Winter Wonderland (well, not quite)

So, we're not really in a Winter Wonderland quite yet, but it sure seems cold enough for that.  I live in California, and it was colder here than in New York last night!  With cold weather and my return to the midwest for Thanksgiving on my mind, I thought I'd put together a little post on what to wear when the weather gets rough.

With the Pandora Christmas station on high (yes, I've already started to listen to christmas music, I'm one of those people!), I came up with the three looks you see below :)

Festive and Formal: This outfit came to me when I was thinking about what we wear for Thanksgiving dinner.  When you've got the family in from out of town, it's fun to dress up a little, and by choosing a jewel tone as your central color, the look feels a bit more wintery and, well, festive!  If your going out for Thanksgiving dinner, or even wanted to wear this to a nice dinner in the cold weather, throw on a belted coat in a neutral color, and slouchy knit hat.  Try using the same color (such as black) in your hat and shoes, to tie the look together form head to toe :)

Out and About: It's a lot more fun to brave the cold air when you have a chic look to sport!  Using a another deep color tone - olive - and adding a fedora and a loop scarf, there's a certain, je ne sais quo obtained in your outfit!  A pair of sturdy combat boots give the look a bit of edge, while keeping your feet toasty warm.

Cozy and Casual:  This is one of those looks that you could easily throw on if you weren't going to be out for very long in the cold, but still wanted to wear something other than sweats and uggs (I'm not knocking uggs, they are quite comfortable and warm!).  A graphic sweater and fingerless gloves are a great way to give your look some personality too!  A warm pair of leather boots and a cozy hat with a pop of color are an added plus in spicing up your look.

Q of the Day:  When the weather turns cold, what item in your closet do you go to grab first?

Keep Classy and Chic,
Liv

Blogging Days - The College Craze

My my, how ashamed I am that I've not posted since August!  A LOT has happened over the past few months.

Starting College, taking on an internship, and joining an Accapella group are just a few of the things that are keeping me busy - but I promise, now that I know how much time I need to dedicate to my classes/extracurriculars, I promise I will be making more frequent posts!

This week, I thought I'd get back into the swing of things with a good ol' outfit set, inspired by College, and different styles I've seen around campus (or have hoped to) :)


Prepster Twist:  This look is comprised of a few classic pieces that I would recommend everyone have in there closets - the collared shirt, and a pair of burgundy slacks.  Modernize them by throwing a sweater with a pop of color on over top, and a pair of combat boots, and you've got yourself an outfit perfect for walking around campus on those chilly, perhaps rainy days.  Trade the ordinary backpack for a satchel for an added "chic factor".

Casually Cool: Now this is a look that I've seen quite a bit here on my campus in California. Jean shorts are a popular choice for bottoms, but put a personal spin on them by pairing them with pieces that give the look a direction.  Here, by pairing them with a pair of neutral-toned gladiators, and a tribal-print backpack, we take the look from plain to earthy with a bit of edge.  See the power that a few added personality pieces can have an a look?

Date Night: No, I can't say this is one of the looks I've seen here at school on the weekends, or any time for that matter, but I wish it could be!  This is more of the type of look that I would go for on a night out.  Instead of the bandage skirt and crop top (which I've seen a number of times), maybe some of you out there would opt for a more demure look.  I'm aware though that the bows and collar may be a tad much for some, but it's all a personal taste thing!  I'm really loving envelope clutches right now too, and I think they can add some edge to a sweeter kind of look such as this.

Q of the Day:  What are some staple, college outfit pieces that you can always rely on in a pinch?  Leave your responses in the comments section bellow :)

Keep Classy and Chic,
-Liv

School Spirit

Hello and Happy Friday!

This post comes to you as the first written in my dorm room - I'm officially a college student now!  I'm so excited to bring you guys a set that I was inspired to make after seeing all the "School Spirit" clothes in our store here at UC Santa Barbara
Though I couldn't find any items on Polyvore that had UCSB's logo on it, the items I used are easy enough to switch out with any school's colors/emblem.

Concert Series: First we have a look that uses the letterman jacket - a piece that you can find at many schools, and that's also still on trend.  Try to keep the color palette of your outfit similar, but don't be discouraged from adding a pop of color!  I like pairing black and white together, and then adding a red lip and clutch to make the look a bit different.  Black and White work with many colors, so keep that in mind if your school's letterman jackets are colors like green and blue :)

Formal Affairs: For events such as a dinner out with your parents, or even just a night on the town with the girls, it's fun to sport some school spirit.  Here I paired a navy skirt with a yellow tank because the University of Michigan's colors are Maze and Blue.  Incase it gets chilly, I thought the outfit could benefit from a boyfriend blazer, and it just so happens that there was white already incorporated in the outfit!  Keep accessories neutral when you working with bright colors like Maze and Blue.

Girls Night Out:  I have yet to catch on to the trend of wearing baseball hats with formal outfits, but I figure now that I have one from UCSB, it might be fun to wear it with something other than jeans and a sweatshirt.  When your school has black paired with another color for their school colors, tie in that color in other aspects of your look.  Here I paired gold Dr. Martens with a simple black dress and tights, as it matches the gold in the hat.  Now the look is coherent from head to toe.  Again, simple accessories are key when you've got a color like gold in your outfit.

Q of the Day:  How do you show your School Spirit?

Keep Classy and Chic,

Liv

Work it - in the Gym!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Who's up for a little talk about Athletic Gear?

I've yet to write a post on this topic, but I thought "Hey, exercise can be fashionable, and it's on-trend!", so why not write about it!  Recently I've been going to a couple of Barre Intensity classes at a local fitness center in the town I live in.  It's a combination of ballet, pilates, and strength exercises, and it's actually really fun, despite being quite challenging!  I've never been a serious exerciser (other than sports at school and an occasional elliptical machine), but I'm moving out to California in the next month to start college, so I wanted to kick-start a new healthy lifestyle by going to a couple of sessions a week :)

Here I've put together a few different looks for various forms of exercise.  Whenever you're working out, it's important to wear clothes that give you flexibility, as well as breathability.  And, even when you're exercising, it's nice to look put together.  Keeping to a certain color palette with your athletic gear allows you to be comfortable and chic, all while toning your physique!

Q of the Day: What's your favorite form of exercise?

Keep Classy and Chic,

Liv

4th of July (and looking fly!)

Happy 4th of July everyone!

It's hotter than blazes here in A2 (97 degrees, people!), so what better way to spend a couple of hours inside an air-conditioned house then to write a blog post :)  The 4th is one of those holidays when you can get away with wearing an outfit completely in red, white, and blue.  Take advantage of this fact, but don't abuse the hues!

For the Family BBQ, how about a retro look - a pair of loafers, a peter pan collared shirt, and high-waisted blue & white stripped shirts?  At the pool, a red & white stripped bikini paired with a blue fedora and vintage spectacle sunglasses makes for a chic but festive 4th of July outfit.  Top it off with an evening look comprised of a sleek blue pencil skirt, white tank, and a tailored red blazer.

Q of the Day:  What is the one thing you do every 4th of July?

Keep Classy and Chic,

Liv

Simply Summer Styling

Hello Fashion Forward Followers!

On a hot day like today, I couldn't help but think forward to summer, and all the wonderful things that come with it.  The sun, the pool, lazy days chilling with your gal pals, fun nights on the town - and then it dawned on me - I should make an outfit set with these occasions in mind, just for you guys!

So here's to dressing with class for a night on the town (Peplums and Pencil skirts say sophistication).  To relying on Retro for a day of play with pals at the mall or downtown.  To a day at the beach in a Palm tree print bikini.  Let's keep chic this summer!

What's cool is that the top in both "A night on the town" and "Retro is a go", along with the bathing suit in "A day at the beach" are from the H&M for Water collection, which will debut in around 200 stores worldwide on May 31st.  The collection features items made from sustainable materials and organic cotton, so you can feel good about what you're wearing while you're lounging poolside!

Q of the Day: What would you wear for one of the occasions listed in my Simply Summer set?

Keep Classy and Chic,

Liv

What to Wear - Graduation

Hello hello again!

Today I thought I'd do a little "What to Wear" post, concerning graduation.  My graduation happens to be a little over 2 weeks away - crazy stuff!  Anyway, I put together a three looks for three different personalities types - here's a description of each:

Edgy: What makes this dress edgy to me is the awesome zipper detailing on the waist on sleeves.  It gives an otherwise plain white dress a waist with an attitude!  Adding a pop of color in the shoe draws the eye, be it from a few feet, or long distance away.  The zipper detailing in the shoes ties the whole look together :)  Pair with winged eyeliner to bring the edge to your makeup.

p.s - the dress from this look is the dress I'm wearing for my graduation!

Sweet:  This feminine dress screams "Class Act" from across the room, if you ask me.  It's cinched in in just the right places.  In order to not wash yourself out, adding a colorful necklace to your ensemble will give you just the right balance between soft and sophisticated.  A light teal necklace adds sophistication to a pale pink frock.  Neutral makeup is definitely the way to go with this one.  Throw on a pair of strappy, neutral heels, and you'll wow the crowd when you walk to receive your diploma! 

Boho Chic: When I went to create this look, I instantly thought of flowing dresses (Not sure why, but that's what happened).  The color and silhouette of this dress are great for a warm springtime graduation, and by adding a pair of wooden soled shoes, the look remains effortlessly chic.  Because Graduation is a formal event, pair a yellow dress with a red lip for added impact (of the good kind, of course!), and choose gold accessories, to stick to the warm color palette.

Well, there you have it, I hope I helped you think of some potential outfits that you might wear at your graduation!  For those of you who aren't graduating yet, or have already done so, these looks can be transferred to any formal event you have going on at this time of the year, and into the summer!

Q of the Day: Which one of the above looks would you wear, and where to?

Keep Classy and Chic,

Liv

A Hybrid Post

Well hello Fashion Forward Followers!

It's been a little while, hasn't it?  Sorry for the hiatus from blogging, I've been going through a very exciting time in my life - College Decisions! - and it's taken up quite a bit of my attention for the past few weeks.  Now that I'm back, I wanted to do a post on a combination of things - A "Hybrid" post, if you will :) I really want to make this blog something you all want to read, and in my last poll, you said you wanted to see more posts on "lifestyle" and "outfit sets for different occasions".  I can make that happen!

Recently I went to Chicago to work on  a final project I'm doing for the end of my senior year, where I got to work with Jobe Cerny, the voice of the Pillsbury dough boy, and an experienced person in the field of voiceover in general!  Voice over and Film are two things I'm interested in pursuing in College, so I wanted to make a good first impression when I met him, and any others he might have introduced me to.  Below I put together a few looks to show the ways I dressed for the two days I spent there.

What you wear to an interview really depends on the type of person you'll be with.  For an interview with someone who's involved in the Performing Arts, you can take a little more freedom to show your personality through your outfit.  For interviews with people who work in business, or any job that has constant office hours, wearing a blazer and a pair of high-waisted, tailored pants to an interview is way for you to look professional while staying chic.

Q of the Day: What gives you the most confidence when you're going to an interview?

Keep Classy and Chic,

-Liv

Oops - I guess it's not Spring after all!

Well, what a pleasant surprise.  Seems like Mother Nature decided she wanted to be temperamental.
Lovely :)
Anywho, faulty weather doesn't mean we have to throw on sweats, does it?  I think not!  When the weather turns for the worse - yet again! - it's time to pull out some of your favorite pieces of warm weather ware from this past season - those looks you didn't want to put away until next Fall.
I don't know about where you guys are, but here in A2, we've gone from sunny, 65 degree weather, to cold, mid-30's with rain within the span of a day or two.  Crazy, no?

So, because of the not-so-pleasant surprise of chilly rain today, I thought I'd put together a set for those of you who might be experiencing the same wierd-weather phenomenon that I am.  On the positive side, the rain does give us an opportunity to put on our favorite parkas and a pair of chic rain boots!

If it's so cold out in your neck of the woods that you need multiple layers to keep the cold at bay, I suggest mixing textures to add definition to your look.  Keep all your pieces in the same, warm color palette for a pulled-together outfit!

Q of the Day: What is the weather in your area allowing you to wear?

Bonus - Yay or Nay to these un-excepected changes in temperature and precipitation?

Keep Classy and Chic,

Liv.

Trending: Springtime!

Happy Wednesday to all my Fashion-forward followers out there!
I don't know about you guys, but the weather here in MI finally turned for the better, and now we can actually step outside and not have to think "Is there snow on the ground this morning?".  In celebration of the fact that skirts can now be worn w/o tights, and sandals can come out of hiding...
This weeks theme = Warm Weather Wears!
*Extra* - this addition of the WVVP includes a Daily Style Planner entry - excitement!

First, I give to you a video from Wendyslookbook, that gives some really great tips on taking the spring trends and pairing them with pieces we may all ready have in our wardrobe.

I was inspired to create 3 looks of my own for each trend, taking my own spin on this season's staples :)

For our second video this week, Chriselle Lim shows us how to take a piece of fabric and transform it into a dress, shirt, and vest!  This is a great video to watch, especially because we are getting into warmer temperatures, which means we'll need to bring out the lighter weight clothes from the depths of our closets (that is if you live in a cold region).  Not a lot is lighter than a simple piece of fabric!  It's on innovative way to add many pieces to your closet w/o breaking the bank :)

Q of the Day: The warm weather has finally struck!  What's the first item on your list you can't wait to pull out of your wardrobe?
Keep Classy and Chic,
-Liv

WVVP: Rulers of the Fall Runway (to name a few)

Fellow fashion-enthused followers - welcome to another instalment of the Weekly Video Viewing party series!  This weeks focus....I give to you, runways from around the world (for the fall 2012 season, that is)!

First up, we have Chanel, with it's Fall 2012 collection, filled with encrusted coats, as well as eyebrows!  Sparkly sweaters and jumpsuits were to be found, as well as coordinating coat and skirt combos.  With rich gem tones, shoulder and sleeve embellishments, as well as a new take on the t-strap heel, Chanel's show has got many elements that actually have me excited for the fall and winter!

Next up Jill Sander took the stage.  Lots of pale pinks and browns started off the show, but as it progressed, the colors continually got deeper, and by the end of the show we had lacquered looking black garments.  Floor grazing coats and jumpsuits, high-waisted pants, as well as the return of the turtleneck - all in all I think Jill Sander's runway felt crisp tailored, with a couple of pieces that reminded me of Grace Kelly.  Strapless dresses were also ever present.

Last for today, here's a personal favorite of mine, Alexander McQueen.  FUR.  So much of it, as well as feathers galore ran around this runway show.  Lots of textured pieces, embellished with crystal-esque looking objects, as well as items that that were reminiscent of paper doilies.  Pleats and soft pinks gave way to bold gem tones and extravagant dresses that reminded me of creatures perhaps from another dimension.  Bold, but always beautiful, what an interesting show Alexander McQueen put on this time!
(p.s- capes made an appearance again)

Q of the Day:  What Fall/Winter trend did you see that you can't wait to try?
Keep Classy and Chic,
-Liv

The Daily Style Planner

Hello again fellow fashion fanatics!
Tonight I put together a little street style set for your viewing pleasure :) I'm starting a series of these, correlating with different global destinations.
Perhaps some of you out there are going on vacation sometime soon, no?  Well, I hope the looks I put together can give you some ideas for planning your own looks, whether your vacation destination be London, Chicago, or maybe just the local dinner hotspot!
Q of the Day:  Given the choice, which out of the following fashion savvy cities would you like to visit, if you could choose only one: Milan, London, Paris, Tokyo, or New York City?
Bonus: Why??
Keep Classy and Chic,
-Liv

The Sunday Special

Hello all my fashion-forward followers!

I have failed you.  I had made it my New Years resolution to make blog post at least every Friday, and for the past two weeks, my blog has laid barren!  But I'm back, and ready with a special Sunday post on a big event that ended just a week or so ago: New York Fashion Week, with its Fall 2012 collections!

Lets begin, shall we?

(side note, none of the items in the below picture are from the designers collection, they are merely a means of demonstrating what trends were put out on the runway this season)!

We were given these from the following :
-Mullet Dresses (Peter Som)
-Knits on Gowns (Derek Lam)
-Peplums and Pantsuits (Rebecca Minkoff, as well as other designers)
-Military Inspired Pieces (Jason Wu and Charlotte Ronson too)
- Knee-Length Boots (Altuzarra0
-Midi Skirts (Helmut Lang)
-Winter Whites (J. Mendel)
-Minimalistic Chic (Calvin Klein)
and so many more new trends to try!
And, as for Marc Jacobs....

yeah.

Q of the Day:  After seeing some of the trends for Fall, what are you most anxious to try?

Keep Classy and Chic,

Liv

Quick Update

Hello my fellow fashion-minded individuals!

Sorry for the slight blogging hiatus - all of a sudden I've run into a lot of work at school and things have been kind of hectic.  Any who, I will be posting the usual WVVP on Friday this week instead of today, as I need to catch more Zzz's then I have been in the past couple of days!

BUT

Until then, here are two videos to tide you over until our next get together :)<- This one will be especially useful for those of you going on break soon, like moi!

 <- This one...this one is just fabulous.  Definitely made me laugh, as well as contemplate whether I over-use the word "Chic"!

Hope you enjoyed, and remember,

Keep Classy and Chic!

-Liv

A Formal Affair

Welcome to Weekly Video Viewing Party #3, one and all!
Theme: A Fancy Night Out
This coming weekend, my school is holding its first formal dance of the year.  Because these events are few and far between, I'm taking advantage of the opportunity by pulling out the glam guns and my makeup magic (which is oh-so-non-existent, i.e why these videos are a blessing!) to put together a chic look.  Today I've rounded up makeup, hair, and wild card tutorials that have helped me figure out my final look, all for your viewing pleasure :)

Haute Hair: This is a great video with multiple styles that would work great for any formal occasion.  I'm partial to the deep side part look - it's got a hint of old hollywood glamour that would lend itself nicely to a one shoulder, strapless, or even halter dress.  Heck, I'd wear that hairstyle with jeans and a sweater!

Magnificent Makeup : Don't know what to pair with your glorious hair?  I'm a strong believer that you can never go wrong with a red lip, especially if your wearing a LBD.  If you chose to try out this look, make sure to keep the rest of your makeup simple - I recommend just a smidgen of black eyeliner (like Elle has on in her video), and mascara, as well as any concealer or foundation you might otherwise use.

The Wild Card: Do you have a pair of simple stilettos?  Looking to make a shoe-statement?  Good, this next video is for you!  By taking a pair of neutral shoes and your favorite accessories, this tutorial teaches you how to transform what once might have been drab into fab.  I recommend that you keep your dress and other accessories minimal, as you want to let your shoes really shine :)

So what will I wear to the Formal?

I am currently planning on wearing the above Jason Wu for Target dress (that collection debut gets a whole post to itself, coming soon), but I'm undecided on the accessories front.  I'm severally leaning towards a peter pan collar necklace *new obsession alert - watch out oxford shirts!*, and I think gold's going to be the way to go.

Q of the Day: What kind of Hair/Makeup would you assign a LBD for a formal event?

Keep Classy and Chic,

-Liv

A Photo Flashback

Hello hello again Lovelies!

Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Old Navy

Here we are, back to another Friday, and this week I thought I'd do a little "What I Wore" post, since I haven't posted about my personal style in a while!

These pics come from a photo shoot I did earlier in the year (when it was actually warm and you could spend more than a minute outside!) for my senior pictures.  It was a blast to just run around taking pictures in the arboretum (a gorgeous maze of trails and gardens just outside of downtown Ann Arbor)!  After we were done shooting, I thought of a couple of things that were helpful to me in making the most of my experience, all of which are written below (take a peek!).

Suggestions:

Shirt: J. Crew
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: J. Crew

- When your taking your senior pictures (or head shots, photos for a look book, etc.), dress in something that makes you feel confident!  When you're wearing something that makes you feel great, it's going to effect how you look, physically, in the pictures.  Things that are too tight or make you feel constrained in any way, no matter how "cute" they might look, may make it hard for you to move around or try different poses in your pictures.
- Jewels Tones = a great choice for the color of your clothing.  They bring color to your face, while paler colors can tend to wash you out (that doesn't mean some people aren't able to work whites and creams!)
-Make conversation with the photographer:  When your comfortable around the person taking the pictures, it makes it all a lot easier.  Myra Klarman (a local photographer who took these pictures) was so funny and kind.  She talked to me the whole time and made the taking of my senior pictures memorable :)  So again, be comfortable around the person you're working with!

Dress: J. Crew
Shoes: American Eagle
(definitely my favorite outfit - that dress was so fun to spin around in!)

Q of the Day: What piece of clothing do you feel most confident in?
Keep Classy and Chic,
-Liv
p.s- Would you guys like to see more daily outfit posts? Yay, Nay?  Let me know in the comment section below :)

Weekly Video Viewing Party: Watch and Learn

Happy First-day-of-February (or, as my family says, "Happy Rabbit Rabbit Day")!
For our V V P this week, I thought I'd gather up my favorite fashion "DIY" videos to share with you.

This first video comes (like on of last weeks videos) from the fabulous Chriselle Lim.  When I saw this on Youtube, I kid you not, my jaw dropped.  I am obsessed with combining collared shirts and sweaters, so when I saw this, I thought to myself that 1.) Never again would I need to deal with the bulkiness that sometimes accompanies layering, and 2.) I must do this RIGHT NOW.
And I actually did end up running out to the arts and crafts store to pick up some gold/silver studs, miscellaneous beads, and some clear rhinestones. I didn't get the time to go search for cheap collared shirts, or for that matter make these beauties, but believe you me, the second I finish them, I'll be posting pictures on here for you all to see :)

Second Video = a creative way for you to take a single scarf (square shaped), and turn it into 9 other things!  It doesn't involve bringing out the glue or beads, but you are "Doing It Yourself", so I'm including it this week.  Michelle Phan put together this video last spring, but I think most of the ideas can be done year round.  This is a great video to watch if your going on vacation soon, as there are a couple of silk scarf uses that would be perfect for warm weather spots.

Still have some left over studs from your collar project (i.e the first video, if you'd forget!)?  Then grab some suede (or a sturdy material), because I think this third video's product makes a great statement accessory to any outfit.  If your not a fan of the orange suede, you can always pick a different color for a tamer, sleek look, that still has that same statement effect (personally, I would make the actually purse part black, then add silver studs!)

Inspirational Video: This last video isn't a DIY project, but I had to include it, because boy is it powerful.  I don't want to say anything more, except that I agree 100% with the things she says.  So know that you're all anxious to watch it, I release you to do just such........go on.......well?  What did you think?  Do you agree with things Wendy says in her video?

Q of the Day: We heard how fashion makes Wendy feel - but how about you?  What is it about fashion that you love, that speaks to you?
Until Friday's post :)
Keep Classy and Chic,
-Liv

Jason Wu and Doo.Ri for You and Me

Happy Friday Everybody!
As it is finally the weekend, I've had a little time to relax and graze through my fashion files (i.e blogs, news articles, etc.).  There's recently been a lot of buzz about the new designer collaborations that are set to premiere very soon, such as the Jason Wu for Target line (set to debut February 5) and the Doo.Ri for Macy's collection (due February 25).  Below are a couple of the first looks at both of the duets.

Target has brought in some great collaborators, such as those from their last infamous Missoni collection.  It'll be interesting to see how much press and craziness this next collaboration gets!  Above are a couple of my favorite ensembles - I'm loving the black bow with the white shirt, and in my book, a vintage look like black socks and pumps are a definite yes.  After Wu, what/who's next up to bat?  That would be items from the minds behind the Webster store in Miami.

Doo.Ri is another designer collaboration I'm eagerly anticipating.  Their effortlessly draped jerseys (especially in their latest Spring 2012 collection, shown below)  are so easy and fluttery, perfect for the spring months that lie ahead (though the groundhog may decide to make those warm months farther ahead than I'd like, depending on the outcome of February 2nd!).  They also make great vacationing garments, with simple yet elegant forms in more than just their dresses.  Though there are only sketches of the collection as of now, those pieces that are shown show definite promise.

Doo.Ri Spring 2012 Runway

Q of the Day:  What designer collaboration are you most excited for? (don't forget about the Marni for H&M collection - SO excited for that!)

As I now sit down to clear of my calendar for February 5 and 25, I bid you all adieu, and sweet fashion dreams until next Wednesday's Weekly Video Viewing Party :)

p.s- Looking for more Lives to Sea?  Check out my Pinterest page (www.pinterest.com/livestosea) for 

pictures of my favorite looks, pictures, and food goodies from around the web!

Keep Classy and Chic,

-Liv

Weekly Video Viewing Party

Ciao tutte!

This post is the start of many weekly Wednesday posts that will be centered on a certain video or group of videos.  I'm calling it our "Weekly Video Viewing Party"!  This week the focus is on color - How color can make you feel better, as well as how colors have changed on the runways for the Spring 2012 season.

The first video comes from Chriselle Lim, a fashion guru on youtube and a stylist.  She put out a video this week on how color can help you feel better after a breakup, a hard day, or a bad test grade.  Another thing that color therapy clothing can help cure is the College news blues (I can especially relate to this one, as letters have started coming out recently).  Give it a taste, you might find that the colors she talks about are colors you already wear all the time!

Next we have a video courtesy of the folks at H & M.  They tell the tale of how color blocking has changed from being done in bold hues to being put with pastels and neutrals.  Pastel colors were big on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways of designers such as Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton.  Take a look at how H&M puts pastels into their latest collection!

p.s- they also give some great advice on what garment is a must have according to your style personality :)

Those are my Weekly Video Viewing Party videos for this week!  Check back this friday for my regular weekly post - yay for keeping up with one of my New Year's resolutions!

Q of the Day: When your feeling down or having a bad day, what's the go-to, feel-good color you put on?

Keep Classy and Chic,

-Liv

How to stay Fashionable in Five-Degree Weather (a "What to Wear" post)

Hey Guys!
As I type this post, my fingers are still thawing out from being outside because it was SO COLD today.  No kidding.  So please, pardon any grammatical errors I make here (I blame it all on the weather).  It's actually freezing (say...oh, less than five degrees today!) here in MI, and with the cold there's also snow and ice to be had.  I like to have fun with my style even when it gets this chilly, so below I put together a "Style Diary" of pieces I've worn so far this winter (sweater dress, fur collar, wool tights), and others that I plan on finding before the snow stops (capes, plum-hued purse, and eskimo-esque booties).  They're all great items in themselves that add a level of sophistication to any snowy ensemble!

You Like?

:)

Below yet again, is another list I've compiled of colors, fabrics, and other various cold weather accouterments that I think every fashion enthusiast should have in there closet right this very minute.  And hey, if they're not presently hanging on a hanger, the weekend's a great excuse to go shopping!

Cold weather wants Colors like:  deeper shades of plums, reds, browns, mixes of black and white

Cold weather wants Garments in:  Wool, Cashmere, Shearling, Fur, and occasionally leather (when there  isn't too much snow on the ground!)

Fun Trends to try:  full length coats, shiny metallics, color-blocked pieces, and Peplum skirts/dresses/shirts.  (Capes are the trend I'm most excited to try)
Looking Forward to Spring (To early?): Bold Flower Prints, Paisley, and Pale blush tones.

*News* : I now have a Pinterest account!  Follow me at Pinterest.com/livestosea :)
p.s- If you've never heard of pinterest, it's this really cool website were you get to create "boards" where you pin your favorite pictures from around the internet - like you would on a real cork-board!
p.s.s- (twitter account is in the works, but not up yet)

Q of the Day: What is your favorite thing in your Winter Wardrobe (or the thing your most excited to add to your WW)?
Keep Classy and Chic,
Liv

Rodarte Fall 2011

Stella Mccartney Fall 2011

Pull out the Gorgeous Gowns: It's Award Show time.

Hey Guys!
The Golden Globes are tomorrow, and that means that the Awards season is kicking into gear.  Each year my family and I love to sit down and watch the celebrities arrive, as well as watch the show itself.

Lara Flynn Boyle, 2003 Golden Globes

This year, I'm equally excited to see who wins what award as I am to see who wears what ensemble.  In past years, there have been many celebrities who've taken risks on the red carpet, sometimes paying off - and sometimes not (see pictures above and below).

Jennifer Aniston, 2010 Golden Globes

Below are a couple of dresses that I think are suited for an event such as the Golden Globes.  I hope to see some celebs showing up in trends such as bold florals, pale pinks/nudes, and in general dressing in something that pushes the boundaries of what's general worn to this show.

Dressing to make a statement at an awards show, or any formal/black-tie event doesn't require yards of fabric or giant shoulder pads.  Choosing metallic, bold structure, or even lace will catch people's eyes, without making them think "What is she wearing?".  Going with a classic style dress never hurts either, and when it's in a bold color, or sequined, it takes it out of the "Playing it safe" category.

That's all for today, but I'd love to hear your opinions on dressing for events such as these.
Q of the Day:  Who are you most looking forward to seeing on the red carpet tomorrow?
Keep Classy and Chic,
Liv

Lets Layer

Hey guys!  So I know I promised to put out new posts every Friday, and I promise I will keep to that, but this week has been quite hectic for me (musical auditions/call-backs, finishing my last college apps, and getting back into the swing of school).  Therefore, I will be putting a more "legit" post up tomorrow to make up for the lack of creativity in today's post.
The video below is one of my favorites from this week, featuring layering, and how to mix fabrics and patterns when doing so.  For those of you living in colder climates, who are looking to put together a bold yet classy look rather than reach for the standard North Face and sweats when the snow falls, take a look.  Chriselle Lim gives some great tips here on how to stay chic will keeping warm from the snow and sleet (ha, see the rhyme I made?  Sleek and Chic?.....yeah I need some sleep :P)

Q of the day:  What's your opinion on mixing materials when layering - Yay or Nay?
Keep Classy and Chic,
-Liv

1 to 3

Hey guys!
Today marks the last day my family and I are spending in the warmth that is the south pacific.  I'm bumbed that I'll be going back to below-freezing temperatures and snow, so in honor of the gorgeous weather, I've put together three looks using one black swimsuit.  I wanted to show that no matter what your style is, or what trend your into right now, you can use different pieces to make the suit your own.

Accessories like a hat, a cover-up, and even shoes, can really transform a simple suit, so use them -and your style knowledge- to your advantage!
Q of the day: What trend would you most likely wear to the beach/pool, boho, sleek, or retro (and why)?
Keep Classy and Chic,
Liv

New Year = new trends, new changes

Happy New Year!
I apologize for the vacancy on my blog, the past few weeks have been filled with exams, as well as holiday festivities and family vacations.  It seems like we all make promises to change/add something into our everyday lives once the new year rolls around.  In light of my posting hiatus, here are some things that I'll be doing to better my blog- and myself- this year :)

1.) Write a new blog post every Friday- I've been inconsistent with my posting, so I promise to have new things for you every week on this day.  There will also be various posts when time allows, but be sure to check back every Friday!

Jil Sander Spring 2012

2.) Try at least two new trends- For spring, trends such as bold florals, paisley patterns, and crystal embellished pieces can be seen in collections from designers such as Cynthia Rowley, Jill Sander, and Theyskens' Theory.  I've never been a huge wearer of any of these, but I want to see what I can do to try and incorporate these trends into my wardrobe.

Cynthia Rowley Spring 2012

3.) Get a twitter- This is something I've been wanting to do for a while.  Most of my twitter I want to dedicate to answering questions about fashion, putting together looks, and my opinions on the seasons trends.  I'll be sure to write on here when I get it to let you know my user name :)

4.) Make room in my wardrobe- I am in serious need of a closet clean-out!

5.) Find new favorite products-  I'd love to hear about your favorite make-up products, as well as wardrobe essentials.  I'm always looking for new products/pieces to try, so leave a comment and let me know about those things you love to use!

There are my Resolutions, but be sure to let me know what you resolve to do/achieve this year- fashion related or not!
Keep Classy and Chic,
Liv