I thought I'd look back and make a list of some of my favorite things from 2012.
Some of these items jumped right out at me, and other I had to think about. You'll notice a couple repeat offenders, I am an addict, and also some more recent trends and addictions.
These are in no particular order, but I did organize them (or attempt to) by category.
Click on the links to read/see more about it.
Studs and spikes have had real staying power these last couple of seasons. And I love it, they really toughen up a look. You can stud pretty much anything, collars, shoes, shorts, you name it. Here's a tutorial on studding shorts.
My most frequent attempts at a monochromatic look usually involved all black, but this winter I want to try all whites and of course other colors, but especially white. This also applies to prints. I've been really into matching prints, like with suits. That's a really easy way to achieve the look too.
Beauty
Vampy lips (here, here and a majority of my OOTD)
Afro/curly hair (here, here and here)
Ombre hair (with or with out colored ends)
Revlon photo ready concealers
Mario Bedsecu Drying Lotion (here, review to come)
I LOVE dark vampy lips. It's become one of my go to looks no matter the occasion. I recently fell in love with Black Cherry by Revlon (see here) and I have a tutorial with it coming soon. Until then here's an ombre vampy lip.
Revlon's photo ready concealers (I'm a color 006) are amazing. This is one of the few concealers that actually match my skin and covers my dark marks and blemishes plus it's really affordable. I use it every time I put on make, or just by itself for a more natural look. I've started using a lighter color for under my eyes when I'm really getting glammed up. MB's drying lotion is amazing I just apply it to a new pimple at night and it has reduced in size by the next day and gone on the 2nd day. LOVE it!
Ombre hair
Other
Instagram (here)
iPad(s) (here)
blogs
2012 election
DIY fashion (anything DIY) (here, here, here and here)
Blogs have been a fabulous source of information and inspiration. I love networking and just meeting new people via blogs and who themselves blog. It is a great form of self expression. Here are some that I frequent (Circle of Squares, BGLH, Dulce Candy, Style Pantry and CurlyNikki, for a full list check out the blogs that I follow here or click on my profile).
This year was the first year I actually followed the election somewhat closely. I watched the debates, read up on the issues etc. I knew who I wanted to win, and who I'd vote for if I could (one day, SOON). Politics became interesting too, albeit stressing at times. But it's good to be informed, especially on the local and state level. Voting is not an every 4 year thing, you have governors, mayors, representatives etc. Make sure you guys are doing your part!
DIYs!! I love them. They are great ways to save money and an outfit. I think I'm more into DIYs now that I started sewing (which helps with some of the projects). But you guys should definitely check out places like YouTube and Pinterest for ideas.
Honorable mentions
The Mayans being wrong (Epic Fail)
Crop tops (here)
Stiletto nails
Avengers (the movie)
Glitter
I know I'm not the only one happy that the world didn't end the 21st. But the Mayans were smart, they predicted the world would end, but died before anyone could question them about it. Stiletto nails just look really cool to me, despite not appearing functional or practical, in my opinion. I'd never get them but I enjoy looking at them and seeing different nail design on them.
Hope you guys enjoyed this post, because I enjoyed writing it.
What were some of your favorites this past year? Any of them on this list?
Comment and let me know.
This is the outfit I wore to church yesterday. I love the richness of the blue and the studded detail on the collar. pair it with my platform leopard pumps and caramel dress pants.
My hair is a 7 day old twist out that was sprayed with water and sealed with coconut oil. Very little twist out definition left, but I love the volume and shape.
This is a new lipstick I picked up from Ulta Saturday, #477 Black Cherry by Revlon. I also picked up some metallic liquid liners by NYX. I'm currently wearing a blue one in Extreme Blue.
To continue with Monday's theme I styled another maxi dress for the cooler weather. Today I went a little grunge/street. Hope you enjoy.
I'm loving dark lipsticks and beanies. I don't normally get a chance to wear them because of my hair, but since ending my hide your hair challenge last night my head could FINALLY fit under one. :)
So in honor of the ridiculously nice weather we had today (50s and 60s, even with gloomy skies) I decided to resurrect some pieces from my summer wardrobe. Maxi dresses!
This and the following two OOTDs for this week will show you how I work such decidedly summer attire into winter appropriate wear.
The most obvious solution to this is layer. Layering isn't just for shirts and sweaters anymore. You can utilize any dress or skirt in your closet for cooler seasons just by bundling up with tights, a sweater, scarf or jacket.
I paired my maroon maxi with a tank, a sweater, and my trusty leather jacket. To keep my legs warm I wore fishnet tights and socks. The fishnet, combat boots and black jacket definitely edge up the over all look.
Accessories included my double arrow earrings from F21, dark lipstick and a high bun.
