long overdue...

after a brief hiatus, I will be returning to the blogging world for those of you who frequent this page. thank you for bearing with me, I have neglected my duties, but promise to come back with as many inspirational ideas, facts, and information as I can. hope you've been missing me as much as I've been missing you...

the keys to success.

racy lacy by jillyt featuring platform high heel pumps

Who says you can't wear white in the winter? Well, you can...especially something as delicate and fun as this skirt. Pair it with a solid unisuit like this one from American Apparel, which has a flirtatiously low scoop in the back. The major winner of this look is the keyboard clutch that will definitely get others' attention. Bold shoes with matching lip shine will be sure to keep everyone's eyes on you. The statement necklace is a no brainer, and can be worn to work that same day. Everything about this look is up front and center, so you better make sure you're in tune.

bootin the gluten

Gluten intolerance is becoming increasingly more common. For those of you who are on the lookout for wheat-free products, make sure you are keeping track of what you are putting in your body outside of your diet. An article published in the U.S. News and World Report discusses some of the risks that are hidden in cosmetic products.



Check it out here.

no-sew, hair bow

it is really simple to make cute hair accessories with a little bit of ribbon and a clip! follow these steps below to get a throwback pinwheel hair bow that will make you feel like a little girl all over again.

Supplies

1. ribbon, about 1 yd. will do- but this depends on how large you want your bow to be
2. hair clip
3. scissors
4. fray check-can be found at most craft stores (you can even use clear nail polish)
5. sturdy sewing thread
6. hot glue gun

simple!

How it happens:

1. cut the ends of the ribbon so that it is on a diagonal.

2. apply the fray check to the ends to prevent fraying, a thin line is all you need.

3. starting from the bottom right take the end and loop the ribbon over and under so that the tops facing you are patterned and on the bottom loops the patterned side is always against the table.

4. bring the loops together toward the center, it will start to look more like a bow now.

5. turn the bow over to the opposite side and pinch the middle so that it is cinched (the pattern should be facing out on all loops and both ends).

6. using the thread, wrap the center of the bow so that it is nice and tight.

7. wrap the thread around the clip to affix it to the underside of the bow.

8. take a spare piece of ribbon from where you cut the ends and wrap it from the front to the back, add a line of hot glue across the clip and press down firmly. the bow will stay together and it is ready to wear once the glue is dry!

fashion scents

Bond no. 9 and NO, I don't mean 007. I mean the high end perfume line that has taken New York City and the rest of the world by a flowery, musky, citrus infused storm. The perfumery's philosophy is: "finally, making scents of New York" (see the title of the post?). This could not be more of an understatement. From the beautiful star-shaped bottle, which is a piece of art unto itself, to the luscious aroma in each spray of perfumed passion, these fragrances bring NYC into sharp focus. Each scent has an ornate bottle, some even boast the works of Andy Warhol, and is an ode to a different part of New York City: i.e. Union Square (my personal favorite), Chinatown, and Chelsea Flowers. The perfumes are pricey, but they are well worth it. Its high concentration of perfume (18-20%) will keep others concentrating on you wherever you go. Check out the site here to learn more about Bond no. 9.

union square. 

s a n g r i a

The best way to make the perfect cocktail is to start with the simplest of ingredients. Skinny Girl cocktails, most famously known for its Margarita, has a newer version with a twist, and I don't mean a lime. The new Sangria by Skinny Girl is SO delicious you feel like you're enjoying it right in the middle of Havana. A little less strong then its tequila cousin, the Sangria is filled with peachy notes and white wine perfection. You can have it as is or even doctor it up. Fill your drink 1/2 way with the Skinny Girl Sangria, add a little sprite and some raspberries over crushed ice and you have a perfect, LO CAL sipper.


You can even add a little sparkling white wine (try Prosecco from Trader Joes) to give it an extra kick.

muy bueno

1+1= 2 school you go

sassy for classy by jillyt featuring a brown cardigan

Getting up in the morning for class can be a drag, but don't let it get your wardrobe down. Keep things easy and simple for a day full of lectures or an afternoon studying in the stacks. Make sure you carry your books in a backpack: lugging around heavy totes can only do bad things for your back. A preppy looking cardigan with flirty shorts will make it easy to transition from the quad to class. This little tank from Old Navy is the perfect cotton staple tee to throw on in the morning. It also comes in a crisp white and graphite color, check them out here. Oxfords give you the old school look you need, without the uniformity of a blazer. Always losing pens? Voila! This one is permanently attached to a pretty gold chain and will daintily hang from your neck so you know where to find it on the spot. Make your notes bright and sunny with Sharpie's retractable neon highlighters...life's always better in color.