Daily Outfit: Sparkly Self

Stepping on the heels of my last post...I just had to dress myself in sequins to match the upbeat sparkly mood I've been in lately. Sparkles in the daytime? Yes...do it...it's fun! I love to mix up a girly piece like this drapey sequin top with a pair of boyfriend jeans for contrast. The oxford flats are perfect for running around and as a bonus they bring a pop of bright color into the outfit. Add a blazer for the office and then transition this look easily into evening with a pair of pumps or some seriously high heeled sandals. Happy Monday everyone! xoxo Becca

(Flash Cluster Earrings- MavenFresh, Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans- eBay, Twinkle & Gleam Pullover- Anthropologie, Fuschia Oxfords- Gap, Watch- Marc Jacobs, Cocktail Ring- The Indigo Pearl)

PFM Obsession: J. Crew Love

i have always had a love for J.Crew clothing.  while i am far from the average J.Crew client, they have such great, timeless separates that can be incorporated into any wardrobe! 

they recently sent me their latest "Style Guide" (Becca and i love that name) and it had me drooling all the way through!! it was total eye candy from start to finish.  above are some of my favorite picks from the new season's arrivals:

1. you know how much i love bags! a little purse in this fab color would make the perfect accent for a night out.

2. belts, belts, belts! these simple accents are a great way to add a pop of color, especially neon, to an otherwise drab outfit! the problem is choosing only one!

3. *gasp, i looooooove this skirt!!  mixing sequins with colorblocking - totally hard to go wrong!

4. this is a great blazer - perfect for chilly nights or another layer at work.  i would wear this with a white tee and some printed denim.

5. how exciting that it's the time of year to think about being at the beach!! i adore the color and shape of this maillot but is this a swimsuit or a leotard?!  either way, look fabulous on the beach then throw on some shorts and sandals for dinner with friends!

6. the utility pant is so comfortable and the perfect staple in any wardrobe.  make it hot pink and you've just stepped up the game!

7. i love this pair of bright colored skinnies! i have so many ideas for how to wear these...

8. sigh, yes, another bag, but, it's the color that makes this bag droolable (is that a word?? lol).

9. i've been having so much fun wearing shorts.  paired with tights or leggings or bare-legged, this printed pair would be the starting point for great outfits.

10. this is a super cute maxi skirt.  i would want to add both this pretty deep blue or the turquoise version to my collection.

alas, my list could have gone on forever!! this is just a taste of some of my faves.  Becca and i drool over J. Crew items all the time.  if only we could have them all!! hey, a girl could dream! :)

Have a great holiday weekend!!

Daily Outfit: Sequins Make Everything Better

I knew after scoping out these tweed shorts for a post of Ask the PFMs, they would eventually be mine. Especially when they hit the sale section. 

I wasn't feeling too well but what got me out of bed this particular day was the thrill of wearing something sparkly. As I put together my outfit, I felt better and better. Good even. Until about 30 minutes of being at work and then I realized- nope I was still sick. Being the trooper that I am, we took our pics and had a good laugh realizing how perfectly my nails matched my shirt. Even under the weather, this girl is still on her fashion game. Ha!

(Wintertide Shorts- Anthropologie, Drapey Sequin Tank- J.Crew, Herringbone Workshirt- J.Crew, Spanx Tights- eBay, High Heel Booties- Zara, Nails- Essie Au Natural, Leopard Belt & Hairclip- Anthropologie, Copper Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFMs on the Town: IFB Con, Take 2

at this year's IFB Con, we were far from the only fashionistas in the house.  it was truly inspiring to be amongst other talented artists - including designers, social media execs, and tons of fashion and style bloggers - all gathered to learn the top tips for achieving a successful blog.  it felt right on to be networking with others, like us, who share a love of fashion.  we have already incorporated a few things that we've learned (have you noticed any thing new?) and plan to make even more changes in the near future.  so stay tuned!  

btw - if you like our blog, please feel free to let us know!  is there something you'd like to see more or less of or something you'd like us to add?  we really love to hear from our readers (you have to become a subscriber to comment on our blog).  also, if you like what you see, share it with a friend!!

(Sequin Black Tank - Simply Vera, Vera Wang. Black Boyfriend Cardigan - H&M, Printed Leggings - Rachel Pally, Studded belt - J. Crew, Knee-High Grey Boots - Fergie, Elliptical earrings in Sunshine and Thai Rose Headband in Taupe - MavenFresh) 

Daily Outfit: Purple Sequin Dream

what's better than sequins? four different color sequins!! when i got this really cute shirt  from my mom, i wanted to wear it right away! the fact that it is also purple (my fave color) makes this shirt even sweeter.  it was also the perfect reason to whip out my purple tulle bow. the purple is a necessary splash of color to my dark-hued palette.  did you notice anything else about this outfit?  lol, today i am also rocking my tried and true North Face jacket because it was FREEZING outside!! i've already told Becca that if i am gonna take pics outside, my coat will be a regular feature with every outfit! HA! i may be a die hard fashionista, but i refuse to be cold! 

ciao, for now!! xo

(Sequin Square tunic - Express, Charcoal grey leggings - BP @ Nordstroms, Metallic Black Sweater - Old Navy, TNF Arctic Down Parka - North Face, Knee- high black boots - DKNY, Chain link dangle earrings - gift, Jersey Mobius in Charcoal and Purple Tulle bow headband - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Peek-a-boo Shine

judging by the background, you would think that it was 8pm when i took these pics!  well, it's only after 4pm but you sure couldn't tell.  the early winter darkness is the one thing that depresses me more than the bitter cold.  then when it's cold AND dark, who wants to do anything other than curl up under the covers!!  

my only solace is being able to bring my own light to the day.  there's nothing like a subtle pop of pink to brighten up a grey palette.  i love this shirt because not only does it add brightness, it also has these cool cut-outs in the back.  this super sexy feature, great for a night out, can easily be made office ready by adding a complimentary blazer.   just for fun, i put on my sequin tube top so that i could also have some peek-a-boo bling!  a girl has to have her bling!! lol

(Color Block Blazer - Rachel Rachel Roy, Silver Sequin Tube top - Vintage Zara, Hot Pink Cut-away Tunic - Design History from Saks off Fifth, Wool Jeggings - Joes  Jeans, Sueded leather boots - Fergie, Tulle Bow headband and Cowrie Cuff- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Hats off to 2012

A hat is a fun way to make an outfit timeless!

just like many of you, i am in denial that we have entered another new year.  the thing is, this isn't just any new year - it's 2012.  for my fellow conspiracy theorists out there, this year could be the end.  the question is  - the end of what?  this is the subject of many debates.  whether you buy into the doomsday prophecies or not, we can't deny that 2012 is a special year.  if you look at it through numerology, 2011 was a "4" year (2+0+1+1) which is about foundations (building and destroying them), patience, responsibility, hard work and practicality.  2012 adds up to be a "5"year (2+0+1+2) which symbolizes change, freedom, exploration, knowledge (seeking and teaching).  Regardless of how major or how final, you should expect some type of change coming - on both a personal and on a world level.   while i do believe that change is coming, i also believe we have the power to create what we want soooo i am hoping to create changes like more abundance for MavenFresh and for my family!  What changes are you hoping for in the new year?

oh yeah, what better way to ring in the new year than to post an outfit with sparkle!  as usual, this was just a regular day but, by now, you should know that that is the only reason you need to shine!! lol :)  i stole this hat (Becca -  is this a fedora or a trilby? lol) from the hubby after i realized it was the perfect completion to my attire!  shh, i won't tell if you don't :)

Happy New Year and Happy New You!

(Taupe sequin tunic - INC International Concepts, Beige boyfriend sweater - H&M, Teal Leggings - American Apparel, Patent Taupe flats - Calvin Klein, Hat - UBI , Feather Fancy earrings and Taupe Leather Belt - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: I'ma Kool Kitty

look at my studs :)

Chucks are so effortlessly edgy!

i have an obsession that has been with me since first grade.  i LOVE Hello Kitty!!! those who know me well, know that i stay Hello Kitty'd down - from my wallet to my checkbook to mirrors, etc.... the list goes on.  (i said that it was an obsession lol.)  i am not the only thirtysomething who loves HK.  all you have to do is watch people on the street and you will see her presence everywhere!!  

though i own plenty of HK paraphernalia, this is the only tee that i own (i have to change that lol) and being on the smaller side, i bought this from the girls section of Old Navy!!   i made this shirt work material by throwing on my blazer and dark skinnies.  i added a sequin beret because, well, just cause!! my studded chuck taylors complete the look.  this look says i am about work but always ready to play. :)  it's just another example of how my look can vary from day to day totally influenced by how i feel!

(Grey Blazer - Theory, Hello Kitty Tee - Old Navy, Dark Skinny jeans - Uniqlo, Grey Chuck Taylors - Converse, Sequin Beret - Urban Outfitters, Pineapple Drop earrings - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Shoes That Sparkle

About 10 years ago I went through a brief phase of compulsively purchasing anything that sparkled. Large rhinestone accents on a tank top? Must have. Glitter eyeshadow...yes please. Sequins sequins and more sequins- sure. You get the idea. And now I still love me some sparkle, but my editing skills have greatly improved.

I could not resist these vintage-inspired shoes. I already have a soft spot for mary janes, but what really sold me was the sparkly gold crackle finish....ah the more gold the better. The best part is the versatility of these shoes. I've worn them with a peplum strapless dress to a wedding, but now I wanted an everyday look that felt casual, yet chic. I love how the shoes dress up my jeans, worn here with a crisp white tie-neck top and a tweed blazer. I held back from accessorizing with a sequined headband, but instead brought in some sparkle with glam gold lasercut earrings. It's all about harmony!

(Moon-Glow Mary Janes- Anthropologie, Tweed Blazer- Sample Sale, Denim- Bitten by SJP, Pleat Front Tie-Neck Top- Anthropologie {3 years ago}, Earrings- Anthropologie, Thai Rose Headband- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Purple Glow

i love these pics despite the fact that i was totally bummed that day.  plans i had fell through and - though i eventually was able to see the positive side- i was feeling blah.  the extra bling i put on that day helped keep me from completely feeling depressed.  if u didn't know, glittery things float my boat (so do feathers, bright colors, bags, shoes... i could go on lol).  this sweater was a super find; i used it to dress up a simple tank and jeans. i really thought that the clogs and feathers added to the "casual chic".  the weather is changing now and that means my jersey scarves are becoming staples in my wardrobe.  did i say i didn't like fall?  ok...well, maybe a little lol.  i do keep it summer all year round by rocking neon nails - this week it's neon mango!

(Sequin zip sweater - Guess, White tank - Old Navy, Legging Jeans - Current Elliott, Clogs - Swedish Hasbeens, Watch - Toy Watch, Copper Bracelets - Tasha West, MF Jersey Mobius in Charcoal and Feather Fancy Earrings - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Mirror, Mirror

i don't know how it is for you, but i totally dress based on how i feel.  that's why my wardrobe is so varied and why i can look so different from day to day.  i express myself through styling.  today i woke up feeling like  being dolled up.  my gold sequin shirt called to me.  unlike most days, i actually tried to talk myself out of putting this shirt on; it was too dressy for day i told myself.  well, after a feeble attempt at getting a plan b, i gave in to my desire to be golden.  maybe i was inspired by the unexpected warm sunny day or maybe i wanted to convince myself that, just cause i was going to work, it didn't have to be a boring day.  either way, there is nothing like looking and feeling good and knowing it! i don't think of it as being cocky at all.  instead, i look at it as being happy and loved and showing that on the outside.  dressing up and putting different outfits together makes me happy! it has come to my attention that it makes other people happy too; there have been many times that i've had people tell me that they look forward to seeing what i have on each day.  that is an added bonus to "living my life like i'm golden" (thanks, Jill Scott :).

(Gold Sequin tunic - Michael Kors, Nude boyfriend sweater - H&M, Dark denim Skinny jeans - Uniqlo, strappy black sandals - Zara, Watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs, Studded skinny belt - J.Crew, Ellipticals in Sun Rays and Taupe Thai Rose Headband - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Sequins and Stripes

This outfit just kinda came together harmoniously piece by piece, starting with the hat. I cherish this vintage sequined cap, for a few reasons. One is that it's just so darn super stylish and makes me feel instantly glam. Two is that it was handmade by my grandmother years and years ago (maybe even the 1930s), which just goes to show that fashion sense & creativity run in my family- yay haha! And those shimmery paillettes... swoon! I was inspired to go with a preppy chic vibe and decided to pull out this striped tunic tee, and pair it my Level 99 khaki skinnies, and my bow-embellished flats. They added the perfect feminine touch to contrast with the toughness of the denim vest. I also just love to layer- hello fall! This completes the first of many looks for this season...what's your favorite piece for the fall?

(Striped Tunic- Gap, Denim Vest- J.Crew, Level 99 Skinny Straight Leg in Wheat- Milk & Honey, Sequined Cap- MavenReFreshed, Pineapple Drop Earrings- MavenFresh, Bow Flats- BCBG)