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NYE Fashion & Beauty Resolutions

New Years might just be my very favorite holiday, and not just because I love champagne. I love change, and new beginnings. It’s invigorating- the idea of wiping the slate clean, leaving all of your troubles and mistakes in the year behind you! And when I say ‘mistakes,’ I’m including fashion and beauty blunders.

There is no reason this years fresh start shouldn’t apply to your fashion and beauty routines, so here are a few resolution ideas:

  1. 1)Stop buying things just because they are a good deal, and buy the things you really need/want.

            For example, don’t buy those four tops from the clearance rack at TJMaxx that are just kind of cute, and instead opt for the flat boots you’ve been needing, or those insane BCBG leggings you’ve been drooling over. (I actually already started fulfilling this resolution about an hour ago -just to practice what I preach, of course- and I most likely won’t take these leggings off for at least a month. Don’t judge me.).

2) Fill in your wardrobe gaps.

            Do you own nine pairs of sneakers, but never have a great pair of heels to wear out to dinner with friends? Do you own seventeen pairs of jeans, but freak out when asked to go to a black-tie cocktail party because you don’t own an LBD (little black dress)? Every once in a while, fight the urge to buy more tennis shoes/jeans, and buy those pieces your wardrobe is missing.

3) Take more risks.

            Put the bright pink lipstick on. Do it! Even if you live in what you consider a not-so fashion forward area, don’t be afraid to try new trends. You may actually inspire others to do the same, or at least be admired for your confidence.

4)Invest in your skincare routine today for a “prettier” tomorrow.

            Enough said! And if you need help, consult an esthetician who can help you develop a routine that addresses your skincare goals and concerns.

5) Venture into the deep, dark, back woods of your closet...

            and start tossing what you don’t/shouldn’t wear, sister. For real this time! Donate  those clothes to someone who will love them the way you used to (family, friends, goodwill). Once those are gone and you’re left with only the things you love, start actually wearing them. Don’t keep reaching for the same few things (if I can give my grey v-necks, chambray button downs, and basically all of my black clothing a little R & R, you can do the same!).

6) Figure out what silhouettes look best on you.

            Think of the go-to outfits in your closet that you feel and look your most amazing in, and figure out what shapes they are. Learning what compliments your bod will make it much easier to pick out clothing that will work well for you.

7) Doll up at least once a week.

            When I used to nanny three [awesome] little boys, I used to leave feeling like I just swam laps in a dumpster (pretty accurate, right?). Dirty, disheveled hair, chipped nail polish, stickers on my pants & peanut butter on my shirt, and that was on a good day. But at least I was able to go home and restore myself to normal. So for all of you full-time Moms, it’s important to not let yourself go too long without dolling up. Putting on a little makeup, styling your hair, and wearing something you feel spectacular in at least once a week will serve as a constant           reminder that you’re still as beautiful and as womanly as you were pre-babies!

How about you? Any fashion or beauty resolutions you’re making for next year? Or any trends you’re excited to see go? Personally, in the name of all that is holy, I am begging wedge sneakers to stay in 2012!! Eek!...

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If the way you ring in the new year is a reflection of how you’ll spend the next year, then whether out at a party, or home with family, go into it feeling beautiful, happy, and confident! :)

Happiest New Year, fashionistas! I’ll leave you with a few ideas for dressless-NYE outfits...

 

 

Say No to the Dress

 

 

Necklaces

The Statement Necklace

I have to say I’ve never been a necklace kind of gal. I’ve tried (and failed) countless times to wear those dainty chain necklaces, but the way they lay on my inherited bony collar bone never looks quite right to me. But the statement necklace...oh the statement necklace! In all of its big, beautiful boldness, this type of necklace is one of those trends that I’d appreciate it never going out of style.

A statement necklace is exactly what it sounds like: a necklace meant to make a statement! Chunky, funky, blinged out, or all of the above, this type of neck candy likes to do all of the talking for your outfit. No, seriously. She gets jealous, which is why it’s best to pair her with a simple and sleek ensemble that will let her steal the show. A basic tee, jeans, and heels, a cocktail dress, or anything in between can work. It’s a guaranteed way to perk up any outfit.

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Tips (not rules!):

Wearing your hair back can sometimes help prevent competition with your statement necklace.

Depending on the necklaces, layering can be a fun way to change the look.

Since these necklaces are usually so dramatic, nine times out of ten you’re going to want to forego wearing earrings or patterned tops. But for those of you who can pull it off, wear it proud and snap some pics, because we want to see!

Welcome to Vogue!!

Hey ladies! Welcome to Vogue- a brand new addition to the site you already know and love! My name is Nicole and I am the lucky gal who gets to share my passion for fashion & beauty with you. I’m a 25 year old student and mother to my little one, Pixi Sparkles. If you want to get technical, I guess you could say she is a canine, but I prefer not to think of her that way.

When I first heard through a mutual friend that Lisa wanted me to contribute to Vogue, my first response was “Um, duh!” I didn’t say this to Lisa, however, as I assumed it would sound unprofessional. I more or less explained to her that I have been searching for an excuse to justify the countless hours I spend on fashion & beauty related activities, so this was it!

My approach to fashion and beauty mimics my philosophy of life: ‘to each her own!’ First and foremost, fashion & beauty should be fun, and style should be uniquely personal to reflect who you are. Clothing and makeup are meant to enhance and express, not to mask or pretend! On the flip side, let’s be honest: there some things that you just don’t do, or should do, rather. And I’ll post on those in the future. :)

What else can you expect from Vogue? A smorgasbord of all things fashion & beauty related: trends in clothing, accessories, makeup, etc., and basically anything I think might make you look & feel your best! You’ll find ways to mix designer steals with Target finds, to transform high-fashion styles into things real women can wear, and some overall inspiration to put a little pep in your fashion & beauty step!

 

Not every post will be completely mommy-centered, so have no fear, childless readers! Since Lisa’s oh-so-wise philosophy behind Moms In Heels is the importance of mothers maintaining parts of their pre-mommy identity, Vogue will serve as a little reminder that no matter what your status, investing a little time in you is important. Fashion & beauty isn’t superficial or conceited unless you make it that way. It’s meant to be enjoyed! Maintaining your outer appearance in a way that you feel good about helps keep you more confident, and enables you to present your best self to the world! And as Lisa has stated before, it’s okay if that occasionally includes some cheerios stuck to your pants, or in my case, some dog food.

Stick around for a little humor and a lot of style on Vogue!

-N

To see my fashion and beauty favorites (or if you just want to make fun of how much time I spend “pinning”), follow me on Pinterest.

 

 

A Love Affair with Leather

My love affair with leather started last winter- pants and jackets. For temperature-related reasons, we parted ways during the summer, but I never quite got over her.

Leather came back into my life this fall with a vengeance, and this time I’m considering marriage (particularly with this version of her). Lucky for you, there is plenty of her to go around. Today’s leather is sleek and sophisticated, simple yet edgy, and on behalf of the entire fashion community, we beg you to try her out!

If you’ve always been somewhat intimidated by leather, you might reconsider when you see the ways designers have cleverly integrated it into almost every piece of clothing and type of accessory imaginable. Earrings, headbands, pockets, and collars have all been leather-ized. Even our sweet, refined peplum top fell under leather’s spell, and once you see the leather/peplum top babies they spawned (as pictured below), you’ll want one of your own.

You don’t have to be super fashion-forward to try this trend. My favorite way to wear leather is little bits at a time- pockets, bracelets, elbow patches, and my personal favorites- jackets with leather sleeves, and leather-paneled leggings. So even if you’re not ready to rock leather pants, you can opt for a tee with a leather pocket, or a necklace with leather accents. You’ll be surprised how that tiny patch of leather will add not only great texture and a subtle edge to your outfit, but a little boldness to your mood as well.

Having trouble picturing anything but motorcycle jackets and leather chaps? Swoon with me below... 

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Be still my heart!

So if the only leather currently in your closet comes in the form of shoes, handbags, or belts, then for your sake, please stop what you are doing and sprint to the nearest mall (or you can drive...that will work too) and pick up at least one leather piece for yourself. Then call a babysitter and book a gals night out, or a date night with your man, because leather isn’t meant to stay at home!

((If wearing genuine leather is a moral issue for you, and you’re concerned with its effects on the environment or animal-cruelty, there are plenty of stylish vegan options available. Bonus: they tend to be a bit more budget-friendly than the real deal!))

About Nicole

Nicole

Hey gals! My name’s Nicole. I’m a student (but only until December!) and single mother who is much-too-quickly approaching my 26th birthday.

My precious doghter is Pixi Sparkles. No, that was not a typo. Dog + Daughter = Doghter. Pixi Sparkles is a 7 year old pomeranian/chihuahua cross (they grow up SO fast!). And in case you were wondering, I am fully aware of how unhealthy (and utterly ridiculous) my obsession with her is. But I’m perfectly okay with it, so you should be too. 

Not only have I worked in the salon and spa industry for two years, but I’ve watched more episodes of ‘What Not To Wear’ and spent more hours on fashion & beauty related activities than I’d like to admit.

What you can be sure to expect from my posts is a little humor and a lot of style!

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2012

300-for-web

2011

2011BestofToledo

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