Lavender

Earlier this week was so lovely and warm. I was able to step outside without a jacket and for a second I thought it was April, dirty little trick, Mother Nature. I wanted to share with you my first J.Crew purchase, after working for them since November, the beautiful soft lavender cardigan. The local J.Crew clearance store had their monthly sale and I was all over it. I even got a couple of cute vintage menswear inspired PJ tops!

Tank top - Forever 21, Cardigan - J.Crew, Skinny Jeans - Charlotte Russe, Necklace - thrifted, Flats - Target

 Did anyone else enjoy a warmer week?

Marc Jacobs X Sephora

 

During Miu Miu's Spring 2013 fashion show, Jacobs shared with WWD executive editor, Bridget Foley, about his new cosmetic line and his collaboration with the beauty superstore, Sephora. He explained, “I always wonder, ‘Is there really going to be something else [other than fashion] that we’re going to do that I’m going to sit through and enjoy?’” This time around, the answer was yes. “I get jaded, then I get excited all over again.”

“Anything to me that is part of the joy, the ritual, of getting dressed — things that women enjoy like bags, shoes, fragrance, clothes, makeup — that’s what fashion’s about for me,” Jacobs told WWD. If he inputs his passion onto this line, I know it's going to be good.

Not much has been revealed about the line but I'm sure as the time gets closer, details will be out to the public. Until then, we can only dream and speculate what's to come. 

Spring '13 Trend - Railroad Stripes

Although many of us are expecting arctic winds and snow storms, that doesn't mean we can't think ahead into the warm glorious Spring that awaits. One of Spring 2013's cute fashion trends is railroad stripes; basically thin closely spaced utilitarian stripes. The stripes were seen on Rag & Bone's, Altuzarra's, Suno's, Tommy Hilfiger's Spring 2013 runway shows. I love the easy trend and the infinit ways to play around with the stripes.

HOW TO WEAR

• Pair the classic railroad stripes with anything gray, white, khaki, brown, or blue.
• Limit one piece of your outfit to the stripes.
• Railroad stripes with white denim is a fresh spring look.
• Pair with leather for a sexy edge.

Source: Fashionista

SHOP THE LOOK

More The Limited...

 

How To Wear The Right Blazer For Your Body

The right blazer is magic and can transform your body faster than weeks at the gym. Wearing the best blazer for your body can slim down your middle, elongate your body, and create curves. When paired with a wonderful high quality and well fitted skinny jeans, the blazer can be your best friend!

SHORT & CURVY

Blazers
Skinny Denim

A blazer which hits just below your hips and bottom is slimming and elongates your torso. Pair the blazer with an always slimming dark wash skinny jean.

TUMMY

Blazers
Skinny Denim

A multicolored, like black and white, blazer that cuts right at the hip allows for a slimming effect in the midsection. A white blazer with black lapels allows for the eyes to focus on the lapels instead of your middle.

BIG SHOULDERS/ATHLETIC

Skinny Denim
Blazers

Feminine details, vivid colors, and fun patterns add curves and take away from your boyish figure. Keep your skinny jeans simple.

Perfume Of The Moment

Isaac Mizrahi's premiere perfume is Fabulous and it sure is! I saw the perfume's magazine in this month's Glamour issue and the scent was clean and delicious! The feminine and seductive fragrance has top notes of mandarin, nectarine and bergamot, along with hints (middle notes) of jasmine, tuberose, freesia, peony, and a dry smart finish with sandalwood, vanilla and cedar. The perfume reminds me of a warm spring day. The development was between Mizrahi with The Cloudbreak Group and Firmenich, the largest privately-owned manufacturer of fragrance oil in the perfume and flavor business.

On why Mizrahi wanted to create a fragrance, "Creating a fragrance feels like the last piece of the puzzle," said Mizrahi. "I've been designing clothes, accessories, housewares - everything for a woman's lifestyle - for nearly thirty years. FABULOUS is my opportunity to offer women something to identify with on a whole other emotional level".

The bottle's design is adorable and has a fun retro chic appeal. The unexpected, off-centered neck on a retro-chic soft pink atomizer sprinkled with pink polka dots on the collar is quirky and playful--just what you'd expect from Isaac!

Mizrahi on his bottle's design, "Well originally I wanted to do something that teetered around like a child’s toy. And we kind of developed that and it was deemed not the most safe product in the world to people. So I decided to just design an orb that was slightly tilted that way. I just love the quirk of it and the beauty of it. The whole central idea of trying to revive the glamour and the fabulousness of this, of the spray."

can buy here and here







 What are your thoughts?

Happy Birthday Betty!

My idol, beautiful and hilarious Betty White, is celebrating her 91st birthday today! The animal lover said, "To help celebrate my 91st birthday on January 17, please help me raise $10,000 for Morris Animal Foundation, which will celebrate its 65th anniversary of advancing animal health this year. Since a girl like me already has more than I could hope for, I'm asking fellow animal lovers to learn more about Morris Animal Foundation and to consider helping me make this gift to Morris Animal Foundation today."

 

You can send the lovely golden girl a birthday wish by donating at least $10 to the honorable charity. Betty has worked with the Morris Animal Foundation for over 40 years and has helped in its investment of over $70 million towards health studies for cats, dogs, and 100s of wildlife species. The research, funded through Morris Animal Foundation, have become gold standards in veterinary care in cures, diagnostics, treatments, and preventions.



Here are 21 fun facts about Mrs. White! 

Look back at her best TV moments (videos) here by Huffington Post

Isn't she gorgeous?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY 

and I wish you many more

10 Ways To Be Happy

In college I took a course, Positive Psychology, in which we studied a range of topics including optimism, relationships, gratitude, savoring, wealth, and most importantly happiness. We discussed what is happiness, how does it last and what factors effect it. I ran across a little article from Apartment Therapy titled, '10 Simple Things to Make You Happier at Home' and some of the tippets are directly from studies in the psychology field of Positive Psychology.

I'd like to take a mini break from fashion and beauty and write about our home lives and happiness. Here are a few tips I was very excited to read about and think we all should give a try.

•  Make Your Bed: it seems silly but this simple and easy 3 minute task has a positive impact on your daily happiness and productivity. Bed making has been called a keystone habit because that one habit leads to other habits like doing the dishes or having the kids make their bed and pick up their room. After all, a somewhat clean home allows me to relax and smile, does it for you?
• One Line Gratitude Journal: this activity was part of 100s of positive psychology studies and the results were astounding, Those who kept a daily gratitude journal felt happier and for a longer period of time than those who did other happiness induced activities. Reflecting on what is good in your life helps puts your mind in a more positive place. It might be tough at first but the benefits are amazing! 
• Call at least one friend or family member a day: the call doesn't have to last long, a short catch up chat is all it takes. We're social beings and being in contact with those we love helps lower our stress level and makes us feel important. Texting and emails can't replace a phone call so learn from your mom and pick up that phone!

There are more wonderful tips you can read in the article here!

Have you heard of positive psychology?

Do you do some of these activities already?

Prabal Gurung X Target

Target is an expert with fabulous designer collaborations and the latest partnership is making me love them more, is that even possible? Prabal Gurung  and Target will be launching a 80 piece women's clothing and accessories line on February 10 until March 23. The clothing prices range from $19.99 to $199.99 and the accessories range from $12.99 to $39.99. I love those prices and so does my wallet!

The gorgeous spring collection is flowing with his statement prints, floral motif, ruffles, romantic designs, color blocked pieces, and vibrant colors. Included are dresses, blazers, blouses, jackets, shoes, handbags and lots of accessories. This line is one that Gurung has "...imagined and dreamed about for a long time".

When discussing his Target audience, Gurung said, "I am so thrilled to be working with Target on a collection that brings my designs to a wider audience...This collection was inspired by love, and if Target’s guests can feel even a little bit of the love that I felt while I was designing this collection, then I will consider it a job well done".

I have a feeling that Target shoppers will fall in love with his designs and a whole new fan base will develop. I'm smitten by the collection and I honestly can't wait to see the pieces in person!

Speaking of love, Gurung explained to Elle.com on how his collection was inspired by love and romance, "The collection is inspired by a girl’s journey through the different stages of love and the clothes she wears during each milestone—from the initial first crush all the way to the engagement...Both the apparel and accessories in this collection include pieces that can be worn for each of these occasions and more!"

HERE ARE MY FAVORITE LOOKS

 All photos courtsey of Target and Prabal Gurung

I have a feeling this collection will be hugely popular and pieces will be flying off the shelf early morning of February 10th. If I could offer any advice on shopping this line:

• Be there when the store opens
• Wear a comfy easy-to-shop-and-try-stuff-on outfit
• Grab a bunch of pieces you like first and then decide what you looks good on you, what fits, and what you'll buy in the dressing room.

Winter Brights

If you've been to Target recently, you've see racks full of amazing winter and fall clothing deeply discounted. I could hardly contain myself and I bought a few pieces that I'd been eyeing for weeks. As you can see, I'm obsessed over these colorful and bright pieces. The outfit is a fun way to stand out from the throng of winter's grays, navys, and blacks.

everything in this outfit - Target ;)

Miss Wu

Jason Wu's fabulous ready to wear collection, Miss Wu, is here (for Spring 2013 pre-order)! The line is currently being sold in 49 Nordstrom stores as well as Nordstrom online for the first year and will be sold at other retailers afterwards. The 40 piece lineup ranges from $195 to $865. Although the prices aren't as affordable for a regular girl like myself, compared to Wu's regular namesake, the prices are considerably lower. It might be worth it to splurge for a couple of pieces!

Compared to Jason Wu's regular lineup, Miss Wu is described as it's younger girly sister with a mod era and west coast feel. The lineup is whimsical, colorful, and mixed with geometric prints, stripes, floral designs, textured shifts, and charming little sequin and bow details. Wu told Fashionista, "The Miss Wu girl is, on the other hand, she’s a little more worn in, a little grittier, her hair is a little messier, her makeup might be from the night before."  

Jason Wu also said this about his more affordable line to WWD, "Instead of just doing ‘Jason Wu-for-less,’ the idea is to explore the other side of myself...I always see Jason Wu [the collection] as my aesthetic, my design sensibility. Miss Wu is my personality. It was really fun to explore that facet of who I am — slightly more downtown, and with a more relaxed attitude.”

 

 

 Introduction video to Miss Wu staring model Meghan Collison

my favorite pieces

All photos courtesy of Jason Wu

 Which piece is your favorite?

Will you check out Miss Wu or wait until it hits the sales?

Chic, Cute, Cheap - Winter Edition

Last night, after donning a onesie (yes, don't judge, it's so warm and comfy), a hoodie, and sleeping under 4 blankets, I realized that it IS winter. With last night in mind, it's time for another round of cute, chic, cheap - winter edition. Every piece is $25 and under and is unbelievably cute and chic. I incorporated 2013's IT color, the beautiful winter whites, and a few trendy pieces. 

 Winter Whites

Mid-length Skirts
Pumps

 Emerald Obsession

Cocktail Dresses
Boots

Trends & Sales

Raincoats & Trenchcoats
Sunglasses

Which piece is your favorite?

January Wish List

New month, new year, same wishes. This month, I'm craving cute retro shoes, bold statement jewelry, and other fabulous pieces. I've been reading about the infamous chambray top and I would love to see what all the hubba bubba is about. Why is there a purple pillow? Well, I'm slowly redecorating my living room and the color scheme is gold, silver, wood, and purple, hence, the need for more cowbell purple ;) Although I'm not an animal print lover, I can do without, I do like little touches of the wild print so maybe a ballet flat would be the purrrfect amount (sorry but not sorry about that pun).

Day Dresses
Flats

What's on your January wish list?

Yellow Floral Vacation

My first outfit post of 2013 and it's with my professional camera. I bought this fabulous yellow trench coat at Target, last year, for a steal. I love a good sale! Today was the first day I actually wore it and now I'm questioning myself, why did I wait so long? Sporting bright colors during long gray winter days helps uplift my spirit. Dealing with day after day of dark cloudy skies and dark grab colors, bringing out yellow and floral prints does the trick. It's like I'm taking a mini outfit vacation to paradise.

tights-target, dress-charlotte russe, coat-target, belt-charlotte russe (basically everything here is over 1-2 years old and it all still fits- a good day in my book!)

What's colors do you grab to escape the winter blues?

Dotted and Trying

Still learning how to use the camera. I haven't gone out much in order to shoot an outfit post but I'm forcing myself before the weekend is over! I might head over to Goodwill to see if I can find any treasures, that'll force me out of my pjs ;) I love my new black and white polka dotted blouse from Target! If I could, I'd spend all my money there.

How To Winterize Your Hair

The holidays may be over but winter is here to stay. As much as I enjoy the snow, my hair doesn't enjoy the harsh wind and dry air. The ice cold air zaps moisture from our strands, creates annoying fly aways, and embarrassing frizziness. Winter's other culprit is the artificial heat we crank up to protect us from the cold. All the humidifiers and heaters add to our lackluster and damage prone mane.

Here are some great tips that will bring back your shine, tame frizziness and fly aways, and bring back moisture to your stands.

Listen to your momma, don't go out with wet hair. I'm not saying this to prevent a cold but heading outside with damp hair can lead to breakage. Wet hair will freeze outside which leads to wimpy damage prone mane. You could either take a shower at night or wake up a little bit earlier and blow dry. Just make sure to protect your hair before you blow dry.

Heat Protection, if you blow dry or straighten your hair regularly, think about investing in ceramic and ionic tools. These tools heat hair more evenly and quicker so you won't need to expose your stands to more heat. Ionic tools helps prevent future damage by neutralizing the electric charge of already damaged hair (fancy science, huh?).

Deep Condition, Deep condition (with a mask) your hair once a week to help tame fly aways and lock in moisture. Also swap out your regular shampoo and conditioner for moisture rich products.

Trim it up, getting your hair regularly trimmed prevents ugly split ends which are more obvious in winter.

Go Light, ease up on the products you use whether it's hairspray or mousse. Dry cool air makes it harder for hair to be managed and if you overdo the products, you might look like a wet head all day.With that being said, stay protected with a travel sized bottle of smoothing cream to help tame random fly aways.

Let it shine, I've noticed my hair color and shine dulls quickly in the winter. To bring back the shine and rich color, use products meant for colored hair.

Not just an accessory, have you thought of using silk? Silk scarfs and pillow cases can help combat static and breakage. Replace your cotton pillow case with a silk once and before you put on your hat, cover your hair with a silk scarf. The scarf will act as an armor to your hat's material and dry air.

What tricks do you use to protect your hair?

Share in the comments below!

New Year, New Ideas

I'm truly happy to have found my passion for blogging. I understand how frustrating it can be to not be able find a hobby you're truly thrilled about. I also want to say how appreciative I am of my readers and followers. Without YOU, I wouldn't be doing any of this. I wouldn't feel the supportive push to continue on learning and exploring my creativity.

For 2013, I want to make this blog bigger and better and I need your input. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below. It means a lot to me.

What makes you excited about visiting Vintage Danielle? 

What would you like to see more of and less of on the blog?

Again, thank you for your support! I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us and Vintage Danielle.