I apologize for going on hiatus. But! I finally made it back to the blogging world, much to my own surprise.

Moving right along.

I realized very quickly while getting ready for a fancy brunch this morning, that I resembled a politician, what with my tight no-nonsense bun and form fitting architectural dress. Upon this realization I asked my mom if I looked like I worked at the White House. Her laugh in response confirmed my realization that I did indeed look like I belonged in an episode of Scandal, which I consider a compliment.

Having the qualifications of a nerd (Computer Science Major and LOTR lover), I believe I have a right and obligation to cover nerd fashion. I've been wanting to do so for a while, but wanted first to perfect it. Here are my tips for bringing out your inner nerd:

1). The Sweater and Button-down Combo

2). Rock Some Oxfords

3). Forget Contacts

Maxi dress. Check.
Sunglasses that are far too big for my face. Check.
Time for an adventure (which entails reading outside by a tree, Frodo Baggins style):




I love a good maxi skirt/dress and it has become almost an essential for this Summer. I've been on the hunt for a maxi dress that I love and I finally stumbled upon this one at work by Lauren Conrad. And if you're short like me and weary of maxi anything then consult my Fashion Myth Busters post.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to leave comments!

Annalise

Hello all,

Everyone has their own New Year's Resolutions and I've come up with a set of separate resolutions for my style.

1). Accessorize More

2). Invest in Basics

3). Learn How to do Make-up

Although it can be quite crowded shopping after Christmas, for those of us willing to brave the throngs of crazy shoppers and return lines out the door, it can be worth it. My only tips are shop clearance! A lot of the times places put their winter apparel and accessories on clearance even though we still have a few months of bitter Winter left to endure. Also, never pay full price for anything around this time. With the deals, coupons and clearance waiting to buy the newest spring outfit at full price is best.

Having said all that, here is what I scored in my post-Christmas shopping extravaganza:

Periwinkle Lauren Conrad Wedges (Kohl's):
 Burgundy Felt Hat (American Eagle):

People may be confused as to why bathing suits and light colored clothing are making an appearance in malls and department stores, but I'm here to clear the air. This is not your generic spring collection, but instead it's your resort clothing. So, if you're going on vacation to Florida, or Central America, or anywhere warm for that matter, then I'd suggest hitting up stores that have their resort collections out. 

So, although, I'm a little late it seems for Halloween, it's never too early to start planning ideas for next year. I have an outfit that I'd like to share that cost no money and is very easy. With Halloween costumes costing upwards of 40 dollars, it's nice to have less expensive options.

Last year my friends and I were all Disney Princesses (with the exception of the banana and the cat lady!). Most of these costumes we found in our closets and mine didn't cost me anything.
I was Cinderella, my favorite Disney Princess. I used ribbon for my hair and necklace. I borrowed my gloves and shoes from a friend. I wore my own skirt and blue shirt for a modern Cinderella. These are good group costumes as well as individual ones.

Houndstooth has become very popular this coming season and can be seen on everything; from coats to skirts to tops. It's such a staple piece and a different pattern it's hard to figure out what exactly to wear with it. These are a few tips on how I would wear houndstooth.

1. Color:
   When wearing houndstooth you always want to be cognizant of what colors you choose to go along with it. You always want to do neutrals i.e. black, white (match the hue of the white in the pattern be it off white or a cleaner white) or grey. If you're feeling adventurous red is always a good option as well. It is also very dependent on the piece. Some houndstooth isn't necessarily black and white. For different colored houndstooth I like to stay monochromatic and match whatever color the pattern happens to be in.

Here, Blair Waldorf (i.e. Leighton Meester) pairs a perfect houndstooth top with a black skirt keeping her outfit very clean and sleek.

2. Silhouette 
    Because houndstooth is a very busy pattern and ends up being the center piece for an outfit I try to keep the silhouette very simple. If you wear a houndstooth skirt try to find a former fitting top and maybe some tights. Keeping the silhouette clean is imperative when wearing houndstooth, which is already a very busy pattern.

Selena Gomez wore this houndstooth skirt (in my opinion) perfectly. She chose a simple clean top and boots to pair with it, making for a clean look.

I am incredibly excited for this upcoming season of fall fashion. I've been browsing and came up with the main fashion points that designers and stores have been focusing on, to help keep you in style. A lot of what is in this season lines up with my own personal style and I'm ecstatic about it.
PATTERN: POLKA DOTS

LC Lauren Conrad Polka Dot Blazer

American Eagle Polka Dot Tank

STRUCTURE: PEPLUM
Fall in Love with Peplum

Forever 21 Bird Print Peplum

WHAT TO WEAR ON TOP: PETER PAN COLLAR
More Peter Pan Collar

American Eagle Peter Pan Collar Printed Dress

American Eagle Peter Pan Collar Blouse

WHAT TO WEAR ON BOTTOM: COLORED DENIM

Elle Ruby Colored Super Skinny Jeans

American Eagle Skinny Colored Jeans

Printed pants are very in this fall. Here are some of my favorites:

These printed polka dot pants are from American Eagle and are a perfect subdued color for fall.

This animal print is subtle, but is a good print for these jeans.

The floral print is very popular and I love this particular pair.

A new trend this spring/summer is the pastel. And as we approach fall, I've noticed that this trend will continue into the new season. So, to stay in style, below are ways to make sure you're wearing your pastels the best way possible:

Mixing pastels together is a great way to make an interesting outfit. Here, the outfit is paired with a pair of bright pumps that give the outfit a little pop.

Basic pastel tops, like this pink one are perfect for wearing with skirts or jeans.

1. The Printed Short

Printed shorts are very popular this season. With all the different patterns they can fit anyone's style. You can get a regular denim pair with a floral pattern or a high-waisted chiffon pair with polka dots. It all depends on what fits your personal style. Below there are a pair of LC Lauren Conrad polka dot shorts from Kohl's, floral print denim shorts from Target and bright tribal print shorts from American Eagle

2. The Colored Short

These shorts have become especially popular this season. They're great for color blocking and you can also pair them with neutrals, which makes them especially versatile. They come in every color from subdued, to neon, to pastel. So, whatever your favorite color pallet is, you can find a pair for you. Here we have a pair of cut-off shorts from American Eagle the are a more subdued burgundy, and a pair of neon pink shorts from Nordstrom and a pair of short pastel orange from Urban Outfitters. 

 

For me, jewelry is the last thing I'm willing to spend my money on. So, I've boiled it down to 3 basic types of necklaces that every jewelry box should have to make the most of your accessories and outfits.

     1. The Big and Bold Necklace










 2. A Long Pendant Necklace




































Again with these you may want to choose a neutral color. These go with virtually anything. They can go           over a big sweater or a casual dress. This accessory is never overpowering, but can make your outfit all the   more interesting. 

    3. The Simple Yet Elegant Necklace




 These smaller elegant necklaces are great and I can wear them anywhere. I wear them to work or with just a t-shirt and jeans. They just added a little sparkle to an every day outfit.