Are You One of Those People Who Wants to Add Color But Doesn’t Know How?

There are so many people who really do want to add color to their wardrobe but don’t know how. Some teenagers that I’m friends with are scared of looking tacky or immature,  and some adults I know fear looking wannabe-teenage. I understand. I really do. But sometimes, you have to take risks. And besides, let’s say you’re applying for a job as a spokesperson. They want someone special, quirky, memorable, and different. There are eight other men and women applying for the job. You’re all wearing black. If they say, “Steve, remember the girl in the black dress? She was pretty good.” Steve will say, “Um, Bob, there were three girls wearing black dresses. Don’t worry about it, though, because judging by her outfit, she’s nothing special” But if you had worn an orange dress with nude pumps, there’s a good chance Bob would’ve said, “girl in the orange dress,” and Steve would’ve said, “Oh yeah. That was SarahLily. She was pretty good. I’ll contact her.” 

See? 😉 

Easier Way to Wear Color: Shorts

Shorts are comfortable and timeless, not to mention they can be dressed up or down. Wear a brightly hued pair with a white tank, any type of shoe (except sneakers or snow boots!), and possibly a necklace.

Find cute pairs at:

http://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=5715&kwid=1&sem=false

My example

The green shows my earthy, outdoor-loving, approachable side.

Easy Way to Wear Color: Bright Blazers

This is a more daring way to wear color. But you can do it. Use this picture of Kourtney Kardashian as inspiration;

If her blazer had been black, the outfit would’ve still been trendy, but it wouldn’t been unique. Wearing color is the easiest way look special.

Easiest Way to Wear Color: Hued Purse

Besides shopping, this way to incorporate color is pretty much effortless.

Big Budget: Try Hermes

Medium-Big Budget: Try Nordstrom

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/handbags-pop-of-color?origin=leftnav

Tight Budget: Walmart has faux-snakeskin versions

Hope I gave you some good ideas!

XOXO,

SarahLily

Product Review: Boi-ing Concealer

I brought Boi-ing Concealer at Sephora. It’s by Benefit. If you’re reading this on the go, let me save you some time; I will never purchase a product by Benefit again. If you have a little time on you hands, it might be beneficial (fun pun! ;)) to know why this product stunk so much. First of all, it was so orange. And yes, I used the tester in the store, but many stores, such as Sephora, trick costumers with complex lighting. Many bloggers may be thinking, “Well, if it’s orange, maybe it’s too dark.” And don’t get me wrong; that’s very logical. But, in this case, I tried on the lighter shade in the store, and it appeared to be too light. In addition, not to gross you out, but this concealer is really dry and sticky as opposed to creamy.

Bottom Line: Boi-ing Concealer is a total glorified rip-off. NEVER buy it. 😦

Advice For People With Body Insecurities

Summer is the hardest time of year for people with body insecurities. The best solution to this is to realize that you look fine, if not better, and walk out the door with confidence. If you feel that you’re not quite ready for that option, or you’re actually unhealthy, here are some tips:

1. If your arms embarrass you, I suggest wearing a lightweight, white, long-sleeve top. Light yellow, pale lilic, and mint work, too.

2. If your doctor has confirmed that you are overweight, and you’re ashamed to show your face in shorts or a swimsuit, I have a few suggestions. Number one, of course, is to exercise and eat less to no junk food (no fried potato chips, big Macs, french fries, nor excessive soda). Besides, tap water is cheaper than soda, so, with time, you can buy a dress fit to your new body. Have an event tomorrow? Do 30 sit-ups, take a jog around to block or on a treadmill, get a good night’s sleep, drink some water, and put on a preferably black, lightweight dress with shoes that DON’T cut off at the ankle. Swimsuit? Try going to www.fourcorners.com, searching “swimdress,” a you will find a pretty, slimming swimdress. Bonus: It’s on sale right now!

3. Feel your core needs toning? Try this;

Remember, you can’t hide your body you entire life. If you’re unhealthy and you know it, please do something about it. People think I’m being mean by not saying, “Weight doesn’t matter. Don’t give it the time of day.” It does matter. Being, well, fat can cause serious problems to your health. I encourage all people to eat right, take a walk around to block, and play tennis or soccer every now and then. It will make you feel good about yourself.

XOXO,

SarahLily

P.S. Good luck! 🙂

Dressing Up 101

Dressing up can be very fun, but also a challenge. The dresser never wants to be over-dressed, but if you ask me, being under-dressed is about a million times worse.

Ways to (hopefully) Make You Dressed Up the Right Amount

1. Check the invitation! Even if it doesn’t say Attire: X, if it’s written in gold cursive, it’s probably a different mentality than something in chunky, blue bubble letters.

2. Call (or text!) a couple friends who are going, or even check with the host on what they’re wearing.

3. Bring backup! Have a friend carry a couple tank tops in their purse for sliding over cocktail dresses, whereas you can stash some fancy bracelets and velvet headbands in yours. It’s a bit paranoid, but better safe than sorry!

Examples of Very Dressy

 

Sorry it wouldn’t rotate! 😦

Semi-Dressy

This outfit could become nicer if the giant purse was replaced with a feminine clutch, she took off the sunglasses, and added a dressy neckless.

Remember…

If you do underdress (despite my amazing techniques for avoiding that kind of malfunction), your behavior can cover up the fact that you were supposed to wear pumps and pantyhose.

Translation: If you don’t jump on the fancy table or do anything else negatively memorable, most people won’t remember your slacky outfit.

 

The Best: Mascara

Mascara is an important beauty product that adds sophistication, glamour, and edge. When you have the correct product, that is. And to be honest, since my lashes are naturally long and dark, I am unwilling to spend a fortune on a product that I don’t even need (although no one needs any beauty products). Personally, I LOVE Great Lash. Despite what College Fashion says, it is not overrated the slightest bit.

Pieces To Help Create A Foolproof Wardrobe

Ever have those days were you don’t know what to wear, but you don’t want to look totally boring? Because I do. All the time. That is why on my extreme fashionista days (“Um, excuse me, but that’s not a bra, it’s actually a bandeau.”), I take the time to create a wardrobe that is stylish, comfortable enough, and stands out from the crowd. Your clothes should represent your personality. For example, I’m sweet, girlie, daring, but I also have a shy side. So, an outfit that would reflect my personality would be a short skirt and bright lipstick (because I’m daring), but it would be in a floral print (because I’m girlie and sweet), and I would wear it with a white t-shirt (because I have a shy side).

Helpful to Own

I personally love skinny jeans, but it depends on your body type.

   

A bright tank is an easy way to add color to any outfit.

I own one from Aqua.

I own this exact skirt! It’s very short, but if you’ve got it, flaunt it! (it being confidence).

A bright belt turns a white t-shirt and jeans into a fashion-forward outfit.

Tips

1. Be yourself! The most common way a fashion disaster occurs is when the wearer tries to dress like someone they’re not. (we’ve all been there a least once).

2. Confidence is the best accessory. Remember, no one will believe you own it until you start acting like you do.

3. Makeup is an accessory! Matching your eyelids to your purse or nails makes an outfit feel so much more complete.

4. If you’re not sure about your outfit, stash a pair of jeans in your tote (most purses are too small for jeans). If you’re feeling anxious about your outfit after two hours in public, just change.

5. Do your research! You can’t be a fashionista if you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Steal Ashley Tisdale’s Edgy Look

This outfit is super cute, and I don’t know about you, but I’d love to rock it myself. I found  some pieces to recreate this look for less, however, I understand that some of the items are expensive, but it’s better than her $649 Alice+Olivia skirt.

The Real Deal

Copycat Alert!

The Decision: Flats, Heels, or Booties? 

Feeling daring?

Have fun rocking (and copying!) this edgy yet balanced look!

 

So Spring: Pastels!

First of all, I’d like to apologize for not blogging for so long. I was on vacation. I did create some very cute outfits while I was away, though, many of which were soft, pastel, and lovable.

Tips to Nailing to Look

1. Don’t force to many styles into the look. What works, works, and what doesn’t, doesn’t.

2. Urban Chic and Girlie are the easiest routes to take when styling this trend.

3. Don’t be stuffy. Peter Pan collar+ankle length skirt=cringe. (honesty is the best policy! 😉)

Shopping Ideas

Find them at: Topshop

Find it at: Nordstrom

Find it at: oliphantdesign.com

Get Creative!

The last necklace is very expensive ($158), so if you have time and want to save a lot of money, buy some beads, a wire cutter (if you don’t all ready have one), and some wire. Tip: Always round up when buying wire. Better to have too much than too little. This also goes for hair dye. 😉

Find it at: Blick
Price: One spool (30ft)=$2.96

Find it on: multiple websites

How to Wear the Yellow Blouse

I would tuck it in to either a pair of seafoam or white jeans or a white bodycon skirt, depending on the occasion. Than, I would slip on a pair of either yellow barely there sandals or nude heels. This would also go very well with my flowered wedges.

   The wedges! (Sorry this picture is so small. It became fuzzy when I tried to resize it.)

Awesome deal, btw.

Review: Lululemon Power-Y Tank

I just got this tank and the groove pant (they’re hemming the pants for free, by the way) from Lululemon.

Pictures

Softness: 5/5

Flattery: 5/5

My size in it: 2

Price: $52

Worth it? It’s pricey, but definitely worth it.

Feature(s): Built-in bra

Notes: I love it! It may not be ideal for fuller busts (c or higher), but it’s very comfortable and flattering on me.

Lululemon Store Locations in Chicago

2104 North Halsted Street
Chicago

900 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago
930 North Rush Street
Chicago
(312) 915-0627

Accessory Trend: Feather Earrings

Feather earrings can compliment many styles such as boho, indie, edgy, and glam. They elongate for neck and are a great go-to finishing touch when a necklace just doesn’t work. I would personally love a purple and black pair with a purple minidress, a black leather jacket, and amazing purple gladiator heels. The American Eagle pair would look fabulous with a yellow top, brown skinny corduroys, and yellow sandals, wedges, or flats.

Shopping Ideas