The Little Black Dress

I have always read, in fashion magazines and blogs, about the necessity of owning a little black dress. In high school however, I rarely wore dresses other than for the two school dances we had each year. Once I got to college, I realized how many opportunities I had to wear dresses. What I have concluded, is that a little black dress (or multiple) is absolutely, positively necessary. There have been so many date parties, formals, and functions that require a LBD.

Nasty Gal has a ton of little black dress options that aren't your typical boring dress. They are also a reasonable price point, which is great for girls on a college budget! These are a few of my favorites that can be dressed up or dressed down based on the occasion.

Images from NastyGal

Oscar Recap

Hello everyone! So I know the Oscars were Sunday and I'm a little behind, but what can I say, midterms have gotten the best of me! However, I'm still going to highlight a few of my favorite dresses. One trend I saw (and loved) throughout the night was sparkle and muted/ lighter colors.

I absolutely adored Jessica Chastain's dress that was designed by Giorgio Armani. The sequins combined with the beautiful blush color really embody the trends of the night.

Giorgio Armani also designed Naomi Watt's dress. This sequin gown is fantastic. I loved the assymetrical aspect to the neck line and the way it fit her body perfectly.

One of my other favorites was Jennifer Lawrence's dress. The drop waist looked magnificent on her and the color of the dress complimented her skin tone. She is wearing Dior Couture.

Although these two dresses were not sequin or light/pale colored, I thought that Jennifer Gardner and Jennifer Aniston looked fantastic in their bright gowns. I admire both of these women for picking dresses that were bold, extremely classy, but also fun. Jennifer Aniston wore Valentino and Jennifer Gardner wore Gucci Premiére.

Who were your favorites?

All images from Vogue

Mom's Weekend!

This past weekend was Mom's Weekend at my sorority. My mom came in from LA and we spent the weekend together! We went out to some really nice dinners, went shopping, and did a little pampering! I didn't realize how great it would feel to step out of my daily routine and actually go out and do things off campus for the weekend. On Saturday we went to get our nails done. I am extremely indecisive, and naturally picking out a nail color is not an easy task for me. However, after about 5 different colors I ended up deciding on a grey. I love this color because its very versatile, but not your typical dark brown or light pink. This grey goes with almost any outfit and creates an overall classy look. These are gel nails. (For those of you who don't know what gel nails are click here for my last post about them.) I go back and forth on the topic of gel nails. They are great because they last for about 2 weeks, but are a pain to take off. They also cost a little more than a normal manicure. I am always the one who ends up chipping their nails within the first hour, and the best part about gels is that they are dry as soon as the manicure is over, no need for drying time! My advice is to splurge on gels when you know you will be needing a manicure for an extended period of time!

Footwear Necessities!

Footwear has been another challenge for this California girl who is currently living in Michigan!  As I look out my window, I see lots of white stuff on the ground, which translates to no open-toed shoes.  Once again, a winter party-going dilemma!  My solution is closed-toed wedges.  They are the best of both worlds, giving you the height of a heal, as well as the warmth and protection of a boot.  I bought a pair of Steve Madden black suede wedge booties at the outlet mall over winter break, and I've already worn them numerous times.  Here are a few cute options!

         

Black is great for versatility and I love how these have a cutout in the heel.

Steve Madden $129.95

The lace up is very cute and the color can be worn more casual or can be dressed up.

Topshop $140.00

These are very bold and will add a great pop of color to any outfit.

Dolce Vita $218.95

Fratket

It's been a lot of fun going to parties and meeting new people at college; however, going out in cold weather is particularly challenging.  The dilemma is this, once you get to a party it is extremely hot and there is no need for a coat.  Not to mention the problem of actually finding that coat at the end of the night!  So basically, to wear or not to wear becomes the party dilemma.  As a California girl, I've tended to take the risk and opt for warmth.  The solution that I've found is getting a very inexpensive, and unfortunately not too fashionable, "throw-away" coat also know as a "fratket" (a frat jacket).  It may not be cute, but it helps with the cold.

Image from Target- Only $11.88

Fighting the Cold!

As a LA girl dealing with cold weather for the first time, it has been extremely exciting, as well as shocking, adjusting to the weather. Returning to school after winter break to face snow on the ground has been quite an experience! After one day of being cold and numb as I walked from class to class, I came to a conclusion. It is absolutely, positively necessary to wear a hat or headband that covers your head and ears in freezing temperatures! I have learned from my almost fatal mistake, and have not left my dorm without some sort of head protection within the last week. Here are some cute options that will also keep you warm! 

Images from Topshop, Urban Outfitters, and Nordstrom

The Cutest Accessories

One of my favorite accessories is this adorable bracelet/hair ties. I wear them almost everyday and love how they function as both a hair tie and a bracelet. They come in so many different styles and colors. My favorites are the sparkles and patterns. I love how I can put a few on my wrist in the morning, but use them to tie back my hair later in the day when I'm tired of hair in my face! Either way, they compliment any outfit.