Fluorescent Flash

Yesterday I discovered not one, but TWO amazing sites filled with fashionable finds. Now you very well may have already heard of them both but guess what, their new-to-me and I am super excited about it. Ladies, I present to you Tobi.com, an online fashion boutique that features 30% off the new styles that are added daily. And Sabo Skirt, another online boutique full of chic fashions at affordable prices and they ship worldwide.

As I was browsing, I noticed this fantastic fluorescent skirt that looked just like the one I spotted in a recently pinned image originating from Sabo Skirt's blog. According to the fabulous ladies behind the brand, Thessy and Yiota, the entire outfit will be available in late June. However, I have no patience when it comes to waiting for something that I want now, especially when it comes to clothing. Alas, it was the kick that I needed to find the pieces to remake the complete outfit. So if you are searching for a rocking get-up to wear to one of many summer celebrations or bachelorette party, look no further. Below is the inspiration photo accompanied by my finds; all of which are priced below $100.

{Inspiration Photo via Fashion Worship via Sabo Skirt}

The Originals: 
Shirt Available Now

Get it now:
Skirt | Shirt | Sunglasses | Polish | Shoes

 

PS. Have you purchased from Tobi or Sabo Skirt before? If so, tell me all about it!

Tech Spotlight: Stylish iPad Cases

I am an Apple Geek. Mac Nerd. Steve Jobs Groupie. Whatever you may choose to call it, I'm that. Like many other devout Apple fans, I'm in love with the sleek design, simplistic aesthetic, and easy-to-use products that adorn my home, office, and most often, my right hand.

I'll be honest, since I got my iPad 2, I haven't used it nearly as much as all of my other Apple products. But with the warm weather upon us, I envision myself sitting poolside, iPad in hand, without worrying about it's safety when I take a dip or put it down. I've subscribed myself to the theory that if I buy a cute case that is more convenient than my orange flip cover, I'll be more apt to bring it with me wherever I go. And so, I am on a mission to buy the perfect case that is both fashionable and functional. Here is my round up of my favorites designs from some of my favorite designers:

Michael Kors iPad 3 Zip Case | Cole Haan Village iPad Envelope

Kate Spade Rugby Stripe iPad Folio | Tory Burch Robinson Case

Rebecca Minkoff MAC Case | Jess LC Quincy iPad Case

Harper's Bazaar also put together a swoon-worthy list of iPad case options. Unfortunately they are just a wee-bit (re: a lot) out of the budget.

Which would you choose? Did I miss any other great options? Help!

Beach Essentials: What to pack for vacation

By any seasoned traveler's standards, I suck at packing. There simply isn't any other way to say it. It doesn't matter if I plan for weeks or shove things into a bag the night before. I will inevitably over-pack and have an absurd abundance of clothing, shoes, accessories, and underwear in proportion to the length of my stay.

My boyfriend goes by the rule, "pack as much as you can carry"- which is great since all my luggage has wheels or he ends up carrying it for me [Editor's note: Josh, if you are reading this I totally appreciate it and thank you]. I on the other hand justify my packing "skillz" by proclaiming "it's better to have too many options than not enough." Except now that it costs a million dollars to check a bag, my motto is proving to be a bit flawed.

I spent last week in Key West, Florida. Before I left, I made an honest attempt at narrowing down a practical list of necessities and accessories for someone taking a similar vacation. As expected, I failed miserably and wore maybe 25% of the items I actually brought. So it goes without saying, this is simply a guide intended to help streamline others that subscribe to my theory of bringing everything but the kitchen sink (keeping under 50 lbs of course). And hoping your boyfriend will carry it.

Kaftan | Sundress | Shirt | Romper |  | Midi-Dress | Flip Flops |

 Wedges | Gladiators | Aviators | Watch | Wayferers 

Vicariously experience my Key West vacation through the lens of my third appendage.

Click below to follow me on Instagram:

@dee_huest

April Showers

It's been said that you can tell a lot about a person by how they handle a rainy day. Now, don't get me wrong I am a big fan of cuddling on the couch on a rainy afternoon. But when you live in a really, really rainy city doing so on a daily basis is simply not an option. So it can be hard to keep your spirits up and tackle the day. Not to mention dressing for wet weather can dampen your style. Pun totally intended.

What better way to welcome the spring rain by dressing in something that can always make you happy- like a sequined frock and sunshine-hued rain boots! Unexpected and a bit impractical, yes. But perfect for splashing in puddles while you venture out to visit a new coffee shop or that art gallery that you've always wanted to check out. Just make sure you don't forget the waterproof eyeliner.

Shop this look:

Dress | Umbrella | Cuff | Boots

What's your favorite rainy day accessory?

If you are what you eat: be a Shamrock Shake

Inspired by the fabulous creations I seem to always pin from Polyvore, I decided to create a new feature highlighting two of my favorite things: FASHION & FOOD. Everyone's heard of the saying "you are what you eat", so what better way to epitomize the saying by taking it quite literally and creating satirical outfits based on my never ending craving for good food.

The first in the series is dedicated to the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. My hometown of Rochester, NY goes absolutely CRAZY during the weekend leading up to the holiday. I'll be hosting a party of my own before taking to the streets of my downtown neighborhood to share in the festivities. Only I'll be sporting a much more relaxed outfit [re: theme t-shirt, orange flats, & huge sequin hair bow] since the day's celebration is reminiscent of an all-day college frat party rather a fashionable cocktail hour.

Add caption

Blouse | Necklace | Clutch | Shorts | Shoes (which I have and love!)

Plus, I love this look for its ability to hit on multiple trends without trying to hard:

• Color Blocking
• Pastels
• Statement Necklaces
• Metallic Accessories

Speaking of Shamrock Shakes, if you do go to McDonald's do yourself a favor and order a Thin Mint by requesting half Shamrock half Chocolate. And for those of you that are fast-food phobe (like me), click here for a copycat recipe, which also happens to be a MUCH healthier alternative.

How will you be celebrating St. Patrick's Day? And what will you wearing?

Fringe Tassel Garland Love [Confetti System & beyond]

Let me just start out by saying I think this post is quite epic. It has links to so many other awesome web finds that I want to apologize in advance for the A.D.D. this will cause you. And you are welcome.

The picture that started it all

About a year and a half ago, I caught site of the amazing designs from the Confetti System while browsing a feature on The Selby. You may even recognize the shiny strands from the PartyParty collection at Urban Outfitters or J.Crew's Holiday 2010 window displays. Whatever the case, there is no denying the endless amount of inspiration the artistic duo Julie Ho and Nicholas Anderson have created. Browse just about any design blog, chic Tumblr account, or girly Pinterest board for some proof.

Via Cupcakes & Cashmere

Fast forward a few months later to when I was introduced to yet another blog favorite and saw that Emily Schuman of Cupcakes & Cashmere used the metallic fringe to create a perfect backdrop on her office wall. I made a mental note to incorporate the same type of detail I had long loved into my own home in the near future.

Via EverlyLaneDesign Home

At the end of last year I moved out of my compact apartment [that I was completely attached to mostly because of a closet] and into a much bigger space with my boyfriend. The selling point was the ability to double my closet space by taking over an extra bedroom and customizing it to my every need. At the time of the move, I was going through an obsessive Etsy phase. So when I found EverlyLaneDesign I squealed. Literally. Through a custom order, she created a beautiful CS replica in the exact color scheme I was hoping for. I promptly cut the nylon rope in half and strung the sparkle over each window for pseudo-DIY, alternative to curtains as shown below.

Details in my closet room

So when I stumbled upon the amazing DIY on Camille Styles blog as told by Jennifer King who adopted the tutorial from yet another blogger [told ya it was going to get cray up in here] I couldn't resist dedicating a full play-by-play write-up on how damn obsessed I am with Fringe Tassel Garland.

Whichever option you fancy, click below to get your fix:

Rainbow Brights

For as long as I can remember, I have had an undeniable attraction to the color gray. It's like a magnetic force that I just cannot resist. Declaring gray as my favorite neutral would be an understatement. But this post is a tribute to just the opposite. Pops of color (thank you, @mrbradgoreski). And bold rainbow brights. I haven't walked out of a store or clicked "checkout" with anything BUT bold hues lately. Not only do all my new finds look fabulous hanging in my closet, but I'm looking forward to the endless color combinations I can now create when I get dressed.

Here are a few of my favorite rainbow brights that have caught my eye over the past week.

Statement Necklaces
1. Hixson Bib Necklace, DANNIJO
2. I want this necklace but all I have is this picture

Funky Feet
3. Jessica Simpson Summer Haze Color Block Pumps, LuLu*s
4. WR890 Rainbow Sneakers, New Balance

Sweet Style
5. Street Fashion from a stylish ASOS shopper (that laser-cut clutch is only $40!)
6. An image from my Pinterest collection of color blocked tights & shoes that Pure Wow choose as their first ever Pin of the Week

Beautiful Blooms
7. Organized mix of flowers in a simple, yet unexpected arrangement
8. Ecuadorian Roses I spotted yesterday at Wegmans

How to wear a Canadian Tuxedo.

Last fall, I became obsessed with the ultimate classic, the denim buttoned-down shirt. Aka the top half of a Canadian Tuxedo. Since I wasn't sure if I was going to fully commit to the trend, I purchased a lightweight, budget-friendly version from Forever 21. Unfortunately, the shirt is now sold out but there has been a surge in retailers who offer a very similar style. If someone happens to break into my apartment and steal it I would purchase this look alike from J.Crew.

Now that spring is right around the corner, I am preparing to transition my fav denim look to fit into my sunny weather wardrobe. Below are my eight favorite ways to rock my Canadian Tuxedo. And while I'm at it, is the proper style called 'button(ed)-up' or 'button(ed)-down' or Chambray? Does it matter?

Top: J.Crew, Polyvore, ?  |  Middle: ? , ?, ? magazine editorial  |  Bottom: ?, ?, ?

PS. All of these images came from Pinterest, unfortunately with invalid links to the original source. If you recognize or can claim these images, let me know- I'd love to give credit where credit is due! Which is a good reminder for all to be sure to follow the Pin Etiquette to help others avoid this problem in the future.

Two things a woman can never be.

After a few happenings last week and my never ending pursuit to decide what to wear, it seemed perfectly appropriate to share this as this week's words to live by.

In reference to being overdressed, of course there are extreme circumstances; like wearing full on bling to the beach or a ball gown to your little cousins backyard BBQ. But I'd like to interpret this half of the quote as being confident with your personal style. The type of confidence that makes people say "oh, she can pull that off"-- no matter what the garment or venue may be. So from now on I am going to make a valiant effort to not concern myself with what everyone else is wearing. And to focus on dressing in what makes me feel comfortably-sexy, thus confident with my appearance.

But over-educated? Don't even get me started. To me that is a cop-out for those who are intimidated. From a business perspective it's simply an oxymoron. What company doesn't want to hire those who are wildly smart and experienced? Sadly, you'd be surprised at the number of companies who by-pass candidates for this very reason. I'm going on record to say if you use the "over-qualified/over-educated card" it means at least one of two things: I don't want to hire someone smarter than me or I can't pay anywhere near what you are worth. Only exception here is if you make it apparent your salary expectations or that you would be bored with what the job entails [in which case you should withdraw your application]. And in a social setting, smart is equally as enticing. Everyone should be able to hold a conversation with substance on a particularly complex subject. If you can can voice your opinion and have conviction on the matter, all the better. 

Moral of the story? Wear your clothes, don't let them wear you. Slip on your favorite pair of shoes, march your butt into that party/interview/new bar, and don't you dare shy away from an opportunity to enlighten others with your smarts.

Deelightful Digs: Wallpaper

Wallpaper has an undeserving bad reputation, which can most likely be attributed to its tedious hanging and dreaded removal. The mere mention of the word makes plenty cringe as images of out-dated fruit motifs or tacky florals fill their heads. Meanwhile others, like me, lust for rooms covered in a bold hue, an eclectic print, or luxe textures.

Truthfully, wallpaper has made leaps and bounds since the days in which I grew up with country-bumpkin geese flocking my mother's walls [sorry Mom, thank goodness your taste has changed]. But as a renter, a splash of paint is the furthest I can push my wall-art boundaries which has left me ohhh-ing and ahhh-ing over images of beautifully designed spaces. Check out some of my favorites bursting with personality and wallpapered pizazz: 

Images courtesy of: Hygge & West // Brandon Barre // Saddie + Stella //Niche Interiors // The Wallpaper Collective // House Beautiful

If you decide to take the plunge, consider these few tips:

• Choose a palette. Build your space around a set of 3-5 colors. Don't be afraid to create a palette of both contrasting and complimentary colors. Or go the opposite route and create drama through a monochromatic color scheme.
• Layer, layer, layer. Add dimension to room through a mix of furniture and accessories. If your wallpaper is bold, anchor it with neutral or matching furniture. Think structured couches, a set of matching chairs, or a solid area rug. Once your walls are covered, don't be afraid to hang art such as a well-curated frame gallery or a glossy animal head.
• Choose an accent wall. Perfect for those on a budget or just want to bring an unexpected punch to their space. Likewise, using wallpaper on the ceiling brings an unexpected dimension to a room.
• Go big or go home. Unlike an accent wall, covering every wall including the ceiling works best in small, cozy spaces like a powder room or entryway. And for the brave, mix in well coordinated patterns- stripes and florals, anyone?
• It will only look as good as the quality of installation.  If you can't hire a professional, I recommend reading this post from the DIY Network: How to Apply Wallpaper. 
• Get more than you really need.  Even if you use a wallpaper calculator, always invest in an extra roll. You never know when you'll need more and you can always use the extra in a mix of decorative ways.

So if you are a renter like me, try these crafty wallpaper alternatives to help transform your space. Apartment Therapy also just featured an article on Smart Ways to Use Wallpaper in Small Doses for those who are on a budget or just too timid to go all the way. 

• Decals. Urban Outfitters has a fun assortment if you are looking to add temporary graphics to your walls.
• Hand-painted murals. Ok, this is NOT renter friendly. But when I saw my friend Emily free-hand paint her closet [with an ikat pattern no less!], I instantly fell in love and had to share.
• Tapestries. I'm not talking about the hippie tie-dyed things you see in college dorms. I mean beautiful, exotic fabrics. Or how about a roll-up map? You know, like the one your 4th grade teacher had hanging in front of the chalkboard and would pull down for a quick geography lesson. 
• Washi Tape. To satisfy my wallpaper craving, I created horizontal stripes on one of my bathroom walls using metallic washi tape. It took only one roll and nearly 15 minutes. Best of all, it comes right off and won't leave a mark when I leave. Until I buy a house, I imagine much more washi tape in my future. 

My bathroom

Do you have any other DIY wallpaper alternatives? Feel free to share images of your favorite covered walls! 

Shopping List: Before winter ends.

While most people are prepping for the first days of spring, I am still waiting for winter. For a city that is considered one of the snowiest in America, Rochester has received only a few flurries and well under 12 inches this year. And since I feel like the season hasn't even started, I'm still longing to stock-up on a few blizzard-friendly pieces. 

1. A practical winter boot, Sorel 'Joan of Arctic 64' Boot, $169.95, Nordstrom
2. My favorite pair of basic black leggings, Sexy Stretch Legging, $29.90, Express
3. Red wine colored skinnies, Skinny Denim Jeans, $42, Fashion Junkee
4. Over-sized, knit sweater,  BCBG Asymmetrical Sweater, $126.65, Bluefly.com 
5. Silky pajamas, Gilligan & OMalley Two Piece Set, $24.99, Target

Four eyes.

I've been wearing glasses since I was in the 3rd grade. My first pair were thick, powder pink tinted frames that looked anything but chic. Ever since, I have had a love-hate relationship with my glasses, which is the main reason I wear contacts. Every. Single. Day. Yet every two years I go to the eye doctor with the best of intentions. I spring for a more expensive pair that I promise to actually wear, only to shun them to the confines of my apartment.

Until now.

Meet Warby Parker. Vintage inspired eyewear with a free Home Try-On program that allows you to test drive the frames before you buy them. For $95 (+ free shipping) you get the frames and prescription lenses of your choice. And like the good philanthropists they are, Warby Parker will donate a pair for every one purchased.

Below are the five I received in the mail. I'm in need of a peer review.

Images courtesy of Warby Parker

Thoughts? Drop me a line and help me decide which pair to get!