is like your best shopping friend: they will hook you up with $ale alert$, editors’ picks for inspiration and gift guides to take the stress out of shopping for others.

If you’re getting your holiday shopping on, you need to download this free App!

In fact, you may have already seen the print or television ads, such as this one:

The print ads feature a lay down photo of products you can find on the ShopStyle website to curate your dream wardrobe:

ShopStyle Print Ad

My inspiration for creating my lay down comes the from the journal shown in the photo, which reads: Dream Big. Sparkle More. Shine Bright. 

This concept truly reflects my outlook in life and has a strong influence in my approach to style. I live for detail, color and sparkle.

The experience was crazy fun! I did a DIY photoshoot and employed the help of my ever-so supportive boyfriend to be my photographer for the day. The lay down concept is awesome, but as a “model” I’m not sure it captures my best angles 🙂

The lay down arrangement is like a mood board that tells a story of my wardrobe wonderland. I love classic silhouettes to honor my curves and I feel the right accessory can give every outfit polish and shine. Honestly, one can never have too many baubles or sparkly shoes. I also adore makeup and perfume–these touches make you come alive.

For my ensemble, I chose to pair darker, edgier details with the “We Shop Style” t-shirt that POPSUGAR provided for the photo shoot. I was feeling a little retro glam meets punk-chic but still sweet with my plaid Hello Kitty style bow and matte red lips. The rest of the items are more festive and whimsical, like a dream. I felt like was popping out of my dream closet!

Below are a few links to the items in my lay down photo. I’ve had some of the items for a few years, so if something is listed without a link it is most likely because the item is no longer available (or I was unable to locate a link elsewhere). If you are inspired by these items, you can check out the ShopStyle website or app to score your version!

Clothes:

NY & Co. creme and gold/champagne dress

H&M white embellished peplum blouse

Ann Taylor Loft creme/champagne zebra pencil skirt

NY & Co. leather moto jacket

Mossimo dark grey denim leggings

Shoes:

Nike Roshe Run sneakers

H&M hot pink pumps

Nine West Caress round toe gold glitter pumps

Payless Brash cream/champagne rhinestone ballet flats

Accessories:

Kate Spade Terrace Justine bow bag

Michael Kors Black and Optic White Selma Saffiano Satchel

Michael Kors women’s rose gold chronograph watch

Forever 21 red and black hair bow

BaubleBar emerald crystal drop earrings

BaubleBar sapphire crystal drop earrings

Prima Donna fashion jewelry

Mossimo Supply Co. fedora hat

FRENDS rose gold Taylor headphones

Charming Charlie white mix master bracelet

Journal from Marshalls

Makeup:

Sonia Kashuk silver glitter makeup brushes (limited edition 2011 holiday set)

Sonia Kashuk matte limited edition “The Red Lip–Matte” lipstick

MAC Cosmetics Hello Kitty beauty powder in Tahitian Sand

Essie nail polish in Ballet Slippers

See by Chloe eau de parfum

Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture eau de parfum

So, what do you think? Want to see more? Check out other lay down photos and ShopStyle inspirations on Instagram by following @ShopStyle and search #WeShopStyle.

Express Grand Opening Party & Jessica Sturdy from Bows & Sequins

{Yours truly with Jessica Sturdy, style blogger of Bows & Sequins…we match!}

I had the honor of meeting Jessica Sturdy, style blogger behind Bows & Sequins last Thursday at the Desk-to-Dinner shopping event with InStyle Magazine  and Grand Opening Party for Express at Madison and 51st in NYC.

Jessica was so sweet and we talked about how she started her blog and some of the exciting projects she is working on. I asked her some style advice questions and I wish I could take her shopping with me because this lady has an amazing eye for style.

The theme of the event was Desk to Dinner. How to take your professional work attire and transition this into night life. Think about the blouse/pencil skirt combo and adding a leather jacket and a long chain or trading in your denim for leather pants.

The newly renovated Express had a club-vibe and there were hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, mini makeovers and of course special discounts for purchases made during the event. I wore a fancy Express top (black and gold lame) with a black blazer, skinny dark denim and leopard flats. After all, I took the whole desk-to-dinner theme literally by adding the blazer and walking from work to the event. I wore my Bows & Sequins inspired necklace my sister gave to me (from JewelMint) in honor of the hostess.

{Display styled by Jessica}

{A few items I picked up from the event: Diamonds & Camo}

{My Bows & Sequins inspired necklace from JewelMint}

Upon entering the store I took the atmosphere in and immediately recognized Jessica. I introduced myself and we got to talking. She recognized my top because she also owns one and she got the reference from my necklace right away : ) Jessica took me around parts of the store explaining the outfit she wore and some of the displays she styled for the night. Not only was I a bit star-struck to ask this style guru my questions, but I was ecstatic that Jessica was so open about her blogging, career and encouragement to me and my dreams.

I’d love to share some of the highlights from my convo with Jessica:

Highlights:

Dressing to Impress:

Jessica will also be attending this year’s Lucky FABB in NYC! She went last year and said the speakers were amazing and the networking you get to do is priceless. She said the energy was high and the gift bags were fabulous. She was excited when I told her I was going for the first time and I asked her what a beauty or fashion blogger should wear to an event like this.

Jessica’s advice: Wear something that is honest to who you are and comfortable–both in fit and style. This is the event where you can wear anything that expresses your style, but you don’t need to feel like you have to wear something wild to stand out. Her lesson for me was that she wore pants to last year’s conference that weren’t tailored and she did not feel 100% comfortable in them and it can show in your body language and pictures. At a conference like Lucky FABB, you can’t afford to be uncomfortable in your ensemble–you have to focus on feeling fabulous and enjoying the moment (and taking the most Instagram-worthy selfies ever).

Fall Trend Alert:

I asked Jessica if there was one thing we should pay attention to this Fall, be it a print, color combo or cut. Jessica took me over to one of the displays she styled for Express and explained that she is currently feeling Camo (yes, it’s back!) to mix with more refined pieces (i.e. camo shirt with blazer and skirt for work). She also loves the incorporation of leather details like piping on skirts and of course the slew of moto-style jackets that are in practically every collection–classic and adaptable bad-ass chic style. For colors indulge in black and white; gold and black.

Expressing Your Style:

If you have checked out Bows & Sequins (do so right now if you haven’t) you know that Jessica displays her outfits of the day (OOTD) with candid with the city as her backdrop. I asked her how she felt about taking these pictures out in the open where passers by are sure to gawk out of curiosity. Jessica agreed that especially when she started blogging in Chicago, that the idea was a little frightening to her and that she had to be creative in how she got the pictures taken (now she has the assistance from friends and photogs, but before that she had to rely on self timers and quick poses!). Her confidence comes from loving what she wears and having fun with expressing her style choices.

Now she is more comforatble about the street style pics, even if a small crowd forms near her shoot. After all, that’s New York for you. The sidewalks are our catwalks and we are all models and photographers.

Passion Advice:

I am so grateful to Jessica for giving me her honest advice about how I can manage a not-so-dream job and the pursuit of the ideal career path while juggling a blog and passion that requires whatever remaining time and energy you have. Basically, you have to stick to your guns, take advantage of every opportunity you have and surround yourself with the right energy to keep you grounded and humble.

For all my fellow bloggers, whether this is your “hobby” or your career, you have to put in the hard work and allow yourself to thoroughly enjoy the fruits of your labor. And for those of you who feel like you’re not that important or not that big of a deal: Jessica has come a long way from sharing outfit pictures to hosting events and being an ambassador for brands. She didn’t get there overnight and she still has those pinch-me moments where she can’t believe the opportunities that have blossomed from her blog. But most importantly, she does not take it for granted and she appreciates her supporters.

Bottom line: If you have subscribers, fans or followers you have source of support and admiration from people who celebrate you and look forward to what you have to share. So keep on sharing, creating, writing and designing. There are millions of creative people in the blogosphere and the more variety we have the more we have to celebrate.

For more pictures from the event, search for #EXPStyle!

Express Grand Opening Party with InStyle Magazine & Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins

Who: Jessica Sturdy, style blogger and author of Bows & Sequins

What: Express Grand Opening with InStyle Magazine

When: Thursday, October 3rd @ 6 PM – 8 PM

Where: Express @ Madison Ave & 51st Street

Why: Desk-to-Dinner Shopping Event