Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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*


Monday, December 30, 2013

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.


For more information about the items featured click here.

-BL

Slideshow made on Polyvore.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of you who are reading this. Please know how thankful I am for each and everyone one of you. Thank you for taking the time to glance at my posts and leave comments and feedback. I appreciate it more than you know. 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Thanks again,

- BL 





Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: 20 Designer Stocking Stuffers $50 and Under

From phone cases to beanies and colored pencils to coin purses, your favorite designers and brands have got you covered when it comes to stocking stuffers. Check out 20 of the best designer stocking stuffers $50 and under. Your recipient is sure to be impressed.


For more information about the items featured click here.
Be sure to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.

-BL

Slideshow made on Polyvore.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Update Your Go-To Sweater for a Holiday Party




Attending a holiday party this weekend and have no idea what to wear?
Update your everyday go-to sweater with a few glam pieces and you’ll look put together and festive.

For more information about the items featured click here.
Be sure to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.
-BL

Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram - Polyvore - Tumblr - Pinterest

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: My Wishlist

If I could have anything for Christmas I would choose these six items from my wishlist.

1. It by Alexa Chung, Barnes & Noble, $19.32. 2. Oversized Original Wayfarer, Ray-Ban, $150 3. Mid-Size Silver Color Stainless Steel Lexington Chronograph Watch, Michael Kors, $225. 4. Solid Butterfly Knit Infinity Scarf, Aeropostale, SALE $14.75 (orig. $29.50). 5. BGammbit Leopard Zipper Satchel, Steve Madden, $69.95. 6. 'Indulge' Lipstick, M.A.C., $15. 
1. It by Alexa Chung - I really admire Alexa Chung's style and am interested to see what she has to say in her new book.

2. Ray-Bans - I love the look of these sunglasses. You really can't go wrong with a pair of classic black wayfarers.

3. Michael Kors Watch - I have mentioned my obsession with Michael Kors' oversized watches plenty of times. This one is my favorite.

4. Aeropostale Infinity Scarf - I'm in need of an ivory knit scarf. This one from Aeropostale is perfect.

5. Steve Madden Bag - The zipper on my favorite brown bag just broke and this awesome cheetah print purse would be a great update.

6. M.A.C. Lipstick - I've been all about burgundy lips lately. The M.A.C. lipstick that I already own is lovely and I would like to add this color to my collection.

Stay tuned for more gift guides.
 I'll be posting a new guide each weekend right up until Christmas.

In the meantime, check out the rest of this year's guides.


- BL

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: The Blogger

Need assistance in Christmas shopping for a blogger? I'm here to help! 
Here are 10 gift ideas for the blogging obsessed member of your gift list. 


1. Nice Camera - Good quality pictures are key when it comes to any blog. Update your favorite blogger's current camera with a much better upgrade. I love my Nikon COOLPIX L120. It takes wonderful pictures and it was not too expensive. I use it for all the photos I take here on Freshmen Fashion.

2. Journal - Before I start a new post I always jot down notes on what I want it to include. An elegant journal like this one from Kate Spade would be a great place for a blogger to collect their thoughts and ideas.

3. Starbucks Gift Card - What blogger doesn't love Starbucks? They can use this card to buy their favorite Instagram-worthy drink.

4. #OOTD T-shirt- Almost every blogger out there has done the classic OOTD post. This fun tee is the perfect building block for any ensemble and your recipient will appreciate the blogging reference.

5. Calendar Whiteboard - Help your blogger plan out all their posts for the year with this cool whiteboard calendar. I have one just like it and you'd be surprised how useful it is. This one is nice because is features three photo openings.

6. Tripod - A tripod like this one by Sony is an excellent gift for a blogger because it will help make their blog's photo content even better. They'll be able to have their own photo shoots without having to enlist someone as photographer.

7. Man Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls. by Leandra Medine - Leandra is a fashion blogging legend. In her new book she shares personal stories and photographs along with recounts of her favorite "man-repelling" outfits. This is on my Christmas list this year.

8. Revlon Photoready Liquid Foundation - Bloggers are constantly behind the camera so good makeup is essential. This foundation is said to be ideal for any lighting even in photographs.

9. Laptop Case - When you're always on your computer it is nice to have colorful and cheery accessories. This MARC by Marc Jacobs 'Rabbit' Computer Case would make an awesome gift for your blogger.

10. Earbuds - Personally, I like to listen to music when I write for my blog. These edgy BCBG earbuds are a fantastic replacement for your typical white headphones.

Stay tuned for more gift guides.
 I'll be posting a new guide each weekend right up until Christmas.

In the meantime, check out the rest of this year's guides.


Is there a certain gift guide you'd like to see?
Tweet me or leave a comment with your ideas.

- BL

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: The Guys

Whether you're shopping for your boyfriend, dad, best guy friend, or brother,
here are 10 holiday gifts for the guy in your life.



1. The Heat (Widescreen), Walmart, $9.96. 2. Jacket in Wool Blend, H&M, $99. 3. Pullover Crew Neck Sweater, Target, $29.99. 4. Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme 3.4 oz, Giorgio Armani, $78. 5. 'Mercer' Chronograph Bracelet Watch, Michael Kors, $295. 6. Knit Hat, Target, $4.99. 7. Leather Gloves, H&M, $29.95. 8. Ramones Tee, $16.80, Forever21. 9. 'Little America' Backpack, Herschel Supply Co., $120. 10. Star Player Leather Sneaker, Converse, SALE $56.25 (reg. $75). 
1. As I mentioned in a previous gift guide DVDs always make a great gift. Pick out a couple of his favorites and you have a gift that you can't go wrong with.

2. For the stylish guy in your life this coat from H&M would be a wonderful gift. It's fashionable with navy wool and leather sleeves but also practical for the cold months ahead. 

3. This Santa skull sweater may not be ideal for everyone on your gift list but the right guy with a quirky personality would love it.

4. Cologne is an excellent gift for any guy. Pick him up a bottle of his favorite scent. If he doesn't have a favorite I highly suggest Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme by Giorgio Armani. It has a clean and fresh smell that isn't too strong.

5. I love a good watch. Michael Kors makes some of the best that I've seen. The one featured in this gift guide is on the pricier side but in my opinion it is completely worth the money. The face is modern and its all black color is very masculine. This watch will not be going out of style anytime soon.

6. Who doesn't need a great beanie? I love the bright red color of this one. For only $4.99 it would make a perfect stocking stuffer or add on to a gift.

7. Leather gloves are another fashionable but still practical gift.

8. For the music loving guy in your life it may not be the greatest idea to get him his favorite band's new album. Most likely he already has it. Instead get him an awesome band tee and maybe throw in an iTunes gift card. I'm a huge Ramones fan.

9. There is just something that I love about this backpack. It can be used everyday whether for school or work. Also, this bag is stylish and casual at the same time. All in all a nice backpack like this is a favorable replacement for the typical Jansport.

10. Everyone likes a cool pair of Converse. Update your guy's with these leather ones for a more put together look.

Happy December!
Stay tuned for more gift guides.
 I'll be posting a new guide each weekend right up until Christmas.

In the meantime, check out the rest of this year's guides.


Is there a certain gift guide you'd like to see?
Tweet me or leave a comment with your ideas.

- BL