Fashion Inspired by Food: Macarons

Is there any food cuter than macarons? I don't think so. These colorful French treats are perfect for Instagram-ing:

Since these cookies are so adorable, I decided to make an outfit inspired by them:

Macarons by ijustbeolivia

I thought the ruffled top was the perfect allusion to the middle of the cookies, which also look a bit ruffled. The bow on the flats and the quilted purse are subtly French-inspired. And then there is the phone case, which is not so subtle. 

Would you wear this colorful outfit?

My New Year's Beauty Resolutions

1. Actually floss sometimes
If I meet someone who consistently flosses, then I feel like they really have their life together. Who remembers to floss every night, and isn't too lazy to skip doing it? I recently bought some flossing sticks so that I don't have to use regular floss that strangles your fingertips. The more convenient it is, the more likely I am to stick with it. I think my teeth will thank me.

2. Try a variety of hairstyles
I usually stick to wearing my hair down and straight. However, I see so many adorable, probably-not-as-easy-as-they-seem hairstyles on Pinterest. I have pinned many of them, but my ratio of pinning hairstyles to actually trying those hairstyles is about 400 to 10. 2015 will be the year of waterfall braids and messy buns.

3. Use less heat on my hair
As I mentioned, I usually wear my hair straight, which requires my flat iron. I use my hair dryer most days as well. I know that this really isn't great for my hair, and I plan to use less heat on my hair. Trying different hairstyles will help, since I will learn cute new updos. Side note: how annoying is it when you find an updo that requires you to curl your hair first?! If I was looking for a style that required taking that much time, I would just wear my hair curly. Anyway, I think less heat will mean healthier hair and more time for crafting.

4. Wear my glasses more often
I have a pair of stylish glasses that I barely wear outside of late night Netflix watching. I plan to rock them more often. I am near-sighted and proud!

5. Wear red lipstick
I almost never wear bold lip color. I am young, so I think I will channel my inner Taylor Swift and take advantage of loud lip color while I can.

This year, I will have really clean teeth and trendy hair! What are your beauty resolutions?

Pin Review: Cocoa Cornstarch Dry Shampoo

Hey everyone! I hope you had a good Christmas. I love how acceptable laziness is in the days after the holiday, and this dry shampoo I am reviewing today is perfect for days full of lounging around the house.

I  usually have to wash my hair every day because it tends to get greasy. I would like to be able to wash it less often, but I don't want to go through a gross period of greasy hair while my scalp gets used to being shampooed less often. So, I turned to dry shampoo. On days that I don't have too much going on, especially in the evening, I'll skip washing my hair and use dry shampoo instead.

I love using natural products, especially when they're DIY. I found a wonderful pin for homemade natural dry shampoo that I love. It only uses a few ingredients, and they're ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here is the link to the dry shampoo "recipe": 

http://astepinthejourney.com/2013/04/dry-shampoo-at-home-recipe.html

She mentions using an essential oil, but the cocoa already makes this dry shampoo smell great! Since I know my hair tends to be greasy, I didn't want to risk adding an oil to the dry shampoo.

To apply the shampoo, I use my large kabuki face powder brush. I put a little on the brush and tap it onto my hair at the roots. Then, I comb it in. It's so quick and easy!

This dry shampoo does such a great job, and you can adjust the shade of the powder by the amount of cocoa you put in it. This keeps you from getting that gray-ish shade in your hair that some dry shampoo causes.

I read a useful tip for using dry shampoo that said to apply it the night before as well as in the morning. This has helped absorb more oil on my scalp and stop my hair from getting greasier through the night.

A huge plus to this recipe is that it works really well as face powder too! When my face is a little shiny, I sweep some of this dry shampoo on my face. It's sheer and takes the sheen away.

I love how easy this DIY was, and it solved two of my beauty problems! Don't you love when a pin is just as great as it sounds?!

Do you use dry shampoo?

Geometric Triangle Manicure

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Nail art is a great way to express yourself and stay on trend at the same time, but I usually don't have the patience to spend an hour doing my nails. ​

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The other day, I did my nails in a simple geometric design that was ​

​fun and quick.

I used a gorgeous sky blue color by NYC called "Skyline Blue". I love the low prices of NYC nail colors. For the triangle, I used Essie's "Penny Talk", which has been my favorite nail color for a long time.​ 

This color is classy and trendy, and it works as an accent color​

 ​ as well as a base color.

For the triangle, I put tape on my nail where I wanted the edges of the triangle to hit. Then, I painted from the top of the nail to the tape.

What are your favorite nail art designs? I'd love to hear them!​

I have not received payment or compensation for mentioning these products, I just personally like them.

Fashion Inspired by "You've Got Mail"

Fashion Inspired by "You've Got Mail" by ijustbeolivia

"You've Got Mail" is my favorite movie. I love how charming and quaint it feels, and it's the perfect movie for a relaxing night at home. I think the best movies and TV shows feel like fall and have twinkle lights (which applies to "You've Got Mail" and "Gilmore Girls").

Kathleen Kelly is such an adorable character who is down-to-earth and easy to relate to. I love her simple, feminine style. It's so elegant and classy. After watching the movie again this weekend, I put together some outfits inspired by Kathleen.

"Don't you love New York in the fall?" by ijustbeolivia 

The movie starts out in fall, which makes this feel-good movie even cozier. I love that Joe says he would send ShopGirl/Kathleen a "bouquet of sharpened pencils". Kathleen's style is casual but still feminine. She wears some slouchy cardigans over her skirts and tights. She also wears a simple black coat. These pieces are neutral and easy to wear in different combinations. The boots cater to the grungy feel of the cardigan, while the tailored purse goes well with the collared shirt. I added light pink nail polish because Kathleen isn't one to wear bright colors. The pieces in this look are timeless and could be worn by someone of any age.

"It will all shake out. Meanwhile, I'm putting up more twinkle lights." by ijustbeolivia

Kathleen wears a lot of simple shift dresses in the movie. I love this forest green shift dress with the black long sleeved shirt underneath it. It's unique and classy. The boots and tights polish the look off, and the gorgeous bag emphasizes the green in the dress. This is a great outfit for work, but it's still casual enough to wear on the weekend.

"All this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings." by ijustbeolivia

The scene in which Joe brings Kathleen flowers when she's sick is so adorable. It's so sweet that you can tell that they're about to become friends. Her pajamas are cute, and of course, classic. I love that she wears a trench coat to answer the door. Her coat is another closet staple.

"Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?" by ijustbeolivia

You see Kathleen wear a lot of skirts and cardigans throughout the movie. In the spring, she wears linen and gauzy cardigans. She also wears a lot of simple white tees. True to form, she sticks to pretty neutrals and pastels. This khaki linen skirt goes perfectly with a light blue cardigan and tan accessories. I added some lovely blue nail polish (can you tell I like Essie brand?) This outfit formula is perfect for the transition from spring to summer or from summer to fall.

"I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be you so badly." by ijustbeolivia

The last scene of the movie is so sweet and perfect. I love the setting and music. Kathleen's outfit is adorable in that scene. She wears a simple linen dress and 3/4 sleeve cardigan. Sandals are the perfect match for this outfit, along with some taupe nail polish and a stylish tote bag. This linen dress is a wonderful day dress that could easily be worn with a lot of different cardigans and shoes.

What's your favorite scene from "You've Got Mail"?

Crimson Tide Fashion

Crimson Tide Fashion by ijustbeolivia featuring grey scarves

Dorothy Perkins layered skirt / Lord Taylor diamond elephant pendant / Grey scarf

I'm an Alabama football fan, and one of the perks of being a fan is wearing fun clothes to support your team. While it's always nice to have a shirt that has the team logo on it, it's also nice to wear clothes that are a little more subtle (and spend a little less money). I've made a few outfits that are Crimson Tide themed and perfect for game day as well as an ordinary day.

Houndstooth Skirt and Crimson Sweater by ijustbeolivia featuring a leather shoulder bag

Crea Concept boat neck sweater, $240 / Golf skirt, $30 / Piece, $17 / ALDO lace up booties / Alexander McQueen leather shoulder bag / Mango elephant pendant, $8.28

The first outfit is a cute mix of grungy and girly. A must for Crimson Tide style is, of course, crimson, which is incorporated here in the sweater. The houndstooth skirt also points to Alabama, since it's Alabama's pattern. To top it off, there's an elephant necklace, which is Alabama's mascot.

Red Peacoat and Houndstooth Pants by ijustbeolivia featuring Prada

P A R O S H red cardigan / Prada coat / Balmain leather pants / Splendid ballet flat / Marc B crossbody purse, $65 / 2 Pack Black and Houndstooth Scrunchies, $4.96

This outfit is a little retro and very polished. The houndstooth and crimson are complemented by classy accessories. Those scrunchies are adorable!

Elephant Print Dress by ijustbeolivia featuring polish jewelry

Strap dress / Dolce Gabbana red long sleeve top, $830 / Gap round toe flat / Anna Field crossbody shoulder bag, $35 / Polish jewelry / Long scarve

How fun is this dress?! It's crimson and has an elephant print, which is perfect for supporting Alabama. To make this dress work for fall, add a cardigan, scarf, and wool flats. Polish it off with a cute little elephant ring.

Houndstooth Sweater and Crimson Circle Skirt by ijustbeolivia featuring a red skirt

STELLA McCARTNEY long sleeve tee, $695 / River Island red skirt, $27 / Piece, $17 / Wet Seal army boots / Gucci black wallet / Pin1876 black shawl, $290 / Maison Boinet leather belt

This last look has an edgy school girl feel to it. The crimson circle skirt is a girly touch, and it's paired with a funky houndstooth shirt. The boots give the look some toughness, and the scarf and tights make it perfect for fall. The crossbody bag gives the look some class.

For more Crimson Tide, see my post "Inexpensive Ways to Show Your Crimson Tide Pride", coming soon!

Livi

Fashion Inspired by Mindy Lahiri of "The Mindy Project"

Fashion Inspired by Mindy Lahiri of "The Mindy Project" by ijustbeolivia featuring a double breasted coat

    Closet purple party dress / Moonbasa double breasted coat / Casadei heels & pumps/     Express yellow handbag

"The Mindy Project" is one of my favorite shows. The characters are hilarious and endearing, and Mindy Lahiri is so relatable. I love her confidence and quirkiness. She also has really cool, unique style. She blends professionalism and fun perfectly. Her style is great to use for inspiration for work place style as well as for fun and casual outfits. Here are some outfits I put together inspired by Mindy Lahiri:

Button Down and Shift Dress by ijustbeolivia featuring a shift dress

Vince shift dress / Chiffon shirt / Evening shoes / Oasis red handbag/ Coral necklace / Dorothy Perkins buckle belt

Mindy wears a lot of shift dresses, usually over a pretty buttoned down shirt. This is an outfit combination she wears a lot. She also wears a lot of cross body bags and pumps. The skinny belt really pulls the outfit together.

Long Cardigan and Full Skirt by ijustbeolivia featuring a quilted purse

Dex sleeveless button down top / ONLY long cardigan/ Boohoo circle skirt / Michael Antonio platform stiletto pumps / ASOS quilted purse/ Kendra Scott stone necklace

Mindy loves wearing patterns. She's really skilled at mixing patterns, which looks so chic. She likes to pair long cardigans with full skirts, and she also likes wearing bright colors. By mixing a small pattern with a larger one in the same color scheme, you can wear a fun outfit while still looking polished.

Fit 'n Flare Dress and Moto Jacket by ijustbeolivia featuring a flower necklace

Floral dress / Floral lace tight / Charlotte Russe mary jane pumps / Full Tilt flower necklace / Old Navy Girls Fleece Moto Jackets - Black jack

Mindy wears a lot of cute jackets, including moto jackets like the one above. You'll also see her wear pea coats in fun designs. Moto jackets are a chic way to add some edge to a girly dress and tights. Fit 'n flare dresses are wonderful since they are universally flattering. This dress would be easy to take from day to night as well.

Patterned Pullover and Wedge Sneakers by ijustbeolivia featuring leather shoes

J Crew cotton pullover / ONLY sport sweatpant/ Puma leather shoes / Pink Varsity duffel bag/ Ponytail hair tie

Mindy even looks chic when she works out. Though her wedge sneakers aren't the most practical, they definitely add a level of style to her outfit. She wears a lot of cute pullovers, which are comfy and great for lounging as well. Finish the look off with a pretty duffel bag and some trendy hair elastics.

Mindy offers up a lot of laughs on her show, and a lot of style inspiration as well!

Livi

Who is your favorite character on "The Mindy Project"?

Fashion Inspired by Sue Heck of "The Middle"

Fashion Inspired by Sue Heck by ijustbeolivia featuring a blue top

                               Blue top / Strenesse Blue green jeans, $92 / Keds sneaker

Sue Heck is adorable. Her positive attitude and perseverance is so inspiring. However, that's not all that is inspiring about her. Though she's not someone you'd think of as particularly fashionable, her style provides some great inspiration for playful, feminine pieces.

Fruit Print by ijustbeolivia featuring jumpsuits & rompers

         Boohoo jumpsuits romper / Wedge sandals / ALDO red purse / Jeweliq cuff bracelet

Sue loves to wear unique, youthful clothes. She wears a lot of patterned, bright pieces. In one episode, she wears a sweater with a big strawberry on the front. Fruit prints are trending right now, and summer is the perfect time to wear them! Pair a pretty sundress with a fruit print with some retro or bohemian accessories, and you're done. Check stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, which have a lot of options and are always on trend. Etsy also carries a lot of fruit printed clothes and accessories.

Animal Sweater & Colored Jeans by ijustbeolivia featuring a leather purse

          AX Paris owl top, $33 / Paige Denim green jeans, $230 / Charlotte Russe shoes / The Cambridge Satchel Company leather purse / Ted Baker black jewelry

Sue wears a lot of sweaters, and they're almost always patterned or have an image on the front. A fun way to wear an interesting sweater is by wearing one with an animal print. Sue is probably most known for her colored jeans, which is one of her staples. Delia's has a lot of great options for colored jeans, as well as Old Navy.

Polka Dot Pullover and Colored Jeans by ijustbeolivia featuring red cotton pants

                  Mango polka dot top / Mango red cotton pants / Keds sneaker / Travel purse

This outfit incorporates Sue's colored jeans and love for patterns and sweaters. Sue wears a lot of casual clothing, so Keds are the perfect match for her style. As it turns out, Sue is pretty on trend!

Livi

Would you wear any of these pieces?

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