Style by Didi

Rain, Rain...Go Away

2012-10-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

It is raining cats and dogs where I live and it is keeping me indoors. So this forced me to take OOTD pics in-doors. I usually love to go out and take pictures around things that motivate or compliment my outfit, but today there was no luck. I hope you enjoy this OOTD and take some time to relax and have something warm and comforting, catching up on your favorite TV shows. It is a perfect day to watch, the oh, so sad, Grey's Anatomy :( *shedding tear

Sweater - Forever 21

Jeans - Citizens of Humanity

Boots - Xhilaration by Target

Jewelry - Forever 21

Black Leather

2012-10-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

So apparently Instagram is causing sites to be flagged with Spam ware. Yes, this happened to me last week and it took this entire time to figure it out :( It has not been fun! So here is the last post, that I deleted while I was trying to figure out what the problem was. Sorry for the lack of posts and thank you all for your understanding :) More posts to come...

Top - Banana Republic

Skirt - Forever 21

Shoes - DVF

Jewelry - Forever 21

How To: Clean Your Makeup

2012-09-30T17:23:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered why you are suddenly breaking out? You think to yourself, I haven't tried anything new...it could be that you need to clean out your makeup and brushes. Just think, how many germs makeup carries from us using it every day. You need to clean your brushes at least once a week, and also spray them with a daily cleanser after every use. You also want to spray your eyeshadow with alcohol after every use, to limit any eye infections. Here is my Step-by-Step process of how I clean my makeup and brushes. Please note that these are methods I have learned from the makeup academy I attended (click here) to things I have read in magazines and books over the years.

Cleaning Your Makeup

Tools You Need:

Anti-bacterial Wipes (Target sells these for $1)
Makeup Brush Cleansing Towelettes (Face Secrets from Sally's)
Makeup Remover Wipes (Neutrogena)
Alcohol in Spray Bottle
Cotton Swabs (Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks)

Step 1: Clean Your Pencils

Sharpen the pencil.
Spray the pencil with alcohol.
Put the cap back on.
Clean your sharpener with an Almay Makeup Eraser, this really allows you to get into those hard to reach spots. Spray with alcohol after you are done.

Step 2: Clean Your Palettes

This step includes all your powders and creams

Spray each palette or powder with alcohol.
If messy, take a q-tip and clean up the edges.
Easy!

Step 3: Organize

Pick up a drawer organizer from your local Target or Walmart, this will allow you to separate all your makeup and make it easy to find what you need.
Put away any makeup palettes or colors that are not in trend with the season. For example, I stored away all the lipsticks, eyeshadows and blush from spring/summer collections. I kept out my everyday palettes (UD Naked) and those with fall colors.
You also want to fill up one spray bottle with alcohol and one with water. Make sure to label them, so you don't get confused :) It happened to me and I finally labeled them!

Step 4: Everyday Essentials

Get a tray that will hold your daily essentials (mascara, powder, foundation, concealer, and other tools). I got this one from the dollar section at Target.
I also have a makeup organizer that holds all my pencils, mascaras and tools. This keeps things out of my way but I can easily grab it if I need it.
I keep balms, stains and brushes in glass jars. The transparency of the glass lets me see what I have and keeps it organized.

Moving on....

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Tools You Need:

Baby shampoo
Warm, filtered water
Two shallow jars, one for the soapy water and the other with clean water (shallow jars will keep water from getting into the handle, which can cause rust)
Brush Guards (Got these from Birchbox)
Clean towel
Paper towels

Step 1: Soap Up Your Brush

Swirl your brush in the soapy water.
Make sure water does not reach the top of the handle, as this can cause it to rust.
With clean hands, spread out the brush, this allows the water to get through to the center.

Step 2: Wipe

Wipe the makeup residue off on a paper towel.
Make sure you wipe in the direction of the brush hair, you don't want to damage your brush in the process.

Step 3: Dip Clean

Dip the soapy brush into the jar with clean water.
Wiggle the brush around to make sure you get rid of all the soap.

Step 4: Squeeze Back Into Shape

Holding your brush pointed down, allow any excess water to drip off the brush.
Squeeze out any extra water and shape the brush to its original shape.
You could also slip on a brush guard to keep the hairs in place.

Step 5: Dry Your Brush

Lay each brush on the towel, with the hair end hanging off the ledge. This allows for any water to drip off and it won't sit on a wet towel (which could cause bacteria build up).

I know that many suggest hanging your brushes, but this method has worked for me.
You could hang them from a clothes hanger and securing each brush with a small clip.

Drying time could take up to 24 hours, please make sure they are completely dry before using them.

This concludes it folks! I hope you enjoyed this How To. Let me know if you have any requests for future How To's.

Vintage Green

2012-09-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

I just love it when I am taking a drive and I spot a place that compliments the outfit I am wearing! I immediately want to pull off and take some pics. There was a bonus with this stop because they also had a pumpkin farm!!

Sweater - Express

Cargo Pants - American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes - Calvin Klein

Check out these pumpkins!

OOTD Inspiration: Kim Kardashian

2012-09-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

Today's OOTD was really inspired by Kim Kardashian. She mentioned in an interview that her favorite colors to wear are black, creams and white. She is also known for rocking leggings and cinching in her waist, giving her an hourglass figure! So I paired this Black & Cream sleeveless, cinched cardigan with my favorite leggings (see below for details). I just love being inspired by the Kardashian sisters. I think that they each have their own sense of style and women of all shapes and sizes could relate to them.

Cardigan - Forever 21

Leggings - Express

3/4 Sleeve Tee - Old Navy

Necklace - Dorothy Perkins

Sunnies - 99 cent store!!!

Ring - Forever 21

Shoes - Michael Kors

Purse - Ferragamo

Autumn Beginnings

2012-09-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of fall and I have already filled my house with Autumn scents from Bath & Body Works and put out my Halloween decorations! I just love this time of year. I enjoy wearing all the fall colors and dressing in warm clothes. The fall color palette is the most flattering on me, so I just enjoy it. What is your favorite part about Fall?

Sweater - H&M

Pants - H&M

Shoes - Candie's

Ring - Banana Republic

Necklace - Vintage

Bubblegum Pop

2012-09-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

This fall we are going to see pops of color! So when I spotted these leggings from H&M, I instantly fell in love with them. I toned them down with a denim jacket, just so that I wasn't to bright! Traditionally rich browns, reds and oranges are in for Fall, but don't be scared to incorporate some bright colors into your wardrobe!

Denim Jacket - Forever 21

Shirt - Target

Leggings - H&M

Shoes - Nordstrom

Hear Me Roar!

2012-09-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am woman...hear me roar! I love mixing prints, I used to be so scared of it but once I figured out how to incorporate it into my own style, I embraced it! Don't be scared to mix prints, patterns, or motifs with each other. Every Fall we see animal prints on everything, which don't get me wrong, I love a leopard print! Let's switch it up a bit and actually mix in actual animals into our outfits. We will be seeing cats, birds, tigers, owls and other creatures in tops, dresses and accessories.

Top - Dorothy Perkins

Pants - Forever 21

Shoes - Mossimo Supply Co.

Ring - Forever 21

Necklace - Forever 21

Rich with Color

2012-09-17T12:15:00.001-07:00

Good day! Let's start this week out with an OOTD that combines two of my favorite colors, Brick and Green. These colors are great for the fall and who doesn't love a leather jacket? It can make you feel instantly edgy and sexy! So rock your favorite leather jacket this Fall! How do you pair yours?

Dress - Guess

Jacket - Forever 21

Necklace - LC by Lauren Conrad

Ring - Forever 21

Shoes - Two Lips

Today We Remember...

2012-09-11T11:08:00.001-07:00

There is a loss of words when I remember September 11, 2001. I will never forget the mix of emotions I felt: fear, sadness, anger and confusion. This past year I had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero, and I can not explain the sadness and loss but there is also a sense of hope and resiliency. I admire the city of New York for their strength and unity. Today we remember...

Fall GO2 Trends Fashion Show

2012-09-09T22:38:00.001-07:00

I got the opportunity to attend the Fall GO2 Trends Fashion Show at the Shoppes at Chino Hills, and the chance to meet Project Runway's Austin Scarlett! He gave a wonderful and very motivational speech before the fashion show began. He wanted to share his experience with the next generation and motivate them to pursue their dreams. There were great partnerships with many of the key retailers at the Shoppes. We got to see Fall looks from PacSun, Lane Bryant, Chico's, Coldwater Creek, The Children's Place, White House/Black Market, The Loft, Banana Republic, Windsor, Charming Charlie and many more! The event was organized by the students of The Art Institute - Inland Empire. They styled all the looks in the fashion show and they also displayed some great looks prior to the show. It was very coherent with what we are seeing at NYFW, some designers display their collection on still platforms and others are sticking to the Runway Show. I really enjoyed the event and I can't wait until next year!

Lane Bryant

Charming Charlie

The Loft

PacSun

White House/Black Market

Windsor

Project Runway's Austin Scarlett

Mia Santana - photographer at

Inland Empire Magazine and owner of

Bella Mia Fotos

V.I.P. Gift Bag signed by Austin Scarlett

Fashion's Night Out

2012-09-06T22:34:00.003-07:00

So I decided to support my local mall for their Fashion's Night Out event and let's just say it was a bit of a let down. They put together a runway show, but it just turned out to be a bit disorganized. They started out great, and something happened after the models had to switch outfits. They had a few key sponsors, such as Macy's and GapKids. The others who participated where a few smaller stores. I was a bit disappointed that Nordstrom, H&M and JC Penney didn't participate in the show. They also said they would be giving away prizes, but all they gave was a magazine, brochures, and some coupons. The one thing I was really excited about was the cute little pen shaped as a lipstick! So cute! Also, I was able to tweet about my disappointment that Nordstrom was not involved and they reached out to me and ensured me that they would be in touch with the management of the store and maybe they can be involved next year...excellent customer service Nordstrom! Kuddos to you!

Giveaways - cute pen!

Fashion's Night Out 2012 - September 6th

2012-09-05T22:23:00.001-07:00

It doesn't matter if you are in NYC, LA or MIA...you can celebrate Fashion's Night Out and support the industry that provides so many jobs to so many people! There are so many retailers that are participating in this year's events, so don't miss out on an opportunity to win goodies or meet a celeb or blogger! Check here for participating locations. Where are you spending FNO2012?

Jump! It's Still Summer!

2012-09-04T18:59:00.001-07:00

Summer is still among us for a few more days! It's so weird how we get the sense that summer is over after Labor Day, but we have about 18 days left...so JUMP and celebrate warm summer nights and bright and bold colors! This week we prepare for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Fashion Night Out on Thursday, September 6th. Check back in the next few days for the latest news and perhaps a giveaway!

Jumper - Xhilaration

Shoes - Groove

Dots

2012-08-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Polka Dots are such a fun pattern, and they are always in trend. They could be classy or fun, depending on how you style it. I decided to wear this H&M Polka Dot dress with a sheer open top. I think it makes it look classy and light. I hope you all are enjoying your day and looking forward to the holiday weekend! Do you have any special plans? Leave comments down below!

Dress - H&M

Top - Nolita

Shoes - Mossimo Supply Co.

Look! Signs of Fall!

A Mix of Patterns

2012-08-28T21:40:00.002-07:00

Happy Tuesday! As you begin preparing for Fall, you will notice that mixing bold patterns will be one trend to keep from Summer. This means you don't have to buy as much! So I decided to mix these two prints, with shorts being appropriate for the summer heat. Moving into Fall, you can mix a striped sweater with floral denim or pair the shorts with booties for those warm autumn nights. Hope you enjoy =)

Sweater - Marshalls

Tank - Small boutique

Shorts - TJ Maxx

Shoes - Dolce Vita

Transitions

2012-08-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an end, this is the time to transition into wearing pieces you wore in the summer (like a Tee) with a skirt full of rich autumn colors! This skirt has a great pattern that you can wear throughout the fall, and you could incorporate booties or even sweaters with it! I will def be mixing it up with some cool fall pieces in the future.

Skirt - Lily White

Tee - Forever 21

Shoes - Dolce Vita

Earrings - Dorothy Perkins

NYX Haul

2012-08-18T20:17:00.001-07:00

I love NYX Cosmetics! They are the best and they are such a great price! I am from the Central Coast of California, and they don't have a distributor in that area =( Why not NYX? I believe you would do great in Central California! So, while I am visiting Southern California I decided to pick up a few products at ULTA. Check out my Haul video for swatches.

Products Left to Right:

Mysterious Brown Eyes Shadow Palette

Retractable Eye Liner in Black

Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown

Jumbo Eye Pencil in Pure Gold, Yogurt and Milk

HD Photogenic Concealer in Yellow

Roll On Shimmer in Olive, Green and Purple

Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Gold and Crystal Onyx

Products Left to Right:

Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Natural

Lipstick in Snow White

Matte Lipstick in Audrey

Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp

HD Studio Photogenic Powder Foundation

Cream Blush in Natural

OOTD - Flower Power

2012-08-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

With this heat, I am in the mood to wear breezy summer dresses! I found this great dress at Target, and it has all these great bright flowers all over it!

Dress - Target

Shoes - Groove

OOTD - Ren Fest

2012-08-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Renaissance Festival is a great place to check out really cool costumes, see lace making and the chance to buy really cool leather accessories!

Shorts - Marshalls

Shirt - Olive Olivia

Jacket - Forever 21

Bracelets - LC by Lauren Conrad

Ring - Forever 21

Necklace - Vintage

Handbag - Steve Madden

Shoes - LC by Lauren Conrad

Sedona Sunset

2012-08-10T12:32:00.001-07:00

I just love Sedona, AZ! The mountains are just gorgeous and there is a sense of spirituality all around you...when I saw this dress it reminded me of all the colors you see while visiting! Have you ever been?

Dress - Xhilaration by Target

Shoes - Dolce Vita

Jewelry - Forever 21 & Target

How To Shop Consignment

2012-08-02T11:39:00.002-07:00

Do you love to shop for vintage items or slightly used designer clothes? If yes, Consignment is the way to go! Thrift shopping is also great, but you have to get mighty lucky to find a great find. Consignment is when a seller takes an item they would like to sell to a store, make about 1/3 of the retail price. Another option is they can have the store sell it in their store at the price agreed upon by the seller, then the store will make a profit from the sale, usually about 10-15%. As a buyer, you can be assured that the item you are buying is authentic and is in good condition. There are consignment stores everywhere, whether it is an Antique store or a small shop.

Here are some tips on how to shop Consignment:

Find a Consignment Store! You could look on Yelp for stores in your area, as well as reviews from other shoppers. You also need to look for Antique malls and stores. They usually have vendors that sell clothes and accessories.
Get Acquainted! Once you have found the store you like the best. Visit the store and get to know the type of merchandise they sell. Some stores consider fast fashion items worth reselling. Not cute!
Take Cash! Money talks, you have a better chance of negotiating the cost down if you have cash!
Check it! Although items will be in better shape when compared with items from a thrift store, you still need to check the merchandise. Look for underarm stains, rips, missing buttons or discoloration. You should also know details about counterfeit goods, things to look out for when debating a big purchase such as designer handbags.
Friends in High Places! Make friends with the sales team, let them know the type of items you are looking for and they most likely have a little black book of names they pull out when special items come into the store.

Here are a few items I have scored at consignment shops...

Top (L to R) - Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton

Bottom (L to R) - Vintage and Louis Vuitton

L to R - Brandy Melville, Joie, Betsey Johnson

L to R - Vera, Gucci, Givenchy

OOTD - Lily White

2012-08-01T17:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are staying cool in the summer heat! A great way to stay cool is with Hi-Low Skirts and breezy tops! This is a great outfit from Lily White, I hope you enjoy!

Top - Lily White

Skirt - Lily White

Shoes - Two Lips

Bracelets - Target

Ring and Earrings - Forever 21

OOTD - The Elephants in the Room

2012-07-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

This top is the cutest thing I have ever seen! It has little elephants all over it! Hope you enjoy! I always had the hardest time matching it to bottoms, but I finally found the perfect pants that really compliment the colors! When wearing a cropped top, wear it with a pair of high rise pants or a skirt.

Top - Audrey

Pants - Dorothy Perkins

Watch - Invicta

Bracelet - Vintage

Rings - Forever 21

Hamsa Necklace - LC by Lauren Conrad

Shoes - Calvin Klein

OOTD - Monday Blues

2012-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have the Monday Blues today! Does that ever happen to you? Well to reflect my mood, I wore many shades of blue today...hope it doesn't pass on to you!

Jacket & Tee - Forever 21

Jeans - Citizens of Humanity

Shoes - Two Lips