Shoe Bow Ties

A while back I saw a pair of the cutest flats and I didn't buy them. Of course when I went back for my purchase they didn't have my size. I searched and searched and couldn't seem to find them so I decided to try to create the, to die for shoes for myself. 

Here are the Libby Edelman shoes in the Kendra style.

(these are my fav)

Here is what you need:

-Pair of flats (mine are from Old Navy $10)

-Measuring Tape

-Scissors

-Paper Clips

-Fabric (your choice of color)

-A pen (or a friend)

First, cut the fabric in strips. Use your measuring tape to measure 5inches wide and 25inches long. This makes for a BIG BOW, but that's what I like about the Libby's so much. 

Then I used a pen as a base to tie my bow. This is where the friend part comes in. I was alone so I had to make it work. All I did was tie my bow the way I wanted it to look on to the pen. 

I then attached on side of the paper clip to the knot of the bow and the other side to the front of the shoe. You can adjust the bow to be exactly the way want it. If you have some frayed edges just use to fray glue to hold them down. 

BIG

BIG

BIG

I LOVE them!!  I can even take the bows off if I want to use them on different shoes. Such an easy and inexpensive project. I guess it turned out to be a good thing that I couldn't find those shoes I wanted so badly.

xoxo

Red Cropped Pants

Red Cropped Pants are what's hot right NOW. 

I must get my hands on a pair asap. After seeing them in every fashion mag for the past couple months I have been on the search for my pair.

Here Rachel Bilson was spotted wearing hers with leopard platforms and a floral top. I have to say I am a fan of mixing a fur print with flowers. The red cropped pants just give it what it needs for the perfect outfit. 

Here are a few I found on my red cropped pant search: 

These are from Topshop.com for $75.00. One of the cheapest I found and look pretty comfortable. I think these are for a more casual type setting, being made with 100% cotton.

These have a brighter color for a better pop! Versace from Net-a-porter.com for $795.00. These pants give a tailored fit and are made with stretch fabric and a high waist. More for an evening dinner and a perfect match with sky high heels. 

This is probably my favorite pair! From Jcrew.com for $118.00. Made with a lightweight wool they can be worn all year long. Afordable and available in almost any color. Made for every body type and hits right above the ankle. These are fitted through the hips with a skinny cropped leg for the perfect fit. My top pick and hopefully a purchase in my near future!

Now go out and get your red pants! 

xoxo

MISSONI for Target

TODAY was the day many of us fashionistas have been patiently waiting for since it was advertised. MISSONI FOR TARGET!! 

Some of Hollywood's most stylish stars showed up for the private launch in NYC on Sept 7th. They even showed up wearing the items that were made just for the Target line. Missoni's signature collection can cost you thousands, but this one is for the average joe (ME). 

So, two of my very bestest friends (Victoria and Janae) and I scoped out every item we wanted online and then made our plan of action. We wanted it all from rain boots to the bike!! We decided to get up early and make the trip to our local Target. Boy, are we glad we did (although our Target didn't have everything we wanted)! I REALLY dreamed about the shorts shown above, but our Target didn't have them in stock!! :(  Rumor has it that the line did so well for Target the website was shut down because of so much activity and all the stores are sold out of the merchandise. 

We can't wait to wear and use all of our new items and are so glad we got up to get our goods! The pictures above are most of the items we bought today to celebrate this awesome designer and the special line showcased at Target. Hopefully you got what you wanted and didn't miss out!

xoxo

Fall Shopping List:

As hot as it is in the dog days of summer you should start shopping for you fall wardrobe NOW! All the department stores and boutiques should have in their fall merchandise. I like to start early so by the time it really does get chilly I have lots of new pieces to wear. Here I will show you my top five  MUST HAVE LIST for fall.

1) Loafer Heels
An update to the traditional loafer you are used to seeing. I love the feminine touches added like a pop of color and tassels.

J.Crew $295.00

Simon tassel platform loafers from topshop.com for $136.00.

2) Midi/Maxi Skirt

Over the years we have watched the hem lines rise and fall, but for this season it is a little in between. The spring/summer look of long maxi skirts can be transitioned into fall. Just a little bit higher above your ankles so your new fall shoes show! You can wear them with oxford wedges or suede flats. 

This pleated coffee colored skirt is from Romwe.com fro $34.99. (I LOVE this site)

Here is a longer wrap style skirt from one of my favorite designer/celeb, Lauren Conrad. It is from here new clothing line Paper Crown (full blog post coming soon) that made its debut this fall! It can be purchased at Nordstrom.com for $345.00 and also comes in grey.

I found this mustard midi on Boutiques.com for only $34.00. 

3) High Waisted Flare

Investing in high waisted flares is something you just have to do this fall. I think they are best worn in dark denim and with heels, not flats. Make sure they aren't too long and aren't too short with your heels.

These are from Revolveclothing.com by Siwy Jeans for $217.00. The pleats are a good addition to show off your high waistedness. 

Gap trouser jeans are a little cheaper and exactly what you're looking for. I luckily snagged a pair on sale for like $12.00 this past spring. They are now on sale for $59.96. 

4) Polka Dots

They are the official "trend" of fall 2011. Skirts, shirts, shoes, and tights. Say what you will, but they are back and Beyonce says so. 

Black and white polka dots are huge this fall and combined with sheer chiffon fabric. Bloomingdale's has the perfect mix of shear white with black dots for $80.00. 

If you aren't too sure about the polka dot pattern trend, then you can ease into it with these tights and a little black dress. They are found at shopbop.com for $32.00.

Okay this might be out of your budget, but I just had to post it. Marc Jacobs made the most beautiful polka dot mermaid skirt. Found at Bergdorfgoodmen.com for $2239.00. If you have the check book and a fancy event to attend this your skirt. 

5) Tie-Neck Blouse

Classy and sophisticated for work or play. 

Ark and Co by Piperlime.com for $49.00. 

The baby pink color makes this blouse look even more feminine. It was found on Nordstrom.com by Remain for $88.00. 

This being the BEST deal is $23.99 at Kmart!! WOW. 

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

Style

This section is to keep you informed on the lastest trends and advice in
STYLE

Quite possibly my favorite section!! Here I will help you develope your own style through what is in and out of fashion. I will keep you in the know of what all the stars are wearing and what you should give a try. Being a trend setter is not easy so I will let you in on all my style and fashion advice. Creating your own style can be difficult and can take time, but everyone has to start somewhere.
 Your personal style is really about expressing who you are on a daily basis through your choice of clothing.
xoxo

Jailbird

From t-shirts to maxi dresses, lately I have been LOVING the black/white striped look. I could probably wear it everyday and it would never get old. Although, every time I wear it my boyfriend and his friends always say I look like a referee or straight from jail. It can be black with white or white with black, worn by all the stars...either way its the latest.

Here are some helpful hints on how to wear it and where to find my favorite black/white items.

                       

The Kardashian sisters LOVE black/white stripes. Even baby Mason gets to wear it! They show how you can wear stripes in skirts, blazers or dresses.
Just be careful with this look because it could make you seem bigger than you really are... make sure you wear the right pieces that go with your body type.

This skirt was found on yesstyle.com for only $18.00. I would pair it with leggings like shown in the picture or with a grey tee shirt and black or red flats.

Black with white tank style maxi from Nordstroms.com ON SALE 50% off $53.90.

I would definatly choose to pair it with black wedges just like shown on the Nordstrom model.  

This French Connection stretch mini dress is on Bloomingdales.com $78.00. A piece like this can be used year round. Wear it with a cardi, scarf, and boots or just sandals.

JLo is definatly on board with the black/white vibe. She's seen wearing it for every season in several styles. She shows you how to wear them relaxed and casual or dressed for a night out. 

I found this striped cardi on the cutest website tonelayout.com for $29.00. They ship everything for a flat rate of $7.00(WOW). Its made out of thin fabric so it's a good transition piece for summer into fall or winter into spring. 

Stripes plus a blazer is a perfect match. This one is from shockboutique.com $78.00. You could use this with black wide legged pants for the office or over a black mini dress for later. It would be a great statement peice for any wardrobe. I love blazers. You can never have too many!

Rachel Bilson (style critic herself) shows us how to add a simple striped tee to an outfit to make it all come together. You can find a little tee like this at target for almost nothing if you are having trouble adding that little flair to an outfit. 

I hope this post helped you fall in love with the convict/referee look that I have overflowing in my closet. 

xoxo 

Swimsuit Season

Its almost swimsuit season and the question is what to wear?

Here are a few tips and choices I have for swimwear. 

Tips: You should always shop for the the styles that fit your body type. Just because it's cute doesn't mean you should wear it. Make sure you are comfortable and confident in your suit. 

Also, make sure the color goes with your skin tone. Don't wear a color that could wash you out. 

I am a firm believer in mix and matching! You can create several swimsuits with just a few pieces. I will show you how to mix and match the right way.

These are a few of my favorite swimsuits of summer 2011. 

This suit is so playful and flirty with perfect spring colors. This style is great for a smaller busted person. It pushes up and emphasizes with the ruffle. Its from theorchidboutique.com $112.00

This one piece is a ruffle and a multicolored floral pattern. The ruffle swoops all the way around the suit so it's not just in the front.Great for someone with or without curves. The pattern covers up and the ruffle shows off. By the wonderful Marc Jacobs from neimanmarcus.com $173.00

This pattern mix is from Betsy Johnson.com. The bottoms are $96.00 and the top $106.00. Don't be afraid to mix patterns like this as long as they coordinate well. 

This suit is definitely for the less endowed. It gives you up to two full cup sizes and designed exactly like a bra. The fold over bottoms are great for bigger hips. All from Victoriassecret.com and available in different patterns and colors. The top $54.00 and the bottoms $30.00.

This sassy little yellow bikini is from Kmart! It would be great for mix and matching. Bongo brand for Kmart, a great buy for $12.99 for each piece. 

MIX AND MATCH:

These two mix and match are perfect together. The black/white stripe top matches so well with the floral pattern. I found both of these pieces on pacsun.com $29.50 for the bottoms and $39.00 for the top. Okay so next we will take the bottoms and find another top that can go well with it. 

Which, you can always get the one that matches it which was also on pacsun.com $29.50. I like the other combo personally and thats the best thing about mixing and matching. You can pick out which ever combos you like the best. 

You could always go with a black top that could interchange with other bottoms like the ones that match the stripe top or the florals. This is from American Eagle $24.50. This top would also be very cute in red with those bottoms. 


Here is another example :

This swimsuit from Victoriassecret.com could go with a ton of different sold colored separates or be worn with the patterns together. It is $38.00 for the top and $16.00 for the bottoms. A very good investment when starting to mix and match.

 These regular turquoise bottoms would go great with the top! The beaded embellishments match the color. From forever21.com $9.80.

This other embellished top from Victoriassecret.com goes with the printed bottoms or the turquoise bottoms. For $38.00 you can put either one of those together for two different swimsuits. 

This ruffle halter top is Ralph Lauren from Belk.com for $54.00 and looks great with the patterned bottoms! 




 Hopefully this teaches you how easy it is to mix and match your suits for summer! You don't have to spend a fortune of swimsuits just use what you have or buy a few key pieces. 
xoxo