Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Getting Organized

Being organized is a constant battle for me.  My room is chaos 6 out of 7 days of the week and sometimes the last thing I want to do is be in there.  I'm not messy because I want to be or because I am lazy.  My issue has been not having enough space for everything and I am sure that most of you have had this issue at some point or another too.  A couple of months ago, I turned my spare room into a "closet/office."  It was initially a storage room and has my old computer, so all it needed was to be cleared out.  The room itself is very small, but it was big enough to create the space that I have wanted for so long.  I always dreamed of having a huge walk in closet, but realistically that can cost a ton of money.  So instead, I decided to work with what I have and get creative.  It is not completely done yet as I am still looking for a few pieces to add.  But for now, it's what I like to call my fashion room.  I style looks in there, get dressed, do my makeup, blog, emails... and pretty soon will be filming videos again in there too.  Whenever I get new clothes, shoes, or jewelry, it goes into the room.  It's just a nice little escape from my actual bedroom. 

 Now, I know that not everyone has an extra room to play around with, but that's ok because in this post I will be showing you a bunch of different things that you can get (all affordable!) to organize your things as well as some decor pieces.  


This cubicle is seriously amazing and it was only $39.99 from Target (here).  You can use it to store just about anything, but I really needed it for my shoes.  I love that you can also use the top part for your jewelry, makeup, and basically whatever you want.  They have smaller and larger cubicles too and I really suggest getting one of these if you have the space.  It's made things so much easier for me!


Books always make great decor.  You can use one of the cubicles just for your books or put a pair of shoes on top of them like this. 


I have a ton of bracelets and they can easily cause a huge mess.  I got this bracelet stand at The Container Store for $9.99.  It holds a bunch of them and then I also use the stand itself for some of my cuffs.  I'm going to need to get another one soon!


I got this lipstick holder at The Container Store also.  I think it was $10 and they have smaller ones too.  It's made a huge difference for me in terms of keeping them all organized. 


I wear a lot of studs and they were always all over the place.  So I used this little jeweled container to keep them all.  I've had it for awhile so I don't really remember where it's from, but you could definitely find something similar.  


I have so many necklaces and they were just getting lost in the shuffle.  I got this clear stand at The Container Store for $9.99.  As you can see it holds a lot of them.  I'll also be getting another one of these soon.  I love that you can use the bottom part of the stand for bracelets if needed. 


How cute is this leopard shoe?  It was a Christmas gift from my mom this year.  I swear she always finds the best things.  It was only $2.99 at a local store.  It's great for holding some of your rings. 


My friend got me this blogging card which I love so I used it as a decor piece.  I'm also using this "dream" dish to keep some of my bigger rings and other accessories that don't fit on the stands. 


This little shoe holds makeup brushes and it also serves as really cute decor.  My mom found this in an Avon catalogue for I believe $5.  




I love hanging photos on the walls because it adds some character to the room.  The Tres Chic one is from a local store called Amazing Savings.  They have the cutest finds for great prices.  I have Audrey Hepburn who is one of my style icons.  My mom ordered this online as one of my Christmas gifts two years ago.  I also have some McQueen postcards that I framed.  I went to his exhibit and was completely inspired so I love having some of his pieces on my wall. 



This clothing rack has been a life saver!  I got it for only $15 on Amazon last year and it's still in great condition.  I mainly use it to hold my jackets since they take up so much room in my closet.  I also put any new things that I need to wear right away on it so I can actually see what I have.  You can also store some shoes on the bottom rack.  Originally, I had this in my bedroom against one of the walls.  So you can really put it anywhere that works. I also love this accent rug that I got from Ikea.  It's super cozy too!  



I got these speakers so that I can plug in my iphone and listen to music while I'm in the room.  Also using this little ottoman for my laptop and planner.  I still have my old computer and desk on the other side of the room too.  I love this planner because you can get it personalized and it's filled with different inspiring quotes for each month.  It's from Erin Condren

As you can see this is only one side of the room since the other side is not done yet.  But I have already made so much progress and all of these things have really helped to keep me organized.  Once I finish it all I will make sure to share the rest of the room.  I really hope you enjoyed this post and that it helps to give you some new ideas. :) 

Have a lovely day! 
<3



Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Baby, It's Cold Outside

It's the coldest day of winter so far (below 10 degrees) and all I want to do is stay warm and cozy in the house!  I took these photos the day I posted that jump pic.  It was honestly too cold to look directly up and at the camera lol







Boots: eBay (similar)/ Leggings: H&M 
Coat: H&M (old) / Hat: Old Navy(similar
Gloves: N/A (similar)

  Once again, this post is focused on my outerwear and winter essentials.  I've been getting a lot of questions about these boots from my social media. They were a really great find a couple of years ago on eBay for only $25!   I haven't worn them much until recently, so they still look brand new.  They have a burberry vibe to them so these are a great alternative.  You know I'm all about a good deal.  If you are interested in getting something similar, you should definitely do a search on eBay and see what you can find :) I also linked a similar pair above.

This coat is also a few years old now but I still wear it every winter.  It's just a classic black peacoat that I will probably never part with.  I think every woman needs at least one black coat in her winter wardrobe.   You can't see, but underneath the coat I am layered up!  I had on a shirt, thermal, sweatshirt and scarf.  I love that this coat is roomy enough for all those layers.  And then of course I put on my must haves: a knit beanie and gloves.  

Stay warm loves!
<3




Monday, January 6, 2014

Winter Adventure

As the temperatures continue to drop, I've been trying to focus more on outerwear and how to have some fun with it.  When it comes to coats and jackets, there are a ton of different styles to choose from.  I got this parka 2 years ago, and finally took it out for a little winter adventure :)










Jacket: H&M (also love) / Pants: HUE (here) c/o 
Booties: Sam & Libby (here at Target) / Hat: H&M (similar)
Bag: GALiAN (here) / Scarf: N/A


First of all, how amazing is this place?!  I've shot here a couple of times in the past but when it was warm out.  This was my first time seeing it during the winter and I fell in love.  Behind the bridge there is a walkway, but I have no idea where it leads to.  It instantly made me think of going on an adventure.

Since it was freezing out, I knew that I would have to focus more on my bottom half and jacket.  These mustard pants were perfect since they're so vibrant.  It was a great color to brighten up that gloomy winter day.  I got these leopard booties at Target and they're my first pair.   I've really come to love leopard print because they truly do act as a neutral.  I thought that they made a really good combo with the mustard pants and I just love how the bottom half of this outfit really pops.  I'm wearing a black sweater underneath with a scarf and left part of the jacket unzipped so it would show through a little.   To top it all off, I added my favorite hat (a must have winter accessory).

Shooting outside during the winter can definitely be a challenge, but I've been doing what I can to make it work.  I seriously give major props to my mom for braving the cold weather and snow with me.   She's such a trooper!

Have a happy Monday :)
XO



Saturday, January 4, 2014

Saturday Inspiration



"We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down." 


I was searching for a quote to go with this photo and came across this one.  I thought it was the perfect metaphor and really described my outlook on life.  As I mentioned in my 2013 recap post, it's all about taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones.  It's about not being afraid to take that leap of faith.  It's not always easy, but it's worth it in the end.  I just want to enjoy my life while I still have it.  When I'm old and grey and shriveled down to 4 feet, I want to look back without regrets and know that I took chances and that I really lived.  My father died at 62 and there was still so much more that he wanted to do and accomplish.  Some of those things I hope to accomplish for him in his memory. 
So take a chance.. on love.. on life.. on faith.. and jump.

On another note, I haven't jumped this high since my cheering days! 
Have a great day loves. 
XO


Friday, January 3, 2014

A Little Sparkle

Happy Friday beauties!  This is another look that I shot almost two weeks ago.  It was meant to be a casual holiday inspired look but I never got the chance to post it until now.  








Top: Torn By Rony Kobo (gifted) / Leggings: Dynamite (here) c/o
Shoes: Aldo (on sale) / Bag: Aldo (old)
Necklace: H&M/ Cuff: Daisy Gem c/o 


I reunited with peplum!  Do you guys remember how much I used to wear it?  I didn't realize how long it's been since I wore a peplum piece.  I definitely go through different phases where I gravitate towards specific styles.  I won this top during a contest at Lucky Fabb back in October and wore it twice already but this is the first time I'm posting it on the blog.  Since it's really girly, I wanted to edge it up with these faux leather panel leggings.  I love that the detailing is only on part of the legs and not all over.  I will definitely be wearing these a lot this winter.  

I wanted to add a little bit of holiday sparkle with the shoes, necklace and cuff.  I like the way the different shades of green in the cuff pop against the top.  It's a great statement piece to add to a special occasion outfit or just a simple look to help jazz it up a bit.  Daisy Gem is giving all of you 15% off your entire order by entering code ALOVE15 at checkout or you can score this cuff for only $13 by entering code AFFAIR13!

I have to go and shovel out my car now and possibly build a snowman :)
Happy weekend loves!

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Thursday, January 2, 2014

Comfort

And just like that it's already January 2nd!  I shot this outfit last week when I went into the city for a movie night with some of my loves so technically it's an outfit from last year :)








Leggings: HUE (here) c/o / Jacket: Charlotte Russe (similar)
Shirt: Dots/ Booties: Forever21 (also love)/ Bag: Galian
Bracelets: Alex & Ani/ Rings: Freida Rothman

 I love dressing up so much but I also really enjoy wearing more relaxed outfits too.  Wearing something comfortable is one of the best feelings.  It makes you feel good!  These floral print leggings are just the right combination of feminine and edgy.  They were also the perfect choice for sitting down in a theatre for two hours!  Such amazing stretch.  It was actually not too cold when I wore this, so for the night time I just threw on some gloves and a scarf and I was good to go.  This bomber jacket kept me surprisingly warm and I love the mix of floral and (faux) leather.  It's one of my favorite combinations that I have done a few times before.  Since the look is neutral from head to toe, I used pink lipstick to add a pop of color. 

We are supposed to be getting hit with a snow storm between tonight and tomorrow.  It's also supposed to be below 20 degrees (YIKES!)  Stay safe and warm my loves! 
Have an amazing day.
XO