The Retail Therapy Diaries

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Holiday Sparkle

Have a festive party to attend? To celebrate the holiday season, add a little sparkle to your outfit by giving yourself a pretty manicure! My original plan was just to paint my nails a deep maroon shade, but I spotted some sparkly topcoats in my drawer that I thought would add a touch of holiday cheer. Not only is this manicure great for Christmas, it'll work just as well for a New Years Party! So gather all your close friends and family and enjoy the holiday season!

Holiday Sparkle Manicure

Maroon Polish: Sephora by O.P.I in Meet for Drinks $9.50 (Sephora)

Gold Topcoat: Essie Luxeffects Topcoat in As Gold as it Gets $8.00 (Nordstrom)

Clear Topcoat: Covergirl Boundless Color Topcoat in Crystal Mist (No longer available)

If you don't want too much sparkle you can just add one coat of sparkle topcoat, but if you want to go all out you can mix multiple topcoats for a simply dazzling look!

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.sephora.com

www.nordstrom.com

Geometric Fun

I've been really loving geometric prints lately. I think that my geometric paintings have really influenced the types of pieces that have drawn me in lately. It's always so interesting to see how different shapes work together to create really cool and fun patterns. Make sure to keep your accessories simple so that your geometric piece can be the statement maker! I'm also really loving long-sleeve cropped shirts, so the geometric patterned one that I found was perfect! Make a statement with your next outfit by incorporating a geometric pattern into your look!

The Inspiration

I actually received this as a gift from my painting teacher! He said it reminded him of the paintings I had been working on in class that week. Thanks professor Guerrero!

From The Retail Therapy Diaries Closet

Top: Silence and Noise Cropped Tee (Urban Outfitters)

More Geometric Options

Top L: Bright Angles Dress $38.00 (Nasty Gal)

Top R: Motel Graphic Print Dress $45.45 (Asos)

Bottom L: Knitted Metallic Geo Pattern Body-Conscious Dress $49.09 (Asos)

Bottom R: Geometric Dress $39.99 (Zara)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.urbanoutfitters.com

www.nastygal.com

www.asos.com

www.zara.com

Friday, December 16, 2011

Winter Favorites

I'm not sure what I love more between the weeks leading up to Christmas or the actual day. There's just something about all the festive decorations and the hustle and bustle of all the last minute shoppers that always puts me in a good mood. Miraculously this year I finished all my shopping early so I can sit back with a warm cup of cocoa and watch everyone else scrambling to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their lists! I actually hand made a lot of my gifts this year which was fun for me and my wallet. I've always been a fan of gifts that people make because I know that they spent time making it for me. With a few extra dollars in my pocket I was able to buy myself a few goodies as well! For today's post I thought I'd show you some of my favorite winter pieces that can all be paired with some leggings! As long as you have this versatile basic, the possibilities are endless! To spice up the looks I've added a special accessory to each outfit. So whether you are just reuniting with friends over the holidays to bake some cookies or are planning on going to a fun family get together, these looks will have you covered!

The Retail Therapy Diaries Winter Essentials

Gold Top: Kookai Lurex Batwing Sweater $53.00 (John Lewis)

Boat Neck Top: Breton Long Sleeve Boatneck $20.00 (Oasis)

Off-the-Shoulder Sweater: Aerie Open Stitch Dolman Sweater $30.00 (American Eagle)

Leggings: Black Leggings $25.00 (Warehouse)

Scarf: White as Snow Loop Scarf $35.00 (American Eagle)

Necklace: Gunmetal Chainmail Necklace $40.00 (House of Fraser)

Shoes: If You Wanna Be My Lava Flat $29.99 (Modcloth)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.houseoffraser.com

www.modcloth.com

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Drumroll Please...

The Loop-de Loop giveaway has come to an end and a winner has been picked! Congratulations to Gabby G! Your prize will be delivered to you soon. Thank you to all the readers who took the time to leave messages on The Retail Therapy Diaries Facebook page! It really means a lot to me and all your feedback is much appreciated. Keep an eye out for your next chance to win something fun. Another giveaway will be in the works very soon. Bundle up and keep warm!

In to the cup they go!

Congrats Gabby! Enjoy your new scarf!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

To My Lovely Readers

Dear Readers,

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone had a great day filled with food, family, and lots of love! Just wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to support The Retail Therapy Diaries. Whether you're a faithful reader or just happened to stumble upon my blog by accident, knowing that you took the time to take a peek at my work means so much to me!

Enjoy your time with family and get ready to enjoy the holiday season! Thanks again, and rest up those tummies and enjoy the rest of your week! Lots of love from Seattle!

♡ The Retail Therapy Diaries

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sweet Pea

Got the cold weather blues? Stay nice and toasty with a warm and stylish peacoat! It seems as though the nasty weather has forced most fashion lovers to make the treacherous journey to the back of their closets to pull out their favorite winter gear. These past few days have been rather chilly so I had to swap my favorite pair of flats for some boots and my cardigan for a peacoat! The weather has been rather annoying lately. If it chooses to be this cold, at least reward us with some pretty snowflakes for all that rummaging we had to go through for puffy coats, scarves, and mittens.

Peacoats are definitely a winter essential because they are incredibly versatile. Not only do they look great during the day, they can look very dressy at night as well! Try incorporating two trends into one this winter by picking out a longer peacoat in a festive red shade!

Celebrities in Peacoats

Nicole Richie

Kristin Cavallari

Styling options for a day and evening look:

Peacoat

Coat: Hooded Red Peacoat $44.99 (Charlotte Russe)

Day Look

Top: Oasis Stripe Boatneck Top $32.00 (John Lewis)

Jeans: Hollister Jegging $49.50 (Hollister)

Scarf: Gauzy Knit Infinity Scarf $12.50 (Charlotte Russe)

Shoes: Biker High Boots $92.99 (Romwe)

Evening Look

Top: Sleeveless Cowl Neck Drape Top $17.00 (Oasis)

Skirt: High Waisted Tight Knit Skirt $22.90 (Akira)

Tights: With Love Solid Opaque Tights $9.50 (Pacsun)

Shoes: Ruched Front Peep Toe Ankle Booties $26.00 (Make Me Chic)

Don't forget to enter the Loop-de-Loop giveaway for a chance to win an infinity scarf!

Loop-de-Loop Giveaway

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.charlotterusse.com

www.johnlewis.com

www.hollisterco.com

www.charlotterusse.com

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Loop-de-Loop

It's finally 'Novembrrrr' and it's time to layer on the cold weather favorites! From fluffy coats to warm mittens, there are tons of ways to look chic while shielding yourself from the blustery winds. One particular winter essential that has been seen on celebrities as well as fashionistas everywhere, is the infinity scarf. Whether you call it an infinity scarf, eternity scarf, or a circle scarf, this piece is a great way to finish off a look. This trend is super versatile and can be worn a number of different ways. So jump on board with this new trend and keep warm!

Find out how to win your very own infinity scarf at the bottom of this post!

Infinity Scarves on Celebrities