Spring 2013: Black & White

Nanette Lepore Celebration Dress

Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini Satchel

YSL Tribute Pumps

Spring 2013 Fashion has arrived, and although a lot of us (especially here in chilly Chicago) are still facing cold Winter weather, the Spring 2013 trends have really left a huge impression.  One of the biggest trends for Spring 2013 that I have been loving (and know that I am going to obsess over) is the Black & White trend.

From little trimmings to full blown prints, you're going to see so many designers release items with beautiful black and white color combination.  

For me, I love the little details of combining white and black rather than the loud prints, but overall the trend itself is amazing.  It's a great way to carry over some of your Winter wardrobe to Spring.

xoxo,

Eve

The Trend Report: LACE

Last week, Chicago really got hit by the cold Winter weather.  We were all bundled up and just trying to get through the cold (windy) days.  However, today is a total 180 from last week.  With the sun shining and a cool breeze, I am already getting myself excited for Spring (which is still a few months away).

With Spring already in my mind, it has me excited for Spring Fashion.  And one of the trends I believe will be big for Spring 2013 is Lace.

Lace can date back to the 16th century, where only people of the highest social status were able to dress with lace.  Now, it's a classic material used in all sorts of pieces that can be worn by anyone with any style.  Of course real, french, lace are just out of reach for most of us, but there are cheaper alternatives that we all can enjoy.

When it comes to clothes, there are two types of looks I enjoy with lace: Sexy and Feminine.  With both looks, I find the lace in the looks make the outfit look classic and timeless.

Some of my favorite pieces I've found are mainly dresses, but nowadays lace can be incorporated in many fashion pieces (from shoes to handbags).  So I decided to pick a few to highlight and share with all of you.

Feminine Styles:

- Tibi Jules Lace Dress

- ASOS Skater Dress

- ASOS Skater Dress with Collar

- ASOS Pretty Lace Skater Dress

- ABS Lace Dress with Crochet Trim

Sexy Styles: 

- Nightcap Clothing Deep Victorian Lace Dress

- French Connection Lace Front Body-Con Dress

- Rare Lace Open Back Skater Dress

- ASOS Exclusive Lace Playsuit

- Motel Damita Lace Low Back Dress

xoxo,

Eve

Holiday Naughty List

It's still not too late to get your Holiday wish list together as a guide for all of your friends and family.  For all of the good girls out there, I decided to create a 'Naughty List' as a guide.  It's completed with some of my beauty must haves for the year from the more luxurious brands (thus making them more or a splurge).

- Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Eye Palette
- YSL Pure Chromatics Eye Shadow Palette
- Laura Mercier Colour To Go Palette
- BareMinerals The Star Treatment Set
- GHD Straightener
- YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain
- YSL Blush Radiance
- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss
- Dior Diorskin Nude Tan Powder
- Origins Skincare Must Haves
- Clarisonic Mia 2
- Lancome Visionaire
- Ciate Mini Mani Set

These are some of the products that I have been loving (or eyeing) from the most coveted counters this season.  Just as I mentioned in my 'Stocking Stuffers' post, I love giving, and receiving, palettes and kits as gifts.  They come out to a better price and you are getting more than what you would pay for a single item.  So if you're searching for a beauty gift for that special friend or family member, keep an eye out for all of those Holiday palettes and sets available this time around.  One of my favorite places that I would recommend to anyone looking for great beauty sets is Nordstrom.  They have an amazing beauty section (which is always stocked) that is so much fun to walk around.

Yes, these are definitely on the more expensive side, but it's alright to have one or two more extravagant items on your wish list from time to time.  You don't have to expect one person to splurge so much on you for the season.  I usually like to get together with a friend (or two) and share a big gift for one of our mutual friends.  I find that getting together with someone and together splurge on a gift for someone is much better than getting something that is half the price that she might not like as much.

So use this as a guide for yourself, or pick out something for a friend!

Happy Gifting!

xoxo,

Eve

Stocking Stuffers For Any Beauty Lover

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year.  With all fo the Holiday parties and decoration, it really gets everyone in that Christmas mood.  However, with Christmas comes A LOT of shopping for gifts.  I absolutely love picking out gifts for my friends and family, but when you add everyone up, it could be quite a long list.  So one of my favorite ways to get great gifts, but save a little is to pick up cute and affordable stocking stuffers and put one or two items in it.  Kind of like a holiday gift bag.

So for the beauty lovers in my family members and friends, the best place I found for great sticking stuffer picks at reasonable prices was of course Sephora.  They definitely did a great job of filling their shop with a whole variety of Holiday sets for any girl.

1. Nails Inc. Autumn Winter Collection

2. Sephora by OPI Tinsel Town Set

3. Tarte Eye-Catchers Set

4. Soap & Glory The Best Things In Life Are Three

5. Tarte The Stand Outs Kit

6. Philosophy Purity Made Simple (Travel Size)

7. Stila Eye Shadow Trio

8. Sephora Favorites Lash Stash Kit

9. L'Occitane Hand Indulgences Set

10. Chloe Miniature Duo

One of my favorite things to do is to walk down the travel section of Sephora (and Ulta) and pick up a few of my favorite items in the smaller sizes to share with my friends.  It's an inexpensive way to put together a gift for certain friends.  The value sets are always an awesome way to make the gift a little more special, while still not breaking the bank.  You definitely get more bang for your buck with these value sets, since they are usually filled with more items for less money.

You definitely can save a lot more by going for more drugstore products.  Whichever items you enjoy using yourself from the drugstore, you can pick out for your friends.  

Pack it all up in a cute Christmas Stocking, add a little tissue paper to top it all off, and voila a specially packaged gift for a good friend.

Happy Gifting!

xoxo,

Eve

It's Mad Hatter FASHION

Halloween is slowly creeping on us, and every where I go I see people frantically shopping to put their costume together.  When I think of Halloween and costume ideas, I always go back to childhood storybooks and certain characters to find inspiration.

When I combine my love for fashion now with my obsession with storybook characters as a child, I would have to say that the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland is the perfect style icon.

So in honor of the Halloween season, I decided to come up with an inspiration board for Mad Hatter, which includes two looks.  One is a Halloween look, with more quirky pieces that really fits the Mad Hatter look, while the other is more of an everyday look that consist of pieces inspired by the character.

Halloween is all about being creative.  By using your imagination, you can transform your look into anything you want to become.  Although this is definitely a more designer style (and priced) look, I still had fun putting it together.

HALLOWEEN INSPIRED:
- Mary Katranzou Dress
- Disney Mad Hatter Hat
- Smallable Black Tights
- Steve Madden Troopa Boots

EVERYDAY INSPIRED:
- Smythe Peaked Lapel Blazer
- ACNE High Waisted Zip Trouser
- Wool Bucket Ribbon Hat
- Michael Kors Mariel Flat Riding Boot

The everyday inspired look is definitely more toned down and wearable.  You have the structure and whimsical feel for the character, yet still being classic and sophisticated.

xoxo,

Eve

Winter Whites

No white after Labor Day? I personally love wearing white in the colder seasons.  It brings a lighter, more ethereal feel, and is as eye catching as wearing any brighter color.

Many may say wearing white my be too simple, boring, or flat.  However, just as when you are wearing any other solid color, when you play around with textures and shapes, you can create a lot of dimension to your look.

THE STRUCTURED DRESS

- Theory Bonbi W Wool Dress

- Shoshanna Tweed Dress

The structured dress brings a classic, sophisticated style that really makes a statement.  Playing with different materials, wool and tweed brings more depth and design into the white dresses.

COOL & CASUAL TOPS

- Oak Side Cowl Tank

Who says everything about Winter has to be heavy. I love playing with layers, and working with lighter, more airy tops bring a sort of coolness to an outfit.  Layer this under lighter sweaters and jackets will definitely help create that more relaxed look.

THE OUTER LAYER

- Luxury Is Dead Biker Leather Jacket

- In Dress Me Big Lapel Woolen Coat

Can't get through Winter without that perfect coat.  Once again, take this opportunity to play around with textures, leather versus wool (other anything else you may prefer) to really show your sense of style and personality.

Instead of fashion rules, following fashion inspirations and bring out your personality in what you wear.

xoxo,

Eve

Playing with Textures - Suede

Suede is one of the biggest trends when it comes to playing around with textures for Fall 2012.  It's the softness of the fabric and makes it fun to manipulate and work into your wardrobe.

1. The Essential Jacket - Mango Suede Biker Jacket

The jacket will always be the essential/staple piece to have in your wardrobe because it's that layering piece that will always be a classic look that you can work with multiple looks.  

2. Classic Bags - Marni Structured Bag or Zara Shopper Bag

A structured, classic bag is a must and I love when designers add textured to their handbags.  These oversized, suede bags not only play into the suede trend, but also the larger and more structured totes are also a huge trend for the season.

3. Casual Booties - Stuart Weitzman Suede Booties or Ganni Laced Up Booties

My favorite way to rock suede is with shoes, and I can't get enough of these casual chic wedges.  Gives you that extra bit of elevation with the added comfort of a regular sneaker.

4. Glamours Heels - Jessica Simpson Black Suedes or Giusuppe Zanotti Red Pumps

Are you more into the sky high heels? Look no further than these sexy pumps that can really amp up any look.  I;m dying over these Giuseppe Zanotti pumps.

5. Stack It! - Isabel Marant Crystal & Bead Suede Cuff or Mulberry Lock Cuff

Overwhelmed by all of this suede? Take it down a notch by just playing up your jewelry and add cuffs like these for that little touch of texture.

I absolutely love mixing it up and definitely can't wait to use these inspiration pieces as shopping guidelines to find more affordable suede staples.

xoxo,

Eve

Cool Leathers

Fall is all about cool leather pieces, and every girl needs a staple leather jacket in their wardrobe.  Layering is key when it comes to Fall looks, so having a great leather jacket to work into your look can really help you create multiple looks with just a few pieces.

1. McQ Alexander McQueen Oxblood Leather Biker Jacket
2. Helmut Lang Leather Jacket
3. Maz Azria Cotton Paneled Leather Jacket
4. Alexander McQueen Matt Leather Mini-Bustle Jacket
5. Burberry Long Leather Trench

Play around with the fit, cut, and color of leather to create that perfect style for yourself.

xoxo,

Eve

Race for the Cure

October is one of my favorite months of the year, as it brings together strangers from around the world to bring awareness to "Race for the Cure."  Breast Cancer affects millions of families all across the globe, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation plays a critical role in the fight against breast cancer.  All year round they bring awareness and spread hope to millions of people, but it's the month of October that gives them the opportunity to give 31 days of impact.  And because of that, many companies partner up with the Susan G. Komen foundation to continue to raise awareness and funds for the month of October.

- Pandora Charm 

- Citizen Diamond Watch

- BCBGMAXAZRIA Pave Earbuds

- BCBGMAXAZRIA Layered Scarf

- True Religion Swarovski Crystal Jeans

These are some of the items that I personally like and and if I wanted to purchase it just means that all of the proceeds goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

If you want to shop around for yourself, or anyone else that you'd love to spread the cause to, definitely check out the Susan G. Komen website for more awareness items.  You can also skip the shop and make a direct donation.  Just remember, every penny is one step closer to a cure, so it's not the amount but the step forward.

Shop Susan G. Komen Foundation: http://www.shopkomen.com/featured.php/ 

Donate here: https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Donation2?idb=530278790&df_id=7862&7862.donation=form1

xoxo,

Eve

Lancome Coral Crush

One of my favorite palettes for the season has been the Lancome Color Design Palette in Coral Crush.  It the perfect, go to palette for a Fall neutral look.  The hints of blush and silver give that added softness, making it a very feminine and easy.

With the palette, I decided to create an inspiration board which puts together a look brining out a few of the colors in the palette.

- Lancome Color Design Palette in Coral Crush

- JS Collection Dress

- YSL Patent Leather Blush Platform Sandal

- Dorchester Shoulder Bag

- Juicy Couture Chunky Bracelet

- River Island Cream Pearl Studs

Definitely one of my favorite looks for a special evening out.

xoxo,

Eve