The Retail Therapy Diaries

Monday, September 5, 2011

Wishful Thinking

We recently had a family friend stay with us from abroad so we were able to visit all the fun tourist spots around the city. It had been a while since my last trip up the space needle! We also had the chance to go and take her shopping which I quite enjoyed myself! Among the different stores we went into, I found myself spending the longest time in Sephora. I'm not usually a huge fan of trying new products that are on the higher end, but there were a few products that had caught my eye! I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you in hopes that you would share some of the things on your wish list with me as well! I figured I'll be headed back there soon to stock up on my regulars for the new school year anyways so maybe I'll add in another new product to my rotation.

TRTD's Sephora Product Wishlist

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss $27.50

I've had my eye on this product for a while now but was always on the fence when it came down to purchasing it. I figured I could find another decent gloss for cheaper but the gloss comes in such a cute tube it's hard to not want it. There was a really pretty plum colored one that was particularly tempting, and would be great for the fall. Perhaps I'll have to consider investing in a tube.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil $24.00

Always being a fan of the clear gloss, I decided that I wanted to step out and try something a little different. I want to add a touch of color to my lips without it being ridiculously out there, so I figured a peach or dusty rose color would be subtle enough. I read in a recent fashion magazine that peach is a universally flattering shade and adds just the right amount of color. Having a colored pencil like this might be handy for a fun night out or a fancy dinner.

Sephora Collection Nail Patch Art $12.00

There has been a growing trend with nail polish strips which provide you with the lasting features of a regular liquid nail polish, but without the mess and waiting period. I always see the Sally Hansen ones whenever I go to the store but some of the prints are a little out there. I saw this pink polka-dotted one on the Sephora website and thought it looked so adorable! Plus the idea of just sticking a strip on your nail seems like it would be fun to apply!

Escada Taj Sunset $43 (1 oz.)

I'm more of a body spray fan than a perfume fan just because I don't want something super strong and long lasting, but I was drawn to the pretty bottle and decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised with a fruity and fairly light scent and it reminded me of a lotion I used to really like. If I were to purchase this product I'd probably go for the mini spray bottle which is $20 since I probably wouldn't use it all the time.

Paperself Eyelashes $19.00 (Deer and Butterfly Design)

This product isn't technically on my wishlist just because these are a little too wild for me, but I thought they looked so cool and pretty and deserved a little blurb on this post. There are a couple of different designs but all of them are super intricately cut and are just really fun to look at. Not quite sure where someone might be able to wear these, but they would be cool for a fun party or even a Halloween party, since it'll be the end of October before we know it!

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Be Inspired

Whether you tend to follow trends or start them, creating a style all your own can be a fun experience! Pulling inspiration from celebrities, fashionistas on the street, or the nature around you can be a great way to form your own style if you feel like you haven't quite found one that fits you yet. Whenever I'm having a hard time putting together outfits or just in need of some inspiration, I look to some of my favorite fashionable celebrities. With their girly yet timeless looks, my top five never fail me when I'm in need of some fashion advice. Who's in your top five? Who do you look to for inspiration? Let me know either by email or by leaving me a message on my facebook page!

TRTD's Top Five Celebrity Fashion Inspirations

Lauren Conrad

From my numerous posts featuring her laid back California style, it's safe to say that she's my number one fashion inspiration! From her more flowy tops and dresses for casual wear to her more fitted and structured pieces for evening, she never fails to look chic and polished!

Rachel Bilson

Ever since she first played Summer Roberts on The OC, I've been in love with her style. She always knows just how to dress her petite frame, which can be handy since I'm on the short side as well. Mixing girly pieces with edgier pieces, she always creates a style all her own.

Olivia Palermo

Having recently discovered this stylish celebrity, I've noticed her style not only in fashion magazines here in the U.S. but I've also seen her style featured in Japanese fashion magazines as well! Her sophisticated style always looks so effortless! Whether wearing the hottest designer brands or simple affordable basics, by mixing and matching pieces, she makes it easier for others to create similar outfits that only look expensive.

Emma Roberts

In a world where young celebrities feel like less is more, this stylish celebrity is paving the way for a more modest and sophisticated look that is both fashionable and age-appropriate. Everything that she wears goes so well together whether it be a leather mini with a red polka dotted blazer, or a elegant beaded gown for a special event. Though she may still be a younger fashionista, she definitely still inspires those older than her as well!

Alexa Chung

Known for her ability to mix feminine pieces with masculine pieces so well together has helped her to become an icon in the fashion industry! All her pieces are so versatile so she can create so many different looks from just a few pieces. I've become a big fan of structured pieces lately so I've been looking to her for inspiration.

Let me know who inspires you!

Email: theretailtherapydiaries@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Click here to leave me a message on my wall

Friday, September 2, 2011

Red Delicious

Sorry I haven't posted in a while! I guess you could say I've been taking a mini vacation from blogging. But I'm back and will hopefully do a better job of staying on top of things! Today's post was inspired by the crisp and juicy red delicious apples I passed by this afternoon at the grocery store! Looking through my closet, I noticed that I was lacking the bold and vibrant color between the blacks, blues, neutrals, and pinks. Continuing my back-to-school shopping expedition, I've been on the hunt for more red but haven't been very successful. Are you a fan of the rich, intense hue or is it just a little too loud for you? Let me know what you think!

The Inspiration

Celebrities in Red

Kim Kardashian

Emma Roberts

Hayden Panettiere

Red Options:

Ditsy Leaves Romper $22.90 (Forever 21)

Red Crinkle Pussybow Short Sleeve Blouse $75.00 (Topshop)

Double Lines Knit $58.00 (Nasty Gal)

Solid Military Pea Coat $34.99 (Charlotte Russe)

Camille Dress $11.34 (Abercrombie)

Motel Gemma Cut Out Waist Contrast Dress $45.74 (Asos)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.forever21.com

www.topshop.com

www.shopnastygal.com

www.charlotterusse.com

www.abercrombie.com

www.asos.com

Monday, August 29, 2011

Touch of Edge

Want to add a trendy touch to your go-to evening look? Look to add some leather for a trendy and edgy feel. Leather has been seen on celebrities all over Hollywood lately evolving from leather jackets to more modern pieces such as fitted leather dresses and leather skirts. Sometimes leather pieces can be tricky. If worn with the wrong pieces your look can turn from classy to trashy! To prevent a fashion disaster, keep these tips in mind! Make sure if the hem of the skirt or dress is shorter, look to cover-up a little more on top, either with longer sleeves or a higher neckline. Because a leather dress is such a statement piece by itself, keep accessories minimal. Going overboard can can damper an otherwise great look. Not ready to completely plunge into the leather trend? Start small with leather accessories such as leather booties, leather cuff bracelets or wide banded leather belts. Or instead of going for a classic black, try an updated shade such as a neutral beige or even a bright orange! Want to add a feminine flair to your edgy look? Combine a lace top in a feminine shade with a fitted leather skirt or add a girly animal print bag!

Celebrities in Leather

Julianne Hough

Vanessa Hudgens

Blake Lively

Kristin Cavallari, Whitney Port

Leather Trend Inspired Look

Alexa Chung

How to create a similar look:

Skirt: Black Faux Leather Skirt $33.00 (Dorothy Perkins)

Sweater: BDG Speckled Raglan Tunic $ 49.00 (Urban Outfitters)

Shoes: Office Kingpin Wedge Boot $ 39.00 (Office)

Bag: Material Girl Leopard Crossbody Bag $26.00 (Macy's)

Other Leather Options:

Leather Dress $36.20 (H & M)

Black Faux Leather Bustle Back Dress $100.00 (Topshop)

Leather Dress with Drop Armhole $67.69 (Asos)

Pleated Skirt $39.99 (Zara)

Leather Mini Skirt $44.50 (Delia's)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.dorothyperkins.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Sunny Delight

Like the sunny shade of the ever popular breakfast beverage, orange has become a fun and bold way to add some color to your look! Great for the start of fall, the bright shade can help to complement that pretty tan you worked hard for this whole summer. Have fair skin? Look for a red-orange shade that has a metallic sheen to it like silk to add a touch of sparkle to complement your porcelain skin! For those with darker skin tones, look for a piece in a more rich shade of orange or even a more neon orange for a pretty contrast! Are you somewhere in between? Try a more coral orange. This universally flattering color looks great on all types of skin tones!

Celebrities in Orange

Ginnifer Goodwin

Blake Lively

Victoria Beckham

Miley Cyrus

Orange Options:

Blood Orange Blouse $38.00 (Nasty Gal)

Notions of Nutmeg Burnt Orange Top $33.00 (Lulu's)

Orange Sorbet Scallop Vest $30.00 (Topshop)

Waist Belted Lace Dress $27.37 (Dressrail)

Orange Belted Pleat Maxi Dress $21.62 (Desire Clothing)

Slice of Color Shorts $39.99 (Modcloth)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.desireclothing.com

www.modcloth.com

Friday, August 26, 2011

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

One piece I've been looking to add to my accessories collection is the functional and chic oversized envelope clutch! I've seen this cute bag in a number of magazines and think it provides versatility for those days that you don't feel like holding a big bulky purse. Perfect for holding your essentials, the envelope clutch is just big enough so you aren't left rummaging through your giant bag, unable to find what you need. Not only is this bag cute for day paired with a more casual outfit, the clutch can also be a great modern update to your usual party clutch! Whether you like classic colors or bright colors, these fun bags come in a wide range of shades and styles so there is sure to be one that's perfect for you!

Envelope Clutches on the Runway