A Little More Edge

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that sometimes I feel like I need a complete overhaul when it comes to my signature style. I thought I had a handled on it, but over the last six months or so, I feel like I'm in a style rut and need a complete transformation. I feel like most of the time I walk around in a boyfriend jeans haze with no style direction to speak of. There are times when I feel pulled together, like here, here, and here, but for the most part I feel like I look matronly! A look I so don't ever want to sport. So with that, I'm on a secret mission to make some major changes. And, I'm seeking my mother's help! I know you're thinking, "Who asks their mom for style advice?" But this girl does! She's a lot more help than you would think! Seriously, she's the most honest person I know. Sometimes too honest! 

So while I work on my secret mission, I thought I would also share some thoughts around adding a little more edge here and there. I'm in serious need of edge! I'm soft around the middle, something I'm working on, but the other edge I'm thinking is in terms of my hair. I've had various hair cuts regarding length, and I've changed my hair color numerous times, but it's just not cutting it. No pun intended. I'm thinking I need something a little more edgy, but I haven't a clue how to achieve it. I always feel so restricted because of my curls. There are times when I simply have to rely on the simplicity of having said curls. Throw in a little curl cream and I'm out the door. But I get tired of that day after day. If I were to go super short, there is no way I could wear it curly so that means I would have to spend time styling it. I honestly don't have the time to sit and style my hair on a day to day basis. I don't really want a wash and go look either. I want something that says chic. 

I've been on Pinterest for days looking at short hairstyles and I've found six that I love. They're short, but not too short. They're easily worn, meaning I won't have to style it for an hour before I leave the house. And, I'm thinking I could go curly or straight with very little effort. Some of them you have seen before, I've used them in the past for color options, but I keep coming back to them for a reason. And the reason is because they're so chic. The word I'm looking for in my next hair style. 

Now I know what you're thinking. What does Mandana's look have in common with all the others? Nothing really. What I love most about her look are the bangs! I will never get bangs. I don't have the face, or hair, for them. But when I daydream about having them, this is the look I would want! 

I'm not looking to change my color. If anything, I would take out the ombre and simply go back to a deep brunette. However, I've received so many compliments on the color lately, I'm thinking it might be working for me. As for the actual cut, this girl is ready to make a change. An edgy change for the better!

What do you think of my inspirational cuts? Is there one that you love the most? One you would run out immediately to get? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear your feedback. I get my hair cut at the end of the month and it can't come soon enough.

As for the secret mission, it all starts next week and I'm so ready to get started. I will be sharing the details with you soon! Stay tuned! 

All photos found are courtesy of Pinterest!

Friday Beauty: Tortoise Shell and New Cuts

It is finally time to color my hair! And, if you've been looking closely at my photos lately, you can see why! The gray stripe is back, or Pepe Le Pew as my dad calls it, and I'm so ready for it to go back into hiding. And, just like always, I'm itching to do something new. I've experimented with highlights, a version of ombre that was entirely too light for me (live and learn, right), and then back to a darker shade of brown. With spring here, and summer on the horizon, I'm looking to mix things up. 

I've doing a little research on Pinterest and I'm a new fan of the Tortoise Shell hair! It's a mix of dark and caramel browns, and little highlights that comes in various lights and darks. I'm also thinking of taking a little more off the ends. Like my little cousin Madison once told my aunt after she cut her hair, at the ripe old age of nine, "It's only hair. I grows back." Very wise, Madison. Very wise! But because of the natural curl, I have to be very careful in how short I cut my locks. And, I have to factor in the humidity that's heading our way. So many things to consider before taking too much off. 

Here are some of the colors and cuts I'm considering. I have to say that my favorite color combo is the one on the top left. As for the cut style, it appears that they are all pretty much the same style. I guess when I find something I like, I stick with it! Check out what I'm thinking!

The actual hair appointment isn't until next Wednesday so you have plenty of time to weigh in! What do you think of the color? Do the cuts appeal to you? Have any other suggestions? 

Happy Friday, Beauties!

All images found on Pinterest!

Happy Fourth of July

I hope you are having a festive Fourth of July! We don't have much planned, but I know we will enjoy every minute of our family time together! We don't have actual plans. We're just going to go with the flow of the day and do whatever everyone feels like doing! I love the holidays! Any holiday will do. The decorating, the baking, the parties, and the outfit planning! It's all so much fun. And even if it's just the three of us, I have plenty of things up my sleeve. Here are just a few things I'm loving!

Amazing nail art via Pinterest!

Super cute Espadrilles and striped maxi from Old Navy!

Yummy patriotic Popsicles via Pinterest.

My son's Fourth of July tree and pennant that I made for him! 

 

 A darling print that's perfect for a pair of shorts! Let's hope I can get them made in time!

There's nothing like a little red, white, and blue to get this girl jazzed for a holiday weekend! 

Happy Fourth of July!!

Inspired by a Red Skirt

  I have become obsessed with finding a red skirt after I saw this darling look from Hallie Daily on Pinterest!

And as I explored Pinterest, I found these amazing looks from Blaire over at Atlantic Pacific.

I love this concept from Kendi over at Kendi Everyday! I have my fair share striped tops, but there is no way I could pull off the knee-socks and tall boots. She's way cooler than I am!

I've worn several different versions of a red skirt here, here, and here, but I'm really in the mood for a longer version. I have a red version of this black one on order and I can't wait to style it well into summer! Thankful for bloggers and Pinterest for fueling my creative side and obsessive shopping!

Photo number one courtesy of Hallie Daily.
Photo number two courtesy of Atlantic Pacific.
Photo number three courtesy of Atlantic Pacific.
Photo number four courtesy of Kendi Everyday.

Dream to Reality - Styling Katie Couric for Her Big Day

Have you heard the news that Katie Couric is getting married? Old news, I know, but it's the first time I've really talked about it here. My mom mentioned that after one of her shows, right after she announced the engagement, that Katie said she hadn't given much thought to her planning her wedding. She stated that if any viewers had ideas on what she should do, they should pass them along. Well, I took her to heart and created a Pinterest board! It has been so well received. I have 148 followers for that one specific board, including Katie Couric herself! Okay, so it's not really Katie Couric, but someone from her camp, but it has peeked someones interest.

 

For this week's Dream to Reality, I've been thinking more and more about this Pinterest board, the interest it has created, the pieces I've chosen and why I should be considered to style Katie for her big day. Have you seen the board? It's pretty amazing, if I do say so myself! I would wear many of these pieces and I can totally see Katie in them as well. I've chosen items that speak to her style, which in my opinion, is so classic. Gone are the days of her Today Show suits. Like her professionalism on the job, so is her wardrobe, but there's a little more room to show her infectious personality. She seems to have embraced sheath dresses in an array of colors. She keeps her accessories to a minimum. But, she definitely likes to show off those buff arms!!

 

For her big day, I've really tried to hone in on all of those elements of her personal style. I've given her gowns, as well as sheaths. Ones that are sleeveless and ones with sleeves. There are long and short dresses. I've left the color to accents like shoes and bags. I've given her subtle and rich makeup options and up-dos to boot! I've even gone so far as to pick headpieces. Nothing too elaborate. I really like a birdcage veil. Oh, and there are diamonds!!! Diamonds, diamonds, and more diamonds! I mean, who doesn't love diamonds!!

 

So I propose that starting today, Friday November 15, 2013, we should start an active petition so that I can entertain Katie with my ideas for her wedding day! How do we make that happen? I've already grabbed the attention of someone in her camp. How do we keep that spark alive and turn it into a flame? Please send me your ideas, or better yet, use your social media platforms to spread the word! Go to Twitter and tweet it to the universe. Start following my "Dressing Katie Couric for Her Big Day" Pinterest board and share with your friends. Talk about it on Facebook. The more buzz the better!

 

In the meantime, I will continue to grow my board with additional wedding ideas. I would love to dress her daughters! Pick the venue, the cake, the favors! Will it be a destination wedding or a sweet backyard affair? It will take place on the beach of some exotic island or in her home state of Virgina? No problem! I will plan for both.

 

Oh, and I plan to plan it all by Katie's side, even if it's in cyberspace and through Pinterest! Join me for the big day! 

Inspiration - Comfy Chic

What I love about following other bloggers is finding inspiration in how others dress. There isn't a defined style that everyone has to follow, thank goodness, and it's nice to break out of your own style rut every now and then! Pinterest is a great one-stop-shop for finding incredibly chic looks, but my own blog roll is equally helpful!

 

While browsing Pinterest last week, I stumbled on this look from Julia over at Gal Meets Glam. I love it!! I love the sweatshirt paired with pencil skirt idea in which the sweatshirt now looks so dressy. Almost like a sweater. And honestly, I thought it was some super expensive sweater until I saw that it was a simple sweatshirt from Old Navy! YES, Old Navy! I also love the hotpink bag and super cute heels. This look is what I'm calling Comfy Chic!

 

 

From my own blog roll, I immediately loved this Comfy Chic look on Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. The fact that she is wearing a sweatshirt, from Forever 21 I might add, with a skirt and heels takes this look to a whole nother level! I would have never thought that either of these piece were made from terry cloth! See what I mean about inspiration?

 

So, I've created my own version of Comfy Chic using this sweatshirt, also found at Old Navy, and a cotton maxi skirt from Ann Taylor, seen here.

 

 I can't wait to show you my Comfy Chic creation! And, I am super comfy today! Check back tomorrow....