I feel so old but is it prom season again already?? It's been like five years since my own prom so I don't know if things have changed nowadays. Prom was my last big hurrah for senior year in high school and if you plan on going, I definitely think it's important to wear what's comfortable for you!

I wore this satin ivory halter dress, oh my goodness. I still shake my head to this day. But prom was fun! So I guess that's all that matters, right?

Here are a few prom looks that may inspire you to experiment with your style. There are, of course, a lot of traditional prom dresses in department stores but I think some of these more quirky outfits can help you really stand out on your special night :)

~~~~~~~


Daisy PinkWearing separates can be super comfortable, especially if you plan on moving around! I think it's also a cost-effective approach to buying a prom dress since you can probably re-wear the pieces again for another event. This first look is a mix of classy and colorful. The black adds a formal touch while the bright pink gives a nod to spring vibes.





Lavender BlissPastel colors are really girly and pretty especially if you plan on taking pictures outdoors, with nature as the backdrop. This is also another option where you can re-wear your dress to another event and style it different ways. Super cute, super fresh, and perfect for prom.



Red HotRed is one of those colors that screams HEY LOOK AT ME but in a good way, of course. If you like bold colors or you want to make a statement on the dance floor, this is the outfit for you! I added nude shades to tone down the red so you can look stylish and not like a stop sign. Bonus: red looks amazing in pictures, especially if you have a nice tan + a pop of red, either a bowtie or tie, for your date would round out the whole outfit.



Royal BlueLast but not least, if you prefer cooler colors, this look is for you! I think blue can be a color that looks good on everyone and it has a mysterious vibe to it, too. I paired it with mainly black accessories to maintain a formal atmosphere but this would also look great with rose gold to add warmth. Since the actual dress is so simple, definitely dress it up with an embellished clutch and to-die-for heels!
~~~~~~~
Which look was your favorite? Did you go to prom and what did you wear that night? I'd love to hear your stories!

Hi guys!

I'm sorry it's been a few weeks since I've made a styling post. The Spring semester has begun and I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things. To explain this post, I actually came across something similar on my Facebook feed. A guy had recreated makeup looks from junk foods, or something to that effect. I was inspired by that to create outfits based on my favorite foods.

As I was editing some of the photos, I realized how much I like warm-colored foods. Ironically, my personal style (and about 90% of my wardrobe) consists of black and grey items. Maybe this will motivate me to venture out??

~~~~~

From left to right, we have kimchi chigae, sushi, and a raspberry donut. Kimchi chigae or kimchi stew is one of my favorite things to eat, especially in the winter time. It's hot and spicy, with a lot of soft textures from the glass noodles to the kimchi to the tofu. Topped with some pepper and green onions and you have a perfect meal alongside some rice! Sushi is another favorite food of mine, particularly anything with spicy tuna in it. And finally, donuts. I don't eat these often but they are realllllly delicious. There's a place near my house called Blackbird Donuts, which specializes in artisanal donuts. They have interesting flavors and the berry one happens to be my favorite.

I've taken elements from each food item and translated it into three different outfits.

Food Outfits by asmallbit featuring high heel shoes

One: I wanted to incorporate the softness of the stew but also the bold red colors so I chose a loose red tank, paired with wide legged black pants. To mimic the pepper and just to add a down-to-earth vibe, I added the grey sneakers. To pull in that slightly boho look, I chose the flower crown as well as the round sunglasses. Finally, a small green accent in the form of a ring helps add some "green freshness" without clashing too much with the red.

Two: For the sushi, I tried to use multiple shades of pink to mimic the fish. Sushi is usually considered a pricey item, although it doesn't have to be upscale. To recreate that vibe, I used a flowy white dress to represent the rice and picked a fitted pink moto jacket to ground the outfit. For the seaweed that wraps around the sushi, I thought black strappy heels would be the best fit. Finally, for the crunchy texture, I chose a very structured patterned clutch, sticking to the beige and pink tones.

Three: Last but not least, because the donut is a very relaxed but bright item, I pulled together a striped sweater with ripped boyfriend jeans. To make it more playful, I added a donut purse! It added the perfect amount of color. To make the outfit more cohesive, I chose a bright pink lipstick. Although it's simple, it's very much a go-to look.

~~~~~
What's your favorite food in the world?

Bye for now,
Jenn

With the fast fashion market nowadays, you can get a decent faux leather jacket for a really good price. If you're willing to pay a little extra, you opt for a higher quality version as well. Either way, it is an absolute staple year-round (unless you live somewhere that is perpetually summer time!).

Black leather jackets are a classic but I think an unconventional color like red, gray, or even white can add a point of interest to your outfit and still be just as versatile. Below, I've chosen to highlight a short, red leather jacket.

You can pair it with more casual tops like a graphic tee or sweatshirt to add a bit more texture and structure to a laid-back outfit. You can also throw on a plaid shirt or flannel to soften the leather look...plus flannels are a must-have for fall. If it's a bit warmer where you live, try a cropped tank underneath in the same color family, paired with a skirt or high waisted jeans! Finally, try a camel colored knit dress to make the color of the jacket pop! It will keep you warm while still showing off that figure.




So tell me, what's your favorite way to wear leather jackets and would you ever invest in a colored one?!


Bye for now,
Jenn

Sometimes I look at the gorgeous pieces from the runway and think...it's beautiful but how am I supposed to find something like that without spending thousands of dollars? Let's be real. We know how inspired designers can be and the extent of their wacky creations...they're not always the most wearable trends.

Today, I'm going to share a couple of looks that I loved from the Fall 2015 shows. I'll take you through how to style pieces from your own closet to recreate these in a more practical way.

~~~





Tip: Never take it literally! The Gucci look is a bright colored sweater with feminine but quirky embellishments paired with a lace skirt. Recreate this look with a semi cropped sweater, either a bold color or a patterned one, and match it with a easier silhouette like skater skirts in a lace material. Finish with a cute beret or go for a statement necklace instead.






From left to right, I have a retro look, a casual look, and a chic look...all incorporating stripes! You can really play around with a structured or totally loose dress. If you're planning on being out and about, try a two-piece outfit. Throw on a super cute headband on bad hair days and you've got yourself a simple but put-together ensemble.






It wouldn't be a Fall inspired styling without some darker colors. This runway look from Rodarte is perfect for colder weather and can be recreated for a cool office outfit. Take your must have white blouse and pair with a camel colored blazer with burgundy leather pants if you want exactly the same look. You can also mix it up by opting for a softer sweater with a similar color palette or choose a coat with a similar checkered pattern.






One of my favorite pieces from the Bouchra Jarrar show was the flowy, bluish lavender skirt. How gorgeous! Now I know not everyone is going to have a skirt in this exact shade. The solution is to incorporate the color in other ways like accessories. Pair a leather vest with a turtleneck for a cozy look and add a loose skirt...you will look so effortless! Finish with either some oxfords or sneakers to roam around town.


Those are my stylings for the Fall 2015 Runway. Tell me which one you liked the most!



Bye for now,
Jenn

I know. It's only Monday and I'm already thinking about Friday but don't tell me you aren't thinking it too! So let's talk about Casual Fridays and what to wear if you're having trouble mixing work and play.

Now if you work in a corporate environment, the dress code can be strict to enforce formality within the workplace. If you work in a more creative setting, the dress code can be loosened to adapt to the individuality of its employees. Some companies will allow you to ditch the tie and heels on what is known as Casual Fridays. For others, everyday is Casual Friday.

So how do you incorporate work-friendly pieces with laid-back vibes?

In the interest of welcoming spring (whenever that may be in New England), I have decided to play around with a pastel color palette and lighter fabrics. My main focus for this post is the blouse. It's a key player in professional wear because with the right cut, it can flatter most body types. The blouse is also comfortable when flowy and can easily adapt itself to other styles. So whether you're wearing it for work, drinks, or a chill lunch date, the blouse will get the job done.

On the left, I paired a sleeveless layered blouse with standard khaki tailored pants to maintain comfort but still emit a professional tone. To jazz it up, I added some oxfords with a bit of shine but can be switched out for colorful floral heels after work. This really helps add dimension to an otherwise plain outfit. To keep a balance with the bold colors, I opted for a grey handbag with gold hardware that screams "I am serious business". For makeup, neutral eyes with a bold lip to match the heels will pull the entire look together.

On the right, I created a more feminine outfit but with similar elements from the other ensemble. The wide skirt adds enough length to make it work-appropriate but the light floral pattern gives it more character. To let the outfit speak for itself, I chose neutral colored heels, which also helps with lengthening the legs. Because there is quite a bit of volume in the lower half, I added a cropped fitted blazer to streamline the top half. From there, it was about adding little touches of warmth with the rose gold watch and mauve pink lipstick.



The key to dressing for a more casual work environment is to incorporate at least one tailored item into the outfit. It could be heels, a blazer, a peplum top, pants, skirt, whatever. As long as you have a piece with some structure to it, the whole outfit elevates to being professionally acceptable. From there you can play with adding color, texture, print, or layers to bring out your personal style.


What is YOUR go-to outfit for Casual Fridays? If you don't work at a company that has Casual Fridays, what do you wear to work? Let me know down below!



~Jenn

Can we just put aside the fact that it's only May and ogle at these beauties for Fall 2014? I've picked out some of my favorites but let me know which ones you really liked in the comments below!
The designers featured are: Alejandro Ingelmo, Aquazzura, Bionda Castana, Charlotte Olympia, Daniele Michetti, Dsquared, Emilio Pucci, Stuart Weitzman, and Viktor & Rolf.
**All pictures were taken from the Style.com website**

TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Strappy stilettos and ankle straps.
Caged heels.
Aquatic and mermaid-looking blue tones.


~Jenn

I have been crazy obsessed with sneakers lately and I'm pretty sure it's because the sun is finally coming out of hiding. My favorite thing about sneakers is that they are the most comfortable shoes to wear. Whether you're a girl who likes looking extra polished or someone who prefers a more laid-back look, there is a sneaker for everyone.

So today, I'm going to share with you guys some of the sneakers on my wishlist and maybe it'll inspire you to play around with sneakers this spring and summer!

New Balance ISLAND 574

WHERE TO GET THIS: click here

Adidas Originals X Jeremy Scott LICENSE PLATE MIAMI

WHERE TO GET THIS: click here

MM6 Maison Margiela PATENT LEATHER SNEAKER

WHERE TO GET THIS: click here

Vans THE BEATLES SLIP-ON

WHERE TO GET THIS: click here

Steve Madden ECENTRIC

WHERE TO GET THIS: click here

Nike Free iD RUNNING SHOE

WHERE TO GET THIS: click here

Nike Free SHIELD 3.0 iD

WHERE TO GET THIS: click here

Let me know what sneakers you are obsessed with and post a link in the comments below so I can check them out!


~Jenn

Pantone's 2014 Color of The Year, as I'm sure you all know by now, is Radiant Orchid.

According to Pantone..."Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health."

If you aren't the type of person to wear a lot of color (anyone else totally guilty of living in black clothing for the winter...?), now is the time to bust out a little something something for your outfits. Spring is fast approaching, or so we New Englanders like to hope, and everyone is pining for something to rejuvenate their dull wardrobe.

Let me show you how to wear Radiant Orchid, whether you love wearing bright colors or refuse to wear anything that isn't monotone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Radiant Orchid by asmallbit featuring a clear nail polish

LOOK #1
Going Out With The Girls

Black is such a safe color to wear when you want to look put together but also dressy. Wear a flowy cropped tank top with high-waisted jeans or pants and strappy heels for the perfect outfit to get your groove on! Incorporate a bit of Radiant Orchid with your accessories, whether it be studs for a subtle touch or a small crossbody bag to break up the black.

It'll give your outfit a little more interest and on the bright side, you'll be able to spot your bag easily if you leave it somewhere!


LOOK #2
Lunch, Brunch, Dinner Date

A striped top is an essential. Skater or circle skirts have been in trend for a while now and pair well with fitted tops to give the illusion of an hourglass figure. Go for a cropped version for a more springtime appropriate look and choose a skirt that is bold in color. The Radiant Orchid color will speak for itself and the brightness of the color will lift the entire tone of the outfit. It's a wonderful alternative to the showstopper red that most people would consider a "sexy" or "attractive" color if you plan on wearing this on a date.

Tie in the color of your skirt with a necklace and keep the outfit balanced with some nude heels (they'll lengthen your legs, too. bonus!). If you really aren't feeling the colored skirt, pair the top with a black skirt and opt for a bright lipstick instead. It'll instantly brighten up the face.


LOOK #3
Frolicking in the Fields

Whether you plan on going shopping or having a picnic, this outfit is great for casual activities. Overalls have been making a comeback in the form of skirts and shorts. Go for a lighter wash denim to contrast with a bold colored top. The graphic tee I chose is fitted and cropped, to maintain the figure against the looser silhouette of the overalls. Graphic tees are fun and easy to wear. Depending on the graphic, it can be a great way to showcase your personal style and be a conversation starter!

Don't like how crazy the print is? No problem. This will look just as good with a white tee. Try a bold nail polish color to add a bit of color to the outfit. If you just aren't a fan of the brightness of the Radiant Orchid color, try a lighter tone of purple in your accessories or your shoes. Canvas sneakers are an easy way to incorporate color to an outfit (and they're wicked comfy!).


I hope these tips were helpful and you can use them as a general guide to wearing any kind of color. Happy styling!



~Jenn

Personally, I hate wearing sweaters during the summer. The problem is that you're out and about...places indoors have the AC blasting and that chiffon top you decided to wear to tackle the heat outside just can't handle it. I end up feeling way too cold inside...and way too hot outside.

And then what do you do about those breezy summer nights? Sometimes I'll bring a sweater if I know I won't be going home for the entire day but it's annoying to carry it around when you don't want to wear it.

The summer sweatshirt is cute and pretty functional for those situations! Pick one that is slightly cropped and has short sleeves. It'll give you the air you need for when you're outdoors and a bit more substance for when you're dealing with the cold AC. Of course, there are a ton of different ways to dress it up and down. It's a blank canvas.

On the left, I have it paired with casual floral shorts in a pastel yellow color to make it a warmer and more summery outfit. I thought the vans would be a nice touch to keep it relaxed and effortless.

TIP: **If you're still scared of getting chilly and the short sleeves isn't doing it for you, try carrying around a thin tank top or camisole in your purse. They fold up nicely and aren't as bulky. Run to the bathroom and add that layer underneath the sweatshirt and you'll have a bit of extra warmth!**

On the right, I have it paired with silky loose shorts in a bright orange color along with some matching sandals. I think having the silk against the boyish sweatshirt material makes it a lot more feminine and dressier. While the sandals are typically known as a casual shoe, the patent quality of these can help you get away with wearing it to a dinner with friends and family. It's a good outfit choice for people who like staying comfortable but maybe aren't so into wearing dresses as well as those who just need a quick change from their day outfit to night outfit.

There are a million ways to wear this sweatshirt. You can pair it with a circle skirt, high waisted denim shorts, jeans, boyfriend jeans, overalls, etc. It's a versatile piece with so much potential!

Let me know down below how you'd wear it!


~Jenn

Thanks to all the fashion gurus and bloggers of the internet world, we're all familiar with this wardrobe tip. Curious?

It's versatility!

What the heck do I mean by that?

One way to conserve space in your closet or just make creating outfits much easier is to buy pieces that can be worn multiple ways. That can mean a piece that transcends genres or just a piece that works for many occasions.

One Dress, Four Looks. by asmallbit featuring opi nailpolish

For all the delicious details, please visit my polyvore!

Some people make the mistake of thinking that these versatile pieces can only be staples like a basic white T-shirt or a nice pair of denim jeans. While those are a must have in your closet and can certainly act as a versatile piece of clothing, you don't have to limit yourself to just those pieces.

It's always important to remember your own style and what you like to wear. Don't think a white T-shirt is something you'd pick out very often? Don't buy it. Maybe skinny jeans aren't your cup of joe. Try a boot cut, straight cut, flare, or wide leg!

Also note your body shape and what cuts of clothing work better for you. It's not just about playing by the rules.

Now, back on topic.

WHEN SHOPPING FOR TOPS/SWEATERS:
-Pick colors that complement the rest of your wardrobe.

-For me, shades of navy or aqua plus corals, oranges, or light oranges equals awesome.

-For cardigans or blazers (depending on your preference), ask yourself "what is the main color in my wardrobe? what can I wear this cardigan with?". If you have a lot of dark colored dresses, I recommend investing in a black cardigan as well as a grey one.

WHY??
-A black cardigan will go with black dresses but they can also work with other deeper colored dresses.

-Sometimes, you'll have events that call for something lighter or not so formal looking. A grey cardigan is nice because the contrast isn't as stark as a white cardigan but it helps lighten up the darker colored dress.

-Likewise, if you have a lot of light colored dresses like pastels, I recommend going for a white, cream, or grey cardigan.

-I also say yes to a colored cardigan, one in your favorite color, because sometimes white on white can be a little too...clean looking. For the summertime, a bright colored cardigan against a white dress will really bring a look together.

This post is going to go on for miles if I continue with all types of tops and sweaters so I'll move onto pants.

WHEN SHOPPING FOR BOTTOMS:
-If you can't live without skirts and you attend formal events often, I recommend getting a basic black skirt that is an appropriate length for your body type. I don't suggest anything too short but that's your choice! The nice thing about medium to longer length skirts is that you can always lengthen your legs with heels so that the look can go from office to night out easily.

-Navy colored skirts are a staple because they have the potential to be dressed up but can remain casual at the same time. It's also perfect if you want to go for a nautical look or fourth of July outfit.

WHEN SHOPPING BASED ON PATTERNS:
-Polka dots will always be around. I'm convinced. Get one with smaller polka dots if you prefer looking more put together and a little more mature. Go for bigger ones if you dress playfully or plan on wearing it casually.

Forever21

Forever21

-Stripes are awesome. Afraid they'll make you look ten times bigger? Go for vertical ones. Or, go for horizontal ones that start near the lower half of the shirt. Even better, if the background is black! And make sure they are skinny stripes. But if you're ready to say "the heck with that!", then try a bigger bolder stripe to make a statement.

Ann Taylor

-If you're buying patterned bottoms, the only thing I would suggest is asking yourself if you'd really wear it, how often you'd wear it, and if there's more than one top you'd wear it with.

And, voila, that's it!

I hope I didn't bore you guys with this extensively long post and that you found it somewhat helpful. Case and point: shop wisely! There's no point in spending all that money if you're just going to throw it away when the trend dies down. :)


Until next time,
{kissies}
~Jenn

It's not quite summer yet but stores and bloggers have begun whipping out the swimsuits and swimwear posts like mad recently.

Swimwear isn't my forte nor do I shop for bathing suits...ever. But I thought I'd just share with you guys some cute ones that I've found online and hopefully, if you're stuck and not sure what to buy, these pictures will give you an idea!

Oh! Just a quick tip. Different patterns/shapes/cuts of swimsuits will emphasize different body parts. If you're looking to take the attention off of your chest area, I suggest something solid and neutral colored paired with a bold patterned bottom. Likewise, you can flip this combo if you're trying to tone down your lower bum region! If it's your hips you're worried about, try a one piece but with a solid black color block on both sides of the hips. The black will give the appearance of a slimmer waist/hip area.

And like anything else in fashion, you don't have to stick to the "rules". Just wear what you feel is comfortable and what you think looks good on you!

F21 Leopard Trapeze Swim Top and Leopard Hipster Swim Bottom $12.80, $9.80

Vitamin A "Cosmo" Ruched Bikini Bottoms $76

Asos Lemon Print Spaghetti Strap Bikini Top and Lemon Print Hipster Bikini Briefs $24.35, $20.87

Asos Geometric Enamel Cut Out Swimsuit $48.71

Asos Color Block Wrap Swimsuit $52.19

What are some of your favorite swimsuit trends for this summer?? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time,
{kisses!}
~Jenn