#tights: sheer and classy

The other day I was wearing tights (the few chilly days this winter in California) and had another girl negatively comment on them. Her reaction was that only old ladies wear tights or stockings. Well I am here to say what a load of B.S!
Thanks to the princess they are making a strong comeback and I think no matter the age look and make you feel fabulous.

Here are the few benefits:
1. Warmth:
If for nothing else, when it's chilly outside and you still want to wear a dress, tights are the best way to keep you legs warm. You do not have to expose people to your dry, white goosebumpy legs, which is not attractive especially if you are rocking a fabulous dress and pair of shoes.

2. Sculpting
No matter your age or body type, you will always need some sculpting help. Tights are the perfect assistant with that by sculpting you legs and tummy. I am a big fan of the control top tights and although that sounds unattractive, trust me they help smooth out unnecessary lines and lumps, making you look and feel confident and sexy.

3. Professional
Tights make you look professional. There is no need to bare you legs for the whole world to see all the time ladies. I am a big advocate for modesty and I when a professional setting tights are a must. Now I am not saying you need to wear them all the time, but when your skirt is right at your knee or above it and you seemed worried, a pair of tights will help make that skirt look for appropriate.

4. Tone evener
I tend to be clutsy, which as a result means I have a few scares on my legs, the perfect pair of tights, sheer or black, not only helps hide them but gives my legs an even skin tone. So no one ever has to know that I tripped over my own legs while walking up the stairs the night before.

5. Royalty
Not to bring more attention to Duchess Kate, but she definitely made tights modern, classy, and youthful again. She is the epitome of class and sophistication. I know we cannot all have her wardrobe but her sense of fashion and style is worth imitating.

Now that I bored you with my rant about my love for tights, I will share with you my favorite brands:
Calvin Klein: I have a pair and cannot express how much I love them! PLUS they are control top. My advice buy a pair in every color.
Nordstrom: You can never go wrong with the Nordstrom brand, and their French cut makes all legs supermodel beautiful!
Finally, lets not forget SPANX, If you want some added comfort and sculpting, then you want to stock up on the SPANX brand stocking. They look and making you feel great.

I've worn and own at least a pair from each brand. Plus I stock up from Nordstrom Rack since as I mentioned earlier, I am clutsy and clumsy, I go through pairs fairly quickly.

Hope everyone stays warm and classy.

XOXO

#pretty new year

In all honestly, I did not fully appreciate the commitment and time hosting a blog would and does require. Being a student and having an internship is really impeding on my blogging. However, I want to try to blog at least once a week, to get my fashion and beauty fix.

Here is my latest beauty ideas, opinions and reviews.

I have never really been a lipstick wearing gal. Do not get me wrong, I love it on other people but I always thought that I looked horrible. I am fair skinned with dark hair so every time I tried a wonderful dark shade I thought a horrible gypsy queen was starring at me in the mirror. I am always so jealous of the beautiful ladies that can wear pretty pinks and reds and look flawless. In addition, lipstick apparently is a guy's biggest fan. To be honest, what guy really wants to run the risk of getting lipstick on themselves everything they go in to kiss their significant other?

However, this year I want to change this. I want to love wearing color and find lipsticks that will not completely offend an guy I ever kiss (even if that is only a slight possibility).

I have done some research and experimenting and fell in love with a few colors.
Disclaimer, these colors work well for me and my skin tone, different skin tones and hair colors will compliment other shades. So tell me what you think!

So the first two are IT Cosmetics by Jaime Kern the Vitality Lip Flush. My mother discovered this brand and I am absolutely in love with: Pretty Women and Pure Joy. They are long lasting, feel like on the lips and look fabulous.

I am also a big fan of YSL Rouge, especially 12 Coril Fauve, however, it tastes kind of funny and the fella hates it. Complains that it's sticky and again tastes funny. So although I love the gloss and color it has its cons.

Lastly, FRESH! now there is nothing to complain about this company and their tinted lip treatment. I am currently obsessed with Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment, perfect for any gal.

My last beauty opinion of the night is regarding the glow skin effect that all those pretty bloggers and models have. I always feel like the camera is every nice to my skin. I pride myself in having soft clear skin but sometimes it is hard to make it having the glow effect when someone snaps a picture. I went out on a search for a solution to that problem and let me tell you I FOUND IT!!! I went to Macy's benefit bar and checked out High Beam, Benefit's luminescent complexion enhancer, giving my cheeks a dewy and radiant glow! I love my skin with it on and I feel oh so very pretty (which is the most important part!).

I hope this helps someone. Until next time, stay gorgeous and warm!

#It's the thought that counts

The next question is what you get that friend, that you care about and is important to you, but you don't have the income to buy them something big or elaborate?
I don't think that the bigger the gift the more you care about a person. I like to pay attention to what my friends say or mention, sometimes the perfect gift is something small and thoughtful that they will love, even if it didn't break the bank.

Here are some small and thoughtful gifts that will be sure to make that special friend smile on Christmas.

1. Luggage Tag: Amazon has great deals on sassy travel accessories.

2. Bracelet: Perfect amount of sparkle to complement any holiday outfit.

3. Mugs: As you can probably tell I like clever or sassy trinkets and Kate Spade is the perfect one stop shop for all things cute and sassy.
4. Gloves: As the weather drops it's important to always have some cute gloves on hand.
5. Beauty Set: Philosophy is a wonderful beauty company and this little gift set is a great introduction to their products.
6. Coin Holder: I love Michael Kors from handbags to coin holders.
7. Compact Mirror: I always feel like you never have a mirror when you most need it, this cute little piece would complement any purse.
8. Socks: Normally I would not recommend buying socks but these are to cute to pass by.

Hope this helps! Stay warm!

xoxo

#what women want

What do women want? That is a good question, I am a woman and I still don't know what I want half the time. Holidays are hard becuase when people ask me what I want, I don't want to be a burden but nor do I want them to guess what I want. I'd rather they donate money to charity in my name and all works out for the best.

However, it doesn't mean I don't like gifts, especially from a loved one or significant other. So I was racking my brain for what are good gifts for the special lady in your life, either your best friend, sister and mother.

When thinking about gifts for a friend I like to consider events, buying tickets for a nice night out with your best friend is an amazing gift. Some ideas are going and seeing the ballet, such as the Nutcracker, going out to dinner and experiencing a wonderful show. However sometimes with the hustle and bustle of this time of year it's hard to find time. So if that isn't an option then hopefully these ideas give you some inspiration.

1. J.Crew: I fall head over heels for their statement necklaces.

2. Rag & Bone Booties: I tried these one and they are perfect!

3. Zara Scarf: This pattern is very trendy this season and its quite warm and cozy as well.

4. Lo and Sons OG travel bag: In a previous post I mentioned this company and bag, and I stand by my love for this company.

5. Max & Chloe Monogram: who doesn't like monogram, especially in jewelry form?

6. Anthropologie Limited Edition Mug: These look so cute for a cup of coffee Christmas morning.

7. Anthropologie Satchel: Little bags are so convenient when you are already carrying around a big book bag. 

8. Monogram Ring: Also love this monogram option!

Happy shopping everyone!

#why are men so complicated?

So Christmas is just around the corner and I am currently in the middle of finals and racking my brain trying to find appropriate gifts for my favorite people. If I were a millionaire this time of year would be less of a struggle but since I am a student on a budget, every penny matters but I still want to make sure that I get special people a gift they deserve and that will show them how much they truly mean to me.

So there are options; you can either make a DIY gift or online shop like a crazy person (like I do) on your study breaks and look for the best bang for your buck.

I love DIY ideas but  I am not that crafty or artsy so the most DIY I do is the cards. I love making my own cards. I use either Walgreens or Walmart and make picture cards, from either my favorite pictures with myself and that individual or a comic or art work that I know they would love. It also allows you to write whatever you want inside. It's personal and perfect and a great addition to any gift.

So now to the big stuff, the gift ideas. This will be a series since I have been lacking on my posting but I figured I would help people out with my gift ideas. The first post will be about gift ideas for him. These are things I am looking at and are relatively affordable but still oh so classy and perfect for that important man in your life.

1. The Coin: this is awesome, although it only officially comes out next year it is great for any guy.

2. The Slimmy: for the guy that hates the lumpy wallets.

3. J.Crew Harry's Truman Shave Kit: a great stocking stuffer.

4. Banana Republic Wool Scarf: as the temperature drops make sure his next is warm.

5. J. Crew Usb Phone Charger: I don't know about you but my phone never has enough battery.

6. HUGO Tie: A business guy can never have enough ties!

7. Topman Skinny Fit Check Sportscoat: I love a good sports coat, keeps the guy warm and looking stylish.
And don't forget your kisses, a guy can never have enough kisses from a pretty lady.

I'll see you all soon for my next gift guide.

Kisses!

#Fighting the urge

This is what I call a first world problem. I have been fighting the urge, for over 6 months now, to buy cap toed pumps. Now that the holidays are approaching and everyone is asking me what I am putting on my Christmas list, it's getting harder not to take the plunge and spoil myself. What I should be doing is saving money, helping the poor and studying, but thats no fun lol.

Granted this season is a time for giving not receiving, so I am not asking for anything from other people, but it doesn't mean that once finals are over I may not treat myself.

Why I've been fighting this urge you are thinking, becuase the area and profession I work in and will (fingers crossed) have a career in calls for the professional timeless look. The truth is I love it, I love the sophisticated chic look but that doesn't mean don't I like to break out of my comfort zone and go a little wild. Granted going a little wild for me is cap toed shoes but I am an adult, I don't have time or desire to go crazy and wear some crazy spiked shoe with a lions head on it. (I am pretty sure I saw a shoe on facebook that looked like my description, EWWW!). My co-workers were saying that I don't or shouldn't invest in trendy shoes, I normally don't listen to others regarding my style choices but since I am a student on a limited budget I need to act and purchase responsibly. (Oh how I hate responsibility)

So since I should be studying, of course I am actually looking at shoes. So I need your help, should I or shouldn't I? Here are my top picks!

Sam Edelman: I have a few pairs of his and love them all!! The Desiree pump is so beautiful, here are my two color options. The first is black and simple, barely notice its cap toed, perfect for the office:

 So chic I am in love!











The second option is more colorful and I say perfect for the holidays:

Awe don't you just love!










There is also this lovely Sole Society pump by Julianne Hough, the colors are office worthy with a little bit of a twist:

This next shoe's design just drives me crazy at how sexy it would look on my feet, French Connection definitely does this style justice:

I mean seriously, how could you not just fall in love with these lovelies!










Last but not least the always chic Michael Kors, I love how patent leather always makes a black pump look sexy and elegant.

So there you have it, what do you guys think? If only I was a millionaire and could have them all in my closet...oh first world problems!

I hope everyone isn't going crazy getting ready for the holiday season! Remember what the real reason for the season is!

#Remember Remember November

It's been a while since I've done a post and I am sorry but school has been a bit more overwhelming than I had anticipated.
It is finally November, and here in California the air is crisp and the leaves are changing. You know the holidays are approaching when Starbucks breaks out their red holiday cups! I can't wait for the holidays, although they are chaotic and busy, it always means a break from school to spend time with my family. Before I start talking about Christmas (I'll leave that for a later post) I am thinking about Thanksgiving break and travels.
A good friend of mine is traveling to New York in two weeks and I couldn't be more jealous, if I had the time or money I would join in a heart beat but since that is not an option Ill sit in California and just dream of traveling. This season is high travel season, people flying home to see family or flying somewhere warm to escape the cold weather. The other night I had a dream that I was on a cruise to the Caribbean, granted it isn't that cold here yet, it was still a wonderful thought.
So what does all this travel talk have to do with travel, other than give you the itch to hop and a plane and have an adventure, well its about travel essentials. I know way to many people that do not dress comfortably on a plane or who struggle finding the perfect carry on bag.
Since I can't travel I will dream of it while sharing my favorite travel carry on bag options and attire:

First is the bag: The perfect carry on bag has to be spacious enough to carry everything you need, passport, wallet, electronics (phone, laptop, tablet), items to freshen up with, and the bag has to be comfortable, and easy to maintain. Last thing you need is a needy bag that gets dirty every time you might rub it against something or someone, I mean you are bound to touch a many number of things.

My favorite bags that I am coveting and look perfect for travel are:

Lo & Son: O.G. bag in army green

This bag is perfect, the fabric, the color, the texture, the spaciousness..just check out the website on all their bags. They are the ultimate chic travel bag, it has everything you need in a travel bag plus you still look chic and put together, PERFECTION!







There is also Longchamp the Boxford

I've loved Longchamp since I studied abroad in Spain. All the East Coast students had Longchamp book bags, they all dressed so classy with their fancy bags, I was so envious. With this bag you can be the envy of all other travelers.








Although both bags are a bit pricey (a couple hundred) it is worth investing. You need a sturdy travel bag that will last you a while and still looks nice. In order to achieve that you have to be willing to invest.

Now attire.
My mother always told me I needed to look my best when I got on a plane, even when I was headed on a 12 hour non-stop flight. No matter the distance and time, flights can be hectic, there is a lot of bumping into others, squeezing into your seat and past people. All that movement can ruin certain type of fabrics or wrinkle you. God knows I hate wrinkles and I am obsessed with having my clothes ironed at all times, meaning that traveling can be a difficult mental challenge for me. I am always on the look out for chic outfits that will not make me look like I just got out of the dryer after a flight.

So what are the best travel clothes, first is the right pants. I advice against, linen, yoga pants, silk, satin. I love cotton and spandex mixed pants, look chic and comfortable. Or the reliable jean. Once ironed, jeans unless thrown under a pile of clothes tend to stay in a nice unwrinkled shape.

For this time of year I would recommend a fancy t-shirt with a wrap sweater. You never know how hot or cold the plane with get so the t-shirt wrap combo lets you have the best of both worlds, without having ruining your hair.
Plus sassy t-shirts are a big hit now so with a nice skinny pant, sassy t-shirt and cozy wrap sweater carrying one of the above bags, you are ready for any travel challenge that may lay ahead.

Madewell has some great tees:

And this Juicy Couture wrap sweater:

Make a great combo!











I hope you all have a great time getting ready for Fall and Winter travels!! And just remember just becuase you are traveling doesn't mean you have to only care about comfort, you can have both, comfort and style!