New Years Eve Outfits and Essentials

Well it's that time again glitz and glamour and lots of sparkles to bring in the new year! Now since its that day it's time to pick out an outfit. You can never go wrong with sparkles and glitter on New Years Eve. I have a sparkled skirt from Express that is the perfect New Years Eve outfit. I pair it with a white or sliver shirt since it is a color blocked skirt of blue and sliver sparkles. Express  http://www.express.com and Forever 21http://www.forever21.com have great dresses skirts and even shorts that are sparkles and be dazzled to rock in the new year. If you're going out to dinner or a fancier party wear a little black dress or even a colored one and dress it up with glittery heels and a glittery handbag. Big statement Jewerly is another way to dress up a plain dress and make it more New Year's Eve style. If you're goig more causal wear a sparkle tank top and leggings or jeans if you still wanna be festive. You can't go wrong with an outfit because it's all about celebrating the past year and welcoming the future and new year so wear an outfit that you think will start your new year off right. Bon Voyage and happy new year! Gaby 

Sparkled skirt from Express. Pair with white or sliver shirt.

Little Black Dress from Forever 21. Dress if up with big statement jewelry.

Sparkled shirts from Express. Pair with skirts, leggings, or jeans.

Fashion evolution in the Music World

I'm doing a little different post today because I took a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame today and got inspired. I'm not a huge music guru but they have many different artists personal outfits and performing costumes and I was fascinated! It's amazing how style has evolved since the early 1920s and what has come back in style through out history. The different eras had such different style and the costumes the entertainers wore were pretty crazy at times. Even though us regular people may never wear a crazy jumpsuit like the metal rock bands of the eighties it's fun to see what women before us wore. 

How to spend Christmas money on what you need

Well Christmas has come and gone once again and everyone has opened their gifts and received everything they hoped for. This time of year means lots of gift cards, Christmas cash and sales, sales, sales! With all that money and sales it can be overwhelming deciding what to buy. Luckily I learned a great way to figure out what I need and what I need to get rid of thanks to a class I took.  First off, you need to separate your clothes and count how many you have of shirts, sweaters, etc. After that look through your notes and see what you have a lot of and need more of. Use your Christmas money to buy what pieces your wardrobe is lacking. A cluster chart is another great way to decide what you need. To do a cluster chart you pick one basic piece you love and build outfits from that piece. You have two pairs of pants and two jackets and accessorize the different outfits. Keep the cluster to two or three colors when using 5 pieces. You can keep adding pieces and colors to the cluster to expand it. You should hang the cluster pieces together in your closet so its color coordinated and the pieces that go together are by each other and you don't have to search your closet for them. Your wardrobe is like a meal, its important to have your main dish or basic pieces but you also need side dishes or accessories. In that case make sure you note how many scarves, necklaces, etc you have so you can pick some up this season. It is always important to have an outfit for an interview or a funeral. My mother always says you have a funeral dress and get a new outfit for an interview. So check to see if you have outfits for both, its important you look the right part for an interview. A color chart is another great way to decide what you need and don't need. First find out what season you are. Seasons are based off your skin tone and features, like hair eyes, freckles, etc. To learn what season you are read the descriptions at the website linked here. http://www.theimagearchitect.com/articles/TheFourSeasonsofColor.pdf  After you know what season you are, you look at what colors are good and bad for that season. You then take a card put multiple good colors on it so you can pull it out when you're shopping to know if you will look good in a color. Its like your personal shopping helper! Hopefully this information helps with your post Christmas shopping! Bon Voyage! Gaby

Last minute Christmas outfits

With it being Christmas Eve today everyone is busy getting ready to celebrate but every year something is always missing. I know some simple ways to look your best with what's already in your closet. The best way to make an outfit pop is to accessorize it. If you're worried about wearing the same sweater dress it up with a cute scarf or a chunky necklace,these will make it look different than it usually does. Wear a skirt if you want to go dressier but didn't get a christmas dress. A skirt and sweater or blouse will give a classy look without spending money. Wearing your hair in a different style can also make an older outfit look different because people will notice your hair first. Jeans and leggings can easily be dressed up with heels or a cute shirt. Leggings are great for holidays because you're eating good food with your family and they are more comfortable to lounge around in and socialize in. Wearing a headband also can make an outfit look different and dress it up more. Shoes are another great way to dress up an outfit. Heels or flats make any outfit look a little classier. Adding a small cute jacket helps dress it up too. There are all kinds of ways to dress up an outfit for Christmas Eve ! Just look in your closet and you'll find loads of pieces waiting to be used! Hope this helps! Merry Christmas and bon voyage! Gaby 

Holiday outfits

It is always a hard choice to decide what to wear for Christmas Eve because you want to be festive but also look nice. There are tons of ways to wear the festive colors without looking like Christmas threw up on you. First decide what style you are going for, dressed up and classy or casual and comfortable. I also prefer to keep my reds and greens in different outfits rather than combine them. Combining them isn't terrible but can look tacky if not paired correctly. I really like deep greens for Christmas because they look elegant and classy. Deep purple and blues also look great for a classier Christmas Eve. Black and white are always good colors for any occasion. If you want more of an elegant look go with a longer skirt or a fancier dress. If you want more casual go for nice leggings, jogging or jeans and pair it with a cute sweater. Holiday attire doesn't have to be stressful. Make it fun and festive with a classy twist. Bon Voyage! Gaby

Cute Holiday Looks:

This classy black dress is perfect if you're going for an elegant look. I would pair it with any color heels and wear a chunky necklace to top it off.

This blue dress is another classy look. I would wear it with Sliver heels and jewelry.

This black and white dress is gorgeous. I would pair it with black heels and a chunky black necklace or white pearls.

This sweater is perfect for a more casual look. I wear it with jeans or blue jeggings. Underneath it I wear a white or creme tank. (JC Penny)

This white sweater is the definition of Christmas time. its perfect with a sliver skirt or blue jeans or jeggings. (kohl)

 The dresses are all from Forever 21, great clothes at great prices. One of my favorite stores.

Where to get What

Now a days we have so many places to buy everything we need and it is awesome to have choices but are we overwhelmed with our options? You can easily do all your shopping at Dillard's, Macy*s, or Jc Penny, which is the beauty of department stores but are there better places to get certain clothes.  I have certain clothes I prefer to buy at different store because of how they fit or are priced. Feeling comfortable in what you are wearing is a part of personal style. I hate wearing jeans that are too itchy or hard. I prefer to buy my jeans at American Eagle or Abercrombie.  Even though they are a bit pricer, I love how comfortable they are and how they don't have that rough feel, like you can't move in them. Right now you can get 50% off the entire store at Abercrombie with a code on their website. Their jeans are only $39 for a limited time. check it out with this link! http://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-jeans
I prefer to get my leggings from Forever 21 or Rue 21 because they are under $10 and have lots of different patterns and colors. I get my camis from Aeropostale because they fit better than any other brand. Since I am of a skinnier build not all tank camis are tight enough on me so its difficult to find ones that fit. Aeropostale has camis that are longer and are more form fitting.  I get the plain ones like white or black, not the ones with all the designs on them Check them out at http://www.aeropostale.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=11327014 H and M is a great place to get jewelry. They have great statement jewelry for great prices. K mart has recently launched a line with Jessie James Decker and it is amazing from her Instagram pictures. They have super cute holiday outfits and workout clothes. It is defiantly worth checking out. http://www.kmart.com/en_us/dap/jessie-james-decker-the-halls.html My next blog is going to be about all different outfits to wear for the holidays! Bon Voyage! Gaby 

Statement jewelry at H and M

One of the pieces from Jessie's Holiday line.

Raiding your Mom's Closet

As a fashion major and even before college, I constantly picked apart my mother's wardrobe. I just want her to look stylish! I'm just giving her constructive criticism. What I didn't realize during my adolescent years, was my mother has many fashionable pieces tucked away in her closet. So, I went exploring in there and found a bunch of cute clothes and accessories to use in my own wardrobe.  This is what happens when you're on winter break and your parents are at work! Its crazy what comes back into style, I remember as a child my mom would always give the peace sign and tell me it was coming back. (She's still stuck in the 70s at times), and I would never believe her. Yet when I was in Junior High there it was plastered on bags, shirts, notebooks. It was just as my mother predicted the peace sign was back in style. On Friday Im going to talk about where are the best places to get essential pieces and accessories every girl needs.  Bon Voyage! Gaby

Here are the pieces I found during my time traveling trip to my mother's closet;

This blouse is from when my mom graduated college in 1981. And yes its still wearable and in mint condition. This blouse is perfect for a presentation, interview or the office. i would dress it up with a blazer paired with a longer pencil skirt or form fitting dress pants. This piece is perfect for professional situations.

This white faux fur jacket is actually a new buy for my mom. Faux fur is super in right now and even though this jacket is a little much, everyone is wearing it. With particular jacket I would wear it with leggings or jeans and a long sleeve shirt or sweater.  This can be made casual or dressy. If I was to wear it with a dress, i would wear a long sleeved dress. The brown faux fur jacket is from Target, my mom got it for me to wear but in high school I thought it was too crazy. Now faux fur is super in and this little jacket can dress up jeans or a cocktail dress.

The infamous leather jacket is back in style and better than ever. We loved it in Grease and in the 90s and we'll love it in 2015. This jacket is perfect for spring weather or a night out with the girls. Grunge is in style and the leather jacket is the iconic grunge piece.

This sweater has sliver threaded into it and is great for the holidays. I personally would match it with a sliver skirt or black leggings and gray boots. Its casual or dressy, such a great piece.

This gold tank is from the opening of H and M in Cleveland circa 2007. Its perfect for parties and New Years Eve. The gold color makes it stand out which makes it perfect for the glitz and glam of New Years Eve.

My mom order these beautiful boots on cyber Monday one year. They were buy one get one free. She never wears this chocolate brown pair, so looks like I have a new pair of boots! 

My beautiful puppy is modeling a set of pearls from my mother's closet. Pearls are go to jewelry because they automatically dress up an outfit. Pearls look good with a fancy dress or leggings and a blazer. 

Shopping without breaking your bank account

Being a college student means you're broke, even with a part time job you don't want to spend a lot of money. Whether you are living in an apartment or in the dorm you aren't trying to spend a fortune on a wardrobe. I have some super easy ways to save money yet look like you bought it full price. I belong to all my favorite stores email groups so I get notified each time a sale is going on. My favorite place to get great deals is Plato's Closet. It is a store that buys and sells gently used clothing. I have sold many items which is great because I am getting rid of clothes I don't need and making money to buy clothes I do need. Their clothes are greatly priced for example jeans are like $8-$10. I like to refer to it as high-end thrift shopping Forever 21 is amazing too because they have clothes in styles for everyone. They have leggings for about $10 and under. I have gotten jewelry there for a couple bucks. Right now they have a 30% off winter accessories for men, women, plus, and kids. Click the link to shop their sale and website! http://www.forever21.com  Forever 21 is probably my all time favorite store because they have cute modern and vintage clothes and they don't break the bank! Target is another place that I have found some steals. You have to really look for them since some of their stuff can be over priced. Like no Target I am not paying over $20 for a graphic tee, I'm in college! Check their clearance rank when they have it out at the end of each season, you can find great stuff marked way down. Thats all I have so far on how to save a buck tune it on Wednesday as I continue the money saving topic by raiding my mother's closet to find hidden vintage fashion gems! Bon voyage! gaby 

Sold old skirts I don't wear anymore

Sold Abercrombie sweater dress from Junior High

Sold Target sweater 

bought utility jacket american eagle brand only $17

Price at American Eagle is about $70

One of my go to pieces because its simple cute and can be worn with so many different items 

Get statement jewelry for around $3 to make any outfit pop 

Denim is really in and its under $10 here

Jeans from Target $20 studded and ripped 

Dress shorts found on the clearance rack at Target $10 a piece got every color

P.S. 

Getting items that are gently used or super cheap gives you the chance to experiment and make them your own.  Add studs to jeans or shorts like I did for a project. Cut up shirts to make crop tops or just new designs. Thrift shopping allows your creative juices to flow and bring out the designer in all of us and save a buck or two while were doing it.

What to wear for winter activities

Its that time a year again, hot chocolate, Christmas music, and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Ahh the holidays everyone's favorite time of the year. There are so many different activities that come with this time of the year from sledding to Christmas light viewing. There is always a struggle to look cute and stylish but also stay warm in this Ohio weather we all love to hate. Who doesn't love walking around and watching tree lighting and looking at Christmas lights or ice skating, the only issue is the cold. No one likes to be freezing its just a fact.  I have my own little ways to look your best and be warm while doing it.  First off, you need to pick the right outer layer because that is going to keep you the most warm.  If you are going for more of a classer look I suggest that you wear a dress coat, it is also longer than most winter coats which keeps more of your body warm.  It gives off that elegant style and doesn't make you look like a marshmallow but also keeps you warm. If you want more a casual style I have a gold winter jacket from Express that I love. Its a little big but that allows me to comfortably wear sweaters and smaller jackets underneath it. It looks great with jeans or leggings. Color is always your personal preference, to know what colors look best on you, know what season you are and have a color card. (that will be covered in another blog topic) Gloves are a must and I recommend ice atoners because they are super warm. My gloves have a nice black and white pattern which is perfect because they match everything along with my black dress coat. They are wool on the inside which is super comfortable and warm. You can usually find them at different department stores. They can get pricey but I recently got mine on sale for a great price so you just have to be a bargain shopper to find them on sale. Scarves are great to bundle up in and for a fashion statement. You can match them to your coat or use them as a pop of color to any outfit.  They are super stylish while also keeping your neck a little warmer while walking around outside. My new obsession this season are head bands and hats! I love them because they are super cute and great for when you are having a bad hair day. The best part is you can get them anywhere and they aren't pricey. I have gotten them at Rue 21, Target, American Eagle. I love knitted beanies because they have a classier look but are also causal. Headbands can be worn many different ways, you can push your hair back with them or put them over your hair and ears. They can be classier or more casual it just depends on which one you pick to wear that day. Last but never least are shoes. I am a firm believer of uggs. I have five pairs and the first pair I got in 8th grade and are still in perfect condition. I recommend them over other brands because other brands are worn and unwearable after one season. Buying a pair of uggs is cheaper in the long run over buying a new pair of like $75 boots each season. Uggs are not great for long treks in the snow so I recommend getting a pair of snow boots.  I know they are mostly hideous but if you go online to sites like Amazon you can find cute ones that are still warm! Well thats all I have for how to stay warm yet stylish outside this holiday season. Come back on Monday to read my next post. Bon voyage! -Gaby
Featured items pictured below:

Black Dress Coat (anywhere)

Gold Winter jacket (Express)

Ice atoner gloves (anywhere)

Gray Knitted beanie (American Eagle)

Headband styles (black-rue 21, white-target)

Scarf style (h and m)