Oscar Best Dressed 2016

Happy Super Tuesday! Who's going out to the polls today? No matter what your political preference is be sure to get out and vote today! Ok now to other important measures...the Oscar fashions.

I know we are all still excited that Leo finally got his Oscar and who loved that Mad Max: Fury Road took home so many statues? Sorry Stallone (I thought he would be a lock!) and personally I think Jennifer Lawrence should have claimed her second Best Actress award but hey I'm not a voter! However, I can give my picks for the best dressed of the night and how you can get the look for less.

1. Jennifer Lawrence

I was obsessed with this look! Everything from her hair (love the champagne blonde hue) to the make-up and the dramatic black and lace gown all tied in perfectly together.

Love the look? Try a more casual look like this dress (70% off)

2. Priyanka Chopra

The former Miss World wowed in this beautiful white creation. I love white dresses but you have to be careful not to look to bridal at black tie events and this dress executed the trend perfectly. Absolutely stunning dress!

Love the look? Try a dramatic gown like this one (40% off)
 

3. Alicia Vikander

This is a close second to my favorite dress, the sunny yellow provided a breath of fresh air and let's be honest, she looks like Belle from Beauty and the Beast which I love! The best supporting actress winner chose the perfect dress for her big night.

Love the look? Try this fun dress!

4. Reese Witherspoon

The Oscar winner and two time nominees always is one of my top fashion picks! I love her style, plus she's a southern girl and carries that in her fashion choices. The style and bodice of this dress is not only flattering but creates the ever-popular hour glass shape. Add in the rich color and it was a stunner on the red carpet!

Love the look? Check out the style of this gown!

5. Olivia Wilde

When she was presenting at the show, you immediately noticed this gown because of the plunging neckline and the drama of the dress. I thought the color gave it almost an ethereal look while the choker was dramatic yet very chic at the same time. This dress requires confidence to pull off and she did so elegantly!

Love the look? Try this dress for a black tie event!

6. Brie Larson

If you know there's a good shot you are taking home the Best Actress award then you need to come to prepared! Brie did just that and I loved, loved, loved this whimsical dress in such a pretty blue. With a few wrong tweaks it could have looked like a dress you would see at a high school prom but the pulled back hair and minimal make-up with a bright lip really pulled the outfit together. The added bling around the waist adds just a touch of sparkle and she lets that be the focus piece of the dress.

Love the look? Try this cobalt blue dress!

7. Margot Robbie

This is another gown that as soon as I saw I knew it was going to be on every best dressed list! I for one, really like long sleeved dresses, especially when they look as classic and fresh as Margot's choice. She went for the gold...literally. With this dress, the key was minimal hair and make-up to allow the dress to shine, which it did!

Love the look? Go for the gold like Margot in this number!

8. Charlize Theron

First off if you haven't seen the new Mad Max, go watch it now because she and Tom Hardy are so good in an amazing film. Second, this dress was one of the first I saw on the red carpet and everyone at my Oscar party agreed that she looked fabulous! This woman never seems to age and the red hue was so eye-catching that this was a dress you had to notice. She always has the touch of the Hollywood Golden Age era with her choices and pulls it off every single time!

Love the look? Try this red gown!

Hope you guys enjoyed my pick! Until awards season next year!

xoxo,

 

Grammy's Best Dressed 2016

Happy Tuesday! So, how about the Grammy's last night? My girl T-Swift taking home Album of the Year (and that slight diss to Yeezy in her acceptance speech), Kendrick Lamar shutting it down on stage and going home a big winner, everyone realizing Sam Hunt is really hot and Beyoncé slaying in my favorite gown of the night!

 

I will say the fashion wasn't quite as over the top as usual and I was a little sad about that. Usually the Grammy's are the cool award show and this year it was a little blah in regards to the red carpet. However, there were a few looks that I absolutely loved so I give you my top picks of the night!

 

 

 

1. Beyoncé

 

Just call her "Slayonce" haha ok I think I'm funny with the puns and let me just pretend I'm the first one to call her that. Queen Bey rarely disappoints on the red carpet and this beautiful white gown is no exception. Only she could get away with wearing a wedding dress on the red carpet and it look just like a normal outing. The dress is the focal point, I love the low ponytail and minimal make-up.

 

Like the look? Try this or this!

 

2. Taylor Swift

 

Ok, this was a bit of a mixed reviewed look. I personally thought it was a fun look perfect for the Grammy's! It had a bit of 90's nostalgia to it, remember when the hot look was the crop top and tulle skirts? I remember Sharon Stone, Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker with these looks. I loved my In Style Magazine when I was little, I knew my awards shows! She can pull off something like this and her haircut looked so sleek with the pop of lip color.

 

Like the look? Try this with this!

 

3. Adele

 

Even with the slight technical problem, Adele still sounded amazing! Her all black look was perfect from head to toe, love the touch of sparkle and her hair looked fabulous! She always looks so elegant and this look was spot on.

 

Like the look? Try this or this!

 

4. Tori Kelly

 

Emerald green color, old Hollywood waves and pure glamour is why Tori Kelly's look was one of my favorites! This dress might be more at home at the Oscars but she was nominated and performed so this was a big night for her and it deserves a big dress. The look just screams golden age of Hollywood and the dress is the true show stopper here!

 

Like the look? Try this or this!

 

5. Selena Gomez

 

Taylor Swift's bestie was rocking this dazzling blue number, I mean if you are going to run into your ex, Justin Bieber, then you need to look good! This dress reminds me of the 70's, a little touch of Studio 54 in today's time. Selena always has her hair on point, long waves are flattering on most face shapes and just add that look of glamour!

 

Like the look? Try this or this!

 

6. Kaley Cuoco

 

The Big Bang Theory actress likes to experiment on the red carpet and I loved this jumpsuit! Normally I don't care for pants much, but add some sparkle and flair, I'm all for them. When I think of Grammy's, I was hoping to see more fashion risks like this, it might not make every person's bes dressed list but at least it's unique! Great hair and make-up to go along with this fun piece.

 

Like the look? Try this or this!

 

7. Carrie Underwood

 

Did y'all catch her steamy duet with Sam Hunt? If you didn't find it on YouTube now just so you can introduce yourself to Sam Hunt if you don't know who he is. Carrie always looks flawless and I mean everything. from her hair and make-up to her shoes, her style is one of my all time favorites. This black dress is anything but basic!

 

Like the look? Try this or this!

 

8. Chrissy Teigen

 

Would you really expect less from a model? The pregnant beauty looked like a glowing mom-to-be in this white gown and can we talk about that cape? Love it! Capes are one of my favorite additions to gowns and dresses, it just adds that little bit of drama. The hair pulled away from the face looked sleek and neutral make-up went with the look, almost ethereal but still very chic!

 

Like the look? Try this or this!

 

Those are my picks for the night! What was your favorite look? Grammy moment? Let me know and keep checking back here for new posts coming this week!

 

xoxo,

 

 

Fall Finds

Hey everyone! We are a few hours till Friday (enter praise emoji) so I thought I would share a few of my favorite pieces for fall. I was in Target today and already started collecting items for my fall bar cart (can't wait to show you guys soon!) and just being around all the pumpkins, skeletons and fall foliage made me ready to throw on a scarf and riding boots. Ok, it is still pretty hot here in the Ham but we can prep right? Check out some of my favorites below and most items are under $100!

For great fall shopping be sure to check out some of my favorite shops including Impressions, Wildfox, Nordstrom, Forever 21, and The Happy Goose Shop. I will be posting lots of looks and my own styling's right here on the blog from these shops and more next week! Stay tuned!

Also, check out how I styled one of my favorite looks here (romper, fedora and platforms under $100 for all three items).

1. Cheetah Print Shift Dress (under $30)

I love this dress! I can't wait to style it for the blog next week. I'm thinking tying a denim jacket/shirt around the waist with my converse for a laid back look or pair it with booties for a night out. The material is so soft, like one of your comfiest tees but in a stylish dress!

Impressions (photo credit: Shop Impressions)

2. Downtown Leather Leggings (under $25)

One of my favorite looks in cooler months is leggings with a vintage style rock tee (make sure the shirt is long enough so size up if needed!) and a leather jacket. Get the full vibe by wearing these leather inspired leggings! Can also pair with a longer tunic or sweater and "toughen" up a look just like that.

The Happy Goose Shop 

3. Sam Edelman "Penny" Boots (under $150)

I am obsessed with the Tori Burch Joanna Riding Boot but paying close to $500 for one pair of boots? That isn't realistic for me. I did come across these which are ON SALE and still have that crisp look perfect for fall. Stylish and on sale? Sign me up!

Nordstrom (photo credit: Nordstrom)

4. Faux Suede Lace-Up Dress (under $25)

The 70's are BACK this season! Fringe, platforms and suede are all popular choices for fall. This dress is perfect for those nights out when you just want to throw on something and go. Super flattering sleeves, loose fit and a shorter hem make it a great choice!

Forever 21 (photo credit: Forever 21)

5. Stripes On Repeat Trapeze Dress (Under $30)

Stripes are another big trend for fall. Wear this dress now in the heat and later with a leather jacket or cardigan. Love the breezy simple look that can be dressed up!

Impressions (Photo Credit: Shop Impressions)

6. Fringe Booties (under $65)

I have been on this trend since last fall and I LOVE my fringe booties! Look at your local boutiques and utilize online shops to find the best deals and options. I think this pair is fabulous and only 64!

Impressions (photo credit: Impressions)

7. Afternoon Delight Vest in Sage (under $45)

I wasn't sold on the military style till I saw this vest! Love the colorful detailing and the olive green combo. I will be styling this on the blog soon as well! I'm thinking a black dress, or off-white or denim...endless possibilities!

Impressions (photo credit: Shop Impressions)

8. Luxe Cuddles Tunic Sweater (under $70)

Doesn't this make you want to put on your boots and head on a fall walk? Love this cozy look that will work well into winter when you pair it with tights and booties for a great day look or for those super chilly nights!

Impressions (photo credit: Shop Impressions)

9. Cat's Meow Watch (under $200)

I had to include one splurge item! This watch just reminds me of Halloween-time but not so much that it has to be put away after October 31st. Perfect for all of fall (and rest of the year!) plus it packs in so much personality.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Kate Spade (photo credit: Kate Spade)


 

Kitchen and Mud Room DIY on a Budget

Hey guys! I'm here for your next home decorating post, today we are tacking the kitchen and mud room. When I bought my house these were two areas that I knew needed improvement. The look the previous owner had for the kitchen was a bit of a Paris-café look and while it wasn't bad it just wasn't my style. The mud room was essentially just a washer and drier with no decorating whatsoever.

 

I knew the kitchen definitely needed a few necessary cosmetic changes but I also knew what to spend money on and what could be done on the less-expensive side. A lot could be accomplished just by painting the walls and adding a few of my own touches. Check out the before and after pics and my tips along the way!

 

Kitchen Before:

Mud Room Before:

 

Kitchen After:

 

The kitchen looks completely different. As you can see the space looks much larger and open than before. The red color seemed to close the room off and the soft yellow makes the areas seem more fresh and not as restricted. Great hues for kitchens, especially in smaller homes, are light yellow, baby blue, lilac, ivory, and salmon. I hated the checkerboard tile at first with all the red and black but after the yellow paint, it gave off a more cottage vibe which is the look I was going for.

A BIG improvement was the countertops, granite automatically makes a kitchen look better. If you see in the before pictures, the counters were straight black, non-granite tops. I chose a light grey granite with brown flecks to continue making the room lighter thus making it appear bigger. Another suggestion, if granite is out your budget, look into laminate that mirrors the granite look. Check out your local Lowe's or Home Depot and they have TONS of options and samples.

I did and still do a lot of shopping at Hobby Lobby to find little trinkets or items to place around my home. On Instagram a few weeks back, I took a picture of this adorable cow print and knew it would look great in my kitchen. As I stated in my last home decorating post I think you should have one nice piece of art in your house. I have a beautiful painting in my living room that I bought at a local art gallery. I saved money on other pieces for the rest of the house by utilizing Hobby Lobby, Shoptiques and online specialty stores such as Etsy.

 

I also took off the shelves on the side and just placed one shelf in the corner with a cookie jar I found at Target and a few other little trinkets.

Below the shelf, I put a few more little decorations including this cute plate representing my hometown from Swoozies which also has really fun home goods and knick-knacks.

 

On the sides closest to one of the doors I placed some faux chili peppers (Hobby Lobby) to add a bit of color and a little kitchen flair. Ok, I am not a huge fan of the signs with sayings but I needed something to cover the phone wiring and these were gifts so it was a win/win. In a lot of older homes, the wiring for lots of devices are visible, just stick a picture like the one below up to cover the problem area.

 

I LOVE coffee mugs even if I rarely drink coffee now, I still use the mugs. I have mugs from different travels and special meanings so I like to showcase them. A thing I decided to do after seeing it done on Property Brothers, was take off one of the cabinet doors to allow the mugs to be visible. I like the look it creates and adds another splash of decoration.

 

Closer look at the removed cabinet door!

 

Another thing that can easily transform a kitchen or bathroom vanity area is a back splash. I loved this light grey, almost brick look that went along with the cottage vibe. Again, check out your local hardware stores such as Lowe's, they have back splashes for every budget and plenty of options! Just add a few pieces that make the space seem not so bare. But don't go overboard, you don't want the area to become so cluttered.

 

One of the bigger purchases was stainless steel appliances. They had sets on sale at Home Depot so I would definitely check out sets as an option. I love the way it makes the kitchen look, the other appliances were so old that it automatically dated the area. Spend money on larger and items you will use frequently and that will provide a much needed update.

 

Again, look at removing cabinets to open more space and make items that add a unique twist to your home. It is super easy to remove most cabinets so it's an easy fix! I have had the flying pig (pictured below) since college and I love that he was able to be showcased. I also have wine glasses from several of my running adventures present.

 

Mud Room After:

 

 

As stated before the mudroom was essentially just a washer and drier before I moved in. I wanted to make it more. I moved the washer and drier to a different area in the house which was smaller and the sole purpose was laundry. That meant I could play around with the mud room. I bought a small table and bench set from Kmart...yes, see you can find cute things everywhere and on a budget! You have to look though. Added pillows and a rug from the ultimate shopping paradise, Target. When there is doubt go to Target, they have wonderful home items which are good quality and good for your budget. I found the whale at a local store and utilized a simple tray which I found at Target as well. Trays are a good piece if you want to add a little décor to an otherwise blank area.

My mom found this adorable "head" at Hobby Lobby and I love the way it adds color and personality to the room!

 

I am a huge football fan so I had two copies of the Sports Illustrated when my college team went to the National Championship in 2010 and 2013. I found them when I was moving out of my apartment in college and decided to put them in a shadow box (found at Hobby Lobby) along with a shaker to add some team flair. You can do this with anything that might be special to you, doesn't have to be sports or even a magazine.

Record players are also super in now and I found this fun pink one on the Barnes and Noble website. Crosby are good players and come in lots of colors and sizes. They also have a few that are used but say in very good condition and normally under $100, so be sure to search "Crosby" on the site and see what comes up! You can buy new records but I found most of mine at local thrift stores, you can get records for under $10 at some local places. It adds a bit of a vintage touch but aren't paying crazy prices.

 

I added this "Coast to Coast" hanger to place some of my running medals, be proud of your accomplishments! The screen divider serves as decoration but also a fashionable way of covering up the pipes and more wiring. This divider was also purchased at Hobby Lobby!

 

Add a few flowers in pretty vase plus a few other personal touches and the mud room was complete! Again, with just some minor changes, you can completely transform an area of your house. YOU can do it! I can't tell you how many people I know who spent thousands of dollars on home decorators and the style is nothing personal. It looks like everyone else's house. Get out there and find the things YOU love! 

 

I will be showcasing my office and spare bedroom on the next home decorating post so stay tuned! Please let me know if you have any questions. I hope you enjoyed this post and got some ideas and inspiration!

 

Happy Decorating!

 

xoxo,

 

 

Blush Basics

 

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend! Temps are finally cooling (yes, I know it will get warm again) but it feels like fall is in the air. I've been doing a little research to find affordable fall finds for your guys...and I've found some good ones. Today I am talking about this lovely blush colored romper. As you may have noticed, I rocked the romper a lot this summer and it is still a hot trend for the cooler months. I loved this one because of the romantic feel and elegant look it provides. The 70's vibe is also another trend I can't get enough of so I added some nude platforms and a light pink wool wide brim hat to give the look a bit of a modern boho touch. Finished the look off with one of my favorite necklaces, the arrowhead is on point (get it haha) for the season along with a pastel go-to bag which can still be used as the leaves change. The best part is the romper, hat and shoes are all under $100...for all of the items combined!

 

Shop the entire look below and be sure to stay tuned for lots of new looks and posts coming this week!

 

Happy Shopping!

 

xoxo,

 

 

Pleated Lace Panel Romper (also comes in black)// Forever 21 (under $20)  Strappy Faux Suede Nude Platform Sandals (also come in black and purple) Forever 21  Pink Wide-Brimmed Wool Fedora// Forever 21  Pale Pink Arrowhead Necklace// Brantley Cecilia  Pink Box Bag// old but here is a similar style from Kate Spade