monday vlog: a review & demo of hairuwear extensions

May132013

Extensions have always been that strange celebrity hair trick that I’ve wanted to be try but never understood how it would be easy enough. I am so not good at doing my hair – but Hairdo by Hairuwear extensions make it easy! I got to review the 20″ Wavy Extensions in ginger blonde, and demonstrated how easy they are to put in your hair (and how natural they look!) in today’s vlog.

Don’t forget – there are TWO more days to enter my Stella & Dot giveaway! Seriously, guys, I wish I could win this prize, I love it that much.

While I was provided these extensions for free, my opinions are 100% my own. As ever.

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to my mother

May122013

mom and me

Whenever I’m asked who my fashion icon is, I can only think of one person: my mother.

My mom has always been the most fashionable person in my life. I remember when I was little, I’d sit on her bed in the mornings, waiting for her to do my hair as she picked out an outfit. I’d often suggest shoes or necklaces, always pushing for something sparkly and colorful. My mom is responsible for my love of shopping, though at first I hated it. Dressing rooms scared me, and I refused to try anything on until I was about 12 or 13. She drilled in me some of life’s greatest rules (NEVER wear open-toed shoes without painting your nails first) and is the first email I get after cursing in a post (“your GRANDMOTHER reads your blog!”).

Even though I pretended otherwise, I always value my mom’s opinion on everything – though I like to shake things up sometimes just to see the shock on her face. I went through a phase in high school with my friend Lindsay where an afternoon of boredom was spent dyeing our hair crazy colors, and my mom never reproached me for it – except when I got red hair dye on the bathroom floor.

I have been a blonde most of my life except for senior year of college and grad school when I decided to go dark. The running joke I told was that I eventually went back to blonde because I didn’t want to look too much like my mom – heaven forbid that! We already have similar voices, expressions and I swear even handwriting.

But the truth is I would be so lucky to be just like my mom. She more than my fashion icon – she is the most wonderful woman I know.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Don’t forget to enter my Stella & Dot giveaway – I LOVE this prize!

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my favorite jewelry from stella & dot + a giveaway!

May102013

I should never have waited until I was 26 to get my ears pierced. Everyone (especially my mom and cousins) told me earrings were so much fun to buy – and it took me 26 years to believe them. But ever since then, I’ve realized they were right – and gone slightly crazy with earrings while adding to my necklace and bracelet collection. That’s why I love Stella & Dot jewelry – their pieces are simple, beautiful and reasonably priced! My cousin Frankie gave me a beautiful Stella & Dot necklace and earrings for Christmas last year, and I’ve been obsessed with their jewelry since then. I picked out my favorite pieces for you – why not treat yourself?

my favorite stella & dot jewelry

Maya pendant • Renegade cluster bracelet • Pyramid studs • Seychelles chandeliers • Serenity small stone drops (I have these and LOVE them!) • Sunset beach charm necklace • Demi layering necklace • Camilla ring

I love all these pieces – and YOU can win one! I’m giving away a Stella & Dot Maya pendant in the color of your choice (there are three to chose from!) to one lucky reader. The contest ends Wednesday, May 15 at midnight. Thanks for entering – and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note that purchasing Stella & Dot jewelry from the links on this post will result in a small commission for me. But I honestly believe you will love these pieces – that’s why I am featuring them!

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outfit of the day: primary colors

May92013

IMG_8795  IMG_8833

Talbots blazer and shell • J. Crew Factory skirt • Payless wedges

I hate changing my mind about what to wear at the last minute. I was all ready with an outfit based on this one I saw Olivia Wilde wearing on a movie set, but striped shirts are tricky bitches when you have big boobs like me, and my version of this look did not work. Which of course I figured out five minutes before I had to walk out my door. I’ll try that Olivia look again someday. For now, I’m thankful that my blazer and a red shell didn’t let me down.

I wore this (mustard) yellow skirt to participate in a link-up with one of my favorite blogs, Marionberry Style! Thanks Marion for having this link-up!

IMG_8844

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splurge or save: wedge espadrilles + whatever works wednesday

May82013

Target Marguerite espilladres and J. Crew Seville espilladres

Target Margurite canvas espadrilles • J. Crew Seville wedge espadrilles

Summer shoes are one of my favorite things to buy when the weather gets warm. Espadrilles with a jute heel are cute with summer dresses – and can be worn to work. I love J. Crew’s simple style, but saw an almost-identical pair at Target for $100 less. Both are cute and perfect for going from summer days at the office to outdoor parties at night. I resisted getting the Target pair a few days ago, but may have to go back and snap it up.

Perhaps the bigger question than which to buy is exactly how DO you say espadrille? Espa-drill? Espa-dri-yay?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Because Shanna Said So.

 ~~~

It’s time for Whatever Works Wednesday!

Whatever Works Wednesday link-up party on smalltownbigwardrobe.com

 

How it works:

  1. Make sure your link is no more than one week old (older links will be deleted).
  2. Add your link (please link to the specific post and not to your main blog page).
  3. Add a link to my blog in the post you linked up to!
  4. Visit as many other links as you can!



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outfit of the day: red flowers

May72013

A red statement necklace with a white blouse and navy trousers

A red statement necklace with a white blouse and navy trousers

Old Navy blouse • Etsy necklace • J. Crew cafe trousers • J. Crew Cece ballet flats (same color in suede)

So, confession time: this necklace is based on one from J. Crew, but I bought it on Etsy.

I feel a little guilty admitting that.

If I am being honest, I fell in love with the necklace too late. By the time I decided I wanted it, it was already sold out at J. Crew. Ebay searches turned up necklaces at retail price and higher, and I just couldn’t afford them. So I went with the knockoff version. Sometime’s a girl’s gotta budget.

Whatever. I have to say I love this necklace. It’s one of the few short pieces I have that doesn’t annoy my very sensitive neck.

Duck lips with a red flower necklace.

Duck lips! I couldn’t resist.

Duck lips with a red flower necklace. Please don't pin this!

Don’t forget tomorrow is Whatever Works Wednesday – my link-up party! Bring your links and discover some great new blogs.

11 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, work fashion Tagged With: , , ,

monday vlog: ask catherine

May62013

It’s Monday vlog time! I’ve really loved getting into vlogging – even though I do think my voice sounds ridiculous, I love making videos! I decided to change up my Ask Catherine feature – and do it as a vlog instead! Let me know what you guys think – and of course, if you have any questions, PLEASE ask! I’d love to answer them!

7 Comments Filed Under: ask catherine, vlogs Tagged With: ,

weekend wishlist: blush, dress, sperrys, necklace

May42013

Necklace, blush, dress and sperrys

Too Faced sweethearts perfect flush blush • Sperry Top-Sider for J. Crew boat shoes • Gap striped sleeveless dress • Stella & Dot sunset beach charm necklace

Liked the Stella & Dot necklace? I’ll have more of my favorite Stella & Dot picks coming next week!

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outfit of the day: twirl

May32013

A black and white blouse and an orchid pink skirt make an easy spiring outfit!

A black and white blouse and an orchid pink skirt make an easy spiring outfit!

Gap Outlet blouse • J. Crew skirt • Talbots pumps

I’m going to try something different. I haven’t gotten any questions for Ask Catherine lately, but I think I just need to change up the medium. So this weekend I’ll be filming the first Ask Catherine VLOG! Do you have a question for me? I’d LOVE to hear it!

And it’s a good excuse to get into vlogging, which I find really fun. I plan on filming at least two vlogs this weekend and trying to do more blog posts that I can write ahead of time. Though I do think I sound totally awkward on camera. Anyone else annoyed when you hear your voice?

A black and white blouse and an orchid pink skirt make an easy spiring outfit!

11 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, work fashion Tagged With: , ,

what should I wear to a renunion + whatever works wednesday

May12013

My ten-year high school reunion is coming up this summer – sob! At the risk of sounding like a huge baby for saying this, I feel so old!

I don’t know quite why reunions are slightly intimidating. Maybe it’s the idea that seeing people you haven’t seen in ages means you have to look 10 times better. Personally, I think things can only go up from the pastel eye shadow, butterfly hair clip crazy hair and braces I sported senior year.

I think the most important thing to remember when picking out an outfit for a reunion is be comfortable and be yourself. If you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing, you’ll feel confident, especially going into a situation where you might be nervous for whatever reason. Even if you are going to see old friends, it’s daunting – I won’t have seen these people for years! I like the idea of quiet elegance – you are the center of attention, and your outfit is the accessory. My inclination is to stand out – sparkles or bright colors sound about right. But something comfortable and quietly elegant can make just as much of a statement.

A Talbots rose print dress works for day and evening.

Talbots rose-print dress • J. Crew Factory stripe leather envelope clutch • Target Edda zip back low wedge sandal

For a day event, a bright yellow floral dress is the perfect piece for a happy outfit – plus it can be worn again at work with a blazer or cardigan. An Ann Taylor blue dress makes a cute renion statement.

Ann Taylor ombre print sleeveless dress • Nine West Reelymind sandas • Hive & Honey layered cuff

A fun printed dress doesn’t need many accessories – and blue looks great on everyone!

Printed pants add to a modern reunion outfit. J. Crew silk flutter top • Ann Taylor chevron ankle pants • J. Crew Factory leather envelope clutch • Steve Madden Nanncy sandals

If you prefer pants, a chevron print is punchy and on trend. Just add some metallics for an evening out.

Thank you so much Chrissi for this post idea!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

 ~~~

It’s time for Whatever Works Wednesday!

Whatever Works Wednesday link-up party on smalltownbigwardrobe.com

 

How it works:

  1. Make sure your link is no more than one week old (older links will be deleted).
  2. Add your link (please link to the specific post and not to your main blog page).
  3. Add a link to my blog in the post you linked up to!
  4. Visit as many other links as you can!



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