Style 101: Get J.Lo's American Idol Look For Less

Lately I have been feeling like J.Lo can do no wrong in the fashion department. I’ve always admired her fearlessness when it came to trying or even making her own trends. And recently, she has wowed me with every outfit. And this ensemble she wore to an American Idol taping, is one of my current favorites. Her hot pink J Brand Auden top is sold out (of course) but went for $195. And her matching J Brand Sateen Super Skinny jeans come in at $185. She finished the look off with a pair of Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps. The So Kate pumps come in so many variations and J.Lo is rocking the tan python pair with this look. The basic, black patent So Kate pump has a $625 price tag! I wasn’t able to find the exact price of J.Lo’s specific pair, but I can guess that they’re definitely out of my price range. I wanted to recreate this look for less because although it’s simple, it’s so chic and bright colors are a must for the spring!

Get her all-pink look for less below!

ASOS Crepe Boxy T-Shirt

This Asos Crepe Boxy Tee is the perfect alternative to J.Lo’s Auden top. I love the black zipper detail on the back of the top. It definitely gives the top a bit of an edge! And the longer sleeves give the top a classic look. The tee is so versatile and can be worn with anything from a form fitting midi skirt to relaxed, distressed boyfriend jeans.

Forever 21 Ankle Length Jeans

These Forever 21 ankle length jeans were the best match to J.Lo’s without going over budget. Who would have thought it would be so hard to find an affordable pair of hot pink skinny jeans? I love this bright bubble gum pink color and the fit looks amazing!

ALDO Kristina Pumps

Love, love, love the Aldo Kristina pump! This shoe is the closest comparison to J.Lo’s Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps. The Kristina heel has the same tan color, reptile like texture, and height that the So Kate has. And these gorgeous shoes from Aldo cost much less than those popular red bottoms but the Kristina pump still has that sexiness and fabulousness that the So Kate has.

Finish this look off with a sleek ponytail, sparkling studs, and your favorite gold bangles! 

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Style 101: Knee-High Gladiators On A Budget

Gladiator sandals have been one of my favorite trends since they first came out. Well now, gladiator sandals are making a major comeback but now they’re taller, funkier and more chic. I feel in love with these Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals when I first saw them on Kourtney Kardashian a year ago (she’s always ahead of the trend). But of course, these beauties come with a Kardashian clan price tag at $398. Now don’t get me wrong; if I had the money, I would definitely splurge on these sandals. But right now I’m styling on a budget, so I found some alternatives to these knee high gladiator sandals! Check them out below! 

Splurge

Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandal

Under $200

Sam Edelman Bryant Sandal

I love these Sam Edelman sandals because they are the only knee-high gladiator sandals that can really compare to the Stuart Weitzman sandals in style and quality. I also am a fan of anything Sam Edelman comes out with. I still own a pair of Sam Edelman sandals that I’ve had for years. They still look brand new! Sam Edelman is totally worth the mini splurge-this pair still comes in $200 cheaper than the Stuart Weitzman gladiators.

Under $100

ZiGi Girl Jae Sandal

Steve Madden Sparta Sandal

This pair of gladiators from ZiGi Girl is probably my favorite style after the Stuart Weitzman pair. I love the small stud detail on the side and t-strap. The Jae sandal is very similar to these Steve Madden Sparta Sandals but I’m not too crazy about the metallic color. I love that the Jae sandal comes in classic black and tan. I would definitely pick the tan over the black though. I’d get much more wear out of them in tan. Both the Jae and Sparta sandals are under $100. If you want something a little bit more funky and daring, go for the Sparta in the platinum leather color. And if you want a more classic look, you should stick to the Jae sandal. 

Under $50

Daily Look High Rise Gladiator Sandal

I was able to find a super affordable pair of knee-high gladiator sandals at Daily Look. I really like this pair because of the oversized buckle and thick straps. And I love the cross-over detail at the ankle. These are a must buy at only $35. Even if you aren’t sure about this trend, you can start with these, test them out, and if you fall in love (which I know you will), you can go for the more expensive choices.

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Style 101: My March Favorites

Now that March is over, I wanted to share a few of my favorite beauty products that I discovered last month!

1. CK One Color Foundation

The first product is the CK One Color 3-In-1 Foundation. I love this liquid foundation because it has a built in primer, so that’s one less step for your everyday makeup regimen. The foundation goes on easily and leaves your skin looking flawless and glowing. I tend to get oily throughout the day, especially on my nose, but with CK One Foundation, I don’t even need to blot my face or add finishing powder. This foundation is amazing. And for $30, it’s affordable compared to similar name brand foundations. 

2. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant 

This Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant works wonders! The smell is soft and fresh but not overpowering, so it doesn’t clash with any perfumes. I have very sensitive skin and this deodorant has never made me break out or left my underarm irritated. In fact, the area under my arms is softer since I’ve started using this product. The price is a little high at $19, but I swear it is worth it. I have been using this for about a year now, and I can’t see myself ever going back to drugstore deodorants. BTW, Nordstrom is the only retailer that sells this product for $19. Anywhere else I’ve found DK Cashmere Mist Deodorant, it has been $22.

3. Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tint

I’ve never been much of a lipstick or lipgloss kind of girl, so when lip tints and stains became a “thing,” I decided to give it a try. The first lip stain I purchased was this Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tint in Amused which is a bright pink color. I’ve had it for about 6 months and I still have quite a ways to go until I need to buy a new one. And I have been using it nonstop! It leaves your lips looking so soft and the color pigment is amazing. The tint adds a great shine to your lips and stays on for a while, even after drinking and eating. I have probably only reapplied it once after a big dinner.

4. SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

I am always interested in facial products. Since I am a recent graduate, I don’t currently have the extra spending money to go and get a facial every two weeks so I love discovering great at-home masks and facials. One that I swear by is this SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque. When used consistently, this mask minimizes pores and leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. My dermatologist recommended this mask to me and I have been using it ever since! Like I said before, I have extremely sensitive skin and this mask does wonders for my skin. I can immediately feel the difference in the texture of my skin after removing the mask. Compared to other masks, this one trumps them all. The quality of this $51 SkinCeuticals mask is better than high end masks that go for $250 and up. 

5. Almay Intense-I Color Volumizing Mascara

Most drugstore brand mascaras have worked better for me than high end mascaras I’ve tried like Dior, Laura Mercier, and Smashbox. And this Almay Intense-I Color Volumizing Mascara does not disappoint. I am on my second tube of this particular mascara and I love it. The first one I bought was in the color Sapphire (which was totally by mistake-I meant to get midnight) and I got so many compliments. The mascara has a black base with a hint of blue. It’s not a bright blue, but more subtle so you can get more wear out of it. The second tube I bought was in the color Plum which I love as well. The mascara lengthens and thickens your natural eyelashes without clumping them. I got this mascara for $7.99 which is super cheap compared to other popular mascara brands.

6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser

My final favorite product is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser. I have repurchased this item more times than I can count. I wash my face with this cleanser every evening and it really refreshes my skin. The cleanser is gentle on the face but tough on dirt and oil. This brand is approved by my dermatologist and has improved my skin since I first started using it. And don’t be turned off by the $23 price tag. This 4.2 fl. Oz. container will last you forever. All you need to do the job is a small, pea size amount. This product goes a long way and is worth every penny. 

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Style 101: How To Build Your Wardrobe

One thing that I find to be a woman’s biggest struggle is deciding what pieces to splurge on. Building your wardrobe can be difficult if you don’t start with the basics. There are four items that I think every woman should have in her closet. And these pieces can be a bit more expensive than most items in your closet. But trust me; they are worth the pennies. These items are classic, staple pieces that can transition from day to night, from the office to the lounge, and can be worn all year-round. You won’t regret these investment pieces which I also like to call outfit builders. But for those who are unsure about making that pricey fashion commitment (my current situation), I've found alternatives to the splurge items! Happy shopping!

The Perfect Black Blazer

Rebecca Minkoff Becky Jacket

I love everything about this blazer! The structure, fabric, and versatility. The Becky Jacket is as stated online-a must have. This blazer can be worn as is or you can easily adjust the sleeves to ¾ for a more casual and relaxed look. At $328 this is definitely an investment piece and since it is silk, that means costly upkeep with regular visits to your local cleaners. But I swear it’s worth it. I have been in love with this piece for years and it will probably be one of my first “big girl” purchase with my first future “big girl” paycheck. 

Trouvé Structured Jacket

Even though no one does it quite like Rebecca, this Trouvé blazer is an amazing alternative to the splurge Becky Jacket. The Trouvé jacket is structured with straight lines (rather than curved like most blazers) and has chic detailing around the neck. This blazer is also versatile and can be worn at full length or ¾ sleeve.

The Ultimate Pointed Toe Pump

Manolo Blahnik BB Pump

The Manolo Blahnik BB Pump is the “it” pointed toe pump right now. And the brand has created a whole new way to shop the BB Pump. You can create your own pair by choosing a heel height and color. It’s basically amazing! I would own every single color in the height 115mm if it weren’t for the $595 price tag. If I could only choose one color, it would be the Nude Patent because it’s a neutral and can be worn with anything-dresses, pants suits, dress shorts, skirts. Your options are endless with a shoe like this. 

Charles David Katya Pump

The Charles David ‘Katya’ Pump in Nude is simple, sophisticated, and looks expensive! Which also translates to three inarguable reasons to buy these shoes.

The Flirty Fit and Flare Dress

Clover Canyon Cuban Step Printed Neoprene Dress

The fit and flare silhouette is flattering on women of different body shapes, sizes, and height. It’s girly and fun but can also be paired with a blazer for a dressy, sophisticated occasion. And what’s great about this style is that it’s so popular that there are tons of color and pattern variations. I’m such a sucker for Clover Canyon’s beautiful prints and the Cuban Step Printed Neoprene dress is absolutely gorgeous and incorporates two of my favorite colors-pink and green.

Zara Fit and Flare Dress

Now you guys already know I’m obsessed with Zara and it took everything in me not to buy this super cute fit and flare dress during my latest mall visits. It’s fun but also sexy with the black mesh and nude combo. A must buy before the end of the month!

The Everyday Handbag

Valentino Double Handle Bag

I’ve always said, every woman deserves a nice, designer handbag. A purse can really make or break an outfit and should not be neglected in the shopping process. Now let’s discuss functionality-you have to decide what works for you. A pretty bag is worthless if it doesn’t meet your everyday needs. One of my must haves on a handbag is a cross-body strap. I am constantly on the go with my cell phone in one hand and a water bottle in the other so having the option of being hands-free is a necessity for me. That’s why I chose this Valentino Double Handle Bag. And of course I had to pick the blush pink color. It’s girly but also edgy with stud detail and I love that it is structured. One of my pet peeves is when I set my bag down and it just flops down. This bag is perfect! But the price tag is a different story coming in at $2075.

Michael Kors Large Selma 

The Michael Kors Large Selma handbag is very similar to the Valentino splurge handbag. The shape is almost identical with top handles and cross-body strap. The Selma comes in a rich cognac color and is structured. It’s versatile and is much nicer on the wallet at $358. 

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Style 101: The Ultimate Shopping Destination This Spring

Zara has easily become one of my favorite stores over the past few years. The quality of their clothing is absolutely amazing and most of their pieces transition well between seasons and can be worn on multiple occasions. Last weekend, I visited the Dallas Galleria and happened to stumble upon (more like raced to) Zara. And I’m so glad I did! The store is right on trend with mixing patterns, pretty pastels, girly ruffles, and floral accent pieces. Here are a few of my favorite must haves from Zara this season!

(Click the photo to zoom)

1. Floral Print Dress

2. Flowing Printed Trousers

3. Printed Blazer w/ Faux Leather Piping

4. Long Yellow Earring

5. Metallic Strappy Sandal

6. Pastel Faux Leather Jacket

7. Printed Crossover Dress

8. Color Block Clutch

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo