Bloody Mary Bloody Mary Bloody…

One thing that never ever goes out of style is boots. Just ask the pilgrims!

Here are a few ways to integrate boots from all centuries into your wardrobe. I’m drawing a little style inspiration from actress/singer Ashley Tisdale. Guurl can rock a mean pair ‘o boots!

Wild Wild West:
Cowboy boots are just as doable nowadays as they were when the West was won. They can be worn with jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, you name it!

Rain Rain Go Away:
Rain boots are not just for five year olds! They can be incorporated into your wardrobe to add style to even the wettest of days.

Thigh High:
They’re not just for Pretty Woman anymore. These sexy boots can be tastefully mastered for a night on the town.

Ugg-spand:
Your Uggs can be worn with more than just sweats, I promise! Look for ways to add comfy chic to your summer shorts or your winter sweaters.

Vroom Vroom:
Motorcycle boots add style to any outfit. From flirty dresses, to leather pants and skullz, motorcycle boots just work. And they give a nice “don’t mess with me” feel which helps when fighting through the sale wrack.

Pass the Peace Pipe:
Moccasin boots are one of my favorites. Another item that can add character to outfits all year round. And they’re more comfortable than my bedroom slippers!

Ahoy Matey:
Pirates are good for more than just Johnny Depp movies. We can steal their style too! Add a pair of pirate footwear into your wardrobe rotation and you won’t regret it.

You don’t have to be dedicated to vintage fashion to pull off a vintage inspired look. In fact, one of the best ways to make your outfit standout is to mix in vintage pieces. What’s worse than showing up to the party in the same H&M dress as three other girls there?! But with these tips and tricks, you can transform that dress into something entirely different!

A great place to pull inspiration for this style is Coachella, the annual music and arts festival. Celebs and trendy peeps in general use this event as a canvas to express their fashion; the good, the bad, and the ugly. We, however, will be focusing on the good.

Look #1 Layering:

Katy Perry takes a common item (the top and/or the skirt) which look like a staple in any H&M or Forever 21, and transforms it with vintage touches. The hat, the belt, the boots with the socks peeping out, and the pendant take an already cute and predictable outfit and make it one of a kind. Don’t be afraid to add layers to your look. To pull the look together she kept the colors similar and carries the same dark accent color from top to bottom, anchoring the look.

Look #2 Flower Child:

This lovely lady is able to seamlessly mix the old with the new. The lace top is the perfect anchor with the vintage shorts and hippie inspired sunglasses. Groovy baby!

Look #3 Feminine Charm:

This is one of my favorite looks! The bodice top is hot right now! Look in any store for the midriff baring structured piece and add it to your closet. Wear it with a high-waisted skirt/shorts/pants and you have a totally new look! The hat is the final piece that takes this look from cute to couture (and the crocheted pineapple purse doesn’t hurt).

Look #4 Hippie Hippie Shake:

Super model Alessandra Ambrosio has no trouble transforming into the perfect hippie. She has mixed some common denim shorts and a simple flowy white top with a fringed vest, floppy hat, and boots. Viola! Hippie chic.

Look #5 Heavy Medal:

Diane Kruger knows the trick, add a vintage inspired rock t-shirt to practically any outfit and you’re a fashion star. That has to be one of the best ways to make a common outfit, different. Besides who doesn’t love a little classic rock? Another floppy hat to complete the look…Am I sensing a trend here?

Look #6 K.I.S.S.:

As my English teacher used to write at the top of my essays, Keep It Simple Stupid. Vintage doesn’t necessarily mean more is better. Take a look at Kate Bosworth, one of the best dressed women today. Sheer black dress, another style item to snag at just about any store anywhere. But she adds some edgy boots and a vintage vest. BAM one vest turned that simple dress into something no one else is wearing. That’s what I’m talkin’ about people.

Just remember that one of the greatest things about fashion today is that anything goes! Just look at Lady Gaga for Pete’s sake. Confidence should always be your number 1 fashion accessory. If you like it, wear it!

I’m not talking about cake Ladies and Gentlemen! Although, now that you mention it….

But seriously, one of the best and most cost-effective ways to enhance an outfit is to layer with items already in your closet. And I don’t just mean adding layers upon layers of clothing, although that is one way to get the effect.

Layering can be done in the most simplified ways through jewelry and, more subtly, through mixing different styles in one ensemble.

What exactly do I mean by this? Let’s look at some examples brought to you by two of my favorite fashionistas out there; Blair Eadie, fashion buyer and blogger (atlantic-pacific.com), and Karla Deras, blogger (karlascloset.com).

Blair has an exceptional talent for layering. She mixes patterns and textures to create a fashion feast for the eyes! Each outfit has a very unique look and feel. Notice that even when she integrates the same pieces into different outfits they have a completely new effect.

Karla is a great example of layering multiple styles into one outfit. She has an eye for the perfect balance of masculine and feminine.

Some things to keep in mind when layering:

1. Stick with one show stopping item and keep the other pieces relatively simple.

2. Clean lines and like colors will keep your outfit from becoming too overwhelming.

3. It helps to have at least one figure-hugging item, whether it be a tight skirt like Karla or a belted waist like Blair. You don’t want to be drowning in your layers!

4.  Be confident! Confidence can take an outfit from “What was she thinking?” to “She must know something I don’t.”

 

 

Hair cuts I can’t have because I made a solemn vow to grow my hair out once and for all.

Weekend nails.

To Do:

Paint base coat, I used Essie Sand Tropez (http://www.essie.com/shop/sand-tropez-p-366.html)

Take nail tape, I used black (http://www.amazon.com/Nail-Stripe-Decoration-Sticker-Hologram/dp/B0069FDR96)

Place down the center of each nail

Place across each nail

Trim excess from tips and edges of nails with cuticle cutters or nail scissors

Top coat

Done!

Cotton Candy hair.

One of my favorite things, besides chocolate, and wine….and Ryan Gosling movies, is amazingly funky nail art. I’ve made it my personal challenge to take on as many nail craft projects as I can. My latest creation is the Paint Splatter Nail.

To Create:

Apply a base coat, I used white. Pick your splatter colors and drop a dollop of each on a paper plate. Dip the tip of a straw into the first color, hold the straw above your nail, and blow. Repeat on each nail with each color. It creates an awesome chaotic mini masterpiece on each nail.

*A tip to help with the mess: apply scotch tape around each finger nail to prevent excess polish on fingers. Finish by cleaning up the edges with a Q-Tip dipped in nail polish remover. Voilà!