Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Christmas time doesn't have to mean red & green, it can just mean adding a bit of holiday shine to your look.

This is the outfit I came up with for the Christmas party at my office, and it was a big hit. Here's a breakdown of what I wore:

Black blazer (not pictured), $19.95 @ H&M

Black & gold glittered tulip back top, $17.80 @ Forever21

Material Girl black & white vertical/horizontal stripe skirt with a back seam, $9.99 @ Macy's

Black suede platform pumps (not pictured), $29.99 @ Payless Shoe Source

Gold arrowhead necklace set, $5.95 @ H&M

Various bracelets from different Forever21 sets 

Gold etched square studs from a set, $3.80 @ Forever21

Black stockings (not pictured), $4.95 H&M

So I shared my look, now it's you're turn; We'd love to see what holiday inspiration works its into our reader's ensembles. Let's all get into the spirit together! -  J

New York, I Love You.

          Oh how I love going into NYC. I usually make a day of it: Do some shopping or sightseeing and have dinner & drinks somewhere fun. Most of all- I take in the street fashion and the big city atmosphere. Plus a day/night in NYC is the perfect excuse to break out a new outfit, or a look I've been dying to try.

          The inspiration for my latest ensemble came from an Urban Outfitters catalog model, who wore a blue & white bandana as a headwrap with practically all of her outfits in the spread. She never matched, mixing prints and colors, and I loved it; I was officially inspired. I decided to go for an urban chic look myself, complete with a DIY headwrap, hoop earrings, and red lipstick. And I mixed 3 prints in total, but chose black as my tie-in color so there was a common thread.

Here's a break down of my outfit:

- DIY Headwrap... I was set on wearing a headwrap, but nothing I had worked so I had a bright idea: Make one! I simply took a swing tank from American Rag, laid it flat, folded it horizontally in about 1 1/2" sections until it was a long band of fabric, tied it around my head and double knotted it for a secure fit. I then readjusted my bun, so it wasn't too perfect and voila! A headwrap, made out of a shirt with no sewing or cutting necessary.

- Clothes... A sheer black tank with ditsy hearts embroidered all over (w/ black bra) and distressed denim boyfriend shorts, both from Forever21. And a Material Girl black & white striped cardigan/jacket.

- Jewelry... I went with a set of dark gold hoops, and black and rhinestone stud earrings. I added a long chained heart pendant necklace from Forever21 and two rings from JC Penney.

- Shoes... My black tube beaded sandals from Forever21.

J's New Loves

You know what they say...... GET MONEY, SPEND MONEY, STAY FLY.

3. Closeup

1. Closeup

<-- 1. Two stretch link bracelets. $4.80 each @ Forever21

       2. A long serpentine & interlocking chain necklace.                    $8.80 @ Forever21

       3. Short chained necklace with alternating gold                           pendants. $4.80 @ Forever21 -->

       4. UK Style by French Connection tribal print shoulder               bag. $24 on sale @ Sears

                                                            5. Apostrophe tribal loop scarf. $7.50 on sale @ Sears                                                                6. love & beauty intense eye liner in brown. $2.80 @                                                                        Forever21

                                                            7. Bongo black & gold twisted hoop earrings. $4.80 on sale @ Sears

J's New Loves

*I bought these items in the last few days, so hurry to the stores if you want them in your collection too.*

My Jewelry Haul

<< A sage faux stone ring set in burnished silver, 

 with a stretchy band to fit any finger.  $4.80 @ Forever21

   Closeup of the Kardashian Kollection Art Deco-style 

   Marcasite pendant necklace.  $15.60 on sale @ Sears >> 

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<< A short gold-chained necklace with light aqua 
  gemstones. $4.80 @ Forever21

A set of 3 pearlized stud earrings in light pink,

olive/brown, and dark brown. $6.95 @ Old Navy >>

    ..........................................................................................................................

<< Mother Of Pearl studs, rimmed in gold. 

$2.80 @ Forever21

I'm a fan of this new accessory trend: Ear Cuffs... 

This package comes gold, silver, and pewter. $8 @ Macy's >>

<< Cropped Tops... come in a variety of styles. These two are by Material Girl, and have different cuts and feels. The zig-zag print top is fitted all the way through, so it almost resembles BodyCon, and has an open back with three elastic bands. The wavelength/tie-dye printed top has a swing fit, which gives it a breezy feel. With it's spaghetti straps and sunset colors, it's perfect for summertime.

$15.80 @ Forever21

<< Polka Dots... such a fun & timeless pattern. This black shirtdress has a cream polka dot going on, which makes it classic yet fresh. The fit is flattering and really comfortable; Belting at the waist adds more shape but you can go without one as well. Speaking of belts, this dress was missing the original it came with, so I asked the cashier about a discount, and got 10% off. Once I was home I added this turquoise Material Girl belt- I love the pop of color it gives.

$9.95 @ Macy's

<< Floral & Lace... are two loves of mine and this scarf just so happens to have both. The long pieces of fabric were sewn together vertically, giving it reversibility and length. That's enough to make this scarf cool, but I plan to deconstruct it and make amazing things... like headwraps, bandeaus, etc. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was made for a DIY project, or should I say "multiple". haha.. I will of course post pictures as I go; Wish me luck. ;-]