Fall Shopping 101

Hello Lovlies!

Fall is here, which means NEW WARDROBE! SHOPPING! FABULOUS FALL FASHION! As exciting as it is, shopping can be a little daunting. While we would all love to have an unlimited budget, this is usually not the case. Here are some fall shopping tips that will help you make the most of what you have, the most of your spending money, and create the most looks!

1. Before you shop, assess your closet. We all go through the "I have nothing to wear" moods somedays, but it's important to honestly assess what you have. Pull every piece you own out, and try it on. Have a top you never wear because it doens't fit? Get rid of it! Try on all of your clothes to eliminate ones that don't fit. Have some fall appropriate clothing, but it feels old? When you're in the mood for something new, it's easy to feel the urge to shop. My advice is to take all of your pieces, and try to find at least 2 new ways to wear them. You may need a simple accessory to make somthing feel new, or you may find awesome new combos using things you have! Also, don't discriminate against your summer wardrobe! Maybe you can use some of the tops as layering pieces, and throw tights under your shorts so you don't freeze. Really make the most of what you've got.

2. Find your inspiration. After you have assessed your closet, decide on what you want and need to buy. Look on pintrest and in magazines for inspiration. It's better to get inspired and get an idea of what you're looking for, rather than just taking your money and heading out the door. Having an idea of what you want will eliminate impulse purchases and purchasing a bunch of things you don't totally love. Make a list of things you are looking for before heading out. It doesn't have to be a specific item from a specific store on your list, but write down the types of items you are looking for.

3. Make sure you have your bases covered. Before you start buying a bunch of quirky pieces that are difficult to match, make sure you have your basics. Some things I consider basics for fall are : dark wash, well fitting skinnies, leggings,  tights, comfortable/fairly practical boots, and a good jacket(i,e leather).

4. Shop around. My technique when I go out shopping is to browse shops, try on pieces that I like, and come back. I usually don't purchase the things I like in a store until I have browsed the store I want to that day. This is best because you may find similar pieces at other stores that are either a better deal, or you like more! Make a mental note of what you like at each place, then decide and go back to purchase.

5. Keep your reciepts, and be aware of return policies. I know, sounds obvious, but some of us figure we can return things with simply the tag, etc. While most retailers have similar policies, keep your reciepts, and familiarize yourself with each stores indiviual policy. I have known people who have purchased items without trying them on, and got them home to realize they didn't fit. To make matters worse, they couldn't return the item (sale items, etc). It's a good idea to try things on when you are there, or at least find out if it is returnable if you don't.

I hope you found these tips helpful! Do you have any tips that I missed?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Diary: Fashion Investments,and New Series/blog!

Hello Lovlies:)

Today I wanted to do a little catching up. First, I had a really fun time doing Tag Week! I saw some of my tags get re-done, and had a blast reading them all! It was a good time, and I like doing posts that let you get to know me a little better, as well as getting to know you all better!


So, Fashion Investments. Just like practically every girl on the planet, I am always adding to my wardrobe, and always trying to get the most for my money. Unless you have recently won the lottery, I am sure cost plays a role in your fashion/ beauty purchases. But how many really good quality classic items do you actually own? With the fall season coming up, I am of course thinking about all of the new fashion purchases I will soon be making. But, I have also been inspired to start building a better quality wardrobe. I am going to start researching high-end, classic items that I want and start saving for them. Sure, for one pair of Louboutin's you could get a ton of clothes at let's say, Forever21, but those shoes will last you forever, and depending on the style, never go out of style. So basically my new goal is to invest more often than just thinking about quantity. I am not saying I  am going to stop shopping at H&M, Forever21, etc, and I am not saying those store don't offer high quality items. I am just going to invest more in closet staples. But, I am going to of course make this a series!!!

I am going to start sharing my research  with you and you can all help me shop for these items. I will also give reviews, and share shopping/investing tips. :)

Another new series or blog( haven't decided) is going to be a blog with both my husband and myself on newlywed life, and relationships in general. We are going to answer questions, share our stories, give advice, and hopefully make some new friends. We are both really excited! if anyone has any questions about relationships, marriage, couple issues, etc, please feel free to ask us! We will answer everyone!

I want to end with a quick apology, and ask for your patience. I am trying to keep up blogging as best as I can. I am adjusting to a new job, and schedule. I have been inconsistent the past few weeks because I am trying to juggle alot of new tasks! Please be patient while I figure out a posting schedule that allows me to post daily! Thank you:)

Wedding Things: In Case Of Emergency

Hello Hello!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday! Wedding season is here, so I plan on doing alot more "Wedding Things"  posts. One topic that has been on my mind is wedding emergencies, and how to cope. Although I certainly hope nothing goes wrong on mine, or anyone else's wedding, let's face it; it's bound to happen. Normally it's something minor(i.e. your flowers aren't exact, a member of your wedding party is late for beauty appointments, etc) Or, it could be a more complicating situation. Here are a few tips for how to deal, along with a emergency check list for your emergency kit!
Tips:
~ Try not to stress too much. Sure, you want everything to be absolutely perfect, but if the flowers aren't EXACT, what is it hurting? Your guests probably won't take notice, and there's no use stressing over things beyond your control.

~ Accept help. It's totally ok to ask your maid of honor or other bridal party members to deal with mini dillemas, or just help out. You should be happy and care-free today. Ask for help when things get crazy.

~Have a back-up plan. Planning for the worst can help ease our mind the day-of. Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception? Have an indoor venue in line, just in case. If there happens to be rain, you won't be stuck outside figuring out what to do. Same goes for entertainment, etc.

Next, and very importantly, every bride should have a Bridal Emergency Kit. This kit should contain all essentials you might possibly need. From fashion emergencies, hair emergencies to falling ill, all brides should be prepared. Here's what you need:

~ A bag for all of your essentials. You can give this to your maid of honor or other VIP. It should be easy to access throught the day.
~ Stain remover pen
~ Bobby pins
~Hairspray
~blotting sheets
~ makeup, for touch ups
~ Tissues
~ Gum, dental floss
~ Mini sewing kit, including threads that match your dress, and your bridal party's dresses
~ Pain reliever
~ Saftey pins
~ fashion tape
~ tampons, pads, pantyliners
~ bandaids
~ perfume, deoderant
~ hand creme
~ clear naill polish for stocking runs
~ the nail polish you are wearing for touch-ups
~ cash (just in case)
~ a cell phone
~ A list of all vendors, and phone numbers
~ easy to pack snacks
~ makeup remover wipes and q-tips
~ your moisturizer, and other essential skincare products

I know it sounds like alot, but if any emergency occurs, you'll be thankful you brought these things.
Bonus tip: learn the basics of your hairstyle with your stylist, and bring someone with you. That way , you can fix your hair if something goes wrong! Same goes for your makeup!

Hope this was helpful! Anything I left off of the list?
X's and O's,
Amanda

*photo courtesy of google*

Closet Essentials Summer Edition; Shorts

Hello Sunshines!!

For today's Closet Essential post, I want to talk about the ultimate summer staple: shorts.
Why are shorts a staple? Well, BECAUSE IT'S FREAKING HOT OUTSIDE! Shorts are also fabulous because they can be taken from summer into colder months too!

When choosing shorts, consider your body type. If you are super curvy, or very bottom heavy, you may be seeking shorts with more coverage that flatter your figure. Like jeans, I reccommed dark wash denim and dark colors if you want a slimming effect. I also reccommend having a variety of styles/lengths of shorts in your closet. This goes for EVERY girl. While your super short shorts may be okay for throwing over your bathing suit, they may not be appropriate for ALL summer functions you might attend. So it's good to have at least one pair that provides you with decent coverage. My favorite shorts are awesome because they are rolled short, but I can roll them up or down, depending on how much leg I want to show.

Have fun with your shorts, and pick bright colors, crazy patterns, whatever you like! What better time than Summer for experimenting with bright prints and colors? Make sure your shorts fit you well, aka, they fit well in the waist, and are not brutally squeezing your legs. I personally don't spend alot of money on shorts, either. Why? I might buy a pair of trendy shorts that are trendy NOW, but wouldn't work the next year. If you want to wear your shorts into the fall/winter seasons, just pair them with some leggings or tights, and voila! You can rock those babys year round!

What are your favorite shorts this season?
X's and O's,
Amanda

Closet Essential: The LBD

Hey guys,
This is the first of my "Closet Essential" posts. I want to do these to discuss wardrobe basics. I figured the perfect way to start the series was with my personal favorite- The Little Black Dress.

I am sure everyone has heard the phrase " Little Black Dress", but what exactly is a LBD? Some folks think that it is simply a back dress that you own. Any black dress. Any style. To me, a LBD is so much more.

Personally, I think that a LBD is one of the most key pieces in a girls closet. It should fit several requirements: It should fit you like a glove. This dress should not be too tight or too loose anywhere, it should fit you perfectly, and flatter your figure. Secondly, this dress should be able to transform. Of course, the dress should be beautiful on its own. You should be able to wear it alone to a classy event. But this dress should be able to be dressed up or down. While it should look great on it's own, you should be able to take it to over the top with a few key accessories and shoes. You should also be able to wear this dress casually. With the correct shoes and layers, this dress can be an everyday outfit. 

So, how do you find the perfect LBD? First of all, I don't reccomend anything seasonal. I wouldn't choose a dress that was styled only for summer or spring, etc. Choose something that is appropriate all year round. I also don't reccomend anything with a design( flowers, polka dots, etc). I think that the dress should be a classy black one. This is just my opinion, though :) Pick a good material. While a cotton LBD may be good for those casual times, it's hard to make a cotton dress look classy. My personal LBD is satin. Lastly, if you find a good one that fits perfectly, but may be a little pricey, splurge. It is always worth it to splurge on basics, because you will wear them so often. Your LBD will come to your fashion rescue more than you think!
Good luck ladies! I hope you find "the one". What does YOUR LBD look like?
X's and O's,
Amanda

Intro To my Blog :)

Hello Everyone!
My name is Amanda Christine, and this is my blog. What's up with my blog name? Glad you asked...
   I am a makeup, beauty, fashion, travel enthusiast who has just moved overseas to Germany from the good old United States. My blog is going to contain alot of makeup/ beauty advice, reviews, etc, as well as me blogging about the lifestyle in Germany, and other random stuff that happens in my daily life.
  As an intro to my blog, I thought i'd fill out a "get to know me" quiz:

1. Favorite food as a child: Mac and Cheese( still up there on the favorites list!)
2. Favorite quote: " A girl should be two things: classy, and fabulous"- Coco Chanel
3. Favorite outdoor activity: being at the beach!:)
4. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?: Taking out the garbage! It smells gross.
5. Favorite time of day: I don't have a favorite. I love something different about every time of day.
6. Favorite Color: Pink. Almost everything I own is pink. I live in pink.
7. Least Favorite Mode Of Transportation: Subways. They're dirty.
8. Favorite Sound: Waves crashing against the shore at the beach.
9. Favorite Indoor Activity Shopping. Shopping and getting ready. It's my therapy.
10. If you had a chance to change your name, would you? : No, I am rather fond of mine. :)

A picture of the boyfriend and I in Koeln Germany :)

Please leave your answers to the questions in the comments, as well as suggestions for future posts! This is the begining of a beautiful friendship, I can tell :)
X's and O's ,
Amanda