Search This Blog

Monday, November 28, 2011

Personal Shopping Testimonial




A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of a personal shopping day with Sonia of Style Me. It was so refreshing to go shopping and come home with bags full of clothing and accessories that I love! I called Sonia and she was great from the start. She asked me tons of questions and we set a date for my consult. She knew I had several special events going on through the Holidays. An anniversary party for my parents, a fundraiser, and a romantic trip with my husband. I didn't really know what to expect, this was my first meeting with a stylist. It was so much fun!! She had me bring some basics from home and we were off. Sonia knew exactly what we were looking for and where to find it! It was by far, the most successful shopping experience I have ever had:) We stayed within my budget, even with shoes and super cute jewelry! Sonia emailed me a list of all my purchases along with how each piece worked on its own and together. I am a mother of two and am often too busy to think about my wardrobe. Personal shopping with Style Me is perfect for anyone. Sonia helped me realize what looked best on my body type and that knowledge is priceless! This is the first time in years that I am excited about getting dressed in the mornings:) The next step is letting her in my closet!! Did I mention we did all of this in three hours, yes three hours!! A huge thank you to Sonia!


Sincerely,

Sarah Allen

Sunday, November 27, 2011

100 Years of Fashion in Two Minutes

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was filled with family, friends, and lots of laughter! If you went Black Friday shopping I hope you got some great deals AND made it out without a black eye. Now that I am totally in the Christmas spirit, I can't wait to show you all what trends to try out this winter! While you wait, enjoy this fantastic video made by Jake Lunt preparing for the opening of Westfield Stratford City shopping center in East London.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Avant Garde vs. Cray Cray

Designs by Chinese designer Guo Pei


Avant Garde in fashion is what most designers strive for. The word alone means experimental or innovative. Designers, such as Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, and Bernard Willhelm, have all been known for their non-conformitive pieces. They open their minds to create something totally different that make people do a double-take. Some people take the idea of Avant Garde a little too far though.


AH-dore Ivana Pilja's different take on the LBD.

Many celebrities, over the years, have decided that everytime they walk out of the house, they want to wear something completely unexpected. The first three that come to mind are Madonna, Nicki Minaj, and (obviously) Lady Gaga. These women have always been true to their wacky ways, but sometimes they cross the line and look like looney tunes. So I have been asking myself this question. What is the definition of avant garde and when is something considered a faux pas?


 
The iconic pointy bra worn by Madonna


Excuse me Nicki, but you have a palm tree in your hair.


Lady G is ALWAYS wearing something insane in the membrane, but she makes award winning pop music so who can complain?


I don't think there will ever be an answer to my question, so all I can say is, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." In other words, unless you are confident enough to rock an outfit made entirely of meat and not care if you get a few side glances, I'd wear your usual attire.  

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

BLITZ YOUR BLACK

BLITZ YOUR BLACK
More times than not, we have the clothes we need right in our closet. The problem is we don't see the possibilities in what we have.

Focus on accessories to dazzle and blitz your black basics during all the holiday seasons. Think outside of your closet and embrace glitz, jewels and push yourself to be a little more dazzling! Why not??

Everyone needs a little bling for the tired, but, always there for you, black basic no matter what it is. AND... accessories can be a much cheaper way to create a new look!!
BLITZ YOUR BLACK by soniaromero featuring stone rings

Top It Off

Top It Off

It never hurts to throw on a cute beret on a bad hair day. Since winter is coming up, hats are always my go to accessories since my wardrobe is so dark and needs a little glitz to spice it up. Why not try it out yourself with these great styles of headgear!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Style Me Nashville: An Absolute Wonderful 3 hours of Shopping!

Style Me Nashville: An Absolute Wonderful 3 hours of Shopping!

How Pinteresting!

Unless you have been living in a cave, I am sure you have at least heard someone mention the GLORIOUS website, Pinterest.com. If not, drop everything you are doing and be ready to get addicted. Pinterest is full of different ideas for crafts, weddings, outfits, recipes and much more. Once you sign up, you can make different "pin boards" and with a click of the pin button on a picture you like, it will be sent directly to the board and stay there. You can also follow different people to see what they are pinning.

I am always finding great ideas for hairstyles or accessories to try but I always forget about them. That is the great thing about this website; you can go back and look at the pictures you pinned. I have already:
made my own scarf,

Pinned Image

done cool nail efffects,

Pinned Image

and even made some pumpkin spice latte muffins (SO GOOD!)

Pinned Image

I am just going to foreworn you, if you do not have at least an hour to waste, you do NOT want to sign up. I get on there to look at one thing and two hours later I'm peeling myself away from the computer. It really has some great and easy ideas for anything. Check it out :)


P.S. Follow me :)

Friday, November 11, 2011

An Absolute Wonderful 3 hours of Shopping!

What Sarah purchased for $400!!!
17 items to mix and match!



Basic Must Have For Any Wardrobe:

2 Black Skinny Jeans – (hem one to ankle) – The Limited
Black Dress Pant – NY & Co.
Black Pencil Skirt – The Limited
Black cami – The Limited
Black Long Cardigan w/ Ruffles (long sleeves & ties) – NY & Co.
Rust Cowl Neck Sweater – Short Sleeve – The Limited

Tips To Remember For Must Haves:

1. Pair Skinny Jeans with any of the shoes purchased. When using boots, remember to use the hemmed pant for less bulk.

2. Skinny Jeans used the Cardigan purchased for a more dressed up look and the cropped cardi (you own) for a more casual look.

3. Use tie on Cardi when pairing with Skinny Jeans. Don't use tie when pairing with skirt or pants (you want to create a long lean look) and use the belt under the Cardi to give illusion of waistline (remember to utilize the belt higher rather than lower)

4. Belt Cowl Neck (this will minimize the unwanted)

5. Pair Pencil Skirt with boots and tights with your Cowl Neck Swtr.

Accessories:
Black Tights – NY & Co.
Teal Scarf – The Limited
Gold Bracletts – The Limited
Gold Drop Earrings – The Limited
Gold/Black Chandilier Earrings – The Limited
Black Belt – NY & Co.

Tips for Accessories:
1. Use your Black Tights with any of the shoes purchased.

2. The Scarf can be used as an accessory to an outfit otherwise boring or wrap it like we practiced for use in cold weather.

3. Mix and Match your Jewelry

4. Endless possibilities with your new Black Belt ( your new best friend;)

Outerwear:
Black Puffy Vest – NY & Co.

Tips for Outerwear:
1. Pair this vest with any of the bottom pieces purchased.

2. Dress down your pencil skirt for a more fun look with your boots and this vest

3. Use the scarf for added color

Shoes:
Black Boots ( to the knee) – Steinmart
Black Patent Pointy Toe Flat – TJ Maxx
Animal Print Flat w/ Pom Pom – Steinmart

Shopping List: Try JC Penny's or Belk for Petite sizing
1. Cami's in all bright colors
2. V neck t-shirts or cowl neck t's in – black, white, hot pink, teal, emerald green
3. Lips – Loreal color #640 (Wild Plum)
4. Hot Pink or Teal Vest at NY&Co. (Like to Have;)

Things to Remember:

No Clingy unless belted

Good Necklines – V, U, Cowl

Bad Necklines – Crew neck and square neck

Carefull of pastels that they don't wash you out – Aqua and Pink are ok.

No neutrals by your face unless using more make up – they made you look pale. Use when using a bright with it (ex. Cream t shirt with a hot pink scarf is ok).

Use bright jewl tone when possible.

Have fun with whatever you choose and don't be afraid to step out of your box and try something NEW!!!!





Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Jersey Girl

 

Chanel's new fragrance, Jersey, has been released just in time for this fabulous scent to be your perfect Christmas present. Coco once said, "A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future," this is why she always came out with the best eau de toilette's around. The name alone will describe it's musky smell. Chanel was known for using Jersey fabrics to create masculine ready-to-wear clothes for women, and what better way to celebrate her risky designs, by creating a lavender scent inspired by them. You can make this your own signature scent today by going to Chanel.com and getting 6.8 ounces of luxury.


 
Coco in Chanel jersey separates.



Thursday, October 27, 2011

Stay-At-Home Moms Need Style Too!

I am so excited about my next appointment ! My client is a wonderful mother of 2 boys and is a stay-at-home mom and wife. Ever since her first son was born, she has dedicated herself to her boys and her home. As I was conducting the one-on-one consultation to review what she did have and where we needed to start, I quickly learned that this beautiful, young mother had dedicated herself to living in jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes. Now, don't misunderstand, these are all essentials in a wardrobe with boys or any children, for that matter. However, she is about to celebrate an anniversary with her husband and will be traveling somewhere and will be required to where more serious clothes than a "Life is Good" t-shirt. Her lovely home will also be featured this year in a tour of homes during the holiday season. She will be a host showing off her lovely homes impeccable style and will need to look fabulous! Our journey begins in a few days and we only have a short time. She doesn't live in Nashville so she will be dropping the boys off and spending the day with me finding all the right things that she will need for these upcoming days and any event that comes her way.

We are searching for 3 Outfits that she will be able to mix and match! She has a few basic items that we will work with, but, some of the Must Haves we will be searching for:
  • 1 or 2 Pairs of Dark Denim - boot and skinny or strait ankle
  • Black Go-To Pant
  • Flats - black and maybe another option
  • Heels - black
  • Go to Blazer
  • Skirt - She has great legs!
  • Great Cowl neck sweater
  • Accessories - animal, brights, scarf, jewelry, small everywhere purse
How exciting for her! We will take pictures and post all the great outfits we find with in these Must Have pieces! Stay tuned!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Ombré is the New Black

Ombré is the New Black


This trend is perfect for fall because it resembles the many different colors on a perfect autumn day. It's also perfect for Halloween because it changes colors just like candy corn! Ombré is not only limited to clothes and accessories, but it is now okay to let your roots shine through. This look is so effortless but will grab everyone's attention!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Mint Condition

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have come a LONG way since Full House and their ever so popular teen movies. They have become quite the entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and people have taken notice for many years now. Not only do they have their own clothing line, but now they have an online t-shirt line called StyleMint. I found the website and fell instantly in love. You can make your own "StyleProfile" free of charge. All you have to do is answer the quick and easy questions about your own personal style and StyleMint shows you how to style their fabulous t-shirts. They named me a "classic" girl which is me to a T! Every shirt available is only $29.99 and shipping is always free. My favorite thing about StyleMint is that they have new designs at the beginning of every month! Check it out, because every girl needs a perfectly fitted t-shirt in their closet.

Watch the video above to find out what your personal style is or visit:

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

And The Emmy Goes To.....

Two days ago, I woke up ready to watch the Emmys. I waited and waited all day to finally see the beautiful dresses Hollywood royalty was going to share with the world. This year, not only was the carpet red but so were an abundance of the gowns. I'm usually not a fan of dresses that make you look like a floating head, but most of the starlets did it right!

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan Resort 2012

I really wasn't overwhelmed by the choices some actresses picked to wear, but this one really worked me over. I have always been such a big Gwyneth Paltrow fan. I love her movies and I was so excited to see her on Glee, but her dress was AWFUL! I actually do like this Emilio Pucci dress, but it did not do anything good for her. Brace yourselves for my worst dressed pick.


On a lighter note, it is time to share my absolute favorite of the evening. It isn't the most outrageous or beautiful gown in the world, but I fell in fashion love as soon as I saw it. Kelly Osbourne has come a long way from greasy hair and ratty clothes. She is now a member of The Fashion Police and rocked a deep purple, J. Mendel dress for the evening. It is fishtail perfection and her hair, makeup, and jewelry accented it miraculously. She took home the gold for me even though she chose a fellow Brit, Lena Headey to hold the title.


P.S.
This brand spankin' new short film by Dior is my new OBSESSION. It was revealed during the red carpet on E! and it is to die for. Charlize looks phenomenal.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Got A Hot Date?

Everyone will go on a date at some point in their lifetime. Whether it is the first date or going out on the town with your ball and chain, you should put a little thought into what you are going to wear. If you want your date to not be able to take their eyes off of you, keep on reading!


My number one rule for when I am choosing the perfect outfit for a date, is to make sure I wear something that I will be comfortable in. If I wear something that is too short or too low, I know I'm am going to be constantly tugging and pulling. You need to have your hands free just in case your date wants to hold your hand!


Make sure you put the perfect amount of effort into your look. You don't want to look like you tried to hard, but you also don't want to look like they interrupted your naptime. Wear something simple, but also wear one or two accessories that will compliment your outfit and your best features. You want your significant other to be paying attention to you, not your crazy clothes.


A very important detail on picking out the perfect date attire is to know where you are going. You don't need to wear a little black dress and kitten heels if you are going bowling. If you have been dating for a while, ask what your date is wearing so you can dress accordingly. If not, wear what you would normally wear to the movies, or a nice restaraunt.


Last but not least, the greatest accessory you could ever wear is a smile. It doesn't matter what you wear, without looking confident and happy you won't look your best. Just be yourself and have fun and you won't have to worry about what you are wearing once you step out the door!


Friday, September 2, 2011

MAH-JOR!

MAH-JOR!

Rachel Zoe recently came out with a 2011 Fall Guide with 20 different pieces that you should incorporate in your wardrobe this season. Here are some items that are my interpretation of her list. Check it out for yourself so you can be inspired just like I was!
 

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Go Big or Go Home

Many women think they can put on a cute top and jeans and their look is complete. Unfortunately, people notice how put together you are. It doesn't matter if it is someone you are just meeting or one of your best friends, they are going to look you up and down to see what you have on. Most people won't tell you the truth, but I definitely will because I want everyone to look head-to-toe FABULOUS!

First of all, you should always have some sort of makeup on. I am all about the natural look, but there is such a thing as too natural. There are tinted moisturizers (with SPF I might add) and clear mascaras calling out your name. These will actually help your skin and give you a natural glow. I feel as though makeup helps to make your face stand out and compliment your best features. It will add to any outfit and help to complete your look. I don't think I could live without my bronzer or my mascara, but make sure you don't over apply these two. We don't want to look like an orange highliter with spiders on our face. When appropriate, you can rock a dramatic smoky eye, but you don't need it while grocery shopping. A great trick when you don't have too much time to get ready is to wear red lipstick. It pops enough to hide the fact that you don't have any other makeup on.


The next step in completing your look is ACCESSORIES! Jewelry is definitely one of my favorite things to look at and shop for. There are a few personal rules I stick to though. I never wear statement earrings, necklaces, and bracelets all at the same time. Pick one and go with it. I find it mind boggling when people do this and it is just too much to look at. Especially if the outfit is loud as well. Only wear one statement piece with a simple ensemble to really make it stand out. When you wear crazy outfits, keep the accessories to a bare minimum. Wear some studs or a dainty headband. You don't need to wear everything you own all at the same time. Coco Chanel always said to take one thing off before you leave the house and she was the queen of rows and rows of pearls. However, she wore it with a little black dress so it wasn't over the top.



The final touch on an incredible look is your hair. If you have everything else in tip top shape, but your hair is looking drab, you might as well have just worn sweatpants. A lot of women complain about how long it takes to do their hair so they just throw it up in a ponytail. If you got up 5-10 minutes earlier everyday, you would have plenty of time to at least run a brush through it and maybe even throw a braid in the mix. There are plenty of cute hairstyles that only take a few minutes to do and make you look so much more put together. I am the queen of wearing my hair up, but I also wear headbands or other hair accessories to dress it up a bit.


Before y'all go to bed each night, think about what you are going to wear the next day. This way when you are doing your makeup, hair, and picking out accessories you won't be lost and will walk out the door looking crisp and ready to take on the day!