Coveting.

Covet: to wish for earnestly; to desire (what belongs to another) inordinately

The tenth commandment is "Thou shalt not covet..." and then it goes on to list a couple things we should't covet, including: my neighbor's house, and his wife, his servants, his ox, his ass, or anything - for that matter- that is his.

That said: I covet.

There are things I don't have that I desperate want.

Some of the pretty little things I am currently craving:

Coveting this? Spiked Lily Necklace, Bauble Bar, $44

Coveting this? Candela Starlight Maxi, Free People, $550

Coveting this? Cedar Street Maise, Kate Spade, $298

Coveting this? Honeydew Intimates Camilla Lace Bralette, Nasty Gal, $28

Is there anything you're currently coveting? Do share!

Living in lace

Lace, in my opinion, is the most feminine fabric. It's ethereal, soft, and delicate. Lace is beautiful and graceful, and when I wear it, I feel pretty. So there's that.

This summer, I am going to live in lace. I've already added a couple new pretty pieces to my wardrobe (shocker), and cannot wait until it's warmer weather so I can wear them.

Some of the lacey little things I am loving right now:

Leanne Top, Abercrombie, $68

Cropped Lace Button Down Top, American Eagle, $39.95

Lace Crossback Tank, American Eagle, $39.95

Illusion Yoke Lace Dress, a. drea at Nordstrom,  $88

Outskirts Lace Cami, Free People, $48

Lady Bird Lace Tank, Free People, $78

Are you loving lace as much as I am?

New Baubles and a Braid

As you guys know, I love statement necklaces. LOVE. They can elevate a simple tee shirt, and add sparkle, shine, and color to any outfit. Here are some baubles I'm currently loving:

J. Crew

Anthropologie 

Francesca's 

J. Crew

Feeling inspired by spring - and by all of the aforementioned necklaces - I picked up a glass and grey leaf necklace for myself (and I am absolutely obsessed with it)!

Top: J. Crew, Necklace: J. Crew, Belt: LOFT, Denim: LOFT, Shoes: Steve Madden (Similar)

While we're at it on the outfit pics, here's what I wore the other day. Neutrals on neutrals on neutrals = my upcoming summer wardrobe. I love putting peaches with pinks, and whites with beiges. 

Jacket: LOFT, Top: Free People (Similar), Bracelets: LOFT

On a totally different note... I am trying to learn how to braid. I don't mean your average braid - I know how to do that. But I want to learn how to french braid, inside out french braid, and fishtail braid.

Photo: The Freckled Fox

Photo: Posie Blogs

Photo: The Freckled Fox

I have a lot ton of hair (duh), and blowing it dry/straightening it everyday just doesn't work in my schedule. Takes too long, my arms get tired, I have no patience, and so on.

I feel like knowing how to do more kinds of braids would really benefit me. Instead of throwing my hair up into a clip like I do every. single. day. (see both selfie outfit photos above/every other photo ever) these new braiding techniques would give me other ways to throw my hair back quickly and effortlessly but in a more polished way.

Though I've tried many times, I still cannot french braid quite yet. However, here is my best first attempt at the fishtail braid. IMHO, it's a damn good first try! (Thanks, Danielle, for showing me how to do this!)

Can you do any fun braiding styles? Please share your secrets and teach me your talents!

Capitol Culture Couture

My friend Ryan turned 30 this month, and to celebrate, he threw a Capitol Culture-themed bar crawl celebration.

When I first got the FB invite, I had no idea what Capitol Culture was-- I had never heard of it. The invitation suggested we google "Effie Trinket" for inspiration. Following Ryan's advice, I promptly flipped open the macbook and got to Googling. It didn't take long to realize this was a Hunger Games theme. I've not seen any of the movies or read any of the books, which explains why nothing on the invitation made any sense to me.

However, whether you've seen the movies or not, the theme was crystal clear.

What I learned was that Capitol Culture is all about luxe. Being overly frosted, sparkled, and made up. More is more. To me, it seems like a satirical view on society and our country's obsession with material things and outer appearances. Either way... I was into the theme because the brighter the colors and wilder the make up = the better the pictures.

Here are some of the photos I used as inspiration for my outfit and hair/makeup:

One thing was certain: I needed drama. Drama on my eyes. Drama in my hair. Drama everywhere.

Another thing was also certain: if I went too dramatic with the whole get up, I could run the risk of looking like a Baltimore City street walker, so I needed to subtle-it-down a little.

My friend Kelly manages a hair salon and was able to help me accomplish the hair and makeup looks I had in mind. (Thank you Kelly, again, for your help!) Here's what we came up with:

This was about halfway done the makeup application. Lashes applied,
bright lip, green shadow, and the start of the gemstones being glued to my face.

My hair was everything. Several french braids and fishtails pulled to the left,
tied together, and crimped. Then all of it was teased. The bottom was dyed pink and silver .

I used a pin (for clothes) as a bright hair accessory to match the pink hair dye.
Because my hair and makeup were... aggressive (albeit pretty, IMO)...
I went with a bright, but simple, dress choice.

In the elevator on the way to the party-- excited to see everyone's looks!

With my friend Mallory and the birthday boy.

Close up of final make up, and Mallory's fierce eye shadow.

The group.

B&W version of the makeup photo. I just thought it looked cool without color.

If you were going to this theme party, what would you do?! Any good ideas for next time?

Until then,

GJU

A Week from the Mirror's Perspective

Ok, so one major downfall of not having roommates is that outfit photos all have to be selfies. With a fashion blog, outfit photos are kind of important. I do realize the selfie method is a little trite at this point, but I've got no one here to take the pics for me. Bruiser isn't quite that skilled yet ;)

On that same note, when I'm at work, it's a little awkward to have someone take a pic of me posing in the middle of the store... so the selfies take place in the fitting rooms.

Bottom line: I am trying to continue to show outfit photos as requested, but please understand and excuse the fact that most of them I've taken myself.

That said... moving right along!

This past week was a casual one for me. It's still so freakin' cold, but I am tired of winter. A couple days this week, I brought sandals to change into once inside. Pretending it's summer put a smile on my face! Here's what I wore this week:

Flannel: J.Crew, Leggings: Francesca's, Boots: Hunter, Shirt: Nordstrom
Scarf: Handmade, Headband: LOFT

Sweater, Jeans: LOFT, Sandals: Nine West, Jewel Bracelet: J.Crew

Sweater: Gap, Jeans: LOFT

Dress: South Moon Under, Scarf: Francesca's, Flats: Tory Burch,
Bag: LOFT, Jacket (old)

What did you wear this week? Would love to see some looks and get fresh ideas from you guys!

Oscar Recap!

The Oscars aired Sunday night (as I'm sure most of you know) and per usual, the only thing I really paid attention to/cared about was the Red Carpet.

There were a couple looks that were absolutely spot on perfect.
Some looks were pretty, but were expected and boring safe.
Finally, a handful of choices were... um... poor.

Here are the looks I feel compelled to share my thoughts on (in no particular order):

Sandra Bullock looks stunning in this navy gown. The draping is perfect, and
her side-swept wavy hair is gorgeous.

Penelope Cruz looks like she's going to a college toga party. I think I wore that
outfit once to AEPi.
 

I love Jennifer Garner, but she's wearing a lampshade from a thrift store. Not to mention,
that color is totally washing her out.

Pretty color, but this dress is way too stiff. Not surprised JLaw fell getting out of her car.

I like the sheer quality to the outer layer of this gown, but the top of
Charlize Theron's gown looks incomplete.

Lupita Nyong'o is Cinderella. Am I right?

More side-swept hair... and this gown with a plunging neckline is
absolutely gorgeous. Kate Hudson nailed it.

Matt and Camila are everything. 

Anne Hathaway stole part of Epcot for this dress. She should give it back.

Channing looks hot (always) and damnit, Jenna Dewan Tatum just popped out
a kid in the past year, didn't she? Not fair. Love the champagne gown!

Another champagne gown on Cate Blanchett and it is DIVINE. She looks so regal!

I love this blue Alexander McQueen on Amy Adams. The color is gorgeous
against her fair skin tone! Hair up and minimal accessories - she let the dress do the talking!

Why was Ashley Wagner at the Oscars? 

I love  a very pregnant Olivia Wilde in a tummy-hugging black gown! Gorg!
And her fiancee Jason Sudekis is also looking sharp in a tailored suit.

Anna Kendrick is my spirit animal, but this dress is absolutely wrong. 

Emma Watson is flawless Perfect gown. Perfect low ponytail. Perfect red lip.

Jared Letto has beautiful ombre hair. Like, it's really pretty. 

Photo Credit: CBS News

Did you watch the Oscars Red Carpet? What was your favorite and least favorite look!?