Rock your socks!

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for so long, our socks have been a secret. we've rolled them down so they wouldn't show, covered them with our tall boots, or ditched them completely. but recently, socks have been making a comeback. instead of being ashamed of them, i've recently seen many chic young ladies rockin' some pretty sweet socks around campus and all over southern california. 

so instead of hiding them away in the back of your drawers, it's time to break out these underappreciated clothing items and begin to flaunt them once again!

here are a few ways to make your socks a statement:

pair them with a cute pair of heels. don't be afraid to take a risk on this one!

wear shorter socks with cute flats.

let your socks peek out from your boots. they can add a feminine touch to chunky combats!

over-the-knee socks are always a cute option too!

xoxo

How short is too short...?

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Soo... I'm not exactly the most conservative dresser. We will just put it that way. I love me some booty shorts! However, I do wonder if sometimes I take it too far... My theory is that if you've got it, flaunt it! I really hate to be told what I can and can't wear. Im young and at least for now I will do what I want! So basically, for all you daring girls (or guys, I guess?) out there, just wear what y'all want to. We have the rest of our elderly lives to dress like respectable human beings so why start now? I'm not totally sure where I'm going with this but I just wanted to share my thoughts with all you lovelies.

P.S. if you wear high waisted booty shorts or skirts, it can trick people into thinking your more covered up because there's more fabric. Sneaky sneaky!!

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watch of the week

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Leather Bands

Personally I love my leather band MK watch.

The leather style is so relaxed yet stylish, I love it.

Here are some great examples:

Nixon: Kensington Leather

Fossil: The Editor Leather Watch-Coral

Fossil: Flight Mini Leather Watch- Tan

Nixon: The Mellor

Pros

great for gift giving (because you can adjust the band)

easy to use

does not pinch skin

light weight (could be a con if you like heavy watches)

Cons

the band can stretch

the band can get worn easily


Now go find your perfect watch

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What have we all become?

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So last night, Liz and I were browsing through some of our old childhood photos and it got me thinking. When I was little, there was no way I could have anticipated I'd turn out like I did... Haha, it makes sense I suppose. I was the weird little girl who wore dresses to school every day... And now I'm the weird less little girl who wears the shirts with skeletons on them. Haha... What has happened to me? I don't know... But I'm super happy with who I am now and I just wanted to share that with you all.

Then...

And now.

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wurk it girl

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I always need to find motivation to work out so here are a few outfit tips to get you to work up a sweat (and look good while doin' it)

• I specifically bought my Nike's because I knew I would want to wear them and so therefore I had to go workout. 

I'm obsessed

• Getting new sports wear is another great idea. You want to show off your new goods! Try lululemon or nike for some cute workout gear. If you want a cheaper option, target is always a good spot.
• Get a camelback water bottle! they are fun to drink out of and it will help keep you hydrated!

hope that helps!

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Sorority Girl?

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Hello my lovelies! I just wanted to share with you the newest chapter of my life. I just pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma! I never thought of myself as a sorority girl, but I am now! It's a bit crazy but I love it already. I'm so in love with all of my new sisters and can't wait to be a part of something awesome! So look forward to some posts about business casual and formal attire!

ΚΚΓ ♥

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favorites!

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raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, 

bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,

brown paper packages tied up with strings, 

here are a few of my favorite things!

1. army jackets. mine in particular is from urban outfitters. it's comfortable, warm, and a great staple for my closet. 

[urban outfitters]

2. sunglasses. mine are by warby parker, in the jasper whiskey style. i adore them.

[www.warbyparker.com]

3. white high-top converse. they're comofortable and go with virtually everything!

4. liquid eye-liner by kat von dee. you can get this at any sephora. it goes on really easily (trust me, i'm terrible at make-up), and it lasts all day!

[available at sephora]

5. Sundresses. A loose, flowy, plain or printed sundress works perfectly for almost any day or occasion.

6. hand lotion. my hands are always dry, and this moisturizer keeps them nice and soft. it comes in a travel size and a regular size. i own both and keep one with me at all times!

[soap & glory's hand food. available at sephora]

so there you have it! just a few of my favorite every-day items.

have a lovely day!

xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day

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*quirky title about my favorite things*

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1. target flats 

my favorites are the black ones, they literally go with EVERYTHING.

But I love the other colors I own too (red, brown, sand, blue)

they are super comfy (after you break them in) 

I literally wear them almost everyday.

Women's Mossimo Ona Patent Ballet Flats

2. v necks

I love v necks, they just work a lot better for my body shape.

But play around with it, your body may look better in scoop neck!

(this advice may sound silly but I'm serious, it makes a difference)

3. infinity scarves

my favorite has to be the gray one my mom bought me for Christmas from New York & Company.

infinity scarves help dress up an outfit without trying too hard

4. Fit Me concealer

This concealer by maybelline new york actually does what it says! 

what a concept right?

I love it, I found a tone that actually blends with my skin and doesn't look fake.

Great for a girl like me who has never really used concealer before. 

5. Mk watch

i mean seriously, you can't go wrong with a Michael Kors watch, they are so in style right now.

Also, I'm obsessed.

6. Pearl earrings

They are so simple, they go with almost any outfit.

you can find fake ones for really cheap at stores like Forever 21

Since they are cheap, you don't have to be sad when you lose one!

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Scotch tape nails!

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So I've been seeing a ton of pictures online of these rad But super complicated looking manicures. I really wanted to try one of them because they look great but I'm really bad at painting nails... So I found a simple manicure that involves a bit of scotch tape and two colors of polish. It's pretty foolproof and looks great! Enjoy!!

Here are the steps:
1. Paint your nails a solid color,
2. Wait until they are completely dry! This is very important!!
3. Cut or rip the tape in half length wise then place the tape on your nail with the straight edge towards the corner of the nail you're going to paint.
4. Paint the corner of your nail that's taped off with a different color. (I chose gold sparkles) don't be afraid to paint on top of the tape.
5. Wait until it dries and gently peel off the tape.

Voila! You've got gorgeous nails!! You can use this technique to create different shapes too!

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kelsey's top picks

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There's a few products that I have been in love with lately and I thought I'd share some with you!

Top pick: Makeup
I love bronzer. When I look dead in the morning, putting on a little bronzer livens me up and it's super quick and easy. My favorite bronzer is Laura Mercier's pressed powder. It's a little pricey but so worth it!

Top pick: Clothes
As of late I've been really into long, slightly oversized plain t-shirts. I just picked up this one from The Gap and I love it!! So comfy and you can dress it up or down.

Top pick: Shoes
Tom's are a necessity in every girls life. Not only are they cute but they are also unbelievably comfortable. Plus, when you buy a pair you give to a child in need! I have the red corduroys and I'm obsessed. Amory can back me up on this one.

Top pick: Purse/Accessory
I hate bringing a purse everywhere, so for Christmas I got a super handy Vera Bradley wristlet. It carries my ID, debit card, cash, and phone and I dont have to lug around a bag. It's perfect.

xx

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Summer in Spring

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i guess since I'm from southern california, summer is constantly on my mind.

Even though it's February, last weekend I was still able to chill by the pool.

Last Sunday, beautiful and sunny.

With my shape, finding swimsuits that make me feel comfortable, while still looking cute, is extremely challenging. 

If you have a bigger bust and a smaller waist, here are my tips for you.

1. Support is helpful (for me, necessary). Buy a suit that has straps. You may be running around the beach or playing volleyball in the pool, you don't want any awkward slips!

2. Buy a suit and bottoms separate. Face it, in a top you may be a x-large and in the bottoms you may be a small. Don't make one of your assets suffer. Please both areas by buying them separate

3. Choose a top that doesn't dictate the size of your boobs. When choosing tops always chose the tops where you are able to tie the neck and the back yourself. This way you are in control.

4. DIY! While on pinterest last week (yes I'm obsessed) I found a picture of someone using an old bra to make themselves a swimsuit. Great idea because then you will get the perfect fit!

Click here to see how to make it.

Happy Swimming.

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perfect tones

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A lot of people have a hard time picking out colors for their skin tone, myself included. So I decided to provide some tips! When picking out clothes it's important to look at not only your skin color but also your hair and eye color! (this is also a little guide for prom dresses i guess)

If you are lighter skinned steer clear of light colors. Especially tan. If you have dark hair, light eyes and pale skin, or light hair, lights eyes, and pale skin choose rubies, sapphires, or black, white, and gray.

This is a random picture of Amory but this color looks awesome on her skin tone (also she just looks adorable)

I have an olive skin tone with light hair. I like to wear deep purples or light colors like tan, light pink, or mint. They make me look like a have more of a tan. Yellow brings out the yellowish tones in my skin so I try to avoid that color.

I chose a light pink for my prom dress because it makes my hair look blonder and my skin look more tan!

If you have dark skin and dark hair, corals and magentas look great. Don't wear too much brown or yellow, they're not always flattering.

My friend Shobana wore the PERFECT prom dress for her skin tone

Shobana is on the right. Doesn't she look great?

Picking clothes that match your features will make an outfit look even better!!

rock yo skin tones,

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Greatest invention ever!!

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Today at work, my boss taught me how to use the "bejeweller" not to be confused with the "bedazzler" it's a device that heats up the glue on the backs of special Swarovski crystals and easily affixes them to fabric. This is mind blowing for me as I've been hot gluing or sewing rhinestones on all these years! For all you DIY-ers out there, I'd highly recommend this AMAZING tool! It's super rad. I must have one!!

And if you're wondering where I work that I would need to utilize such a thing, I sew/bejewel costumes for the theater department at school. So fun!!

Hope y'all had a great day!!

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Jeffrey Campbells Part Dos

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As promised, here are some pics of the Jeffrey Campbells I own and where I got them! Hope you enjoy!

These are my white leather "Zup" shoes. This is my first pair (aww!) I saw a girl wearing them at Burning Man and fell in love! I asked her where she found them and was disappointed to hear that she bought them from a boutique in the East Village of New York. When I got home from the burn, I googled "white leather lace up platform shoe" and I found them!! They were on sale at karmaloop.com for $82 and they're normally around $160!

These are the "Tapestry Damesls" They are my favorite pair. They came from the wonderful Kitsch boutique in Truckee, California where I worked during high school. They retail for $145 but I got a deal at $125!

Voici the "Lita Spikes". These babies i got for prom my senior year. I also got them at Kitsch. They retail for a whopping $185 but are on sale now because they're last season.

These are my "cat tapestry Litas" These were a lovely birthday gift from a lovely boy. You can find this style in a plethora of prints at solestruck.com! They're generally $162 but can be higher or lower depending on the material or sales. (Studs are always more because they're super labor intensive)

These are the "Night Walker boots" in black crushed velvet. They are by far my most statement making pair. I got them on sale from nastygal.com for $100 and they're originally a $200+ purchase!

These are the "distressed suede khaki litas". I got these on sale from solestruck.com for $107, originally $162!

My babies!! I love them more than I should... haha!

Over all, Jeffrey Campbell is a great brand with an awesome philosophy of small business and sustainability! I love them and would highly recommend these shoes to anyone with bold taste and a desire for comfortable heels. 

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watch of the week

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Boyfriend watches.

In basic, these watches are larger styles than women would generally own, much like boyfriend jeans.

As women's roles change in society, so does their style. No longer will women be forced to wear dainty watches. Why don't we just steal our man's watches? (We can probably work it better right? Let's take over their jobs while we're at ;) )

My boyfriend watch is a Michael Kors Rose Gold Oversized Chronograph Watch. (My watch is literally a men's watch)

Oversized watches are where the trends are heading. So embrace it! Make a statement!

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Weekend trends.

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I spent some of my time this weekend in LA and Malibu. While strolling the coast and the city, I noticed quite a few trends. The most prominent one was the army jacket. These jackets are being paired with chic ensembles, and are definitely making a comeback. They're an easy way to keep warm, or give an edge to your every-day outfits. You can put it on over a dainty sundress and pair it with some combat boots, or you can make it casual with a plain tee and jeans. They're also easy to find. Keep your eye out for these trendy jackets while at the mall, a thrift shop, or even your parent's closet!

Just for fun, here are a few places that you should visit if you ever find yourself in the greater Los Angeles area:

Joan's on Third.
The most adorable restraunt with great soups, sandwiches,
and atmosphere.

Urth Cafe.
Fantastic boba. Need I say more?

And just for kicks, here's a beautiful Malibu sunset, just for you.

Hope you all have a lovely week!