How To Shop The Latest Trends Without Breaking The Bank

It's not always affordable to keep up with all the trends, especially when the brands marketing the hottest new items are typically expensive and the trends change so quickly that by the time we make one investment, something new is in stores.

Something I love to do is go to designer websites like Free People and Levi for my fashion inspiration, and then Google search the key words from those items to find something similar but more in my price-range!

By no means am I saying to stop shopping at the more expensive stores altogether, because the truth is they have QUALITY long lasting products... but I am suggesting you choose wisely which trends you're willing to invest more money in than others.

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Here's two side-by-side comparisons showing just how much money you could save by purchasing your items elsewhere!

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If you like what you see, here's where to purchase:

Free People Exaggerated Fringe Necklace | Walmart Fringe Statement Necklace

Levi Boyfriend Jeans | Walmart Boyfriend Jeans

2015 Oscars Celebs Rock the Red Carpet and Instagram

The night of the 2015 Oscars once again guaranteed that celebrities walking the red carpet at the Dolby Theater would be dressed top-notch. Actresses sported dresses by the best of the best designers. This past Sunday night left viewers 'oohing' and 'ahhing' while perhaps some young ladies also gathered inspiration for their 2015 prom dresses. We loved this years' dresses for their timeless elegance and our best picks are just that– classy and stunningly beautiful.

Gweneth Paltrow, who was a presenter for the night, was captivating in a feminine pink Ralph and Russo gown. She stuck with a more classic-shaped dress and we absolutely love how she chose to show off the elegant neckline and bold flower by sleeking her hair back and accessorizing with blingy, bold earrings. The look was one of the more polished of the night.

We were swooning over 18-year-old actress Chloe Moretz's Old Hollywood glamour look for a few reasons.  First of all, she rocked ear cuffs which are a HUGE trend that we love. Her hair style choice and makeup showed off her natural beauty, and how fun are the pockets on her beautiful floral-print gown by Miu Miu? The subtle pattern and champagne color mixed perfectly, proving that floral patterns are still hot.

Reese Witherspoon is an actress who is well-known for dressing with class and top-notch style and this year she was stunning yet again on the red carpet. Notably, her and Chloe both decided to wear their blonde locks down with a center part. While a center part is not for everyone, we love how it tones down the formality of the extravagant dresses and makes the look seem do-able for a viewer wishing to draw inspiration for prom. Also, while Witherspoon may not have received an award that night, she rocked the Instagram game that day, documenting her entire day of Oscars-prep and giving shout-outs to Tom Ford for her amazingly flattering black and white gown and Tiffany and Co for her dazzling jewels.

An Event to Support Top Buttons Locally

Thank you for your interest in joining us for our Top Buttons Fundraising Luncheon Event!  Top Buttons is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization based out of Lakeland, Florida.  Not only do we have an online fashion magazine filtered with modesty in mind, but we are working hard to equip and inspire young women locally through our styling and educational services! We have asked Wendi Braswell to be our guest speaker because she shares our passion to inspire and equip young woman to feel confident in themselves for all the right reasons!  Wendi Braswell is a fashion expert, closet cleanser, personal shopper, image developer, public speaker, wife & mom of teenage boys based out of the Tampa Bay Area.  With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry as a model & actress, she found her true passion in helping others develop their style. Wendi has been inspiring women of all ages to be honest about their body issues and to stick together as women.  Cafe Zuppina will be catering the event with their delicious organic Turkish food.  This lunch is meant to be a quick, fun, inspirational and refreshing time for all who attend!    

• After purchasing your ticket through paypal, your name will be added to our Guest List. You do not need to bring a receipt to the Event.
• If purchasing multiple tickets, please email us the names of your Event guests along with your name to info@topbuttons.org.
• Table Sponsors receive 8 tickets, a special gift, and recognition on the day of the event.

Top Buttons Fundraising Luncheon

Ticket for 1 $35.00 USD Tickets for 2 $70.00 USD Tickets for 3 $105.00 USD Tickets for 4 $140.00 USD Sponsor a Table $300.00 USD

For more information please email us at info@topbuttons.org

The Purple Hair Craze

Purple hair has been fading in and out of the spotlight for the past year. Kelly Osbourne and Nicole Richie have led the charge for this bold color choice. And as of late, Katy Perry caught our attention when she rocked purple hair at the 2015 Grammys. Celebrities aren't the only ones loving this hair trend, images of dyed locks have taken Pinterest by storm. Above are just a few of the images that stood out to us. So….what are your thoughts on this wild hair trend? Would YOU dare to go purple? We want to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Redefining Valentine's Day for All the Single Ladies

Valentine's Day can be one of the most dreaded holidays amongst those who are single. Some jokingly admit it's S.A.D. (Single Awareness Day). Personally, throughout the years, I've struggled with the frustration of seeing all the couples around me and wondering when it would be MY turn. However, the concept of Valentine's Day is suppose to be about SELFLESS LOVE, so let's commit to redefining Valentine's 2015. Here's THREE innovative ways to redefine the holiday:

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1. Learn To Appreciate Some "YOU" Time: Without a significant other in your life, it's way too easy to dwell on the fact that you're solo, but there is NO BETTER TIME in your life to invest in yourself than in this season. In other words, take some time to rest and pamper yourself! Curl up on the couch, eat your favorite flavor of ice cream, do your nails, read a good book or watch your favorite movie.
2. Rally Up Your Other Single Lady Friends: Okay, so maybe a night in and alone isn't your scene! That is perfectly okay. Rally up a group of other single ladies and adventure out. Go see a new movie, dine at a fun restaurant, or even have a single ladies gift-exchange! The possibilities are endless.
3. Spread The Love: Yes, Valentines Day is centered on LOVE, but you don't necessarily have to dwell on the romantic aspect. Why not spread some positivity and love in the world? Visit a nursing home and love on the residents; write encouraging notes to a handful of important people in your life; or even offer to babysit your neighbor's kids so that they can enjoy some couple time.

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So whether this is your first single Valentine's Day or you've been single for a while now, do something DIFFERENT to return Valentine's Day to its origin of love. Love yourself, love your friends, and even love strangers.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Valentine's Day Cards For Everyone

Valentines Day is the perfect time to celebrate the people we love. You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy this special day. Why not use this occasion as an excuse to tell your friends and family how much you love them? Above are 6 beautiful card options to inspire you. All can be purchased  here and here. If you’re a creative person who loves arts and crafts, making your own V-Day cards is a great way to add a personal touch. This is my favorite option, because it allows you the freedom to customize each card for your loved ones.Need some ideas before you get started? Check out this DIY Valentines Day card tutorial.

Strapped for time and money? No worries! These FREE printable Valentine's Day cards are easy and adorable.

So what are you waiting for, make a list of people you love and start crafting a meaningful card that is sure to brighten their day!

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

My Edgy Valentine-Celebrity Style Inspiration

Who says that a stunning Valentine's Day look has to be cutesy, pink, and lacy? Whether you have a Valentine this year or not it can be fun to pick out an outfit for February 14th. This spring, leather jackets are popping up everywhere which makes it easy and affordable to copy the red-hot looks of Emma Watson and Jessica Alba. It also makes it easy to stay warm and covered while sporting a dress--a timeless Valentine's look. Jessica is wearing a classic A-line red dress which we love for its longer length. The look is flattering and appropriate but still edgy. Throw on some black Ray-Ban style shades to complete the look.

Emma Watson is always a style-icon favorite. Her pop of plaid mixed with her leather is another great way to pump up a classic red dress look for the romantic holiday.

Forever 21 has an array of red dresses just in time for February. We suggest reusing a red holiday dress from Christmas that you may already have in your closet.

Leather jackets and red dresses can all be found at Forever 21 for under $40, making it easy to put together your own edgy Valentine's look this year.

For more sweet and fun Valentine's Day outfit ideas, check out the link below!

Valentine's Day  Outfit Options

Written by Katy Abramowich

Editor Obsessions: February

February is the month when we are ready for the cold to be over, and dream of warmer days. That’s probably why most of the products on my February edit are a bit on the colorful side! Here are a few items I’ve got my eye on this month. 1. With the cold, gloomy days that have been lurking, this beach print is sure to brighten up the home.

2. This Crosley record player needs to be on my credenza asap! I adore this color, it's charming and playful all at once.

3. I love this  butter gloss from NYX. It’s a vibrant peachy/ pink color that makes me feel like summer is almost here.

4. I am always updating my desktop wallpaper. Thanks to Design Love Fest I have a ton of FREE options to choose from. I think I will start with these geometric shapes!

5. Lately, I've been on a MAJOR organization kick. These inexpensive Ikea storage boxes have brought much needed order to my bookshelves.

6. This Bumble And Bumble Dry Shampoo is a daily beauty staple of mine. It gives the perfect amount of volume and texture to my hair.

What's on your February must- haves list?! Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

Dorm Life: Sharing Closets And Friendships

"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms." -Source Unknown

. . . and that's the beauty within the friendship of these five ladies.

Barbarah Reynolds, Jennifer Suarez, Nikki Kemp, Lexus Potts, and Alexis Gauthier each come from such different upbringings and have such diverse passions, so it's so unique to see this specific combination of ladies crossing paths.

What's truly amazing is that they each encourage each other to be uniquely themselves.

Enjoy this mini lookbook of outfit details from their Wynwood Walls experience.

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Jenny wears a light-weight high-low cotton dress from Forever 21 with a tan Fedora hat.

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Jenny's hat is so versatile, that Barbarah snagged it for her outfit as well!

Barbarah's World Changer shirt was custom made at a T-Shirt Press station at Trinity Church's 2015 Girflriend's Conference.

The principle behind this picture: You don't have to be SEEN to be a world changer.

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Alexis has the same World Changer tee that Barbarah does, except the foiling on her design is actually a BOLD GOLD color.

"I wanted to keep the bold theme by adding my $7 leather pants from Plato's Closet."

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Lexus and Nikki have such separate but put-together styles! Lexus' black and white combo is classy, while Nikki's bright colors are boho!

Lexus' oversized striped top is a great canvas for a blue jeweled statement necklace. Similar accessories can be found at Walmart.

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Jenny and Alexis are actually college roommates, and they choose to challenge each other in JOY.

This photo captures the very idea of Luke 6:23 "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven."

How To Style A Felt Hat Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNss6-GLIxY

The Trend That Will Spice Up Your Winter Outfits

Looking to add a little edge to your winter attire? Take a cue from some of our favorite fashion bloggers by rocking a pair of black jeans with exposed knees. Yes, you heard right, ripped jeans are being worn even in the cold. It may sound foolish, but it’s hard not to love these street style looks that are popping up all over our instagram and pinterest feeds. Still need some convincing? Check out these images for some fashion inspiration.

{Christine Andrews // Hello Fashion}

{Jacey Duprie // Damsel In Dior}

{Lucy Williams // Fashion Me Now}

{Kaitlyn Ham // Modern Legacy}

Shop the look here:

Asos, $60.64 / Topshop, $70 / Free People, $78 / 7 For All Mankind, $139 (sale)

OR

If you don't have a ton of extra cash and have a pair of old jeans lying around, check out this tutorial from Free People on how to make your own distressed denim.

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

4 Ways To Style A Fur Vest Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=SvE-znmHiKE&app=desktop

3 Ways To Look Chic In Camel

Camel is not only a timeless classic, but totally on trend this season. It’s a neutral that can be worn with many different outfits and always adds a sophisticated edge to a look. Here are 3 popular ways to wear this classy color. #1 Camel and black is a match made in heaven! It always looks chic. Danielle from WEWOREWHAT kicked things up a notch by incorporating leather leggings into the mix. You can't go wrong with leather!

 #2 Camel paired with stripes always looks like a million bucks. Kat from With Love From Kat incorporated camel into her outfit through accessories. The boots and scarf really pop when paired with black and white.

#3 Camel and white looks fresh and modern. I love how Helen from Brooklyn Blonde added a pair of animal print heels into the mix which adds depth and really completes the outfit.

Camel is a safe and wise color to invest in. It's always nice to have staple colors like this on hand ,along with black, grey, and white in order to mix and match easily. It's all about building a functional closet and making your wardrobe work for you right?!

How would you wear camel? Are you a black and camel kind of gal or are stripes and camel more your style? Let us know in the comments below! We can't wait to hear from you.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Trend Alert: Slip On Sneakers

Step out in style AND comfort this season with slip on sneakers! Whatever your style may be you're bound to find a color or pattern that fits YOU. Whether you fancy leather, plaid, or even cheetah print, slip on sneakers come in an assortment of styles. Here are 6 popular sneakers that can easily work with a number of outfits in your closet.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Which sneaker is your style? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

The Scarf Says It All This Winter

The scarf is by far one of fashion's best accessories. It turns the simplest of outfits into something to talk about. Whether it's just draped around your neck or intricately twisted and wrapped, it's always the loudest statement of the outfit.  

The scarf can be worn in any way during almost any season, depending on the fabric and color. For spring, wear a lightweight, floral-print scarf lightly draped around the neck. For fall and winter, almost anything goes: chunky, knitted, furry, animal print, layered, long, you name it! It's the easiest way to express your individual style and keep you warm on those windy winter days (which are few and far between here in Florida).

If you aren't particularly savvy with the fancy twisting and wrapping techniques, infinity scarves are your best friend. Just throw it around your neck, and the scarf does all the talking. Here, Chelsea is sporting furry, fringy, and printed infinity scarves. Each give the same outfit uniquely different vibes and make their own statements!

Check out these sites to get the look:

Charlotte Russe

Nordstrom

Forever 21

So, what will your scarf say this winter?

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Photography by Elizabeth Huijskens // www.elisabethhuijskens.com Makeup by Yolanda Delacerda and Christi Northington

Happy New Year From The Top Buttons Team

Tomorrow will mark the beginning of a new year for us all! The Top Buttons team and I would like to thank your for journeying with us in 2014 and we wish you THE BEST in the season to come. As you move forward into the new year remember that YOUR beauty and worth are found in the Lord. You are LOVED BY GOD and He has wonderful things in store for your life.  

Happy New Year beautiful ladies and best wishes from the Top Buttons Team!!!

XXO,

Rebekah

(image via Popsugar)

Join SOZO At The Run 4 ONE 5k This January

The Sozo Initiative would like to invite everyone in the Lakeland, Florida area to participate in the 2nd annual Run 4 One on January 17th, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. around Lake Hollingsworth. Run 4 One is a 5k that exists to raise funds to help rescue and restore victims of human trafficking and is a wonderful opportunity to do your part to end modern day slavery. Runners and non-runners are welcome and it will be a chipped time race. To register to walk or run go to the official website. If you do not live locally or are unable to participate in Run 4 One you may still give by going to the registration page and clicking on the donation button. There will also be a children’s fun run.

All of the proceeds from the event will be given to their three beneficiaries listed below:

The Porch Light A division of Florida’s Baptist Children’s Homes, Porch light is the first safe house in Lakeland that is specifically created to house victims of Human Trafficking. Porch light works to help restore these girls physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Porch Light is also supported by Top Buttons and The Sozo Initiative.

Project Rescue Project Rescue provides physical, emotional and spiritual rescue and holistic restoration to women and children in sexual slavery. Their multifaceted programs aim to provide a safe environment for transformation and growth. Their initiatives include aftercare homes, vocational training, after-school programs, night care shelters, HIV/Aids medical clinics, red light district churches and Sunday schools, and awareness and prevention programs. Project Rescue is also supported by the Top Buttons and The Sozo Initiative.

Belbin Family. The Belbin’s are a missionary family who work in the children’s homes of Northern India. These homes are where the sons and daughters of the women working in the brothels live. Through building relationships, supporting staff, and facilitating art projects designed to bring emotional and spiritual healing, they are impacting young girls in a significant way. This year we are raising funds to provide a playground for one of the homes.

To learn more about Run 4 One visit their Facebook page

New Years Eve Hair Tutorial Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gMUC8Go8CI&app=desktop

Holiday Beauty Favorites

The Holidays are the perfect time to break out the red lipstick! In fact shimmer is absolutely acceptable during this time as well! With Christmas being TOMORROW and New Years Eve quickly approaching, here are some of our Holiday beauty kit essentials. 1. Red lips always jazz up an outfit. If you don’t already have this staple color in your beauty wardrobe, Ruby Woo from Mac is always a winner. For a cheaper alternative, Revlon Really Red is a great option. 2. Go all out with red nails! This Essie nail polish is a favorite of ours. 3. Play up your eyes with some falsies! Ardell Demi Wispies are sure to add a little glam to your look. 4. If false lashes aren’t for you, the next best thing is Benefit’s They're Real mascara. This miracle working product lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes. Basically it does EVERYTHING! 5. Shimmer is a must for the Holidays. Use it to highlight your cheekbones, brow bone, and the inner corner of the eyes. Mac’s Soft And Gentle is excellent, but if you don’t have time to run to the store just use a shimmery champagne colored eye shadow!

If you're still in need of some Holiday outfit inspiration click here for three glamorous outfit ideas.

Happy Holidays!

Rebekah

Simple Packing Tips For The Holidays Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcpVHJnFOK8&app=desktop