Fashion Amour Forever

and a happy New Year...

2014-01-01T16:46:00.001-05:00

Cheers to 2014.

Outfit One

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Outfit Two

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

2013

2013-12-31T15:51:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, lovelies.

Capitol Couture

2013-11-25T12:17:00.001-05:00

Today I’m here to tell you about an exciting new collection inspired by the new Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire. The Capitol Couture Collection by Trish Summerville is available exclusively from Net-A-Porter beginning today. I’ve seen Catching Fire twice so far (it released Thursday night) and it is a spectacular film adaption of the book. The acting, screenplay, and costumes are phenomenal. This collection draws on the costumes used in the movie, as well as descriptions from the book itself. When viewing the collection, you can see that it is based on the strong character of Katniss Everdeen (certainly not Effie!). But that is what makes the collection so wearable. The pieces work cohesively with each other and you can definitely mix and match many different ways. There’s a good assortment of pants, tees and tanks, dresses, jackets, and a few unique accessories. The collection is pricy for a high school girl like me, but for someone who routinely shops brands like Tibi and Equipment, the collection is decently priced and appears to be good quality.

My Picks:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

The collection is well-rounded and includes a fair amount of loungewear, as well. The collection was designed by Trish Summerville and she nailed it. I’d really love to acquire a piece or two from the Capitol Couture collection, but it’s a little out of my price range. I’ll just lust over it online for now.

Will you be purchasing a piece from the Capitol Couture Collection by Trish Summerville? Which pieces are your favorites?

September Favorites

2013-09-30T22:04:00.000-04:00

Hi beauties,

It's that time of the month again! Time for my monthly favorites post that is... I know that my blog has been lacking in posts lately (my last post was my August favorites!). I am very sorry for this. My school outfits have consisted of nike shorts and oversized t-shirts with a few dresses and blouses mixed in. Honestly, it's still so hot that I can't bring myself to care much about my appearance at school - the heat and humidity have my face oily anyway! I'm excited for the weather to cool down so I can pull out my sweaters and boots. But until then, I probably won't have much to post. Now on to my September Favorites:

Beauty

Sonia Kashuk 'Confidential Concealer' and Maybelline 'Mega Plush' mascara.

The two products I've been using almost every day this month. 'Mega Plush' is my favorite drugstore mascara and I've needed a good concealer for my dark under-eyes lately.

Hair

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth shampoo and conditioner.

This haircare duo was super inexpensive and works wonders for my frizzy hair.

Shoes

Hunter 'Original Tour' boots in red.

We've had quite a few rainy days this month where I live. These boots are bright and comfortable, perfect for walking through puddles in a downpour.

New Purchases

1D+OD nail polish set.

One Direction 'Our Moment' perfume (available here and here)

And my One Direction obsession continues... But in all actuality, both of these purchases are amazing. They are not only celebrity-branded, but also great quality products. I will be doing a review on both the nail polish set and the perfume. I wore the nail color 'Confident' (Niall's color) this month.

Blog

Chiara Ferragni, The Blonde Salad.

Obsessed with Chiara. Can I have her life, please?

Events
I saw This Is Us! If you want to see a picture of me with cardboard cutouts of a British-Irish boy band, here you go. The movie was phenomenal and made me realize that I need to meet a boy with a British or Irish accent ASAP. But really.

I also ran (walked) a 5k with two of my best friends to benefit a children's cancer center. It was a good experience and the weather was wonderful. I actually hate running though. Here's a picture.

Miscellaneous

New "reading" material! I haven't made much time for pleasure reading lately because of all my other responsibilities. But I can always justify a quick flip through a catalog or two. Especially Fall catalogs. (Dreamy eyes and a sigh.) I enjoyed the Nordstrom, PBteen, Anthropologie, Teen Vogue (September), and Harper's Bazaar (October) catalogs/lookbooks/magazines/WHATEVER.

Well, that sums up my September Favorites. I have a few blog posts planned for the next few days (weeks). I will be doing reviews on the 1D nail polishes and perfume. I also might have a few outfit posts coming up soon. And other great surprises, as well! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed.

Follow me on Instagram, @marthafab

life lately & August favorites

2013-08-30T22:44:00.004-04:00

Hi lovelies,

I want to apologize for not blogging very much this month. August, to be honest, has been absolutely hectic, crazy, and busy and I've just been overwhelmed! Unfortunately, this meant that my blog had to take a backseat for a little while. I'm hoping now that things have calmed down and I've gotten into a routine, I'll be able to blog once or twice a week. I can't make any promises about a schedule right now, but I will do my best to upload frequently and regularly.

So, August. NYC. Babysitting. School. Swim. Pretty much sums up my month. I started school again two weeks ago, and swimming (I swim for my high school team) started the second week of August. I babysat the entire week before summer break ended. And I took a quick trip to New York City in early August (you can read about it here). I haven't kept a great record of my favorites this month, and none of them are fashion related. That's why this is an informal, personal post. I promise that I'll have some fashion posts up soon. It's hard to do daily outfit posts because I go straight to the pool after school (hey, that rhymed!). But I will work on coming up with an alternative solution.

I have a ton of music favorites this month. I've discovered a lot of new music and many songs that I'd never heard before. One Direction...sigh. I never hated 1D. But I'd also never listened to any of their songs besides the few that make it to the radio. Until this month... Let me just say, I'm obsessed. I'm going to see This Is Us (their movie) this weekend. It's not even worth listing my favorite songs, because the list would have to include all of them. Marry me Harry. Martha Styles... it kind of has a ring to it, don't you think? Anyway, beyond my newfound love for One Direction, I've really rekindled my love for Demi Lovato this month. Her new album, DEMI, and her third album, Unbroken, are amazing. I love Neon Lights, Made in the USA, Really Don't Care, and Warrior from DEMI and Skyscraper and For the Love of a Daughter from Unbroken. I've been listening to a lot of Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, and Ellie Goulding this month, as well. I also love Skinny Love by Bon Iver, Tennis Court by Lorde, and Warzone by The Wanted. And lastly for music favorites, Like a Champion by Selena Gomez. And thanks to Pandora for exposing me to many of these great songs this month!

I haven't been reading as much as I'd like lately. However, I did read a few great books this month. The four Throne of Glass novellas were spectacular and had me in tears by the end. Of course, then I had to reread Throne of Glass. Speaking of which, the sequel, Crown of Midnight, was released this past Tuesday! I might just have to pick it up over the long weekend. I also FINALLY got around to reading Scarlet, by Marissa Meyer (sequel to Cinder). I preordered this book before it was released last February and had been meaning to read it for months. It was amazing and I can't wait for the next book in the series. You can see the cover reveal for Cress here.

I've done a good deal of TV watching this month. The Pretty Little Liars season 4 finale was this past Tuesday, and I can't wait for the Halloween special now! EzrA. I don't believe it for a second. I've also enjoyed the Real Housewives of Orange County three part reunion. And of course, Keeping Up with the Kardashians is entertaining as always. I've also gotten back into Dance Moms this month. I think summer television is the best, and am sad that all the seasons are ending.

In other miscellaneous news...

I made a Tumblr.
My one-year blogiversary was August 18th. I was planning on doing a special post, but time got the best of me.
I saw Mamma Mia! on Broadway in NYC at the beginning of August. It was amazing. You can read about my trip here.
I toured two colleges!
I discovered HelloKatyxo. She's my favorite YouTuber of the moment!
I created an "About Me" page. You can find it by clicking the pink button in the right sidebar.
Frozen yogurt was my favorite food of the month.

18 oz. of deliciousness. Cost me $10, too.

I hope all of you had a great August. I appreciate your patience and support. Thanks for reading!

Follow me on Instagram: @marthafab

the city that never sleeps

2013-08-08T12:05:00.001-04:00

Hi lovelies,

As you probably know, I got back from New York City earlier this week. So this is my NYC travel and style diary post (yay). I was in the city for four days, and had an unforgettable trip.

It was a rainy first day and night!

Washington Square Park.

Madison Square Garden.

The world's largest Macy's on Fashion Avenue (7th Avenue).

RetroSpective: The Fashion and Textile History Gallery; The Museum at FIT.

Right after Mamma Mia! at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Greek art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

African art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Cypresses, 1889 by Vincent van Gogh.

Modern art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

At Chat Noir (East 66th Street).

We stayed at a brand new hotel called The Refinery (West 38th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues). It was fantastic, with great decor and amazing service. Very modern, with an Urban Outfitters-type feel to the theme. I definitely recommend The Refinery as a place to stay in NYC. Our first day (Thursday) was rainy, cold, and quite miserable. The second day was sunny and beautiful. We probably explored the most on Friday, visiting Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Soho, the West Village, Little Italy, and China Town (where we ate lunch). After lunch, we visited The Museum at FIT. Later that evening, we saw Mamma Mia! on Broadway, which was an incredible show. On Saturday, we walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art after enjoying authentic New York bagels (yum!). We spent a few hours in the many art galleries there, then strolled down Park and Madison Avenues to Chat Noir, an adorable restaurant tucked away on a side street. I bought my Louis Vuitton key pouch on the way back to the hotel (you can read a post about that here).

I won't give you the full itinerary of the trip, because we really did a lot and obviously this post would be too long. But I had an amazing time with my dad and am so grateful to have been able to go to New York City again. I had been to the city two or three times prior to this trip. And each time, I fall in love with it all over again.

Until next time, New York...

Oh, Louis

2013-08-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hi beauties,

I got back from New York City on Sunday and want to share a little (big) purchase that I made while I was there. I had an amazing time exploring the city, and will have another post coming later this week dedicated to that portion of the trip. My dad and I must have walked up and down Fifth Avenue at least seven times during our stay and on one of our last treks down the shopping street, we stopped in the flagship Louis Vuitton store and I made my first purchase!

Granted, it was a very small purchase (that came with a rather big price tag). But I am happy that I took the jump and bought it. I think the LV key pouch can be used in so many ways and for various purposes. I've already replaced my Ted Baker wallet with this little beauty!

I purchased the Louis Vuitton Key Pouch in Damier Ebene (it is also available in Damier Azur and Monogram). The exterior is made of printed, coated canvas and the interior is made of leather. Mine was made in France (yay!). The key chain part can be placed inside the pouch to make it a regular coin purse. The key pouch comes wrapped beautifully in a LV box with an adorable little dust bag. It was $190, and since I bought it in New York, I paid 9% tax instead of 7%. Oh, well.

I'm so excited to own a Louis Vuitton, even a small one. I'm glad I am able to share my first LV purchase with my lovely readers. I hope you found this post helpful if you are considering purchasing a Louis Vuitton key pouch. Thanks for stopping by!

About...

2013-08-05T18:54:00.000-04:00

FAQ

How old are you? I'm in high school. (Sorry to be vague! A lady never reveals her age.)

Why did you start a fashion blog? I've always loved fashion and playing dress up. I decided a few years ago that I truly have a "passion for fashion" and that I want to work in this industry as an adult. Being a teenager, there aren't a ton of ways to start getting involved, but starting a fashion blog seemed like a good way to get my foot in the door. I started this blog to practice and get some experience, but it has since become an outlet that I can use to express myself and my love for fashion.

Why did you name your blog Fashion Amour Forever? I love fashion and am obsessed with France and anything French. So Fashion Amour seemed like the perfect name (amour means "love" in French). However, that blog name and domain was already taken, so I added "Forever" to the end.

How many siblings do you have? Three! Two brothers and a sister.

Where do you live? The United States.

How tall are you? 5’ 4.5" (It's very important to emphasize that extra half inch. Otherwise I'd be average height.)

Is your hair color natural? Yes, it is 100% natural. I don't really do much with my hair (styling or coloring).

Do you have a YouTube channel? Yes! You can find it here.

What do you want to do when you grow up? I know that I want to work in a part of the fashion industry, but I'm not decided on which part yet. I'm interested in marketing and merchandising, styling, and fashion PR. I'd love to work for a fashion magazine or designer. As I learn more about the industry and gain more experience, I'll narrow down my preferences.

Where do you want to live after college? New York City.

If you could visit one place in the world, where would you go? Paris, the city of lights.

What are your favorite fashion blogs? Atlantic-Pacific, Pink Peonies, Tuula Vintage, and The Blonde Salad.

Where else can I find you? I'm on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Bloglovin', and Google+. (Busy life, huh?)

July Favorites

2013-07-31T19:41:00.001-04:00

Hi beauties,

I apologize for not posting as much or as regularly this month. I've been out of town three weeks this month (the first two in Alaska and Canada, see those posts here and here). I was in North Carolina all of last week touring colleges and visiting family. And tomorrow, I'm off to New York City! I can't tell you how excited I am. I will be posting photos of NYC on Instagram. You can follow me at @marthafab. I will be in the city from Thursday to Sunday. Now on to my July favorites!

Nail Polish:

The blue polish is Essie 'Butler Please', an all time favorite of mine. The lime green is OPI 'Did It On 'Em' from the Nicki Minaj collection.

Clothes:
This month, I've been gravitating towards loose and flowy shirts paired with textured shorts (crochet, embroidered denim, and frayed edges). I'll usually add a long chain necklace with a pendant or a scarf, as well as a pair of strappy sandals. With all of the heat we've been having here, I have needed an outfit that will keep me feeling cool and looking chic. In Alaska, I wore my military green cargo jacket from J.Crew almost every day. I love that jacket so much!

Shoes:

I got some good use out of these bright red beauties in Alaska! They are the Hunter 'Tour' boots, a pair of travel friendly, light-weight, foldable rain boots. Definitely more comfortable than the original Hunters, and they held up well, too. If you're interested, I purchased them from here (they are also available in several other colors).

Beauty:

I finally tried my Benefit 'They're Real!' mascara this month, and I love it! It really darkens and lengthens lashes, and was very easy to apply. I definitely recommend trying it out!

The Dove Clinical Protection deodorant has been a lifesaver this month. It smells great and works exactly how it says it does!

Bag:

My Coach Swingpack has accompanied me on all of my travels this month, and I am so thankful for it! I've been able to go hands free when exploring while still being able to bring essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and my phone everywhere I go.

New Purchase:

I just got these adorable heart-shaped shades from Nordstrom BP. today. This summer, heart sunnies have been popping up everywhere, and even celebrities like Lana Del Rey have been seen wearing them. I also love this pair.

Blog:

Photo is from www.thepinkpeonies.com

I discovered Rachel Parcell and her blog, The Pink Peonies, earlier this year (in the spring). She is a charming, and quite fashionable, Utah-based blogger who shares her style, recipes, and tidbits of her life with her dedicated readers. Reading her blog is so refreshing and has been making me very happy and inspired this month. Go check her out!

Music:
Bravado by Lorde
Paper Doll by John Mayer
First Time by the Jonas Brothers
We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus (love the song, hate the video)
Stars Dance, Undercover, Love Will Remember, and Slow Down by Selena Gomez (I love the whole album, but these are my favorites!)

As you can see, I've had a Disney singer throwback month. I also discovered Lorde (Ella Yelich-O'Connor), a sixteen year old singer from New Zealand, this month. She has an incredible voice and writes her own songs. I also love John Mayer's new song, Paper Doll (even though it's about Taylor Swift) because it's so clever and emotional.

TV Show(s):
Pretty Little Liars (season 4 is so intense and amazingly good)
Keeping Up With The Kardashians (love the family vacation episodes; this season it's Greece!)
The Real Housewives of Orange County (need I say more?)

Event(s):
I've really loved traveling this month! Both trips were great. In Alaska, I really enjoyed visiting Denali National Park, as well as visiting Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennels and holding Alaskan husky puppies that are future Iditarod champions.

Picture is from my Instagram, @marthafab.

In North Carolina, I toured Duke University, which was an eye-opening experience. The campus is beautiful, and Duke Chapel was especially magnificent.

Picture is from my Instagram, @marthafab.

I had quite a few favorites this month! It's been a crazy, busy, and exciting month. I can't believe July is already over! In just over two weeks, I'll be headed back to school (sigh). I'll probably be doing a few back-to-school type posts in early August. I hope you lovelies enjoyed this post and I'll blog again after NYC.

Juneau, Skagway, & the Yukon

2013-07-23T20:22:00.002-04:00

Hi beauties,

This is my second post about my Alaska/Canada adventure. If you missed my first post, you can read it here. The second stop we made in Alaska was in the port of Juneau, the state capital. There, we explored the city and shopped before taking a taxi to Mendenhall Glacier (we had to hike to the actual glacier) and a salmon hatchery. Both experiences were very fun and fascinating. We also got to see a parade since it was the 4th of July!

I did NOT get a good picture of my outfit in Juneau, but oh well. Sorry!

Mendenhall Glacier from a distance.

Iceberg formed from a piece of broken glacier.

Beach view.

Happy 4th of July!

The next day, we journeyed to a little Victorian village known as Skagway. We then took a tour of the Yukon territory of Canada, stopping to see Carcross and Emerald Lake.

Denim: Paige. Shirt: Rubbish (old, but I love this one). Coat: Lost (old, but similar here, here, and here). Shoes: Børn (old but similar here). Bag: Coach. Sunglasses: A.J. Morgan. Watch: Betsey Johnson. Ring: vintage. Nails: OPI 'Russian Navy'.

Carcross.

It was a cold beach!

I set foot in the world's smallest desert.

I'm sorry I wasn't able to get decent outfit pictures. I literally had time for one or two quick shots at each stop, and some days the shots weren't even worth saving. I will have one or two more posts about this trip coming this week. Right now, I am in North Carolina visiting family and touring a few colleges. I am enjoying the time I have to relax and am working on a few little projects that I'll share with you all soon. Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog!

*All photos are owned by me.*

Ketchikan

2013-07-20T00:24:00.001-04:00

Hi beauties,

Sorry I've been away. Last Saturday, I got back from a two week trip exploring Alaska and Canada and I've honestly just been too tired this week to blog. If you'd like to see pictures of my adventures, follow me on Instagram. My username is @marthafab. I flew to Vancouver for two days before heading off on a seven day Alaskan cruise. After that, I went on a five day land tour of Alaska before flying home. This trip was my first time experiencing jet lag! I still haven't recovered fully from the time change and am on a rather wacky sleeping schedule. I am going to post in chronological order from the trip, but I don't have my Vancouver pictures yet so that will be out of order. If you just want to see the pictures of my outfit, skip to the end of this post.

Ketchikan was the first port we stopped in during the cruise. It's a small, run-down tourist trap in southeastern Alaska. It's very close to good fishing, hunting, and camping locations and is a port that many ships, boats, and yachts pass through on their way to great outdoor activities. On the docks, we saw a pod of killer whales up close, although I didn't capture any National Geographic-worthy pictures. Totem poles are scattered throughout the town and I really enjoyed the Popcorn Emporium and its free samples. :)

Exploring the town.

Path to a famous street of brothels in the 20th century.

Two gorgeous Russian pocket watches.

My family and I went on an excursion while we were in Ketchikan. We traveled by floatplane to a breathtaking place known as Misty Fjords. Secluded high up in the coastal mountains, Misty Fjords is untouched by humans other than the floatplanes that land in the water for very brief periods of time. When I got out of the plane, it was silent. All I could hear was the occasional bird chirping and waterfalls flowing down the mountainsides. Seeing nature this way was an amazing experience that I will truly never forget.

Isolated and untouched.

Now the part you've been waiting for... my outfit!

No need for sunglasses today...

Cloudy in Ketchikan.

Raincoat: Cole Haan (similar here). Denim: Paige. Shirt: Splendid (similar here and here). Shoes: Børn (old but similar here). Purse: Coach. Scarf: Tasha. Watch: Betsey Johnson. Ring: vintage. Nails: OPI 'Russian Navy'.

Thank you for reading my first travel diary! I hope you enjoyed it and my outfit. I tried to mix practicality and style into my wardrobe for the trip, especially since the weather in Alaska is very unpredictable. It changes every ten minutes, I swear. I'll be posting more about my trip very soon!

*All photos are owned by me.*

Style Spotlight: Rachel Zoe

2013-07-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hi fashionistas,

Today I am spotlighting another fashion star, Rachel Zoe. My last Style Spotlight featured Olivia Palermo, and you can read that post here. Rachel Zoe is a huge role model for me, both in her career and her personal style. I look up to her as an amazing stylist with great taste and as a successful and creative designer. She is known for making "boho" style chic and for her love of furs, both real and faux. Rachel is obsessed with vintage finds, jewelry, and maxi dresses. She always wears heels. Always. She loves to style her clients in color, but usually sticks to black, white, and brown with her own wardrobe. She does wear color and prints for special occasions, though! I dream of raiding her closet, and I hope she has a daughter to inherit her extraordinary collection. Rachel has also coined phrases such as "I die for [this]" and "That is so maj". She wrote a style book a few years ago, which I included in a fashion book post. I've read her book, Style A to Zoe, cover to cover and definitely recommend it. She's also had five seasons of a Bravo reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project, documenting her journey through life and the fashion world.

Here are a few of my favorite Rachel Zoe fashion moments:

Rocking a printed maxi, leather blazer, and Hermès 'Kelly' bag.

That coat is so maj.

Black, White, & Ruffles.

Looking glam in a sophisticated white dress with black accessories.

Black out.

I couldn't resist adding this one. Let's face it, only Rachel could pull this off. It totally works for her!

I actually have an entire photo album on my computer dedicated to Rachel Zoe looks, as well as a Pinterest board, which you can view here. I will definitely feature her in a Style Spotlight post again because there are too many great photos to put in one blog post. I adore Rachel Zoe and her career and style inspire me so much. Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the images of Rachel Zoe used in this post. All photo credits go to their respective owners.

girl in flight: my airport essentials

2013-07-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hi beauties,

Today is another scheduled post that I wrote before I left for vacation. I thought I would share with you what I brought in my bag for the airplane (the bag you put under the seat, not your carry-on). I'll show you the outfit I wore on my flight when I return from my trip. Also, I wanted to announce that my new summer travel series will be titled "Bon Voyage 2013." There is a new label for the series in the right sidebar.

My airport essentials:

I brought gum, my Ted Baker wallet, a Kate Spade pouch to hold my iPad mini, sunglasses (in a super cute case), my phone and iPod, headphones, a brush (for fixing my hair after the flight) and an umbrella (because it might be raining when the plane arrives).

Obviously, the liquids had to be in a plastic bag when I went through security, but these are the beauty products I brought to have on hand during the flight. Concealer, mascara, a travel-size perfume, lip balm, and a lipstick are all I need to freshen up at the end of a long flight. I also packed lotion in case my skin became dry and hand sanitizer because airports are filled with germs.

Lastly, for my entertainment I packed a book (the white edition of Twilight) and my iPad mini (which I am very attached to). I have a bunch of movies, TV shows, and music on my tablet, as well as Candy Crush, which is my new obsession.

I put everything into my trusty Longchamp tote, and was ready to go!

I flew to Vancouver on Sunday, which was my first time in Canada. By the time you read this, however, I'll be in Alaska! I've realized that I won't have access to the internet while on this trip, so I won't be able to post my outfit pictures or travel diary until I get back. Meanwhile, I have a number of scheduled posts that should go up every few days. I appreciate your patience and I look forward to sharing parts of my trip with you when I return!

To follow me on Instagram, please click here (my username is @marthafab).

June Favorites

2013-06-30T08:30:00.000-04:00

Hi beauties,

I am on a long flight to start my first trip of the summer as you are reading this. However, I wrote this post a few days ago since I knew I wouldn't be able to complete it on an airplane. I will be away for two weeks, and am not sure whether I will have a good enough internet connection to post live while I am on vacation. But being the smart, resourceful young lady that I am (go ahead and laugh), I have written scheduled posts to go up every few days in the event that I cannot post myself. I will be working on my travel series while I am gone, and will hopefully be able to upload new posts. But unfortunately, there is a strong possibility that you will have to wait until I get back home to see my trip (and outfits, of course!). I apologize for this, but do still check back here every few days for a new post either way. I appreciate your patience, and in my next post I will announce where I am going!

So with that rather confusing introduction, here are my June Favorites:

Nail Polish

Essie 'Mint Candy Apple' and 'Bikini So Teeny'

I love Essie polishes and these two pastels are simply stunning. I painted all my nails except my ring fingers with 'Bikini So Teeny' and used 'Mint Candy Apple' as an accent color for the other two nails. I didn't even have to reapply top coat or fix the edges, and this manicure lasted me almost three weeks with very minimal chipping.

Essie 'Tart Deco'

I borrowed this polish from my friend so I don't have the bottle to show you. I will definitely be purchasing it soon, though. It's a gorgeous salmon color that applies beautifully.

I also really love Sephora by OPI 'Ocean Love Potion', which I have on my toes right now.

Accessories

Speckled infinity scarf shown above is from Nordstrom.

I've been loving scarves with prints and patterns this month.

Tribal pendant necklace is from BP.

I love long gold chain necklaces with pendants hanging from the bottom.

Clothes

Picture is from my day dress post.

I have been living in sundresses since school got out earlier this month. They are so simple, comfortable, and you can really accessorize with them.

I have also been having a coral craze lately. My nails are coral and I've been wearing coral scarves, shirts, shorts, and skirts. I've always adored this color, but it has recently become an obsession.

New Purchase

Oversized geometric sunglasses are from American Eagle.

I absolutely love sunglasses. Oversized, Jackie O inspired sunnies have been grabbing my attention lately. I especially love the dramatic frame shapes, such as pentagons and hexagons.

Book

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

The amazing sequel to last month's favorite, Grave Mercy!

Music
Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation
When I'm Gone by 3 Doors Down
Done. by The Band Perry
Made In America by Toby Keith
Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain) by Gary Allan

These are the best songs that I've listened to and loved this month.

Movie

Saving Private Ryan

This movie had me bawling. And trust me, I am not a crier. It is so sad and moving, and really opened my eyes to the consequences of war. I have to say, Saving Private Ryan is one of my favorite movies now.

TV Show

ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars, Season 4.

Season 4 of Pretty Little Liars premiered earlier this month and I can already tell that it is the best season yet! I love this show so much and have watched it since the beginning. I think it's better than the books.

Other shows I've been enjoying this month are Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Real Housewives of Orange County, and Pretty Wicked Moms. You can probably tell that I enjoy reality TV.

Quote

Picture is from my Instagram, @marthafab.

This quote has really helped me with blogging this month. I'm an amateur photographer at best, my little sister takes my OOTD pictures, and there are so many more "professional" seeming bloggers out there. But I have to remind myself that starting this blog was a huge step forward for me and that it's okay not to be perfect, especially when I've been blogging for less than a year. This quote is a great reminder and pushes me forward when I start to feel like my blog isn't good enough yet.

Event

Picture is from my Instagram, @marthafab.

School finally ended the first week of June. I'm so relieved that all my exams are over. So far, my summer has consisted of swimming, dinner with friends, shopping, blogging, and volunteering.

This month I seemed to have a ton of favorites! Summer has been great so far and I'm so excited for the trips I have coming up. Traveling is so much fun, and I'm really looking forward to leaving my city behind for awhile. I'll be announcing the surprise you've all been waiting for, my first destination, in my next post. And posts will be going up either live or scheduled, so you'll still have something to read while I'm gone. Thank you for your understanding!

Sunny Sunnies

2013-06-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hi lovelies,

Today I'm here to announce the new Warby Parker sunglasses collection! Named after the geographical line that pilots use to determine their longitudinal degree (the Prime Meridian, if you're wondering), the Meridian Collection consists of three different sizes of aviator sunglasses. Each style is available in gold or silver.

I've always had a really hard time finding a pair of aviator sunnies that fit well and are flattering on my face shape. So I think it's great that there are three sizes to choose from in this collection. This increases the possibility of finding a pair of aviators that are right for your 'one of a kind' face. Each style is available with prescription lenses ($195), or as a regular, non-prescription pair of sunglasses ($145).

Meet Exley:

Shown above in 'Jet Silver' and 'Polished Gold'.

"Exley’s charm lies in its shape: a flattering take on the teardrop, rimmed with a just-right metallic shade that offsets both the fairest and most sunburned of tones."

Meet Raskin:

Shown above in 'Jet Silver' and 'Polished Gold'.

"With its larger lens and wider frame, the Raskin is a sharp companion for on-the-road affairs."

Meet Flannery:

Shown above in 'Jet Silver' and 'Polished Gold'.

"Both mavericks and traditionalists will appreciate the classic, polished Flannery—a medium-fit pair perfect for playing hooky or completing more stately activities."

I think the Meridian Collection is great for the wanderer, the traveler, and the day-tripper. Each of the three styles has unique personality while retaining a similar teardrop shape. The frames are fashioned from sturdy Japanese ion-plated titanium. I love the different metallic mirroring of the lenses in each style. I also love how the sides (or 'arms') of the glasses vary by style. These sunglasses are stylish, durable, and affordable, making them great for road trips, weekend getaways, or longer summer adventures. For every pair purchased, Warby Parker will donate a pair to someone in need. The limited edition Meridian Collection launches today and will be available on Warby Parker's website and at Warby Parker retail stores. I just might have to snatch up a pair of these aviators for myself, and online shoppers can relax with free shipping, home try-ons, and returns.

What do you think of the new Meridian Collection? Let me know by commenting below!

*Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this post, nor was I sent a free pair of sunglasses from the collection. Warby Parker asked if I would be willing to feature the launch of the Meridian Collection in a post, and as a self-proclaimed sunglasses addict, I was more than happy to. All opinions are my own.

not all those who wander are lost

2013-06-22T22:55:00.000-04:00

Hi lovelies,

I am going to be starting a new post series relating to travel and fashion that will continue through early August. I have yet to come up with a creative name for it, so I decided to call this first post introducing the series, "not all those who wander are lost". This famous line comes from the poem "All That is Gold Does Not Glitter" by J. R. R. Tolkien in his novel, The Lord of the Rings. Also, Jessica Stein from Tuula Vintage (whom I adore) seems to live by this quote, and she includes it in the bio section of her blog and Instagram. I felt it was a fitting title for this post since I will be taking several long trips this summer to very different places. If you have any suggestions for the name of my new travel series, please leave me a comment!

I will be going on several trips within the next month or so, and I want to share as much of my travels as I can with my readers. I can't tell you the places I'm going yet (it's a surprise!), but I have some ideas of what I want to include in this series that I can tell you about now. I am planning on including OOTDs, packing tips, beauty essentials for trips, travel diaries, and posts showing you what I packed. It is very possible that I may add to this list as I go. And not necessarily every post I write until August will be part of this series. I will be sure to indicate whether a post is part of the travel series in the title or by creating a post label for the series. Labels for my blog posts can be found at the bottom of the right sidebar. Some of the posts in the series, such as my personal style posts, will be pretty normal other than the backgrounds and locations being more extravagant since I will be on trips.

I am looking forward to traveling this summer and being able to share parts of my trips with my wonderful readers! I am so excited to start this post series, so be on the lookout for a new travel related post in a few days. I already have another great post planned for Tuesday, so my first travel post will probably be this Wednesday or Thursday. All of these "travel" posts will still be related to or include fashion. If you have an idea for a name for this travel series, I'd love to hear it. Please leave me a comment under this post and I might use your suggestion.

Thank you for your amazing support. I hope you enjoy my new series and your own travels!

If you'd like to keep up with me on Instagram, where I will share even more from my trips, please click here (my username is @marthafab).

summer solstice

2013-06-21T16:20:00.000-04:00

Today is the summer solstice, and I spent the long daylight hours poolside with friends. Before I left, I snapped pictures of my essentials for the day. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get any shots while lounging around on the deck.

So you can stare at the sun without hurting your eyes.

China Glaze 'Rich & Famous' nail polish, Maybelline 'Mega Plush' mascara (my absolute favorite), No.7 shine free primer (I wear this without makeup to keep my face from getting oily), Estée Lauder self-tanner, Revlon Lip Butter in 'Strawberry Shortcake', Nivea 'A Kiss Of Shimmer' lip balm, DKNY Be Delicious 'Heart Rio' travel size perfume (full size here).

BP. hat (similar here) and A.J. Morgan sunglasses.

Beach bag was a freebie last year from Sally Beauty, flip flops from Old Navy.

Great beach (or poolside) read: Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols.

It's officially summer in the Northern Hemisphere! Happy summer, beauties.

What I Want Wednesday

2013-06-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

Ted Baker London dog cosmetics case

Michael Kors Tortoise Jet Set Watch

Coach Willis Bag

Frends 'Taylor' Headphones

Kate Spade iPad mini folio

MAC 'Ruby Woo' lipstick

Chanel nail polish in 'Azure'

Rag & Bone Classic Newbury Booties

Parisian Chic style guide

Marie Claire magazine, July 2013

I created this collage myself. Thanks for reading!

To follow my blog with bloglovin', please click here.

Style Spotlight: Olivia Palermo

2013-06-18T09:43:00.000-04:00

Hi lovelies,

I want to share with you some of my favorite style moments from one of my biggest fashion icons, Olivia Palermo. Olivia's style is sophisticated, feminine, and very chic. She is known for her high-low mixing (for example, wearing Topshop with Hermès) and superb layering skills. Her looks always seem so effortless and flattering, and I really look up to her as a role model in the fashion world. Here are some of my favorite Olivia Palermo looks:

Rainy Day Style {photo from here}

NYC Street Style {I die for that vintage crocodile Hermès Jige clutch}

Pretty Pooch

A Great Color Scheme

Black, White, & Birkin Bag

Mixing Edgy {the killer jacket} with Dainty {those pointed pumps}

Furlicious {I love this look from head to toe}

Unless you look closely, you don't even realize she's wearing denim shorts!

These are some of my favorite looks by Olivia Palermo, but there are honestly too many great ones to put in one blog post. I will probably have to feature her in a Style Spotlight post again soon! I adore her and her style so much that I even have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to her. You can view it by clicking here.

What do you think of Olivia Palermo's style? Let me know by leaving a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Martha

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the photos used in this post. If I gave a link for a photo, it was from Olivia Palermo's blog/website. If I did not give a link, the photo was found on Google Images.

If you'd like to follow my blog with bloglovin', please click here.

a play on prints

2013-06-16T15:43:00.000-04:00

Shirt: BP. (old but similar here and here). Dress: BP. (old). Shoes: Payless (old; last seen here). Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses: American Eagle (also in this color). Watch: Betsey Johnson. Jewelry: BP. and vintage. Nails: Essie 'Bikini So Teeny' and 'Mint Candy Apple'. Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 050 'Berry Smoothie'.

Happy Father's Day!
xoxo, Martha

work it

2013-06-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

Shirt: J.Crew (similar here). Denim: Vigoss (similar here). Bag: Nila Anthony. Shoes: Easy Spirit. Belt: Ralph Lauren. Sunglasses: local boutique. Watch: Betsey Johnson. Jewelry: Dillard's, vintage, and local boutique. Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 045 'Cotton Candy'. Nails: Essie 'Bikini So Teeny' and 'Mint Candy Apple'.

To follow my blog with bloglovin', click here.

What I Want Wednesday

2013-06-12T12:35:00.001-04:00

Hi lovelies,

This is a post series that I discovered on Jacey Duprie's blog, Damsel in Dior. It looked fun and I will try to continue with this post series as often as I can. I used Polyvore to make my collage, and you can view it here.

Dolce Vita 'Piazza Tour Sandal' in Black (I also love the watermelon version) $40

Free People 'Abbey Road' Sunglasses $18

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick - 13 $34

Essie 2013 Resort Collection (4 colors available; 'In The Cab-Ana' is shown above) $8 each

Stella & Dot stackable flower rings $39

Stella & Dot snake ring $69
Stella & Dot beaded bracelet $34

Stella & Dot spiked gold bracelet $59

GiGi New York mint 'All in One' pouch (personalization available) $105

Kate Spade polka dot laptop sleeve $60

To follow my blog with bloglovin', click here.

summer stripes

2013-06-11T15:02:00.001-04:00

Skirt: J.Crew (similar here). Top: Abercrombie Kids (old, but I love this one). Jacket: Macy's (currently sold out online, but the brand is Alfani). Shoes: Sam Edelman. Sunglasses: A.J. Morgan. Watch: Betsey Johnson. Jewelry: Dillard's, vintage, and local boutiques. Clutch: Kate Spade (literally an 'envelope' clutch). Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 050 'Berry Smoothie'. Nails: Essie 'Bikini So Teeny' and 'Mint Candy Apple'.

To follow my blog with bloglovin', click here.

day dress

2013-06-09T16:00:00.000-04:00

Dress: Old Navy (old but similar here). Sandals: Miss Trish for Target (old). Sunglasses: Forever 21. Watch: Betsey Johnson. Necklace: local boutique. Rings: BP. and vintage. Earrings: local boutique. Nails: Essie 'Bikini So Teeny' and 'Mint Candy Apple'. Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 080 'Strawberry Shortcake'.

To follow my blog with bloglovin', click here.

May Favorites

2013-05-29T16:35:00.002-04:00

Hi lovelies!

I know that there are two more days left in May, but this month has flown by. This month I had a Biology end of course exam, two AP exams (U.S. Government & Politics and Human Geography), a Spanish speaking and writing exam, and an English writing exam. Needless to say, I am so excited to be done with school in a little over a week! I thought I would start doing a post every month on my favorite products, accessories, and other little things. These posts will be a little more personal, and I think this meme will be a lot of fun. I have enjoyed all of these things this month, and hope you will find something new to try by reading. Unless I mention it, the items are not new. If it's available online, I'll link it.

So for my May favorites...

Nail Polish:

OPI 'Are We There Yet?' {the perfect melon with a slight shimmer}

China Glaze 'Riveting' {red-orange jelly base with lots of gold shimmer}

China Glaze 'Salsa' {a classic red and all-time favorite of mine}

Accessories:

gold Betsey Johnson watch

tribal dream catcher necklace with coral beads from BP.

vintage gold wedding band

jaguar ring from BP.

coral dot ring from local boutique

colorful tribal scarf by Hinge (new from t.b.d.)

New Purchase:

Ted Baker wallet (new from Nordstrom; sold out but similar here)

Books:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas {young adult fantasy}

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers {young adult historical fiction}

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken {young adult dystopian}

Music:

Come & Get It - Selena Gomez {Single}

Young and Beautiful - Lana Del Rey {Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby Soundtrack}

Anthem Lights {despite their appearance, they are not your average boy band}

I know the categories were a bit miscellaneous, but I wanted to share a little of everything I have been loving this month. I went to two amazing events in May and am so happy that AP exams are over! I also did some major summer shopping over Memorial Day weekend. May has been a great, productive month, but I'm so glad it's over and summer is nearly here.

I also wanted to update you all on my social media accounts. I now have a facebook page (Fashion Amour Forever), which you can check out and (hopefully) like. I also have an Instagram (@marthafab) which might just be my new favorite social media! And of course Twitter (@fashion_amour), Pinterest (which I'm obsessed with), and Polyvore. You can follow me on bloglovin' by clicking here. All of these links are in the sidebar, too! Thank you so much for your support and I would love hear what you think in the comments under each post.

xo,

Martha