FREE PEOPLE YELLOW KNIT + BAUBLE BAR

Hey there!

I've been wanting to show more of my style choices here sooo I am doing just that with today's post. My fashion taste is simple but sometimes I feel the need to share those simple things as this wild online world can sometimes be overrun with OTT outfits that I could never imagine actually donning for an entire day.

I picked up this Free People sweater from LuLu's on Black Friday because I was inspired by the sunny shade in a sweater since I'd be obligated to wear it November-March-- the months I'm usually rocking jewel tones and extra hardcore blacks and greys. I paired the sweater with some tassel earrings from BaubleBar in a matching mellow yellow color (similar tagged below).

Heads up if you're reading this the day I'm posting it or soon thereafter-- this sweater is actually 40% off if you buy from Nordstrom (linked below), which is an even better deal than what I got it for on Black Friday! It comes in a variety of delicate shades that you can easily transition from Winter to Spring when the time comes.

Random side story-- I have driven past this little gateway well over a hundred times in the two and a half years I have lived in my current city. It's behind a stretch of townhomes next to the shopping center that holds both my Target and grocery store (aka I'm passing by there a LOT). I always told myself I would get around to shooting either myself or someone else underneath it but have just never gotten around to doing so. Yesterday I was off from work for a day of mourning former President Bush and I figured I'd do it since I'm moving so soon. The owners of the home were totally fine with me setting up behind their house for a few minutes on a random, chilly Wednesday afternoon. I love that.

Let me know below if you pick up the sweater while it's on sale and tell me which color you got! We can be style (and/or color) twins!

THANKSGIVING OUTFIT

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my U.S. readers!

I wanted to pop on real quick to share the outfit that I wore today. Let me just say one quick thing prior, though: stretchy pants.

I picked up my pants and sweater the other day during South Moon Under's 20% off $150 sale. The pants are PULL ON with an ELASTIC WAISTBAND. They're unbelievably comfortable and super, super cool. My (future) bro-in-law told me I looked straight outta the 1970's and I could have melted into a puddle of pride right there. That is my goal in life like, every day.

The sweater has a hella dramatic cowl neck and I was worried it wouldn't 'lay' right but it somehow naturally falls really well. It wasn't my initial plan for my top but it was record-breakingly cold today so I absolutely needed more warmth than the tunic I'd originally planned.

I wore some studded, open-toed shoes (old Jeffrey Campbells, also from South Moon-- the 'Bess' style) with socks because again, cold and paired everything with these really chic resin tortoise hoops. It was entirely unplanned but somehow my entire outfit was from South Moon. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: South Moon Under's Black Friday sale is currently on and they're advertising 30% off EVERYTHING! This is an post is not sponsored-- I just love that store! Go go go get whatever you've been wanting.

Check out my ShopStyle below to see the exact items I wore and again HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

JOYKATHARINE JEWELRY

I was given the opportunity to try on JoyKatharine Jewelry's golden knot ring this past week! It's an adorably dainty but detailed wire knotted ring that looks great paired with other rings and gold bracelets or on it's on! It stacks well but is quaint enough on it's on to be worn by itself which is what I found myself doing the most this week. My skinny little fingers fit a size 7 well but I could have probably gotten away with a 6. The wiring is sturdy but can be bent to fit your exact finger shape perfectly.

Click here to visit the ring on Etsy!

Thank you so much to JoyKatharine Jewelry! I love this ring so much!

Check out the rest of the goodies she has for sale and let me know if you purchase any!

P.S. I totally have my eye on this twisted pearl necklace. SWOON!

MTV MOVIE AWARDS 2014 BEST DRESSED

Two posts in one day! eeek! How exciting of me! But the MTV Movie Awards were last night and aside from the crazy antics from host Conan O’Brien, “best shirtless” winner Zac Efron (and the ripping off of his shirt on stage!) and rockin’ tunes from performers such as Twenty One Pilots (!!!) the awards were pretty tame. One could not say the same about the red carpet fashions, however!

Celebs came dressed to impress in all kinds of trends from slits to laser cutting and lots and lots of cutouts. It was all about showing some skin with the dominating trends of the evening: white and cropped pieces. Here are my top five best dressed from the evening…

#5 Ellie Goulding

In fifth place came Ellie Goulding in her simple, long white gown. Ellie teetered between formal and casual but was able to cool down her attire with loose hair and side cutouts! She was one of many ladies rocking the white tonight and she pulled it off tastefully and event-appropriately.

#4 Tyler Oakley

Not often are men placed into “Best Dressed” lists because of their usual attire but Tyler Oakley’s outfit definitely placed him apart from the others earning him a spot on my list! His eggplant-purple tuxedo jacket looked great against the rest of his all-black ensemble and his silver locks looked better than ever! He kept fashionable and cool, the key to any MTV awards show Red Carpet. It's also Tyler Oakley. He makes the list just by being himself.

#3 Rocsi Diaz

Entertainment Tonight host Rocsi Diaz played up the night’s white trend by rocking an exquisite lasercut shirt and skirt combo. Just like the others on the list, Rosci kept it casual while still looking put together. Matched with minimal nude heels, a simple gold bracelet and spunky pink lips, this outfit was a definite winner and landed her in the third spot! The only thing keeping her from being higher up on my list is her hair and eyebrows.. the hair just isn't doing it for me and those sharpie brows don't help either!

#2 Zendaya Coleman

Rolling into our second spot is last month’s Naked covergirl Zendaya. The “it” girl wore a rose patterened dress that had a solid color blocking at the bottom. The sleeves and length made it age-appropriate while the colors and killer thigh slit edged it up a bit. She let the dress do the talking with simple wavy hair and black accessories and looked like a total gem during her pre-show hosting. Also, +5 points for those eyebrows! Gosh, could she be more amazing?

#1 Jessica Alba

Without any doubt in our minds the best dressed celeb from last night was Jessica Alba. She wore an adorable scuba crop top/skirt duo and paired it with her signature honey waves and a giant black handbag. Her chartreuse skirt looked awesome on the red carpet and looked even more outstanding when she announced an award later into the evening. Her black and white heels added a little bit of interest into her outfit without taking away from the simplistic nature of it all. Scuba materials are a growing trend this Spring and Jessica rocked the trend wholly. Just can’t get over it! Ugh! I love her!

Aside from these five fashions, I really did not enjoy the awards show last night. Either MTV is getting worse at hosting these kinds of things or I'm just outgrowing them but I couldn't seem to watch for more than a few minutes at a time without cringing. Here's to forever checking the red carpet photos but never watching the event itself!

Did you watch last night? Who's outfits did you enjoy the most?

SPRING LOOKBOOK #3: EDGY

Last week I photographed my first fashion show for Dress For Success of Central Virginia. I wanted to look especially fashionable that evening and this outfit is what came from it! I've been having trouble styling this crop top that I bought a little while ago because I'm NOT into the high-waisted shorts trend and most high-waisted skirts look odd on my very long frame but this maxi skirt from Lulu's is the perfect complement to it. I love!

That wonderful skirt that is pictured is from Lulu's! I have really been loving Lulu's lately. I love that it's long enough for my long legs and is so flowy. It's SUPER comfortable. The crop top is just the basic one from American Apparel and I have found that I really, really love that neckline. It looks really good on me and accentuates my narrow shoulders! Those adorable earrings are from Forever 21. I'm wearing my black + studded J.Crew CeCe flats, too!

I have one more Spring Lookbook look to post after this one.. keep your eyes peeeeled!!

SPRING LOOKBOOK #2: SOPHISTICATED

Helllloooooo!!!! I'm not sure about all of you but here in Virginia the weather has dipped back into cold temps and winds. I'm sad. Last week we had a Spring sneak peek that actually forced me to put on SHORTS. SHORTS! It was glorious. I took advantage of that seventy plus day took some pictures in my second lookbook shot for my Spring fashions! First was my girly look and today's post is all about my sophisticated look. A nice blouse and sleek heels are the stars of the show.

My blouse photographed more orange than it really was — it's more of a blood orange. I felt so grown up and mature pairing my shorts with some really cute heels that made my already-super-long legs look a million miles longer. I got a little matchy-matchy with my accessories and makeup but.. couldn't help it. Those earrings are from Forever 21 and the lipstick? Maybelline's ColorSensational Vivids in 'Electric Orange'. The blood orange/coral top is from Lulu's and I wore a magenta lace bralette from Victoria's Secret PINK underneath since the shirt was a little low-cut.

I freaking LOVE these shoes. They were unfortunately too large for me in the ankle which just.. breaks my heart because they were just too cool for school and were really comfortable to wear, too. Along with a lot of what I've been posting lately, they're from Lulu's. The awesome thing about that site is that they have free returns so I would recommend buying these shoes if you like them and seeing if they fit you well! That way I can live vicariously through you….

I always felt that I could never rock shorts + heels when I was in high school but now that I'm older I feel like it's a bit more realistic and I'm really excited to do it as soon as the weather warms back up yet again.

Funny story — while I was taking these pictures, there were probably about seven people outside on the block I was on. Watching me. It was weird. But hey! I've been doing this for so many years I don't even let it phase me anymore. I hope you all enjoyed this look! I'll see ya in my next post and if you haven't yet, like my page on Facebook. I post some extra things on there that aren't on this blog.

SPRING LOOKBOOK #1: GIRLY

I'm currently wrapped up in not one but two giant blankets procrastinating on studying for my Criminal Justice exam tomorrow wishing I weren't so cold and that it would finally be river weather or at least warm enough so I can wear some open shoes instead of boots???? or like.. shorter sleeves and no more eskimo jackets??? I don't mind Winter but after the foot of snow that dumped on Virginia last week I'm kind of officially over it. Aside from my comfort I just want to be able to be fashionable again! Well, at least try. I don't get how European and Canadian and even New York style bloggers stay so cute while staying as warm as they need to… I just can't do it. My Winter clothes are not cute.

The other day I decided to suck it up in the thirty-something degree weather and go out in one of my favorite Spring looks for this upcoming season. I initially was planning on going outside like.. you know.. outdoors but it was just TOO DANG COLD so I stayed inside of my apartment building's parking garage. Haha.

There are some trends that I'm seeing for 2014 that are getting me sooooo freaking excited that I couldn't even wait for it to warm up. One of those trends are midi skirts!!!! Being as tall as I am, I could never get into the high-waisted short trend no matter how much I wanted (or didn't want) to and I've never really be able to pull off typical shorts and skirts because of my proportions. Now that I see midi skirts coming into style I can get more pumped for wearing less clothing because I'll still look normal! This floral midi skirt from Lulu's was the star of my first Spring lookbook look:

(also paired with a white crop top from Tobi)

I also finally got my paws on a pair of minimalist heels that are going to be so flattering with lower hemlines and brighter colored clothes. These were soooooooo cheeeaaapppppp… $22!!! Also from Lulu's.

This post is the first of many as I slowly shed my black and navy wardrope in moving forward to March and beyond. Do you have any trends you're excited to rock? Aside from midi skirts, I'm stoked for houndstooth to make it's way around and FLARE PANTS! Let me know in the comments what you're ready for!

OUTFIT: WARPED TOUR

I have been inspired by all of the amazing music events happening this Spring and Summer and wanted to put together some outfits that I would personally wear to these things! Warped Tour naturally came first because it's the highlight of my Summer every year. I've been going since I was in middle school and it's a place I totally (still) feel at home at. It's a crazy event and you have to come prepared! Here's an outfit that I think is cute yet practical for the chaos that is the Van's Warped Tour.

I know it's not for awhile but why not? I used to do these outfit posts when I first started out the blog and forgot how much I loved them. I'll definitely be doing some more!

                              

Alice Olivia sleeveless shirt / H&M jean shorts / Converse white shoes / Wet Seal fringe purse / Beaded jewelry / Too faced cosmetic / Stila waterproof eyeliner / Waterproof eyeliner

It's hot. It's an outdoor, all-day festival in the dead middle of the Summer and no matter where you live in America or Canada, it's going to be hot. On top of that, it's treacherous. ESPECIALLY at the Columbia, MD date. If you've ever been to Merriweather Post Pavilion then you know what I'm talking about when I say that the venue is hill after dirt and grassy hill so proper footwear is imperative. I have worn the same pair of black converse to every Warped Tour that I have ever attended and they've done me so well. To keep it cute, I added some high-top white converses! The white is perfect if you're at one of the many other dates that are typically just on an asphalt surface (they won't get as dirty! However, the dirtier, the more character).

Tank tops are a must but I personally get extremely sunburnt on my chest very easily so I chose this adorable Alice + Olivia top that covers that area up while still freeing up all of the arms. For the bottom I chose some simple and comfortable shorts. Don't try and get fashionable here.. don't go grandma on me with those high-waisted shorts. Just wear some basic shorts and I promise that you will be thanking me! A casual fringe leather satchel ties the look together and will help you hold all of your cameras, phones, snacks, etc. Also, just a little leather cuff bracelet as an accessory! This specific one snaps on so you don't have to worry about it either a. being too loose or fancy or b. falling off.

As for makeup it's important to keep it even simpler than you do your clothes. Stila's Stay All Day liquid eyeliner is all you need swiped across your upper lashline in a classic wing and it'll be there for you at the end of your day even through all the sweat and (maybe) tears. Who knows if you'll have an unplanned meeting with your favorite band and the waterworks come?! Too Faced's 16 hour wear bronzer is also a perfect product to circle all over your face to give you a nice glow that will last all day.

If you're interested in any of the specific products that I used in the above image, you can click the smaller photo of that product and all of the information will be there for you to track it down. I look forward to doing some more of these posts in the future!

Until then, happy jamming :)

BAILEY SHOPS: FOREVER 21 + AMERICAN APPAREL

Clothes! Yay! I love getting new clothes! I have some things to show ya that I've bought recently. These items are all from either Forever 21 or American Apparel but let's start off with Forever 21 first, shall we? Accessories.

Socks. Weird or not? I personally love Forever 21's socks because a lot of the time they come in really cute patterns but lately I have noticed that as they shrink, their 'one size fits all' size does not fit my big size 9 feet. Then I saw these mid calf socks and wanted to try them! The pink area made for your heel still doesn't hit my heel and they feel a litttttle weird but they are just too cute to pass up. Perfect for inside of my Uggs when I'm running errands quickly! You can purchase these right here for $3.80.

This belt! I have needed another leather belt that goes with all of my jeans and I really loved the lacey cut-out design of this one. It's unfortunately not on the website to purchase any longer but in case it comes back, it was called 'perforated belt' and was $4.99. I got mine in the XS/S size.

and now the highlight! This is probably my favorite purchase in this entire group because I have been needing another blouse for going out. I don't like wearing little clothing but I need something that is obviously cuter than a t-shirt and this one totally fits that bill. I got it in a medium so it's a bit looser and longer than it probably should be which is just my style! This shirt was $15.80 and can be found here. This can easily be dressed up tucked into a skirt or dressed down with some jeans and boots. Man. I am so excited to wear this all the time!

and now for the steal of the day.. this dress was only $8.00. Yep. It's called the 'Opulent Skater Dress' and was one of the Style Deals on F21's website. I couldn't believe my eyes! I had been looking for a cute baroque pattern dress and I simply could not pass this up. It is a little tight on the arms(I got a size small) but I still find it flattering which means that I'll be keeping it and wearing it! It's no longer available but keep checking those style deals because geez, are they great.

After finding that awesome deal on the dress I decided to look further into the sale section of the website and came across this amazing sweater. I am a sucker for Kelly Green and having a graphic print only sold me even further. This sweater is called the Tri-Color High Neck Sweater and it's very, very warm. Best part? Only $16.99! I got it in a size large because I always like things to be bigger on me than they should and because sweater arms are never long enough for me! This one fits perfectly right now but I'm afraid that when I wash it the arms are going to be too short. Then I'll just have to roll the sleeves!

Now we're moving into American Apparel territory and let me preface these descriptions by saying that I tried verrryyyy hard to avoid the crop top trend. For some reason I felt like caving. I don't even have the proper bottoms to even wear with these shirts! (as you can probably tell) but oh well. Thought this one was cute. I didn't like the plain colors as much as I liked the stripes so I can guarantee that I won't be purchasing another one! But it does fit really well. I got a medium! You can find it online here.

One last one and I really do like this top(although I won't buy any of the other colors) because I'm a sucker for a high neckline. Once I find the right skirt I'm certain I won't be able to take the outfit off because I love how this one looks on me! This can be found here and I also got a medium in this style.

That's all I've got today! I don't buy clothes very often but when I do it's an exciting time :) If you have any styling suggestions for any of the things that I bought I would LOVE to hear them! I need all the help I can get! Please leave them in a comment below!

BAILEY SHOPS: TOBI AND JUSTFAB

Just to start off.. I want to apologize for my lack of posts lately. School has been completely overwhelming me and I've barely had time just to sit down and think let alone do anything I actually enjoy like blogging. Also, I've been very low on cash and I'm trying to use up the mass amount of makeup that I have right now instead of constantly buying new products so I haven't had new product posts to share!
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With that being said, I have needed some dresses and a pair of booties so I slapped them on my credit card! The dresses from Tobi and the booties from Just Fab. When you place your first order with Just Fab, you get the pair for $19.95! You can use my little referral if you'd be interested in checking some shoes out.... click here!

I also got a customized monogrammed front pocket tee as well! The seller on Etsy is local to Richmond, VA so I finally got around to picking it up from her house today.

I wore a normal, bright bra underneath these so you guys can see how they would wear with well, a normal bra.

TOBI:

This is the Cut It Out dress! It looks to be sold out right now but should be back soon enough! Some bras do show through the cut out and personally, I like to wear a black bralette underneath the dress so there's some lace in those cutouts. It's short but manageable and very comfortable and flowy! Comes in many colors and I got mine in a small.

This is the Tarna Tunic which is also sold out but also will be back soon. I got it in this beautiful wine color and have been wearing it knit black leggings and my new booties(look below!) and a scarf. Super cute. It definitely should not be worn with nothing on your legs as it's an odd.. well, tunic. It's a shirt dress. Very very VERY comfortable though and makes me feel warm and cozy in the cooler weather. This one is also in a small.

JUSTFAB:

I LOVE THESE SHOES! These are the Sam booties from JustFab and man, are they so comfortable. They have zippers on the insides of the ankles and little slits on the outside to ensure that they fit with all different kinds of jeans. I live in a city with broken and misplaced bricks and uneven sidewalks and can survive in these babies. I can't express how in love with them I am and I really love the color. The suede-like material is what made me sway towards these taupe ones instead of my usual tan/brown since tan/brown seem to go better as a leather material. I'm glad I went out of my comfort zone with this color choice. Also, I wear a size 9.

and lastly, my monogrammed long-sleeved pocket tee! I've been wanting one for awhile and I found one that was cheap and looked nice and she was from my area! So if you're from Richmond, VA, you can waive shipping and just pick it up from her house. I got mine in my school colors and in a circle monogram but you can get any color and the traditional kind of monogram as well. I got a medium because I usually need to size up in long sleeved shirts and it fits perfectly.

That's all I've got for you guys today! Let me know what you think :)

MAKEUP + OUTFIT OF THE NIGHT (09/20/13)

Hey y'all!! Outfit/makeup post for you all today! I had my first fancy mixer with my sorority and a fraternity at my school so we got to get all dolled up and have a great time! I finally got to wear this dress that I got from Charlotte Russe last year and never had any place to wear it to! If I had a link to it I would give it but they definitely don't sell it any longer.

Makeup:
Urban Decay eyeshadows - Half Baked, Blitz, Muse and Blackout
Sephora eyeshadow - white shimmery shade that I got for my birthday gift years and year and years ago
Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl eyeliner - Black
Urban Decay eyeshadow - Secret Service (eyebrows)

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer - Fair/Light
Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush - Pinched
NYX Blush - Taupe (contour)

MAC Lipstick - Please Me
NYX Butter Gloss - Peaches and Cream

I also had black heels on but I swear.. I can never get my whole outfit in one shot with this 50mm lens!
Also, I curled my hair using a Hot Tools one inch curling iron.

It was a great night and I loved that I could finally wear this dress that I've been drooling over in my closet for so long!

VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS 2013 BEST DRESSED

Running a little late over here but it not like this year's VMAs has already been forgotten... right?! I straight-up refuse to discuss a certain event because I'm just sickened and completely annoyed by the artist and their schenanigans. Onto the important things.. like Katy's performance! Swoon. I fall in love with that woman more and more every day. Okay, seriously. Important things. LIKE THE FASHION!

From L to R: Ariana Grande, Allison Williams, Ellie Goulding, Shailene Woodley and Mary Lambert

These five ladies are my top best dressed and are in no order whatsoever! I had a bit of trouble finding five as it seemed people did not really do it for me but after enough digging I did find this group and I love all of them.

First up is the world's newest sweetheart, Ariana Grande. I've been a fan of hers for awhile and it's very cool to watch her fame grow each month(it seems!) and I loved this floral dress of hers. The shoes were just as adorable as was her everyday long, curled hairstyle. The only thing I constantly strive of her is to fill in her brows!!!! It's the biggest pet peeve of mine! But who am I to judge somebody off of something like that? Silly. Overall, she's cute like always.

Second over is Allison Williams from the show 'Girls' and her overall look was so beautiful for me. The hair up and away from her face with that higher neckline, the smokey eyes and that cream color? Gorgeous. I don't personally know her or her work but she's an A+ in my fashion book!

Now, now now.. Ellie Goulding. I'm giving this lady my gold star for BEST DRESSED!!!! This gown was so absolutely perfect in every way. Loved the muted grey-blue color, the STUDS and that fantastic slit. That is a slit done correctly. Plus, her hair looked effortless and put-together. AAA+++, Ellie.

Another love of my life is Shailene Woodley. After watching some interviews of hers over the past few weeks I've grown into a bigger fan of hers as she is very classy and such a lovely girl. It's unfortunate that her first role that everybody knew her as was from 'Secret Life of the American Teenager' because that show was absolute rubbish. Terrible. It watered down her acting ability so much it should embarrass everybody involved in the show. I'm pumped to see her new movies coming out (Divergent and The Spectacular Now). Aside from her acting, her look was so chic. I love those kinds of tops when they're done correctly and she definitely pulled it off well.

Lastly was somebody that I just learned about, Mary Lambert. Also known as the woman in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' 'Same Love'. Incredible voice and incredible tattoos. Man, can she rock them. Plus, I'm a sucker for a sequin gown and the color and fit really suited her nicely. Maybe a little too fancy for the VMAs but altogether put together nicely and totally sparkled when she was on stage to accept her award and perform!

I would love to know who your favorites were at the VMAs fashion-wise since I thought the pool was so shallow this year. Let me know in the comments!