Affordable Favorite Faux Furs

The holidays are approaching and these funky faux furs are the perfect way to stay warm and stylish without breaking the bank.  Since the price points are nice you can get a couple to match with different outfits.   For more info on where to purchase clink on the link.  http://www.polyvore.com/m/set?.embedder=17982613&.svc=copypaste&id=182673112

Snow More Shopping Daze

This winter weather has really taken a toll on my energy and outlook.  I am getting pretty desperate for some sunshine.   What else puts me in a sunnier mood?  Shopping!  So, when we had some rough winter weather, online shopping called and I answered.  Here are some of my fun finds and a few things I drooled over.  I found a dress on Instagram, and a couple more on sale for President's Day.  I also ended up with a pair of white jeans and some jewelry.  

Tuxedo Vest/Dress Trend 

 I know that long vest and tuxedo type dresses are going to be big for spring.  BCBG has an awesome tuxedo cape and Cookie from Empire wore it on an episode.  I tried it on in a store and I felt like I could not pull it off.  I love trends, but you to make sure that you can wear the clothes and the clothes are not wearing you.  This is why I LOVE the style Cookie has in the show Empire.  She can wear such bold clothes, but she never gets lost in them, the clothes become part of her.   That is true style!   The tuxedo cape was a no go for me since my shoulders are probably the smaller part of my body.  :(.   If you have bigger shoulders or a larger chest, you might want to check out this BCBG cape.   

I was able to find a tuxedo type dress that fits me pretty well.  It is by Blaque Label.  I am not sure yet where I will wear this, but I think it will be cute with nude pumps in the spring or some simple ankle strap sandals such as the Stuart Weitzman nudist.   The two dresses at the top are some fun casual dresses for spring.

Leather and Denim 

Also found these super cute leather leggings on sale they are stretchy material in the back and leather in the front. The brand is in NYDJ.  This brand is super comfy and made more for women than juniors so it runs large!  If ordering online I suggest you go down one size and I would also order petite, unless you have long legs.  I also swore I would never wear anything white on my booty. However, this brand is so comfy and flattering I decided to take a risk and order some white jeans. 

Accessories

Last but not least, a girl has to accessorize.  I found the cute gold necklace and J Crew bracelet from Instagram. I purchase the silver necklace and bracelet from Stella and Dot as I love the simple yet funky vibe.  

Now I am already saving my pennies for spring because while surfing the internet I found these sandals and a purse for my wish list.  ;).  What are the items or trends you are most excited about for spring? 

Stuart Weitzman Gladiators

Kelly Wynne, Mingle Mingle Mini in Turquish Island Snake

The Art of Style

I'm not very educated when it comes to art.  But, I do love going to art galleries and exhibits from time to time.  On a few trips abroad I was lucky enough to see some super cool Dali and Picasso exhibits.  I cannot tell you specific techniques.  I just like what speaks to me!!!  It doesn't have to be expensive.  I believe that art, like clothing and music is about personal expression.  I pick out clothes, shoes, art and music by a personal feeling.  I know that may sound weird, but that is how I have always been.  So, to me style is simply a form of inspiration.   I want to share some pics below of a few random pieces in my house that inspire me daily.   I hope you find some things that inspire you too!  - Stay Spunky! 

I love all the cute and fashionable Oliver Gal prints.  I saw this on Pinterest today and had to have it.  It will be great over my couch in the den against the yellow walls.   Did I mention that I love bright colors?  ;) 

This is a painting I found at a local craft fair.  The artist is from Mississippi.  When I saw it, I felt overwhelmed.  I really love the colors, but also the message. I'm not sure if this is the message the artist intended, but I think it portrays the idea that there is a little devil in every angel.   I like to think this is why she used red for the angel's hair.  

This is just a fun little corner.   I purchased the chair years ago from an auction at the Stax Museum.  I have always loved music so this seemed like a really cool and great conversation piece.  The picture was purchased as a souvenir in Vienna, Austria from The House of Music.  

As I mentioned earlier, I love Oliver Gal prints.  This one is hanging over the bed.   Who wouldn't want to sleep under a gold kiss each night? 

I found this at a local home decor store.  It is hanging in the bathroom as a daily reminder.  

Last, but certainly not least, the picture below was painted by my grandmother.  She loved to paint and learned by watching Bob Ross. (Funny, but true.)  In her later years, after she retired she taught a small painting class one night per week.   Unfortunately, I never picked up her skill.  But, I am so thankful she left some of her talent behind after she passed away.  I also have a really cool and large photo of a black panther in front of a sunset that she painted.  Maybe one day I will have somewhere to hang it! 

My New Fav Nail Polish

I really like CND Shellac and the OPI gel, but they are a pain to take off.  I also hate using the pure acetone remover as it dries out my nails and cuticles.  My nails grow fast so it also only stays on about a week before you can see the nail base.   Luckily, I found a new product and now I'm addicted to CND Vinylux.  I discovered it at a salon/spa.   It is a weekly polish.  I started ordering it from Amazon.com.  They have a good color selection and you can get it for under $12 or $10.00 a bottle.   Also make sure to order the clear/top coat as I think it helps staying power.  Seriously, this stuff will stay on your nails for a week without chipping and it comes off easily with regular nail polish remover at home.  My manicurist also just told me that OPI just came out with a similar product.   She said she likes it even better than the CND formula.  I will try it soon and report back with comparisons.   Meanwhile, pictured below are some of my favorite basic colors from CND Shellac.  In the photo I am wearing Tango Passion.

    These colors are from left to right : Fedora (a dark almost black purple) Wildfire (a bright red) Impossibly Plush (a soft yet darker grey), Tango Passion ( a fuchsia color) and last, the clear top coat. 

Holiday Dress Code Inspirations

Hi Peeps!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and spunky holiday season. Tis the season for many holiday parties & events. I don't know about you all, but I'm tired! Between all the social events, prepping for Christmas, and work nobody has time, funds or energy to spend on yourself. But, we all still want to look cute and pull something together. These are just a few pictures of random things that inspired me for the holidays. I am also posting a few outfit ideas. Hope you enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

"God Bless Us Everyone!" ;) - Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol

  

 
 

These Kate Spade tights can make any outfit look cute and dressy. 

                                       

Each time I see this Glade commercial I want to be sitting by that piano with a glass of wine! 

I feel like I probably get too excited about things at times, but then I stop to think  what is wrong with a little excitement about life? 

                                       

Summer Skincare..... You better care! 

I tend to have combination skin in the summer.  I often find that moisturizers are too heavy for me and sunscreens just make my skin feel greasy.  These are some products I discovered this summer that I really like.  They are moisturizing, protecting and non-greasy/pore clogging.  What are your favorite skincare products of the summer?  

I have read conflicting articles and research that says if sunscreen is over a SPF of 30, it does not matter.  SPF is technically only blocking UVB rays and not UVA, which can also do damage.  Either way, I figure a higher SPF certainly is not harmful.   The real reason I like this is because of the way it feels on my face.  It is not greasy, glides on smoothly and does not clog my pores.  

I have recently started using this at night all over my face and neck.  It is so light I use it along with a retinoid.  I just got back from out West and my skin became so dry/dehydrated.  Using this serum seemed to help and it also works well under a foundation or powder.   The feeling is a-maz-ing! 

Hands-down this is one of the best drug store products I have ever used.  I also know a few dermatologist even recommend Cetaphil.  Their line has been around for a long time.  I think of it as similar to the old face cream Noxzema.  But, while Noxzema always seemed to give me more break-outs, this moisturizer helps to balance my skin.  I use is every day first thing in the morning.  

Spring Into Fitness

Hi peeps!

The weather today was almost 80 degrees!  It made me feel so excited for spring and I have had so much more energy just knowing spring is almost here.  This winter has been a rough one and I'm so ready for some warm sunshine.   I made a promise to myself for the next few months I am going to try to work out 4-5 times a week and be healthier.   I have found a few products I think are beneficial which I have added to my diet and I wanted to share them with you in hopes they will help you too!

I have been hearing and seeing how everyone is drinking green smoothies or green juices and how great they are for you.   While I love smoothies, I cannot drink any type of juice that has any pulp in it.  Hence, those recipes that say just to throw in some kale, spinach, celery, an apple, and a lemon with ice do not work for me.   I did not want to invest in an expensive juicer so this powder is my best option!  I just throw a spoonful into any type of smoothie/protein powder in the morning with some water and ice.   I have also tried a spoonful mixed with half lemonade, half apple juice and ice in a blender.   It was pretty good!  If you add enough ice you can get a thicker consistency or if you just add liquids you get a juice that is PULP FREE!   I love it.   It has made me feel better in general and it gives me energy in the am, making me more focused and productive.  When I drink this I also do not need to drink any caffeine and it does not make you feel jittery.    Go ahead..... get you some!

This is another little gem I ran across one day at Smooth King.  I saw it and asked the cashier guy about it.  He said he was not sure, but thought it was something similar to wheat grass.  He told me the owner of the Smoothie King takes it all the time and she loves it.   So, I got a bottle, went home to research it and WOW!   This stuff is just super good for you in general.  It has even been found to prevent some types of cancer.  When I take it (like the above super green powder) I notice a difference in how I feel.  It has also helped my digestion issues, which I think many women have from my experiences.