Fashion: Mixing Prints

Hello again MBG readers! It's Lauren, and today I thought I would bring you some styling advice on how to properly mix prints! Mixing prints can seem a little bit daunting. I know I used to be extremely hesitant when it came to pairing bold prints like leopard and floral. I mean, talk about breaking any type of conventional styling rules! 

Mixing prints started to become all the rage when the major powerhouse, J. Crew started debuting styled looks that featured combinations of gingham + paisleys, graphic prints + stripes, stripes + polka dots, and many more daring combinations. And then there is Blair Eadie, the queen of print mixing - made famous for pairing double polka dots and chevron with floral. {Who would have thought to ever pair the two?!}

Fashion houses and bloggers have broken down any timidness us ladies had about mixing prints. Something so unconventional has turned into something that just works. Here are my 6 tips to remember when mixing prints.

image sources {clockwise}: The Everygirl / British Vogue / Atlantic-Pacific Blog / Pink Peonies Blog / Atlantic-Pacific Blog / Bourbon & Pearls Tumblr / Refinery 29

-post by lauren wickman

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Fashion: Cross Body Bags

Hello loves! Lauren here again. Can you believe it's already mid June? Where does time go? I feel like I just made a post on Spring fashion, and now it's going to be Summer! In fashion, it is hard to know what to spend money on and what not to, especially when trends change so often just like seasons.

But one item that I always like to invest in is my bag - such as the always-in-style cross body bag. 

image sources {clockwise}: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Cross body bags are for sure my favorite because they are just so darn easy to carry. I mean, what girl really wants to lug around a big bag when shopping? I surly don't! They come in all different sizes, for housing small things such as the Iphone, lipsticks, and wallet or bigger things like an Ipad. And so many great patterns and colors. 

My suggestion: invest in a neutral cross body bag for year round, and then save on a fun neon cross body for Summer time. Here are some of my current favs!

1. Aldo $40 | 2. Stella & Dot $148 | 3. Ann Taylor $148 | 4. {A03} Designs $65 | 5. Rebecca Minkoff $250 | 6. J. Crew $148 | 7. Rebecca Minkoff $147.50 (on sale!)

My heart is skipping a beat for #7. I mean, classic white plus metal hardware? Yes, please!!

Which of these are your favorites? Do you gravitate towards the neutral shades? Or are the fun graphic prints calling your name? Do tell.

    

-post by lauren wickman

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Fashion: Florals

Hello MBG readers! Lauren here again, happy to be back sharing a popular trend for Spring - floral.
 

Now, I know it takes some pretty brave fashionistas to sport this look from head to toe, so I provided for you easy ways to add floral into your wardrobe without going full bloom!

image sources clockwise: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

If you aren't comfortable with wearing floral pants, opt for floral shorts. This way you are still rockin' the trend, but aren't screaming "look at me".

Other fun ways to add floral into your wardrobe are with a scarf, clutch, or even a blooming Iphone case!

 1. Abercrombie & Fitch $55 | 2. J. Crew $25 | 3. Current/Elliott $170 | 4. J. Crew $199 | 5. Topshop $32  Will you be trying out this trend for Spring?  

-post by lauren wickman 

  

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Fashion: Spring Jewelry Trends

Hello loves! Lauren here again. Today, I am sharing with you the hottest jewelry trends for Spring according to myself and Harper's Bazaar...

image sources: 1&2&3/4/5/6/7/8

1. Assad Mounser $300 | 2. Asos $10.74 | 3. Oscar De La Renta $185 | 4. Kate Spade $128 | 5. Monsoon $9 | 6. Asos $21.49 | 7. Charm & Chain $148 | 8. The Trend Boutique $99

These are some of my absolute favorite pieces. Would love to own each of them. 

Will you be sporting any of these Spring jewelry trends?

-post by Lauren Wickman

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Fashion: My Makeup Must-Haves

Hello loves! This is Lauren blogging here again! Jen asked if I could share my must-have makeup products, and I of course jumped on the idea!!  I've been a makeup addict probably since I was 10. At two years old, I was wearing my Aunt's lipstick! True story. 


Over the years, I've tried various brands, from drugstore to department stores. I'm always on the hunt for new products to try. Right now, these are my current fav's.

1. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner $22. Literally stays on forever.
 

2. Urban Decay Brow Box $29. Comes with a tiny brush & tweezers!
 

3. Bobbi Brown Corrector $22. Literally a God-send. My under eyes thank you Bobbi!
 

4. Garnier Nutritioniste Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream $16. I apply this morning and night, and actually can see a difference. Love it.
 

5. Bobbi Brown Extreme Lengthening Mascara $24. This mascara, you MUST have. No lie. Recently found this, and can't believe I have never used it before. No clumps, no flaking, no smudging, yet still extreme long lashes. Is this real life?
 

6. Sue Devitt Tripe C-Weed Pressed Powder $28. Seaweed? Yep. Made with all natural ingredients. And creates an absolute flawless finish.
 

7.  Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit $32. You apply this duo-pair over the Bobbi Brown corrector for a flawless look.
 

8. Benefit High Brow $20. If I am running late in the morning and have no time for shadow, this is the product that I use. Totally wakes up the eyes.
 

9. MAC Lipstick in Saint Germain $14. I fell in love with this color when I saw it. And have gotten so many compliments on it since purchasing it.
 

10. MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger $14. Everyone needs a perfect red lipstick, and this is mine.
 

11. Urban Decay Naked Palette $50. This palette is so incredibly useful when you don't have much time to get ready. All the shadows you need, right in front of you. Also comes with a Primer Potion, another must-have!

Are any of these your must-haves as well? Do tell.

-post by lauren wickman 

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Fashion: J. Crew's Bright Colors

Hello loves! Lauren here from L.A. in the bay. NYFW came to an end a few weeks ago, and I'm STILL overwhelmed by all the amazing collections that were presented. One of which is J. Crew's Fall 2012 Ready to Wear Collection. 

J. Crew is one of my all-time favorite stores, mainly for their boldness with color, patterns, mixing of textures, and exceptional quality of fabrics. This Fall 2012 RTW Collection is saturated in color. You'd think Fall meant resulting to browns and creams, but not for J. Crew. 

{all images via New York Fashion}

How exceptional is that yellow coat? May be a little daring for some, but what a statement that would make.

Now, time to take some style notes from the fashion genius that is J. Crew...

Cheers to stepping out of the box and embracing new things. After all, isn't that what fashion is all about?

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Fashion: Chic Valentine's Day Outfit

Hello beautiful ladies! Lauren here again, and I'm here to share with you lots of of hearts, color, glitter, and sparkles!

As Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I decided to round up a totally chic, color-filled outfit that is perfect for dinner with your man, or even a day at the office {which I plan to do!}.

{ image sources } : 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

1. Topshop Wide Leg Trouser / 2. Shopbop Equipment Blouse / 3. Steve Madden Blush Heels / 4. Ban.do / 5. Nars Lipstick in Schiap  / 6. Deborah Lippmann It's Raining Men

Not only will you be perfectly dressed for Valentine's Day in this outfit, but you will also be rocking the color block trend. Win win, right?! Have a chic Valentine's Day :)

-post by lauren wick man

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Fashion: Layering 101

Hello loves! Lauren here.

Cannot wait to see what this year has in store, especially when it comes to fashion.

And I thought, what better way to kick off the New Year than a little Styling 101? Let's start 2012 with lots of layers. Mix and match, try new things, step out of your comfort zone. It's a new year, so why not? Hope this little step by step style guide helps lead you to take a little style plunge!

First look / Second look / Third Look / Fourth Look

-post by lauren wickman 

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Fashion: Menswear

Hello loves! Lauren here again, sharing a trend that debuted last year, and will without-a-doubt carry into the new year : menswear.
 

Images via: {clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

1. Vernier Women's VNR200 Round Gold-Tone Quartz Watch  / 2. W118 by Walter Baker Chiffon Blouse  / 3. J Brand Legging in Black Pearl / 4. Thayer Perfect Blazer via Shopbop / 5. ASOS Ridged Double Cuff / 6. Loeffler Randall Blaise Flat Moccasin  / 7. ASOS Mars Loafer Shoes / 8. Tom Ford Eyewear Square Glasses

I love nothing more than a perfect crisp white blouse, paired with some tight black pants, a blazer, and loafers. The Kardashians tend to rock this look a lot, and debuted an entire family menswear look in their Christmas family portrait. 

What's your take on it? I've noticed that people either love it or hate it. I happen to love it. But would I wear a bow tie, hmm, maybe not...would you?

-post by Lauren Wickman

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Fashion: Christmas Sweaters....

Hello lovelies! This is Lauren Wickman from La In The Bay & now one of the Fashion contributors here at Made By Girl! 

Happy to be with you all today! Cannot believe Christmas is just around the corner!! Was it not just Halloween?!

One of my most favorite things about this time of year is all the Holiday parties! Because where this is a party, there's a chance to dress up!

Every year, a bunch of my friends get together and have an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party", which is about the most fun thing ever. Anyone else take part in this?!?!?

So, I thought I would take a different spin on it, and showcase some of the chicest sweaters I'm loving right now. Perfect for any Holiday party.

images above via Pinterest

1. Modcloth / 2. Paul and Joe Sister / 3. Alexander Wang / 4. J. Crew / 5. J. Crew / 6. Sandro / 7. J. Crew / 8. J. Crew / 9. Asos

 

What's better than a J. Crew cable knit or an Alexander Wang color-blocked sweater?

Yup. Nothing. :)

xoxo

L

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