Outfit Of The Day: Denim Jacket, Floral Tunic, Brown Boots & Scarf

One of the (many) reasons I love fall, is that layering is not only trendy, but necessary for chilly weather. During the Summer, I find myself having to select one or two of my favorite items to wear, while in fall I can pile them all on at once- tastefully of course!

For example, leather boots can be a trendy add on to a summer dress. But if you pair leather boots along with a cozy scarf during the hot months, you'll be sweating before you step outside (not a cute look!).

Needless to say I find myself taking full advantage of upping the style factor with every outfit during the fall and winter months. So go for it! Pair your favorite boots, jacket & scarf in one outfit! As long as you stick to neutral colors, pairing prints and solids never hurts!



Details:

Jacket - Old Navy - $35
Floral Tunic - H&M - $12
Boots - Fergilicious (Famous Footwear) - $65
Scarf - Forever 21 - $8
Heart Necklace - H&M - $5

Tutorial: The 5 Strand Braid

Be sure to allow yourself time to practice this braid because with five strands and two hands, it will take some getting used to. However, the work is definitely worth it! Follow the steps below to master the beautiful five strand braid. 

Step 1: This braid is all about equal sized pieces. If you have layers, I recommend pulling hair over your shoulder  to avoid choppy pieces falling out. Once hair is secured, divide hair into 5 equal sections (hold two pieces in each hand, and let the fifth piece hang loose in the middle).

Step 2 – 4: The trick is to understand the pattern! Piece 1 will go OVER piece 2 and UNDER piece 3. This step is repeated on both sides until the end of the braid.

Step 5: Once complete, secure the end of the braid with an elastic.

Step 6:- Gently tug at the finished braid to loosen the pieces to give it a thicker shape. This will help show off the wide finish of a 5 Strand Braid!

Final step (OPTIONAL): Curl any loose strands and bangs for a soft romantic look. TIP: Say the steps out loud – it really helps!

(See Full Tutorial on KoutureKiss)

Tutorial: The Classic Fishtail Braid

While there are many variations of this braid, the original definitely holds it’s ground. Follow the steps below!

1. Start with loose hair.
2. To make this braid easier, gather your hair to one side and secure tightly with an elastic.
3. Divide hair into two sections. With this braid, you’ll transfer a piece from one section to the other. You will start and finish with only two sections.
4. Keep taking one piece from one side and gather to the other. (For the best results, use small pieces!)
5. Once complete, secure the end of the braid with an elastic. Remove the elastic from the top of the braid.

(See Full Tutorial on KoutureKiss)

Tutorial: Chinese Staircase Ponytail

If you’re looking for another way to jazz up the everyday ponytail, look no further! The Chinese Staircase Ponytail is among the many variations of the traditional style, but definitely stands out in the crowd. While it may look complicated and time consuming, this style is actually quite simple! Follow the steps below and you’ll be sporting a trendy ponytail in no time!

Step 1: If you want a more glam look, tease the crown of your hair for added volume. Take a strand from the front of your head and hold apart from the rest of your hair. Gather the rest of your hair to the side and secure with an elastic.

Step 2 – Step 4: Grip the strand with one hand, and using the other wrap the strand around the front of the ponytail and loop it to create a knot.

Step 5: Gather another strand of hair from the ponytail and combine it with the end of your knot. Add a small amount of gel to combine the two pieces to avoid fly aways.

Step 6 – Step 10: Repeat step 4 on the new strand of hair. Continue these steps as far down as you would like.

Step 11: Secure the bottom with an elastic.

Voila! You now have a ponytail that is anything but ordinary. Keep in mind this style is versatile and can be worn in many ways to suit your style. Once you’ve finished the ponytail you can go back and curl the rest of your hair, or leave it straight. You can glam it up by teasing the crown of your hair, or keep it casual. The possibilities are endless!

(See full tutorial on KoutureKiss)

Experimenting with Lip Color

Lip colors can make or break your whole look, but it may not be for the reasons you think. Along with overdoing lip color, not wearing a color that compliments your skin tone can also throw off the finished product. With top lip trends constantly tempting us to push the envelope, keep in mind you may not be able to pull them all off- and that’s okay! But it’s important to focus on what will work best for you as an individual, without having to sacrifice the fun.

Deep Red

Although it’s not the easiest shade to pick out, it doesn’t need to be avoided. The trick of red lips for an olive skin tone is to avoid a ‘true red’. The bright reds will clash. Opt for deep burgundy reds that have depth and shine to bring out the right tone in your skin.

Peach

This shade is always fun and subtle for a laid back look. Whether it’s done matte or played up with shine it’s super complimentary on an olive skin tone. If you like a peachy shade but want something with a little more wow factor you can also try out a coral shade. It’s a little brighter but still offers the same peachy base.

Berry

Although the berry spectrum can have a rather wide range of shades, olive-toned girls can practically rock them all. Depending on the shade of your skin you can play around with it. The lighter the shade the better it will compliment light skin.

Chestnut

Most shades of tan or brown would be complimentary for olive-toned skin. The trick is to pick a hue based on the shade of your skin. For darker tones, opt for deeper shades like chestnut or tawny. For lighter skin shades a light brownish taupe would work great. It’s similar to the nude lip but with an extra kick of drama that’s appropriate for day or night.

(Full tutorial on KoutureKiss)

I've Been Meaning to Write...

Have you ever had that itch where you're so inspired that you feel if you don't release it quickly enough you'll burst? Whether your choice of release is exercise, shopping, drawing or writing (or all!), the intensity of the feeling is the same. Often times I find myself at work, or in the car or listening to a song and something clicks and I find myself searching for a pen or a computer to get the words out before they slip my mind. Although circumstances like this are not ideal, it gives me a sense of assurance that writing is what I love to do. Sometimes it's the only thing that can clear my head. If i'm in a situation where I am unable to write, it make it almost impossible for me to function throughout the day!

Some of my favorite days I have the luxury of snuggling up on my couch with my laptop and a cup of coffee and let my mind purge my feelings. My fingers struggle to keep up and often times my coffee is cold by the time I reach to take a sip. But the bottom line is I love to write. Writing is what lifts my spirits and makes life bearable in even the worst of times. Writing lets you take bittersweet memories and set them in stone. Writing lets you take a scenario and change it around until it suits your liking. Writing lets you change where you are, who you are, and how you react to different things while at the same time allowing you to be true to yourself.

If you're fortunate enough to have found something that makes you feel this way, don't waste it. And most importantly, share it!

The world is an extraordinarily big place, but your voice can be heard if you let it.

XO

Liz


-

"'Would you suggest writing as a career?' one of the young students asked me.
'Are you trying to be funny?' I asked him.
'No, no, i'm serious. Would you advise writing as a career?'
'Writing chooses you, you don't choose it.'"

-Bukowski

Outfit Of The Day: Skirt, Scarf & Boots

With temperatures dropping drastically in New Jersey, what's a fashionista to do? Retire the trendy clothes and succumb to bland winter weather uniforms? Not this girl. Seeing that skirts are taking major price cuts due to chilly weather, find a way to snag a deal and not freeze!

Rather than going bare with a mini, layer over a pair of warm leggings and a sturdy pair of over-the-knee boots! It's an excellent way to wear a skirt without paying the price of popsicle legs.

To top off a cozy ensamble, throw a cardigan and scarf on top, and add interest with a long necklace. I opted for a gold elephant necklace I picked up at a boutique a few years ago.

Minimal makeup and lazy wavy hair gives this outfit a cozy, easy feel without sacrificing style!

Stay warm and stay cute!

XO

Liz


Details:

Basic Black Cardigan - Forever 21 - $15
Skirt - Charlotte Russe - $8

Need Inspiration? Look Behind You: Loose Vintage Waves

The challenge most women face today is not how to create new tends and hairstyles, but how to master the classics. While fresh and new styles are emerging, it says a lot for those willing to look to the past for inspiration. A great example are the iconic Vintage Waves. See Steps below!

Step 1: Start with straight hair.
Step 2: Section off your hair starting at the bottom and working your way up.
Step 3: With a curling iron, take a section of hair and curl in/under towards you, creating a tight ringlet.
Step 4-8: Repeat step 3-9 on the rest of your hair. Curl your hair in towards you, not outwards (otherwise it will flip).
Step 9: Once all hair is in ringlets, using a brush, gently brush out all ringlets. (See final look soft brushed look at step 10)
Step 11: Take your curling iron on the ends of hair and give one final curl flipping hair in/under towards you.

This style is perfect for any occasion  and also available to most hair lengths. Add a pop of color to your lips and you've stepped up your routine to old hollywood glam!

(See full tutorial on KoutureKiss)