Painted Shoes

Monday is here again - working, working, working. I enjoyed my weekend & you?? Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting several bloggers prior to Blogfest & we shared stories and appetizers, cocktails and so on. Fun time!

Today I'm bringing you an easy breezy DIY project - from shoes I actually had on last night.  These particular heels have been a part of my wardrobe for about 4 years now. I've never been crazy about them so, with all the neon craze going around, I figured, why not add some neon accents to them?? ....with PAINT!
 

All you need is paint, creativity & a good pedicure to make your shoe look
pretty! You can CREATE any design you wish, but I decided to do abstract art.

I chose a hot pink color by Pebeo paints, a favorite of mine! Then I added a few other accents in gold & black. The design I chose was inspired by the painting in the background....lovely isn't it?
 

Now hopefully you'll get out your old shoes, and put them to use

Would you consider doing this to spice up one of your shoes

Stella McCartney ...

Ready for summer?? I am. Today, these sunglasses arrived in the mail today from ShopBop. 

Aren't they pretty? They're Stella McCartney gold/blonde tortoise stylish aviators! I just love this style....remember when I blogged about colored shades here? Well, this was my final decision. 

Do you have aviators??

Fashion: Florals

Hello MBG readers! Lauren here again, happy to be back sharing a popular trend for Spring - floral.
 

Now, I know it takes some pretty brave fashionistas to sport this look from head to toe, so I provided for you easy ways to add floral into your wardrobe without going full bloom!

image sources clockwise: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

If you aren't comfortable with wearing floral pants, opt for floral shorts. This way you are still rockin' the trend, but aren't screaming "look at me".

Other fun ways to add floral into your wardrobe are with a scarf, clutch, or even a blooming Iphone case!

 1. Abercrombie & Fitch $55 | 2. J. Crew $25 | 3. Current/Elliott $170 | 4. J. Crew $199 | 5. Topshop $32  Will you be trying out this trend for Spring?  

-post by lauren wickman 

  

Sunglasses Trend

Hey everyone! How's it going? The week has started off pretty darn busy here for me. I have Cocoa & Hearts paintings that I need to launch this month as well as a few commissions I've been working on...& of course there's MadeByGirl.

However, this weekend while walking around the NYC streets I noticed an interesting trend emerging: 

COLORED sunglasses. That's right.  

So, along with all the colorful outfits you're seeing while shopping, now you can have glasses to match if you choose to!  I love wearing shades. But, I'm really in need of some new ones, mine are slowly falling apart! Not so sure if I would dare jump on this trend, but then again...I have a tendency to jump on trends after the fact. But, if I had to choose a color & style, I'd go for number 1, Marc Jacobs aviators in hot pink.

Would you wear colored sunglasses? Which of these would you love to take home with you?

1. hot pink via marc jacobs
2. pretty blue via matthew williamson
3. lime green via matthew williamson
4. bright pink via matthew williamson
5. blue via marc jacobs
6. bright yellow via sass & bide
7. aviator via alexander Mcqueen

Fashion: Style Inspired by Florals

Hello everyone! It's Casie Mace once again bringing you some Fashion! As I've mentioned before, I'm obsessed with all-things-white during for spring and summer. I love wearing (slash challenging myself to) the all white ensemble. But to mix it up a little, it's fun to just look around and force yourself to be inspired by something more random--like a table-top floral arrangement!

 I loved these arrangements--they're so crisp and classy that they could easily be used to inspire different looks. So fun!



Have you ever let floral arrangements inspire your outfits??

   

Inspiration Image: Millie Holloman Photography Co-ord Jacquard Blazer | VINCE Loose fit blouse | CLOSED White Winston Pants | Faliero Sarti Dianetta Grass Silk Blend Scarf | Chloé Marcie Large leather tote | Kenneth Jay Lane White Enamel Hinge Cuff | Golden Cobra bfrend bracelet | Christian Louboutin Summerissima Crisscross Platform Sandal 

   

Inspiration Image: Style Me Pretty VINCE Loose fit blouse | MOTO WHITE BAXTER JEANS | Dolce & Gabbana Light Pink Bag | Michael Kors Women's Watch | Crayola Links Necklace | Color Craze Stretch Necklace | ESSIE NAVIGATE HER SPRING NAIL POLISH

-post by casie mace

3 Outfits for Spring...

YUP, Spring is here. The flowers are blooming & the weather is getting warmer. This means no stuffy coats or scarves. Instead, we'll run around in pretty colorful shoes (hopefully) and airy tops! So with that said, here are 3 outfits I'm eye-ing right now. 
 

I'm especially LOVING everything in outfit #2.  

It's my favorite, especially those wedges!! You can find all these items at ShopBop. 

Which of these outfits would you wear this Spring??

1. enza costa /  WGACA Vintage /  rag & bone / LAMB by Gwen Stefani

2.  clare vivier / rag & bone / current elliot / derek lam /

3.  bop basics / theodora callum / adriano goldschmied / maison martin margiela 

New at Hayden Harnett!

Have you seen these beauties at Hayden Harnett? Love it when handbags & clutches come in a variety of colors!! I ADORE the mint green one!! 

Which colors is your favorite??

Check them all out here. 

Fashion: Spring Jewelry Trends

Hello loves! Lauren here again. Today, I am sharing with you the hottest jewelry trends for Spring according to myself and Harper's Bazaar...

image sources: 1&2&3/4/5/6/7/8

1. Assad Mounser $300 | 2. Asos $10.74 | 3. Oscar De La Renta $185 | 4. Kate Spade $128 | 5. Monsoon $9 | 6. Asos $21.49 | 7. Charm & Chain $148 | 8. The Trend Boutique $99

These are some of my absolute favorite pieces. Would love to own each of them. 

Will you be sporting any of these Spring jewelry trends?

-post by Lauren Wickman

Fashion: Pretty Nail Polish

Hello MBG readers! It's Casie Mace bringing you a post about Nail Polish! How gorgeous are some of the nail colors available now??!! Pastels are one of the biggest trends for nail lacquers this season and there are three brands that just hit the nail on the head (though some of these colors are from previous collections). I'm mildly obsessed with Chanel's Ballerina (can you say perfect pink?).

 

And I love the periwinkle shade of Deborah Lippmann--it's the perfect hue if you're feeling a bit daring but want to keep it dainty. 
 

   

Which one are you most excited to wear this season?!

 Essie: A Crewed Interest | To Buy or Not to Buy | Absolutely Shore Chanel: 535 May | 167 Ballerina | 539 June Deborah Lippmann: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun | Glitter in the Air (sheer) | I Know What Boys Like 

-post by casie mace

Fashion: J. Crew's Bright Colors

Hello loves! Lauren here from L.A. in the bay. NYFW came to an end a few weeks ago, and I'm STILL overwhelmed by all the amazing collections that were presented. One of which is J. Crew's Fall 2012 Ready to Wear Collection. 

J. Crew is one of my all-time favorite stores, mainly for their boldness with color, patterns, mixing of textures, and exceptional quality of fabrics. This Fall 2012 RTW Collection is saturated in color. You'd think Fall meant resulting to browns and creams, but not for J. Crew. 

{all images via New York Fashion}

How exceptional is that yellow coat? May be a little daring for some, but what a statement that would make.

Now, time to take some style notes from the fashion genius that is J. Crew...

Cheers to stepping out of the box and embracing new things. After all, isn't that what fashion is all about?

Fashion: Colorful Pumps

Hello Casie Mace here....Call it premature spring fever but I'm already getting excited to dive into bright hues--especially colorful and fun shoes (...as if I let them go for winter). Having at least one obnoxiously bright shoe is a must for any gals closet. They look amazing with skinny jeans and a neutral blouse and even cuter with brightly colored pants. 

If you ever find yourself intimidated, fall on the safe color blocking rules--pick the color opposite the color you're wearing and you cant fail. 

Steve Madden Beasst | | 120MM PATENT POINTY PUMPS, CASADEI | MAJE Orange Rust Suede Pumps | Giuseppe Zanotti Cindy Koka suede pumps | BY MALENE BIRGER Sinousa Suede Pump | Fergie Womens Protest Shoes

-post by casie mace

Fashion: Statement Scarves

Hello everyone! Casie Mace from Whipped Style posting today! Whether you're looking to add a little personality to a comfy day of jeans + T or add an element of texture and color to while keeping warm, a statement scarf can be the perfect topper to any ensemble. 


I've been OBSESSED with scarves of all kinds lately and I love how they are the perfect marriage of form and function. Here's a few of my favorite.

Bright: Evelyn K. Basket Weave Scarf | MICHAEL KORS Cashmere scarf

Geometric: Yigal Azrouel Abstract Scarf | Zara, Velvet Printed Scarf

Busy: Scrapbook Aztec Loop Scarf | Swirl Paisley Scarf

Floral: Leigh & Luca Bird Toile Scarf | Forever 21 Floral Boarder Scarf

Silk: Erdem Alice Scarf| Express Square Silk Scarf

-post by casie mace

Fashion: Layering 101

Hello loves! Lauren here.

Cannot wait to see what this year has in store, especially when it comes to fashion.

And I thought, what better way to kick off the New Year than a little Styling 101? Let's start 2012 with lots of layers. Mix and match, try new things, step out of your comfort zone. It's a new year, so why not? Hope this little step by step style guide helps lead you to take a little style plunge!

First look / Second look / Third Look / Fourth Look

-post by lauren wickman 

Fashion: Tights

It's Casie Mace again!  

I'll be the first to admit that I was hesitant to wear shorts with tights and still expect to be taken seriously in life. I was even more hesitant to wear textured tights with more edgy designs. But once you learn to style these two oh-so-fabulous trends, you can pull these looks off for both work AND play--you can't help but get addicted!

If you're new to the shorts + tights trend, start slow with a pair of dressy shorts and solid black tights (perfect with a pair of booties). Just treat the shorts like you would any skirt. I'm not sure what I love more, the look (you can make the ensemble dressy or a little more edgy) or the comfort factor (c'mon... you're basically wearing a more comfortable version of leggings with the ease of mind that your bootie is covered). 

If you go the route of textured tights, these go perfectly with a more geared-down pieces like solid colored tops and skirts. Have you taken the plunge with either of these trends yet this season?!

 

Love Ballad Top | Jillie Faux Fur Jacket | Theory Pleat-front crepe shorts | Black Secret Slimmer opaque tights | Activate Suede Ankle Boots | Lee Angel Five Strand Bracelet (image via intermix) | Faux Fur Scarf | Rebecca Minkoff Affair Stud 

   

J.Crew Elodie washed-silk shirt | Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Cloth Belted Cape | Sara Berman Studded Leather Mini Skirt | WOLFORD Cheryl Black/Black Tights | Mulberry Pheasant Green Croc Haircalf Bayswater | House of Harlow Chelsea collage one: image one | image two | image three collage two: image one | image two | image three

-all collages three + four: images via their respective

 retailers

-post by casie mace

Fashion: Menswear

Hello loves! Lauren here again, sharing a trend that debuted last year, and will without-a-doubt carry into the new year : menswear.
 

Images via: {clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

1. Vernier Women's VNR200 Round Gold-Tone Quartz Watch  / 2. W118 by Walter Baker Chiffon Blouse  / 3. J Brand Legging in Black Pearl / 4. Thayer Perfect Blazer via Shopbop / 5. ASOS Ridged Double Cuff / 6. Loeffler Randall Blaise Flat Moccasin  / 7. ASOS Mars Loafer Shoes / 8. Tom Ford Eyewear Square Glasses

I love nothing more than a perfect crisp white blouse, paired with some tight black pants, a blazer, and loafers. The Kardashians tend to rock this look a lot, and debuted an entire family menswear look in their Christmas family portrait. 

What's your take on it? I've noticed that people either love it or hate it. I happen to love it. But would I wear a bow tie, hmm, maybe not...would you?

-post by Lauren Wickman

Holiday Gifts for You & Me.....

My guy usually tells me to choose 1 or 2 gifts during the Holidays & then he'll surprise me with a 3rd one! 

So, I've chosen the first - now I need to pick out a second. Hmmmmm

Below I gathered some gift ideas that you may also like....or ask your GUY for!! I already have 'C'  - but I'm really digging 'h' & 'b'. 
 

So, tell me, which of these would you get?!?

a. Diane Von Furstenberg via ShopBop

b. Michael Kors

c. La Mer Collections

d. Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian via ShopBop

e. Burning Torch

f. Westward

g. Pour La Victoire Boots

h. Foley + Corinna

i. M. Missoni

My Holiday Fashion Wishlist....

If you thought my wish list was done, think again. Ha!  I SERIOUSLY have to show this post to my guy in a 'not so obvious' way....ever done that ladies?!? 

Ok, so I CHEATED, I already have some of these items below.... like number 2, 5, 8, & 10 (in black).  But I love them & would suggest any of them as gifts for sure! 

Holidays are great for gift giving & receiving - but let's always keep in mind the things that matter most, family & friends. And yes, I truly mean that..... 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Dog Fashion...

Both of my dogs have relatively decent looking collars. Well, one of my dogs does, the other one just has a hand-me-down collar from one of my previous dogs & it's PRETTY DARN OLD! In fact he only wears it when we go outside. 

My female boxer is a bit more SPOILED & she has a nicer collar..... but it has little round studs that SCRATCH the walls in my home whenever she rubs against them! Argh!!

So all ranting aside, I've been thinking of SPLURGING on a new one for my female dog....I love all the stylish options I've seen out there!  So, in case you're in the market for a new collar (like me) this Holiday & want something stylish, take a look at these options! 

Do you prefer buying fancy dog collars & leashes or keeping it simple??

Coach

Collar Me Chic

Miami Dog Collars

Guest Post: By Lauren

Hello everyone! My name is Lauren, and I blog over at L.A. in the bay, a fashion and design based blog. I am an avid reader of Made by Girl, and was so excited when Jen asked me to do a post for her while she was in NYC!

Today I am going to be sharing with all of you my top 10 picks that you should all have for this Fall. 

1) The cape - so amazingly chic, and a must-have for your fall wardrobe.

2) Leopard anything - if you've gone shopping recently, you know that leopard is huge this Fall. I am loving leopard belts, leopard booties, and leopard loafers. Every girl needs a little bit of leopard in her wardrobe.

1, 3, 4

3) Colored Jeans - you can find them in pretty much any color right now. My favorites are red, cobalt blue, and mustard. 

4) Riding Boots - just purchased my first pair from Aldo, and they are my favorite. Pair them with leggings and leg warmers to create the most perfect Fall look. 

5) A Feminine Blouse - I love how feminine and chic these are, perfect to pair with high waist trousers. 

6) High Waist Trousers - these 70's style high waist trousers are back yet again. Try them in fun unexpected colors like plum and forest green.

1, 2, 3

7) Cashmere Sweater - a must for every Fall season. Loving the ones this season supporting arm patches.

8) Booties - these are super popular this Fall. They come in wedge style or heel. I'm digging both.

1, 2, 3

9) Floppy Hat - I am loving that these hats are becoming popular again. They give an edgy, feminine and chic look to any outfit.

10) The Perfect Red Lip - red lips in all shades are so hot this season, from deep reds all the way to a gorgeous plum.

That rounds up my top 10 picks for Fall. And man was it hard to contain it to just ten! For more fashion trends, make sure to head on over to L.A. in the bay.

xoxo

L