Ipsy: November 2013 Glam Bag Review

I don't know about you, but I LOVE trying new beauty products! When I heard about Ipsy, an online subscription that sends you customized beauty products each month, I was thrilled! For a mere $10 a month I receive 4-5 deluxe samples and full size beauty products. I recently signed up and today I am sharing the November Ipsy glam bag with you! In this month's bag I recieved two lipsticks, eyeshadow, nail polish, eyeliner, and bronzer. The first lipstick is from Michelle Phan's new beauty line EM in "Hug Me ". It is a sheer nude that gives you that barely there lip. It is creamy, rich, and glides on smooth. In the photo below I am wearing this lipstick a long with the Pixie bronzer in "Subtly Suntouched". This shade of bronzer was a bit on the pale side. I would only use this to give a subtle, warm glow to my skin. I would not be able to contour with this color. Overall, the finish was nice.

The second lipstick in my bag is from Be a Bombshell. It is a bright red lipstick that is perfect for the holiday season. It could be paired with a natural eye or something a little more glam such as the Starlooks gem eyeliner in "Amethyst!"

This eyeliner is also an excellent makeup staple for the holidays! It is a beautiful silver liner that is perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to the inner corners of your eyes. I can't wait to try this look using this liner!

I received Galaxy Chic baked eyeshadow from BH cosmetics in the shade "Aphrodite." I was impressed with the quality of the shadow. It has excellent color pay off and glides on smooth. The eyeshadow color however is not a shade that I would wear. I would love to try it again in a different color.

The Nailtini nail polish was a pleasant surprise for me. I received the color "Champagne." It is not a color I would have normally picked for myself, so I am happy this was the polish chosen for me. It is definitely fun and glamorous!

 I loved trying all of these products! 6 beauty items for $10 is a great deal. I am already looking forward to my December glam bag! Have you tried Ipsy before or any of the above products?! If so, leave a comment below and let us know how you liked them!

One Dress = 11 Outfits

  Having Fashion Cents is not just about knowing how to shop, but it's also about knowing when to stop shopping and start revamping the awesome pieces that are already in your closet. Alexis' fashion skills were put to the test when she committed to wearing the same dress for 11 consecutive days. The goal was to see how creative she could get with a basic grey dress she purchased at Rue21 on sale for just $5. The rest of the items and accessories were things she already had in her closet.

 Pictured here are three different looks (from left to right): grunge, fall, and plain. 1. The first look includes a beaded flower belt from WetSeal, an old grey cardigan, and her versatile black studded loafers. 2. The second look screams fall with the floral denim jacket gifted from American Eagle and Alexis' signature tan boots. 3. The third look is self explanatory. Just plain and simple, shoeless & all.

Pictured here are three very diverse looks (from left to right): business casual, fairytale fall, and flowy over-shirt. 4. Alexis is wearing a long sleeve blue button up that she purchased for $1 at a thrift store underneath her dress to add a professional dynamic. Her belt was $1 at CottonOn and her black bootie wedges were $6 at Goodwill. She wore this outfit to a business dinner. 5. Alexis named this look 'fairytale fall' because she fashions a Peter Pan collar underneath her shirt and pairs it with a cardigan for a cool fall day. 6. Alexis wore a flowy sleeveless blouse atop the dress and cinched it in at the waist with a belt that offered a pop of color.

Three more looks are added to the book featuring (from left to right): a knit sweater frenzy, rustic punk, and galaxy gal. 7. Alexis purchased this oversized knit sweater at Salvation Army. Oversized tops work well over dresses. Sometimes a belt can be added so the sweater doesn't swallow you up. Her boots were purchased at Goodwill. 8. Vests are always a great dynamic to spice up a dress. This studded denim vest was purchased for only $6 at Rue21. 9. Leggings are a must when it comes to versatility! They permit women to do more activities when wearing dresses, and in this case, they make Alexis seem 'out of this world'. These galaxy print leggings are a must-have. Alexis won hers in an eBay auction for only $2.

The finale of looks (from left to right): army hipster, and sparkled swag. 10. Alexis wore an oversized sweater over the dress to add a comfortable dynamic. The sweater was only $6 at Plato's Closet. She paired this with a black straw fedora that was $1 at CottonOn and her favorite black combat boots. (This look is Alexis' favorite.) 11. A beaded crop top added a fresh twist to this simple look. The beaded shirt was found at a local Goodwill.

Now, the challenge is yours! Pick a dress -- any dress -- and style it different ways using Alexis' techniques. What's amazing is that no one noticed Alexis' was wearing the same dress every day, except the people she told. Change up your shoes, add a hat, wear something over or under it. The possibilities are endless. Create your own infinity dress.

5 Steps To Finding Your Personal Style

Personal style is a journey. It always changes and evolves with you and your lifestyle. One season you may lean toward classic styles and the next you may love bohemian prints and silhouettes! Your fashion choices can change from day to day. That is the fun of fashion; it is self-expression and it is meant to be fun. Here are some tips to help you a long the way as you find your personal style:

What is style? It is an effortless confidence in being yourself, it is a way of putting yourself together according to what you want to project.  -DVF

1. Create a Pinterest account and start pinning images of outfits that you like. This will help you to identify your likes and dislikes. It will also help to train your eye in how to put together a complete look. The images should also serve as an inspiration for mixing patterns and colors.

2. Gather your favorite fashion magazines and tear out pictures of outfits that you like.

3. Take these images with you when you go shopping and look for similar pieces. Try them on and see if the style works on you.

4. Know your body type. Once you know what styles and silhouettes work for you, it will make shopping so much easier.

5. If you get stuck, enlist the help of a friend. Think of someone whose style you admire and ask them to go shopping with you. Having a second opinion can be extremely helpful.

 After all, style is something each of us already has-all we need to do is find it. -DVF

The key to finding your style is first gathering inspiration; whether it is from fashion magazines or from friends that you admire. The next step is to know your body type. Inspiration and knowledge are the seedbeds to creativity.

Photos via Pinterest: ( 1| 2 | 3 )

Tips for Packing from Tori's Suitcase

Article by: Tori Mills// She knows the feeling. There is a big trip coming up and she has to pack...Maybe it's a business trip she must fly to attend, vacation with family, a weekend visit away to an old friend’s house, or a best friends sister’s wedding.

Whatever the purpose of her trip, packing is an inevitable and sometimes daunting feat she must accomplish.  First things first, she must decide: what in the world is she going to take to wear? Dress is a decision which impacts her packing and…often prevents it from occurring.

Tori's Trip

A business trip to a cool southwestern state, four days at a conference and two days of flight traveling. Airplane regulations, weather, and length of conference are all factors included in the decisions she makes of what clothes to pack.

She determines and so she begins the packing process, knowing that; when crunched for time to make it to the 7:30 am breakfast before the 8am meeting, she will be ready to walk out of her hotel room classy and…on time.

 Tori's Packing Tips

• Pick pieces that can be worn several different ways
• Clothes should be packed in outfits
• Choose shoes that are comfortable and classy
• Dress in layers since it is often cold inside and warmer as the day progresses
• Accessorize for professionalism

Thinking of ideas for pieces that can be worn several different ways, she decides on her favorite new black/brown platform ankle boots and black zipper jeggings. The brilliancy of jeggings are: they can be worn under dresses/ skirts and again as pants under a longer mid length sweater, the best part: they are small and easy to pack and show no wrinkles after that long flight.

Tori's favorite tricks to make your stay at the hotel clean and simple

1. Be organized when you pack-fold your outfits in piles. This keeps you both organized and ensures you have not forgot anything!
2. When you arrive at the hotel, un pack and hang up all outfits in groups. This can help you to visualize your outfits and be prepared the night before. This also will help reduce an wrinkles that may have occurred during your travel.

Day 1: Travel

OUTFIT TIP:  Dress comfortably, but in layers as the airport and airplane may be cold.

For travel day she decides on her Cotton On burgundy owl sweater, light brown shrug, jeggings, leg warmers, and knee high black boots. Accessories: black stud earrings, and her everyday fossil watch. (All purchased from JCP with the exception of the Cotton On sweater) What’s great about this outfit? If she gets warm she can take off the leg warmers, or the outer sweater.

Day 2: School Visits and Conference Opener

OUTFIT TIP: In order to make a great first impression, choose to wear your best outfit on this day.

For day 2 she decides to wear Ann Taylor Khaki dress slacks, paired with a light pink blouse and Ann Taylor ¾ length suit jack, and black/brown platform heels. What’s great about this outfit? It’s versatile and packs well without wrinkles, after the school visits and conference opener she can take the jacket, add a sweater, and change to jeans to transition to a more casual dinner attire.

Day 3: First full day of conference meetings

OUTFIT TIP:  Second day of conference, this will be a long day so be prepared.

For day three she chooses to pair her Express striped button down shirt with red dress slacks from the Gap and a rose colored Mossimo jacket. Highlights of this outfit? It is wearable for those long days of meetings and yet, both classy and professional. She pairs with it her black/ brown platform heels again (repeating from the day prior as to pack less shoes), small hoop silver earrings, and of course her everyday Fossil watch.

Day 4: Last day of conference, and sightseeing

OUTFIT TIP:  This is the last day so end with an outfit that will leave a lasting  impression.

For day four she decides on a funky and feminine look. She picks a champagne Loft dress, paired with gray tights, and a black and white patterned suit jacket (Notice the repeating pattern of jackets daily) wearing a blazer or light jacket over an outfit adds style and warmth for those long days in colder conference centers! She accessorizes with her black knee high boots, blue chunky necklace, and Fossil watch.

 Day 5: Travel home

OUTFIT TIP: Be comfortable and relax, you're going home!

For the last day and travel home she picks her favorite 7 straight leg jeans, black flat knee high boots, gray oversized Gap sweater, and her Faved Fossil watch. She loves to be comfortable and yet stylish.  Highlights of this outfit: This is the time to be relaxed as she travels through the airport and to her final destination: home. It's an easy pair!

A messy suitcase is a waste of time and it's crippling when you are in a hurry. Remember wherever you are traveling:  to a business conference like Tori, a vacation, or other- pack your outfits in groupings! But most importantly, show your personal style! It is you after all you are representing on the trip.

Tori Mills, 24, is a 2011 graduate of Southeastern University who currently lives in Sioux City, Iowa where she teaches 5th grade Dual Language. Tori is an outgoing, adventurer always looking for a new experience and an outfit to accompany! She embraces life and desires to set an example in all areas though she may be young! Tori will be a writer for other articles on Top Buttons in the future including: Health and fitness, DIY, and Spiritual Inspiration.

On The List: Try the White Jacket Trend

Just because it's fall, doesn't mean you can't wear WHITE!  Why go for the traditional black blazer or denim jacket when you can add an unexepected white outer layer instead?   As seen in style magazines for summer and fall, people everywhere have been spotted wearing this trend. You could even do all dark colors and add this soft splash of white on top.

When shopping for a white jacket, don't think large and oversized like a doctor coat. Think tailored and detailed.  Maybe consider a white vest instead of the jacket.  It will prove to be a guaranteed hit for year round use!

Photo Credit: Casey Taylor

Shopping on a Budget

Hello again! It’s Alexis with your latest FASHION CENTS.

One complaint I often receive from people who want to get good deals is that they aren’t willing to wear old clothes worn by strangers. The thought of someone else once wearing those clothes somehow grosses them out, and while for some, that’s a reasonable excuse not to thrift shop, I personally think it adds character to the clothes. On a similar note, today I’m going to enlighten you all on some stores where you can shop for brand new clothes that are still VERY affordable. My effort is to appease those of you who want to dress both affordably and fashionably, but aren’t willing to wear used clothing. Here are some of my favorite affordable retail stores:

 1. CottonOn

When I first started college, I naturally visited the nearest mall soon after. On that first mall trip is when I discovered CottonOn. While I was there, I purchased two dresses for $5 a piece and was blown away by their prices and style! At the time, they didn’t have an online American store, but I quickly signed up for their mailing list so I would be the first to know when they did.

Fortunately enough, they launched their online shopping about a year ago, and their online selection and prices are even better. All of their clothes are super versatile and comfortable because they are made with cotton. To shop online visit CottonOn.com and make sure to check out their sections called “Nothing Over $5” and “Nothing Over $10”.

2. MadRag

I discovered this store while I was on vacation. We had extended our stay for a few extra days and I hadn’t packed enough clothes to last the trip, so I walked into MadRag with $25 and walked out with two pairs of shorts and three shirts. Unfortunately this store doesn’t offer online shopping, but if you visit their site, you can find a location near you. http://10spotplus.com/storelocator.aspx

3. TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls

These are three stores I thoroughly adore. Their collection of clothing is very wide, with selections for everyone in the family.  They each sell name brand clothing at discounted prices. Brands like American Eagle, Coach, Nike, Calvin Klein, and more can be spotted on their racks. I’ve bought everything from Prom dresses, to church dresses, to work out clothes, and even to cute casual shoes.

A great tip that saves me tons of money is that I go straight to the sales racks before even sifting through any other sections of these stores.

Ross  |  TJMaxx  |  Marshalls

4. Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Juniors Link 

Many people overlook Wal-Mart as a place for fashion, but every year for Christmas and my birthday my grandpa would give me a $25 gift card and I grew to love it more and more each time. Recently, camo skinny pants were on my fashion must-have list. Most places would sell them for at least $30, but I found them at Wal-Mart for $16.88. Here’s some ideas of things you can get at Wal-Mart.

  Floral Peplum Top

Check out the concept of this bargain! You can mix and match fashionable tops with bottoms to get an affordable and adorable bundle deal!

Mix-n-Match Denim Shirt and Colored Pants Bundle Deal

Now you know to never underestimate a store’s potential to carry cute clothes!  Just think about the next time someone compliments your clothes and asks where you got it, and you can confidently say Wal-Mart or CottonOn or any of the other stores many people overlook. You’ll know you scored a great deal.

For MORE FASHION CENTS POSTS CLICK HERE!

Thank you all for tuning in to read yet another blog about affordable fashion. Remember to comment on this post with your thoughts or ideas on this article or suggestions on future articles.

Get the Celebrity Look For Less

Hey Girls! I know that finding the perfect fall look can be pretty difficult, especially when you’re not sure where to look to find affordable and appropriate fashion choices, but have no fear, Alexis is here. Today included in my Fashion Cents blog is a feature called The Look For Less, where I present celebrity-inspired looks for much cheaper prices.

I’ve found three very versatile looks that would look great on most body types that are really in style this season.

1. Demi Lovato’s comfy-casual look

Boots  |   Leggings  |  Sweater  |  Fedora

One thing that I’m certain about is that maroon/burgundy pants and leggings are so in style this season. A great pair of leggings is always closet staple. What’s super convenient about this outfit is that all of the items are solids, so they can be paired with a variety of other outfit options. Demi’s oversized black sweater completes the look because it adds warmth, edge, and comfort all in one.

2. Taylor Swift’s Sailor Look

Striped Shirt  |   Red Skinny Jeans  |  Leather Cross Body Bag  |  Headband  |  Yellow Ballet Flats

Sailor stripes are climbing their way back up on the style spectrum. A ¾ sleeve striped shirt is the most popular variation of this trend, but really you can never go wrong with simple sailor stripes to complete a look. They look best when paired with the primary colors (yellow, red, or blue), just like Taylor’s outfit.

3. Zooey Deschanel’s Western-Chic Look

Lace Dress  |  Cowgirl Boots  |  Belt  |  Leggings

If lace were a color, it would be my favorite color. Lace is something that every lady should have in her closet. Zooey pulls off this western look really well by pairing a lace dress with cowgirl boots. Cowgirl boots are definitely trendy and come in all sorts of styles to accommodate the fashionista’s personal preferences.

 Don’t be afraid to look up outfits on Pinterest from fashionable celebrities like Kari Jobe, Candace Cameron Bure, or other celebrities I included in this post. Then, search piece-by-piece for items like theirs. One feature I really love on Google is the ‘shopping’ section, where it pulls results from all kinds of online stores and I can compare prices.

So there you have it! Three great fall looks, whether you’re feeling comfy, like a sailor, or a little bit of country twang. If there’s a look you want to rock, but need help finding affordable and appropriate items, feel free to comment below so I can feature it in my next article on The Look for Less.

The Modern Manicure

I remember when french manicures were "the thing" to do. Picking out polish at the nail salon was simple... pink and white! Fast forward to the present and we have a gazillion nail colors to choose from. The color of your nails have become as important as the color of shoes you wear! With nail art in the spotlight, the traditional pink and white manicure is taking a back row seat and creative color combinations are stealing the show. I decided to ditch my comfort zone and take a risk with the "modern manicure." I chose this gold and black combination. Surprisingly, I really like it! It has to be paired with the right outfit for it to work. But, it is a look that I would actually wear on occasion.

To achieve this look I used Essie's Good As Gold and OPI's Black Onyx. I love both of these nail polishes combined and on their own. All you need to do is apply 1-2  coats of gold and then apply the black polish to the tips.

So there you go, the "modern manicure!" I am looking forward to trying a few different color combinations. I think the next look will be a sheer, milky white nail with gold tips. What would you suggest?! Let me know what you have tried or what you would recommend for colors in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Styling, Rebekah

Ways to Wear: The Infinity Scarf

The infinity scarf is noted for its never-ending versatility and rightfully so. Infinity scarves can be worn casually or styled to dress up a look. Below are a few ways to wear the original cotton infinity scarf.

Most infinity scarves can be worn full length or open, as shown above. This option is perfect for a casual look. If the scarf is a bit lengthy when draped once, double it up as shown below. You want to be careful the scarf does not fall too far past your waist.

            

Left: When doubling over an infinity scarf, your preference will ultimately decide the look. You can pull the scarf tight to taper the scarf (as pictured) or pull the ends of the scarf together, which will even out the scarf to the same length. By doing this, the scarf will appear fuller and there will be no worries with the length getting in the way.

Middle: The knot is always a fun change from the typical layering and doubling. You can achieve 'the knot' by creating a standard knot on one end. Once you put it on you can adjust both the size and placement of the knot.

Far right: For a quirky twist with an infinity scarf, make an incomplete knot and "fluff" the scarf to give the appearance of a tie. For example, begin with a standard knot but do NOT pull it all the way through. Instead, create a tail with the scarf; you can pull it out for a fuller look (as pictured), or tuck in the fabric for a 'skinny' tie.

Dots* | Stripes (featured) | Prints* | Solids*

*Links are suggestions

Photo Credit: Casey Taylor

How To Wear Dark Lipstick

One of Fall's hottest trends right now is dark lipstick. It is an ultra edgy look that if done right can look really beautiful. Today, I am going to share some tips on how to wear this look. Step 1: Exfoliate your lips. Dark lipstick enhances dry or cracked lips so you want to start off with a smooth surface.

Step 2: Apply chapstick. Let it sit for a few minutes, you don’t want to apply the lipstick to a fresh coat of chapstick because the color will run. During this time you could apply your face makeup. Remember to keep the eye makeup minimal. You want the lips to be the main attraction.

Step 3: Line and fill in your lips. Lipliner helps to keep your lipstick from bleeding. If the lipstick does bleed you can take a lip brush and apply some concealer around the lips.

Step 4:  Apply lipstick. You can either use a lip brush or apply directly from the tube.

If you want to gradually work your way up to wearing a bold, dark lip, you can apply your lipstick as a stain. You can easily achieve this look by applying your lipstick with your fingers.

Will YOU go bold with dark lips this Fall? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

* The lipstick pictured above is Revlon's Black Cherry.

Create an Eclectic Style from Your Own Closet

Ever wonder how some girls just have a knack for pulling together an outfit with pieces you would never normally pair together, but somehow the whole look just works?! Well, it isn't too difficult to accomplish this look because there is no one way to do it!

The eclectic style is all about creating an unusual look with mixing styles; therefore don't feel boxed in.

To accomplish this look:

• Mix prints, patterns, and fabrics

• Play with complimenting and contrasting colors

• Try putting together shades of the same color

• Pair fancy pieces with basic items, such as sneakers with a nice dress or a t-shirt with a frilly skirt

• With accessories, mix metals and size

• Having the right bag and shoes will pull it all together and give an intentional finish to your look!

The eclectic look can at times appear to violate some fashion faux pas.  But there is no harm in trying to upcycle old items with newer ones in a unique way. And if done tastefully, it can create interest into your personal style.

Morgan seems to do it right with creativity, personality, and class every time!

Flower Beauty Review

I was thrilled when I heard Drew Barrymore was teaming up with Walmart to launch a new cosmetics line. I love the mission of Flower  which is to provide quality products that you would find in a high end store but, at a fraction of the price. A couple other perks are that all of the  products are made in the USA and they are never tested on animals. The entire line of Flower cosmetics is lovely. Everything from the advertisements to the white and rose gold packaging is beautifully done. I was equally impressed by the color line. The lipsticks, blushes, nail polishes, eyeshadows and liners have colors that are fresh and modern. There were so many products that I wanted to try, it was hard to choose. I decided to start off with four products. I chose two lipsticks and two nail polishes.

I fell in love with the promo poster of Drew Barrymore wearing the high shine lipstick in the color "Rosebud." It looked like a great Fall lipstick color so I decided to purchase it. Rosebud is a bold red lipstick that is rich and creamy with excellent color pay off. I would definitely recommend this color to add to your Fall lipstick collection.

The next lipstick that I purchased was So Gladiola. I have a weakness for coral lipstick so snagging this color was a no brainer for me.

So Gladiola is a matte coral lipstick. The color is fresh and modern and I love it for an everyday lipstick. The formula is a little drying since it is a matte lipstick. I suggest exfloliating and wearing a lip conditioner underneath it. Overall it is a really nice coral lipstick.

I had been wanting to build up my fall nail polish collection so I ended up purchasing Venus Fly Trap and April Showers.

I had been looking for the perfect burgundy nail polish and Venus Fly Trap is definitely a winner. I love the color. It needs at least two coats to achieve the color in the picture above.

April Showers is another excellent dark polish for Fall. In the store the color looked like a dark green color, but once I put the polish on it really is dark blue. In some lighting it actually looks black. Overall, I really like the color and will definitely be wearing it on a regular basis.

I am looking forward to trying out more of the Flower cosmetics line. Some of the products I am interested in trying are the cream eyeshadows, cream blushes, and eyeliners. I spotted some fun colors that I think would be great to incorporate into my daily beauty routine. To see more from Flower Cosmetics, you can find it here. Let me know what you think!

 Happy Styling!

Rebekah

Photography: Reagan Miura

Teen Style that Began in a Courtroom

Written By Danielle Hart I have a really classic, professional style. I prefer structured, timeless pieces, such as blazers and pencil skirts, because they help define the waistline and in my opinion are très chic. I’d rather have a few versatile pieces (like a blazer or a cardigan) that can be paired with lots of tops and bottoms and will virtually never go out of style, than anything else. (Except shoes... I have a weakness for shoes of every shape, color, and kind!).

It wasn’t until about four years ago that I actually found this style and it began in a courtroom.

I’m involved in a program called Teen Court, which takes first-time juvenile offenders and tries them in a real courtroom, but the jury and attorneys are comprised of volunteer teenagers. One of my friends told me about it the summer before my freshmen year, so I went to observe, just to see if I would like it or not. I fell in love with it immediately and I have volunteered ever since (which is going on four years now). We usually have court every other week, but it varies sometimes and I often go up on non-court days, just to help out. The staff and volunteers truly care about the defendants that come through, and want to help them get their lives back on track. Teen Court has an extremely low recidivism rate (a fancy term for how many of the defendants get in trouble with the law again.) Teens will often listen to their peers more than they listen to adults, which is one of the reasons that it’s such a great program. The volunteer teens actually interview, try, and sentence the defendants, and they must comply with everything that we give them.

Teen Court helped me develop my style through their dress code. Which is just typical courtroom attire, such as no sandals, no shorts, no tank tops, etc. However, I’m an attorney (even though it's volunteer) so I wanted to look more professional.  I should say, they don’t force volunteers to wear dress clothes. So it began; I started wearing trousers and blazers and pencil skirts to court.  When I did, I knew I had found the perfect style for me, both in and outside the courtroom.

As an attorney, I either have to prosecute or defend (though they have to plead guilty before they come, so we just argue the appropriate sentencing), but either way I represent someone. If I’m prosecuting, I represent the State of Florida. If I defend, I represent the teenager on trial, my client. But no matter who I represent in the courtroom, I always represent God.  The whole concept of representing someone in the courtroom with my best crosses over in my personal walk with God.  I believe my personal style should honor God and not distract from my representation of Him to others, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

I want to encourage other girls my age to find their own personal style. A lot of people don’t dress like I do, which is fine with me! Dressing in one's own unique style while considering our representation of God is a great guide to stay on the right track with what clothes to wear.

Fashion and a Funeral

Summer left as fast as it came in. Nonetheless, it’s been such a blast with the most anticipated event of my summer being,  my trip to Nigeria. For those of you who don’t know much about me, I was born in Finland. However, my parents are originally from Nigeria, located in West Africa. To start with, my trip came unexpectedly. It was due to my grandmother’s sudden passing. The news was joyful yet painful when it came. Joyful for the fact that she had lived a long life, with the privilege of seeing many generations of descendants. But I will no longer be able to spend time with my last living grandparent as was my plan for the coming fall.

Growing up in Finland, I had been raised to adapt to Finnish culture and yet feeling odd -calling myself Finnish. Maybe some of you reading this post understand what I mean when I speak about this subject. I don’t feel Finnish nor do I look like the typical/average Finn. Nigeria is where I have my family and my roots, so you can only imagine how much I was looking forward to this trip to Nigeria after 11 long years.

But remember, the funeral was the reason I took this trip. This was only the second funeral I have attended in my whole life. Ironic how foreign the experience was, being at a funeral in the unknown land of heritage.  Truth be told, despite the mixed emotions I came into the event with, it turned out to be one of the most joyous ceremonies I’ve ever been to. For the first time, I experienced losing someone close to me, but I had joy knowing this beautiful women left a legacy that will not die.  We celebrated her life rather than death.

And This was done with such vibrant colors and patterns! Definitely something I wasn’t sure to expect considering the circumstances.  There were no black hats, dresses, and scarves typical to my concept of funerals.  We remembered and celebrated with bright colors and patterns that almost seem to permit any tears of sorrow.  It was almost as if she wouldn't allow us to be sad.  Looking back I know that she wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

The colors of my ancestry have given me a renewed sense of identity.  I love the joy of the people, the gratefulness they had for life, the pride they have in who they are and what they have to give to the world.  But most of all it spurred me to consider the question of my citizenship with a much deeper meaning than I had previously thought.

Am I Nigerian or Finnish, both, or neither?  The Bible states in Philippians 3:20, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Today I have a mindset more on the essence of what’s to come after life here on earth and my true citizenship in Heaven.

It makes me glad to know that I have an eternity to spend there getting to know people like my grandmother who I really didn’t get to know here on earth. Imagine that!  Thank you for letting me share a piece of my summer with you.  I encourage you to be proud of all the aspects of your heritage, embrace each piece in some way, but recognize that our real home will be in the life to come.  Don't get too comfortable here.  It is but a vapor.  ;)

Sandra

How to Bring a Summer Look into a Fall Style

 The Summer Romper + Tights

This Romper from Anne Taylor Loft is so comfortable and cute that it shouldn't be put away for next spring.  Why not try a pair of tights to give a little bit more warmth for the cooler weather?  With the romper's classic colors and a simple polkadot, try adding an odd but subtly interesting pair of color tights.

 The Summer Romper + a Leather Jacket

With this outfit, a pale orange pair of tights was chosen to bring in the color of this unique rust colored leather jacket.

 Pairing your lighter summer outfits with tights, a leather jacket, and EVEN tall boots that are neutral in color - is a great way to pull your summer looks into Fall!

Links to MORE Trends that can be pulled from earlier this year into Fall

• The Floral Pants
• The Wedge Sneakers
• Multiple Looks from the City Photoshoot
• The Trench Coat
• Military Chic
• Menswear Fashion

Photo Credit: Casey Taylor

Splurge or Save

These Valentino heels have been on my Pinterest board entitled “Wishlist” for quite some time now. With a steep price tag of $945, they will probably stay there for good. That's why I was ecstatic to see their twin at Windsor for a fraction of the price! Of course, the quality is nowhere near Valentino standards, but if you still want the "look," these shoes achieve that goal. Some items are worth investing in while some can be bought at a budget friendly price. So... would you splurge or save on these Valentino heels? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

A Leopard Print Inspired Outfit for Fall

It is always on trend, sometimes over done, but ALWAYS posh. We are talking about leopard prints! Runways have been flooded with numerous ways to wear the once traditional leopard print. The classic take of tan & black print has morphed into black & white and other color on color prints. Not only has leopard print changed its look through the years, but the way it is styled has also taken a more "street style" approach.

Baggy sweaters, pops of color, and leopard accessories have found their way from the runway to the streets. So we decided to take on a black & white print perfect for transitioning to Fall.

So whether you rock the traditional tan & black or go crazy in color, revamping leopard prints are a must...and will NEVER go out of style. Click here for additional animal print ideas.

Photo Credit: Casey Taylor

Fashion Cents: Tips for Buying Cheap Clothes

Written by Alexis Gauthier Good-day Lovely Ladies! Alexis here :D I’m so excited to be part of the new Fashion ¢ents campaign, because a good fashion bargain is fashion that just makes sense. Today I wanted to share with you my heart behind this fashion feature and even give you girls a few tips on how to work the thrift store bargains!

Imagine yourself at a holiday party, fun friend outing, or even just walking the halls of school. No matter where you are, your desire is to look and feel confident, however with the pricy trends that have made their way to the runway and front covers of magazines, it is difficult to afford diverse outfits, let alone one astounding look! I’ve been there. We all have, however I was lucky enough to jump on the thrifting train at a young age.

Once I learned that I could get the same looks at thriftier prices, I never went back. Why? Because my clothing items were original and affordable. Sometimes it takes a little more time and effort, but I also get more for my money, so I have more options to choose from! Here are some of my thrift store secrets.

Salvation Army – 50% off Wednesdays

A lot of Salvation Army stores discount all of their shoes, clothing, and accessories 50% off all day on Wednesdays. I love this sale because I get twice for a price that’s already a bargain.

A couple of my favorite items found at a recent Salvation Army 50% off sale!

Ask for discounts!

You never know how much money you can really save until you try. One time, I was shopping with a friend who was in an especially particular time financial crunch because her wedding was just weeks away. It was to the point that she couldn’t even afford the thrift shop prices, so I explained her situation to the cashier, and the sales clerk was sweet enough to add an ADDITIONAL 50% off. Another time, I had picked out a shirt with a lot of holes in it, which I didn’t mind because I know how to sew, and I showed the lady the holes and asked if I could have a discount. I ended up scoring the shirt for 50 cents!

Color of the day discount

Goodwill and Salvation Army ALWAYS have a color of the day. If you find clothes tagged with that color, you get a discount. It’s always like a treasure hunt, but definitely worth the search.

College discount

If you’re in college, almost every location honors students with a 10% off discount. I’ve been using this discount since high school by presenting my dual-enrollment ID. If you’re not in college, check your local thrift store for similar discounts like senior discounts etc. and plan a thrifting adventure with a college mentor or grandparent so you can use their discount.

99cents a pound

Okay, so here is one of my BIGGEST thrift secrets. There’s select Goodwill locations that are called Goodwill Headquarters. These locations are usually very large buildings with two sides: there’s the normal store with a very large selection, and then there’s section that is 99 cents a pound. You need to have a lot of time on your hands to sift through the tables and buckets of clothes, but it is so affordable in the end. I’ve been twice, spent $7 both times, and left with about 15 items on both occasions. That averages out to about 50 cents per item. My favorite buy was a sequin pair of Express shorts.

Plato’s Closet grab bag sale

This is one of my absolute favorite discounts, however it only happens once or twice a year, depending on location. Every summer Plato’s Closet draws in crowds of fashionistas with the alluring temptation of gently used name brand clothing combined with extra low prices. How? They have a grab bag sale! The object of the sale is to stuff as much clothing and accessories into the bag as possible so that it can still tie, and then all the contents of the bag are yours for just $20. I’ve lined up for this sale before, in which the line wrapped around the building and girls of all ages ran inside when doors opened. I ended up leaving Plato’s Closet spending $20 and getting 25 items of nearly new clothing, all because I strategically folded and stuffed.

So, there you have it: some of the best discount tips from the bargainer herself! I hope you enjoyed. Leave some feedback so I know what YOU want to hear about in my next Fashion Cents feature.

The possibilities are endless.

Fall 2013 Trend: Animal Print

Animal print is a popular trend that will continue into the Fall 2013 season. Wear it as an accessory or go bold with a leopard shirt or pant. Animal prints are an excellent way to add a little spice to your Fall wardrobe.  

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Clutch | Sweater (similar) | Watch | Shoe | Belt (similar) | Wallet (similar)

Menswear Fashion

A woman's role in the corporate world has come along way. Women continue to gain respect on a professional level, and now we are taking it to the NEXT level with a menswear inspired wardrobe.

Dress suits and close toed pumps have always been a staple for women in the workplace. Now, thanks to the heavy influence of fashion, the barrier between a man and woman's closets has disappeared. Everything from vests, loafers, and trousers are making their way into a woman's wardrobe (and we can't say we are not a tad excited).

Below is a prime example of a revamped 9-5 look. We stuck with slimming black trousers and a simple (but elegant) undershirt. *Keep in mind the camisole is for a profession, not a night out. Be aware of how low cut your blouse is.* Then there is the fun part, adding a twist to the original oxford and blazer. Both blazers are boyfriend style, but each offer a different look...the black is traditional and the muted grey adds a touch of flare. As for the oxford pump, it is close toed AND office appropriate. Add the finishing touch of a statement piece, a delicately molded, yet bold necklace.

For a more casual work environment or out-of office occasion, go for the classic button down and tuxedo pant. The rich blue button down pops against the black pants, and the tuxedo pant detail pays homage to it's original design. Add a dressy loafer, edgy clutch, and bowler hat to the mix and you are ready to face the day, in and out of the office! P.s. bowler hats are adorable and complete any menswear affect!

The challenge is yours for the taking. We dare YOU to try menswear inspired fashion!

-Jenna O.

*Links are suggestions, not exact items*