The Things I Care To Share

Bleached Tie-Dye Shorts

2012-06-30T17:12:00.003-04:00

Bleach TIE-DYED Shorts!

What you will need:
- A pair of jean shorts
- A bottle of bleach
- A "bleach bucket"
- Rubber bands

Step One
First thing is first... There's no "right" way to do the rubber-banding. More than likely whatever you do will end up looking cool! So grab your rubber bands and start making little nubs all over the shorts. This is where you will get what I call the "tie-dye bursts".

This doesn't look particularly pretty but just make sure that the rubber bands are wrapped tightly. Over-all, including the back, I used about 17 rubber bands to make the nubs.

Step Two
Next thing you will need to do is use a few more rubber bands to compact the shorts into some sort of ball. There isn't a method to this. Just rubber band off big sections of the shorts.

I used 4 rubber bands to finish up the process.

Step Three
Next you will make your bleach tie-dye solution, which is really simple:
1 part bleach & 1 part water
This is where you will also need your bleach bucket. I bought this big white tub at Five Below for $5. It comes in handy for a lot of different things so consider it a crafting investment!

Honestly, I just put some water in the bucket then dump the a whole thing of bleach in. When you're doing tie-dye you really only get one chance. So, that measuring cup is just there to set on top of the shorts to hold them under the solution but you can measure if you want.

I let them soak like this for about two hours. Occasionally, I would go in and swish them around a bit.

Step Four
Once you have the desired color (they will lighten when you wash them) take them out and rinse them off BEFORE taking the rubber bands off. You don't want bleach to run where you were trying to keep it from! After you have completely rinsed them you can start pulling off the rubber bands.

So, here are my shorts before I put them through the washer! I'm pleasantly surprised with how the turned out! Next, I put them through the washer TWICE. Bleach sticks around and it smells so I like to get it all out of the fabric before I attempt to wear them.

The Finished Product

Bleach Dyed Shorts: 2

2012-06-12T22:01:00.000-04:00

Bleach Dyed Shorts

Part 2

Okay, so hopefully you all read my previous post: Bleach Dyed Shorts

Above is how they turned out and I can't say I'm too disappointed! Obviously I folded them up and I think they're still a smidge long so for this post I am going to "fix them up".

Double The Fold & Sew

So basically I folded them over one more time and stitched them in place! I hate "roll-up" shorts that I always have to adjust. So I sewed the inside and outside of both legs then put a little stitch in the middle (front and back) to keep the fold up! The best part is that you don't have to make it look perfect.

Much better!

Add A Little Lace

I wanted to bring the white up into the short a little more so I used this thick lace to enhance the pockets. This is just some lace I cut off the end of an old pillow case! It's a little off-white and I could have bleached it to match. But I decided not to because I like the off-white mixed with white look. I hand stitched the lace over the top of the pocket.

Lacey bleach dyed shorts. You could also use studs at the top of the pockets for a more rock 'n roll look. I think I might try that with my next pair... I'll let you know how it goes!

And Ta-Da! There you have it. Bleach dyed shorts with a little lace!

DIY Bleach Dyed Shorts

2012-06-12T16:44:00.001-04:00

Bleach Dyed Denim Shorts

Hi all! I haven't blogged in awhile... Although there a million projects I have underway. Life gets crazy, ya know? Well, I am back to blog all about the things I find interesting and cool. And what's more interesting or cooler than DIY fashion pieces?? Here's what I love about DIY and fashion coming together; you really can't mess it up! As long you have the confidence to rock what you made then you made something brilliant. I'm saying all this because in the midst of my typing I am waiting to see the outcome of my bleach dyed denim shorts... So here it goes ladies!

What You'll Need:

Step One: Pick Your Pair

I went with a pair of shorts that are too big on me and also are "roll-up" style so that I had a lot of length to work with. (Remember I'm 5'10''.. You may not all have this issue with shorts.. LUCKY!) This also gives me a little more freedom with the scissors and what I could cut away. I also went with an inexpensive pair from Target so that if I did somehow ruin them I wouldn't be too heart broken. Don't have a pair of old shorts sitting around? Grab a pair of old jeans! You're going to end up chopping off some of the fabric either way.

Step Two: Snip Snip Snip!

So here is where your scissors and ruler come into play. You're going to want to cut off AT LEAST the bottom hem. This way you will get that frayed look that's "in" right now. Please ladies, do not cut off too much! You can always cut more if you think they're still too long but you can't really add back on easily... And there's not a lot of things less attractive then a girl wearing shorts that aren't flattering.

Just because they zip... Anyways here are my snip tips:

1. Try the shorts (or jeans) on. Check yourself out and see where you could bare to spare some fabric.

2. Take the shorts off and turn them inside out. Now put them back on!

3. Use the ruler and sharpie to mark your cutting point. I did about 1.5 inches but I also started with really long shorts. Make a few more marks on both legs so that you stay on the straight line. Now strip!

4. IF you're using jeans cut a little below your marks and try them on again before you commit to the full snip. If you're using shorts then snip across the line!

5. While you are cutting make sure that the hem is lined up. A lot of time this means that the top won't be lined up and that's OK. Just make sure the bottom hems on the legs match up.

6. Now that you've snipped turn them back right-side out and try them on one more time. Kind of decide now the "look" you want.

LOOK OPTIONS:

- Bleach from the bottom and leave the top dark (like mine!)

- Bleach from the top and leave the bottom dark

- Bleach for an ombre effect

- Bleach only the very tips at the bottom

- Bleach only the waist band

- Get crazy creative and only dye one leg

- Bleach the whole damn pair!

ANOTHER TIP:

If you want a more destroyed look you can use a nail file and rub some holes into the denim. I opted not to do this but when you wash them you will get a really great frayed look. Store quality even!

Step Three: Get Ready To Dye

Because there is someone standing right behind you..... Just kidding! A little play on words there for you girls. Ok, so let's prepare where you are going to be doing this messy business. I've seen examples of people using their kitchen sink. This would work really well if you didn't use your kitchen sink as storage for your dirty dishes like myself. I opted for the tub and a bucket. Well, more like an old popcorn tin but a bucket non-the-less!

FYI this actually takes a lot of time. You just have to be patient while the bleach does its thing. And it WILL do its thing.

1. One part water and one part bleach. Fill your bucket/sink with your dye solution.

(I found myself adding more and more as I went)

2. Get ready and dip! I submerged mine up until the point where I wanted to keep the original denim. Just let the shorts soak at this level for a little while. They will not go white immediately. It took mine about an hour and a half+ to get them super light. (More dye will come off in the washer so just aim for light blue)

3. Keep shifting your shorts! Every now and then I would pop in and swish the shorts around in the bleach. Getting a little bit in unwanted areas isn't the end of the world. It takes a lot of bleach and soaking to dye dark denim. If you're going for the ombre look you can start adjusting the level at which you soak your shorts. Keep doing this!

4. Add some bleach and water. IF you think you need a deeper pool to dip in just add some more! There is no precise way to add the bleach and water. Just go for the effect that you are hoping for. As you can see in the above picture I used hair clips to hold up the shorts. I don't think I really needed them there so if you don't have them don't worry about it.

5. You're almost done! Once the shorts are really light or how you would like them it's time to move to the washing machine. Rinse the shorts off first before putting them into the machine. Add a smidge of detergent to help wash the bleach out and a little bit of oxi-pro or borax to help give it the destroyed look.

Before The Washer...

After The Dryer...

You can see that the washing machine really helps get the extra dye out and give you the white look. If you aren't totally happy with the outcome, although I am pretty pleased, you can re-dye. You can also buy a bleach pen and do some touch ups!

Next post I'll show you what I added to them to make them extra cool! I'll also show you how to pull these off out and about in the world. Thanks for reading :)

The Bethenny Frankel Look

2012-04-04T13:04:00.000-04:00

I just recently got into the TV reality show Bethenny Ever After and I have to say I don't hate it! It's silly to admit but I was really hesitant to actually like her and accept her into the pool of reality stars that actually did something with their lives post 15 minutes of fame. It's because I recognize her from advertisements for The Real Housewives of New York City. I don't really like those shows. It's a lot of talking over each other and no one making any semblance of an intelligent argument. I get it, that's what those shows are based around but I just don't want to watch it. Any who, that's not the point. The point is that I decided to add her show to my DVR and she redeemed herself in my eyes. I also don't have to deny myself her Skinny Girl brand booze any longer! (I can't be the only one who does stupid stuff like this... Right?) Whether it's an act or not, and I don't think it is, I like her views toward business, people and clothes.

Okay! The "Bethenney Frankel Look" is a really classic outfit choice that I notice she wears constantly. She does it well, too. Here's the look breakdown:

The Bethenny Frankel Look

Black Tank Top: Your basic black tank

Chain Braided Necklace: Forever 21

Blazer: Classic tweed blazer

Pink Pumps: Baff on Zappos.com

The Inspiration: Bethenny Frankel!

Oddly enough I had a hard time finding a photo of her in this look...

Styling Tips:

- This tip is one I got from watching the show. This outfit looks great when you add a belt! Try using the belt as a pop of neon color; very on trend for spring.

- Make sure to get a blazer that fits and falls in a flattering place on your body. If you get one that isn't quite right you are going to look sloppy and possibly add a few pounds.

- Based on the situation you have a lot of options for your makeup and hair! Having a lunch meeting? Go for something sleeker and more polished. If you're taking it day to night you can throw your hair up in a volume-pony and add some extra eye makeup!

- Opting for slightly destroyed denim helps keep this look causal and young. This look can be easily be dressed-up with a pair a straight leg capris or cigarette pants!

- This is one of those looks that look great on every body type! Play with the length of your tank and the style of your blazer to get the right style for you.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please follow me for email updates and also, follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !! Also, if you have anything to add please comment! I want to start offering giveaways and contests for you all.

Colored Denim

2012-03-30T10:51:00.000-04:00

Colored Denim

"Who needs a fun top when you have fun pants?"

If you read my blog you might notice that I'm not all that over-the-top. I like fashion statements not fashion "slaps in the face". And colored denim is a really fun and easy way to make a fashion statement without getting those unwanted second glances (when the double-take is followed by the unmistakable "bad smell" disapproving face squish).

I definitely took the easy route with this outfit by pairing bright blue bottoms with a white t-shirt. This isn't the most fashion-forward look but it's one that any girl could pull off.

The Basics to Building A Colored Denim Look:

1. Build off of your statement piece. (In this case; pants)

2. Make a definitive choice on your top before adding accessories.

3. Add accessories that make the clothes look good on YOU. For example: I felt weird without the belt, I needed to add it in order to create a break in the hips. Another asset accentuating accessory could be a necklace if you have a great collar bone or earrings that compliment your face shape.

Braided tan belt & a gold double-knuckle ring.

My go-to-gold tan Michael Kors flats.

Tips for Picking Tops:

- White or neutral variation is always a good fall back.

- For a unique look pair your denim with a top that is a few shades lighter.

(Focus on finding a less saturated hue, not a lighter version of a similar color)

- A pattern top with complimenting colors and simple styling will give your that "off the runway" look.

Tips for Pulling Off Colored Denim:

- Make sure your pants fit. Seriously. Try sitting in them to make sure you aren't hanging out in the back! Nothing makes your look worse than clothes that don't fit.

- I'm 5'10'' so making sure pants are long enough is essential. But NOTE: the pants I'm wearing are skinny jeans. They were too short on me so I cuffed them into capris.

- Before buying a crazy color seriously ask yourself if you would wear it or not.

- To avoid frustration, either buy a top to wear with your jeans at the time of purchase or have one in mind from your closet before you buy.

- Bright blues are a great place to start if you want to test the style before committing to that awesome pair of raspberry red skinny jeans!

My colored denim: only $14.99 from TJMaxx

Some stores I like that carry colored denim at affordable prices: Target, TJMaxx, Macy's and Lucky Brand.

Thank you for reading! Please follow me for email updates and follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

Please, leave your comments so I can start doing giveaways and contests for all of you to benefit from!

My $6 Felt Hat

2012-03-29T15:15:00.004-04:00

Today's blog post is all about me. At least that's the impression you might get from my Mac Book Pro Photobooth photo session. (Sorry in advance for plastering my face all over the post!) But really, today I am tackling a Spring trend that can cause a real headache for some... pun-intended.

Chic Hats in Smoldering Hues

I can't honestly say that this "trend" is trending... But I feel like I have seen it everywhere! Especially with '70's flares and prints coming back around! Call it a style foreshadow if you will. For a celebrity reference for "chic hat" ideas my advice would be to google "Jlo in hat" and see what you find! Personally, I feel weird in hats but I really want to be able to wear them. The trick is finding a hat that actually looks good on YOU.

Hats are kind of like sunglasses and you can't expect to buy one without trying it on first.

My experience proves that you'll know if you like the way it looks or not the first second you look in the mirror. You'll either think, "woah, I didn't expect to be able to pull this off!" or "eh, it looks ok but why does it make my head look funny?" Only buy it if you think the former. So, if there's no mirror in the hat department then I suggest you go find one!

Since finding a hat that looks great is tough you want to make it go as far as possible. I literally just stumbled upon this hat while walking into the mall through the Jcpenney's entrance. It was $6 and just screamed, "try me on." Success! I found a chic hat in a great color that need just a little primping to look perfect. So, here's how to accessorize a hat:

I have a lot of cute stretchy headbands that I hardly ever wear. My guess is, most girls do! They're cheap, easy to find and a really simple way to do your hair. So I thought, "why not use them to change my hat?"

Plain hat.

Silver braided headband.

Beaded knot.

Boho braided headband.

Bling-bling.

Pretty Sequins.

One $6.00 hat ~ Six different ways!

Tips for pulling off a hat:

- Utilize it! By that I mean wearing a hat to an indoor event is pointless. But if you wear it to a picnic or to lunch during sunny days then you are not only stylin' but shaded.

- Keep your makeup light and pretty because shadows over harsh and dark makeup can really create an intensely dark look.

- Wear your confidence piece! Whether it's a great pair of jeans or heels, wear it to help boost your confidence level while rocking a hat.

- Everyone knows you're wearing a hat. Trust me, they didn't miss it. You don't need to draw a lot of attention to it.. or yourself!

Thank you for reading my blog! Please follow me for email updates and also, follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

If You Can't Handle The Heat... Get Out Of The Yoga Studio!

2012-03-20T15:34:00.001-04:00

Hot Yoga

DISCLAIMER: I am not a "yogi" and I definitely am not as amazing at yoga as the people out there who study it for years! I love the workout, the sweat, the stretch and the peace of mind I feel after! So, this is not coming from a pro... Just a random chick who likes hot yoga.

I've been going to hot yoga (different than Bikram yoga, I believe, because the practice is just done in heat) classes on and off since high school. Only recently have I been learning to breath better and use my breath to push through hard poses. All this sounds very "yogi" but truth is, I don't care about my third eye, I just want to be toned! But I do love the heat part and getting to sweat out all your toxins. Every time I go with a new person they almost always fall in love with it.

Well, today during yoga class someone actually walked out in the middle of the practice! I wanted to shout at the person and say, "you just did all the hard stuff and you're leaving before the easy stuff??" Then I realized that people probably have no idea what to expect when coming to a hot yoga studio... So I'm going to tell all of you my tips for making it through and actually enjoying hot yoga! Even if you don't buy into the whole "mind's eye" concept.

What to expect:

It will be hot; above 90'F! Good news is that it's not a sticky humidity feeling, it is much more like a sauna. Get there a little early so that you have some time to adjust to the heat and sign up. Most classes are an hour or more. Stretch until your class starts! The heat seriously helps to release tight areas. Lay out your things near your mat, grab a block and just "get present".

When your class starts, usually in child's pose, your teacher will start to instruct you on how to breath. You breath in and out through your nose.

Breath IN for length and OUT for openness

You will sweat. A lot. You will sweat more than any other workout! Just accept it and know that your clothes will be drenched and so will everyone else's. Most yoga consists of a "strength" section where you do a lot of arm work and downward dogs. This is where you will start to feel the cardio part of hot yoga. Small movements will get your heart rate up and stay up. Then there is a balancing section followed by back bends and sometimes abs. The sessions I've been to, the teacher will come around and help you moderate poses. They might touch you, and no you don't have to apologize for being sweaty! The good news is that after the "strength" section most teachers mix in rest periods throughout the rest of the practice. But know this, YOU CAN ALWAYS TAKE CHILD'S POSE whenever you need a rest. You can always pause to wipe some sweat away and sip your water, too! The end of the practice is the "sweet spot" is because you literally get to lay on the ground and knock a few minutes out of the way. There are almost always a few men in each class, so guys, don't be shy!

What You Need:

- Yoga mat (most studios also have them available to rent)

- Hand towel (to wipe away sweat)

- Water bottle

- Mat length towel

- Dry t-shirt for after

- An open mind!

** I recommend "thirsty towels" for hot yoga. They absorb a lot of sweat and stay pretty dry. I have a hand towel one and a mat length one. I lay the mat length one on the mat before I start and just leave it there the whole practice. I use them to dry my dogs after their baths too!

My Tips:

- If you can, avoid chugging water during the workout, small sips are better. I actually will feel kind of sick if I even sip water, so I just save it for after.

- Get over the fact that you're going to look like hell when you leave. Make time for a shower before you have to be anywhere else.

- I wear old dance leotards and tighter workout capris. Some girls wear sports bras, some people wear shorts, it's just a matter of what you're comfortable in. But don't wear baggy clothes!!!

- Participate in the "OHMs" because it does kind of wake up your body a little bit.

- Try getting out of your own head and attempt the breathing whenever it feels comfortable to do! I find that breathing helps the most during sequences involving plank and upward dog.

Shout out to my favorite hot yoga studio!

Amazing Yoga- South Side! (Pittsburgh, PA)

(they are also in Wexford and Shady Side)

They always make you feel welcome and the teachers are always so great!

UPDATE: I have been informed that Bikram is a whole different "hot yoga" practice in and of itself and it's done on carpet... So, good luck with that one everyone :) I'll stick to my hot vinyasa!

Anyone out there love yoga and really appreciate the practice?? I want to hear from you! I want to know what it is that draws people to these retreats and what makes people so dedicated.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please follow me for email updates and also, follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

BB Cream!

2012-03-19T11:27:00.002-04:00

Amazing beauty product alert!!!

Garnier Fructis BB Cream

I know what you're thinking.. What the hell is BB cream?? Well, I did a little light Googling and found out that the BB stands for "Beauty Balm". This one product does all kinds of great things for your complexion. There's SPF 15 (and YES we all need to wear a little SPF) but my favorite part is how it is a tinted moisturizer! If you have relatively good skin and don't rely on heavy foundation to get full coverage then let me introduce you to your new BFF... If you DON'T have awesome skin and need a little boost then this product is also for you! With acne fighting properties on it's long list of benefits this cream also serves as an amazing primer! The main purpose of this product is to ultimately give you an even skin tone and a fresh glow. BB creams also work as a correcting agents so you aren't masking anything! You are actually fighting your problems while still looking great. I have been a huge fan of tinted moisturizers for a long time. Now, I can use my staple beauty product and get a lot more than just great coverage and moisture out of it! Anything to get girls to moisturize! (Seriously, use lotion and take a multivitamin and you will notice a huge difference in your skin) Anywho, enough lecturing... Here's another really great tinted moisturizer.

Cargo SPF Tinted Moisturizer

(note: this product is ONLY tinted moisturizer and SPF, it does not have all the other benefits of a BB cream)

Tinted Moisturizer Tips:

- Buy the right shade (just pay attention to what you're grabbing off the shelf)

- Apply (first) with a foundation wedge

- Don't neglect your hairline, neck line or under your brow bone

- Allow a few minutes for the moisturizer to set in and dry (it does have a light fragrance to it but that dissipates as it dries)

- Follow up with your powders and bronzers once dry to help set the BB cream
- DO NOT cake it on! This is not foundation, it is moisturizer so if you use too much you'll feel oily and gross

Now go get amazing skin! The BB Cream is sold at places like Target and drugstores for about $12.99. The Cargo tinted moisturizer can be found at Ulta. Sephora carries some of the Cargo line (which I recommend) but Ulta has a much bigger selection of it! Also, the Cargo tinted moisturizer comes in a few different bottle shapes.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please follow me for email updates and also, follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

Get Shellacked!

2012-03-18T20:52:00.001-04:00

I HATE acrylic nails. I hate the way they feel, the way they look when your nails grow but mostly how much they screw up your natural nails. If you don't have the cash to keep up with acrylic nails I would say to just stay away! With that being said, I was kind of hesitant to try the new "UV" shellac nail polish because I heard that it has a similar affect on your nails. I also hate trying to keep up with my half-ass manicure I did while running out the door... So, I went ahead and got shellacked.

Yes, I am holding my remote but check out the chip free nails! It's going on six days now and I am already impressed. For starters, I was wrong about thinking that it would ruin your nails. Whoever told me that was wrong because I actually think this polish could help your nail's health. In other words, by having polish on at all times your nails are less likely to be dry and brittle. More good news? It doesn't take any longer than a traditional manicure. Your polish is bone dry and smudge proof before you walk out the door and dig for your keys only to end up with a chunk of polish missing.

What should you expect? Basically, what your manicurist will do is start with a typical manicure and clean up your nails and nail beds. Then they apply a bunch of different special polishes and you alternate putting your nails under a UV light to dry and getting another layer put on. Then after a few minutes of final dry time, they wipe your nails with a cloth and BAM! They're dry. Two weeks, no chipping!

Ready to get shellacked?? Go to the right place because, like acrylics, some manicurist can screw this up leaving you with thick, chipping nails. I recommend California Nails in Wexford. It is located in the new plaza with the new Market District! $35.00 for a shellac manicure and ask for Kimy, although everyone there is great. (If you're not in Pittsburgh read around for some good reviews before committing to a place!) Also, check Living Social and Groupon for deals!

Thank you for reading my blog! Please follow me for email updates and also, follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

The Things I Care To Share: Styled by Me

2012-02-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

The Things I Care To Share: Styled by Me: Aztec by Day

-New look, check it out!

Thank you for reading my blog! Please follow me for email updates and also, follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

Notes On A Party

2012-02-28T10:38:00.002-05:00

I am a wedding planner and a party thrower so a lot of my time is invested in all things parties. I know, it sounds like such an awful job but someone has got to help plan! I love sharing ideas for parties with anyone because you never know whose party you'll be attending next. Basically, these are three of my favorite party throwing tips and three of my cheapest!

Mason Jar Prepared Drinks

You will need: Mason jars (around 2 per guest), labels, and serving buckets

Offering your guests drinks that you have already mixed is a great way to get a drink in everyone's hand. For our Christmas party this past year, my friend Bethany and I used mason jars to serve drinks. We offered sangria, a bailey's drink, something with vodka and something with rum. (No mixers with carbonation!) We were able to buy cheaper booze and save a lot of money. Whatever mixers and alcohol we didn't use for the mason jar drinks we set up in the bar area for guests to make their own versions of our drinks.

Side note: always have wine glasses handy because wine-os usually bring their own bottle!

How to serve mason jar drinks:

Always offer straws, have a basket for lids, use an ice bucket/cooler or display them in your refrigerator.

Drinks that work for mason jars:

Mixed drinks with no carbonation, sangria, punches, dessert style cocktails, margaritas, etc...

Where to buy:

Grocery stores around canning time, trader horn, craft stores, home improvement stores, Walmart, etc...

Napkin Conversation Starters

What you will need: a variety of witty cocktail napkins
A witty napkin generally goes unappreciated. But when you throw a bunch of people into a room and pass around a funny cocktail napkin to go with their drink, they may get a kick out of it! This is one of my personal little party touches. It's not always appropriate to have these if you're going for a certain formality and there is no Hallmark for napkins so you may not find the perfect one. I buy these little suckers whenever I see them on sale. They're so cheap and I can just throw them in my party supply box for later use.

Where to buy:
TJMaxx, Target, party supplies stores, clearance bins, etc...

Water Bottles

You will need: water bottles!
One of the best things you can do for you guests after liquering them up is to offer them water bottles. This way they can just take them out the door with them or straight to which ever couch they're crashing on. Also, this saves a lot of extra glasses that you won't need to wash the next day. They don't need to be cold and you don't need to display them nicely if you don't want to. Just buy a pack and have them handy, everyone including yourself will be glad you did.

Thanks for reading my blog & don't forget to follow me on Twitter @Soiree_Bisou !!

Out To Dinner Outfit

2012-02-25T11:11:00.004-05:00

Last night I ate dinner at Houlihan's! I love their Home Style Pot Roast and "Pomtini" Martinis... mmm. Anyways, I documented my outfit from dinner for today's post. It's a good "going out for a fun dinner" outfit. Assuming you don't need to wear a dress or anything more formal, of course. So, here your go!

Here's the Out to Dinner Outfit

Lace top: Lucky Brand

Belt and Maroon Tank/Wedges: Target

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans: Gap

Ring: Forever 21

I tucked the front of my shirt into my jeans to show off the belt and also because it felt a little baggy. This doesn't always work with shirts but this particular one has a round cut bottom which falls nicely when the front is tucked in. I also matched my tank color to my shoes but it was just a subtle pop of color. Somehow I have a pair of really comfortable wedges and a tank top that match... But these wedges were on sale at Target for like $3 so I bought them, and I also bought them in grey.

Details

This cute tan belt came with a pair of shorts from Target. I love when you can use stuff like that for many different outfits. Those shorts are in a future blog!

This ring is from Forever 21. I like it because it's different and the color kind of just goes with everything. It's a bigger cocktail ring without budging off your finger. I'm really not an over accessorized but I do admit I could have added some pretty earrings or a bracelet.

The shoes were really difficult to photograph... Sorry! But just imagine a maroon wedge and there you have it.

Second Look

Thanks for reading and make sure to follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pretzel Cupcakes

2012-02-23T21:30:00.002-05:00

Okay everyone, I have a really special treat for you... This is my most recent baking invention. It's kind of like the best of everything in one yummy cupcake! I recommend using a stand mixer if you have one but if not you will need an electric-beater! The batter tends to be thicker than you're average batter.

Ingredients:
1 box moist white cake mix
3/4 cup all-purpose flower
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
4 egg whites
Strawberry dessert filling
"Tiny Twist" pretzels
Chocolate frosting

Baking Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325'F and line your cupcake pans with liners. Place one pretzel at the bottom of the liner.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, sugar, flour and salt. Then just add all the other ingredients to the dry mix! Keep mixing as you go.
3. Scoop mix into the cupcake liners until they're about 3/4 of the way full.
4. Bake for about 18 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.

Decorating Instructions:
1. After the cupcakes have cooled off you scoop the center out. Try using a tablespoon, a tube cookie cutter or even a mellon-baler.
2. Either pipe or scoop the filling into the center of the cupcake. Smooth the top of the cupcake with the back of a spoon.
3. Frost with chocolate and decorate with crumbled pretzels!

Boots That Stand

2012-02-21T11:26:00.004-05:00

Come fall I'm always so excited to pull out my boots. Nothing is worse than when I go for a favorite pair and find that there is a big crease from how I stored them. This especially happens with leather, and unfortunately they're the most expensive kind to replace. So, I learned this great little trick for storing your boots and keeping them in good shape.

How To:

I know you figured it out already but for those of you who want a description...

- Just take a magazine, make sure it's not too thin that it won't stand, and roll it into a tube.

- Insert the rolled up magazine into the boot and push it down until it hits the sole.

It is also a great way to recycle/store magazines you're done reading. I have tons of catalogs and magazines I recycle every month and with this trick, I am able to hang on to them instead. This is so simple you're probably wondering why I even blogged about it... Well, this trick also feeds into my need to have an organized closet. I hate when I can't find the things I'm looking for even though it should be right in front of me. It's a great thing to have all your boot options standing in front of you waiting to get picked!

And there you have it... Boots that don't fall over. You're welcome.

Fun T-Shirts!

2012-02-20T17:29:00.002-05:00

Every now and then a simple t-shirt is exactly what you need. Sometimes, all you want is to be able to wear a simple t-shirt. If you're not into the whole dressing up thing, there are other options! Fun "t-shirt-like" styles and designs are everywhere and they are very comfortable. The idea is to dress nice without feeling uncomfortable.

Some choices from my closet...

Black LaceI love this t-shirt because it's comfortable and pretty. Lace is really "in" right now and black is always a good go-to color. I also really like how the sleeves aren't backed with black like the rest of the shirt. Pair a shirt like this with jeans or even your spring red pants!

Sequined Top
Another great go-to top is this neutral colored sequined one from Express. The sleeves are sheer and it is so comfortable and breezy. I would wear this out to dinner and drink with friends or wherever! Sequined clothes are really in style right now, it's not secret, and this is a subtle option when you don't want to shine too much.

Chevron T-Shirt
This shirt is from the Missoni for Target line that literally flew out the doors. Funny story... I got my wisdom teeth out a few days before this line launched. I actually didn't even know Missoni was coming to Target! A few days after my surgery, I was out and about at Target with my boyfriend and I started to feel horrible. I just wanted to go home, crawl into bed with my pain meds and heal more. On the way past the registers and to the door I looked over my shoulder toward the women's section and there it was... A huge sign that read, "MISSONI". No matter how bad I felt I had to go over there. The racks were so picked over I felt like I had been robbed of my chance. I was picking through and came across this lone t-shirt in my size. (A similar thing happened with Jason Wu) I had to buy it, no trying on necessary. I also happen to adore chevron! This goes with skirts, jeans, black skinny jeans, and whatever else!

Knit T-Shirt
This type of t-shirt is different and interesting. I found this while shopping in Vegas last summer. I really like it! I usually get compliments on how unique it is. Another plus is that knitwear is in and especially lighter versions of it like this shirt. I don't think this top is very dressy but it definitely holds its own when I'm out to eat or getting a quick drink! This shirt made for some interesting sun burns in the summer time.. Always wear sunscreen girls and guys!

Thanks for reading! Make sure to comment and follow me on Twitter (@soiree_bisou) !!

But I Don't Want To Diet...

2012-02-18T13:22:00.003-05:00

I feel like I face this dilemma on the regular... "I want to look great in that dress, but I don't want to actually try and diet". In a perfect world I would just accept that sometimes you have to do things you don't want to in order to get what you want. Considering that this is not a perfect world, I will go down refusing to diet for the sake of looking good in one dress. Assuming you're healthy and take care of yourself, I don't see anything wrong with fudging a little bit when trying to look your best. We all want to feel good, especially when we have to dress up and try. Here are some of my tips and tricks for pulling it together at the last minute.

Spanx
No matter how thin you are, you should own a pair of Spanx! Almost every celebrity who walks the red carpet is either wearing one or two of these problem area disguisers to pull off their gorgeous gowns. They come in different colors and styles. You can buy less expensive versions are various stores but for about $20.00 you can get the name brand from Nordstroms or online.

Let's address your concerns...

Are they comfortable? Yes! They actually make dresses MORE comfortable because you're not worried about, well, anything! They aren't like tights either because they stay up really well. You won't be fussing with them the whole time, in fact they prevent fussing. Always buy the correct size, this goes for every clothing purchase you ever make!

Aren't they for old women? Probably, but it's no secret that every celebrity wears these suckers to help smooth out their figure. Even the 20 somethings. Men probably also think that these are like a push-up bra... misleading. But they don't really change anything about how you accept streamlining your figure.

When do you wear them? Personally, I don't wear them a whole lot mainly because I don't wear a lot of dresses that require them. I usually just like to wear them with tighter dresses or sheer dresses. But you could wear them under anything you want! They really are that comfortable.

Epsom Salts
I did a whole post on why I love Epsom salts. One of the best things about it is it's ability to reduce swelling and bloat. The idea is that it pulls toxins out of your body like a sauna, minus the sweating. Take an Epsom salt bath every other day leading up to your big event. I've read that it takes two cups of salts and 12 minutes for Epsom salt to do it's thang but I'd hang out in the tub for a while longer and just enjoy. And on top of reducing bloat you will also be exfoliating all over which is a huge plus for dresses that show some skin!

Concerns?

Where can I even buy Epsom salt? Anywhere like a drug store, grocery store or Target. It's really cheap, rounds out to be about $1.00 a pound, so buy in bulk! This is what those scented bath salts are made of. You can buy some brands of Epsom salt that are scented with lavender and other soothing smells.

Is it natural? Yeah, much more natural than anything in your shower right now!

Is it possible to use too much? In my opinion, no. I use probably four cups per bath! I like to rub it directly on rough areas and I also use it to volumize my hair. But this could vary for medical reasons or whatever.

Benefiber
I know this sounds like a stupid piece of advice because I'm not a doctor. But I started adding fiber to my diet every morning with my coffee and I lost three pounds. I'm not saying this will happen for everyone but it really does help cut out the bloat. It's also really healthy for you and some Benefiber comes with extra benefits like heart health. So you can either hike up the fiber volume in your diet a few weeks before your event or just make the healthy everyday change.

Concerns?

Can you taste the fiber when you mix it into your coffee? No! It's crazy because even in water it completely dissolves and you can not taste a thing. I even cook with it and add it to sauces, cheeses and mashed potatoes!

Am I going to get stuck in the bathroom because of this? Seriously, I didn't know how else to word this... but no, you won't get "stuck in the bathroom". It's not a laxative.

Light Weight Lifting

When I don't want to diet I usually also don't want to work out extra. But if you want to really "wow" in a dress, at least do some light weight arm toning. I'm talking three sets of bicep curls using a full water bottle or 5lb weight while watching Project Runway. Every commercial break do a different arm workout! If you add some arm workouts to your routine prior to having to dress up, you will start to notice some nice definition in your arms that shows up in pictures. Every little bit helps!

Here are some easy workouts for arms:

Bicep Curls- Start with your arms straight at your side and your palms facing in toward your thighs holding your weight. Curl your bicep and bring the weight up to your shoulder. Rotate a quarter turn so your palm is level with and facing your shoulder. Then slowly lower your weight back to the starting position. Repeat on both sides!

Tricep Extensions- Hold one weight with both hands behind your hard so that your elbow are by your ears. Extend your arms up so that they straighten, holding the weight above your head. Return your arms back to the bent position and repeat. Sit up straight!

Shoulder Press- Check your posture first. Holding one weight in each hand, bend your arms and hold the weights ad shoulder height. Press the weights up so that your arms are straight. Then slowly lower your arms back to the original position and repeat.

Drink Water

Have I lectured you on healthy living habits enough yet? Well, this is my last piece of advice to make getting into that dress a little easier. Drink water! Get all your 8 glasses everyday and then a little more. Drinking too much water can potentially bloat you but this is usually in conjunction with high salt intake. Don't overload yourself on water OR salt the week prior. Drinking water will help you look healthy and also help flush out extra waste that can be causing a little bloat.

Other small tips:

- If you have one available to you, hit the sauna and sweat out that extra puff!

- Don't starve yourself because eating a lot of little things throughout the day can help you loose weight and it actually works pretty quickly.

- Stretch! Sometimes I feel really gross and I know I just need to hit a few yoga poses to help the blood flow.

- Wear your dress around the house a little to help it take shape to your body better.

Jason Wu for Target

2012-02-14T18:50:00.002-05:00

I was really excited about the Jason Wu for Target line to come out considering I've seen such little of his designs before. I have to say, I was turned-off by the big cat print t-shirts and some odd cuts in a few of the dresses. I was kind of excited by the bags in this collection but not enough to set my alarm and dash to Target when it opened. Needless to say, I didn't run out to buy anything like so many others. But now, I have to bite my tongue for not giving this "clean-lined" designer a second look. While doing some Target shopping, I saw a lone Jason Wu for Target dress hanging on an empty rack. It looked cute and was my size so I figured it was fate and I bought it. When I got home to try it on I was less than happy about the boxy cut and how much my figure did NOT want to make this dress work. Here's a photo of the dress when I first put it on:

I know, I need to do my laundry and do something about my ghostly white skin but focus on the dress. But that's what the dress looked like before I styled it up. I wasn't going to settle and just accept that I bought a dud. If something is too big or just too boxy, a belt is always the answer. That is, of course, unless you can return it for a better fit! This dress was a little tricky because there are already horizontal stripes on it. But I found a navy belt from an old A&F shirt that worked perfectly!

It's hard to see but around the neckline, arm holes and right above the chest is a thin sheer strip to add a little detail to a simple t-shirt dress. I was happy with how the soft material worked with the belt and how it didn't bunch up when I moved around. I think a belt with a buckle might be too heavy for this dress but any fabric type one should work! There are always those people out there who can rock the boxy shape and if you're one of them then go belt free.

I went with simple accessories because I see this as being more of a day dress. I picked nude pumps and gold bangles from Express. Nude heels are supposed to elongate your legs more than a printed or dark shoe. I typically don't wear heels with day dresses because they are usually a little short on me since I'm 5'10''. But this modest cut and length was perfect for higher heels.

There weren't a whole lot of Jason Wu pieces at the Target near me so hopefully others have more luck... Let me know what you think!

Computer down...

2012-02-13T12:37:00.001-05:00

I haven't been able to post lately because my laptop is being horrible to me. Hopefully all gets fixed soon! In the meantime...

Follow me on Twitter! @Soiree_Bisou

San Fran' Chic

2012-02-09T19:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, I may be going out on a limb here but I found this shirt at Forever 21 that I love. It's basically a "drug rug" shirt. I had to buy it so the next step was deciding what to wear it with. It's obviously really "hippyish" so I went for the obvious... Fringe boots! I'll let you form your own opinion on what I'm calling, "San Fran' Chic" for the obvious reasons...

Here's the Forever 21 shirt; it even has a pocket and a hood!

Over-all outfit. Shirt, black skinny jeans, fringe boots, and one of my favorite bracelets. I also put a white-tunic underneath to add some separation between the dark pieces.

The fringe boots! They don't photograph that well on my iPhone, but you get the idea. I love these but they tend to get mixed reviews. I bought them probably three years ago from Journey's and I wear the hell out of them in the fall.

I love this bracelet. I like to think I add a little bit of "rock" to my wardrobe with things like this. Ha, okay even I'm laughing at myself for that one... But I still think this is pretty cool. I bought it in Seattle a few years ago!

And again... Comment and give your opinions! I want to know what's worth reading and what's not. Thanks!

Follow Up; Before & After

2012-02-08T23:50:00.001-05:00

Model: Bethany Glaser
Makeup: Following "Makeup Tips From A Non-Pro" instructions

Before

After

Makeup Tips From A Non-Pro

2012-02-08T15:37:00.005-05:00

I am not a professional makeup artist nor have I taken makeup lessons of any sort. I respect cosmetology as an art and do not compare myself to anyone who has earned and worked for the title of makeup artist. With that being said, I have a difficult time executing makeup tips on YouTube, for example, that are done by professionals. Why? For starters I am not going to wear primer everyday when I do my makeup. I don't know what an "180 brush" looks like and I'm not going to drop $25.00 on buying one. I'll reserve all that and the falsies for when I seek professional makeup help for special occasions.

That doesn't stop me from loving makeup and trying all the different things I can with it. It's one thing I do consistently every morning while getting ready for the day. Well, other than brush my teeth and shower. I love trying different colors and looks. I'm not into looking overdone but I do like to wear colors and try fun trends! I think I've got a pretty good grip on my own makeup and I've compiled all these tips to help other ladies out there who are frustrated with over the top makeup tutorials.

I have a few rules to follow when it comes to makeup:

- Always start with a clean face!! Even just a quick rinse at the sink makes a big difference.

- Moisturize first. Give it a little time to absorb. See my "Tested & True" Products I Love post for a great face lotion.

- Check out your eyebrow situation before you put on makeup. Pluck if you need to! Your eyebrows should reflect the fullness of your lips. Full lips = Fuller brows.

- Put on Chapstick BEFORE you do your makeup. If you're going to wear gloss or lipstick the Chapstick will absorb by the time you put on your shade and help give you a soft pout!

- This might just be a "me" thing, but I like to brush my teeth first. That way I'm all over "face fresh" and I don't smudge anything while scrubbin'!

1. Laying the foundation (get it?)

What you will need:

- Makeup wedge sponge

- Blush brush

- Eyebrow brush (short, stiff angled brush)

- Foundation

- Bronzer

- Blush, light shade

- Powder

- Eyeshadow that is slightly darker than your eyebrow shade

Start by putting on your foundation. I usually only use a total of three small dollops of foundation. Make sure to pat and not wipe it around the eye area! IMPORTANT: don't forget to spread your foundation under jaw line and blend it really well! After you apply the foundation do a sweep of powder to solidify it.

Next lightly tap your brush into the bronzer and give it a little blow before applying it to your face. You can always add more, so start with a small amount. You want to apply bronzer on the "underside" of your cheek bones. It's meant to add some shadow and make your face more defined. Also, give your nose a light sweep and just a little sweep on the forehead and chin. Here's a pro tip: extend your sweep up onto your temple making a "C" shape with your brush as you apply.

Then you will be applying blush! Blush is used to go on the upper part of your cheek bones (opposite your bronzer) and the apples of your cheeks. Same rules apply, start light and add as needed.

Next step, you need to define your brow! So many girls ignore their brows when they are the key to looking fabulous. Don't believe me? Go to an esthetician, tell them you want your brows waxed and dyed a shade darker than they naturally are. You won't believe how much your face changes. But you don't need to shell out the cash to get the effect. Pick an eye shadow that is matte (no sparkly shades!) and is a shade or two darker than your natural brow color. Using a stiff brush, press it lightly into the shadow and make sure you cover the whole surface of the brush. Using small strokes in an upward motion, work the pigment into your brows. I start at the arch of my brow and then work my way in, this way all the pigment isn't concentrated in one area. Use an eyebrow comb to put your brows back in shape and then add or remove color as needed! A Q-tip goes a long way in brow shaping.

Now step back, check out your face from all the different angles and smudge/rub anywhere you need to tweak! This is your natural look at its best. You should feel pretty and natural before you start on your eyes.

2. The Eyes

What you will need:

- Puffy eyeshadow brush

- Crease brush or soft angle brush

- Eyelash/brow comb

- Eyeliner, any color

- Eye shadow; base shade, two shades of color, light reflecting shadow

- Mascara

Use this photo as a guide:

First, pick your base shade. If you don't even know where to begin, here is some advice... Just decide how you want to look that day. Are you going for a subtle look, a fresh and pretty look, sexy and cool, or whatever just commit to something! Once you decide on that, pick your colors accordingly. I don't recommend using white as a base shade. Opt for more of a skin tone or an cream color. This is simply to avoid the "Jersey makeup" look. My go-to base shade is MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study. It's a cream based shadow but it stays on all day and never creases! I apply this to the full lid of my eye.

Next, apply your eye liner. I stick strictly to black/dark-brown/charcoal for my upper lash line because I want to define my eye. I make a clean line across my lash line and then I play with the outer eye depending on what look I'm going for. I like crayon eye pencils the best since you don't have to sharpen them and they tend to be the smoothest when applying. Start at the center of the lashes and make small strokes moving to the outer corner of your eye. Think of it as if you were drawing a dashed line only you will connect it. Then, carefully line the inner most part of your eye.

Next step, pick your medium shade and apply it to the crease areas. This shade is usually pretty light but has more pigment than your base shade. Don't be afraid to apply this generously! Make sure you're blending as you go and start with a small amount and add as needed. You could use either your angle brush or fluffy eyeshadow brush, I usually op for a fluffily angled brush. After you apply this shade you will move to your darker shade and apply this specifically on the outer crease of your eye and the outer part of the lid. Stick with a more angled brush to help you stay within the right area. Make a sideways "V" shape with your brush while applying. Blend, blend and blend!

Final shadow step, you will be taking your light reflecting shade and putting it in two key places. First place, under the arch of your brow and second place is the inner most corner of your eye. I'll even drag a little bit down along my nose, but just a little! This is how to get bright and awake looking eyes. If you aren't getting the affect you want, then add a little bit of this shade right above your eye onto the lid.

My final step is adding mascara, two coats. I really like Cover Girl Lash Blast, in the orange tube. Start at the base of your lashes and brush the wand up and out. Don't wiggle the wand because you're going to get clumpy and spidery lashes. And keep your eyes open; you don't want to blink into the mascara because you will hardly cover any lashes this way. Let the first coat dry completely before putting on the second coat. An eyelash comb is always helpful in smoothing out any imperfections without messing up your makeup. But don't use it if your mascara isn't dry, you might ruin the comb or your makeup.

I didn't forget... If you like to play up your bottom lash-line, go for it! I tend to save this area for night looks but that's also because my bottom lashes are basically transparent so it looks like I'm wearing a lot of makeup when I do up my bottom lashes. One thing I love using the bottom lash-line for is adding a pop of color. This is the place I would recommend using those colored eyeliners you have! If you don't have colored eyeliner you can use eyeshadow too. Just apply the shadow to a damp angle brush and gently line your bottom lash-line with it.

As basic as my makeup advice may be you can play with it and make it your own! I like my techniques because I can use any colors and I can create a lot of different looks. All-in-all this takes me probably 15-20 minutes to apply my makeup but I really like taking my time. If I look good, I feel good and there's nothing wrong with looking and feeling good about yourself!

Red is for Lovers

2012-02-07T19:56:00.003-05:00

It's February and I am in love. I am in love with the clothes coming out for spring and the fact that fire engine red is everywhere! It's not always the easiest color to pull off, especially on the bottom half, but it can't hurt to try. If you're not ready for the intense hue, you can try a more subtle shade of red. With Valentine's Day right around the corner; bright red couldn't have a better opportunity to make its spring debut. So get out there, start the hunt, and find that perfect red piece to add some POP to your wardrobe.

Here are some tips for pulling of the show-stopping color:

1. First you have to find a red piece that fits well. If it's too tight, too baggy, or not the right proportions

DO NOT BUY IT! If you have to go up a size, suck it up and cut out the size label later. People won't know if you're wearing a medium instead of a small but they will notice if that small is too small.

2. If you're wearing red pants, don't wear a white shirt.

3. Allow the red to do all the talking by keeping the makeup light and flirty. Same rule applies for your hair-do and jewelry.

4. Wearing heels forces me to have confidence even if I feel like a giant. Wear something that always helps "umph" up your confidence.

5. Smile! The more well received your attitude is, the more well received your fashion choices will be.

Let's step into my closet...

A lovely Calvin Klein henely in bright red! I know my photos aren't amazing but this shirt is. I hate button downs, but only on myself. I always feel really masculine in a button down but because this is just a henely and has a flattering tie-waste the shirt is a good balance. The sleeve detail is my favorite part; aside from the gold buttons. Throw this on with a dark pair of skinny jeans and some heels or boots.

Red GAP pants! I fell in love with these boot cut trousers the second I put them on. I mean, I never thought I would like the way I looked in red pants so much. I paired them with simple black pumps and a black lace tee-shirt from TJ Maxx . I can't wait to have an occasion to wear these! And ladies, you don't have to be a size two to wear red bottoms. I'm a size six and still can't wait to rock them!

(NOTE: I love Gap jeans and pants so much. If you're over 5'8'' and need a place to find long pants and jeans, try Gap. If you just want to feel amazing in your jeans, try Gap! If you want quality denim with extraordinary fit and reasonable prices, try Gap! Most importantly; if you don't want your crack saying hello to the world, try Gap!)

Solving "Belt Hang-Over"

2012-02-05T19:51:00.002-05:00

I love adding skinny belts to dresses and outfits. But what I absolutely don't love is how expensive a thin strip of material is! So, I wait until the belts go on sale at Target and buy them for less. A lot of the time, the only cute belts left are in XL. I buy them anyways! I came up with this little no-brainer trick so that I could continue being cheap and buying belts that are too big!

What you need:
- A thin belt of your choice. I picked a snake skin belt from Target.
- A little clear rubber hair band.

Step One:
Slide the rubber hair-tie onto the belt and slide it up near the buckle. Then, put your belt on and close the buckle.

STEP TWO:
Next, slide your hair-tie as far down the belt as you need to secure the loose end. Sometimes you need to "tighten" the rubber band. To do this, just loop the rubber band around the end of the belt and adjust!

STEP THREE:
Final step is to slide your belt into place! No double sided tape needed to ruin any of your belts. This trick also helps hold the belt in place if you run out of wholes. You can just push the pin to the side and put the belt through the buckle. Then, secure the end tightly with the rubber band.

2012 SAG Awards Fashion

2012-01-30T10:32:00.006-05:00

My 2012 SAG Awards Fashion Review:

Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory rocked this stunning light blue Romona Keveza gown. I love that she wore a color after her Golden Globe's dress, which was a nude color but also stunning. (Side note: it's the Badgley Mischka dress in my 2012 wedding gown review post!) Kaley's hair is another story... As it has been labeled, 2012 is the year of the braid, but Kaley's braid is just TOO BIG! I think her hairdresser was trying to add some "umph" to her look because her jewelry is so minimal but the giant braid doesn't work for me. I would have shrunk the braid, smoothed out the bangs and added a sparkly statement bracelet.

Glee star, Jenna Ushkowitz is another favorite of mine in this Rebecca Minkoff number. I don't know why I love this so much but I think she looks so beautiful and healthy! The color is amazing on her and her styling was done to perfection. If she had done an up-do, it wouldn't have matched the ease of the dress. I think she almost looks like a runway model, minus the bones showing! The cut-off dress with extended sheer fabric overlay is a trend we saw some of last year, but none were done this well. I have no idea what other reviews say about Jenna's SAG Awards look, but I think it's great.

Above are some more well-dress women at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. (From left) Kyra Sedgwick in Pucci, Emma Stone in Alexander Mqueen, Sofia Vergara in Marchesa and Jane Lynch in David Meister. I think all these ladies look lovely and their styling is spot on.

Actress Julie Bowen in Temperley London is one of my least favorites from last night. I hate to say anything bad because she usually looks so great but this purple color and the open back remind me of a swimsuit cover-up. Her look seemed very well received, so I may be the only one not loving it, but I think she could have done better... And where is the styling?? I like her hair but she has no polish on her nails and almost no jewelry.

Rose Byrne in Elie Saab. I want to love this look, I really do, but I think there was a mis-step with the styling. It's not the outfit itself because I actually kind of love it, but her short bob makes it almost futuristic looking! If you're going to rock a beaded jumper, I think you should make everything else soft since they tend to appear masculine. I would have loved to see a longer hair-do with a light wave and a clutch in a brighter color.

Okay, enough drooling. George Clooney looking ever so "Clooney" in his classic black suit and his lady, Stacy Keibler, stuns in this amazing black lace Marchesa dress. Could they be anymore perfect? I love that Stacy wore black because she isn't nominated for anything, she is simply there for her man! After ogling over this, I think I can accept being taller than whomever I'm with when heels are involved.

Last night, white seemed to be one of the main colors on the carpet. Here are some of the lovely actresses who rocked a white frock! (From left) Judy Greer in Collete Dinnigan, Kelly Osbourne, Viola Davis in Marchesa, and Angela Kinsey.

Are you kidding me?! This 14 year old actress from Modern Family knows how to dress. Ariel Winter is one to watch on the carpet. Here she is at the SAG awards in Collette Dinnigan. She's young and can pull off wearing a shorter dress to an awards show. She is so age appropriate in this stone colored dress, it almost makes you forget that she's only 14! Google her Golden Globe's dress, it was adorable.

Speaking of age-approprite, Jessica Lang pulls of the sparkle dress trend perfectly. Her body looks amazing too! It is fitted so she shows off but also the sleeves help keep it mature. I'm a fan!

Sorry Leah Michelle, but you really drive me crazy when you are "working" the red carpet. I love her Atelier Versace gown but she looks so smug that I don't even want to look at it. And girl, look at your wrists! Are you wearing sparkly, mismatched handcuffs? I'm also disappointed in the shoes and clutch. Maybe spread some of that bling down to the feet! However, her hair and makeup look young and clean. I wonder if the headband trend Charlize Theron did at the GG's would have worked here?

Another pretty girl who fell victim to poor styling is Shailene Woodley in L'Wren Scott. I actually think this dress is cool, fun and great for her age but what is with the neckline? It just doesn't fall correctly on her. Her hair also ages her slightly. I would have preferred a loose low pony-tail or even if it was just down and straight. And where is your bright red cocktail ring?! How could they not have put one on her finger with this fun accent color to play with? I'm going to watch out for her on the red carpet from now on, because she took a risk here and would have knocked it out of the park with a few fixes.

I'm not about to critic Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I just know that if I didn't put a picture of them up, I would have been leaving out a huge part of the night. I will say this: I like this look better than Angelina's Golden Globe's look.

Giuliana Rancic was my overall favorite of the night. I mean, come on, look at her! Her body looks amazing in this figure-hugging Basil Soda floor length gown. Her hair makes her look young and fresh. The accessories are so perfectly placed and selected that I want to thank her stylist! The red and gold color combination is so modern. Just weeks after her double mastectomy, Giuliana shows every Hollywood starlet out there how to bounce back. This is how you "stick-it" to cancer and come out on top. Go G!

View From the Top; 6'3'' In Heels

2012-01-28T10:44:00.004-05:00

Guess what? I love shoes. I hope that doesn't come as a surprise to anyone. There's one problem though; I am 5'10'' without heels! I always shy away from wearing a fabulous pair of heels because I don't want to tower above everyone else. It's always been one of my insecurities but if everyone else is wearing heels or is really tall, that's a different story! (Anyone know where tall people hang out?!) So, for that reason, I continue to shell out tons of money on really expensive shoes I may or may not wear in the next two years. However, I've really learned to slow it down the past few years because, well, life is freakin' expensive but I am not always able to fight the urge. One day I hope to accepts that if I want to wear any of my tons and tons of heels that I need to just get over the whole "being tall" thing. It's not going away! Woah, thanks for the brief therapy sesh..

Back to the shoes. Here's a peek into my closet for all you lucky readers!

Let's begin with my love affair with Michael Kors' high heels. I have a serious "thing" for the Project Runway judge when it comes to his bags, shoes, watches and just about everything else. In my "Go-To Gold Pieces" post I have my favorite pair of flats which are Michael Kors! I even think my first credit card purchase was this amazing pair of Michael Kors:

If you don't love these heels then we can't be friends. I started obsessing over this idea of zipper details on shoes while decorating my short lived dorm wall. (By short lived I mean; two weeks and I moved the hell out of there! Let's just say, dorms ended up not being my thing.) I would flip through countless magazines trying to find the coolest things to tape up that would, intern, make me look cool. I was a freshmen, cut me a break! I found a pair similar to these by a different designer that I was set on buying. But something changed when I saw these little suckers at Macy's just begging me to buy them with my new credit card. Do as I say and not as I do, please use credit cards more responsibly than myself. They cost a lot, but half as much as the original pair I was hunting for. Mine! And I've loved them ever since.

My next pair of Michael Kors that I think make a cute addition to my shoe collection I've never actually worn. Isn't that ridiculous? But I have never had anywhere to wear them or anything to wear them with. They are high, too. I had one of those "must have" moments with these purple pumps. I can't even remember what store I bought them in! Here are my Michael Kors mary-Jane inspired purple pumps:

I have a love/hate relationship with these. I want to wear them so badly but never have anything to wear them with! I know I already said that but it is stressful. I can not see these with jeans. Maybe with a black skirt or dress but I just don't know how fancy. Ah! Well, I refuse to get rid of them. They're different than most shoes and that's how you build style, with unique accent pieces.

My next fun pair are bright royal blue and wrap up to the ankle. Other people seem to like these shoes more than I do but that's one reason I like to wear them! They are Madden Girl from DSW. I don't know how a shoe from a line for "girls" fit me because my feet are big but they did! They aren't very comfortable and they get beat up pretty easily but I still like them for jeans or the right dress. (I couldn't find a "pro" picture)

I know I said that other people like these more than I do but I actually like them the more I look at them. They are a good heel height too! They are probably 3 inches, so that's do-able. Aren't my legs are so tan?

Every girl needs a pair of red dress up shoes! Just a pair that will go with anything and give you that little "umph". Most red heels are super sexy and high but these ones are actually pretty modest and low. They are just so comfortable I could wear them for days. They stay on my foot like a glove and I can just wipe them clean if they get dirty. Here is my first Nordstrom shoe purchase from a few years back:

The designer is Anyi Lu. Note the little heel. They aren't the sexiest but they are the comfiest! One day I'm sure I'll buy a pair of sky high red heels but I have my sights set on my first pair of Christian Louboutin's before anything else!

Metallic shoes are everything. They work as neutrals when they are in gold or silver tones like these Nina heels. I like them because they elongate the leg like a pair of nude pumps. I think they're a little sexy and almost blend with the skin! I will admit, they aren't the easiest to walk in, but we must sometimes suffer for pretty shoes. They don't really cause blisters or anything though because there aren't any parts rubbing against your skin. Here they are:

Simple and classic, I can definitely get a lot of wears out of these!

My last pair is a a really comfortable and easy pair of cage sandals, designer Etienne Aigner. They are a wedge so they're easy to wear and walk in. They are perfect for spring and summer because you can wear them anywhere and with almost anything. Here are two different colors, I only have the brown ones, but I like them both:

Low, comfy, easy and cute.

I love the idea of not relying on a simple pair of black heels or nude pumps. Mixing it up and getting different styles of shoes is going to benefit your personal style. You want to focus on the color of the shoe when deciding whether to buy it or not. No matter how crazy the shoe, if the color works with a lot of things, you're going to get good wear out of them. I feel like every girl has a pair of jeans that just doesn't "go" with anything. Don't buy shoes that have the same effect, especially if you have the habit of buying designer.

And here is my favorite video about shoes:

There will be plenty more shoe posts considering how fun it was trying them all on. Are you obsessed with a pair of heels?! Email or Tweet me about it so I can obsess too!