April Showers

It's so hard to believe it's already April. This time next year April will be my wedding month, and just the thought makes me giddy. I have always loved the Spring, and may be one of few that loves a good rainy day. Something about the gloom makes me feel like it's okay to stay in my pj's, watch a movie, and catch up on all my magazines. Any excuse to disconnect.

Image via Pinterest. Follow me there at http://pinterest.com/thefamousgame/.

outfit inspiration

I'm prepping for an upcoming trip by gathering photos (like I mentioned here) of my recent outfit crushes. Some clear themes to help me focus my packing efforts: printed bottoms, neutral tops (especially the re-emergence of navy), and pop color sneakers.

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

tip top

Seriously enamored with these lovely ladies styling details. I have two of the three tops shown, which makes finding these looks even more fun/inspiring/achievable. The best part of the blogging world, is that these are real women creating real outfits. And it's easy to apply the concepts (seen here: over the top jewelry, pop colors, print work) to your own wardrobe. Oh, and by the way, these concepts come via three of my absolute favorite bloggers. Stalk them - you won't be disappointed.

Krystal from This Time Tomorrow
Blair from Atlantic-Pacific
Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black
 

outfit crush

Just like a high school crush, I can't get these two outfits out of my head. Both came, like many do, from two of my fav blogs: Sterling Style and Who What Wear. The main purchasing priorities: a red sweater for spring, and finally buying a pair of leopard denim. Oh, and pointy black stilletos (preferably with bows).

playing the famous game

 This blog is "The Famous Game" because I like to play a game where I pretend as if someone is taking my picture wherever I go. This game/concept makes getting dressed/styling fun and seemingly worthwhile. Today was a lovely breakfast with family but also the perfect excuse to pile on the fun: Hat by Madewell. Fur alert by Forever21. Poncho by Urban Outfitters. Leggings by Victoria's Secret. Wellies by Hunter. Bag by LV. Shades by Rayban.

obsessed

Completely obsessed with this look. This is the style I strive for everyday - simple, cool and fun.
< Image via Sterling Style >

frequently asked questions



Top and Vest by Madewell. Leggings by Paige Denim. Boots by Sam Edelman. Notebook by Moleskin.

 Where do I shop?
I shop mainly online simply because there is only so much to chose from here in Columbus. My favorite sites are Shopbop, Revolve Clothing, and Nasty Gal. Stores I hit at the mall 9that I also stalk online) are Madewell, JCrew, Nordstrom, Saks, Urban Outfitters and occassionally American Apparel. Boutiques I frequent in the Short North are Rowe, Ladybird and National Jean Company.

What makeup do I wear?
I wear Bobbi Brown almost exclusively. I roamed over to that counter one day years ago because I was sick of my MAC product drying out so quickly. I highly recommend their skin products (specifically their foundation, concealer, eye cream, night cream, all of which I have). I also love their creamy eye shadows. While I love MAC's shadow palette, I find it tends to crease over the course of the day. So after I was uber inspired by GOOP's makeup how-to (read it here), I converted to Bobbi's creamy eye shadow in Stone. I wear it every day. It keep my eyes simple,  so I can wear a pop lipstick . My favorite is YSL Rouge Pur Couture #13. I will never be without it. The orangey red color easily spices up any outfit. For nude lips, I wear Nars lip gloss in Striptease. And I just got Nars Schiap for Christmas that I'm anxious to try. Most importantly, I never leave my house without under eye concealer, bronzer and a little mascara. On weekends I stick with Burt's Bees chapstick to give my lips a break.

Where do I get inspiration/outfit ideas?
Blogs. My favorite of which are real life working girls like me. I'm currently obsessed with Atlantic-Pacific and Sequins and Stripes. Simply because I've really been feeling the prep look lately. Blair and Liz tap into my weakness for tartan plaid (I blame it on the Catholic school uniforms I wore all growing up). I also scour celeb blogs as good way to re-work every day pieces. In addition to blogs, I really enjoy my plethera of daily email blasts to keep me connected and constantly shopping. WhoWhatWear and College Fashion are my favs. Pile on fashion mags, Pinterest, my friends outfits, and travel and I'm rarely at a loss for inspiration.

What do I do with all that inspiration?
I highly recommend keeping tears and print offs (I print off my favorite blog posts/outfits) either in your purse (for shopping) or in your closet. They come in handy on those nights where your standing in front of your closet thinking "I have nothing to wear!"  I say "nights" because I pick out my outfit the night before. It takes all the stress out of getting dressed in the morning and it allows me to think about the day ahead. For example, I may re-think an entire outfit once I remember that I have dinner planned with the girls after work. Lastly, I keep a folder on my computer titled "outfit inspiration" so that on days where I\m feeling not entirely inspired - I just peruse my photos and get ideas all over again.

How do I do my topknot bun?
Almost every other day I wear my hair in a topknot bun. I find it's best when my hair is dirty, so this is a great option for a non-gym day where you'd rather hit snooze than primp for work. First, I pull my hair into a high pony (using a comb to brush out bumps) and secure with thick ponytail holder. Then I tease my ponytail with a comb to make it look messy and carefree.The bun looks so much better with a teased pony. Then I loosely twist into a bun and secure with a thin ponytail holder (to keep it loose). I use bobby pins to take care of stray hairs that are bothering me or any lopsideness that may occur. Spritz with hair spray and you're set!