The Things I Care To Share: Styled by Me

The Things I Care To Share: Styled by Me: Aztec by Day 

-New look, check it out!

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Notes On A Party

I am a wedding planner and a party thrower so a lot of my time is invested in all things parties.  I know, it sounds like such an awful job but someone has got to help plan!  I love sharing ideas for parties with anyone because you never know whose party you'll be attending next.  Basically, these are three of my favorite party throwing tips and three of my cheapest!  

Mason Jar Prepared Drinks

You will need: Mason jars (around 2 per guest), labels, and serving buckets

Offering your guests drinks that you have already mixed is a great way to get a drink in everyone's hand.  For our Christmas party this past year, my friend Bethany and I used mason jars to serve drinks.  We offered sangria, a bailey's drink, something with vodka and something with rum. (No mixers with carbonation!)  We were able to buy cheaper booze and save a lot of money.  Whatever mixers and alcohol we didn't use for the mason jar drinks we set up in the bar area for guests to make their own versions of our drinks.

 Side note: always have wine glasses handy because wine-os usually bring their own bottle!

How to serve mason jar drinks: 

Always offer straws, have a basket for lids, use an ice bucket/cooler or display them in your refrigerator.

Drinks that work for mason jars: 

Mixed drinks with no carbonation, sangria, punches, dessert style cocktails, margaritas, etc...

Where to buy: 

Grocery stores around canning time, trader horn, craft stores, home improvement stores, Walmart, etc...

Napkin Conversation Starters

What you will need: a variety of witty cocktail napkins
A witty napkin generally goes unappreciated.  But when you throw a bunch of people into a room and pass around a funny cocktail napkin to go with their drink, they may get a kick out of it!  This is one of my personal little party touches.  It's not always appropriate to have these if you're going for a certain formality and there is no Hallmark for napkins so you may not find the perfect one.  I buy these little suckers whenever I see them on sale.  They're so cheap and I can just throw them in my party supply box for later use.

Where to buy:
TJMaxx, Target, party supplies stores, clearance bins, etc...

Water Bottles

You will need: water bottles!
One of the best things you can do for you guests after liquering them up is to offer them water bottles.  This way they can just take them out the door with them or straight to which ever couch they're crashing on.  Also, this saves a lot of extra glasses that you won't need to wash the next day.  They don't need to be cold and you don't need to display them nicely if you don't want to.  Just buy a pack and have them handy, everyone including yourself will be glad you did.




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Out To Dinner Outfit

Last night I ate dinner at Houlihan's!  I love their Home Style Pot Roast and "Pomtini" Martinis... mmm. Anyways, I documented my outfit from dinner for today's post.  It's a  good "going out for a fun dinner" outfit.  Assuming you don't need to wear a dress or anything more formal, of course.  So, here your go!

Here's the Out to Dinner Outfit

Lace top: Lucky Brand

Belt and Maroon Tank/Wedges: Target

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans: Gap

Ring: Forever 21

I tucked the front of my shirt into my jeans to show off the belt and also because it felt a little baggy.  This doesn't always work with shirts but this particular one has a round cut bottom which falls nicely when the front is tucked in.  I also matched my tank color to my shoes but it was just a subtle pop of color.  Somehow I have a pair of really comfortable wedges and a tank top that match... But these wedges were on sale at Target for like $3 so I bought them, and I also bought them in grey.  

Details

This cute tan belt came with a pair of shorts from Target.  I love when you can use stuff like that for many different outfits.  Those shorts are in a future blog!

This ring is from Forever 21.  I like it because it's different and the color kind of just goes with everything.  It's a bigger cocktail ring without budging off your finger.  I'm really not an over accessorized but I do admit I could have added some pretty earrings or a bracelet.

The shoes were really difficult to photograph... Sorry!  But just imagine a maroon wedge and there you have it.

Second Look

Thanks for reading and make sure to follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pretzel Cupcakes

Okay everyone, I have a really special treat for you...  This is my most recent baking invention.  It's kind of like the best of everything in one yummy cupcake!  I recommend using a stand mixer if you have one but if not you will need an electric-beater!  The batter tends to be thicker than you're average batter.

Ingredients:
1 box moist white cake mix
3/4 cup all-purpose flower
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
4 egg whites
Strawberry dessert filling
"Tiny Twist" pretzels
Chocolate frosting

Baking Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325'F and line your cupcake pans with liners.  Place one pretzel at the bottom of the liner.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, sugar, flour and salt.  Then just add all the other ingredients to the dry mix!  Keep mixing as you go.
3. Scoop mix into the cupcake liners until they're about 3/4 of the way full.
4. Bake for about 18 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.

Decorating Instructions:
1. After the cupcakes have cooled off you scoop the center out.  Try using a tablespoon, a tube cookie cutter or even a mellon-baler.
2. Either pipe or scoop the filling into the center of the cupcake.  Smooth the top of the cupcake with the back of a spoon.
3. Frost with chocolate and decorate with crumbled pretzels!

Boots That Stand

Come fall I'm always so excited to pull out my boots.  Nothing is worse than when I go for a favorite pair and find that there is a big crease from how I stored them.  This especially happens with leather, and unfortunately they're the most expensive kind to replace.  So, I learned this great little trick for storing your boots and keeping them in good shape. 

How To:

I know you figured it out already but for those of you who want a description...

- Just take a magazine, make sure it's not too thin that it won't stand, and roll it into a tube.

- Insert the rolled up magazine into the boot and push it down until it hits the sole.

 It is also a great way to recycle/store magazines you're done reading.  I have tons of catalogs and magazines I recycle every month and with this trick, I am able to hang on to them instead.  This is so simple you're probably wondering why I even blogged about it... Well, this trick also feeds into my need to have an organized closet.  I hate when I can't find the things I'm looking for even though it should be right in front of me.   It's a great thing to have all your boot options standing in front of you waiting to get picked!

And there you have it... Boots that don't fall over.  You're welcome.

Fun T-Shirts!

Every now and then a simple t-shirt is exactly what you need.  Sometimes, all you want is to be able to wear a simple t-shirt.  If you're not into the whole dressing up thing, there are other options!  Fun "t-shirt-like" styles and designs are everywhere and they are very comfortable.  The idea is to dress nice without feeling uncomfortable.  

Some choices from my closet...  

Black LaceI love this t-shirt because it's comfortable and pretty.  Lace is really "in" right now and black is always a good go-to color.  I also really like how the sleeves aren't backed with black like the rest of the shirt.  Pair a shirt like this with jeans or even your spring red pants!

Sequined Top
Another great go-to top is this neutral colored sequined one from Express.  The sleeves are sheer and it is so comfortable and breezy. I would wear this out to dinner and drink with friends or wherever!  Sequined clothes are really in style right now, it's not secret, and this is a subtle option when you don't want to shine too much.

Chevron T-Shirt
This shirt is from the Missoni for Target line that literally flew out the doors.  Funny story... I got my wisdom teeth out a few days before this line launched.  I actually didn't even know Missoni was coming to Target!  A few days after my surgery, I was out and about at Target with my boyfriend and I started to feel horrible.  I just wanted to go home, crawl into bed with my pain meds and heal more.  On the way past the registers and to the door I looked over my shoulder toward the women's section and there it was... A huge sign that read, "MISSONI".  No matter how bad I felt I had to go over there.  The racks were so picked over I felt like I had been robbed of my chance.  I was picking through and came across this lone t-shirt in my size.  (A similar thing happened with Jason Wu)  I had to buy it, no trying on necessary.  I also happen to adore chevron!  This goes with skirts, jeans, black skinny jeans, and whatever else!

Knit T-Shirt
This type of t-shirt is different and interesting.  I found this while shopping in Vegas last summer.  I really like it!  I usually get compliments on how unique it is.  Another plus is that knitwear is in and especially lighter versions of it like this shirt.  I don't think this top is very dressy but it definitely holds its own when I'm out to eat or getting a quick drink!  This shirt made for some interesting sun burns in the summer time.. Always wear sunscreen girls and guys!

Thanks for reading!  Make sure to comment and follow me on Twitter (@soiree_bisou) !!

But I Don't Want To Diet...

I feel like I face this dilemma on the regular... "I want to look great in that dress, but I don't want to actually try and diet".  In a perfect world I would just accept that sometimes you have to do things you don't want to in order to get what you want.  Considering that this is not a perfect world, I will go down refusing to diet for the sake of looking good in one dress.  Assuming you're healthy and take care of yourself, I don't see anything wrong with fudging a little bit when trying to look your best.  We all want to feel good, especially when we have to dress up and try.  Here are some of my tips and tricks for pulling it together at the last minute.  

Spanx
No matter how thin you are, you should own a pair of Spanx!  Almost every celebrity who walks the red carpet is either wearing one or two of these problem area disguisers to pull off their gorgeous gowns.  They come in different colors and styles. You can buy less expensive versions are various stores but for about $20.00 you can get the name brand from Nordstroms or online.

Let's address your concerns...

Are they comfortable?  Yes!  They actually make dresses MORE comfortable because you're not worried about, well, anything!  They aren't like tights either because they stay up really well.  You won't be fussing with them the whole time, in fact they prevent fussing.  Always buy the correct size, this goes for every clothing purchase you ever make!

Aren't they for old women?  Probably, but it's no secret that every celebrity wears these suckers to help smooth out their figure.   Even the 20 somethings.  Men probably also think that these are like a push-up bra... misleading.  But they don't really change anything about how you accept streamlining your figure.

When do you wear them?  Personally, I don't wear them a whole lot mainly because I don't wear a lot of dresses that require them.  I usually just like to wear them with tighter dresses or sheer dresses.  But you could wear them under anything you want!  They really are that comfortable.

Epsom Salts
I did a whole post on why I love Epsom salts.  One of the best things about it is it's ability to reduce swelling and bloat.  The idea is that it pulls toxins out of your body like a sauna, minus the sweating.  Take an Epsom salt bath every other day leading up to your big event.  I've read that it takes two cups of salts and 12 minutes for Epsom salt to do it's thang but I'd hang out in the tub for a while longer and just enjoy.  And on top of reducing bloat you will also be exfoliating all over which is a huge plus for dresses that show some skin!

Concerns?

Where can I even buy Epsom salt?  Anywhere like a drug store, grocery store or Target.  It's really cheap, rounds out to be about $1.00 a pound, so buy in bulk!  This is what those scented bath salts are made of.  You can buy some brands of Epsom salt that are scented with lavender and other soothing smells.

Is it natural?  Yeah, much more natural than anything in your shower right now!

Is it possible to use too much?  In my opinion, no.  I use probably four cups per bath!  I like to rub it directly on rough areas and I also use it to volumize my hair.  But this could vary for medical reasons or whatever.

Benefiber
I know this sounds like a stupid piece of advice because I'm not a doctor.  But I started adding fiber to my diet every morning with my coffee and I lost three pounds.  I'm not saying this will happen for everyone but it really does help cut out the bloat.  It's also really healthy for you and some Benefiber comes with extra benefits like heart health.  So you can either hike up the fiber volume in your diet a few weeks before your event or just make the healthy everyday change.

Concerns?

Can you taste the fiber when you mix it into your coffee?  No!  It's crazy because even in water it completely dissolves and you can not taste a thing.  I even cook with it and add it to sauces, cheeses and mashed potatoes!

Am I going to get stuck in the bathroom because of this?  Seriously, I didn't know how else to word this... but no, you won't get "stuck in the bathroom".  It's not a laxative.

Light Weight Lifting

When I don't want to diet I usually also don't want to work out extra.  But if you want to really "wow" in a dress, at least do some light weight arm toning.  I'm talking three sets of bicep curls using a full water bottle or 5lb weight while watching Project Runway.  Every commercial break do a different arm workout!  If you add some arm workouts to your routine prior to having to dress up, you will start to notice some nice definition in your arms that shows up in pictures.  Every little bit helps!

Here are some easy workouts for arms:

Bicep Curls- Start with your arms straight at your side and your palms facing in toward your thighs holding your weight.  Curl your bicep and bring the weight up to your shoulder.  Rotate a quarter turn so your palm is level with and facing your shoulder.  Then slowly lower your weight back to the starting position.  Repeat on both sides!

Tricep Extensions- Hold one weight with both hands behind your hard so that your elbow are by your ears.  Extend your arms up so that they straighten, holding the weight above your head.  Return your arms back to the bent position and repeat.  Sit up straight!

Shoulder Press- Check your posture first.  Holding one weight in each hand, bend your arms and hold the weights ad shoulder height.  Press the weights up so that your arms are straight.  Then slowly lower your arms back to the original position and repeat. 

Drink Water

Have I lectured you on healthy living habits enough yet?  Well, this is my last piece of advice to make getting into that dress a little easier.  Drink water!  Get all your 8 glasses everyday and then a little more.  Drinking too much water can potentially bloat you but this is usually in conjunction with high salt intake.  Don't overload yourself on water OR salt the week prior.  Drinking water will help you look healthy and also help flush out extra waste that can be causing a little bloat.  

Other small tips:

- If you have one available to you, hit the sauna and sweat out that extra puff!

- Don't starve yourself because eating a lot of little things throughout the day can help you loose weight and it actually works pretty quickly.  

- Stretch!  Sometimes I feel really gross and I know I just need to hit a few yoga poses to help the blood flow.

- Wear your dress around the house a little to help it take shape to your body better.

  

Jason Wu for Target

I was really excited about the Jason Wu for Target line to come out considering I've seen such little of his designs before.  I have to say, I was turned-off by the big cat print t-shirts and some odd cuts in a few of the dresses.  I was kind of excited by the bags in this collection but not enough to set my alarm and dash to Target when it opened.  Needless to say, I didn't run out to buy anything like so many others.  But now, I have to bite my tongue for not giving this "clean-lined" designer a second look.  While doing some Target shopping, I saw a lone Jason Wu for Target dress hanging on an empty rack.  It looked cute and was my size so I figured it was fate and I bought it.  When I got home to try it on I was less than happy about the boxy cut and how much my figure did NOT want to make this dress work.  Here's a photo of the dress when I first put it on:

I know, I need to do my laundry and do something about my ghostly white skin but focus on the dress.  But that's what the dress looked like before I styled it up.  I wasn't going to settle and just accept that I bought a dud.  If something is too big or just too boxy, a belt is always the answer.  That is, of course, unless you can return it for a better fit!  This dress was a little tricky because there are already horizontal stripes on it.  But I found a navy belt from an old A&F shirt that worked perfectly!

It's hard to see but around the neckline, arm holes and right above the chest is a thin sheer strip to add a little detail to a simple t-shirt dress.  I was happy with how the soft material worked with the belt and how it didn't bunch up when I moved around.  I think a belt with a buckle might be too heavy for this dress but any fabric type one should work!  There are always those people out there who can rock the boxy shape and if you're one of them then go belt free.

I went with simple accessories because I see this as being more of a day dress.  I picked nude pumps and gold bangles from Express.  Nude heels are supposed to elongate your legs more than a printed or dark shoe.  I typically don't wear heels with day dresses because they are usually a little short on me since I'm 5'10''.  But this modest cut and length was perfect for higher heels.

There weren't a whole lot of Jason Wu pieces at the Target near me so hopefully others have more luck...  Let me know what you think!  

Computer down...

I haven't been able to post lately because my laptop is being horrible to me. Hopefully all gets fixed soon! In the meantime...

Follow me on Twitter! @Soiree_Bisou

San Fran' Chic

Okay, I may be going out on a limb here but I found this shirt at Forever 21 that I love. It's basically a "drug rug" shirt.  I had to buy it so the next step was deciding what to wear it with.  It's obviously really "hippyish" so I went for the obvious... Fringe boots!  I'll let you form your own opinion on what I'm calling, "San Fran' Chic" for the obvious reasons...

Here's the Forever 21 shirt; it even has a pocket and a hood!

Over-all outfit.  Shirt, black skinny jeans, fringe boots, and one of my favorite bracelets.  I also put a white-tunic underneath to add some separation between the dark pieces.  

The fringe boots!  They don't photograph that well on my iPhone, but you get the idea.  I love these but they tend to get mixed reviews.  I bought them probably three years ago from Journey's and I wear the hell out of them in the fall. 

I love this bracelet.  I like to think I add a little bit of "rock" to my wardrobe with things like this.  Ha, okay even I'm laughing at myself for that one... But I still think this is pretty cool.  I bought it in Seattle a few years ago!

And again... Comment and give your opinions!  I want to know what's worth reading and what's not.  Thanks!

Follow Up; Before & After

Model: Bethany Glaser
Makeup: Following "Makeup Tips From A Non-Pro" instructions

Before

Makeup Tips From A Non-Pro

I am not a professional makeup artist nor have I taken makeup lessons of any sort.  I respect cosmetology as an art and do not compare myself to anyone who has earned and worked for the title of makeup artist.  With that being said, I have a difficult time executing makeup tips on YouTube, for example, that are done by professionals.  Why?  For starters I am not going to wear primer everyday when I do my makeup.  I don't know what an "180 brush" looks like and I'm not going to drop $25.00 on buying one.  I'll reserve all that and the falsies for when I seek professional makeup help for special occasions.

That doesn't stop me from loving makeup and trying all the different things I can with it.  It's one thing I do consistently every morning while getting ready for the day.  Well, other than brush my teeth and shower.  I love trying different colors and looks.  I'm not into looking overdone but I do like to wear colors and try fun trends!  I think I've got a pretty good grip on my own makeup and I've compiled all these tips to help other ladies out there who are frustrated with over the top makeup tutorials.

I have a few rules to follow when it comes to makeup:

- Always start with a clean face!! Even just a quick rinse at the sink makes a big difference.

- Moisturize first.  Give it a little time to absorb.  See my "Tested & True" Products I Love post for a great face lotion.

- Check out your eyebrow situation before you put on makeup.  Pluck if you need to!  Your eyebrows should reflect the fullness of your lips.  Full lips = Fuller brows.

- Put on Chapstick BEFORE you do your makeup.  If you're going to wear gloss or lipstick the Chapstick will absorb by the time you put on your shade and help give you a soft pout!

- This might just be a "me" thing, but I like to brush my teeth first.  That way I'm all over "face fresh" and I don't smudge anything while scrubbin'!

1. Laying the foundation (get it?)

What you will need:

- Makeup wedge sponge

- Blush brush

- Eyebrow brush (short, stiff angled brush)

- Foundation

- Bronzer

- Blush, light shade

- Powder

- Eyeshadow that is slightly darker than your eyebrow shade

Start by putting on your foundation.  I usually only use a total of three small dollops of foundation.  Make sure to pat and not wipe it around the eye area!  IMPORTANT: don't forget to spread your foundation under jaw line and blend it really well!  After you apply the foundation do a sweep of powder to solidify it.

Next lightly tap your brush into the bronzer and give it a little blow before applying it to your face.  You can always add more, so start with a small amount.  You want to apply bronzer  on the "underside" of your cheek bones.  It's meant to add some shadow and make your face more defined.  Also, give your nose a light sweep and just a little sweep on the forehead and chin.  Here's a pro tip: extend your sweep up onto your temple making a "C" shape with your brush as you apply.

Then you will be applying blush!  Blush is used to go on the upper part of your cheek bones (opposite your bronzer) and the apples of your cheeks.  Same rules apply, start light and add as needed.

Next step, you need to define your brow!  So many girls ignore their brows when they are the key to looking fabulous.  Don't  believe me?  Go to an esthetician, tell them you want your brows waxed and dyed a shade darker than they naturally are.  You won't believe how much your face changes.  But you don't need to shell out the cash to get the effect.  Pick an eye shadow that is matte (no sparkly shades!) and is a shade or two darker than your natural brow color. Using a stiff brush, press it lightly into the shadow and make sure you cover the whole surface of the brush.  Using small strokes in an upward motion, work the pigment into your brows.  I start at the arch of my brow and then work my way in, this way all the pigment isn't concentrated in one area. Use an eyebrow comb to put your brows back in shape and then add or remove color as needed!  A Q-tip goes a long way in brow shaping.

Now step back, check out your face from all the different angles and smudge/rub anywhere you need to tweak! This is your natural look at its best.  You should feel pretty and natural before you start on your eyes.

2. The Eyes

What you will need:

- Puffy eyeshadow brush

- Crease brush or soft angle brush

- Eyelash/brow comb

- Eyeliner, any color

- Eye shadow; base shade, two shades of color, light reflecting shadow

- Mascara

Use this photo as a guide:

First, pick your base shade.  If you don't even know where to begin, here is some advice... Just decide how you want to look that day.  Are you going  for a subtle look, a fresh and pretty look, sexy and cool, or whatever just commit to something!  Once you decide on that, pick your colors accordingly.  I don't recommend using white as a base shade.  Opt for more of a skin tone or an cream color. This is simply to avoid the "Jersey makeup" look.  My go-to base shade is MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study.  It's a cream based shadow but it stays on all day and never creases!  I apply this to the full lid of my eye.

Next, apply your eye liner.  I stick strictly to black/dark-brown/charcoal for my upper lash line because I want to define my eye.  I make a clean line across my lash line and then I play with the outer eye depending on what look I'm going for.  I like crayon eye pencils the best since you don't have to sharpen them and they tend to be the smoothest when applying.  Start at the center of the lashes and make small strokes moving to the outer corner of your eye.  Think of it as if you were drawing a dashed line only you will connect it.  Then, carefully line the inner most part of your eye.  

Next step, pick your medium shade and apply it to the crease areas.  This shade is usually pretty light but has more pigment than your base shade.  Don't be afraid to apply this generously!  Make sure you're blending as you go and start with a small amount and add as needed.  You could use either your angle brush or fluffy eyeshadow brush, I usually op for a fluffily angled brush.  After you apply this shade you will move to your darker shade and apply this specifically on the outer crease of your eye and the outer part of the lid.  Stick with a more angled brush to help you stay within the right area.  Make a sideways "V" shape with your brush while applying.  Blend, blend and blend!

Final shadow step, you will be taking your light reflecting shade and putting it in two key places.  First place, under the arch of your brow and second place is the inner most corner of your eye.  I'll even drag a little bit down along my nose, but just a little!  This is how to get bright and awake looking eyes.  If you aren't getting the affect you want, then add a little bit of this shade right above your eye onto the lid.  

My final step is adding mascara, two coats.  I really like Cover Girl Lash Blast, in the orange tube.  Start at the base of your lashes and brush the wand up and out.  Don't wiggle the wand because you're going to get clumpy and spidery lashes.  And keep your eyes open; you don't want to blink into the mascara because you will hardly cover any lashes this way.  Let the first coat dry completely before putting on the second coat.  An eyelash comb is always helpful in smoothing out any imperfections without messing up your makeup.  But don't use it if your mascara isn't dry, you might ruin the comb or your makeup.

I didn't forget... If you like to play up your bottom lash-line, go for it!  I tend to save this area for night looks but that's also because my bottom lashes are basically transparent so it looks like I'm wearing a lot of makeup when I do up my bottom lashes.  One thing I love using the bottom lash-line for is adding a pop of color.  This is the place I would recommend using those colored eyeliners you have! If you don't have colored eyeliner you can use eyeshadow too.  Just apply the shadow to a damp angle brush and gently line your bottom lash-line with it.

Red is for Lovers

It's February and I am in love.  I am in love with the clothes coming out for spring and the fact that fire engine red is everywhere!  It's not always the easiest color to pull off, especially on the bottom half, but it can't hurt to try.  If you're not ready for the intense hue, you can try a more subtle shade of red.  With Valentine's Day right around the corner; bright red couldn't have a better opportunity to make its spring debut.  So get out there, start the hunt, and find that perfect red piece to add some POP to your wardrobe.

Here are some tips for pulling of the show-stopping color:

1. First you have to find a red piece that fits well.  If it's too tight, too baggy, or not the right proportions

DO NOT BUY IT!  If you have to go up a size, suck it up and cut out the size label later.  People won't know if you're wearing a medium instead of a small but they will notice if that small is too small.

2. If you're wearing red pants, don't wear a white shirt.  

3. Allow the red to do all the talking by keeping the makeup light and flirty.  Same rule applies for your hair-do and jewelry.

4. Wearing heels forces me to have confidence even if I feel like a giant.  Wear something that always helps "umph" up your confidence.

5. Smile!  The more well received your attitude is, the more well received your fashion choices will be.

Let's step into my closet...

A lovely Calvin Klein henely in bright red!  I know my photos aren't amazing but this shirt is.  I hate button downs, but only on myself.  I always feel really masculine in a button down but because this is just a henely and has a flattering tie-waste the shirt is a good balance.  The sleeve detail is my favorite part; aside from the gold buttons.  Throw this on with a dark pair of skinny jeans and some heels or boots.

Red GAP pants!  I fell in love with these boot cut trousers the second I put them on.  I mean, I never thought I would like the way I looked in red pants so much.  I paired them with simple black pumps and a black lace tee-shirt from TJ Maxx .  I can't wait to have an occasion to wear these!  And ladies, you don't have to be a size two to wear red bottoms.  I'm a size six and still can't wait to rock them!

(NOTE: I love Gap jeans and pants so much.  If you're over 5'8'' and need a place to find long pants and jeans, try Gap.  If you just want to feel amazing in your jeans, try Gap!  If you want quality denim with extraordinary fit and reasonable prices, try Gap!  Most importantly; if you don't want your crack saying hello to the world, try Gap!)

Solving "Belt Hang-Over"

I love adding skinny belts  to dresses and outfits.  But what I absolutely don't love is how expensive a thin strip of material is!  So, I wait until the belts go on sale at Target and buy them for less.  A lot of the time, the only cute belts left are in XL.  I buy them anyways!  I came up with this little no-brainer trick so that I could continue being cheap and buying belts that are too big!

What you need:
- A thin belt of your choice.  I picked a snake skin belt from Target.
- A little clear rubber hair band.

Step One:
Slide the rubber hair-tie onto the belt and slide it up near the buckle.  Then, put your belt on and close the buckle.

STEP TWO:
Next, slide your hair-tie as far down the belt as you need to secure the loose end.  Sometimes you need to "tighten" the rubber band.  To do this, just loop the rubber band around the end of the belt and adjust!

STEP THREE:
Final step is to slide your belt into place!  No double sided tape needed to ruin any of your belts.  This trick also helps hold the belt in place if you run out of wholes.  You can just push the pin to the side and put the belt through the buckle.  Then, secure the end tightly with the rubber band.