Monday, December 31, 2012

Tip Top

I've had 365 days to try new products, experiment with new trends, and to explore all of the exciting gems that the fashion world has offered us this year! Of course it wasn't always easy. I've made my share of questionable fashion choices over the past twelve months and spent money on products that left more to be desired, but overall, I think that 2012 has been a pretty good year! Trudging past the duds, I've compiled my top ten picks of the year for fashion and beauty products that truly deserved to be recognized! What were your top picks of the year?

To all my readers, have a Happy New Year! I hope 2013 holds good times, good health, and good memories! I'll see you all again in the new year!

TRTD's Top Ten of 2012

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1.) Wedges: Being on the short side, I can appreciate a good wedge! The best of both worlds, wedges provide the height I desire, with the added stability of a wedge that heels don't. Sometimes it's frustrating to find wedges that actually fit my tiny feet, but I've found that Payless Shoe Source usually have the most comfortable wedges and heels, with the added bonus of great prices!

2.) Butter London Nail Lacquer: I love the sparkle that Butter London nail polishes provide! Not only do they come in a wide variety of colors, they also last, which is nice for the majority of us who don't want to reapply polish every other day.

3.) Shellac Rockstar Manicures: This pick has been my most recent! I love the major sparkle that this manicure delivers, and best of all is that the manicure stays chip proof for close to two whole weeks! Now this is my kind of manicure!

4.) Chain Strap Bags: There's just something about chain strap bags that exude sophistication to me. This is definitely a classic piece that I can see transending the ever changing trends of the fashion world.

5.) Tory Burch: I've been a fan of Tory Burch sandals for a while now, but I've explored her other adorable shoe options just this year. Her Reva flats are so cute and I love her simple and classic handbags that can be dressed up or down, depending on how you style the rest of your outfit!

6.) Clarisonic Skin Products: Another recent pick, I've had my eye on the Clarisonic brush for a while. This skin cleaning brush has been tempting me with all of their advertisements in my favorite fashion magazines. I was lucky enough to be gifted this amazing brush for Christmas, and I absolutely love it! 

7.) Embellished Sheer Tops: Not only are these tops pretty to look at, but they are so comfortable as well! I've been particularly fond of the ones with embellished collars! To compensate for the flowy-ness of the top, try pairing it with a pair of nice skinny jeans to keep the top from overwhelming your frame!

8.) Delicate Rings: Like I've mentioned in a past post, I like to find my rings off of Esty, which provide adjustable rings. I love the small details of delicate jewelry, and they are perfect for stacking!

9.) Black Jeans: What I love most about black jeans, is that they provide the look of leggings, but provide the coverage of jeans. Plus they keep me warmer than leggings in the winter!

10.) Ankle Zip Jeans: These jeans are great for dressing up! Plus they add a touch of sparkle. Make sure to wear your favorite pair of shoes with this trend, for the zipper acts like an arrow pointing straight to your pretty footwear!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Party Till the Very End

The countdown has finally begun! It's time once again to break out the champagne and round up all of your loved ones to celebrate the end of 2012, and the arrival of 2013. I know I say this every year, but 2012 has really flown by. Sometimes I feel like I've stepped into a time warp where each year starts and ends faster than the year before it. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. I sense a New Year's resolution in the making!

The one thing I love about New Year's, is the fact that you can look like a big sparkly disco ball for the night, and no one will think that you've gone mad. Of all the days in the year, this is the night to bust out all the glitter and sequins that you have in your closet. Whether you want to go all out with an eye-catching dress, or go more subtle with a sparkly manicure, there's an option for everyone. I put together a few looks that I thought would help get you noticed, whether it be on the dance floor or in the living room of your Aunt's house for the annual family reunion. Celebrate, and have fun putting together that perfect end of the year look!

New Year's Inspired Outfits 

New Years

Who says a "matchy-matchy" outfit can't be fun? Show off a sophisticated party look that is both polished and put-together. If you find yourself being drawn to sparkly pieces, make sure to pick and choose your accessories wisely.  Go easy on the jewelry if you already have sparkle in your dress. Switch out necklaces and bracelets for a simple pair of earrings or cocktail ring instead. A few glittery pieces paired together can look pretty, but one too many can lead to a sequin catastrophe!

Dress: Little Mistress Lizzie One Shoulder Dress $47.00 (Bank Fashion)
Clutch: Glitter Hard Case Clutch $32.00 (Oasis)
Shoes: Gold Sparkle Sequin Heels $26.00 (Designer Wear)
Earrings: Pearl Button Earrings $35.00 (Banana Republic)

Dress: Ribbon Luxe Sequin Babydoll Dress $31.00 (Bank Fashion)
Clutch: Rectangle Frame Clutch $24.00 (Oasis)
Shoes: Rosander Heels $24.99 (Aldo)

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Have plans for a family reunion? Look for an outfit that's comfortable yet trendy with festive colors! Keep the fitted dresses and low cut tops at home this year. Want to show some leg? Keep the top half covered up, or vice-versa if you want to show off your arms! Not only will you feel confident in a fashionable outfit, but you'll also keep your grandma happy with a hint of modesty.

Top: Cameo Rose Stud Shoulder Shirt $ 27.00 (New Look)
Leggings: Oasis Basic Leggings $23.00 (House of Fraser) 
Shoes: Mossimo Supply Kieran Boots $34.99 (Target)
Earrings: Gold Pyramid Stud Earrings $8.90 (Windsor)

Top: White Scoop Singlet $19.95 (General Pants)
Cardigan: Cable Cardigan $48.00 (Oasis)
Skirt: Taylor Wine Belted Jersey Skater Skirt $19.00 (She Likes)
Shoes: Sonoma Life Flats $21.99 (Kohl's)
Rings: Gold Bow Crystal Stacking Rings $26.00 (Talullah)
Necklace: Feather Pendant Necklace $38.00 (Free People)

Top: Blouse $40.00 (H&M)
Jeans: Cleavo 5 Pocket Twill $39.00 (Vila)
Shoes: Bella Beige Suedette High Platform Wedges $30.00 (Boohoo)
Necklace: Sassy Spike Statement Necklace $16.99 (Forever New)

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One blazer + black leggings = unlimited outfit options! The great thing about basics is that they can be combined with a wide variety of different tops and accessories to create new outfits! Sparkle on New Year's Eve with a bright sequined top under a simple black blazer! These looks would also look great with shorts and leggings, or even a banded skirt. The options are endless. Experiment to see what works best for you!

Blazer: Neon Nights Blazer $70.00 (Bardot)
Leggings: Oasis Basic Leggings $23.00 (House of Fraser)

Top: Oasis Sequin Lace Peplum Top Dark Purple $24.00 (House of Fraser)
Top: Black Peplum Sequin Top $24.00 (Fashion Union)
Top:Michayla Gold Sequin Peplum Top $48.00 (She Likes)
Top: Blue Sequin Bralet Top $24.00 (Fashion Union)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Race Against Time

I know this post probably won't be nearly as effective considering the holidays are just days away, but I figured there are always a handful of last minute shoppers who might appreciate a quick and easy gift guide to help them when fighting the crowds at the mall. Being terrified of large crowds, I made sure to get most of my holiday shopping done before Thanksgiving. I just know that if I were to head down to the shopping center days before Christmas, I probably wouldn't make it out alive in one piece. Those shoppers are something fierce! But if you can brave the jungle, I've complied a few last minute gifts that I'm sure will delight any fashionista on your holiday list! Best of all? They are all under $15. So whether you are shopping for a Secret Santa gift, a present for your cousin, or a stocking stuffer, you can feel good about giving a great gift at a great price! I wish you luck over these next few days as you navigate through the chaos of holiday shopping and wish you a wonderful holiday season!

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas


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Top Picks

Cosmetics: If you are looking for some affordable cosmetics of great quality, make sure to check out gift sets from these brands. 

1.) e.l.f. Cosmetics: This brand has some great eyeshadow sets as well as nail polish sets. Keep an eye out for the limited edition nail polish cube that is only $10 for fourteen polishes. 

2.) Nicole by O.P.I.: The more affordable collection from O.P.I., these polishes come in sets of two complementary colors to please the polish fiend on your list. I know Target has a nice selection, and are currently featuring the Kardashian Kolor Sets for $10. 

3.) NYX Cosmetics: If you are searching for a great starter eyeshadow palette, NYX has some great options. Their $25.00 palette contains six large eyeshadow pots, sixty eight additional mini pots, four face powders, and eight applicator sponges.

Jewelry: Pretty jewelry is always a great gift to receive, and can be both affordable and personal at the same time. Another low cost gift for the accessory lover could be a ceramic jewelry dish. For the DIY diva, you can take an old peg board, attach some cute door knobs to it, and create your very own jewelry holder.

1.) Forever 21: Sometimes it can be overwhelming to sift through all the options piled together at this affordable chain, but if you are patient, there are a lot of cute pieces hidden amongst the chaos. Starting from as low as $1.50, you can afford to buy multiple pieces, rather than just one higher end piece. 

2.) Etsy: If you are looking for a more personalized piece for that special someone in your life, try out this creative online store! There is literally something for everyone here. I love purchasing rings from Etsy because they have adjustable rings that can compensate for my ridiculously small fingers! Take a look around! They have some pretty awesome things like this for example for the fangirl on your list :)! 

3.) Fuego: I haven't been in this store in a while, but from what I remember, they had a lot of really cute jewelry. They definitely had a lot of affordable pieces, but also some higher end pieces as well in glass cases that were a little more unique. So this might be a great place to stop in, whatever your price range might be.

Miscellaneous Accessories: From winter accessories to compacts, check out these places to find some fun and unique gifts!

1.) Modcloth: Many items here can be pricey, but there are a lot of unique items here that might be great gifts for closer family and friends. Definitely check out the sale items at this fun online boutique for some great deals! I'm a fan of their kitchen and home items. 

2.) Charlotte Russe: Much like Forever 21, this chain sells trendy pieces for great prices. Check out this store for some fun winter accessories such as scarfs and gloves to keep your loved ones warm! They also sell jewelry, shoes, cosmetics, and clothing items, so they'll have everything you need.

3.) Tilly's: This chain has a great selection of patterned tights and leggings at great prices! Great for the dress lover during the cold winter months, surprise a friend with this functional gift!

Inspired? Look for these items here: