Seventies Flashback: Red Velvet

Blazer / Altuzurra for Target

Turtleneck / Asian boutique

Skirt / Club Monaco

(bought on sale for $25!)

Bag / Matt & Nat

Pumps / Schutz

With the 70s vibe walking down catwalks this past season, I knew I had to pair this bright red, big lapel, velvet blazer with the usual suspects, but in an updated look.

I paired it with the typical turtleneck and miniskirt of the 70s. I avoided big ribs in my turtlenecks for a more polished look. I avoided the typical miniskirt for this flouncy one from Club Monaco. It up'd the glam factor with its beautiful golden hue. (I still can't believe I snagged it for $25!) You can't see it, but the gold is spotted throughout with flecks of light blue. I decided to avoid the go-go boots, mostly because I do not own go-go boots. Potential investment for Halloween?

Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Melaina, Lauren, Jen, Amber, Sarah & Claire Justine:)

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Tour through Blogland

Heather of Thrift Stories was kind enough to feature me in her "Tour Through Blogland" post. This fun series helps readers discover new bloggers that inspire the bloggers they already like. It's also an opportunity to get to know your favorite bloggers a bit better through a few questions!

1) What am I working on?

Currently I'm working with a few people on some top-secret collaborations! :X Just kidding. Not top secret, but definitely a few surprises in store for you guys, and I just can't be the one who ruins the surprise :)

2) How does my work differ from others in it's genre?

I'd like to think my personality and what I strive for with this blog sets me aside. Because one day, I'd like to use this blog to inspire people with my photography, fashion, recipes, anything that inspires me as well.

3) Why do I write/create what I do?

Originally, I started this blog as a sort of never ending love letter to my mother, Sunny. Almost a tribute to her and our shared love for fashion. But since starting it, I have discovered this blog pushes me creatively. Sometimes my stubborn mind will push back, but sometimes, there are moments my mind acquiesces and the floodgates open with a million ideas for DIYs, outfits, recipes.

4) How does my writing/creating process work?

I tend to start with whatever inspires me, and most often then not, I change direction before I even start! I go with whatever gets my mind running and excited, because I'd like to think it will do the same for you. 

Let's start things on the West Coast.

GINA of Pink Wings

Hi, I’m Gina! I am a baker, Asian halfie, cat-lover and military wife. I grew up in New York and now live in the Cali Bay area. My blog name- Pink Wings – comes from my being a pilot’s wife. After marrying my pilot, life is all about planes and traveling which I love. So I sometimes post about my travels, but mostly I blog about food and personal style.

Let's jump 3 hours ahead to the East Coast & welcome a Jersey blogger! 

VICTORIA of Creatively Victoria

Creatively Victoria was originally created to share my daily style and shopping finds with anyone who happened to come upon it. Fast forward to now, it has almost been two years since my original creation of my little cyber world. Creatively Victoria has grown just as I have into a blog filled with inspiration, style, beauty and all the adventures life has to offer. It is my own piece of paradise in which I can share with my lovely readers things that inspire my soul - hopefully inspiring them as well.

When I'm not bombarded by my college studies, being the Beauty Director and Style Columnist of Cliché Magazine and a writer for Her Campus WPUNJ, I am brainstorming and inventing new content for my beautiful readers. From, "Little Finds" to "Manicure of the Week," I am constantly expanding my blog with everything I love.

BROOKE & ERICA of Pumps and Push-ups

In 2013 I started our blog as a way to share my love of fashion as well as my postpartum fitness journey. Over the course of a year, what started as a hobby turned into much more. I work in a small Internal Medicine practice and am a certified personal trainer, so I recruited the help of a physician from our office and my sister-in-law Erica who is Registered Dietitian to take Pumps and Push-Ups from a fun hobby to a platform for sound health advice. Fashion still plays a large role in our blog because it's just so much fun! From photo shoots to meeting fabulous women from across the globe, the whole experience has been so rewarding. I can't wait to meet more new people and see where this little blog takes us!

Now we're going ALLLLL the way to Asia to feature someone who is as fascinating as her artwork is inspiring.

REN RONG of Pupuren

Ren Rong is a magpie from Singapore who combines her love for colours, dressing up, and photography at her blog. Her current obsession is quirky socks. She also draws things, and may be found lurking in fandoms. 



I hope you guys enjoyed meeting some amazing bloggers, and may they inspire you as they do me :)

Linking up with Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Melaina, Lauren, Jen, Claire Justine, Amber, Sarah & Meg

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Pumpkin Patches come Alive!

Top / F21

Skirt / J. Crew

Clutch / Tory Burch

Pumps / BCBG Paris

Cashmere Cardigan / Thrifted

The sun sets by the time I finish taking photos these days so it gets a bit chilly. I threw on this cashmere cardigan to keep me warm. It's the first thing I grab nowadays with the sun setting earlier and the evenings getting chillier. When I first bought this pumpkin orange cashmere cardigan, I didn't know what I'd pair with this bright color. All I knew was its ridiculous softness could save me from winter's harsh weather....and make me look like a fuzzy pumpkin! Especially with the green skirt, I look like a pumpkin patch turned human! :X Potential Halloween costume? Maybe out of my love for HIMYM, I'll be a slutty pumpkin. Maybe :P

Linking up Because Shanna Said So, Style Elixir, Pleated Poppy, DC in Style, Fizz and Frosting & Claire Justine:)

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DIY: Initial Monogram Pouch

With winter coming, the days are getting shorter, the sun is setting earlier, and it's becoming impossible to take photos of my DIYs during daylight now! I woke up before work to take the above photo so I could at least present one polished picture of the monogrammed pouch for you!

For most people, fall is filled with colored leaves, candy corn, and pumpkin everything. For me, it's filled with birthdays. A ton of birthdays followed by Christmas. I don't catch a break until January! But it also gets my creative juices flowing since I love making things for people whether it be cake or this monogrammed pouch. I had a friend's birthday pass recently. I knew I had to make her gift, because she's sentimental, but also values good quality.

The personalization of monogrammed handbags has always intrigued me because it's such a simple idea that creates such attachment. It reminds me of grade school the #2 pencils with our names or initials on it. A simple idea triggers such elegance and nostalgia. I decided to find a pouch in her favorite color, pink, monogram it with her initials, and use it as an insert for the transparent clutch!

Materials:

• Leather pouch (or belt/wallet/etc.)
• Print outs of the initials in multiple sizes and fonts
• Paint (preferable the label specifically says for leather)
• Pencil
• Thin paint brush

Cut out the initials you like best.

Flip it over, and shade the back in with pencil.

Tape the initials to the pouch, and trace/outline the monogram.

Pull back the paper, and you're left with a light imprint of the initials :)

Use the thin paint brush and paint in the initials.

Start out with thin lines, and make them fuller once you're comfortable. Keep a moist washcloth nearby so if you mess up, you can wipe it away while the paint is still wet. Worst case scenario, do what I did, and use the white paint to help create more definition to the red lettering.

Voila! You're done :)

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$100 Budgetnista Challenge

I have the chance to collaborate with some amazing ladies, one of which is Joua of Joua to the Rescue (go on over to read my interview :X )! She's an amazing writer who you might know from Fashion Odds Magazine. She put together a fun challenge: the Budgetnista Challenge. A few bloggers were asked to put together an outfit (including shoes, eek!) that cost below $100. We were allowed to borrow, thrift, but not steal, because we do not condone that. If you want to know how much this all costs, then stop by Joua's site to find out! :)

Hat / Nordstrom

Top / Talbots (thrifted)

Scarf / Burberry (gifted by JerseyGirlTexanHeart <3)

Clutch / DIY (tutorial here)

Pants / Ann Taylor (borrowed)

Boots / Boutique in China 

I decided to mix a few things: something new, something old, and something blue!

This challenge gave me the opportunity/excuse to invest in a wide brimmed hat and somehow when I threw it with my favorite scarf, it gave a western feel that I've never thought I could channel! I looked in the mirror and surprised myself.

These are the moments I blog for. The moments where I learn something new about myself. Things I might never have learned if it weren't for this blog pushing me to do more. To challenge myself.

This is the only shot I took in this park, before I relocated (I was not satisfied with the lack of red/orange/yellow leaves on the trees! The whole park was still green! It just didn't feel like spring).

Linking up Because Shanna Said So, Style Elixir, Pleated Poppy, Fizz and Frosting, The Modern Austen, DC in Style, & Life of Meg :)

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One Bowl Series | Blondies swirled with Nutella

I decided to try a mini series on my baking days. I absolutely love baking, but sometimes I'd like the luxury of not washing half my kitchen tools after one recipe! Then I remembered Deb of Smitten Kitchen doing one bowl recipes, and thought let me challenge myself. It'll be a fun experiment to test my creativity so just stick with me, and I'll try to make it worth your while :)

Ok, the original recipe actually called for peanut butter chips in this blondie. Problem is I'm not really a blondie person, so I needed some chocolate to motivate aka add chocolate chips. When I have time (and the ability to remember to buy peanut butter chips), I definitely have to try it with peanut butter chips! Maybe even some fluff o___o it'll taste just like a s'more... I'm concocting things already in my head! I even have a Halloween inspired recipe in the works! Just for you guys :)

The Ingredients        (source: Averie Cooks)    The Blondie         ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted         1 large egg         1 cup light brown sugar, packed         1 tablespoon vanilla extract         1 cup all-purpose flour         1 cup chocolate chips           (or peanut butter chips!)    The Swirl         1/3 cup Nutella

The Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-by-8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Melt the butter in 30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. Let cool before proceeding. Add egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Add flour. Stir until just combined. Add in chocolate/peanut butter chips. Pour batter out onto baking pan, and smooth with spatula. Add Nutella to the batter and swirl into a marble pattern. Bake for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Linking up with Miz Helen & Lamberts Lately.

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One of many Altuzurra dreams

Although, I have no idea how to incorporate this into everyday life, I know that it is gorgeous and I love it. It has Altuzurra's signature sexy yet sleek look. Clean lines and great structure. A pencil skirt outfit that's a one piece makes my morning routine simpler!

My only problem, which I cropped out below is the bra is highly visible. I mean, I can't move one way or another without flashing the whole world and their mothers. This unfortunate detail made my practical mindset unable to accept this dress, especially since it had no function in everyday life. I decided to take a few photos to test out and see if I would change my mind, but as beautiful as it is, I decided other pieces in the collection (which you'll see in time!) were more worth my money.

Linking up Fizz and Frosting, Because Shanna Said So, Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, DC in Style, & Transatlantic Blonde :)

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