14 Ways to Revamp your Look for 2014

2014 is finally here and you've probably said to yourself something along the lines of "new year, new me".

If that's the case then it's time to take the next step whether it be big or small. Here are 14 ways to revamp your look for 2014.

1. Work one or more of Spring's new trendy colors into your wardrobe for a fresh vibe. Spring 2014 is all about neutrals, pastels, and brights so you'll have plenty to choose from. Pantone, world-renowned authority on color, recently named their color of the year and other popular colors for Spring 2014. Check out my post about these colors here.

2. Update your makeup whether you make a drastic change or a small one. Usually a nude lip gloss person? Try a bold lip and minimal eye makeup. All about cat eyes? Switch it up and try a smokey eye. 

3. Invest in accessories. Purchasing a bunch of accessories is a much less expensive way to update your look. A new bag, scarf, or necklace will make your outfit look completely different. Look at how drastically the simple tee and jeans combo below changes with just a few accessory swaps. For more about the items featured click here.

4. Try a trend that is totally unlike you. Girly girl? Invest is a good leather jacket. Tom boy? Pick up a frilly frock in a super feminine color. There is always a way to make a piece that you usually wouldn't wear work for your style. 

5. Update your favorite pair of shoes. Treat yourself to a new pair of boots, heels, or whatever you know you'll wear all the time.

6. Find your signature fragrance. I love Hailey by Aeropostale.

7. Reinvent something you never wear. Maybe try adding some studs or other embellishment.

8. Try a new hairstyle. You don't have to do anything drastic. Maybe add a few highlights or get side bangs. You'll look and feel completely different. If worse comes to worse hair grows back. 

9. Go out and buy some new nail polish. I don't know about you but when my nails are done I feel so much better. Schedule one day a week to redo your nails. It makes a difference and you'll save money by doing them yourself. 

10.  Invest in good skin are. Whether you have severe acne or a few breakouts here and there try your best to find a product or multiple products that work for you. If you need help seek the advice of a professional they'll know what's best for you. Everyone is different, a product that works for me and my skin may not do anything for you. Read my review of Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash here.

11. Follow some fashion blogs (hint, hint) and take note of looks you like and don't like. Then think about why you like or dislike them. This will help you figure out a lot about your personal style. Go the extra mile and get a Pinterest account and pin your favorite looks for future inspiration. 

12. Try shopping your dad, brother, or boyfriend's wardrobe. Their unworn watch, tie, blazer, or sweater could become an awesome new statement piece for you. 

13. Study up! Watch a movie or read a book that's filled with fashion forward inspiration. For fashion books I recommend click here. 

14. Own it. Once you've figured out your personal style (if you haven't yet that's ok too) own your look. You're the only you so flaunt what you've got. 

Happy 2014!

-BL

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New Year's (Fashion) Resolutions

Don't wait until tomorrow to start conquering your New Year's fashion resolutions... Start tonight! 

Here are three last minute looks perfect for New Year's Eve that will help you conquer your fashion fears. 

Look #1: Add Some Edge 

If your New Year's resolution is to add some edge to your daily look then this is the NYE outfit for you. Shop your wardrobe for a simple black and white graphic tee and a sparkly skirt. In a pinch? Instead of a skirt you could also layer your tee over a sequined dress. Next, accessorize with a boyfriend watch like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs and some booties with attitude. If you're planning to be out in the cold add some opaque black tights and a faux leather jacket. 

Look #2: Add Some Color

Looking to add some color to your wardrobe in 2014? Try this fun look tonight. First, look through your closet and find a dress in a bright color. I love this teal one above from Forever21. Once you have your dress accessorize it with some sparkly black heels and minimal jewelry. It's nice to sparkle on NYE but the key with this look is to keep the focus on the colors and not the bling. Finally, pick a clutch in a contrasting color to add some extra interest to your look. 

Look #3: Mixing Patterns 

Mixing patterns is not the easiest thing to do. In order to be successful pick one and only one type of pattern. For this look I chose floral. Another important factor is to keep the color palettes similar. For the base of this look choose a floral top and skirt. To pull the look together layer a black blazer on top and cinch your waist with a nude belt. Matching nude shoes and very simple earrings like these by Marc by Marc Jacobs finish off the look. Don't overdo it with accessories. Keep it simple for this chic and feminine look. 

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve!

-BL

For more about the items featured please follow these links:

Add Some Edge
Add Some Color
Mixing Patterns

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

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Pantone Names Color of the Year and Other Trendy Colors for Spring 2014

Need a little  inspiration when it comes to shopping for your spring wardrobe?

Pantone, world-renowned authority on color, has got you covered. 

Recently, Pantone named Radiant Orchid as 2014's color of the year along with announcing nine other popular colors for Spring 2014. These ten colors have been seen in many designer's spring collections such as Christian Siriano, Rebecca Minkoff, Rachel Roy, and more. If you're looking for a way to incorporate these colors into your looks check out the pieces from your favorite stores and designers below.

From comfy hoodies to sky-high stilletos adding a trendy spring color to your look can be very simple and it will make quite the difference. A pop of color can make any of your favorite outfits look updated and new.

Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2014

For more information about the items featured click here.

-BL

Slideshow made on Polyvore.

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Pearl by Georgina Chapman for JCPenny

You may know her from Project Runway: Allstars where she is a judge, but now, Georgina Chapman of Marchesa has a collection of formal wear called Pearl available at JCPenney for affordable prices. This fun and girly collection includes everything from short, flirty dresses to long, elegant evening gowns perfect for prom. Here are a few of my favorites. 

From right to left: Organza Rosette Dress $70, Pearl by Georgina Chapman, jcpenny.com. Strapless Rose Applique Dress $70, Pearl by Georgina Chapman, jcpenny.com. Long Sleeve Lace Dress $110, Pearl by Georgina Chapman, jcpenny.com. 

From right to left: Lace Overlay Floral Dress $110, Pearl by Georgina Chapman, jcpenny.com. Lace Mermaid Dress $180, Pearl by Georgina Chapman, jcpenny.com. Peplum Lace Print Top $50 & Floral Lace Skinny Pants $70, Pearl by Georgina Chapman, jcpenny.com. 

I find all of these dresses and looks to be incredibly gorgeous. Although the prices may be small, the clothing is anything but cheap looking. This collection has something for everyone and for every formal event.  

XO,

BL

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

For more about the items shown in this post please click here.

Set 1

Set 2 

Trendy Colors for Spring 2013

For more about this collage click right here.

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XO,

BL 

Back to School Essentials: Chic Shoes

Shoe shopping goes hand in hand with school shopping. You can't have a cute outfit without an adorable pair of shoes to top it off! Here are my favorite back to school shoe styles that when worn will insure that your tootsies look just as fab as you do!

1.) Ballet Flats - Flats are great for any occasion. You can dress them up or dress them down. An added bonus is that they are super comfy and easy to walk in. You're feet won't be killing by the end of the school day. The leopard print ones are ideal for adding a bit of edge to any boring outfit. The snakeskin ones would be great for adding a bit of personality to a classic or conservative look. Finally, the pink ones with the super cute bow detail would go perfectly with a girly sweater, pearls, and distressed jeans.

2.) Boots - Boots are a huge staple in my wardrobe. My favorites are a broken in pair of Simply Vera by Vera Wang boots that I got for $20 on clearance at Kohl's. It was SUCH a great deal. I also have a pair of studded black ankle booties that I got for $5 (also on clearance) at Forever21. Boots are great for any season but I love wearing them in the fall with skinny jeans, a flowy blouse, and a tailored blazer. I love the floral combat boots in the photo above you could totally rock 'em with any style. The black ones are more edgy while the brown ones are most classic.

3.) Wedges - I don't really think high heels are appropriate for school. I prefer a great pair of wedges. They are more comfortable and you are less likely to fall in them (take it from me, a self-proclaimed klutz). I wish I owned the black lace-up ones and the floral ones are so pretty. The hot pink ones at the top would look great with a monochromatic look for an awesome pop of color.

4.) Oxfords - These menswear inspired shoes are a great alternative to a sneaker. I do not own a pair but I am in the market for some cheetah print ones. This style of shoe adds an unexpected "cool-girl" vibe to a casual v-neck and jeans ensemble. I especially love the the black oxfords with the neon pink sole.

All-in-all go for what your comfortable with and like when it comes to shoes. If you think you'll feel like a fish out of water in 5 inch wedges or stilettos then don't wear them. If you feel uncomfortable in your shoes it will show and people will question your footwear choice just like you. On the other hand if you know you'll look great in  wedges or heels and are going to walk down the halls in confidence that will read too. Please reserve your Ugg boots for around the house only. Beware: If you plan to purchase a dangerously cute pair of shoes be prepared to be asked "Where did you get those?".

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For more about the shoes featured in this post please follow the links below:

Flats: http://www.polyvore.com/flats_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55270779

Boots: http://www.polyvore.com/boots_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55271898

Wedges: http://www.polyvore.com/wedges_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55272949

Oxfords: http://www.polyvore.com/oxfords_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55273691



Back to School Essentials: Trendy Denim

Jeans are always a huge back-to-school must have, but this year the stores are carrying a bit more than the usual  blue hue. Turn your back-to-school wardrobe up a notch or two with some seriously awesome denim trends. Here are some of the jean styles I'll be rocking in the halls this year:

Printed: From cheetah to snakeskin to floral, a pair of printed jeans can easily up the edginess of your outfit. Keep the rest of your look classic (basic t-shirts, simple blouses, and flats) and you'll look awesome.

Distressed (ripped-up): The ripped jeans look is still going strong but make sure to keep the rest of your look fresh (floral shirts, lace and easy pieces) and please refrain from making your jeans look unintentional. A few rips here and there is fine but giant holes all over the jeans is NOT a cute look. Trust me. I'm thinking or styling last season's distressed jeans with lace tights underneath.

Brights & Jewel Tones: Bright red, blue, teal, and purple jeans can look so classy when styled the right way. I wear my electric blue skinnies with a classy white button-up and chic boots. You can also try color blocking. Magenta skinny jeans with a detailed teal top would be ultra glam.

Pastels: Keep 'em feminine or rock 'em out. These girlie jeans would look super cute with lace and floral print tops or you can style them with rocker pieces like graphic t-shirts, leather jackets, and combat boots. Either way these jeans are one of my favorite styles. Have I mentioned I'm a bit obsessed with pastels?!

The denim trends don't just stop at unique jeans. Denim shirts, skirts, and bustiers are also something to look into this season.

Don't let all these fabulous trends distract you from picking up a few classics. A great pair of regular 'ol blue jeans is always a must. Black and grey jeans are also good to have in your wardrobe too. They are versatile and always in style.
Happy denim shopping!

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Please let me know what you think of this post in a comment!

For information about the clothing items featured in this post  and pricesplease follow the links listed below:
Items in printed jeans photo: http://www.polyvore.com/blog_post_picture/set?id=54409422
Items in distressed jeans photo: http://www.polyvore.com/blog_post/set?id=54412880
Items in brights and jewel tones jeans photo: http://www.polyvore.com/blog_post/set?id=54416365
Items in pastel jeans photo: http://www.polyvore.com/blog_post/set?id=54780575