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Fashion Giveaways



The Look for Less: Liv Tyler at the Cannes Film Festival

I love a great midi-length pencil dress, and Liv Tyler wears the trend so well. For a photocall at the Cannes Film Festival, Liv Tyler wore a bustier-style midi-length Tanya Taylor dress. The length is perfection, and I certainly love the nod to summer florals. I think an updo would've complimented this look better, and a bold red lipstick would have really brought out the color. You can get this look for less pretty easily! 

My picks to recreate this look are below:
ASOS Pencil Dress With Mirror Flower Print ($76.36 at Asos)
Gypsy SOULE - Concho Drop Earrings (Silver) - Jewelry ($16.00 at Zappos)
BCBG Paris Fran Sandal ($49.95 by BCBGMAXAZRIA at DSW)

Posted by valeriekw on May 21, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


How To Pack Your Carry-On

how to pack a carry onWhether I'm going to New York City for three days or the Virgin Islands for a week, I only pack a carry on bag. I attribute this to constant paranoia that my luggage will get lost in the hands of others, but either way, it's a good thing to pack light. Not only will your significant other be happy you didn't bring three suitcases for him to carry, you also learn to pack only the essentials. And that's really all you need, isn't it?

It's a lot easier to pack a light carry on during the summer months because you won't need those heavy items like sweaters, coats, and boots. But you can apply these same prinicples no matter what the season. The overall key to packing light is to really make sure that most of the items in your suitcase coordinate together. So in the spirit of packing light, here's how you can pack your carry on for that sweet summer vacay!

How to Pack Light:

  1. Use makeup cleansing wipes instead of your normal cleansing products. I use Meaningful Beauty skincare products (Hey, who doesn't want to look like Cindy Crawford?), and I honestly hate using anything else. But I have to be realistic when I travel, which means axing all of those liquid cleansers and face masks. 
  2. Pack dresses. Why? It's a complete outfit, which means less items in your carry on. Be sure to pack versatile dresses that you can dress up or down with the right accessories. 
  3. Add on versatile accessories. Jewelry can be a fairly light item to pack, but the problem is that it can get really tangled up. When you're going on vacation, be sure to pack a set of versatile accessories that you can wear with every outfit. A super cool statement earring is always an excellent choice!
  4. Bring lightweight tees and tops. Lightweight tees and tops are an obvious choice for this list! I suggest bringing a few high quality lightweight tops that you can wear more than once, if needed.
  5. Bring comfy shoes! If you're an adventurer, you'll need a comfortable pair of shoes to go exploring. I highly recommend Toms! My Toms have been all the way to the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico to the Vatican in Europe. And I even hiked in them to a tidal pool on our honeymoon in the Virgin Islands! 
  6. Bring bottoms you can mix and match. Maxi skirts and denim shorts are completely perfect for vacation--plus you can mix and match them with other items in your carry on.
  7. Pack a stylish pair of flats. You need your beach sandals, but you also need a chic pair of sandals or flats for your shopping trips and other daytime excursions. Just make sure they're a neutral based shoe, like nude, black, or brown, so that you can easily match it with all of the items in your suitcase.

Wear on Board:

  1. Your heaviest items. Since the airplane is usually cold, it's always best to just wear your coat on board. During the summer, you probably won't need a coat for vacation, but you may still want to bring a rain jacket, just in case, or a classic denim jacket. Also try to wear your bulkiest shoes, even if they're heels. Comfort won't matter too much since you'll be sitting down most of the time. 
  2. Carry a huge purse. I usually carry my London Fog Tote, 16" Oxford II ($100.00$49.99 by London Fog at Macy's). Not only do I have the matching carry on, but the bag is absolutely perfect for airplane travel. The last time I traveled, I actually packed my daytime purse inside of the London Fog tote. If you find a decent sized tote, you can also get away with carrying leftover items that didn't fit into your carry on--like a hairbrush, straightener, etc. 
  3. Your most cherished jewelry. I hate it when my accessories get tangled, so I recommend wearing your favorite jewelry, especially necklaces and earrings, on board so you don't have to pack it in a Ziploc!
  4. Your accessories. Wear your scarf, sunnies, and/or your hat on board with you so they don't get smashed or wadded up in your carry on!

SHOP BEAUTY AND THE BUDGET'S SUGGESTIONS:
Vanessa mooney Oleda Earrings ($40.00 by Vanessa Mooney at shopbop.com)
Blue light wash denim jacket ($59.00 at Dorothy Perkins)
Lace Up Waist Maxi Dress ($92.00 at Topshop)
Vaughn T-Strap Sandals ($29.50 at LOFT)
Ivory embroidered smock top ($44.00$27.00 at Dorothy Perkins)
Factory layering v-neck tee in stripe ($32.50$16.50 at J.Crew Factory)
Tie Side Casual Shorts ($60.00 at Topshop)

Posted by valeriekw on May 20, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


Best of the Web: Get Miley Cyrus's Black and White Look, Plus More

Take style notes from the Hottest Woman in the World according to Maxim Magazine- Here's where to buy Miley Cyrus's Black and White Jumpsuit -- Closet Cravings
Visit the Top 100 Shopping Blogs, here's the list! -- LollieShopping
Here's How you can win this Twenty Tees Open Back Crochet Dress -- LiveLoveLA
Totally Obsessed: Try this new trick for lining your eyes -- BargainBex
How to Wear Your Hair This Summer - Tie a Scarf around it! -- Vintage Danielle
Check Out This Friend Makin-Money Q&A -- Couture for Curves
Discover How to Get the Most Out of Your Makeup -- Beauty and the Budget
Posted by valeriekw on May 17, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


Best of the Web: The Complete Evolution of Bangs, Plus More!

The Evolution of Bangs -- Beauty and the Budget
Kate Bosworth's Pink Met Gala Gown, Plus More Looks You Can Get Right Now -- Closet Cravings
Posted by valeriekw on May 10, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


Style News: Mango Releases a Romantic Summer Lookbook

Mango's “Romantic Essence” summer lookbook features super soft palettes and pieces with a relaxed fit. It's definitely a very contemporary collection--perfect for the woman in her 20s or 30s who wants something timeless and classic. Since I'm pretty much obsessed with neutrals (I love a good beige and a soft ivory!), this collection speaks absolute volumes to me. I'm thinking this could be my absolute favorite summer lookbook released so far! Props to Mango! 

Enjoy the full collection below.

Which outfit do you love the most? Let me know in the comments below!

Posted by valeriekw on May 09, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


The Look for Less: Hannah Simone's Fiery Dress

I really adored Hannah Simone's Shoshanna dress at the Verte Grades Of Green's Annual Fundraising Event! The bold color was what originally caught my eye, and then I also loved the scalloped detailing around the shoulders. I knew it would be a fairly simple look to recreate, and I wanted to share it with you all!

The outfit has a fairly simple foundation--a fiery orange/red lace dress that is bold enough to stand out on its own. I'm glad she paired it with just a black belt and black pumps, because she could've gone overboard otherwise. Either way, I still thought the look needed something extra, which is why I added the statement earrings. The outfit, while amazing, was lacking in the accessory department. If you decide to recreate this look on your own, opt for a statment necklace or a bold clutch to give it that extra oomph.

I love that she finished the look with a glam ponytail and a simple beauty look! It makes the whole outfit seem really effortless. 

Shop the look below:

Kensie - Dress KS3K9011 (Terracotta) ($99.00$59.99 by Kensie at 6pm.com)
ASOS Gem Drop Earrings ($13.30 at Asos)
Boyntonbeach ($80.00$40.00 at Aldo)
ASOS Bow Belt With Metal Plate Waist Detail ($13.30 at Asos)

Posted by valeriekw on May 07, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


How to Get the Great Gatsby Look

The Great Gatsby was no doubt one of my favorite books from high school. There was something so intriguing about it, and of course, I loved envisioning the fashions as I turned the pages. If I could go back to any decade, it would probably be the roaring 20s. I love the opulence of the Jazz Age, the beaded tops, fringe dresses, and pearls! 

I've been highly anticipating the release of the Great Gatsby movie, which was supposed to be out in December (right?) but is now slated for a May 10th release. (And you better believe I'm dragging my husband to see it after seeing all of those Avenger, Iron Man, and other related comic book movies with him.) My anticipation for the upcoming movie inspired me to find some amazing 1920s style fashion all under $100. 

And if you decide to recreate your own Great Gatsby inspired look, take note of muted pastels, deep oxblood lips, and beaded detailing are definitely key. Shop the look below.

Will you be going to see the Great Gatsby this weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

Shop these items: 

Posted by valeriekw on May 06, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


Style News: H&M Spring Lookbook

H&M's spring looks are here, but unlike most H&M collections I'm not completely obsessed with the whole thing. Model Frida Gustavsson wears pieces from their latest style book, featuring foulard prints, denim and lace along with fringe-adorned and gold jewelry.

There are several looks that I love from the collection, but overall it is just a bit lackluster to me considering what I've seen from H&M in the past. I'm not crazy about the purple tube top that makes two cameos in the lookbook. I love the location, but I think the styling could've been amped up a bit. 

See the entire collection below.

My favorite look is above. Which look is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Posted by valeriekw on April 25, 2013 at 9:32AM | Permalink | 0 Comments
Filed in: Fashion | Related: H&M, style, lookbook, style news


The Look for Less: Diane Kruger's High Contrast Look

Diane Kruger's style shines once again! I can't help but aspire to recreate a Diane Kruger look for less. She's flawless, and I absolutely love her mix of classic yet trendy style. Thankfully, recreating this look is pretty easy if you just select complimentary colors from the trusty old color wheel. In this case, we're using navy as the base color, and red and neon yellow as the complimentary colors. The best part is, you can recreate this look using any colors you'd like since the formula for the color palette is simple. For example, try an emerald green print dress, cobalt blue belt, and neon pumps. 

Shop the look below:

Posted by valeriekw on April 23, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments
Filed in: Fashion | Related: shopping, Look for Less, Diane Kruger


Friday Favorites: Coachella Street Style Favorites

Coachella is no doubt the most popular, star studded music festival around. From the likes of Alessandra Ambrosio to Kate Bosworth to Vanessa Hudgens, the celebrities step out in full force for the event by putting their most fashionable foot forward. Above are some of my favorites from the affair, featuring Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth, and two amazing street stylers. 

What I love about Coachella is the sort of free spirited style. It's comfortable, it's casual, and it's free flowing. Take a cue from Alexa Chung who paired sneakers with her leopard coat and cropped top. Kate Bosworth, on the other hand, opted for a cool outfit (from Topshop's unreleased collection), and in true festival fashion--she paired flat booties with her look. 

A lot of festival goers have been going matchy-matchy this year, and I absolutely love it. Take for instance, this floral bandeau and matching skirt from this party goer above. And to make it her own, she added edgy accessories that make a huge statement about her style. On the other hand, if you're in need of a seriously cool festival look--try mixing patterns. I simply can't get enough of the navy printed blouse and rustic orange printed shorts paired together.

And I think we all know that a pair of cool sunnies and a shoulder bag are totally in order for a music festival.

What are your favorite looks from Coachella? Let me know in the comments below!

PLUS: Where can you find the best music festival clothing? Naomi and Lavender has everything you need!

Posted by valeriekw on April 19, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments