OOTD- sequined white girl poof?

Today I would think the universe it ripping itself apart at the seams the wind is blowing so hard... if I didn't know better! So I decided to bring back the white girl poof. You all know what I'm talking about, indestructible, was it circa 2009? Anyways, my cheesy hair aside, I love me some sequins. SO I decided to wear one of my many sequined shirts with a pair of dark wash jeans. I don't know what's with the jeans lately, I hardly ever used to wear them- they're just sooo uncomfortable. No "pants" Wednesdays anyone?

Boots: Wet Seal (My favorites- the ones from the post with the leopard socks)

Jeans: Old Navy (LOVE them)

Top: Charlotte Russe

Cardigan: H&M

Nails: Revlon Colorstay Wild Strawberry

And since my white girl poof got cut off....

I swear that's my index finger! :)

-Elle <3

DIY- Neon lace color blocking cuff

The big trends for Spring 2012 are color blocking and neon. I thought up a cute way to bring just a touch of these trends into an outfit in a way that is understated and easy- it can easily be thrown on with any outfit.This takes maybe 15 minutes and is SO simple anyone can do it! Just make sure you test out your permanent markers to see if your superglue makes them bleed on the lace like mine did with the green. No bueno! But I decided to share anyways since it isn't all that noticeable AND it's an easy fix for you to make since this is such an easy tutorial.

Supplies

Sharpies/ permanent markers not included

 Step #1: Cut your lace to the length of your cuff plus around  2 inches. I trimmed my lace on the edge because I didn't like the the asymmetry of it.  

 Step #2: Color lace with your permanent markers. This is where you decide whether you want neon, color blocking or something else. Again, even though these are permanent markers they will bleed on the lace so don't try any complicated patterns and don't switch colors too often.
Step#3: Glue lace to the cuff with the super glue, dotting the glue every half an inch or so and spreading it out with a toothpick (I only had skewers so I just used that). If you want you can also use clear nail polish under the edges (I feel like it's easier to get under there!). Cut off the excess and you're done!!

You can see how the green bled but the yellow didn't- so choose your colors of permanent markers wisely!

-Elle <3

Curly Hair Secret- tie it up

Whenever I wash my hair at night and go to bed without doing anything to my hair I end up with super curly hair on one side of my head and completely flat hair on the other side of my head when I wake up. Alternatively, my hair can get frizzy and annoying when I let it air dry when I forget to put products in it or if I'm just having a bad hair day. One solution I use is the hair tie. Now, I'm not going for the crinkled I-obviously-just-had-my-hair-in-a-ponytail look, so I put my hair up in a simple bun by gathering my hair super high on the top of my head and twist   until my hair forms a bun. I loosen the strands a little and wrap my hair tie loosely around my bun, keeping it only tight enough to barely keep it in place. This takes maybe 30 seconds to do so it's okay if it comes out after a while. When you wake up (or a half an hour or so later) your hair will have the prettiest waves! Set with hairspray and voila- gorgeous hair! There are three different hair ties that work really well with this hairstyle.

1. Regular no-snag hair ties (the kind for thin hair- not the super thick ones)

These are probably something every girl has one or two of laying around. They work, but if you're not super careful putting them in your hair they can cause creasing.

2. 80's style scrunchies 

While these work really well they're kind of unsightly. I wouldn't wear them out of the house! They are pretty cheap at the dollar store though- I do use them while I'm sleeping because they cause significantly less damage to your hair and I've never had trouble with creasing. 

3. Crease-less elastic hair ties

These are super great! They look super cute in your hair or on your wrist and don't cause any creasing- even if you're wearing your hair in a ponytail! I've had a couple friends with these and they all love them- I haven't purchased any yet because they are usually pretty expensive ($4 plus each!) but I've just found some on etsy for 7 for $1.50 (plus $2.50 shipping) which is an amazing deal that I'm about to order right now!! link (pictured above): http://www.etsy.com/listing/91840361/the-love-pack-foe-hairties-set-of-7?ref=sr_gallery_3&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=elastic+hairties&ga_order=price_asc&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=0&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

-Elle <3

OOTD- layering cardigans

When I wore this outfit (Thursday- late again- sorry!!) it was really cold in the morning (around 35-40) but it was nice in the afternoon (65) before it got super cold and windy around 6pm. So I needed a really warm layer, a thin cardigan or something of the sort, and a tank top because I get hot super duper easily! So I found one of my favorite white frilly cardigans (Of course I bought it in black as well ;) ) and layered it with a structured sweatshirt from Aeropostale which sounds a little weird but it's SUPER cute and comfy. The flats I'm wearing are from Charlotte Russe a year and a half ago- they're still holding up and look about as good as they did when I first bought them for only $5. So definitely check out Charlotte Russe's sales. Especially the day after Christmas sale- and sign up for their texting club- they alert you about alll the best deals! Finally, my necklace is my ALL TIME most worn and favorite piece of jewelry. It's actually my second one, I re-found it at forever21 about a year after I originally bought it and it's exactly the same excepting the chain. Keep an eye out for it if you like it because forever21 might have them again! The "crystals" are actually really shiny and sparkly- I get compliments every time I wear it. 

white cardigan- Ross
gray sweater- Aeropostale
sequined ballet flats- Charlotte Russe
gray tank top (underneath)- Forever21
teal tank top- Billabong
necklace- Forever21
jeans- Gap

-Elle <3

OOTD- pop of color

Yesterday (I'm posting this a day late- sorry!!) it was snowing, so instead of wearing cute shorts and a pretty tank top I bundled up with a cardigan and scarf over a pretty bright blue semi-crop top. I just love how cute and put together this looks!! Since I was just wearing a thick cardigan over my top, I could have just taken it out if it had stopped snowing and the sun had come out, I can dream that a 39 degree high will turn into 70 degrees can't I? ;) Anyways I was wearing a pair of gray military inspired boots but I didn't bother to put them back on because a). the socks I was wearing are absolutely ADORABLE and b). you will probably see them in another OOTD because I wear them all the time!

 Close-up to show off the top half of my outfit, mostly my necklace. Also, I love making funny faces every when I'm in front of a camera :P

Close-up of the necklace- none of the photos were doing it justice, it's SO gorgeous and sparkly. My favorite part of the outfit:)

Jeans- Aeropostale

Top- Ross

Belt- H&M (it's actually pale pink, skinny and braided if you can't see- super cute!)

"Grandpa" Cardigan- Forever21 

Necklace- Forever21 (if I remember correctly it was only around $1.80!!)

Scarf- JcPenney's? 

Socks- Old Navy 

Earrings- Forever21 (large gray pearls)

-Elle <3

My Current "Holy Grail" Mascara

I usually would distinguish a holy grail product that I will always use forever and ever as long as we both shall live/ be produced from a current favorite, but not in the case of a mascara. There are always new kinds, formulas and gimmicks (anyone remember vibrating mascara?). My needs often change from time to time and occasion to occasion. Sometimes I want volume, sometimes I need length, occasionally I get bored and go forth in search of a new gimmick to try. So for mascaras I feel like there can't be a holy grail for me- just a favorite thus the term current holy grail. It fits!

Since I have pretty long, thick lashes to begin with I only really need a mascara to slightly lengthen, add a little bit of volume, and darken my lashes. I like mascaras that aren't clumpy because my lashes tend to get stuck together and turn into a mess quite easily. That being said, most mascaras work at least passably on my lashes. Where I really need help is with the time it takes to put on and results with only a coat because I don't like to or have time to spend 10 minutes putting on mascara. Also, I like my mascara to come off easily and stay put all day especially on my bottom lashes.

I really feel like Maybelline's One by One mascara does everything I need from a mascara and more. I'm pretty sure I have the regular black color, whatever they're calling it these days! :P The brush combs out clumps, the formula dries quickly and doesn't get all over my face, and by adding an extra coat or two I can make my lashes more dramatic if I want. Another thing I love about it is how it isn't crusty or flaky like most mascaras I've tried, there's nothing I hate more than having gross black flakes on my cheeks at the end of my day!

One light coat after 6+ hours

It looks just as good after being at school all day as it does when I first put it on. This is how I typically use the mascara on a day to day basis. It doesn't, however, have any issues building up for more dramatic lashes: 

Same day, 3 coats (2 more on top of what was on in the previous picture)

I thought I'd show you what I was talking about so I threw on two more coats of mascara and snapped another picture! :) It actually only took a minute or so to do so it's perfect for dressing up day eye looks into nighttime ones, it's super black in my opinion!

Moral of my little story: I love this mascara and I feel like anyone looking for a great, subtle and easy, everyday mascara should look into it as well as those who want something more dramatic! Remember that you can always return used cosmetics to drug stores like CVS and Walgreens if you don't like them so I would recommend just buying it there to try it out- just in case it doesn't work for you- even though it's a dollar or two more expensive than stores like Target or Walmart.

-Elle <3

The true meaning of R.I.P.

R.I.P. What is that? It's a noise. A sound. A deeper meaning- rest in peace? I don't think so... Whenever I hear someone say R.I.P. I don't get that definition- I get sadness. In waves, crashing over my entire body whether I knew the person or not. It's just sad to me. To me it seems negative, almost like it really makes them more dead, if that's even possible. I feel like it's the figurative "rip" of our memories, our potential to have known them if we didn't already, to have seen how they looked, to have had your day brightened by their smile. Just from those simple three letters we get death, darkness when we could have just been happy to remember them with a cheery "May you please rest in peace and happiness in our memories and watch over us all while we continue on living" or something to that effect.

A few days ago a guy from my school died from smoke inhalation after attempting to saving his little sister from their burning apartment. Now I can't tell you his name but he was well liked by everyone and the star player of our JV basketball team. I, personally, had never met him but the outcry from those so close to me that did know him is somewhat astounding.

The idea of someone being here today and gone tomorrow is kind of hard to grasp for some, especially those who knew them best. You just can't talk to dead people no matter how hard you try to say the things you left unsaid, know the things you wanted to know, or even to just have made memories that wouldn't be able to be forgotten.

Going back to the event at my school, everyone was wearing white for him today. I wore white out of respect for those who did know him, to show them support. There were white ribbons with "R.I.P. [his name]" on a great portion of people and their backpacks as well. The idea of supporting those who have experienced loss is quite unprecedented, at least in my home town. Once something happens, whether it's a suicide, fire, or even a car crash people are initially sad but get over it soon enough. I just don't see that happening here.

Maybe it's the guy himself, maybe he's special. Or even the proximity of the death. Or the heroic nature of his death- if he hadn't gone back for his little sister (she sadly ended up dying anyways) he definitely would have lived. But in reality I think it's the idea of loss that comes with not having known him, to not be able to make memories, to have something so shocking and sudden happen in your life, or the lives of those around you, it's the idea of "R.I.P."

The notion of being sad that someone who you loved is gone is quite understandable, but you eventually have to get over the rip in your life that happens when death takes them away from you. An inspiring saying that those who have suffered this adversity that is death is: "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Think of the happy times, the great memories because not even death and the mention of "R.I.P." can take those away from you.

-Elle <3

My Curly Hair Secrets

Hair is cause of great concern for most girls  whether it's style or management everyone has their issues. Personally I feel I've gotten my hair under control with the products and tools I use on a regular basis to get it that way.One of my friends even asks to borrow all my "curly hair stuff" every time she comes over! I have medium to dark brown hair with a loose curl/ wave to it, my hair is pretty thin in texture but isn't lacking in weight because I have a TON of it. I'll insert a picture here when I get a chance of what my hair looks like from the back on an average day.


My Routine

When I first get in the shower I wash my hair right away to get all the dirt out (I hate having even slightly greasy or dirty hair) and to prep my hair for conditioning. I use the Biolage color care shampoo (I don't think the conditioner is worth the price... or really anything at all!) You can actually get this pretty cheap on Amazon  for around $20 which could sound like a lot to some but this size lasts my pretty long hair around 6 months actually saving me money. Also, even though it IS geared towards colored hair it works wonderfully at not stripping the hair of all its moisture which us curly girls can appreciate!! Also, this is seriously the best smelling shampoo I've ever used. Get it here-http://www.amazon.com/Biolage-Matrix-Color-Shampoo-Ounces/dp/B0007CXXDM

Right after I shampoo I put a quarter sized amount of the Aussie Deeeeep 3 Minute Miracle conditioner in my hair. I leave it on for a couple minutes while I shave, wash my face, and go about my business in the shower. Even though it is a deep conditioner I use it every day, it's my all-time favorite! It conditions without making my hair oily or greasy and it smells like coconuts which compliments the smell of the shampoo to make the most heavenly scent- I get TONS of compliments on how good I smell and it's always this!!! You can buy this at drugstores for around $3.

Right when I get out of the shower before even so much as brush my hair I put some serum in it. The serum I'm using right now is Beyond the Zone Straight shot (yes... I know we are going for the curly look here :p). It is discontinued but it's not particularly great anyways- I feel like most serums are created equally. Another I've like more than this one in the past is the Chi silk infusion which smells great as well and the Beyond the Zone Frizz Zapper Anti-frizz serum is really amazing as well as long as you only use a couple drops as it goes into greasy territory quite easily. You can get the Beyond the Zone Frizz Zapper Anti-frizz serum here: http://www.sallybeauty.com/hair-glosser/SBS-140222,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair04 .


After I put the serum in my hair I use a leave in conditioner or a curl cream. After all my products are in I brush them through my hair. Unfortunately the ones I use are discontinued. However, I've heard the leave in conditioner from Garnier in the green bottle with the water bottle-type pull lid is great and I plan on trying it after I run out. Another option would be the Sunsilk curl creams I've tried the one in the pink bottle and the one mixed with gel. they're both really good as long as you're okay with ordering online if you live in the US. 

After I have all my products in I blow-dry my hair. This step isn't necessary but since I take showers in the morning I prefer no to go out with wet hair. If you do blow dry make sure to use a heat protectant. 

After my hair is dry I brush through it with a brush to get all the tangles out.Also brushing gets all of the frizz out of your hair from blow drying it. Yes, brushing curly hair IS fine once its dry as long as your curl pattern isn't too tight! 

After I've brushed my hair I spray some of my Pantene curl lock hairspray into the palm of my hand two to three times, rub my hands together and work it into my hair and repeat one more time. After I've put all that I need in I lightly scrunch my hair at the ends to give it its natural curl back without all the frizzies it had before. 

If my hair needs it I'll add more serum or curl cream, if not, I'm ready to go! 

-Elle <3

The Best T-shirt for the Money

Tri-blend V-neck Tee Wet Seal 

5 for $20 or $7.50

http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=943&productId=53023 - gray

http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=943&productId=53925&color=DUSTY%20BLUE - blue, pink, etc.

http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=943&productId=54711- neon colors

This shirt is my most worn and (2nd) favorite shirt at the moment rivaling, in softness, shirts that cost five to ten times what they do. I've owned two of these particular t-shirts for a few months now and wear each of them at least once every two weeks. I have the dark gray one pictured above and a light pink one as well. I bought them both in a size Large or Extra Large when I'm in reality a size small at Wet Seal (I think..). I like how they're a little loose and unstreched, they give the perfect silhouette with a simple pair of jeans and a cardigan on one of my "lazy" days. They're perfectly soft and comfortable even after the 15 plus washes the gray one has been through. They're just perfect for those days when I just want to throw something on and run out the door. I've been known to even sleep in them when I don't feel well- they're so comfy!! Also, because of how loose they are they can be tucked into a bodycon skirt and still have enough fabric to blouse out a little bit. My only issue? The light pink one can be a little sheer, but with a tank top or a little bravery and a nude bra that can be fixed. 


-Elle <3

Shopping on a budget! Clearance on Clearance Outfits

Wet Seal is having a 40% off sale on their clearance right now, so to take advantage of this money-saving opportunity I'm showing you how to create as many outfits as I can utilizing their clearance page with only a $75 dollar budget. Rules: Shipping will not included  in the total. No full-priced items whatsoever. All items must fit a single person (I chose myself to make things simple). All things must be available and not sold out at the time of the screen shot of the register page. All items must be in the shopping basket at this time. Ready... Set... Go!!!

Outfit #1

 This outfit with the pretty monotone skirt and over sized (I went up a size or two) long sleeve shirt is perfect for those days when it's slightly cold but still nice enough to wear a skirt. The long necklace adds interest and shape to the t-shirt with its weight.

Outfit #2

The same shirt tucked in (or not, in this case move the belt up to the waist to add shape) to a polka dot skirt with a sparkly glitter belt breaks up an otherwise monotone outfit. The burnouts in the shirt will compliment the polka dots in the skirt to break up the black and add a little extra spunk.

Outfit# 3

                                         

 In this outfit the black necklace subtly sparkles in front of the black shirt. The shirt is slightly tucked in behind the belt in the very front and is let hang everywhere else.

Outfit #4

                                   

This tank top can either be tucked in or left out. The texture of the skirt and the shirt are both grounded by a simple back long necklace to tie the outfit together.

Outfit #5

                                       
                                              

This simple out fit really lets the busy-patterned tank shine by pairing it with black accessories and distressed jeans to add a tiny bit of interest. Since this tank would be a little big and long (I sized up) the belt would help it to fit into the outfit with the shirt being partially tucked in.

Outfit #6

 With the interest in the ribbed details of the skirt and the bright color and pattern of the shirt these pieces don't need accessories.

Outfit #7

This time the shirt is untucked and the belt is put around the waist to minimize the competing patterns. The hint of polka dots you see under the shirt will be just enough to be trendy.

Outfit #8

                                         
The jeans and floral top are paired with a gold toned necklace to give a fun, casual attitude to this outfit.

Outfit #9

                            
This looser (I sized up) shirt tucked into the ribbed skirt will add visual interest with the horizontal lines throughout. The necklace dresses the outfit up making this outfit appropriate for more formal occasions.

Outfit# 10

                                                   
The oversized top tucked into the jeans and belted with the sparkly belt adds just enough shape, structure, and blouse-y effect to the outfit.

Outfit #11

                                      

This outfit takes your casual and slightly oversized tank and makes it appropriate for fancier occasions by being tucked into the skirt and accessorized with the necklace.

Outfit #12

                                
This more casual way to wear the shirt leaves it untucked leaving most of the polka dots covered and mixing patterns successfully with the large stripes and small dots.

Outfit #13

                                         
                                                
This outfit is dressy enough for a night out but casual enough for day to day wear with its black accessories and casual tank.

Outfit #14

                               
The necklace adds visual interest to an otherwise simple outfit.

Outfit #15

The polka dots and purple color of the shirt go together to make a casual but cool outfit needing no accessories.

Outfit #16

 

This outfit dresses up the top with dressy, black accessories.

Outfit #17

                                 

 The oversized long sleeve shirt is tucked into the skirt and a necklace is added to create the perfect any-occasion look.

Outfit #18

In this outfit the shirt is left untucked and belted to create shape.

Outfit #19

                                  
                                           
In this outfit the shirt is tucked in and the necklace and belt added to add interest.

Outfit #20

In this outfit the shirt is left untucked to keep its oversized shape and the necklace is added to weigh it down in the front giving some of that shape back.

Outfit #21

In this outfit the shirt is tucked in to minimize the competition between the patterns. No accessories- this look is already bold enough.

Outfit #22

Perhaps the simplest look, the casual sweater over top the jeans is a very comfortable way to be stylish and on trend.

Screenshot of list of items and prices (I used a coupon code too!)- click to enlarge

Although I feel like I started sounding a bit like an infomercial at the end, this proves that shopping a sale can really save you a lot of money. Cost per outfit is only $3.38! With this sale I would have paid $168 without this sale saving me $93.54. I feel kinda like the extreme couponer of fashion! Have fun shopping the sale!! http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/category.jsp?categoryId=809

-Elle <3