in Fashion Leave a Comment on December 4, 2018

Your Coat is not an Afterthought: How to Upgrade your Outerwear

I consider a coat an accessory…..let’s be honest it can really make or break your look. Think formal full length dress with a short black puffy coat….ugh, definitely a pet peeve of mine. Your coat should be a continuation of your outfit. If you are spending all that time putting a look together, don’t ruin it with the wrong coat!

I look at coats as investments…I live in Chicago, I’m wearing a coat 90% of the year, haha! But really, you do wear coats more often than any of your other clothing items (pipe it if you are in a warm climate). It can really work two ways for you…if you have a statement tailored coat you always look put together even if you are a hot mess underneath i.e. still in pajamas, loungewear, etc. Your coat is also your first impression if you think about it, when you walk inside it’s the first thing people will see until you take it off which usually happens after you sit down. I say they are an investment because most of my coats I wear year to year and still love them just as much as I did when I first purchased them.

I’ve picked out a few of my favorites below! You will notice there are two specific types not shown: black (because I know you already own one) and puffer coats (you probably have this too). The purpose of this post is for you to branch out in your outerwear!

Scroll through below to shop the coats shown and more!

Shop all of my leopard print picks below!

Shop this amazing neutral color below, scroll on the right for more options!

Shop these plaid coats and more by scrolling below!

in Fashion Leave a Comment on October 19, 2018

Fall: The shoes to buy now

Time to pack up Summer and transition to Fall…and then you realize you have (a closet full of) nothing to wear! If you can’t be bothered to shop or follow the current trends, then you have to come to the right place! I will be your shopping guide, I am a self proclaimed professional in the field. Let’s start with shoes…

Rule 1. You can never have too many pairs of shoes***

Rule 2. Yes, you can build an outfit around a pair of shoes.

Rule 3. Your feet don’t usually change size. So if you lost or gained a few pounds here or there, chances are your shoes will still fit…you’ve never heard anyone say “ohh I finally got into my skinny shoes!” Haha!

***for shoes to be worthy to hold onto, they must be in good, wearable condition, i.e. no broken heels, straps, etc., and you must actually wear them on occasion!

The New Neutral

If you have been following my Insta then you will know I am currently obsessed with this camel/cognac color! I cannot get enough!! It’s my new Fall/Winter neutral! I have the Madewell Brady Low-cut bootie and I love, love, love them! It is actually my first Madewell purchase and I am very impressed. They have a very popular tote in this same color that I’m considering purchasing as well.

Also pictured: J.Crew coat (similar here), Good America jeans, Monica Vinader necklace, Teasure & Bond tee, Gucci belt, ATP Atelier sandals

Shop the New Neutral below!

(when you hover over the shoes you can create a sale alert on your favs!)

Leopard Print

Leopard print will always cycle in and out of style, so always hold onto any you purchase! I decided to go with a leopard print bootie with a low heel so they are more versatile to wear everyday or out. I’m wearing the Sam Edelman booties below, and they also come in a gray and black version.

Also pictured: J.Crew coat (similar here and here), Naked Cashmere sweater (similar here, here and here), Good American jeans, Monica Vinader necklace

Shop Leopard Print below!

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White

People are afraid of white…I am not sure why, but used in the right places it can actually really refresh an otherwise tired look. For example jeans and tee or sweater…let me guess you always reach for black shoes because black goes with everything, try white, you will be pleasantly surprised! White boots were on the rise last Fall/Winter but now they have peaked and there are many more options! The ones shown in my photos are last season and I couldn’t find them to link, but found many other similar options! I’m crushing on the Isabel Marant boots!!

Halogen cardigan, Good American jeans, Dolce Vita boots (similar here), Rag & Bone tee, Gucci belt, Reversible tote

Ann Taylor coat (similar here), Rag & Bone jeans, Saint Laurent collage bag

Frame jeans, Treasure & Bond sweater (similar here), LV metis pochette bag

Shop White boots below!

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in Fashion Leave a Comment on July 11, 2018

What to Shop at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

It’s that time of year…..the annual Nordstrom Anniversary sale is here! Time to get excited about buying new Fall pieces and boots in the sweltering heat of July…yep true story. If you are new to this sale, stay with me, I will show you the way and why you should always be preparing for this time every year!

You get discounts on new Fall/Winter items. Meaning this is a sale on the things people want, not the leftovers at the end of the season!
If you are a Nordstrom cardholder (which you absolutely should be!) you get early access to the sale, as in before the general public, a week early to be exact.
As a cardholder you can choose your shopping day as your triple points day! Hello Rewards!

Early Access to the sale starts TOMORROW! (July 12-19) The sale opens to the public on July 20th!

See my favorite sale picks below from the Catalog!

Rebecca Minkoff Koso Bootie

Treasure & Bond felt panama hat

Rag & Bone Aviators

Stuart Weitzman Lafayette Slouch Boot

Lewit Bold Plaid Trench Coat

Treasure & Bond Hayden studded loafer

Marc Fischer LTD Miggi Bootie

Treasure & Bond satin Western shirt

J.Crew Dover blazer

FRAME le high straight asymmetrical hem jeans

Hanky Panky low rise thong

Vince Camuto Movinta bootie

FRAME le slender straight leg jeans

Topshop jumpsuit

Rails short pajamas

Vince Darlington flat

Follow me on Instagram @diamondsinblonde and watch my Insta story on Friday as I shop the sale and you can see more of my favs and purchases!

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in Fashion Leave a Comment on April 18, 2018

The new Summer uniform

Well you wouldn’t know it by the weather, but Summer is just around the corner and since I avoid shorts like the plague, I have found two very good alternatives. Both of which cover all the bits shorts do not and at the same time will prove to be just as comfortable and cool.

The button front midi skirt

Once I started looking for examples of these I was surprised how many I found! So that tells me you will be definitely seeing these around this Summer. To keep it fresh, pair it with an interesting top like the open back top below or any top with an interesting design aspect or textured material like an embroidered top. Also making a strong presence is the rattan or woven handbag. They come in all styles from totes to cross body bags to clutches. The one pictured below is only $58 and comes in multiple colors! Click the scroll below the picture for more info!

The tie waist pant

The key with these is to keep the top simple and fitted. These can easily look frumpy and unflattering if you are wearing a top that is too big or baggy. I suggest a simple cami or even a bodysuit would work well here. I love all the simple and modern looking leather sandals this season. I’ve got my eye on a pair…I’ll let you know later which ones I decide on! I like tortoise as a neutral accent for Summer. If you click through the scroll below this picture I have put a few more tortoise accessories!

Any questions about anything shown above, just leave me a comment or you can email me at diamondsinblonde@gmail.com!

in Fashion Leave a Comment on April 5, 2018

All you ever wanted to know about eyelashes…and more!

Mascara ● Extensions ● Strip & Individual Lashes ● Magnetic Lashes ● Tinting, Perming, Lifting ● Curling ● Serums

I love lashes, they can really make or break a look. I have tried everything there is to try and make my lashes longer, fuller and thicker. Below I’ve listed what has worked for me and a few of my favorite products!

Mascara

I used to only believe in waterproof mascara. I was a lifeguard, taught swimming lessons and had many sweaty dance and volleyball practices. My lashes are my thing, as in if I were stranded on an island I would bring an eyelash curler and mascara. So naturally I wanted my mascara on all the time and did not need it running down my face! Well, it is rather difficult to get waterproof mascara completely off, it usually involves lots of rubbing with remover and there are always little bits left over. Over time those little bits start to make your lashes get clumpy. I remember doing a photoshoot long ago and I was instructed to wear absolutely nothing on my face. I followed the rules, at least I thought, but then the makeup artist asked me to remove my mascara, oops. So I went to try and get the waterproof clumps off and did the best I could. When I returned, she sent me back again to get the remaining bits off my eyes. Wow, I thought this woman is one tough cookie and must have microscopes for eyes! I was just so used to having clumps I didn’t even notice. So from that point on I think I switched to regular mascara, no more waterproof for me! I still to this day don’t wear waterproof mascara. If I think I’ll be crying I’ll just wear false eyelashes or get extensions. I do use the Maybelline Great Lash on my extensions when I really want a stronger look and it washes off easily as it is not waterproof.

These are my current favorites for mascara:

Better Than Sex by Too Faced Maybelline Great Lash Stila Huge Extreme Lash

Extensions

What can I say, I love, love, love having eyelash extensions!! They look great and can actually look quite natural. Think no raccoon eyes during your workout or when you wake up! The only cons for me were when I worked the night shift I used to use a sleeping mask to sleep during the day and they were not recommend because they smash your lashes. Now I believe you can find masks that give enough space for your lashes, so problem solved, well that and now I work during the day! I also have a sensitivity to some of the types of glue used. My eyes get a little puffy and itchy but it usually goes away in a few days, a sacrifice I have made multiple times (update: I just had them done again and this time I had them use the sensitive glue and the puffiness and itching were even worse! I took Claritin, Benadryl and Zyrtec just to be able to tolerate them. Of course the logical response would be to have them removed but nope, that’s not going to work for me…beauty is pain, right? Ha!) With extensions there is no need to wear mascara and I usually skip the eyeliner too. I do use mascara on them when they start getting a little sparse and are in need of a fill or just want a more dramatic look.

There are different types of extensions, you can get regular lash extensions which are one lash per your lash or you can get volume lashes which are three lashes to every one lash of yours. I have had both and love both, just depends on what look you are going for at the time. In my experience, the volume lashes can get somewhat heavy on my end lashes and sometimes tend to fall off sooner than just the regular one to one lash. The individual lashes also come in different lengths and thicknesses. Most salons will usually have a book or picture for you to look at the different styles and variance in lengths available. I used to think I liked more of a flare on my lashes, meaning longer on the outer ends, but after trying out many different arrangements, my eyes actually look better with the longest lashes in the middle of lid and tapering down towards both ends. If you have any other questions about them or recommendations on where to go just send me a message here or you can DM me on my insta @diamondsinblonde.

Strip Lashes & Individual Lashes

These are my tried and true. Once you master applying these they are so easy to put on before you go out or for a big event. I have tried almost every type and style sold and have found a few to look the best and the most natural. Looks are very deceiving in the package. Just when you think you picked out the right ones, you put them on and either look like you have caterpillars for eyelashes or you go overboard and get into drag queen territory, which isn’t usually appropriate for everyday or weddings, etc. Ha! I have listed my favorite lashes and glue below. Always measure the lash to your lash line, you may have to trim the ends of the strip lash. To apply, squirt a drop of glue on the lash packaging, hold the tip of the lashes with tweezers and run the strip side edge through the glue (remember less is more here), let the glue get a little tacky before applying to your lash line. There are theories on whether you should apply the lashes first or last. Before I got good at it, I used to apply my foundation and powder and then put my lashes on before my eye make just in case I messed up and got glue all over my lid. After being able to get them on pretty easily, I left them for last. Honestly, I think it works both ways, so do what you prefer. My favorite glue is Duo, it comes in clear and dark, I prefer the dark, it dries black and blends in with your eyeliner and lash line.

Individual lashes are a little more difficult to master. They can easily turn or fall if you don’t get them on correctly. You also have to make sure each eye is even. I’ve shown some of my favorites below! The Demi Wispies and Wispies are my go to!

Magnetic Lashes

I have only tried one brand of magnetic lashes, One Two Cosmetics, which also happened to be one of the first companies to release magnetized lashes. I did wear them a few times and they looked ok as long as no one was getting up too close to examine them. The problem I had was that they are pretty stiff and aren’t very flexible to fit along your lash line. They also may be difficult for some to apply, it takes a little getting used to. Since I purchased them they have made many improvements and added new sizes so I may try them out again. Magnetic lashes are more widely available and sold by many different companies now…even one of my favorite strip lash companies makes them and you can get them here. Let me know if you try them because I have not and am curious how they look!

I’ve labeled which kind of lashes I’m wearing below! As a side note, all the photos with extensions are without mascara!!

Tinting, Perming, Lifting

I have blonde hair and therefore the ends of my lashes are blonde and they stick straight out. To me personally I don’t think tinting is worth it. Even if I did tint them and they were the blackest black, they would still stick straight out. Not cute.

A perm? Really? Just the word itself should warn you to proceed with caution. I have never permed my lashes, I have found an eyelash curler works just fine and doesn’t take long to do and since I tend to have a sensitivity to lash glue I can’t imagine I would handle the perming process very well. I mean if you have full, dark, long lashes and all they need is to be curled, then maybe this is your thing!

Curling

I wasn’t going to add this section because I assumed everyone uses an eyelash curler. I reevaluated and decided that’s probably not true. So if you don’t currently curl your eyelashes you should start ASAP! Trust me, it makes a difference by opening up your eyes. My favorite eyelash curler of all time used to be sold at Sephora but for some reason they stopped carrying it so I had to order it directly off the Shu Uemura website. Sephora now sells a similar sounding brand, Shiseido. I still recommend ordering the Shu Uemura one here.

Serums

I’m sure by this time someone has tried to get you to buy some sort of serum. The original was Latisse which scared me away because a side effect was changing the color of your eyes. Yikes! All of the serums to date are on the more expensive side and they are definitely something you need to keep buying and using to be effective. I have tried RapidLash and had success, my lashes definitely grew longer and looked a little fuller but the moment I stopped using it, my lashes went back to their original state. I recently tried buying it again and now it makes my eyes itchy and red. I am not sure if they have changed the formula or if I have developed a sensitivity, but I have tried a few others and had the same problem. So as long as they don’t irritate your eyes, I say go for it! Oh and none of the serums I tried changed the color of my eyes!

Eye Makeup Remover

I have two types of makeup remover I like to use for my eyes. If I don’t have extensions on, then I use Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup remover. If I do have extensions and want to avoid any oily products I use Neutrogena Make up remover wipes. You can easily go around your lashes and get even your eyeliner off easily. I prefer these wipes because they take off everything and don’t leave your face feeling greasy. Also if you are ever in a pinch and need to remove mascara from under your eyes and have no makeup remover, use a little bit of lotion under you eye then remove with a q-tip or tissue.

Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup remover Neutrogena Makeup Remover cleansing towelettes

My philosophy with any type of artificial lash whether it be strip, individual, magnetic or extensions….always have backup. Meaning if you glued your lashes on, always have glue and tweezers with you! If you have glued on individual lashes yourself, I also suggest bringing a few extra, you may need a touch up! If you have magnetic lashes, always bring an eyelash curler and mascara with you just in case they fall off or you lose one! I hope you found this post helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions about anything here!

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in Fashion Leave a Comment on March 27, 2018

Style Update: Freshen up for Spring

First let me start by saying I want everything I have shown in this post!!! Now get excited, I have picked out a few of my favorites and showed different ways of styling certain pieces. Scroll away and as always you can shop this post at the end or on the Shop page!

This dress can be styled so many ways, but I went with a more casual look below with flats and hat. Also still somewhat casual above, but without the hat and wedges makes it more appropriate for a wedding or similar event.

I love this look below and it can get you through the awkward weather transition to Spring. The necklace is absolutely on my wish list!! I love long pendant necklaces, they draw the eye down and in making the illusion you are taller and thinner. Trust me, a V shape necklace will always look better than a U shape. A necklace with a pendant that creates a V shape knows where it is going, a U shape takes off over one boob or the other or around both and maybe even stuck in your cleavage, lol!

Ah yes, a jumpsuit, my favorite! I think this one can go either way, casual or dressed up. Oh and it’s only $49!!

Anyway this look is a little more fashion forward with sharp black and white accessories. I’m currently having a small addiction to white shoes. I love them, I can’t get enough of them!

Before you even think, yes that is a fanny pack shown above, of course they are more fashionably referred to as belt bags now. Consider yourself informed. Don’t worry, more belt bags to come in future posts!

Here are a few more new pieces to update your wardrobe. I’ve been eyeing the cami and leather jacket for awhile now, but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet (keyword being yet).