Lessons from Lauren: How to Shop (Part 2)

By 18 Jun 2014 0 Fashionspiration , , , , Permalink 0

Chere Readers,

I found the Lauren Conrad book my mother happened to buy a long time ago and thought I should do something on my blog with it.  I wanted it to be fairly simple and easy, and last for at least a week.  This actually lasted for months because I said I would continue it, but that never actually happened until now.  Here’s the first lesson.  What I happened to be doing is summing up the tips taught in this book and posting it here.

 

Disclaimer:  I take no credit for the lessons taught in this series.  All of these tips and tricks came from Lauren Conrad in Lauren Conrad Style.

Have a Plan

  • What you’re looking for
  • Where to look
  • What to wear when you shop

 

What to Wear

  • Comfy shoes
  • Skirt or dress (no jeans)
  • Tank top layer
laurenconraddaily.blogspot.com

laurenconraddaily.blogspot.com

Shop alone so you are not influenced by someone else’s style and decisions.

Department Stores and Mass Chains

  1. Walk around the store
  2. Grab what caught your eye (instinct)
alphacityguides.com

alphacityguides.com

Dressing Room

  • Bring many sizes
  • Appropriate order
  • Hardest pieces first (dresses & jeans)
  • Prioritize trying on favorites
  • Move to see how it feels
fitforabrideblog.com

fitforabrideblog.com

Avoiding Impulses

  • When buying key pieces buy as much as you need (no regrets)
  • Lots of SMALL numbers=BIG number
  • “Do you really need it?”
  • Don’t buy because price is right
terrycarney.com

terrycarney.com

Trend Testing

  • Before you splurge on trends test-drive it
  • Get budget friendly option (knock off)
  • If you LOVE it splurge

Coach 1

What are your shopping tips?  Tell me in the comments!!!!

-XO Style Stalker

4 Things No One Tells You About Fashion Blogging

By 18 Jun 2014 4 Random , , , , Permalink 0

Everyone thinks fashion blogging is this great whirlwind of free stuff and guest appearances on talk shows.  Well guess what, it’s not.  No one ever tells you about the downsides to fashion blogging.  Well, no one but me.

No. 1

If you build it they may not come.  Just because you have unique content, helpful information, and outstanding pictures doesn’t mean you will be an overnight success.  Unless you are this blog, in which case you are VERY, very lucky.

behappy.me

behappy.me

 

No. 2

No one wants to hear about you unless you show them an OOTD (Outfit of the Day).  People stay on your blog because they want advice, tips, and inspiration.  Most posts that are about what YOU want have a lower page view count.  Posts that relate to bloggers or help them have a MUCH higher view count.

socialpositives.com

socialpositives.com

 

No. 3

It takes a lot more work than you think.  People think fashion blogging is super easy, take a picture of your outfit, write wear it came from, and create a catchy title.  EASY!  Except it requires so much more than that, quality time and effort to develop a following and figure out what people want from you.

mommytesters.com

mommytesters.com

 

No. 4

There are always people who will grow faster than you, get more comments than you, spend so much less time, yet get so many more viewers.  You may write a lot more interesting content, but they just have a natural way with people.

PageRank-hi-res

en.wikipedia.org

 

What’s one thing no one told you about fashion blogging?  Or any blogging in general?  Tell me in the comments!

-XO Style Stalker

 

Sophia Webster vs Nasty Gal

By 17 Jun 2014 0 Fashionspiration , , , , Permalink 0

You know being a fashion blogger and all, I love designer clothes.  And bags.  And shoes.  And pretty much everything else they make.  But there’s no way I can afford all the things I swoon over!  But I can afford the knock-offs.

Sophia Webster.  You’d know I love her if you checked out my “Sophia Webster Obsession” post.  I’ve got it pretty bad.  But of course I could never afford her almost $500 bags.  At least not in this lifetime.  But this Nasty Gal knock-off is almost $50.  That’s a HUGE difference!

Sophia Webster

 

 

The Audrey Hepburn Guide to Fashion (Part 1)

By 17 Jun 2014 0 Fashionspiration , , , , Permalink 0

I already told those of you who read my first guide to fashion (Marilyn Monroe) what this was, and how I do it. Basically I take a picture of a fashion icon, and her clothes, then write a tip based on what she’s wearing.  In first person point of view of course.  This series will continue as long as I can think of tips.  Because my series posts were very popular.  But out of the three I’ve done(including this one) I’ve finished 2!  Technically that’s an F!  66%!  Whoops!  If you want me to do a guide to fashion from someone else, let me know in the comments please!

 

Audrey_Hepburn_63153523_large (2)

Courtesy of petitefashionmonster.com

Tip: (imagine this in a classy accent)

If a lady must travel to the beach it is not an excuse to dress anything less than fabulous.  There are cover-ups and sunglasses.  Hats and sunglasses.  Waterproof makeup and beach bags.  Dramatic makeup is always necessary, and the beach is not an exception.  I personally recommend dark eyelashes with lighter summer colors for the warmer months.  And of course, a floppy hat.  Those are always unavoidable at the coast.

How did I do?  Want any more guides to fashion?  Tell me in the comments!  You know you want to…

-XO Style Stalker

6 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Fashion Sucess (Forever 21+H&M Jewlery Haul)

By 16 Jun 2014 2 Random , , , , Permalink 0

Forever 21+H&M

As of yesterday it became official I was addicted to shopping.  Especially online shopping.  The only downside is my secret stash of money is quickly disappearing.  Being fashionable is so hard, *wink* there are so many sacrifices one must make to achieve utter stylishness.  I happened to go to H&M and Forever 21 before I went to the gym today, so I got a few things…  Okay, maybe more than a few.

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Mustache Comb Necklace:  This is actually really simple, but I don’t have many silver necklaces.  Plus it came in a set with the jeweled lips necklace for $7.95, which is a pretty good price for 2 necklaces.

Jeweled Lips Necklace:  I like this because it’s weird.  No one else is ever going to find this piece, and if they do, they’re not going to buy it.  I’ll stand out at school, which is always a good thing.  I kind of think it’s great for Valentines Day, and would work with these outfits I created for the occasion.

Pearl and Flower Ring:  Once again another weird piece, which was kind of my goal.  That and buying the entire clearance section of H&M.  Only one of these was a success.  At first I didn’t even want this piece.  I had found a double ring that said LOVE, but it was too small.  And I had already gotten a ring stuck on my finger that day.

Pearl Bow Ring:  This one was a gift from my mom.  I was only looking at the clearance jewelry, you know I’m on a tight budget and all.  She asked me if I saw anything else, and I did, I just wasn’t willing to pay for it.  Anyway, I found this ring which I genuinely did like, and while not super crazy, still pretty and original.

Underground Neon Necklace:  Apparently neon clothing is very popular as shown in my neon in the winter OOTD.  I thought I’d take it a step further and get some neon jewelry.  The only downside is I have to layer this because it’s so long.  More sacrifices.

Set Sail Pendant Necklace:  I saw this and instantly knew I had to have it.  Pendant necklaces aren’t generally wacky, but I liked this and can’t wait to wear it.  Probably for the 4th of July.

Knowing These 5 Secrets Will Make Painting Your Nails Super Easy

By 16 Jun 2014 4 Beauty , , , , Permalink 0

I am forever dreading the night before or morning of fancy events.  Not because I don’t like them, I mean who doesn’t like dressing up?!?!  No, I dread painting my nails.  The frustration it causes me is not worth the few days of color on my hands and feet, because truth be told, I don’t even look at it.  But there are ways to avoid some of the agony nail art causes you…

Tip #1: Brightening the Color

We’ve all had those times when the color of the nail polish bottle is so very pretty.  But once it actually hits your nail the color is dull and boring.  Say no more, I’ve got a trick for you!

It’s actually really easy to make your nail color pop, or even a tad bit lighter.  All it takes is one extra step. 

  1. Apply your base coat
  2. Paint your nails completely white
  3. Apply your nail color
  4. Apply your top coat

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Secret #2: Drying them Faster

I really hate waiting for my nails to dry.  Face it, we’ve all got better things to do.  If you’re tired of waiting around try this technique.

  1. Apply the base coat
  2. Apply the nail color
  3. Apply the top coat
  4. Soak your hands in ice water
cosmopolitan.com

cosmopolitan.com

Secret #3: Getting Off Tough-to-Remove-Polish

We all know glitter nail polish is especially hard to get off.  With this secret, it’s no longer a problem.

  1. Soak a cotton pad/ball in nail polish remover
  2. Place it on your nail
  3. Wrap your nail and the cotton ball/pad with tinfoil
  4. Apply pressure to secure the tinfoil and cotton ball
  5. After about 5 minutes slide off the tinfoil and cotton ball/pad at the same time
  6. Voila!  Your glitter polish is gone

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Secret #4: Avoiding the Caps Drying Shut

It’s a tragedy when your favorite nail polish is impossible to open.  After you’ve asked the strongest people you know, proceed to this simple step.

  1. Take a cotton swab and dip it in petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
  2. Wipe a small amount along the top of the jar
  3. You’re Done!
cosmopolitan.com

cosmopolitan.com

Secret #5: DIY Matte Topcoat

I’ve been seeing matte nail art all over the internet now.  If you’re wondering how they did it, and don’t want to spend tons of money on this trend, try this!

  1. Pour a bit of clear topcoat into a bowl or on a plate
  2. Add a small amount of corn starch to it
  3. Mix these together
  4. Paint your nails as regular
  5. Paint this DIY topcoat over your nails
  6. Let dry, and enjoy your matte finish nails
thecheesethief.com

thecheesethief.com

Which secret are you looking forward to trying?  Which have you already tried?  Do YOU have any more nail secrets?  Honestly I’d love to hear them.  I’m always looking forward to making this ”chore” easier.

-XO Style Stalker

The Apple of My Eye

By 15 Jun 2014 0 Fashionspiration , , , , Permalink 0
Sway Chic 'Jelly Bag-Baby Spice' ($32)

I’m kinda definitely in love with shopping right now.  It’s official, I am a shopaholic.  Right now it’s mainly jewelry I’m stalking.  But you never know, my obsessions could quickly grow to clothes and even shoes.  The only downside to this is my allowance is quickly disappearing.

I think it would be best for me and my money if I obsessed over things I can’t afford.  This way I am not even considering buying them. Actually, I am considering buying them, but I know it is never going to happen.  (Some are really big purchases for everyone, and some are just really expensive for people without a job, namely me.)  It’s essentially the same thing.

So I present to you, the apples of my eye(s).

Dr. Martens Vintage Rosy Softy Low Lace Boots ($130)

Dr. Martens Vintage Rosy Softy Low Lace Boots
($130)

Sway Chic 'Treat Yo Self' Necklace ($14)

Sway Chic ‘Treat Yo Self’ Necklace ($14)

Sway Chic 'Jelly Bag-Baby Spice' ($32)

Sway Chic ‘Jelly Bag-Baby Spice’ ($32)

Sway Chic 'Neon Flux Statement Necklace' ($16)

Sway Chic ‘Neon Flux Statement Necklace’ ($16)

Choies 'Cherry Charm Necklace' ($14)

Choies ‘Cherry Charm Necklace’ ($14)

 

 

Choies 'Masquerade Mask Necklace' ($14)

Choies ‘Masquerade Mask Necklace’ ($14)

Choies 'Multicoloured Stripe Clutch Bag with Bow Lock Top'

Choies ‘Multicoloured Stripe Clutch Bag with Bow Lock Top’ ($50)

Choies 'Purple Backpack With Alloy Horse Decorate' ($40)

Choies ‘Purple Backpack With Alloy Horse Decorate’ ($40)

-XO Style Stalker

OOTD: Colors of the Rainbow!!!

By 13 Jun 2014 0 OOTD , , , , Permalink 0
OOTD

I’m here with yet another post about me and my style.  They’re very popular among you, and very easy for me.  Today I wore a solid black jumper with a belt.  It’s one of those annoying ones that doesn’t actually cinch the waist.  Instead of a boring black outfit I wore a purple Kate Spade purse, and lots of colorful jewelry.

OOTD

 

 

DSCF0588

DSCF0589

Shoes

Earrings

So what do you think?  Here I wore one of my oldest pieces of jewelry.  It’s not very well used though, so I jump at the chance to wear it.  I wore a bracelet from Valentines Day, and a bunch of other bracelets from my birthday.  To top it all off some earrings from Topshop and sandals.

-XO Style Stalker

Overconfident Ladies, OOTD, and The World’s Fanciest Toilets

By 12 Jun 2014 0 Fashionspiration, OOTD , , , , Permalink 0
OOTD2

I happened to go to the gym today, which was not much fun.  I only did the bikes because I was actually too lazy to get up, wipe off the bike, and find something else to do(classic me).  So instead I pedaled to the beat of the 5 songs I actually like on my phone.

Cheese statue inside Kraft

Cheese statue inside Kraft

At the gym I saw someone wearing a cute outfit after they had gotten out of the shower, but I was too nervous to ask to take a picture.  I really need to work on my street style, because I’m getting no where.

Separate solid and liquid waste disposal. WOW!

Separate solid and liquid waste disposal. WOW!

Separate solid and liquid waste disposal. WOW!

Separate solid and liquid waste disposal. WOW!

I had somewhere to be right after the gym, so I showered there which is never fun.  I hate the possibility to walk in on someone in  the little changing rooms with no locks, or the chance for someone to walk in on me.  Plus, seeing a bunch of overconfident ladies in the mirror while I’m washing my hands is never fun, (if you know what I mean).

OOTD OOTD2

You know that wonderful place that kept me from riding a stationary bike for 2 hours, yah, well that was a picnic.  I think.  Not a sit on the grass with a red and white checkered blanket and basket full of food picnic.  More like a BBQ at my dad’s job.  He works at Kraft, which if you didn’t know makes that food in a box.  Sorry, that’s pretty much everything people eat nowadays.  Let me narrow it down a little.

Statue outside of Kraft

Statue outside of Kraft

They own…

  • Planters company(nuts)
  • Oscar Mayer (hot dogs)
  • Individually, gross,  pre-packaged cheese slices
  • World-famous macaroni and cheese in a box

They used to own…

  • Nabisco (Chips Ahoy and Oreos)

What a step down!!!

Anyway, that’s just what happened today.  Hope you enjoyed my pictures and OOTD.  I know I had fun taking them.

-XO Style Stalker