August 28, 2015

My Style: Laced Up


I
f you've got the end of summer blues, I suggest a little shopping therapy.  To put a smile on any fashionista's face, just think of the new fall pieces that could make their way into your closet.  Charlotte Russe has some awesome new clothes and accessories, a few of which I've selected as fall essentials.      


First, the high heeled combat boots are a must.  Comfortable, versatile, and chic.  You can wear booties with no-show socks, with lace accent ankle socks, with over-the-knee socks, or with tights.  Booties look chic with so many things from leggings to skirts to dresses.

Second, suede is the "it" material for fall, and you can enjoy high quality faux suede or vegan leather--yes, it feels great to wear luxurious materials and yet not harm any animals in the process.  For this styling, I selected a beautiful tan, faux suede skirt and a handsome, fringed backpack.


Lastly, you must have guessed that lace-up tops and dresses are part of this fall's go-to aesthetics.  I'm lovin' this black lace-up top with bell sleeves.  







Summer was fantastic, and now it's time to get ready for fall.  See you at the mall!  Xoxo, Shelly



Hair extensions courtesy of Irresistible Me



August 17, 2015

My Style: Sunflower Fields


T
he last remnants of summer are fading fast.  I can't say I feel a chill in the air yet, because it's been very warm in Arizona.  But I know my first day at a new university is approaching quickly, and so I'm trying to take advantage of every free moment to enjoy summertime until school starts.  While out hiking, I came upon this little field of sunflowers, and knew I had to come back for a photo shoot.  What can I say about this OOTD other than you can't go wrong with a LBD, black booties, black wide-brimmed hat, a denim jacket, and a fringe bag?  Seriously, it doesn't get better than this!  I do want to say that the dress by Goldie London is the ultimate in quality, and I adore the grommet detailing.  The jacket, by the same company, is fully lined with zipper detailing and pleats.  Just purely beautiful pieces.  I also recommend the sunglasses by Polette--custom glasses that are wonderful.  Everything I'm wearing today, I love.  Here's to more hikes and maybe finding some more gorgeous fields to photograph.    Xoxo Shelly 














August 15, 2015

My Style: Desert Daze


I
have grown to love the beauty of the desert.  Because of die-hard Coachella fans, I know that Indio and Palm Springs, California, have received much acclaim over the last few years; however, I especially enjoy Tucson and Scottsdale, Arizona, for the amazing fauna, the colorful sunsets, and the quiet, stark hills.  Cue in quiet, calming music and then stop with a screech.  Let's be honest, I do love nature but I also like the luxury resorts, the world class golf courses, the exquisite shopping, the outstanding art museums, the night clubs, etc.  I just had to be real with you, my lovely readers. This particular photo shoot was taken in Tucson where I spent time last month at two great resorts--the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.  For a luncheon with friends, I wore this black lace, maxi skirt that has a beautifully embroidered waistband.  I searched for the perfect top to complement the skirt and found this ideal ivory, textured halter top.  To bring the colors together, I wore an ivory, embroidered, round purse and flat, black sandals.  Highlighting the colors in the waistband, I wore pretty rings in blue and black and nail polish in a light turquoise green.  I'm not usually bold enough to wear a bare-back, halter top but I felt in the heat of the desert and coupled with a delicate lace maxi skirt that the styling was alluring but classy.  I hope you agree :)  Xoxo, Shelly








              

August 12, 2015

Tech Talk: Verizon Tablet & Zagg Keyboard Giveaway


**Update:  Congrats to Zoe L. from CA (who entered via Instagram) on being the winner of the #VerizonaXAZGirlGiveaway! Thank you to all those who entered.  Xoxo, Shelly

For my lovely readers, I have wonderful news!  Verizon has offered to give one lucky AG blog reader a new Verizon Ellipsis 8 Tablet with a Zagg Folio Keyboard Case.  Just in time for back to school, I received both items for review, and I love them!  If you win the giveaway, Verizon will send you a brand new tablet and a case directly to your home.  Starting today, August 12, 2015, you can easily enter the contest one of three ways:

          Comment on my Verizon giveaway IG post by tagging two (2) friends  
          Share my Verizon giveaway FB post on your FB page with the #VerizonXAZGirlGiveaway   
                             and
          Leave a comment on my Verizon giveaway FB post  
          Tweet: “I just entered @shellystuckman’s  #VerizonXAZGirlGiveaway” 

While testing out the tablet and case, my team and I took some photos for you to see.  I have fallen in love with the tablet and keyboard case--a perfect duo for taking notes in class.  Also, as a graphic designer, I'm enjoying the sketching capabilities.  Packed with an 8-inch HD display, long battery life, and a powerful processor, the Verizon Ellipsis 8 can quickly become your go-to tablet for play and work.




Here are some cool highlights about the Ellipsis 8 Tablet:
  • With an 8-inch HD display, the Ellipsis 8 shows crisp images, vivid colors, and sharp text
  •  Equipped with a powerful 5,000 mAh battery, the Ellipsis 8 provides a long-lasting charge so you don’t constantly need to search for the power cord and a wall socket
  • Enjoy the easy-to-use Android™ operating system and the powerful 1.5 GHz quad-core processor 
  • It is a Verizon exclusive tablet powered by America’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network 
  • Experience America’s largest and super-fast Verizon 4G LTE in more places than any other 4G network  

The tablet is so easy to store!



The Zagg Folio Backlit Tablet Keyboard Case (Zagg Folio) is super versatile with so many convenient features. From morning coffee to school to work--no matter what situation you might find yourself in--the Zagg Folio can accommodate while providing extra protection for your new tablet. Here are some key highlights about the Zagg Folio:
  • With Bluetooth Wireless Technology, the Zagg Folio provides excellent protection for your Ellipsis 8 Tablet
  • Unique hinge design offers over 135-degrees of viewing angles 
  • One of the thinnest keyboards available at barely more than a quarter of an inch thick
  • Powerful, rechargeable battery offers up to 12 months between charges 
  • Backlit keys enable you to type in low light areas with 7 colors to select from
The tablet and the keyboard worked perfectly for me.  They are lightweight, easy to use, and a great alternative to my laptop, especially when I'm on the go as a busy college student and blogger.  Please enter the contest on or before August 27, 2015, at 12:00 AM!



Full Prize Pack:



Good luck to all who enter!  Xoxo, Shelly



August 7, 2015

All Things Denim


This is an article I wrote as a guest contributor for the Charlotte Russe Blog.  I hope you like it!

O
ne major trend that has been huge this season is the return of 1970s retro!  The trend is predicted to stay strong through this fall with one of the most popular influences being denim.  Here is some inspiration on how to style fit-then-flare bell bottoms and a denim, button-down skirt.

For the first styling with flared jeans, I recommend wearing some type of heel to help elongate the look of your legs for a flattering silhouette.  These comfortable tan booties give just enough height.  I love the high-waisted look of these jeans with a slim-fitting, tie-dyed crop top.  Adding a bohemian statement necklace updates the look along with the booties having a sling-back heel.  Turquoise and silver jewelry was definitely popular in the era and stands out against the earth tones of the tank and hat.







The second outfit shows how wonderful white looks with denim.  A white peasant blouse, t-shirt, or tank top is an excellent complement with any wash of denim.   To wear with this must-have, denim skirt, I selected a ribbed, white crop top, which might have been referred to as a “shrink top” in the ‘70s.  Adding white sneakers, a macramé purse, and delicate jewelry makes a perfect casual yet flirty outfit.  A pair of platform sandals would look great too.  For night, just add a pair of heels or wedges, and you are ready for a fun dinner date.

I hope you enjoyed these tips for how to style 1970s denim and incorporate them into your own style.  Please leave a comment below and let me know how you style your retro denim!  Xoxo, Shelly