My Little Pony(tail)

There has been a trend floating around the hair world for almost a year now. It’s aptly named the dip dye and obviously, I’m obsessed. I first learned about this gorgeous use of fun colors from Lauren Conrad and her blog The Beauty Department (I’ve linked to her original post, with full instructions on how to get gorgeous dip dyed locks.)

I actually tried this on my hair a few weeks ago and I couldn’t stop staring at it. The swirls of bright turquoise and purple had me completely mesmerized.  Since we decided against bleaching out the tips like Lauren did, the color faded a little faster than anticipated. But we gave it another go and this time we added pink to my turquoise and purple. The result; a dreamy My Little Pony, cotton candy, vibrant, gorgeous head of colorful hair.

And I’m in love.

For my hair, I’m lucky enough to have a hairstylist for a best friend (perk of life.) We were touching up my blonde highlights anyways, so the tone of my hair was already pretty light. Especially since it’s summer we upped the amount of blonde through the sections. Trust me, my colorist is a miracle worker.

We divided the hair section by section and took 1 inch pieces and painted the color on the bottom three or four inches of hair. Wrapped each individual section in foil and rotated each color. We let the color sit for a little longer than it said on the package just because we wanted it to saturate further.

We used Manic Panic in Atomic Turquoise and Purple Haze and Color Jamz in Raspberry Kamikazie from Sally Beauty Supply.

I would recommend using a color saving shampoo and rinsing with cool water; it will extend the life of your color a few days.

Obviously this isn’t a permanent hair decision, but it’s fun for the summer. Thankfully my workplace allows extreme hair colors so make sure you double-check with your own work before you take the plunge into this crazy color craze.

How do I wear that? Crop top.

For the last few weeks I’ve been fashion obsessed over something I once again found on Pinterest. The crop top is back in, and it’s here to stay for a little bit. The skin baring style can be a little intimidating. Okay, extremely intimidating. This outfit I created truly only shows a peek of belly.

Summer chic by anniecakes819 featuring faux diamond jewelry

Chiffon skirt
$43 – shopruche.com

Black poppy
$20 – pacsun.com

Forever 21 open toe platform shoes
$25 – forever21.com

Forever 21 daisy earrings
$2.80 – forever21.com

Forever 21 faux diamond jewelry
$4.80 – forever21.com

The trick to wearing this look is make it simple and keep the skirt a longer length. Be daring, try something new, work up the courage to rock an outfit like this.

Chevrons

Last week, I was feeling super ambitious with my weekly manicure, once again I was inspired by some nails that I saw on Pinterest. There wasn’t a link to the original post on Pinterest, so I had to make it up as I went along. So I decided that I’d try to my own tutorial for my new favorite mani.

They aren’t perfect, but I really love they way they turned out.

My arsenal for this manicure.

Step 1: Gold base coat. I didn’t have a good gold shimmer so I had to make due with a couple other colors I had. Wait a good 10 minutes for the first couple coats to dry before you put on the v-shaped sticker.

Step 2: I used the french manicure tracers to make the chevron. I used the straight line manicure guide and cut it in half, then I overlapped the two ends and created the v-shape.

Step 3: Place the guide on your nail.

Step 4: Paint above and below the lines whatever colors you’ve chosen.

Step 5: Slowly peel off the chevron, and pray that it works! For the demo, I didn’t wait long enough and it ended up looking sad and sloppy. But I’ll show you anyway…

Step 6: Wait. I’m for real, wait at least a half hour before you put on your topcoat. I had problems with the black streaking through the white when I put on the Seche.

I hope that this inspires some of you to get creative with your manicures. It really wasn’t that hard to do and once I figured out what worked and what didn’t it was pretty simple. I would definitely recommend trying out some other colors or maybe just doing the chevron as an accent nail.

One coat: OPI Designer De Better…
One coat: OPI Warm and Fozzie
Sally Hansen White On
Sinful Colors Black on Black
One coat: SV topcoat

Wedding Style: Part 1

If any of you are like me, it seems as if everyone around you is getting married. If not this week (Congrats Joel and Kristina!), next month (Congrats Michael and Kristin!), to the coming months (Whoo hoo Ben and Allie!). It happens to be a habit of mine to not wear the same outfit to more than one wedding, if I have to, I make sure that the same people won’t be in attendance as the first wedding. It’s a complicated process, and it can take a big bite out of your wallet.

For the next few weeks I’ll be posting a three part series on wedding style. First is the more formal wedding, beautiful dresses with lovely accessories to make you feel sophisticated and stylish. The second is the casual wedding, sometimes you’ll be outdoors or go to a daytime wedding, you want to make sure you’re not overdressed but you still look A+. The third is the unsure wedding, you got the invite, you don’t know what kind of wedding it’s going to be, but you still want to look presentable no matter the situation.

I’m a big fan of wearing black to a wedding. The hard part about rocking a black frock to your friends nuptials is that you don’t want to look like you’re mourning the relationship. Celebrate it with them by spicing it up with a cute pattern or an eyelet overlay like this dress has. It gives the formal look without being too done up.

Wedding Formal 1 by anniecakes819 featuring Forever21 jewelry

Items in this set:
miranda floral lace dress, $37
Women’s Mossimo® Valonia Pump – Black Patent : Target, $30
black ruched clutch, $27
Inverted Colored Bangles, $6.80

To add a little splash of color at a formal wedding is always a interesting way to make your outfit seem less rigid. This dress from Ruche is a great option with the neutral silvery gray and the pop of bright yellow. Keep the accessories super simple and let the dress speak for itself.

Formal Wedding 2 by anniecakes819 featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
ascending pleats one shoulder dress, $39
Ileia Platform Pump, $31
Razzle Dazzle Bangles, $15
Asymmetrical Foldover Clutch – Women’s Clothing and Apparel – Chic…, $28

A basic Little Black Dress (LBD) is always and option. You’ve probably already got one standing by in your closet, and they’re perfect for any situation. Keep it simple by adding your favorite patent pumps and a little clutch. If you want to add a little bit of sass and style go for a colored accent piece like red or pink shoes. Formal doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Wedding 1 by anniecakes819 featuring Charlotte Russe dresses

Items in this set:
Bead Embellished Halter Dress, $40
Women’s Mossimo® Valonia Pump – Black Patent : Target, $30
PLUMMER, $25
Razzle Dazzle Bangles, $15

Holiday Chic

It’s holiday season, with Thanksgiving only a few days away and Christmas right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about dressing for the season. It’s all about layering, making sure that you’re going to be warm, no matter what. Cute accessories can take your boring sweater to fabulous. Adding heels to a simple outfit can take it from day to night. And finding that perfect winter party dress isn’t as hard as one may think.

This outfit is great for a day on campus, walking around, going to class, endless hours the library. It’s also great for shopping and a cute brunch out with friends. The pop of color with the red hat not only adds a fun aspect but also has a purpose for beating that cold winter air. The boots are also great for trekking across campus on those super dreary winter days.

Winter Campus 1 by anniecakes819 featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Wetseal.com top, $25
Wetseal.com jeans, $17
Shopruche.com boots, $45
Forever21 necklace, $4.80
Forever21 hat, $4.50

This outfit is perfect for a dinner date or a night out with the girls. Again emphasizing the accessories, and playing with winter colors in a new way. This season gold is definitely my accessory color of choice. Keep the outfit simple and add a fun accessory like the hat or some sassy shoes like these gold ones shown. The piece in the outfit of course are versatile enough for tons of other things in your closet. (Pair the shirt with a big belt and some boyfriend jeans for something completely different.)

outfit by anniecakes819 featuring American Eagle Outfitters

Items in this set:
American Eagle Outfitters top, $25
American Eagle Outfitters jeans, $40
Forever21 shoes, $23
Forever21 necklace, $4.80
Forever21 hat, $3.80

With all the holiday parties and events coming up this season, everyone needs that “go to” dress. Pairing it with tights makes it winter appropriate and the shoes are more than fashion forward right now. The wonderful wine color keeps you winter chic, but also could be positively adorable when spring finally comes around.

Winter 2 by anniecakes819 featuring Forever21 shoes

Items in this set:
Shopruche.com dress, $53
Forever21 shoes, $25
Forever21 earrings, $5.80
Forever21 tights, $3.80

Dressing for an interview

As a person who likes to be fashionable and comfortable, finding clothes for an interview can be a struggle. It’s a constant search for pieces for interviews; pants, dresses, shirts, skirts, and shoes. Every piece you should be able to wear in more situations than just for interviewing. That way you can get the most for the money that’s being put into these new items for your wardrobe.

Perfect for an interview, fashion forward without being too flashy. Keep heel height to a minimum, and use accessories sparingly.

Interview 1 by anniecakes819 featuring American Eagle Outfitters

 

Items in this set:
American Eagle Outfitters top, $40
Charlotte Russe jacket, $33
Charlotte Russe skirt, $17
Abaete shoes, $35
Forever21 ring, $3.80

Take the tank from your interview to a night out with your friends with a few pieces that you probably already have. Open toed booties are still in right now, and a dark pair of jeans add a great slim and simple line.

Interview Night1 by anniecakes819 featuring American Eagle Outfitters

 

Items in this set:
American Eagle Outfitters jeans, $40
American Eagle Outfitters top, $40
Charlotte Russe shoes, $40
Forever21, $7.80

Summer into Fall

It’s that time of year again, leaves are falling and temperatures are beginning to drop. Some of us, myself included aren’t exactly ready to toss on our winter jackets and say goodbye to shorts just yet. So I have some ideas for taking your summer wardrobe to fall.

A summer tee is just as cute in the fall when paired with a super chic over the knee boot.

Fall 6 by anniecakes819 featuring American Eagle Outfitters

Items in this set:
He Loves Me Tee, $27
Women’s Skinny Jean – Dark Ink, $40
Alloy > KEY BOOT > footwear > boots > over the knee, $55
Alloy > SADDLE UP BAG > new arrivals > accessories, $40

A simple summer tank looks great with this seasons “it” jacket and some super sassy studded booties.

Fall 4 by anniecakes819 featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Women's Straight Jean - Midnight Black, $50
H81, $30
Striped Pocket Tank, $12
Stud Front Bootie - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $30
Women's AE Love Pendant - Silver, $16

Your simple cotton summer dress can still get another months use when pair with a jean jacket, and keep those gladiators on until your toes start freezing!


Fall 3 by anniecakes819 featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Women’s AE Cropped Denim Jacket – Dark Rich Tinted, $60
Dainty Key Charm Necklace, $3.80
H81, $25
Cocktail Gladiator Sandals, $23
Alexis Bittar Chrysophase Rough Cut Ring, $75

This one is my favorite, a simple pair of shorts paired with a super comfy flannel shirt and of course my favorite shoes, TOMS.

Fall 2 by anniecakes819 featuring American Eagle Outfitters

Items in this set:
Women’s AE Shrunken Flannel Shirt – Blue Plaid, $40
Bird Chain Charm Necklace, $4.80
Washed Favorite Short – Sand Dune, Basic Navy, $20
Product Details – TOMS Shoes, $54

A simple button up is a great fall staple and paired with some cute aviators and your favorite sassy shorts.

Fall 5 by anniecakes819 featuring American Eagle Outfitters

Items in this set:
Women's Classic Oxford - Blue, White, $30
Solid Cuff Short, $20
Women: Women's Studded Leather Moccasins - Black Jack, $20
Women: Washed corduroy tote - new vineyard, $45
Tort Aviator, $5.80

Another great pair of summer shorts with TOMS, you really can't go wrong!


Fall 1 by anniecakes819 featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
H81 Bead End Linen Short, $20
Tyler Ramsey Hand Painted TOMS, $68
Forever21.com – Tops – Basics & Hoodies – 2066317749, $5.50
Marbled Dye Scarf, $9.80

Hope this helps with the season transition, I know that my shorts aren’t going away anytime soon.

Summer Fashion Prep

Summer is quickly approaching and with the temps finally climbing past fridgid here in Michigan, it’s time to stock up on this summer’s staples!

1. A great pair of shorts- A great fitting pair of shorts is a wonderful way to bring your poor legs out of hibernation, just keep it classy! (AE and Old Navy have other great options for shorts)

Forever21 Fab Cuffed Twill Short $10.50

2. A simple V-neck tee- Easiest thing to accesorize is the plain tee! V-necks are definitely a trend right now, but they look great without showing too much skin. (check out AE and Target for other great V-necks)

Forever21 Fab Fitted V-Neck Tee $4.50

3. Sunglasses- In past years, it’s been the bigger the better, but styles are once again changing. Go for the classic Ray-Ban style or aviators. (Check out Forever21 or Charlotte Russe for great varieties and colors)

Urban Outfitters Risky Business Sunglasses $14.00

4. Chic summer sandals- Be brave and try out a pair of short gladiators, they’re extremely versitile and look great any time of day.

Bakers Dorian $39.99

5. A lightweight cardigan- I know, I know it’s summer, you don’t want to wear the extra layer, but a cardigan is an easy packing piece that can take your outfit to nighttime. (Forever21 has other great inexpensive ones too!)

Delias Rissa Boyfriend Cardigan $39.50

6. A great bag- A big summer bag that can tote ALL of your summer staples including everything to take you from day to night. (Kohls and Charlotte Russe are great for inexpensive seasonal bags)

Heritage 1981 Lizzie Shoulder Bag $37.90

7. The perfect cotton dress- This lightweight summer staple never goes out of style, there are all different shapes and lengths that look good on anyone. (J. Crew and Forever21 have stunning summer options)

Charlotte Russe Textured Striped Jumper $28.99

Add on any of your favorite accessories, and you’re set for summer! Just make sure you’re having fun, and you’re questioning the way it looks, don’t wear it. Make sure you’re comfortable in your own skin.

xoxo
Andrea