Be Amazing, Be Jealous

Its Been Too Long With Way Too Little Postage!!

2006-12-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

oh em gee!!! i'm sooo sorry i haven't been keeping up with my little piece of fashion history (don't you just love my ability to compliment myself?) =). i've been busy with school, a real social life, and the pursuit of boys (which so far has not worked out in my favor, but i'm keeping my fingers crossed!)
but all that aside, i'm back. and as part of my new year's resolution, i will try and post at least once a week. i think that's a pretty decent idea don't you? i still have lots of people who need to be linked, so i'll work on that too.
for today, i'm in the mood to talk about my fave looks. i'm way in to the girly romantic look but a touch of girly grunge. i'll start with girl romantic. see this gorgeous dress from J Mendel? it's so sweet and innocent looking. in my opinion, this is the perfect girly look. the sweet fabric is totally angelic, but its not over done. i love this look also because its simple; there aren't millions of things going on, so you see the girl, not her bootpantsbel ttwodifferentshirts jackethoodie, necklacesearring hairmakeup..oh yeah, there's a person under all that? i'm all for sweet layering, but sometimes, less really is more. my advice for getting this look is finding a pretty flowly blouse or skirt. hair should be simple; yeah, curls are really sweet, but i'm way in to tousled, fresh out of the shower waves or whatever your natural hair is. don't fight the curls or the straightness of your hair! part of what is so apealing about this look is that its' simple and PURE. don't cover yourself in makeup. just a little shimmer on your eyes, a touch of pink gloss, and maybe ONE coat of masacara, but thats all. its cold outside already, so your cheeks will be rosey with out being forced at all. perfect huh? but, sometime you don't want to be that sweet. i get it, really i do. so why not go for the super chic girly grunge? this BCBG look is grunge done right. everything is FITTED; grunge is not about drowning yourself in huge sweaters and scarves. layering is key, and showing off a bit of skin never hurt either. i'm totally drawn to this look because its stylish, its kinda sexy, its smart, and it looks totally effortless. i love love love how it shows off a lot of leg, but in a sophisticated way; you don't need a micro mini to be hot. it also covers up the chest and arms; you don't want that much skin showing in January! ok, i'll admit it, i'm a straight A honors student, but i'm way in to clothes too. as much as we don't like it and we try to fight it, people do judge you on your clothes. i know i wouldn't get the same respect i do in class from classmates or my teachers if i dressed really trashy, even though i would still know all the answers and ace the tests. this is a look you could wear out with friends, on a date, to school, and in front of older people and not look like you don't care. to get your own grunge look, stick with a two three colors or the look may be a bit overwhelming. look for things in corduroy, cozy knits, and warm fleece. hats and scarves are perfect too. you can get the look with a tee, i would go with darkwash skinny jeans, and a cozy sweater. its half attitude too; you have to sell the look. makeup, keep it minimal. as for hair, slighty messy, maybe a day out of shampoo, looks great. or a messy bun. work it girl!

Who's Been Naughty or Nice?

2006-10-26T21:06:00.000-06:00

ugh. so this is the 2nd time i've typed this post, you'd better like it!! =) hehe. my internet is wacked so it didn't save this post. but that can't kill the holiday spirit that is filling this post. yeah ok, so its only...October, but i'm already making my Christmas list. a list that i'm about to share with you. if you don't celebrate good 'ol Xmas, then put these things on your Insert Winter Holiday Here-List. tell your relatives that you want these things, or other specific objects or adoration. grandparents are often likely to splurge on occasion, and male relatives will appreciate specific hints on what to buy you. or you can tell your boyfriend, if you have one. perhaps i should put a boyfriend on the list of wanted gifts. or a kiss in the snow or under the mistle toe (it rhymes!), but i'm getting side tracked. moving on...first on THE list, this Isabella Fiore wallet (there is a smaller wallet and wristlet as well). i mean, come on...it has a crown, it sparkles, and its begging you to splurge. perfect for any princess. the wristlet says 'Thou Shalt Sparkle', and i don't remember what the little wallet said. they range from $125 to $195. who wouldn't love to find this in their stocking?
or in a gift box? get it at Nordstroms, since thats the only place i've seen it so far. next up, this ah-dorable watch-lace (watch + necklace) from the beloved Marc Jacobs. i have an obession with his stuff. anyways, this watchlace come in red, sliver, or gold stars, green, silver, or gold apples, yellow pears, or a classic blue buable. they range from $100 to $125, depending on where you buy it. Nordstroms stocks, and Saks and Niemans pressumable too. no one in their right mind needs this, but heck, its from MJ, the numbers where replaced with M A R C, and its sooo cute. if you have a good memory, these where featured in Teen Vogue a few months ago. yum yum yummy! i will def be begging for one of these. next up, the lovely Micheal Stars. i could seriously be fashionable happy if i was only allowed to wear these shirts from now on. and that, let me tell you, takes a really good product for me to claim that. they are perfect because they come in a gah-zillion different styles (seriously, they do) and, even cooler, each style has its own unique color palette. thats a lot of choices. the fabrics range from the traditional 'shine' fabric, to cotton, to cashmere. perfect to buy the girls, because you will find one for every friends. they have a 'one size fits most' thing, but really everyone can find the cut or style that works. prices are from $26 and up, (most are $32-$54). i say, stock up. you can find them at some boutiques, or at the Micheal Stars website. perfect perfect. moving on...my new fab fave fragrance is, guess..MJ once again. his new limited edition Violet is great. it kind of has a Chanel. No 5 essence, but younger and more air-y. i know i've featured it before...but i love it so much i'm showing it again. its a mix of, and i quote, 'Bergamot, Peony, Orchid, Labdanum, Orris, Cashmere Accord, Violet, Cedar Wood, Vanilla, Creamy Musk, Gingerbread'. its $65 from Sephora, but its worth the money. you get a HUGE bottle of it. its so light and fresh, you can wear it anytime and everyday. i, being the big romantic that i am, like to think of it as being subtle, so that you can only when smell it if i'm in your arms....gosh i'm sappy. i'll be one of those people who writes love novels when i'm older and they get made in to cheesy but adorable movies. like The Notebook, so sappy but so sweet. wow, really sidetracked there. ok, other gifts to ask for? how bout a mani/pedi with mom or your BFF. a facial can be great too. best if you share the gift with someone, ya know, girl bonding time. i hope this post has inspired you to start sending a list to dear old Santa or your parents or grandparents or who ever else brings you presents. happy early holidays everyone! its the best time of year...xxoo

East Coast to Cali to Cold to Colder

2006-10-24T18:36:00.000-06:00

i'm feeling a bit random today, so please excuse the very random post. it is my fall break this week, and i'm must admit that i'm bit random since i've gotten proper sleep. my first period teacher agrees that is unconstitual for high schoolers to start school at 7:20 am. but moving on from that, i've just gotten back from LA and Disneyland. fun stuff, and i've got quite a bit to say about LA fashion (i'm an East Coast girl, even though i don't live there). and this weekend, i'm off to Aspen, so i'll be blogging about couture design when i get back. wow, that sounds spoiled. 'yeah i went to LA and Aspen, ya know, the usually'. ugh. i'm really not spoiled. well, i am, but not in a super sweet sixteen way. i live in Colorado, so Aspen is close. and i'm only in 14, i don't wear designer clothes (i have a few pieces, but thats it). ANYWAYS, moving on, here's my post. isn't this bag beyond amazing? it is sooooo Luella. at first i thought it was Luella when i saw it. but its not. and it was only $15 in Venice Beach CA. it was a weird place to go, between the street preformers, people with neon purple-pink hair, and the druggies in the street, but it was cool. there were people from Mexico, Jamaica, other cool countries. the stores where weird but fun. my brothers got these warrior things that are made from scrape metal and are one of a kind. aside from my Luella-esque bag, i got an ah-mazing purple hip scarg with gold coins and beadwork for bellydancing. my point is, A) go to Venice Beach if you ever go or are in California. but i made a few observation. while wandering around, i noticed the 'girl'. its like a style, a culture. and i must say, i didn't like it. it is basically this: tight jeans (sometimes ripped) with flats and striped or polka dot shirt, sometimes a mod necklace or earrings, and always BIG sunglasses. i have no problem with this look at all. its just that these girl try soooo hard to be unique, they all end up looking the same. attractive huh? nope. i don't think so. being unique shouldn't have to hard. if you like a shirt, then wear it. thats more unique than wearing something that you wear just because everyone else wears it too. anyways, i'll have more for you when i get back from Aspen. or perhaps sooner. lemme know if you want to link trade! xxoo

No Boyfriend or Social Life Needed, Although Both are Great to Have

2006-10-15T11:26:00.000-06:00

i realized that i've never done a post on beauty/makeup EVER. not that i wear much makeup to begin with (no, i'm not one of those people who think they are waaayy to perfect to wear it. its a combination between loving the natural look and the fact that i can't put on eyeliner to save my life). its just that i spent the majority of saturday watching TiVo and pampering myself. you don't need a boyfriend, a roaring social life, or great connections at the best spa to treat yourself. which is good, beacuse i have none of the above.
first, the hair. i swear by Cherry Almond Bark Deep Conditioning Treatment by Aveda. it smells yummy and leaves my hair incredibly lush. i usually use this on the under side if my hair, ie i flip my head over and work it in to the roots and strands under my 'top layer'. this works well because if you have thick/curly/wavy hair, the under layer can get really frizzy and annoying. thus, i do the above. brilliant right? of course. leave it in for about 3-5 minutes for best results. my hair has red tones to it, so i use Madder Root Color Conditioner to bring out the red tones. no, it doesn't dye your hair. the color conditioner comes in other shades too, so pick one that works for you. it will leave your hair unbelievable soft. seriously. i understand that Aveda hair products aren't cheap; that is why i use mine maybe twice a week or so. the stuff last longer, and its worth a splurge to buy nice hair stuff; its expense because it does a really good job. for color conditioner, don't buy one not made for your hair color. it won't look pretty... to finsh off a style, i also luh-ve Elixir Leave-In Conditioner. its made for chemically treated hair, so it makes my all-natural hair really smooth and frizz free because of all the added nutrients in it. and, according to Bruce, the guy who cuts my hair, it helps prevent split ends. too perfect. use a small amount and work it in to damp hair, especially the ends. moving on from hair, lets talk about skin treament. Shea Body Butter from the Body Shop works wonders. after you shave, motourise with this and oh em gee you will be in heaven. its best used on legs, shoulders, feet, arms, and hands. if you have sensitive skin, test it first. no, it won't hurt your face, but your face is delicate so be careful about what you put on it! speaking of faces, no one wants zits right? sooo...to aviod them, go to a dermatologist and get a skin kit. use it religiously. i recomend using a deep cleanser as well. use the toner at night only (it drys out your face and can make you look really red) and only on your T-Zone. after washing your face, apply the toner, then a deep mosturising cream or lotion (while face is still damp) and then put on spot treatment acne stuff. repeat nightly. the lotion-with-damp-skin will make your skin look dewy and fresh. no makeup caking required. now for nail care. file and trim you nails. soak 'em in what ever yummy body wash bubble bath you want. then paint. i like Revlon the best personally. and my top colors are warm spices, pretty ballet pinks, and sweet nuetrals. try Iced Spice (warm spice), Sheer Rose, Sheer Peach, Tickled Pink (pretty ballet pinks), or Sheer Nude, Sheer Pink, Sheer Sugar (pretty pink-ish nuetrals). finish with a clear top coat for staying power. good enough to eat, though not recomended.
now for hair care. i'm a huge fan of NO FLATIRONS, CURLING IRONS, OR HAIR DRYERS. use them only if you must. they do kill your hair. if you need to use a hair dryer, only dry the roots on a cool setting. flat irons are a big no-no, learn to love your hair, or ask your stylist for products to help control frizzy or curly hair. and then there are curling irons. its sooo ovbious when a girl used one right? wouldn't you rather have loose, romantic waves that don't look ovbiously forced? instead, do one of three things. braid your hair whens it wet, sleep on it, and take them out the next morning. use a diffuser. or, use hot rollers, which i use. for best results, make sure your hair is completely dry. then put them in using 1-2 inch sections of hair. for the best, natural look, use them the night before, using the small rollers and do serval rounds of using them. sleep on it, and gently brush the next morning. a spray or two of holding hairspray and you're good to go. no need to wake up early, and the waves/curls will fall out as the day goes on, giving them a even more natual look.
last but not least, makeup. honestly, i don't like the stuff. but i do own some. so here's my best 1 minute, 30 second routine. ready...go!
first, sweep a thin thin layer of Perle White Ice shimmer shadow from Loreal Paris under your brows. THIN layer ladies. it will help open up you eyes. if you have dark or darker skin, use a broze or gold. next, dab a tiny bit on the inner corners of you eyes. again, just a tiny bit!! both these techniques will open up your eyes without looking fake. using either your fingers or an eyebrow brush, brush any stray hairs in to place. full eyebrows are in, so no over plucking! finish off your eyes with Cover Girl Lash Exact Mascara. it really does prevent clumping. i use brown; it is a bit softer than black, but its NOT noticably not black. one or two coats is all you need. for the final touch, the lips. every night when your washing your face, dab Vaseline (or Petroleum Jelly) on your lips. using a clean, soft toothbrush, gently scrub your lips to exfoliate. for color during the day, i'm in love with Prescriptives Lip Tint. my top color is smoothie; all of the colors are really sheer, so they just add a hint of color and lots of healthy shine. the shine wears of, but the moist look last. i only need to reapply this once a day! see, you don't need to but on mask to look cute. with your lush lock, romantic waves, delicious polish, and fresh face, you're sure to out shine all the makeup zombies. i'm not kidding; so many girls put on makeup for the boys, but the truth is, most boys don't care, don't notice, or they notice who much goop you've caked on to your eyes. and its freaky to meet people with makeup on, and when they don't have on, you can't regonzie them. its a bit frightening. so go natural. and FYI, covering up zits and pores will make them worst. invest in a facial and doctors appointment to get your skin under control, not high end foundation. the finnishing touch? perfume.

i pick...Vera Wang Princess and DKNY Red Apple Be Delicious. Princess is super femmine; perfect for a girly girl. it is a bit sweet, so don't spray it more than twice. Red Apple is much more sporty, but it is really clean and crisp. yummy. i suggest just getting samples. tell the store clerk how much you LOVE the perfume, and ask for a few samples. say you want to give one to your friend. and your mom. or say you want to test it over the week to see if you like it. you can end up with up 5 or more samples! and each bottle has about 3-6 sprays, so that can be almost 2 week of free scents! or you can just buy it. that works too.

hope you enjoyed my first ever beauty post. links will up by tomorrow afternoon! lemme know if you want to link trade. xxoo

But Baby it's Cold Out-side

2006-10-09T17:35:00.000-06:00

ah it seems i have abandoned my lovely piece of fashion history, or so i like to think sorry bout that. i'm back after a long week or school. if i was saracastic, i would ask how you survived without me. if i was a bitch, i would mean it. and while i can be both of those things if provoked, i'm not today. in fact, today i'm quite happy because its finally cold outside. and i love the cold. and for those of you who live in warm places, the snow and rain and wind and winter really are very nice. before i get too far in to my picks of the day, i have renamed my blog Be Amazing, Be Jealous because i get bored easily with names. if i had my way, i would have changed my real names millions of times. but thats illegal and i never have. anyways,

part cashmere, part wool, part angora. ah-dorable right? right. they come in more colors too. extremely cute, extremely cheap, or at least cheap for anything this soft and sweet. $25 from J-Crew. for some reason, i think they are the perfect glove to be wearing while you walk through the snow with a cute guy, hand in hand. i'm feeling romantic now too.

its from MJ. thats a huge start. and its purple. another star towards its name. but really, i think this fragrance is so perfect. its not too sweet, not to strong, but really lite and femenine. its not too summery, but still has a hint of warmer weather. i love it. and i need to buy it. $65 at Sephora or other departments stores.

anyone who knows me knows i love shoes. and these are no exception. look at the bow!!!! oh em gee. they're amazing; be jealous. <--see how handy my new blog name is? only $34 from Urban Outfitters. just don't wear them in the snow. i made the mistake of wearing flats when it had snowed, and we had a firedrill and i had to march across the snowy soccer field. and it wasn't good because my shows fell off and filled with snow.

every mood has a soundtrack. so i will try and feature one from now on. todays tune is Goo Goo Dolls, 'Dizzy Up the Girl'. most def their best work every. nothing can top 'Iris' (best love song), 'Slide' (i dunno, but its good), 'Black Balloon' (calming) or 'Broadway' (i swear, i MUST dance to this song). its only $9.99 on iTunes or $.99 per song on iTunes.

i swear i will get that link section up ay sap! til then, xxoo.

Budget Beauty

2006-09-30T14:12:00.000-06:00

fashion can be an expensive passion. clothes aren't always cheap. and niether is my obession; accersories. so, i've compiled a post about my best cheap finds. for your inspiration. so enjoy.

for starters, if you want to find vinatge stuff, you need to well, know where to find it. search the newspaper or goolge for flea markets in your area. they can be big or small. all you need is a few dollars to spare and some time to look. i suggest getting a group of friends together to go looking, or a aunt, grandmother, or your mom. its great bonding time thats fun too.

Vintage Finds

sometimes, to find cool stuff, you have to dig. i found all these earrings and the cameo in a 'junk box'. there were tables of older people with tons of boxes of random trinkets. and these all together were about $8. pretty good huh? if you buy old earrings, before you buy, look to see how clean they are. if you do buy 'em, soak them in rubbing alcohol before you wear them.

these were hand painted and were $20. a bit more expensive, but cool huh? and they were new, so no serious cleaning needed.

these i got at an 'art fair' on vacation in Nantucket. a women on the island hand stitches them! these were $20, and NO ONE has a pair like them. checking out arts and craft fairs can lead to some cool finds.

the gold on was $7 and the silver was $10. they aren't exactly Tiffany's quality, but they are fun and cheap and add a unique touch to any outfit.

these two are my favorite finds. both were a mere $3! the fan necklace is on a really long chain and look too cute with a tee. the other is hard to see; the image on the middle is a porcelian victorian painting in a gold-esque locket thing. its so fun and adds a twist to blouses. love love love it!

if you buy vintage stuff, meet you new best friend; a needle nose plier and jump rings. you find this stuff at a craft store along with clasp for necklaces and earring backs as well. if something is broken, ask the seller for a discount. if it would be easy to fix (a jump ring to fix a chain, a new clasp etc) then buy it and fix it.

Hand-Me-Downs

my mom gave me these earrings. they are huge teardrop 'diamonds' with a black metal bow at the top. ask your mom, aunt, or grandmother if you go out to lunch one day and then go through some of their old stuff. its free stuff that totally cute!

another thing of my moms. so cute! and its the orinigal purse like it too.

last but not least, my FAV-O-RITE thing my mom gave me. its a hot pink satin dress. it wraps the waist and has a halter neck with a collar. plus, it has a sash that goes around the middle. its a size and a half to big, but it will be cheaper to alter this dress than to buy a new one for the winter dance. and of course, no one will have it. garunteed.

inspired? get out there and start raiding you realitives stuff anf you cities fleam markets. lemme know what you think of this post, and fill me in on any great finds of your own! xxoo always.

Lets Be Ladylike

2006-09-22T19:13:00.000-06:00

wow! long time no post! i have a few quick annoucements before the actual point of today:
*i will adding a 'link' section where i will adding other blogs ASAP. i have a few people who will be liked for sure, you know who you are, but other than that, let me know if you want to link trade
*i'm so sorry i haven't updated. i will try and be better i promise.

now the real post

my style is always changing. and my most recent change is my love of really taliored, classic, lady like pieces. but mixing them with a bit more sporty or rocker pieces. here are my toppity top picks. enjoy little ladies!

The Tailored Shirt

the blue candy striped oxford. classic huh? the tuxedo one the left is $44.50 from American Eagle the other is $70 from Ralph Lauren. these are seriously classic and oh-so-cute. i have the AE one, and luh-ve it. wear 'em jeans. as for jewlery, pearls=preppy, black accersories=more mod; diamonds=more elegant. pick 'n choose!

The Wool Jacket

ok, so i couldn't find the coat i bought, so i'll show you this one. the wool peacoat is double ah-dorable. i prefer black, but you can try grey or winter white. when buying one, be sure that it FITS really well. it should fit in the shoulders, and it should NOT make you look like a box. the one i bought was from Macy's, and its a black Kenneth Cole. these jackets get a little pricey, but you will wear it enough that it will be worth it. think how cute you'd look at the friday night football games in this jacket with a cute cable knit hat and mittens? ah-dor-able.

The Dark Wash Skinny Jeans

dark wask jeans are more dressy, and i love love love my pair of Lucky's. i have the skinny jeans and <3 them. they are the ultimate jean to tuck into boots (see below) and they are super comfy. Lucky is pricer, but if you are going to splurge, they are my top pick. the dark jeans add a sophisticated-ness to any outfit, and slim fit is very flattering.

The Boots

the knee high brown leather riding-style boot are so hott. the equestrian style makes them timeless; pair 'em with dark wask jeans (jeans tucked in to them of course!) these pairs are only examples. i don't recommend buying them online so head to your fav shoe store and check 'em out. i have a great pair by Charles David and i got so many compliments on them. just be sure that the fit well and that your jeans can fit inside them. and to avoid looking to too combat-boot-esque, look for ones with flat or minimal heels and no HUGE buckles at the ankle.

The Cable Knit Extras

ah cable knit. so classic right? if you're not in to the sweater, try a cute hat or scarf. these are from North Face and come in lots of different colors. Gap also has great sets of hats and gloves come winter. these are perfect; you wll stay warm, you have loads of color and price range options, and you will look totally sweet. rosey cheeks, snow flecked hair, and a cute glove and hat set=irresistable. bonus: pick a color that not only matches what your wearing, but looks good with your hair. winter white for dark colors, black for light, and rosey pink for all.

The Add Ons

gold is soooo pretty. and when done right, it looks delicate and not takcy. all the jewlery above is from Urban Outfitters. these pieces would look great with all the stuff above, but you can still wear them with other styles too. perfect right?

The Hair and Makeup (my first post including it!)
hair with this style (lady like) can really be anything you want. messy ponytails and buns will keep the look less proper and more carefree. a poof (when you pull the front pieces to the middle of your head, add a poof and clip) will give it a more mod vibe. and of course, curls look oh-so-delicate. plus, curls can be added to any simple updo for a more polished look. 1800's riglet curls that have been finger-combed look stunning.
as for makeup, less is more. go with a subtle rosey cheeck (your blush should be the same color your cheecks get when its cold; pick the warm shade of that color). a pink tinted gloss is fab. and for eyes, just a hint of smokey. instead of doing black for a smokey eye, try brown or purple. a stroke of masacra to the tips of your lashes and you're good to go. and no tan is neccesary. if you want to go all out, go for the baby doll look with rosey rosey cheecks, long lashes, and a pink pucker. for an everyday look, tone the baby doll look down a bit. toooooo cute!

i hope this has given you new ideas, and remember that you TOTALLY mix and match everything above. i happened to put it in a outfit, but mix it to your liking. enjoy fashionistas!

C&C&C, Causal, Chic, Comfy

2006-09-14T17:35:00.000-06:00

wow. talk about a busy week! so sorry i haven't posted in awhile; between piano, mock trial team, belly dancing (i will dance like Shakira someday!), homework, talking, school, and sleep, i've been pretty busy. and things will only get busier when yoga club starts (all girl clubs=tons of new friends) and photo club starts (girls and guys friends...but mainly guys...i need a new crush).

but enough about me. on to the fashion: tee's and flats. i don't care how much money you have, how fancy or sporty you are, good tees and cute flats will save you. they can be worn with ANYTHING and they are so basic, they only come in...a-million different styles. and honestly, they are the best for school. C&C&C, causual, chic, comfy. so here are my ah-mazing finds:
Tees

all four are $23 at Palmer Cash. these tees are girly with the perfect edge of cool, but they don't cross the too-girly line and they are soooo cute. yep, thats how i would describe these tees. pair these with skirts and leggings, jeans, or any otherr bottoms you have. heck they'd look great with your underwear, but please, lets be resonable here.

way ah-some shirt. i bought this shirt a week or two ago, and its....rock awesome. this pix isn't the best, but its purple and the budha is in metallic silver. its $48 at Lucky Brand or at a store that carries Lucky. its tie-die the right way; way cute with fitted jeans and boots.

Shoes

these ballet flats come in all the colors shown here and they run for $68 a pair from Free People. not only are they satin, they are made like real ballet shoes. the colors are jewel toned, too ah-mazing; and they are so dainty!! to be paired with...anything. no really, anything.

as for my reader questions; my inbox deleted all of them. i'm so bummed because i had some really fun one...so sorry about that. but please re-email or email me questions. mail me at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com or leave Love Its (aka comments). (= xxoo

Smiles and Party Dresses

2006-09-04T15:43:00.000-06:00

so today my post is kind of scattered. i have some great, confidence boosting tips,and a short piece on my top party dress picks. first things first, confidence boosting tips. =)

we all want to feel great, and look it too. but in a world full of 'appearance is everything', even the girl you think looks like an airbrushed model will have doubts about her looks. so here are my tips to getting you on the right track to feeling ah-mazing about yourself; inside AND out.
1. first off, everyone can feel uncomfortable in their skin. even the size 2's have something they don't like about themselves. yes, being thin is something to be grateful for, but they don't have the right to rub it in peoples faces, and people who aren't stick thin can't tell them that they can't feel that way.
2. if you don't feel like you are as thin as you'd like, or if you want to get in shape and get toned, first ask your doctor. he or she can tell you if you're weight is healthy or not.
3. after you know what you need to do for your body, head over to the local gym. many universities have gyms, or head to a rec center or fitness center. many gyms will have people around who are there to show you how to use the equipment. tell them what you are trying to do (tone your arms, work on a cardio workout etc) and they will help you.
4. studies show that if you set a goal with a friend, both of you are more likely to meet that goal. so get a good frind to get fit with you.
5. for anything in life, take small steps that are easier to achieve. if you set a really high goal, even though you may reach it, it will be harder than if you set smaller goals leading up to the big goal. those little achievements will add to your confidence, making those big goals seem more worth it and more within reach.
6. a smile is the best way to attract people (and guys!), so make your's beautiful. brush and floss at least twice a day. aviod tea and coffee, as they can stain your teeth. if you don't see improvent in your teeth, go to a dentist first before trying to a whitening kit. and for future reference, your teeth should be about as white as the whites of your eyes.
7. posture, posture, posture! seriously, sitting and standing with your head high, your back straight, and your shoulders make you look slimmer and more confident. cool huh?
8. looking great and feeling great means lots of confidence. so do stuff that you love. seriously, getting envolved will make you feel good and you'll meet cool new people to hang with. and whats more attractive than a girl doing something she loves while laughing and smiling with her friends?!?

now for last fashion piece for this post: dresses. for homecoming or whatever fall dance you have. first somes tips, then my top picks.
1. pick a dress that fits your body type for pete's sake!! i don't care if its the most expensize, gorgeous dress in the world; if it doesn't fit right, don't bother.
2. that being said, some dress can be tailored; taken in a bit, shortened, or straps added. if it needs only small alterations, then it will be worth it.
3. too much skin is well, too much skin. as the Missoni family said on Oprah, show off one aspect of skin, and cover up the others. if you're showing lots of leg, then cover up your chest more. if the back is cut out, then be sure the front is more covered and the dress in a bit longer.
4. pick a color that looks good on you and doesn't wash you out. take some one with a good eye for color with you while shopping.
5. my biggest pet peeve with dress are when they look really cheap. the dress can cost $20, but if looks literally like 20 bucks, then i would look for something a little more elegant.
now, my top picks:

Splurge:Betsey Johnson

this dress from Betsey Johnson is my fav dress. Betsey has some really wild but really cool party dresses. this dress is $415, a splurge that is sooo cute. for a special occasion, a Betsey dress is a great splurge.

Chic & Cheap: BP Dresses

i <3 purple, and this dress from Nordstroms is too cute. the fabric is pretty, the fit is cute, and the bow is ah-dorable. and its only $68. this style comes in red and black, and the brand, As U Wish has several other styles at Nordstroms too. For a pretty dress on a budget, these dresses are great.

i hope you like this post. (= let me know what you think. leave a comment or email me at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com. be sure to send me question that you have, as once i get 1, 2, or 3 more questions i'll have a reader Q section. xxoo

High Style School

2006-08-31T18:00:00.000-06:00

so this week is my 2nd week in high school. and at my school, you'll se eVeRy kind of person their is; every shape, size, ethnic background; every ability level; and yes, every fashion style. my freshman class has 900+ kids, closer to 1,000 than 900 and there are 3,600+ students in the whole school. and from watching all these thousands of people in the halls, i've compiled some quick and easy tips to stand out in a totally good way. and, just because, i'm throwing in my best survivie high school tips. if I can survive in such a big school, then you too can survive any year of high school any size.

don't wear high heels. when i'm bored, i count how many girls i see in the halls trying to walk. school isn't really the place for heels, escpecially if you have to walk a bit between classes.

cute bags are like, the best accessory for school. but i'm sick of seeing all the leather bags (real or knock-off), the A&F or Hollister totes, and the girls who like to show off by carrying around their massive Chanel/Coach/Juicy bags. i don't have a problem with the designer bags, but i think its more interesting to see other types. and just think, with the money you'd spend on a designer bag, you could 2 or more of the following:

Vera Bradley

these bags are soooo cute. i know not everyone likes them, but they now have some very cute and young prints. this particular bag (The Villager) runs for $69. you see all the bags at the Vera Bradley website. they have tons of prints (see the boxes under the bag for a bit of a sneak peek. they add new prints every season). i own 3 bags and 1 wallet, and they are really durable and cute.

Lesportsac

tooooo cute. Lesportsac has tons of cute designs and patterns (as seen around the bag. they also update their patterns very frecuently) and bags of every size! the one pictured runs for $84. buy the bags at Lesportsac. these are my fave bags...i own 2 and they are great. plus, i haven't seen alot of them, which doesn't mean that they aren't in style...people just go for the huge designer labels first.

acne is high school is a given, but do your best to try and prevent it. see a dermatologist for a good kit to clean your face, and drink lots of water. you'll stand out with your glowing skin, and you can avoid the cliche high school zit-on-the-big-day.

i must say, i do love this tunic from Fred Flare. its black and simple. some times, less really IS more. people who try to way to hard to stand out just look bad. this top is classic with a modern twist. and its only $40 for a great staple.

last but not least, here is a great tee from Palmer Cash. they have tons of vintage inspried tees. some are have crude sayings, but overall, it the best site for fun shirts. i love this peacock one because its purple (my new fav color for the season) and it has a peacock and gold accents. and its only $26. too cool right?

i'm so sorry i haven't posted in awhile...school ya know? but now that i know my schedule and am more used to school, i'll be updating more. i want to do a reader question section...so send me your Qs! leave a comment of email me at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com xxoo

Smaller Means Cheaper

2006-08-18T19:46:00.000-06:00

ok so here is my new fave little fashion tip. ahem....so everyone has Polo and Lacoste shirts and such right? well, don't bother paying full price! my mom found this trick and i luh-ve. the kids shirts are always cheaper, so try on the BIGGEST size you can find in the kids section. if this works, it should fit you snuggly up top and be a belly shirt with it being about 2-4 inches too short. the trick? where a cute tank umderneath! pick a color that contrast with the shirt or go with grey or white; they go with everything.

you may have to try different sizes, but try it. its is usually a size 16 that fits best. =) hope this works for you.

Subtle Gorgeous-ness

2006-08-15T18:40:00.000-06:00

this post is all about subtle ways to look unique. if you're confined to a uniform, i hope this helps a bit. overall, these are simple ways to stand in a totally-good-look-at-me-but-i'm-not-being-to-obvious-and-trying-to-hard-way. whew.

1. get glowing skin. yes, everyone can get nice skin. here is my best way to get you on the right road. Whether you have bad acne or just inconsistent zits, go to a dermatologist and get a cleansing kit from them. one with a cleanser, a toner, and spot treatment. use the kit twice daily for 2 weeks. just doing it occasionally won't help so keep up with it. hopefully you will see improvements. my fav store cleanser is Nuetregena Deep penetrating Cleanser with No Oil. you can feel it open up your face.
2. invest in a good deep conditioner. my fav is Aveda Deep Conditioner Cherry Almond Bark. its about $30-$40 a bottle, but it really helps you hair. it last for a long time too because it should be used about once a week and the bottle is pretty big. plus is smells great.
3. go subtle with your makeup. all you need is a little mascara and lipgloss for school. please don't coat your face with powder and foundation and concealer. all of the guys i know hate it when girls put on a new face every morning. you are beautiful. really you are. save special makeup like lots of eye makeup for parties. it will be more special if you deck out on occasion and not everyday.
4. if you want to literally FEEL better, drink water. lots of it. soda is not only full of sugar, but its terrible on your teeth! if you can, for just a week, drink water everytime you want a soda, you'll feel sooo much better.

now for more fashion based stuff...
5. replace you shoe laces with satin-y ribbons. measure your existing shoe lace, then double that number (you have two shoes. duh =D). head to any craft store and pick some pretty colors. just be sure that the ribbon isn't too thick or too thin. also don't get anything with wire in the edges; it won't work very well.
6. more ribbon stuff! with any extra ribbon you have you can:
a. tie it in you hair. too cute
b. put a few pretty beads on a piece and wear it as a necklace/bracelet.
c. tie it in to really nice looking bow and sew them to a shirt or jacket.
its cheap and so versatile!!
7. wear a scarf. most school with dresscodes shouldn't be able to tell you what scarf to wear...so have fun with them. or embellish ones old with basic embroidery
8. if you're bored, mess around with an old shirt and try stitching cool fabric or pretty patterns on it.
9. simple, pretty, and unexpected:

the bobby pins are $16 and the bird necklace is $28. you can find both at Lucky Looloo. both are simple but really cute. sometimes you don't need over the top flashy stuff to look chic.
10. rings. just one with no other jewlery can look fab.

i loved these because they look so royal princess-ish. both styles run for $16 each at Naughty Secretary Club.
11. never underestimate the power of a simple gold or silver chain with one or two charms on it. you may already have the chain, and you find charms at most jewlery stores. get more then one so you can change it up.
12. ok, so hear my fav thing for fall and winter. wear a cardigan or hoodie under a blazer. leave the heavier jacket open and button or zip up the jacket. let the hood hang down the back (if there is a hood) and pick colors that pop. like a green hoodie under a black jacket. you'll stay warm and look cute.

i hope this helps. if you want to see something featured here, let me know and i'll do my best to try and find stuff for you. =) leave a comment or email me at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com xxoo

Stand Out Like a Bejewled Thumb

2006-08-14T18:44:00.000-06:00

so my last post was kinda about tons of clothes, so lets move on to accersories! i spent a long time searching sites for these cool little things...so enjoy. i know some of you, and some of friends, are/go to a school with strict dresscodes and uniforms. i hope you can wear stuff like what i'm about to show you but if you can't let me know and i'll try to find cool stuff that you CAN wear.

necklaces add glam to any outfit, so here are my favs. this owl one, $12 at Fred Flare has a cool vintage feel and looks cool with nearly everything. the peacock one is soo cool. for only $13 at Girl Props it will add a delicate touch of glam to any tee. the rose and butterfly necklaces, $14.50 and $19.50 from Alloy both have different feels. the rose is lady like; the butterfly is mod and bold. what not to love?

pins make everything cute. your bag, shirt, cardigan, blazer, etc. and these are really cute. the owl ones are $5 at Fred Flare and the cameo one is $7 at Girl Props. the cameo one is so sweet..and owls are awesome. duh.

vintage satchel or mod artsy tote? how can you chose? the vintage-y satchel is $25 at Alloy and the other $38 at Urban Outfiters. why not get both?

i hope you liked these. i'm super busy with volleyball, but i'm trying to get some good post in. i'm planning a reader question post soon once i get a few more, so drop a line at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com or leave a comment. xxoo

Clothes are Self Expression, and Good First Impressions

2006-08-13T09:54:00.000-06:00

oh em gee i start highschool in a week; i need 3 perfect outifts. one for check-in, one for freshman orientation, and one for the first day of actual school. i've already started picking them out, and i already have alot of my back to school shopping done. so this post is all about what to wear and what to buy. lets start with what to buy. thats always the best part right?

these tees from Old Navy are my favorite. they come in tons of colors (see the colors underneath) and they get new colors every season and at random times. they range in size from XS to XXL so you should be able to find a size that fits (the do skrink a little so keep that in mind!). at only $10.50 for one and $7.50 for two more, these are soooo worth getting alot of. i own one in nearly every color of the rainbow.

these tanks, also from Old Navy are fantastic. they come in TONS of colors so they are perfect to mix and match. only $8.50 for one and $7.50 each for two or more. perfect for layering. gotta love it. i know i do.

mmhhmmm i love this sweater hoodie from Urban Outfitters. more colors are avaible in stores than online. this runs for $48 is so worth it. its super comfy, plus its a great piece to blend summer and fall. it will keep you warm for cool mornings, but it will still look great with your summer stuff and you want boil in it.

i had to take a picture or my own top because i couldn't find a good one online. Project E has great polo tops! they run for about $70 each, depending on who carries them. they all say preppy on the color, have the xx on the left, and are distressed and have stiching on them. mine is the rhinestone version. they come in lots of colors and are a great little splurge for school. search google for them, or many upscale boutiques carry them. Bloomingdales often carries them in the stores only.

these have to be my two favorite necklaces from Fred Flare. the Preppy Chain necklace is $14 and the Heart and Lock one is only $10. getting some good, go-with-everything necklaces is key to updating your fall look. even just a new necklace with on old tee can look fresh!

ok. so you've seen my fav simple picks for back to school. know what to wear?!? here is my best advice to looking (and feeling) stellar on the first day of school.
The Outfit
1. don't wear head to toe new clothes. pick an old favorite that you love and feel great in and mix it with a few new pieces.
2. take your favorite summer piece and mix it with new fall pieces. for example, try you favorite summer dress with a caridgan and ballet flats, or wear your fav sandals with jeans.
3. layers are hot for fall, so mix up the colors, prints and porpotions.
4. if you want to look a little more put together, layer a long tank or two under a polo. make it flirty with a pretty skirt.
5. its still warm out so wear those skirts while you can!
6. wear comfortable shoes. know one wants blister the first day. ouch!
7. try a new trend. animal prints, skinny jeans, big belts, leggings. don't be afriad to try something new. just be sure that you're comfortable in it and you don't feel awkward.
8. if you're school has a unifrom or dresscode, find out about it before hand. if you can't wear jean, find some good pairs of olive and cord pants. try skirts in all shapes, size, fabrics, and styles as well. if you're school is stricter, wear cool knee high socks or leggins, put pins on your shirt and bag, and go crazy with scarves and jelewery.
9. as long as you feel good in the clothes, then wear them. don't worry about what oter people think. its hard at first to not really care, but believe in yourself and sorround yourself with people who make you feel great and let you be you.
10. the best thing to wear any day? a big smile. if you look and feel happy and chill, other people will feel it too. as they say in Annie, 'you're never fully dressed without a smile!'
i hope this has helped or at least given you ideas for fall. more fall stuff coming soon. lemme know what ya think! drop a line at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com or leave a comment. xxoo

Full Goal

2006-08-12T19:23:00.000-06:00

first things first: my tip today is full eyebrows are in. don't over pluck!! stick with your natural eyebrow and just get any stray hairs. follow a natural arch, and don't wax! waxing is less controled and may result is more wrinkles from pulling on the delicate skin.

but mainly i want to talk about why i started this blog and stuff. this blog is about fashion, no duh. but its also about you and your life. sure, its about makeup tips and hott shoes and flirty clothes, but its more. i'm happy with my body mostly; i'm tall, a size 0, 2, or 4, i have good hair and skin, etc. even though i may personally be the ideal body type doesn't mean i like myself all of the time. i know i'm fortunate, and trust me, you all are too. i want every girl to feel model pretty from her hair to clothes to her size. so thats why i want this blog to be all about you and me as people too. its your body, so treat it the best. they are your clothes, so look and feel good in them. my goals for this blog are:
1. show you cute clothes. some expensive, some not. a little something for everyone yeah?
2. help you get motivated to feel great about yourself.
3. try and teach you to love yourself
as i post more and more, my post will vary from fasion finds, to hair styles, to great tips to look better and feel better. hair, clothes, skin, mind, body and soul.
i'm open to all critism, opinions, advice, questions, comments, and request. so drop a line at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com or leave a comment about a certain post. love ya!

On Point

2006-08-11T15:37:00.000-06:00

i'm one of those people who love shoes. i think that are they are ah-mazing; so this post is inspired by my shoe obession. i've chosen my 4 favorite flats for this fall. i love flats because anyone can wear them, and i'm 5'8" so i don't like to tower over people. plus, flats can be worn everyday, they are super comfy and super chic. too perfect, i know.

1. animal prints are hot for fall, and your shoe is the perfect place to subtly look inredibly chic. these are $105 and avaible at Nordstroms. i would pair these with jeans and a nuetral top like black, white, brown, navy, white, or red. or you can mix this shoe with other patterns for a more unique look.
2. menswear as girlwear is big again, and these flats that have a silk-tie look are perfect! they're femine yet bold. at only $29 at Delias you can get all three prints! these would look great with skirts and legging or cords and jeans in the winter.
3. everyone needs a pair of great black flats and these by Sam and Libby are beyond awesome. i own a pair of these in black (pictured) and red. the quilting of them makes them super comfy. they're only $44 and you can find them at Zappos or at shoe stores like DSW. black flats are a must have wardrobe staple. they go with everything.
4. red shoes=hot hot hot! these patent one by Dollhouse are too cool. red shoes will add glam to any outfit. these are only $44 and you get your own pair at Zappos. wear these with jeans (or the hot skinny jeans) for a cool rock vibe. my only advice with these: never wear them with pastel or light colored tops. opt for black, white, navy, deep green, etc.
do you like these shoes? have a pair you think every one should now about? leave me a comment or email me at pinkballoons23@yahoo.com

Band Together

2006-08-10T14:00:00.000-06:00

ok so here's the scoop on a super easy hair style that is sooo simple, too cute, and so easy. plus it goes with everything and nearly everyone can pull it off. cool huh? and the scoop is....*drum rollllllll* headbands!! i know you may be thinking of those crap ones you had in 3rd grade. ya know, the ones with ladybugs and rainbows and hokey colors. not those, ladies. try these

these are an example of cute headbands. thick, solid colors in patent finishes or maybe a really elegant cloth covered on. i happen to own about 5, and i luh-ve them. so here is my insider's tips:
Brunettes: go with cooler colors. navy is great. black can get a little lost, and be careful with white, but most colors will work. try them on and see.
Blondes: lucky you! all colors with work with your light hair. black is classic and red is sexy. now its just up you to pick a color.
Black: obviously, black will get lost in your hair so if you want to make a statement choose a brighter color. go with warmer colors as they will brighten up your hair.
Redheads: oohhhhh greens will look adorable in your hair. deep emerald....ah-mazing. black is a classic. just stay away from really light colors and opt for darker ones.
the best way to wear a thick headband? set far back on head with bangs and shorter pieces falling out in front. or try it (still set far back) with a high sloppy ponytail or messy bun. so easy right? right.

Fashion for Life

2006-08-09T16:58:00.000-06:00

fashion isn't just what you wear; fashion is how you talk, walk, see the world, think, face the day, and how you dress. duh. i simply luh-ve fashion. its like a diease. but loving fashion doesn't mean i'm shallow. its so annoying when people think that...but thats another story that doesn't envolve gorgeous dresses and stellar bags. and that is my point today. bags. i happen to be in love with bags of all types. the biggest trend in bag is the over-sized too-cool-for-school look. if you're on the short size, DON'T buy big a huge bag; you need a one about the size of toaster or smaller. if you're medium opt for something a little bigger than a toaster. if you're tall (like me at 5'8") any size will do. you just don't want people to see 'the bag' and then you. my favorite pick?

this too cute one. white is hot, leather is hotter. this bag is fresh and great for a transition into fall. fresh color, cool trend, new spin. find it at urban outfitters for a mere $48. score!