Sparkles Don't Only Look Good On Christmas

Photos By: Andrew Arnold

Outfit: Skirt - H&M ($30), Pumps - Jessica Simpson ($25), Necklace - Forever 21 ($12), Top - Forever 21 ($18)

How was everyone's holiday? I can not wait to show you all the amazing fashion gifts my families got me! They know me all to well (ahem - beige suede Litas - ahem). I must admit that at Christmas, I am a very spoiled girl.

I have said before how much I love matte sequin clothing items. Somehow I believe the matte palette make the clothing so much more versatile. Rather than saying, "Hey! Look at me sparkle!", matte sequins are slightly more under the radar, therefore making them something you can dress up or down. While shopping with my friend Daniella one day we came upon this skirt at H&M. We both became obsessed. Besides the matte sequins, I really like how the skirt isn't super mini, making it something I can wear as years go by. 

Also, while many stores tend to carry sequins items during the holidays, please do not think that December and early January are the only appropriate times to wear them. Sequins are definitely a year-round item :-)

The Perfect Cape

Outfit: Cape - Marshalls ($20), Boots - Kenneth Cole ($90), Watch - Vintage ($2), Ring - F21 ($7)


After searching and searching I finally found it, the perfect cape. It was over a year ago when I saw the infamous Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl wearing a gorgeous green one, that I was hooked. I had found a few over the years, but none ever seemed to be the right price.

Last weekend my Mom begged to go to Michaels for a 50% off Christmas sale. After a long day of work, I reluctantly agreed to go. After spending about an hour and a half of searching for the perfect decorations we wandered over to Marshalls for quick looksie. Even at Marshalls I naturally go straight to the sale section to see what goodies I can find. Sitting in middle of the sales coats I found this fabulous cape on sale for $20. I instantly knew without trying it on that I'd be buying it, but I tried it on anyways and it was love at first wear.

I love that this coat it so simply camel and black. AND that the black is a leather trim. This cape is a little different from many capes I have tried on. Usually, capes have little slits you put your arms through, however this one lets you arms fall and has pockets. I love this feature, because the cape falls beautifully. I am still in awe that I only paid $20 for this cape because I probably would have paid $100 for something so perfect. It just goes to show that you really never know what you can find at discount shops like Marshalls. There were 3 more of these capes left at the store, so if you find yourself in Fremont, I suggest you snatch this cape up. It is absolutely perfect.

Styling Elements - Part Two

Outfit: Jacket - Target ($30), Sweater - Forever 21($10), Scarf - H&M ($12), Boots - Cathy Jean ($100)

So on Thursday, I told you guys I'd be taking one of my favorite bright pink sweaters and showing you how versatile items in your closet can be by switching your accessories. I am wearing the same sweater, undershirt and pants in this picture, my basis for the outfits. I have changed my jacket, scarf, jewelry, and boots. By just switching up these elements, you can create a whole new outfit with a whole new vibe. Try and remember this next time you start pulling the same items for an outfit you have worn countless times. You can start slow by changing your scarf...oh heck, just change it all up and see what happens. I bet you are more creative than you think :)

Short post today because I am off to a long day of work events. Ta Ta for now!

The Eiffel Tower and Me

Outfit: Top - Forever 21($15), Skirt - Forever 21 ($14), Socks - Forever 21 ($3), Boots - Cathy Jean ($100)

If you know me personally, then you know very well that I have a little obsession with anything and everything dealing with the Eiffel Tower. Ever since I was a young girl, I have been so infatuated with its structure, beauty and the sense of romance the Eiffel Tower encompasses. Walking into my room, this is an easily observable fact. So naturally, when I came across this sweater I  had to have it.

It is an added bonus that I am completely in love with this crew neck, sweatshirt style of top. Its so comfy, yet with some added accessories, completely chic. Luckily California, tends to have a mild winter  so I was able to pair this sweater with a bright red skirt and socks to stay comfortable.

Another cool element this sweater contains (that may not be noticeable at first) is that it actually has shoulder pads. Clearly, they are not outrageous or huge, but I do believe they make a slight difference to how the garment fits and falls. The shoulder pads  are just one more element that make this sweater unique.

PS - I know this is the season of giving, however, retail stores have been having amazing deals and sales all month. So while you are out shopping for others, treat yourself to a little something also. The season of giving doesn't exclude giving to yourself, right?

Follow on Facebook, where I will be posting all the sales I happen to come across :)

Two Michaels Are Better Than One

Outfit: Wedges - Michael Antonio ($16), Dress - H&M ($15), Necklace - H&M ($18)

As many of you know who follow on Facebook (which you should definitely if you don't already)  I got some amazing deals on Black Friday. And when I say amazing, I mean A-MAZ-ING. Yesterday, I posted (as well as many other days) my favorite black block wedges by Michael Antonio. I'm sure you guys have seen them many, many times. Well, I bought them about 6 months ago online for $75 and they have been worth every penny.

On Black Friday in Utah, Ryan and I drove by a DSW and, as an afterthought, I said we should just check it out. Going straight back to the sale section, I found the exact pair of Michael Antonio's I have in black, but this time in red. My size and EVERYTHING. I've never lived my life by fate, but I am pretty sure this was it. The only difference between my black wedges and these red ones (besides the color) is that these cost me a whopping $16. Honestly, I am still on cloud nine from this purchase. 

I am pretty sure these shoes will be on feet 4 out of 7 days of the week this holiday. At least until I find another pair amazing shoes which I currently have in my checkout on Urban Outfitters :)

Snow Panda

Outfit: Hat - Gift from Ryan, Boots - Soda ($30), Scarf - H&M ($12), Jacket - Express ($150), White Blouse - Forever 21 ($15)

My favorite place to visit when I come to Utah is Park City. Yesterday Ryan and I got some Christmas shopping done at the outlets and then went to Olympic Museum that sits right in front of the HUGE Olympic Ski Jump. I can't believe people actually fly down that jump and survive, it's absolutely incredible. I didn't understand this until I actually had the pleasure of seeing the jump in person.

During my life I haven't really ventured that much into the snow, thus I own virtually no snow appropriate clothes. However, if I am being honest I don't believe you need to wear massive puffy coats and snow boots in order to stay warm. I mean, it snows in NYC and you still people walking around in high heels. So I opted for my trusty leather jacket and military boots accompanied by my fox scarf and (too cute for words) panda hat. Ryan got me this hat as a gift about a month ago and mailed it me. He chose a panda because one of my greatest weaknesses, besides shopping, is Panda Express.

Animal hats are everywhere right now. They are so much fun and if there is a point in my life that I can get away with wearing a cute panda on my head, you better believe I am going to take advantage of it. My favorite part about my panda hat is the nose. In the photos above that contain my profile you can see that the nose is three-dimensional and actually protrudes out from the hat. I have yet to find another animal hat with this quality. Ryan did well, as always.

How beautiful is this snowy hillside?