Cake Cake Cake

Greetings fashion fiends! Hope everyone's been enjoying the onslaught of unpredictable weather. What has it been like where you are? We've missed the past 3 days of school here in Georgia because snow and ice took over the roads (But hey. No complaints from this end).

Today's outfit is actually from last weekend about an hour prior to celebrating my best friend's 21st birthday (hence the colorful decor). I was feeling inspired by the outfit, so we threw together a mini photoshoot before the guests showed up.

I'm so excited that I finally get to show you guys these high waisted pants from Express! They're probably my favorite pair of pants in my closet. I can easily achieve a boho look or whimsical look with these pants, but I decided to target a more upscale look for this special occasion. The first time I wore them was on the beach with a swim suit, the second time was with a bandeau top. Not only are they fashionable, but they're SO comfortable too. Clearly, I couldn't wait for the party to start.

Like I've said before. Turquoise is my favorite stone to serve as an accessory piece with my wardrobe. It accents almost any color perfectly, complementing it with a subtle pop. I kept my jewelry to a minimum with this outfit because I didn't want to take away from its simplicity.

For a while now, I've had this thing for sleeveless turtle necks. So when I saw this creme one by Guess at this store, I was so ecstatic! I could've picked a colored one...but there's a quiet sophistication to cremes and whites. Also, cremes and whites give you a wider variation of outfit possibilities because the color is so basic.

I'm telling you guys. Every girl needs a conventional pair of black heels, preferably in this style. I can't stop wearing these because they go with virtually everything and look great. It was hard finding heels that would go with these pants in a flattering light, but these were an easy pick and solved the problem. My favorite part is the gold accent on the foot strap and the suede material.

Birthdays are definitely one of my favorite events to celebrate because you get to show someone you love and care about how much you appreciate the fact that they're apart of your life. So when you Take the Stares for your loved ones birthdays, do it up for them (especially for 21)! Happy 21st Yani. Hope we made it everything and more.

Sleeveless Turtleneck - by Guess
Pants - by The Limited
Shoes - by Charlotte Russe
Turquoise earrings - by Chaps
Turquoise bracelet - by H&M

Photography by Lydia Yohannes

My Liebster Award

I'm so happy to tell you all that I've been nominated for my first (and hopefully not my last) Leibster award from fellow fashion blogger Ms. Julia Flahtery. Please go check out her fashion blog Miss Trend She right now!

A Leibster Award is an award for outstanding bloggers who've just started blogging, given by other outstanding bloggers who've just started blogging. Here's how it works:

1. Mention the blogger who nominated you.
2. Answer the eleven questions that your nominator provided for you.
3. Nominate 11 new bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
4. Come up with 11 new questions for your nominees to answer.

Thank you so much Julia and all my followers for supporting me on my journey up The Stares.

Here are my responses to Julia's questions:

1. Ryan Gosling or Joseph Gordon Levitt?

Ahh. Tough choice. I'm going to say Joseph Gordon Levitt right now though. Love his smile and versatility in movie roles. What girl doesn't love a guy who can be a bad boy and a geek?

2. Pro or Anti Valentine's Day?

Oh, Pro Valentine's Day for sure! I think people may take it too seriously sometimes. It's just supposed to be a fun day to celebrate with a significant other, crush, family/friends just to show them how much you truly appreciate and love them. It can be completely romantic, or just another excuse to do something fun and out of the ordinary.

3. Which celebrity are you most looking forward to seeing walk the Oscars red carpet the most?

Amy Adams has been catching my attention a lot on the red carpet as of late, so I'd love to see what she has up her sleeves for an event such as this!

4. What's you're favorite fashion magazine?

I'm a classic Vogue kind of woman. The way they have their photographers capture fashion is sheer beauty and talent. Really reminds readers that fashion is art, not just a materialistic want. And they make sure to keep their subjects diverse in beauty, which is something I always look for in a good fashion magazine.

5. What's your favorite fashion magazine cover of 2013?

Good question! Out of all the one's I've seen, I'd have to say Vogue Mexico's September 2013 issue with super model Candice Swanepoel on the cover in that gorgeous crimson romper and matching hat. As always, she looks amazingly fierce and the outfit definitely amplified that.

6. Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolatttttte.

7. Flats or Heels?

Flats for everything, especially boots! I love boots. But when it's time to go out, heels all day.

8. Favorite subject in school?

Fashion merchandising of course.

9. Worst beauty Flub you've ever had, style or makeup wise?

If I could delete any phase of styling myself in my lifetime, I'd just erase middle school altogether. I'll spare ya'll the agony and not provide a picture.

10. Movie you wish was your life (if only for a day)?

I hate to be the cliche woman, but I'd love to live the scene in "The Notebook" where Noah and Allie are boating through the wetlands with all the beautiful swans. Perfect romantic scenario. Name one girl who doesn't wish that'd happen to them...I'll wait.

11. Most exciting thing that happened to you today or made you smile?

Pizza Hut stuffed crust pizza happened today. And yes, I smiled.

Congrats to my 11 nominees who I am passing on this award to (In no particular order). Your blogs are amazing! Please take time to follow and look and these lovely blogs:

1. Ivana -  Like A Harte

2. Iris - Love Iris

3. Kimberley  - For the Love of Fashion

4. Tashaa - Oooh Lalaa - It's Fashion

5. Dora - A Drop of Indigo

6. Laurene - Hi! It's Elle D'

7. Charlotte - Confessions of a Style Cookie

8. Lindsey - Linds and Bells

9. Aileen - Sex W. Candy

10. Charlotte Lucy - Charlotte Lucy

11. Ruby - Ruby Ccino

And here are my 11 questions for you all:
1. What was your favorite moment in 2014 so far?
2. What does fashion mean for you?
3. If you could only wear one beauty product to The Oscars, what would it be and why?
4. Who's one artist/band that you find is severely underrated that you'd love more people to know about?
5. Favorite quote?
6. Favorite fragrance?
7. Batman or spiderman?
8. Are you a Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, or Miranda? (Sex and the City ladies)
9. Where do you hope that fashion will take you in the future?
10. Coolest place you've traveled to?
11. Fashion/beauty tip for you HAVE to tell your followers?

Can't wait to read your responses...have fun yall!

11 Tips on Making Your Superbowl Night a Little More Super

It's superbowl tiiiiiiiiime!

Ok. Let's be honest. If most of you are like me, you didn't even know who was playing in the big game until sometime last week. But come on. Just because football may not be your first love doesn't mean you don't love Superbowl Sunday! Because let's face it. You're too busy stuffing your face with hotdogs and seven layer dip to even focus on what quarter we've made it to. 

So even though I don't care much for football doesn't mean I haven't found Superbowl night a perfect opportunity to have good fun with good people and my glorious nation. So here are 11 tips on how to make your Superbowl night a little more super if you know the game may put you to sleep.

1. Pregame. 

Now let's remember. Pregame doesn't necessarily mean "drink" - pregaming is just a way for you to get amped up for the night. Whether that means dancing around in your undergarments, getting together with a fun group of people who share your affinity for the sport, or just stuffing your face until the game starts.
But usually, it means drink until you see stars before you have to drink again.

2. Host/Attend a fun viewing party with friends and food.

This is personally one of my favorite things to do because you can have all of your favorite things in one place - friends, food, fun, and festivities. Watching the game with people you enjoy being around always makes it that much more exciting.

3.  Look up fun football themed related food/drink recipes.

For all of you who love to get creative in the kitchen, this is a sure way to get you amped for the game. Besides being able to explore some new ideas for future reference, this is a great way to give you a little more football fan spirit. Might I suggest Pintrest to get some tasty snack ideas flowing?

4. Host/Attend a tailgate.

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind attending this tailgate.
But hey. If champagne and candlelight isn't your idea of a good tailgate, I think the classic burgers on the grill should suffice plenty. I love tailgating! You get to be around friends and strangers who share your love for team spirit. Like I say, the more the merrier!

5. Host/Attend a bonfire.

Now if this doesn't look awesome...

It's like tailgating. Except cooler.

6. Make some crazy bets.

What guy doesn't like to put their money where their mouth is in anything that he does? But who says you just have to bet money? I garuntee you'll be on the edge of your seat the entire game when you know you have something up for grabs...or something to lose.

7. Have a few drinking games.

Yes. Those are garbage cans being used in place of solo cups.
And yes. I did see a lot more crazier pictures than the ones I'm showing you.
Drinking and football is the equivalent of peanut butter and jelly: they just go together. But beer pong isn't the only drinking game that can be played in times like these...
Just remember. Whatever or however you decide to drink, do it responsibly.

8. Go to a bar/venue with TV's that are showing the game.

This is a great tip for those who don't necessarily want to do the whole outdoor, get sweaty ordeal, but don't want to stay home either. It's a great way to get your grub on, an excuse to get dressed up, and have fun with a bunch of strangers who want to yell just as loud as you do.

9. Pretend you're a fan.

Like, I love these guys. They're good sports. Just because you don't know squat about the team you decide to root for during the Superbowl of doesn't mean you can't find a reason to cheer them on (I usually go based on what my Dad tells me or the team's colors. Don't judge me.). So when you do find that reason, have fun with it! Well, in something maybe a little more flattering.

10. Stay active on social networks.

This is one of my favorite things to do when watching any big television event. There are some hilarious people out there, especially on Twitter. Seeing what others have to say during the big game is definitely a great way to stay entertained, talk some crap, and maybe even a chance to understand what's going on a little better.

11. Get excited and have fun!!!

I love football for the sole fact on what it does for people. In a single night, an entire nation is bonded on (finally) one common thing. And on Superbowl Sunday, we may be obnoxious, rowdy, irresponsible, and a tad insensitive, but we're all these things together. This is one of the valuable lessons I've learned while being a student an SEC, football-worshipping establishment. I wouldn't have it any other way. Take the Stares this Sunday to the Superbowl as the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks battle head on for the championship ring at 6:30pm on FOX!

Pictures provided by:
BellinghamHerald.com
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someecards.com
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Fragrance Fatale

One accessory that I cannot and refuse to live without is perfume. I.  LOVE. Fragrance. Some people have a signature scent they like to stick to. I, on the other hand, like to have a variation of scents I can switch up depending on my mood and the occassion. Just like you have casual apparel and evening wear, you have casual fragrances and fragrances you can wear with your evening wear. These are (currently) my pick of the top 10 favorite fragrances I think every girl should have in her collection.

1. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture

Yea, so I'm on the way to my third bottle of Viva La Juicy. If I had a signature scent, it'd be this one because I wear it the most. I honestly haven't met one woman, or man, who doesn't love Viva. 

2. Acqua Di Gioia by Giorgio Armani

Unfortunately, Acqua isn't apart of my collection yet, but ever since I first smelled it in Ulta, I couldn't remember the last time I had wanted a fragrance as badly since Viva La Juicy. It reminded me of why I love being a woman so much - fresh and feminine to perfection.

3. Miss Dior Cherie by Dior

I'm still working on ways to swipe this one from my mom's personal collection. I covet Miss Dior Cherie - the scent is so girly and sweet, that it's sexy. A lot of scents that are too sweet are usually too overbearing for me, but this one is just right for every woman!

4. Couture Couture by Juicy Couture

Yes, another winner from Juicy Couture. Currently on my second bottle (Ok. Maybe I have a problem). Couture Couture is my evening wear go to. The scent reminds me of wine, except you can wear it. Very edgy and mature, I love it!

5. The One by Dolce & Gabbana

The first time I smelled this, I was at my friend's house. She said "Smell the Dolce and Gabbana on my dresser, Jess. I think you'll like it." So typically, I fell in love immediately. This scent is definitely for the grown - it's a very mature scent, but subtle and sexy. Enticing for sure.

6. Flora by Gucci

I've only smelled this one once, but I remember that I couldn't stop smelling it. Very fresh and airy, a wonderful floral scent!

7. Tainted Love by Tokyo Milk

Another perfect evening out, date night kind of fragrance. It's a very sexy and edgy kind of scent, and that could be due to the small trace of vanilla bean and orchid infusion. I have the smaller, roller ball version of Tainted Love and I rarely use it because I don't want it to run out - I love it that much. 

8. Legacy Coach by Coach

Another wonderful classy, casual scent. I think Legacy Coach is another one that could easily become someone's signature scent - it's light, sweet, and a lot of fun!

9. Very Sexy body mist by Victoria's Secret

Well, I think the name pretty much speaks for itself. And Victoria's Secret. As usual.

10. Daisy by Marc Jacobs

 And last but not least, the fun and floral scented Daisy by Marc Jacobs. It's light and feminine - it really does remind you of a stronger scented daisy flower. And hey, who doesn't love flowers?

These are just my current favorite fragrances on the shelves right now. Maybe I'll do a follow up post on cologne? Hmm... stay tuned on The Stares!

Pictures provided by:

Polyvore.com

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