Easter Weekend

Zachary's Smile dress, Olivia Olivia sweater, ASOS belt, Vintage bag, Nine West shoes

This was a crazy weekend- between getting over a cold, my sister visiting, her 21st birthday, dog/house-sitting and Easter, I managed to pull together a somewhat acceptable look for church. (I know the pink belt doesn't match the pink in the shoes, but it seemed like a good idea at the time...) Our service was held in the Bank Atlantic Center to accommodate the 14,000(ish) people who attended. Pretty cool when you see everyone gathered together at one time for the holiday; normally we have seven services spread out over the weekend... my church is huge (Church by the Glades if you want to check it out- they have video of the sermons online). 

My wonderful sister took these photos for me after church when we stopped to walk the dog I was watching (aka not my neighborhood- it's cute though, right? Better than the bourgetto!).

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Wednesday Inspiration

One of my new favorite websites I go to for inspiration is Pinterest. I heard about it a few days ago on the Nate Berkus show (the one with DVF), and went to check it out immediately. A couple hours later, I had a ton more photos in my 'inspiration' folder on my computer! These are some photos currently inspiring me right now. 

 ha!

word

via LaurenConrad.com

 via Cupcakes and Cashmere

 via LaurenConrad.com

 *All images via Pinterest unless otherwise stated. 
If any of these sources are incorrect, contact me and I will fix it! 

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Orange & Gray Shirtdress (DIY'd)

Homemade DIY dress, Maria Francesca Pepe spike bracelet, Francesca's 

Collections cuff, F21 ring, Marc Fisher bag, Miss Sixty heels

I have a big list of DIY items to try this spring, and the first one I chose to do was this bi-color shirtdress that I saw on Style Scrapbook a few weeks ago. You can see the full DIY instructions on Andy's site here. Originally shown in white and neon yellow, I decided to make mine in gray and orange inspired by of my favorite looks from the Jonathan Saunders spring line. (Looking forward to finding a cool teal statement necklace to go with the dress!)

StreetFSN / Style.com / Sprinkles in Springs

Thank you to Andy at Style Scrapbook for the dress idea!

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FBFF: Inspiration

This is my second week in participating in Katy's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions. This marks her one year anniversary of FBFF, so she's asking the same questions this week that she asked one year ago. A good idea, since you're constantly being inspired by different things throughout your life.


1. Which celebrities do you look to for fashion inspiration?
I like the young, laid back, yet presentable (and sometimes professional) looks from people like Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Ashley Tisdale. Each of these women have their own unique style that is totally inspiring to me. I highly recommend Lauren's book, Style, and MKA's book, Influence, for style tips and other inspiration.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you? 

After starting my blog, I'm very much inspired by other blogger's outfits (more than by celebrities). I do still find tons of inspiration from the runway, magazines ads and editorials, but I'm drawn to the 'real' aspect of blogging. We all are our own stylist, hair and makeup team, so you really get to see how real people pull it all together.

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers? 

I hope to inspire my readers to try things they normally wouldn't (tribal print pants, marble nails)- taking an idea or feeling I create and translating it to fit their style. Whether it's an outfit, DIY idea, nail art, food or a movie, I want to bring something exciting and creative for someone to be inspired by. It's good to break out of your comfort zone every now and then.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? 

I'm very much inspired by people living life the way they want, even if that means forgoing convention. I'm inspired when I see people living their dream and being passionate about the life they lead. Movies greatly inspire me- my early life was very much inspired by Disney movies- because of them, I was inspired to try surfing, snowboarding, and other things; but now, I'm inspired when I see things like The September Issue, Mamma Mia and Into the Wild (that was a close one, let me tell you). Other things outside of fashion that inspire me: good graphic design, nature, learning about new philosophies, Martha Stewart and home making (even though I don't have one of my own yet), and Pottery Barn catalogs.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you?

I don't watch Idol, but sorry for those of you who do- (bittersweet?) you get to find out who wins, but then it ends. One song that inspires me is "Every LIttle Thing Counts" by Janus Stark. (It's from one of my favorite movies, Disturbing Behavior.) More than just the lyrics, it reminds me of a time in my life when I did my own thing and didn't care about what people thought. Other songs that inspire me (obviously) come from musicals, and others that are way too many to list!

Tribal Pajama Pants

 Bar III pants (Macy's), Express shirt, vintage scarf, Urban Outfitters bag & shoes, Maria Francesca Pepe Bracelet

I was super excited to find out that I won the Farfetch giveaway a few weeks ago at Nicole's blog, Frankie Hearts Fashion. I've been on the lookout for some cool gold bracelets and if you remember my affinity for spikes (here), then you'll know that this bracelet and I were meant for each other. The bracelet came in the mail yesterday and I couldn't be happier with it (thank you also, to Chloe at Farfetch for the nice note!). I decided to pair it with these really cool and super comfortable pajama-like tribal print pants. This is a casual look, but I'm looking forward to putting together something more formal with them as well.

The spikes can slide back and forth in each chain link.

 I call this my "I really like this bracelet, let me show you how much with a really awkward pose" pose :)

Spring Beauty Essentials

When it comes to makeup and beauty routines, I admit that I'm not the best at having a regular routine. There's more days than not when I go out without makeup (or use very little of it) and days when I don't wash my face and moisturize like I should (you know you do it too!). But when I do get a good routine going, my skin always looks 10x better, without fail. Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true products to get you through spring.

1. [LAVANILLA] Vanilla Coconut 1.7oz Eau de Parfum Spray $58
2. [Philosophy] Supernatural Superbeautiful - Good-For-Skin Makeup SPF 20 $30
3. [Fekkai] Glossing Sheer Shine Mist $21
4. [Dior] Dior Addict Lip Glow $29
5. [MAKE UP FOR EVER] Sens'Eyes - Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser $23
6. [Tarte] Clean Slate Primer $30
7. [Philosophy] Hope Springs Eternal- Deep Sea Revitalizing Mask $25
8. [Bare Escentuals] bareMinerals Blush $18
9. [Organix] Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo $7
10. [Benefit] BADgal Plum Mascara $19
11. [Neutrogena] MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray $7
12. [Liken Plant] Unscented Deodorant $4.50
13. [Bare Escentuals] bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation $28
14. [Bare Escentuals] Buffing Brushes The Essential Collection $49
15. [Murad] Acne Treatment Concealer $21
16. [Avalon Organics] Sweet Orange & Bergamot Lotion $8
17. [Caudalie] Premier Cru La Crème $150
18. [Caudalie] Hand And Nail Cream $19
19. [Benefit] Hoola Bronzer $28
20. [Bliss] Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask $52
21. [Sephora by OPI] Glee Nail Color- Slushied $9.50
22. [Philosophy] Purity Made Simple $32
23. [Benefit] "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer $28
24. [Juicy Couture] Couture Couture Eau de Parfum Roll-On $18


My Reviews:

1. The perfect amount of coconut in this perfume. I look forward to spraying it on. / 2. It's sheer, with buildable coverage and blends in seamlessly. / 3. It gives the perfect amount of shine and brings life to dull hair. Spray it right before you go out. / 4. I use this like chapstick- it's light pink and when you put it on, it automatically adjusts to suit your skin tone. The more you use, the darker it gets, so it's perfect if you want just a hint of color, or if you want a deeper hue. / 5. This is great on those days when I do full eye makeup- eyeshadow, liner, mascara- and need to remove it without much scrubbing. And as someone with sensitive eyes, this one doesn't sting (a big plus!) / 6. I first got this as a sample and it lasted way longer than I expected. A little really goes a long way with this product, so paying the $30 for what looks like a small tube is deceiving. Needless to say, I bought the full size and it will last me until I'm 45. / 7. This is one of the coolest masks I've tried. First, it's made with ingredients from the sea- algae, plankton, spirulina- and it's like a miracle worker for uneven skin tone. Very refreshing. / 8. A great shade and I like that it's a loose powder. I got this in a kit and love it. / 9. My sister first got this and when I couldn't stop smelling her hair and marveling at how nice the coconut smell was (and how long it stays), I knew I had to buy some for myself. Not only will you smell excellent all day, but your hair will look smooth and shiny! / 10. The plum is dark enough to look natural, but not as harsh as black. It's great color for people like me with blue eyes, plus, it's just a great mascara anyway. / 11. When my pale skin needs a bit of color, I always reach for this spray. Haven't been using it lately, but I will now that summer's just around the corner. / 12. Please use deodorant- it's getting hot- be kind to others around you :) This is a healthy deodorant from Whole Foods, and unlike some natural ones, this one actually works- very well. / 13. Sometimes I use this to set my liquid foundation, and other times I put this on by itself when I don't need that much makeup. I've used it for years. / 14. I don't have these exact brushes, but I have some from a BE set and they're awesome! Very soft and they get the job done. / 15. I've never been a big concealer person, so I don't have much to compare it to, but this works well. / 16. I couldn't find this scent online, but I get it from Whole Foods and it's so luxurious. It's not too light and not too thick. The scent is nice for spring/summer. (I've also used shampoo & conditioner from this brand and they're very good as well.) / 17. I just got this as a deluxe sample from the Caudalie rep during Sephora's 'chic week'. It's very thick, but absorbs well and seems to be working wonders (?? time will tell) / 18.  This was another sample I got during 'chic week' and also tried previously. It's a great creamy hand lotion that really hydrates dry hands and cuticles. A+ / 19. I love this stuff- I think I'm on my 3rd box now. For me, it's the perfect matte bronzer without shimmers. I like that I can add color without it looking like a twilight vampire. / 20. This mask is so cool! It foams and it's insanely hydrating (it should be- that's what it claims to do!) It also lasts a long time- a little goes a long way with this one also. It's a gel and when you mix it with water and rub it on your face, it foams. You have to try it!! / 21. As you know, I'm mildly obsessed with nail polish (OPI, specifically). You definitely need to get some kind of bright color on your nails this season. / 22. This facial cleanser makes my face feel so soft and smooth, and really helps even out your skin tone.  / 23. When I haven't had a great night's rest and need to look awake, I reach for this primer. It really works well at brightening your complexion. / 24. This is a nice, light fragrance that you can throw in your bag on your way out and reapply throughout the day when you need a pick me up.

Pink Zipper, Grey Dress

 Daryl K silk tunic, Trouve leggings, BCBG bag, Elizabeth & James sandals

I was so excited to get this tunic a few months ago after ordering it on Gilt. I believe they sold it as a dress, so I was expecting it to be long on me like the model. Turns out, it was way too short to be worn alone, so I had to wear it with leggings (which puts a damper on things when it's too hot for them). I loved everything else about it, so I decided to keep it. I tried putting some silky shorts from American Apparel under them, but that just looked weird, so any other styling tips (besides plain old leggings) you guys might have... I'd love to hear them!


Anyway, this was what I wore for some shopping/errands a few days ago. I thought it was a fun and stylish alternative to the old t-shirt and jeans weekend uniform. What kind of things do you like to wear on the weekends- either when you're going out, doing errands or lounging around the house? 

Mediterranean Salad Pita

I found this recipe on Prevention Magazine's website (here) and couldn't wait to try it. It's a mediterranean salad stuffed inside a pita. A healthy, light lunch that's perfect to enjoy at this time of year. There's nothing to cook, you only cut up the veggies and prepare the chickpea mixture. I know many of us are watching what we eat (swimsuit season is already here for me!), so you can add this recipe to your lineup and find more like it at the Prevention website. If you make it, let me know how you like it!

1. Cut pita in half and open; slide in the romaine.

2. Spoon in the veggie mixture.

3. Spread the chickpea mixture over the veggies.

Eat and enjoy!

Simple right? And really good too! :)

PS- Did you all see my guest post at Kai's blog? See it here!

Ugly Garage, Minimal Look

 Olivia Olivia sweater (Nasty Gal), Gap oxford shirt, Abercrombie shorts, DVF boots

On days when I'm in need of a photographer and there's no one around, I have to get creative with my tripod. I chose to do these shots in the garage because, as I said in the last post, I like when I have backgrounds that are grungy. Unfortunately, my garage is always a mess like this (my dad's playground). The one mustang that can run (left) rarely sees the light of day, obviously as you can see from all the dust! And the other mustang (my love) is in the unending process of being built (I was supposed to be driving it my senior year of high school... 8 years later...). I should say that my dad builds race cars for other people in his spare time, so the saying about the shoemaker's children applies here (you know, the shoemaker's kids always go shoeless; the psychologist's wife is nutty, that kind of thing :)

Anyway, on to the outfit. I like the simplicity of it. I've been wearing these shorts nonstop since I got them- imagine, wearing shorts in hot weather.. so much cooler than jeans!

Tassels on Sunday

 Urban Outfitters blazer, Vintage bag, F21 ring, Michael Stars tee, Express skirt, Dolce Vita shoes

This is what I wore yesterday for church service and running errands (changed into flats for that). My photographer/sister, Megan (who was sick btw but powered through and took these shots for me- thank you!) and I found this little loading dock area that was deserted and found a way to get in there to take these pictures. (There's something I love about loading docks/dirty industrial places being the backdrop of my photos- the juxtaposition of ugly and pretty.)

If you saw my tweet yesterday, then you'd be expecting to see some tassels in action. This one was my 'silver cord' from high school (the one good thing that came out of school.. j/k) I just tied it around my waist and: instant belt (no need to buy one!) I have 2 more in other colors that I'm going to try incorporating into my looks this season, so be on the look-out for those! Hope this inspires you to try the tassel trend (for free if you still have your cords!)

Oh, how cool is this nail color?? It's Essie's Turquoise & Caicos- I can't get enough, I want to shout from the rooftops that everyone has to buy it  ;)

Freeing the hair. I like this pic because (its cool?) and you can't see what my face looks like when I'm flinging my head backwards ha!

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Update: This look was featured on Glamour.com! Check it out here.

FBFF ~ Favorite Spring Trends

This is my first time participating in FBFF (Fashion & Beauty Friend Friday), hosted by Katy at Modly Chic. This week's question was 'what are your 5 favorite trends to see or wear this Spring?' Here are some of my favorites:

1. Tassels

 (source)

I love these tassel belts that have been seen on the runways lately. (I can think of a new purpose for my cords from graduation!) They're great on anything from shoes to purses.

 2. Feathers

 (source)

Feather extensions are a really cool way to incorporate some flair into your look. In an otherwise simple outfit, they add a cool factor that's fashion-forward and unique. I like the extensions, but also one long feather earring or other kinds of feathers incorporated into your look can do wonders for your spring style.

 3. Bright lips

(source)

Bright colors are always the fastest way to liven up your look and catapult you right out of the winter slump. I've only dabbled with bright lipsticks before because I thought they were too much for me, but after wearing it out, I got a bunch of compliments and changed my opinion.

 4. Spikes

(source)

My knees weakened when I first caught sight of Burberry's spiked shoulder trench. Since then, I have a renewed interest in spikes and plan to DIY something soon. Which leads me to my last thing...

5. D.I.Y.s

(source)

I've been getting a ton of great DIY ideas from blogs like the Glamourai and Style Scrapbook this week and can't wait to get creative with my hands (opposed to on the computer). As seen in the street style pics at fashion weeks, DIY items always give you that little something extra and make you stand out against the crowd (same with vintage). And as always, if you can craft something inspired by a designer version for a fraction of the price, more power to you.

Thank you for reading my first FBFF, and please be sure to check out what everyone else posted here!

Have a great weekend!

xx Kara