Vintage Style!

So, I went out to Novi this past Sunday to check out a pop-up shop for the Style Dolls Fashion Agency. I was first introduced to the Style Dolls at the SimplyChanelle.com  launch party back in March. Click Here to Check Out that Blog Post. I went to their site to see what they were about & fell in love with some of the pieces they had for sale & did I mention the low prices?! I also admired the fact that they are two young women who turned their passion into a successful business. Thumbs up for Entrepreneurship!

Now, if you're not familiar with the Style Dolls Fashion Agency, it is basically a one-stop-shop for all of your vintage fashion needs. They offer vintage clothing selections via TheStyleDolls.com & their fantastic pop-up shops!  & unlike stores in the mall that offer multiple copies of  "vintage inspired" trends,  they search far and wide for the authentic vintage pieces that keep their business going.

They also provide styling & image consulting just in case you're not quite sure which direction to go when it comes to your own signature look.




So, make sure you check out their site, Facebook & Instagram. Shop the unique & timeless pieces & get notified when it's time for another pop-up shop!

Sicarra & Daisy

Ok, back to Sunday's event. It was hosted by Aldo at the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, MI. The event began after store hours to ensure exclusivity & Aldo even offered a discount on their merchandise for those of us at the pop-up shop.

I had a great time from the moment I got there until I left. I picked up some great vintage pieces, took advantage of Aldo's discount, & ran into an old friend from high school.

I found Ashley! Well, actually she found me :-)

I even picked up a fantastic beauty hack from Sicarra, co-owner of the Style Dolls!

I noticed after getting a pic of the Dolls that there were beautiful purple highlights through out her jet black curls. She then let me in on her trick of using the Maybelline Color Tattoo cream eyeshadows instead of actual hair color. Who knew!?

Now, on to the goodies!!! I picked up two belts, a pair of earrings, an obnoxiously sparkly sequin top & a pair of mirrored aviators (one of my SS14 Wish List items) from Aldo.

Joseph II sequin top. 1980's
Picked this up for only $10!!!
This same top is selling for $20+ on ebay

Ann Klein
$5
I wanna say this is from the 90's. Couldn't find the exact one online

Elite
$5
1980's/90's

$5
Most likely 80's or early 90's

These blue mirrored aviators are from Aldo
I picked them up for $12 minus the 15% discount for attending the event.

My Wish List: Spring/Summer 2014

With the warmer weather being right around the corner (still cold here in MI), I have been spending my free time lately searching around online & window shopping in between errands trying to figure out what I NEED in my life (fashion wise) this Spring/Summer.

I'm really feeling some of the current trends, but if you know me you know that I like to mix it up & wear pretty much whatever I think looks good...even if it's not necessarily "trending".

So, without further ado, here is my (somewhat long) wishlist of items that I HAVE to get my hands on this SS14:

Coral

I was somewhat skeptical of this trend when I first noticed it a couple of years ago. But lately, I'm really loving the shade. Maybe it's the fact that I've been seeing brighter more lively versions of the color as opposed to the more muted, salmony ones I had seen in the past.

What ever the case may be, I have fallen in love with this bright, happy, feminine, "springy" shade.

Mint/Seafoam

This color is just so young and fresh. It makes me think of Easter & it's one of those cool, easy breezy shades that just makes me feel calm.

White White

Not off white, not ivory, not cream. White.

For the longest I was into the dark colors, mainly black. But now, I feel a pull toward white. It's crisp, clean, beachy & I will be incorporating so much more of this color into my wardrobe.

Gold

Used to only be into silver, but now I know much better. I've really been into gold lately.

Asymmetrical Hem Lines

I really don't think I will ever let go of this look.

High Lows & Draped asymmetrical skirts can be feminine & sweet or edgy & sexy.

Minimalist Heels

These are simple, sleek & sexy. And I need them in every color.

Florals 

Not your grandmother's florals. I would love to rock this classic print in a romper, matching short set or a good sky high pair of heels.

The Knee High Gladiator

Thank you Kourtney Kardashian & Tom Ford for making me fall in love with this boot/sandal hybrid!

Depending on the style, these can be laid back boho or edgy vixenesque.

Barefoot Sandals!!!

These little gems are right up my ally as I really dislike wearing shoes in and around my house. I also see these as a must have for those vacation days at the beach.

Floral & Fruity Fragrances

These two...OMG. I first smelled a sample of the Vince Camuto Fiori a few months ago & was instantly hooked. And the RALPH by Ralph Lauren has been a fav of mine since high school. Both are the perfect balance of sweet and flowery. Perfect for Summer.

Body Chains

These add the perfect touch to swimwear or cropped tops. And if you're not about bearing the necessary skin to show off this piece of jewelry, you can absolutely throw this on top of your tank or dress for an instant style boost.

Look for these sexy accessories on the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna & Kaira.

Jumpsuits & Rompers

You can't go wrong with these. They can be fun & flirty or sophisticated & downright chic. These onesies can work for simply running around town or making an appearance at a swanky soiree.

Bejeweled Sandals

Now, as much as I love the barefoot sandals, there comes a time during my day where I actually have to leave the house & I must wear shoes. If it's warm out & I can afford to be pretty casual or need to be in flats, I'll opt for the borderline-gaudy jewel encrusted sandals. They make my feet happy :-)

The Backless Maxi

Effortlessly sexy. The only problem is figuring out the boob wrangling situation for dresses like this. I am stuck with DDs for the moment so I will definitely be heading to Nordstrom to pick up a backless adhesive bra & praying to God that it works. (Click Here to See the one I'm Talking About)

Cropped Tops

Young, Fun & Timeless.

Mom's (like me!) & the more modest can pair these tops with ANYTHING highwaisted! 

Cut-out Pants

I love these. The denim with the bow detail is cute and can be worn during the day. While the Geebin version is more suitable for a night out.

Lucite Heels

Who says clear heels are just for brass pole engineers?

Joggers & Harem Pants

So comfy & So versatile. These can work at the gym or for girls night out with a strappy heel.

Head Scarves

A great way to add a little extra something to a messy updo or camouflage unruly or dirty hair. Whatever the reason for wearing one (As long as it's not the hood-rat bedtime shouldn't-come-out-of-the-house scarf) this is one accessory that always looks good...when done properly.

Crochet

From bathing suits to cover-ups to dresses. Crochet is boho chic at its finest..at least in my opinion. Crochet pieces can be worn to the beach or just around town layered over a bralette/tank & shorts or slip dress.

Ok, so now that you have survived my almost never ending SS14 wishlist, What do you think? What are some of your wishlist items for the Spring/Summer? I'd love to know! 

Stay tuned to the blog & YouTube. I just may do a haul or two once I've found everything I need/want.  

Simply Chanelle Blog Launch Party!!!

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of attending my cousin Chanelle's blog launch party for simplychanelle.com. I had a great time mingling with everyone, enjoying the music (both DJ'd & Live) & just soaking up the vibrant, girly atmosphere whilst sipping on my "Simply Sangria".

Posing in front of the #simplyselfies photo wall with the lovely Chanelle.

Now, if you don't already know, Chanelle is a beauty blogger. Through her blog simplychanelle.com & her YouTube channel ItsSimplyChanelle, she has set out to share with the world her love for all things beauty. Her style is natural & feminine, yet dazzlingly sassy! She is here for both the clueless teen who doesn't know the first thing about taming her curls or applying makeup, as well as the stylish 20 or even 30-something who is searching for a simple, quick, polished look. She even throws us a product review every so often!

But, before I get too far in, let me give you a quick run down on my outfit of the night.

I pride myself on being a "budget fashionista" & the outfit I put together for this event is a prime example of being fashionable on a dime.

• Top: Derek Heart - $4.98, Burlington Coat Factory.
• Belt: Steve Madden - $7.98, Burlington Coat Factory
• Necklace: Sophia & Kate - $7.99, Burlington Coat Factory
• Bracelet: Claires - $1
• Leggings: My Michelle - $3.98, Burlington Coat Factory 
• Lace Tank: H&M (Already Had)
• Clutch: Gift
• Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory (Already Had)
• Booties: City Snappers - $19.99, C.W. Price (Already Had)

And just because I'm beyond obsessed with a good, bold, sexy, stylish, edgy & fantastically affordable pair of heels...

Here are some of the beauties that were sashaying around the party:

From left to right:

-Wild Rose 

-Diba (dsw.com)

-Shiekh (shiekhshoes.com)

-Just Fab (justfab.com)

Now, on to the party details!

The location was a cozy space in downtown Detroit that was just right for this event. When I got off the elevator on the 6th floor, I was met by a fashionable crowd of friends, family & area bloggers. All there to support the launch & enjoy the evening that had been pulled together by our hostess. 

There was a "#simplysefies" photo wall where guests could snap all of their "selfies" in front of a hot pink back drop. She also made sure to set up studio lights because as we all know, a good selfie is all about good lighting...or a good filter. And, I almost forgot about the cute props available to liven up your photos!

Once past all of the lights, cameras & action I followed the steady bump of the hip-hop track that was playing & found myself (Sangria in hand) in a lounge-like area where the DJ was set up right across from the NAIL BAR! Yes, there were lacquers, and sparkles, and stripers...Oh My! 

Unfortunately I was too caught up in all of the everythingness to stop and give myself a mani.

After thoroughly checking everything out, chit-chatting & vloging, I found Raheem (yes, the boyfriend came to the beauty party) & took a seat just in time for a performance by Chanelle's ridiculously talented sister Charity.

She graced us with 3 beautiful, original songs as well as a mini tribute to her big sis Chanelle. And just before the last song "Sounds Like Love", Charity announced that a special delivery had been sent. 

A gorgeous bouquet of flowers from Chanelle's boyfriend (who was unable to be there for the lanuch) was presented to her.*tear*

Following the performance, It was time for GIVEAWAYS!!! Chanelle was gracious enough to give us the opportunity to win stuff! Names were drawn and prizes such as Ipsy Glam Bags, gift cards & beauty products were doled out to a lucky few. And, just when we thought it was over...Free Lipsticks For Everyone!!!

I received wet 'n' wild lipstick in the color "Bare It All"

Overall, the launch party was fantastic. The perfect mix of fashion, beauty, fun, music, mingling, networking...I could go on. I am beyond excited to see where Simply Chanelle goes from here & you should be too!

Make sure to follow her blog, YouTube & Instagram (@itssimplychanelle) to keep up with the latest posts, videos & pictures.

Daintily exhausted at the end of a successful launch party.

Oh, & because I love them to pieces & because they deserve your support...Here are a few more noteworthy individuals from the launch party making their mark on the world:

Charday Ward:

The photographer for the evening, an educator & talented writer.

Visit her blog & Follow her on IG

ladydaysletters.com

@charday_renee

OpenMic & Charity:

Music's future power couple.

The DJ & Guitar Wielding Songstress that kept the party live.

Support their respective music movements

openmicmusic.com

charityward.com

@openmicmusic

@charityclef