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Fashion Giveaways



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


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


Women Spend HOW Much on Makeup in a Lifetime?!

It's probably no surprise to you, but women definitely aren't scared to shell out the cash for beauty products. However, you may be surprised at how much the average woman spends on makeup. Curious? According to MintLife, the average woman will spend $15,000 on makeup in her lifetime! And while you may think that's a lot of trips to the MAC counter, a good portion of that money is probably spent on top performing drugstore brands like Olay, L'Oreal, and Neutrogena. 

Personally, I could pay off a huge chunk of my student loan debt if I'd just stop wearing makeup, but four out of five women will agree with me when I say that makeup is a necessity in our culture. I take pride in my appearance, and if I can be totally honest with you, it totally boosts my confidence level when I'm all fixed up with a nice foundation, lip color, and false lashes. 

So while I don't suggest giving up makeup, I can provide a few helpful tips from personal experience that will help you keep a watchful eye on your beauty spending.

  • Beauty products will not make you look perfect. Nobody is perfect, remember? That cellulite cream? It probably isn't going to get rid of your cellulite, but rather slightly reduce the appearance. (Trust me, if I find a cream that gets rid of cellulite, I'll be the first to let you know!) Be more cautious when you're shopping for beauty products and discover why you're shopping for those products. Skincare products and beauty products are intended to enhance your appearance, not make you look like the photoshopped celebrity endorsing it. Don't overspend on products just because you're feeling insecure about your looks. 
  • Skip those beauty impulse buys. You should always be conscious of impulse buying, but definitely be cautious of impulse beauty buys because they can really rack up. There have been many ocassions when I've been perusing the makeup aisle for skin cream and ended up adding other products into my shopping cart. Women spend an average of $43 per shopping trip on beauty products, which adds up to around $216 per year. If you keep adding impulse buys, you can quickly exceed that amount. 
  • Don't overbuy too much of a product. Nail polish and lipstick are super popular beauty products, especially during a recession since they can quickly revamp your look at an affordable price range. But really, how many shades of red lipstick or polish do you need? If you're using them all the way up then great, but (speaking from experience) I have an entire medicine cabinet full of nail polish that I rarely ever use. 

About how much do you think you spend on beauty products? Let me know in the comments below!

Posted by valeriekw on April 17, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


The Look for Less: January Jones's Perfect Spring Look

January Jones was looking nothing short of perfect for spring at the annual Coach benefit, and she was definitely right on trend for spring. A lightweight overcoat paired with a pretty spring dress is such an easy transitional look for spring, and she wears it so well. The red lipstick and braided updo also help complete this look perfectly. You can wear this look to daytime parties, lunch dates, church, the country club, etc., or basically anywhere that you need to look polished and prim, but in a dressy casual manner. 

And the look doesn't have to be restricted to a neutral coat. You can also try a colorful coat with a neutral dress, or, for those more bold, a bold coat and a colorful dress. 

But without further adieu, here's how you can get January Jones's look for less:

Which celebrity has your favorite spring style? Let me know in the comments below!

Posted by valeriekw on April 16, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


The Look for Less: Ashley Madekwe's Evening Chic


Ashley Madekwe provided a stylish evening ensemble at the Mulberry dinner at LA's Chateau Marmont. Not only is this look perfect for a spring evening, it's also so transitional! For day, pair with black flats and oversized sunnies and for night, the pointed-toe pumps really up the ante. 

Get the look: White peplum top ($44.00 at Dorothy Perkins); Anne Klein 'Bruma' Drop Earrings ($24.00$11.98 by Anne Klein at Nordstrom); Mango logo plate tote ($59.99 at Mango); Printed jersey trousers ($44.99 at Mango); and the Qupid Potion-62 Pump ($39.95 by Qupid at DSW).

Posted by valeriekw on March 26, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments


Fancy Finances: 3 Ways to Wear 1 Dress

Remember that $15.50 FOREVER 21 Maxi Slip Dress I posted about yesterday? Well that fabulous piece was the sole inspiration for today's post! Every summer we're always looking for the perfect summer dress for Spring Break, summer vacay, brunches, weddings, etc., but wouldn't it be fabulous if just one dress fit all of our needs? A simple maxi dress is the perfect solution. No matter what the occasion, a maxi dress serves as something versatile, chic, and totally appropriate. Plus, this maxi dress comes in a variety of different colors--so you can choose what color is best for you!

Here are three ways to wear a maxi dress for every occasion this summer.

Shopping: Throw on the Petite denim stud jacket ($57.00 at Dorothy Perkins) over the maxi and pair with Cupcake Contest Shoulder Bag ($42.99 at ModCloth) and the Pierre Dumas Debby-1 ($29.00 at Piperlime). 

Wedding: Take the maxi to the next level with the Fragments Multi-Stone Clear Bib Necklace ($30.00 at Last Call by Neiman Marcus). Remove the tie and replace it with the Rhinestone Stretch Belt ($39.50 at LOFT), then add the Tasha Hexagonal Clutch ($48.00 by Tasha at Nordstrom) and the 

Anne Klein Zya ($39.97 at Piperlime). 

Spring Break: This is my absolute favorite look! Throw the Tennessee Wyatt Parker 'Skull & Roses' Muscle Tee ($36.00 at Nordstrom) over the dress. To cinch in the waist, knot it on the side. For extra flair add a pop of yellow with this Le Piaget Neon and Crystals Stretch Bracelet (Hematite) - Jewelry ($24.99 at 6pm.com) and these Two Strap Heeled Sandal ($29.90 at Express). Tie your hair back with the Emi-Jay 'Crystal Bead' Hair Tie ($17.99 at Nordstrom). 

Which look is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

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


Target's Spring 2013 Lookbook


Target has really stepped it up in the fashion game. They've had quite a reputable list of designer collaborations this year, and they've also had a long list of notable guest editors on the Target Style blog. Currently, I'm obsessing over the Target Spring 2013 Lookbook, which is a complete collection of all Target brands mixed and matched together the way a customer would wear them. In the past Target has done separate lookbooks for each brand, but I'm so glad they decided to create one lookbook with everything in it this season. The only downside for me is that I don't think the lookbook as a whole is cohesive or tells a complete story. However, most of these looks have me wanting to shop at Target, and I'd love to replicate several of them from head to toe.

Find my top picks from the lookbook below! (My absolute favorite is above.)

What do you think about Target's Spring 2013 Lookbook? Let me know in the comments below!

Beauty and the Budget's Pick!

Beauty and the Budget's Pick!

Beauty and the Budget's Pick!

Beauty and the Budget's Pick!

Beauty and the Budget's Pick!

Beauty and the Budget's Pick!

Posted by valeriekw on February 18, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 1 Comment


Pretty Little Things for Valentine's Day under $50

Note: Hi Beauties! I apologize for the two-day hiatus this week. A tornado hit my hometown (Hattiesburg, Miss.), causing the power to go out and the Internet to be down for a few days. We were very blessed to have our home in tact with no damage, even though the tornado hit just a few short blocks away. However, several people in my neighborhood and other surrounding communities have lost their homes, so please keep them in your prayers. 


Whether you're single or taken, you'll fall in love with these pretty little under garments under $50! Around Valentine's Day, I always get in the mood to buy fancy lingerie. Even though no one else may see it, pretty underclothes always make me feel more confident. And honestly, sometimes the best way to be sexy on Valentine's Day is what you're wearing underneath your clothes. 

Do you ever indulge in pretty intimates on Valentine's Day? Let me know in the comments below!

From left to right: Honeydew® intimates flower lace bralette ($32.00$24.99 at Madewell); Calvin Klein Underwear Lace-trimmed satin camisole ($44.00$22.00 at theOutnet); Lavender Floral Chiffon Mini ($8.00 at Topshop); Cotton and Lace Soft Bra ($32.00 at Topshop); and FOREVER 21 Ribbon Lace Babydoll ($15.80 at Forever 21).

Posted by valeriekw on February 13, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 1 Comment


Friday Favorites: Odds and Ends

Take delight in these fab finds under $25! Have you tried any of these amazing products? If so, let me know in the comments below!

Posted by valeriekw on January 25, 2013 at 9:00AM | Permalink | 0 Comments