Black Friday Pre-Game HAUL: Cathy Jean Booties

Hello ladies!  As you all know, the most wonderful day of the shopping-related year is coming, so the stores are gearing up for the big sales :)  Interestingly enough, though, Black Friday ended up falling pretty late this year, so a lot of stores are also extending their sales.  Cathy Jean has been having a GIANT sale for the last week and a half (50-70% off everything), so I felt like I just HAD TO capitalize on the amazing deals, without my life being threatened during the Black Friday trampling-spree.  Anyway, I only bought one pair of shoes - some heeled booties - but I took a bunch of pics so you can all see from EVERY angle :)  I hope you all enjoy...

Okay, so you've gotten an eyeful, now it's DESCRIPTION TIME :)  So, these boots were originally $79.99, but I got them for $40 (well, $43 because I live in California and we have sales tax) because they were a whoppin' 50% off!!!  I love sales :D  Anyways, they have a tiny heel (I think it's an inch-and-a-half) so they are totally wearable for school, but they still look classy.  Personally, I think they're a bit more grown-up than the crazy-popular combat boots, so if you're trying to adult-ify your style, then definitely go for these!  They come in this color (like a distressed taupe - totally beautiful), as well as pure black and a distressed steel-grey.  If you have a Cathy Jean near you and plan on purchasing these, please know that they run VERY large.  I'm usually a size 7 (small feet, I know), but I ended up getting a size 6.5 in these and I still have more-than-enough toe-room, but I wanted to buy them that way since I know I'm going to be wearing thicker socks with these when we get deeper into the winter time.  As far as styling goes, these boots are very versatile - you could wear them with leggings and jeans for the colder months, and skirts and dresses for the warmer ones!  I tend to stay away from shorts and boots, no matter the style, because it brings an image of a hooker from space to my mind :P Anyway, that's everything, I hope you all loved these (because I definitely do)!

Make sure you check back toward the end of the week for a Black Friday Haul and possibly a Friday File (I'll try to get them both up, but 'tis the season not only for turkey-bloated tummies, but also for college application deadlines, so I'll have to see what I can do).  Thank you all so much for reading!  Comment at the end of this post, why don't you?  Oh, and check out my Pinterest - it's so visually appealing right now, I can't even deal.

Love you all

<3

How I Style: Winter in California

My Style: "Winter in California" by the-saltine-herself

Hi all! So, I haven't posted in about two months (shame on me), so I'm going to use this set as sort of a come-back.  I really love this look for two reasons: First, this outfit something I'd typically wear during the winter.  Secondly, it includes a sweater.  As you know, I have a very steamy, ongoing romance with baggy sweaters, much to the dismay of my mother, who appreciates form-fitting clothing much more (when it comes to style, we don't agree on much, to be honest).  Anyway, I digress.

AS FAR AS THE OUTFIT GOES...

It is very casual, but still stylish.  As I've mentioned before, dark wash jeans hide any over-curviness on the bottom half and slim down thighs (especially saddle-bags, which we, ladies, can't really do anything about), so they are perfect not only in color (darker for the winter), but also in their ability to flatter a woman's shape.  The shoes are classic - honestly, you can't go wrong with oxfords, in my opinion.  Lastly, the sweater, which has a three-quarter sleeve length (feminine and casual at the same time) and just the right amount of bagginess, tops the cake.  Actually, I amend that statement: it's not "baggy," at all, just not form-fitting, so it lays over the chest area in a very relaxed way, giving an effortless quality to the outfit as a whole.  PLUS, it's white (you'll look like a goddess, dah-ling), and it's warm (looks warm, too).  In short, this is an awesome sweater.

ACCESSORY TALK:

1. Bath & Body Works "Twilight Woods" Body Mist: 

WHO DOESN'T LOVE THE SMELL OF THIS?  It's amazing - cozy and sexy and mysterious.  That's my kind of scent ;)

2. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils in "Iced Mocha" and "Yogurt":

I actually own both of these, and I must say that I'm very pleased.  NYX is pretty cheap in comparison to other brands, but their quality is still amazing.  These apply smoothly (even on wrinkly eyelids!) and are so quick to use (perfect for an I-woke-up-late kind of day).  Also, they look GREAT on pretty much any skin tone (I know because I do everyone's makeup, haha).

3. Essie Nail Polish in "Smokin' Hot" and "Good as Gold":

Again, I own these polishes (you've seen "Good as Gold" in other posts), and I absolutely LOVE them.  I only recently purchased "Smokin' Hot" (along with "Angora Cardi") and it's already one of my top-five favorite polishes.  

ANYWAY, I'm pretty sure that's everything...

As a side note, I typed this entire post with a splint on my right index finger (athlete problems), and I'm pretty proud of myself.

Thanks for reading!

Love you all

<3

OOTW: First Week of Senior Year

Hey all!  So, tragedy has unfolded: my iMac has been having some serious mood swings lately, THEREFORE, the making of YouTube videos must be put on hold for now (which sucks, because I already pre-filmed about three of them).  ON A HAPPY NOTE, I have a post for you today: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL IN OUTFITS.  I'm now a senior in high school (I know, right?), so I decided to start out right by documenting the beginning of the end.  BEFORE I BEGIN, THOUGH, I first need to explain my philosophy when it comes to dressing for the first week of school.  Many people who are not me try to wear as many new, trendy outfits as possible during the first few days of school - dress to impress, right?  WRONG.  Well, it's not wrong, it's just NOT MY STYLE (I'm different, yeah, I'm different).  My method is to try to keep my outfits stylish yet simplistic during the first week.  The reason for this is that I'm pretty observant, and over the years I've noticed that over half of the girls who show up looking fabulous during the first week start to decline and then plummet into a sad, dark pit of mediocrity during the second week.  TO AVOID THIS, I have developed my philosophy: 

1. Dress well the first week (well enough to keep up with the first-week-frenzy)
2. Dress even better - about 85% of your fashion capacity - the second week (people will start to notice that you have killer taste, now)
3. Dress incredibly the third week (all the girls be like: oh my gosh, I, like, totally want her whole closet)

USING THIS METHOD, you will soon be known as one of the best dressed.  People will look to you for inspiration, which is a very cool thing.  Please know that I'm not encouraging materialism or telling you to become consumed with societal acceptance when it comes to your wardrobe.  I just want you all to look good.  Really good.  AS A MOTIVATIONAL SIDE NOTE: knowing you look amazing makes you feel awesome, giving you a major confidence boost, which, one of these days, might be exactly what you need :)

First Day of School (Tuesday):

Foreign Exchange Top ::: PacSun Jeans ::: PacSun Bandeau ::: Target Sandals ::: Claire's Earrings (Hoops and Studs)

BLURB TIME: Notice the balance.  I paired an open-back tank top with mid-rise (nearly high-rise) jeans.  The show of skin on the back is balanced with the higher waist on the jeans, so you're not looking too scandalous on the first day.  AS A SIDE NOTE: Dark wash jeans slim curvier thighs and a curvy butt (yes, that's why I'm wearing them).  Also, the tank-and-jeans deal is perfect for both the warm weather and the air-conditioned classrooms.  

 Second Day of School (Wednesday):

Brandy Melville Sweater ::: Foreign Exchange High-Rise Shorts ::: Target Sandals ::: Heavenly Couture Black Bandeau ::: Claire's Earrings (Hoops and Studs) ::: Claire's Cross Necklace

BL-BL-BL-BLURB: Here we go again with the balance.  Shorts with a light sweater (seriously, its Brandy, so it's nearly equivalent to just wearing the bandeau), in my opinion, are a little bit classier and more appropriate than short shorts and a strappy tank top during the first week of school.  You want to make a chic first impression, yes?  Good.  Another note on the outfit: sweaters and shorts paired together are marvelously effortless, which is very attractive, indeed ;)

QUICK NOTE: 

I woke up late on day three, and didn't have time to take pics during my open periods (my school does block scheduling) either, so I don't have that outfit posted here.  SORRY EVERYONE.

Fourth Day of School (Friday):

Windsor Top ::: PacSun Jeans ::: Windsor Bandeau ::: American Eagle Outfitters Belt ::: Soda White Slip-on Shoes ::: Claire's Earrings (Hoops and Studs)

BLURBIN' IT UP: I know what you're thinking: shut up about the balance.  To that, I say: never.  Okay, so it's not about showing skin or anything this time.  ON THIS EPISODE OF THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ME, it's about femininity and simplicity.  The shirt is very light and intricate and girly (which I completely am in love with), so I paired it with white slip-on shoes, which are very casual and cool.  That way there's not an overload of daintiness, allowing the top to stand out :)

That's all, lovelies!  Thanks for reading - I hope you enjoyed :)

BEFORE I SAY GOODBYE, THOUGH, I would just like to say that I made all of these three-part photo collages on a website called Photovisi.  It's GENIUS, I encourage you all to check it out!

Love you all

<3

How I Style: Maxi Skirts!

Master the Trend: Maxi Skirts! by the-saltine-herself

Hey ladies! Here's just a quick guide to how I would style maxi skirts, since they are a very particular trend.  Sometimes, when you have a piece thats so flowy (something that floats AWAY from your body, in other words), it's hard to style and not look "frumpy" or "baggy."  I happen to like when things float away from my body, so maxi's are some of my favorites :)

How I Style (Left to Right):

1. Lace Crop Top + Dotted Skirt: In this outfit, I mixed print and texture.  A combination like this always makes for a visually interesting outfit, and will almost always turn out beautiful (unless you make some crucial mistakes).  In order to avoid a fashion mishap, try to match the colors, keep them complimentary, or keep them in the same color palette (different shades of blue, etc.).  For accessories (the pink necklace), I used a color that wasn't otherwise seen in this simple outfit.  I kept the shoes and accessories complimentary so that they would pop but not seem out of place (pastels always complement eachother).  Overall, this outfit shows how you can connect colors and how you can mix prints and textures.

2. Print Skirt + Solid Top: This outfit is pretty easy to put together, because it's showing a print with a solid.  The thing about this outfit that makes it special is obviously the skirt, making that the focus.  At the same time, though, the top is not without detail - there is a scalloped hem on the tank, allowing it to hold its own and not fade completely into the background.  The skirt is so visually busy that the solid top tones down the outfit, which is good because it creates a BALANCE.  This outfit exhibits the "matching colors" idea as well as the "print and solid" trend, because black is in the skirt.  Black IS A NEUTRAL, though, just like white and beige, so it would work with this skirt even if it didn't have black.  Simple sandals top off the entire ensemble.

3. Floral Bustier + Solid Skirt: This outfit exhibits one of this year's newest trends, which is the bustier.  Bustiers are cut very close to the body (they are also referred to as corsets), and so the combination with the skirt that floats away from the body, again, creates a very appealing BALANCE.  Balance is always the goal in creating a perfect outfit.  Also, the top is cropped, so you're going short on top and long on the bottom.  The shoes are a neutral, allowing the colors in the top and skirt take the main stage, but (just like the black shirt in the last outfit) are not completely boring, as they have the sparkles on the toe to keep them looking interesting.  The colors match between the top and the skirt, both having a pale pink shade.  I added the short cross necklace simply to fill the space between the face / neck and the chest, although this isn't necessary to perfect the outfit.

4. Starbucks Tank + Chevron Skirt: In this outfit, I used a printed skirt and a shirt that can be considered printed OR solid.  Many times, shirts that have a big print (you've seen shirts with large cat-faces, right? Haha) like the Starbucks logo here, are considered solid because that print embodies the whole shirt.  Anyway, because of the "solid" shirt, the printed skirt doesn't seem overpowering or overdone - it looks very casual.  The colors are pretty much the same top to bottom, creating a very put-together vibe as well as allowing the green in the tank to stand out.  When you have black and white, usually, it's already a statement in itself, so accessories don't need to be the super-standout pieces, which is why I've chosen simple sunglasses and black sandals to complement this outfit.

ALRIGHT that seems to be everything! I hope you took a few style tips from this so that you can wear your maxi skirt with killer confidence :) They are such beautiful pieces - honestly, everyone should own at least one .... or four ...

Thanks so much for checking out this post!  Make sure you follow my blog and comment below which outfits were your favs! I personally like one and four the best ;)

Stay tuned for my YouTube videos, blow some extra time on my Polyvore, and feel free to stalk my Pinterest EVERY SINGLE DAY, haha ;)

Love you all

<3

The Friday File: Outfit #5

FIVE: "Run Away With Me" by the-saltine-herself

Hello lovelies! So here's another "Friday File" outfit for you - I just made it randomly, so I hope you like it :) Again, the haul that I posted the other day (scroll down a bit if you haven't seen it) is going to be joined shortly by a video twin, which will be on my YouTube channel - make sure you check that out when I post it.  Anyways, that's all for now

Thanks so much for checking out this post :)

Love you all

<3

The Friday File: Outfit #4

FOUR: "I'll Kiss You" by the-saltine-herself

Hey dolls! So here's another "Friday File" Outfit for you all (I'm doing good lately on keeping up with the Fridays, aren't I?).  It was very HOT today - so HOT that I just HAD TO GO to the pool (and not even for swim practice - FOR FUN, who knew?) and I just HAD TO go and get a great, unhealthily-sized ice cream.  In light of the situation, I decided to make an outfit that was great for a hot day (notice I even featured a pony tail to avoid sweaty heads and sticky hairs - ewww) so that all of you lovely ladies could get inspired and not feel like there was nothing to be done on such a hot day.  Anyways, I hope you like it :) Check out my Polyvore for more of these lovely creations (look at the tab on the right to see my latest sets!) and FOLLOW FOLLOW FOLLOW this blog (por favor....please...:)

Thank you so much for checking out this post

Love you all

<3

The Friday File: Outfit #3

THREE: "Relax" by the-saltine-herself

Hi everyone! This is just another "Friday File" Outfit that I made on my Polyvore.  It's kind of casual, considering today is not only FRIDAY but also THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER.  Lately, we've had a bit of June Gloom, though, so I added in the tribal cardigan as a safety measure.  Be sure to check out the rest of my sets and collections by clicking on the "Polyvore!" tab over here on the RIGHT.  I hope you all like! Let me know in the comments section below any of your thoughts :)

Thanks so much for checking out this post

Love you all

<3

The Friday File: Outfit #2

TWO: "Sweet Love" by the-saltine-herself

Hi everyone! So I haven't posted a "Friday File" outfit in a WHOLE bunch of time, so I thought I would, since that's what I'm supposed to be doing on FRIDAYS haha.  I hope you all like! Check out my Polyvore to get all of the product information :) 

Love you all

<3

Manicure: PROM EDITION!!!

Hello darlings! So, last Saturday was PROM (enough said, right? haha).  We all know that the slow dance and all of those iconic "prom" elements are important, but really, it's all in the details, the dress, and the GETTING READY WITH YOUR FRIENDS that makes the whole adventure TRULY fun.  Out of respect for my date's privacy, I WON'T post a picture of the two of us, but I'll post what I can so that you can get a feel for what the night was like.  The main event of this post is actually my NAILS, which my friends were dazzled with ("Did you do these yourself?" "Yes" "Open up a freaking nail salon, will you?") and I loved very much.  They're a bit shabby in the pictures since I let them grow out for a few days but you get the point, I'm sure.  Please comment and/or follow my blog if you like this!

 Here's just my thumb nail - it was my favorite design out of all of them :)

So, basically what I did was I first painted my nails with one, thin coat of "Petal Pusher" by Sally Hansen in order to get a more desirable-looking base - kind of like doing a French Manicure. I then painted diagonally across all of my nails (to create that half-effect) with "My Vampire Is Buff" by OPI.  On my middle finger, I painted the entire nail for some variety.  I decided to do a buff color instead of white in order to soften the look of the entire manicure.  After this, I dotted spaces of my nail with "Eternal Optimism" by Essie (dark pink), "Sea" by Sally Hansen (mint green), and "Petal Pusher" by Sally Hansen (lighter pink).  I only dotted these colors on the part of my nail that was painted with "My Vampire Is Buff," and left the natural half of my nail just the way it was.  I outlined the spaces with silver glitter nail-art polish by Kiss.  I then finished with my Diamond Strength top-coat :)  The only thing I have to say is that you have to be a bit more skilled with your left hand (my weak hand...if you are left-handed, then I'm talking about your right hand) to pull this off.  It's not a "hard" manicure to complete, though, so don't let the detail discourage you! If you try it out, let me know in the comments section below :)

I hope you all like!  Thanks for checking out this post :)

_________________________________________________________________________________

I said I would post what I could, so....

Corsage

My GORGEOUS best friend, Haley, and I :)

Haley's Dress: black strapless hi-lo with an open caged-back detail (so beautiful)
Foreign Exchange, $37.00
http://www.shopfe.net/eshop/product.phpproductid=31415&cat=1487&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=5

My Dress: white off-shoulder cinched-waist dress with attached sleeves
Foreign Exchange: $29.00
http://www.shopfe.net/eshop/product.phpproductid=33551&cat=1487&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3

HOLLA FOR THE CHEAPEST, PRETTIEST PROM DRESSES OUT THERE ;)

All make-up was done (by me, haha) with Urban Decay's "Naked 2" Palette

Love you all

<3

Spring 2013 Fashion Forecast :)

Spring 2013 Fashion Forecast :) by the-saltine-herself

Hello everybody! So, I don't know if I actually promised this publicly, but I know for SURE that I told MYSELF I would do a spring fashion forecast video.  Well here's the thing: I filmed it (back on St. Patrick's Day to be honest) but something funny is going on with my video editor and I'm running out of patience.  SO here's my reconciliation: a BLOG POST of my spring fashion forecast, haha.  I wanted to get this up ASAP since we're already almost halfway through the spring season (crazy, right?).  Anyway, here's what I believe to be trending for spring 2013, I hope you like (and agree! haha).  I'll be creating and posting more elaborate sets on my Polyvore so you guys can get a better feel for each trend (for example: florals and stripes will go together on one collage).  For now, though, I'll just give a few short descriptions:

1. Florals: These are always popular for spring, but I've noticed a recent (and explosive haha) increase in florals, which I feel like is more prominent than usual.  Anyway, these look beautiful on everyone, and it seems like the floral shorts are really in style for this season. :)

2. Stripes: Horizontal, vertical, chevron, you name it - the stripe trend is in full swing and so so easy to style (looking good is no problem).

3. Lace: During the last couple of years, the lace trend has really exploded because of the femininity and effortless beauty that it provides.  This trend is a great investment because it will always be around, and it's especially amazing for spring because of the sheer quality: you won't be too covered up (like in the winter), but you're not showing too much skin either (save that for summer).

4. Sneakers: Tomboy-ish style has been coming back for girls, recently, and I've seen a lot of hi-top sneakers, like these Chuck Taylors, as well as wedge sneakers and more casual-looking oxfords.  They look very effortless and cool, no matter what you have on the rest of your body.

5: Boat Shoes: I don't know if it's just where I LIVE, or if it's everywhere, but there has been a widespread obsession with Sperry Top-Siders, or just boat shoes in general.  I feel like during the last 3 months or so, nearly every style-conscious (and non style-conscious) person in my school has purchased a pair.  If you like them, GET THEM - so comfy and casual, perfect for spring.

6. Cut-outs: Show just a LITTLE bit, and you'll have heads turning ;) Cutouts have been VERY IN recently, and they're showing up everywhere: cold shoulder, full midriff, back cutout, side cutouts, even laser-cut shoes and boots! This trend is sexy, but still retains a girl's dignity, if you know what I mean, haha, so I would say GO FOR IT :)

7. Statement Jewelry: Big, beautiful jewelry has been extremely popular lately because of the ease of fashion, I think - you can wear a t-shirt and jeans and still look like a million bucks once you put a giant ring and a tribal collar necklace.  Basically, statement jewelry is versatile and ALWAYS looks good, as long as you don't over-do the rest of your outfit.  AMAZING trend for spring and for seasons to come!

8: Leather: Leather is a bit funny in that people associate it with the winter months and then tend to forget about it for the sunnier times of year.  This is changing for this season with the appearance of leather or leather paneled shorts and leggings as well as leather vests and cropped jackets.  They're still amazing for spring, just to add something extra to an otherwise-light outfit.  The punk-like trend of leather is also coming back, so if you want to, go for something with studs and extra hardware!

Thank you all so much for checking out this post (I know it was a longer read)

I hope you've gotten inspired (maybe you'll plan a shopping day - and bring a LIST haha)

Check out my Polyvore for extra detailed sets (coming soon) and my YouTube channel for more videos (haven't updated that in a while, sorry)

Love you all

<3

The Friday File: Outfit #1

ONE: "Up is where we go from here" by dev-the-saltine

Hello wonderful lovelies! So, I decided that I would start a new kind of feature-thing (don't know what else to call it), which is called "The Friday File."  Basically, I'll create a new collage on my Polyvore for this collection every (okay, MOST) Fridays, and they'll all be unique and wonderful and completely available for your viewing on my profile as well as HERE on my blog :) I sincerely hope that you enjoy this outfit, because I DEFINITELY DO haha.  Anyways, thank you so much for checking out this post - how about you follow my blog (that way you'll easily be able to see these little Friday-features ALL THE TIME)? 

Love you all

<3

Get Ready With Me! Christmas Eve Mass

Hello lovely people!  So I was kind of debating posting this, because I know that religion is kind of a touchy subject for some people, and maybe it would be offensive in some way to post what I wore to church on Christmas Eve.  Anyway, my religion is important to me, so I'm posting this (this is not really about religion anyway, it's about an outfit, but yeah I just wanted to put in this baby disclaimer here haha).  SO here's a few pics to outline what I wore and what my face looked like, I hope you enjoy ;)

You can check out my YouTube video on this (it's way better than just looking at these pictures)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyJRnoHAwnY

PRODUCTS I USED IN MY VIDEO:
(I promised that I would post them here)

CLOTHING:
Black Dress: PacSun
Stone Necklace: Brandy Melville
Chunky Knit Cardi: Foreign Exchange
Tights: I HAVE NO IDEA
Black Bandeau: Heavenly Couture
Black Pointed Flats: H&M

MAKE-UP
FACE:
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Medium
E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer in Beige
Maybelline Coverstick (Medium Skin Tone Concealer)
Maybelline Coverstick (Green Tint Blemish Concealer)
Physician's Formula Light Bronzer (and E.L.F. Kabuki Brush)

BROWS:
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Pencil in Mink Brown
Smudger Tool
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

EYES:
Stila Eyeshadow
Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner in Basic Black
E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Black
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Iced Mocha
NYX Eyeshadow Base (Natural)
Eyelash Curler
L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara (Waterproof)

LIPS:
EOS Lip Balm in Lemon Drop
Covergirl Lipstick in Rose
Mentha Organics Lip Gloss (from Bath&Body Works)

AND YEAH I THINK THAT'S IT

I hope you guys liked my video (if you watched it) and/or this blogpost!

Thanks for being here!

Love you all

<3

RANDOM SHOP-POPS

HELLO LOVELY LADIES!!! So here's a random shop-pop for you haha (which means that the thought of buying these recently came into my head, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, so i just HAD TO TELL ALL OF YOU).

I AM TOTALLY LOVING THESE RIGHT NOW

They are the MIA Brighton Booties :) I found them on the PacSun website and at DSW too!  So BLACK FRIDAY IS COMING UP (omg) AND I AM HOPING I CAN GET SOME KIND OF DEAL because they are literally beautiful ;) BEFORE YOU LOOK though, I'm sorry for the crappy quality of the pics, but I figure you all get the idea of what the boots look like...

Thanks for checking out this post! Please comment, and don't forget to visit my YouTube Channel as well :)

Love you all

<3