Retro Tropicana

I have been having the worst case of cabin fever the last few days. I'm originally from Virginia, but I moved to the Midwest a few years ago for grad school. While I have a whole new definition of cold, I still don't like the cold winters. Because of that, I've been eying shorts and other Spring/Summer clothing and daydreaming of warmer weather. I also decided to create a summer style guide (so I apologize for the few months in advance).

One of my favorite actresses is Jane Russell. True, she was considered a sex icon and not a tomboy, but she (unlike the other famous sex icons of her time) always had a tough-girl attitude to her that I adore. I wanted to take her sexy, pin-up look and make it a little more "me." To recreate her icon summer look, you need a pair of high-waisted shorts and a tropical-print top. To really get the Jane Russell look, tuck the shirt into the shorts. I paired it with a pair of flat sandals and of course, bright red lips because you can't be a sex icon without them!

Try to stay warm!

Spring Forecast with Madewell

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I love Madewell's easy mix and match clothing as well as their slightly preppy tomboy style, and the great quality of their clothes. I also love mixing feminine accessories like delicate bangles and fun print scarves with more "masculine" style clothing. 

Keep checking back for more Spring gear to help keep you going through the cold months!

Stealing from the Guys: Gus from Psych

Psych is one of my favorite TV shows. And in anticipation of the new season, I decided to create a Gus guide to fashion for women. Gus is the king of pastels, and is usually in work/business clothing (because that's how players dress). To recreate his look, start with a pastel button up shirt or blouse and top if off with a blazer. In every episode Gus wears jeans or work-appropriate khakis. He also keeps his look extra polished and professional with a belt, satchel, and a pair of classic shoes. And no Psych-inspired outfit would be complete without a pineapple accessory!

Menswear 101: Styling Blazers

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Blazers are a closet staple because they make any outfit more pulled together and effortlessly cool. Adding one over a romper is a fun and unexpected pairing. The typical work outfit can also make a sexy date outfit with the right blazer. Blazers also make any graphic sweatshirt look instantly cool without looking like you were over-thinking.

What's your favorite way to wear a blazer?

Copying: Huston Style

Whether in gowns or menswear, Anjelica Huston always looks effortlessly gorgeous. I love how she makes menswear her own by adding a belt, ruffled shirt, or gem necklace. She keeps it simple and tomboy chic.

Blouse- Forever 21

Blazer- Topshop

Jeans- Rag & Bone

Belt- A&F

Necklace- Clothing Net

Fedora- Miss Selfridge

Eyeliner- MAC Kohl Liner Pencil (Anjelica always rocks some black eyeliner)

All Things Janis

Love Janis Joplin? Me too. That's way I'm super excited for the launch of Made for Pearl, a clothing line inspired by the iconic style of Janis Joplin.

Unfortunately, that's about all I know. The line is supposed to launch in Spring 2013. For more inspiration/an inside look,  check out their website/facebook/tumblr.

Menswear 101: The Difference between Brogues and Oxfords

Brogues

Brogues are a style of low-heeled shoes whose origins come from Ireland and Scotland. They are traditionally characterized by their multi-piece construction and the sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations or broguing visible along the edges.

Oxfords

Oxfords also originated in Ireland and Scotland. They are a type of laced shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs sewn underneath the vamp. The best way to describe a vamp is: the two pieces of leather that come together at the center.

Spring Forecast with Gap

Gap jeans are my closet essentials. I have yet to find another pair that fit me as well as theirs do. When I came back from vacation, one of the first things I did with my Christmas money was replace a few well-loved jeans with some new ones from Gap. I was thrilled by their new spring collection and had to keep myself from buying just about everything! (In case you were wondering, I really was good and displayed masterful restraint). Along with their Spring Essentials, I decided to create a guide of my own. 

My favorite style jeans for spring are (as you might have guessed since they're extremes) boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans--I especially love that this pair is made from recycled denim. The western look and stripes are also here to stay this spring. If you're not into cowboy boots then keep it simple with this versatile western-inspired denim dress. I love stripes, but it's so hard to find a nice vertical stripe to wear. When I saw this bright pink and white striped shirt, I was pretty excited, but you also can't go wrong with this classic striped top.

I was also quite surprised by their brightly colored blazers and funky menswear-inspired shoes. I'm really digging their printed oxfords and colorful loafers.

I will most definitely be adding a few more key pieces to my wardrobe in the near future. Will you be adding anything bright and colorful to your closet this spring?

Spring Forecast with American Apparel

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My spring-wear forecast consists of mens watches, baseball tees, headscarves, and other unisex goodies including my latest obsession--bow ties. I especially love the idea of mixing baseball tees with shiny (or leather) pants.

Stayed tuned for more Spring forecasts coming soon!

Rachel Antonoff for Bass

I am head-over-heels for Rachel Antonoff's Spring collection for Bass. These loafers and oxfords are available in many colors and with unique accents such as bows, bedazzles, and cut-outs.

I think that they are a fun twist on the classic menswear shoe, and will give any outfit an extra pop.

Check out the collection for yourself here.

Stealing from the Guys: The King

With all the sparkles and studs currently trending, it's easy to dress like one of my all time favorite musician's: Elvis Presley. Elvis's 1970s look can be broken down into the following: jumpsuits, studs/bedazzled accents, rings, aviator sunglasses, and of course, his iconic pompadour. You can easily (and more tamely) achieve his look with Modcloth's Rockin Romper, a white boyfriend blazer, and studded boots. To go all out, just don't forget the rings, and double points for a pompadour!

Billionaire Boyfriend Review

Billionaire Boyfriend is the newest perfume in the Boyfriend perfume line created by actress Kate Walsh. Boyfriend was launched in November of 2010. The brand started after Walsh broke up with her boyfriend and desired a "boyfriend in a bottle." The latest addition to her collection is Billionaire Boyfriend which launched in February 2012.

Yes, I am a little behind... I recently received a surprise sample of it from Sephora and was hesitant to try it since I'm not a fan of the original Boyfriend perfume.

Sephora.com describes it as: Indulgent and sensual, this floral-oriental fragrance opens with succulent fruit notes, including bergamot and tangerine wrapped in lush green leaves. The scent intoxicates as it blooms into a provocative blend of black jasmine, velvet orchid, gardenia, and a touch of patchouli flower. As the fragrance dries down, it exudes an addictive, sensual, warmth and a sense of wealth with hints of vetiver, cistus, sandalwood, and golden amber.

My thoughts:
I find Billionaire to be quite different from Walsh's first perfume. Boyfriend was a little on the strong side for me, and while, yes, this perfume is still stronger than I'm used to wearing, the smell does die down some after it sinks in. It also defiantly smells warm and floral, but not the type of floral that most women's perfumes smell like. This is different and has more of a musky (sandalwood) smell. When I'm wearing it, I feel sexy.

This perfume is definitely not for everyone and has mixed reviews all over the internet.  Overall, I really like it and it is something I would consider purchasing.

Billionaire Boyfriend is available at Walsh's website as well as Sephora and HSN.

**If you are interested in more makeup reviews, check out my makeup blog (yes, I am a no-longer-closeted makeup lover).

Cheap Thrills

Looking to update your wardrobe for 2013? Forever 21 is bringing in the new year with football pullovers for $22.80, sweats for $24.80, and tanks and tees for $15.80 and $17.80. I was impressed by the selection as well as the price. Check out all their selection here and find your favorite team(s). (I also found a few more in their Sweatshirs & Hoodies section).

Tomboy Style Catching On?

Refinery29 posted a great Tomboy Outfit guide today. I love Refinery29's tomboy posts, and today's is no exception. Check it out for yourself here.

Styling Silk Pants w/ a Blazer

Happy New Year! One of my new favorite and growing trends is the silk pant. I find it just has accessible as a dress pant or jeans, and I love the idea of mixing it with other prints. 

The row
shopzoeonline.com

Rare London sheer shirt
$11 - rarelondon.com

Strenesse Blue cotton jacket
$260 - zalando.co.uk

Topshop
nordstrom.com

Stella mccartney
matchesfashion.com

Alejandro Ingelmo leather pumps
alejandroingelmo.com

H&M high heels
$48 - hm.com

River Island purple hat
$21 - riverisland.com

Nerd
$10 - emp.de