I Love My Combat Boots

Combat boots are the best thing to happen to my closet since the white tshirt. They're so cute and comfortable, but so edgy! I feel like such a hipster when I wear them. They're the easiest way to quickly add an edge to any outfit. Here's the pair that I bought. They're a little on the expensive side, but they're totally worth it. I wear them almost every single day, and they're such good quality that they still look almost new!

Steve Madden Troopa Boot ($99.95)

Here's a less expensive option from American Eagle:

AEO Lace-Up Moto Boot ($50)

Every girl should own a pair of combat boots. They'll go with everything: jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts. They'll add the perfect hipster edge to all of your cute outfits!

How to Have a Low-Key Prom

Hello, everyone! Sorry the posts have been scarce lately. I've been extremely busy. Prom was last weekend, and this week, I'm directing a play at school, so it's been pretty hectic.

My prom was so much fun.  It was a magical night full of friends, fun, and the best date ever! One of the best parts was that it was extremely low-key. I didn't have to scramble to get ready, and I got to relax all day long. Here's the ultimate schedule for Prom weekend:

Friday
-4 PM: Manicure/Pedicure
-6 PM: Go out with your friends. Squeeze in one last opportunity to bond before the big night!

Saturday
-10 AM: Wake up
-11 AM: Shower. Make sure to exfoliate!
-12 PM: Go to your local florist to pick up your boutonniere/corsage.
-1 PM: Watch a few episodes of your favorite TV show. It'll relax you and get your day off to a great start!
-3 PM: Start your hair & makeup. Play some of your favorite music (I blasted The Beatles and Mumford & Sons!).
-4 PM: Slip on your dress and do any final touches!
-4:15 PM: Head out! Have a wonderful, safe night. Enjoy it, and don't stress the small stuff.

Here's some pictures from my prom:

Me and my date, Austen!

Me and one of my good friends, Nea!

Style Crush of the Week

I hope that everyone was inspired by Emma Stone's sweet city style last week. I definitely broke out my motorcycle boots and striped tshirts! This week's style crush is (drumroll, please): Selena Gomez!

Her style is so chic and classic. She's sophisticated and doesn't try to look older than she is, like a lot of other girls her age do. She's pretty and girly, but isn't afraid to take a risk every once in a while. Her red carpet looks are always flawless, too! This week, embrace your sweet side! Wear classic silhouettes and a soft, neutral color palette. Here's some photos for inspiration:

Fashion That Gives Back

Ever wish that you could give back, but feel like you don't have enough time? Fret no more! Nowadays, many great companies not only make adorable pieces for your closet, but give away some for people in need, too. You not only get to feel cute, you get to feel good about your purchase too! Here's some companies that care that you can check out:

1. TOMS

Whenever you buy a pair of TOMS, they give a pair away to a child in need. They're totally cute and comfy, too! They come in all styles: wedges, ballet flats, and my personal favorite: the classic slip-ons. I have bright red ones, and I wear them with everything!

Red Canvas Classics ($44)

2. Burt's Bees
Everyone knows Burt's Bees for their amazing eco-friendly beauty products (their chapstick is my personal favorite!), but they're also extremely committed to helping the planet! Every year, employees spend 30 office hours giving back, and some of their favorite organizations include Habitat for Humanity and KaBoo. Last year, Burt's Bees donated four hundred pairs of jeans to Habitat, who then used them to insulate new homes! To support Burt's Bees, stock up on their amazing Beeswax Lip Balm! It's infused with peppermint oil for a refreshing tingle, and is available at most drug stores.

Beeswax Lip Balm ($3)

3. Warby Parker
Like TOMS, with every purchase, Warby Parker gives a pair of glasses to someone in need. They have so many adorable frames in a ton of cute shapes and prints! They're a little more expensive, but they'll last forever and you'll feel so good about helping someone in need.

Warby Parker Thatcher Sunglasses ($95)

This new trend of giving back is so wonderful! It's great to see mainstream, popular companies that care and make an effort to give back. And it doesn't hurt that you get a cute new piece for your closet, too!

Mustard Yellow: This Season's Hottest Color!

In this transition weather, it's easy to fall into a fashion rut. You're bored with all of your clothes, and so tired of heavy coats and jeans! To spice up your wardrobe, add some color! This season, I've been obsessed with mustard yellow. It's chic, bright, and looks great with all neutrals. There's so many ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe. Here's some inspiration:

1. Nails
The perfect pop of color to any outfit!
Need Sunglasses? By OPI

2. Shoes
Urban Outfitters Suede Pump ($39)

I love these shoes. I wear them to every fancy event, and I always get compliments! The cone heel is a great (and more stable) alternative to the stiletto. They're so inexpensive, too!

3. Backpack
With this super-chic backpack, you'll be able to wear this hot trend every single day! This bag is practical too; it has pockets for all your stuff! You'll love it.
Ecote Solid Canvas Backpack ($49)

4. Tank Top
You can wear this tank top under all of your simple tees for the perfect shot of color! Buy it in Gold Artisan for the perfect mustard shade!
BP Double Scoop Neck Tank Top ($15)

This gorgeous, rich color is so perfect for spring and summer! It'll breathe life into your wardrobe.

4 Classic Sunglasses That Every Girl Should Own

Well, it's getting to be that time of year again! Everyone's starting to break out their sandals and plan their summer wardrobe. To go with your cute new dresses and shorts, you're going to need a great new pair (or two) of sunglasses! While the cute neon ones are always tempting, pick classic colors and shapes that you'll have forever. Here's four stylish (and inexpensive) pairs that you'll love all summer long:

1. Wayfarers
Wayfarers are so classic and retro. Their great shape looks good on everyone, and go with everything. Ray Bans make the best wayfarers, but they're a little on the expensive side. So here's a great lookalike pair for a much smaller price:
KW 'Punky' Sunglasses from BP ($12)

2. Tortoise Shell

Take a break from black. Tortoise shell is the chicest way to wear pattern on your sunglasses! To put a modern twist on this classic print, wear it in a cat-eye shape. Here's a super cute pair from Topshop:

Large Drop Lense Plastic Sunglasses ($32)

3. Aviators

Aviators are so chic and timeless. They've been worn by everyone from Elvis Presley to Jennifer Aniston! Here's a great pair from American Eagle. They have flower details on the ear pieces for a feminine touch! 

AE Floral Aviator Sunglasses ($15.50)

4. Clubmasters
So 80s, but in a good way! These interesting frames have the perfect hipster touch. They're perfect for a trip to the city or a day at the beach. To perfectly pull off clubmasters, try this chic pair from Modcloth!
Penny Arc-shade Sunglasses ($29.99)

With any of these great frames, you'll feel your cutest all summer long!

Prom: Where to Save and Where to Splurge

Prom season is a stressful time. Trust me, I know. This is my second time on the prom circuit. The price tags can really add up with the dress, shoes, makeup, transportation, even the ticket alone! This guide will help you navigate the expensive world of prom, and help you decide where to save and where to splurge.

The Dress: Splurge
Prom is like your wedding in high school. The dress is the part you dream about forever...way before your date comes into the picture! Spend a little extra on your dream dress. Everyone talks about other girls' dresses the next day, and you want to be the one they remember first! Here's some beautiful prom dresses for all price ranges:

Nordstrom Tiered Chiffon Gown ($198)

This was my dress from last year. I absolutely loved it. It was really different from everyone else's dresses, and I got tons of compliments on it! I would definitely recommend it.

Macy's Boat Neck Rhinestone Maxi Gown

Hair: Save
Rather than getting your hair done at a fancy salon, do it yourself! There are so many beautiful, complicated-looking updos that really only take about 10 minutes! And it's such a nice feeling when someone compliments you on your hair and you can say, "Thank you! I did it myself." Here's a photo of my hair from last year. I did a side bun and added a flower garland.

Here's the link to my Hair and Makeup board on Pinterest. I've pinned a lot of pictures of updos as inspiration for Prom! Check it out: Hair and Makeup Board.

Makeup: Save
Save yourself the stress (and cash) of getting your makeup done at a salon. If you do it yourself, you don't have to worry about the makeup artist doing it wrong! There are so many drugstore products for ten dollars or less that can help create your most beautiful look ever! Here are the must-have products for Prom:
Lash Blast 24 Hour Mascara

With this great, long-lasting mascara, you don't have to worry about smudging or flaking! It'll look perfect all night long!

Outlast Double Lip Shine

This great lip gloss has two sides: one for color and one for shine. It's very long-lasting, so you won't have to be constantly reapplying!

Nails: Splurge
For your nails, splurge for the salon mani/pedi. Not only will it make your nails look absolutely gorgeous, it's a great opportunity for girl time with you and your friends! Organize a nail party by booking mani/pedis all at the same time, and use the time to bond by gossiping about your dates and bragging about your dress. A good policy for Prom nails: neutral on the hands, and bold on the feet. Try Essie's Ballet Slippers for your fingers! It's a soft, pretty pink, and will look great no matter what color your dress is.

Shoes: Save
No one will see them anyway! Rather than springing for designer shoes, try looking for less expensive shoes at places like Target or BP.

Flowers: Save
Rather than splurging on an expensive boutonniere for your date, make your own! Buy a fresh flower and some pretty leaves on the morning of the Prom, and wrap it in a pretty ribbon. Go to your grocery store florist and ask for a corsage pin, and use it to pin the flower to your date's tuxedo. You'll be the chicest couple there! Here's a photo of the boutonniere we made for my date last year:

Bag: Save
Search through your mom's closet! I'll bet she has a super chic vintage clutch. No one else will have it!

With this guide, you'll be able to navigate your way through Prom on a budget, and still have a blast!

Homemade (All-Natural) Beauty Products

With the new year, everyone is dieting, exercising, and saying to themselves, "THIS is my year." But what a lot of people don't realize is that what you put ON your body is just as important as what you put IN it. With the following recipes, you can give yourself an all-natural makeover using products from your own kitchen!

1. Honey Sugar Scrub

This homemade scrub is incredible. Just rub a little bit on your body and your skin will feel so soft! It's super easy to make, too. Just mix equal parts of natural cane sugar with honey, and you'll have created your new favorite product!

2. Olive Oil Hair Conditioner

In the depths of winter, hair starts to get limp, dry, and crunchy. I've worn my hair in a ponytail for a week straight! To give your hair the pick-me-up that it's craving, just soak it in olive oil! Rub olive oil all through your hair, and pay extra attention to your ends. Let it soak in as long as you want (the longer you leave it in, the softer and shinier it will be!), and then rinse it out. Your hair will thank you!

3. Dark Chocolate Mask
To cure peely winter skin, use this chocolate moisturizing mask to rejuvinate your face. Watch this how-to video for the recipe!

With these all-natural recipes, your winter beauty rut will be over! Your friends will beg for your secrets!

Like This? Buy That!

We all love to look at designer lines and extravagant magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, but the price range is a little out of reach. With this guide, you'll be able to translate designer style into more affordable pieces!

Like this?                                                          

Featured in Vogue

Buy that!

J Crew 5" Chino Short ($45)

Like this?

Emma Watson in a Burberry dress

Buy that!

Nordstrom As U Wish Sequin Dress ($64)

Like this?

Chanel Quilted Chain-Link Bag

Buy that!

Urban Outfitters Snake Chain Cross-body Bag ($49)

With these super-chic pieces, you'll look like you walked straight off the runway! You'll turn heads all day long.

Style Crush of the Week

I hope everyone found some inspiration in last week's style crush, Zooey Deschanel! I definitely embraced my girly side. This week's style crush is none other than: Emma Stone!

She lives in New York City's Greenwich Village, so her style is so chic and urban. But the thing that makes her so crush-able is the preppy twist that she puts on her city style. She lives in striped shirts (my personal fashion staple), but adds a leather jacket or motorcycle boots for a rough edge.

This week, let her sweet-with-an-edge style inspire some of your outfits! You'll look so city-chic! Here's some photos for inspiration:

How cute is she? I'll definitely be stealing that red jeans look this week!

Check Out These Bloggers!

I'm always on the lookout for new, different, unique blogs. Lately, I've been looking to Hello Giggles for fashion and beauty inspiration.

It's written by Zooey Deschanel and two friends, writer Molly McAleer and producer Sophia Rossi, and they have so many cute ideas. They have a lot of cool Do-It-Yourself crafts, which is always fun for creative girls! Here's an especially adorable post showing how to make your own lotion!

DIY Lotion

Not only does Hello Giggles have tons of fun fashion tips, it also talks about entertainment, food, and even puppies! This blog is a haven for girly-girls. Be sure to check them out!

The Founders:

(Left to Right) Zooey Deschanel, Sophia Rossi, Molly McAleer