My Style: Pretty in Paisley

What is university life like?  May I rant for just a moment?  I thought teachers would allow laptops, cell phones, absences, and freedom.  I thought I could go where I wanted when I wanted.  My parents would tell me stories about classes at UCLA having 400 students and the professor wouldn't even know you were there or not.  Weeeeellllllll, my average class size at NAU is 20 and the professors take roll the moment class starts.  Part of your grade is attendance!  We can't use electronics unless they are for the project.  This is my least favorite part.  It's like an extension of high school.  I get it--they want us to focus and learn.  But as a transfer student, this semester is total review for me; if I have to hear about the "elements and principles of design" one more time, I'm going to implode.  Just warning those of you out there that thought you'd have all this freedom or time (they load you up on so much work as if their one class is your only class).  I don't mean to sound ungrateful; I am blessed to be able to attend a university.  Next semester, hopefully, I will begin to learn new techniques and be inspired.  It's tough being a college student...  One bright star:  you can wear what you want, which for me is a lot different than high school.

So, here's a pretty outfit to wear on a warm fall day.  As I've told you before, Hollister has amazing pieces.  The prints, the materials, and the cuts are perfect.  This coordinated outfit flows on the body and has the gorgeous fall colors of navy, burgundy, and tan.  To keep warm as the sun goes down, I added this beautiful crocheted sweater by Kersh, another favorite brand of mine.  Add some Betsey Johnson lace up booties, and you are ready to take on the world--at least for one day.

I truly would love to hear how your fall season is holding up, and I promise I will try to count my blessings versus contemplating what little freedom I have.  I am loving my apartment though!  Once I'm totally done decorating, I will try to take some great photos and make a blog post for you.  Decorating is a blast--I can totally understand why people become interior decorators.  I'm trying my best to juggle college work and blog work.  Thank you all for bearing with me and being so lovely.  Xoxo, Shelly

Top & shorts courtesy of Hollister

Sweater courtesy of Kersh

Purse courtesy of Aimee Kestenberg

Boots from Betsey Johnson

             

My Style: Denim Jumper

I don't know about you, but I'm loving the new fall clothes and accessories!  Here are some tips and tricks on how to have the most fashionable fall yet.  First off, a few fall closet musts:  deep v-cut booties with over-the-knee socks.  The pairing looks very chic, but also keeps your legs warm.  

Another must for the season, a trendy, dark wash denim jumper with suspender straps.  This piece goes with so many things from any girl's closet.  It's one of those items you can throw on, be totally comfy, and also look on point.

Hats?  Have you noticed I like hats?  Totally recommend this floppy panama hat in olive.

Next, I suggest trying to bring out matching colors in an outfit like I did with the knee high socks and the sweater.  Pulling your outfits together through color blocking is a technique that makes you look put together but not overdone.

Lastly, finish your look with jewelry!  I added some amazing jewelry pieces to this ensemble, which included two silver rings, a pair of hoop earrings, and two layered necklaces.

Sure hope you're liking some of these tips.  I know we don't always need to look sophisticated, street-style sexy.  Sometimes we just want to be comfortably warm and cute with a touch of hipster  :)  Xoxo, Shelly

Hat, socks, jumper, top, sweater, rings, earrings, and necklaces courtesy of Charlotte Russe

See the post on Charlotte Russe's blog here

My Style: Sweater Weather

T he weather will start cooling down soon.  My fall essentials definitely include sweaters and torn jeans.  An ivory, over-sized sweater is such a must for fall, and it transitions well into winter.  Because I'm on the petite size, a bootie with a heel is another fall essential for me.  The heel helps elongate the look of the legs.  Plus, these booties fit nicely over socks and skinny jeans because of the slouched, relaxed design.  Next, lace is always one of my favorite accents but especially for fall.  A girl can't help but feel pretty in this embroidered blouse with crocheted lace insets, adding a vintage, bohemian charm to the look.  Lastly, a fringe purse is just essential for life.  Period.  Slip on some beautiful jewelry pieces and you are ready for a new adventure, a new season.  Xoxo, Shelly

See post on Charlotte Russe's blog here

Sweater, top, jeans, boots, socks, rings, necklace, & bag courtesy of Charlotte Russe

Inside My Room: 41 Winks Bedding

A s some of my readers may know, I have recently gone through a lot of life changes.  I just moved into my first apartment, changed cities (moving away from my hometown where I've grown up), and changed universities.  Although change can be scary or stressful, all these changes are for the better, and I'm loving it.  One of my favorite parts?  Decorating my first apartment!  Now that I'm starting a new chapter, I wanted to create a new ambiance to go along with the new life.  As fate would have it, 41 Winks, a New York City-based designer of beautiful, fashion bedding décor, contacted me to select a bedding set.  An essential part of every apartment is the bedroom.  I left my colorful bedspread at home in my old room and decided to go with a more sophisticated, neutral spread for my apartment.  But not neutral as in boring.  This duvet cover has metallic gold linen, floral embroidered panels, and striped seersucker.  Just gorgeous!  I recommend you check out the 41 Winks website for more selections.  If you wish to be a brand ambassador on your college campus, see details I included below.  Now, I'm off to another graphic design class; I'm already studying or creating projects every night.  College life is such a blast, right?!   Xoxo, Shelly

Bailey Full/Queen Set includes:
Bailey Full/Queen Duvet Cover,
Tuscany Blanket White Full/Queen,
& 2 Metallic Gold Linen Euro Shams

Have you thought about being a brand ambassador on your college campus?  41 Winks is looking for influential students to participate in their Campus Ambassador program. To learn more, e-mail Winkbassador@41Winks.com.  41 Winks offers fresh fashion-forward décor, perfect for styling dorm rooms and first apartments. Just as clothes express our personal style, the brand’s 24-year old creative director, Olivia White, believes beds are a canvas for self-expression. The brand offers a curated selection of décor to suit any style, allowing you to create a bedroom that reflects your personality. Think about beautifying your dorm or apartment and give them a quick email.  Let them know Shelly sent you ;)

My Style: Stripes at Sunset

Wearing incredible selections from Hollister is definitely a plus for transitioning into a new season. This photo shoot is a little nostalgic for me, because it's the last photo shoot I did in my hometown before moving to Flagstaff.  The sunset reminds me of a chapter closing in my life, the chapter of living in the home I grew up in.  Now, I have to food shop, cook, do dishes, do washing, etc.!  It's a rude awakening of sorts living in your own apartment, but it's a step in life everyone needs to take.  You truly get to know yourself.  I have to admit, I'm enjoying my freedom and space.  Am I enjoying school starting up again too?  Eh...not as big of a fan.  haha  Xoxo, Shelly

Top, shorts, necklace, & bracelet courtesy of Hollister

Bag courtesy of Big Buddha

Belt courtesy of Charlotte Russe
Hair extensions courtesy of Irresistible Me

Boots & hat from Forever 21

                     

Garage Clothing Fall It Girl

S

ticking with the theme of fall closet essentials, I have to say every girl needs a comfy pair of skinny jeans that fit like a glove.  Yes, it's bittersweet that summer is coming to an end, but now that fall is right around the corner, it's time to dust off the tall boots and bring out the cold weather wardrobe!  Although it's a time for mourning the loss of endless summer nights and no homework, it's also a time for celebrating new beginnings, sweater weather, and denim season.    I was thrilled when Garage Clothing selected me to be a part of their Denim Squad as one of their fall It Girls.  I got to style an outfit with the Cozy High Waist Jeggings.  

Read my interview on their blog here:  http://goo.gl/MlhbEw

Hope you're having a wonderful day!  Xoxo, Shelly

Jeans, jacket, flannel, sweater, & rings courtesy of Garage Clothing

Boots from Steve Madden