A Change of A Dress

A Change of A Dress

Sometimes life throws us curve balls.  Sometimes, even with our planners and to-do lists, we loose track of time.  Sometimes we have to go through change, both expected and unexpected.  I've experienced both types of change in the past two months, (hence the reason for my two month blog hiatus), which have made me wonder.. what's the best way to handle change?

For me, changes are not fun.  I am very type A.  I like my room to be clean, my planner to be organized, and my life to be routinely the same each day.  (Very type A).  This leads me to cringe when life throws me a curve ball.  But, after the two months of craziness, I've realized that change is what you make of it.    

So, of course, I decided to make the best of the newness by a Change of A Dress!

While some people like to get a haircut, find a new hobby, or just sit and sulk, I find that "redefining my style" is the best way for me to handle change.  Like the other options above, (besides the sit and sulk choice), taking control of the change does a person some serious good.  It reminds us that we can make it through the newness with some sass and confidence.

This sass and confidence led me to "Class-Up" my wardrobe.  

First, I participated in the "out with the old" part of a style change.  This wasn't easy though because, like many of you, I get super attached to my clothes.. even the pieces that haven't been worn in years!  But with the help of a sister who didn't mind adding to her closet collection, I was able to clean house.

Then I had to think about what I wanted my style to become.  This step sounds easy, but with everyone dressing in different types of clothing, it can be a challenge to pin-point what you want.  However, I came to decide that I wanted to change my look from college kid fab to business sass.  That's when I traded in my old attire for skirts, blazers, classy shirts, and many styles of A Dress.

Lastly, I brought in the "new". I went to places where I could find quality yet inexpensive clothing.  These places included Plato's Closet, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Old Navy, Kohls and Forever 21, (after quality checks of course).  After wisely spending some of pay check, I came home with a new style and a better outlook on the changes that occurred in the past two months!  

I hope that y'all find a way to take control of the crazy changes that occur in your life.  Remember, you have the ability to make the unexpected, and the expected, less scary.  When life throws you a curve ball, remember that you can handle anything!

Stay Sassy,

Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy

It's Better to Fit In

It's Better to Fit In

Since I am a huge fan of people watching, I tend to see a lot of interesting apparel choices on a day-to-day basis.  Sometimes I see outfits that make me want to go shopping, and sometimes I see outfits that make me want to hide.  I know y'all understand this feeling!

Most of the time these atrocities aren't just the bad, mixed patterns, or the pajama get-ups, but they are the skin tight clothing items that are not flattering at all.  This makes me wonder, why do people try so hard to Squeeze into their clothing when they know it does not look good?  Do they also see what I see?  

        

Instead of trying so hard to Stand Out, they should be trying to Fit In!

Now let me define what I mean by Fit In instead of Standing Out.  As someone who has always believed that it is better to make a name for yourself than to fade into the crowd, I am not advising you to stop standing out.  By fitting in I mean actually fitting into your clothing.

Many women, and men, think that to look their best they have to hug every single one of their curves.  Instead, they should be dressing up their body in a way that flatters their shape.  Buying the right size of clothing, knowing what styles look best on you, and realizing that you have a specific body shape will allow you to fit in instead of looking over-stuffed.

Now I bet you are wondering, what kind of body shape do I have?  Well here are some examples of the most common body shapes, and some ways to make sure you fit in your clothing!

If you are Hippy:

Fit-and-flare clothing items, as well as flowing skirts, are very flattering for your body style.  Accentuating your hips will be key for you, but remember to balance yourself out with patterns up-top.  Striped, Floral or Polka Dot patterned tops with solid bottoms will give you a balanced look.  Don't limit yourself though, mix it up some!

If you are Busty:

Avoid clothing that is too tight.  I know the saying "if you got it, flaunt it" might be ringing in your head, but accentuating rather than squishing will do you good!  Looser V-neck styles and button-up tops that are flowing will look best on you.  Wearing bottoms with patterns and solid colored tops will also be flattering!

If you have a Thicker Waist:

Creating a waistline is essential for a slimmer appearance.  Pencil skirts, Midi Skirts and Shift Dresses will cinch in your waist.  Also, using slimmer belts when tucking in your tops will add to the waistline effect.  Avoid clothes that are too baggy, but instead, emphasize your good points!

And also remember, regardless of your size and shape, you are BEAUTIFUL.  

Stay Sassy,

Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy

Renovate your Living Space!

Renovate your Living Space

As I moved into my new townhome Friday, I thought to myself, “this will be my next blog topic!” Many people think that makeovers are just about your hair, makeup, body or clothing.  But it is also about how and where you live!

Now y’all may be wondering, “how does changing up your living space qualify as a makeover?” 

I classify makeovers as something that provides a new outlook on life and boosts your self-esteem.   Renovating your living space does just that!  With each addition of a new color, chair, or pillow, everything changes!

It is a proven fact that rooms with dark colors and patterns can create a gloomy and depressing atmosphere.  Nobody wants that!  But when you add color to your room, it increases your happiness.  I think everyone wants that!! And thankfully, that is a simple task to achieve.

Making over your space can come in the form of adding new colors with paint, decorations, pillows, bedspreads and more.  Adding new furniture can also be a way to bring in some joy to your room.  Like in fashion, as in renovating your space, adding new pieces sporadically enhances the look you want!

Displaying pictures on your walls and furniture pieces can also increase your joy in your room!  Seeing as I am a huge fan of pictures, because they capture memories, I tend to have a good amount of them in my room.  They add life to a space, and a smile to your face!

Still fishing for ideas?  Well I’ve included a few pictures of my new Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy townhome space for some tips!

I found a pattern at Hobby Lobby that was full of color!

From this pattern, I decided to use the colors 

green and purple for my furniture. 

For my pictures, I used black and ivory frames.

I did this because my bedding is ivory, and the

accents on my furniture are black.

(I also watched Clueless while decorating

since it is my favorite movie!)

I love my desk!

I accessorized with chalkboard frames and a cork board.

 My desk chair is an old office chair that I took apart,

reupholstered and spray painted black.

In my bathroom I used black, white and blue accents.

I also like quote signs, so I incorporated bathroom

quotes to make me happy!

I also added red accents since it's my favorite color!

This space is in my closet, and it's my favorite part of my room!

My red bench has the same pattern as my desk chair, 

and is great for getting ready purposes.

The key hooks hold my necklaces and add some

sass to the empty wall!

I hope this gives you some ideas of how to renovate your space in a Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy way! 

Stay Sassy,

Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy

Reach New Heights!

Reach New Heights!

First off, I am going to be honest with you!  Since I am a college kid who has to walk close to half a mile from class to class, I don't wear heels all the time.  

BUT.. when I'm not at school, and I don't have to walk a thousand miles a day, you better believe I am proudly wearing my nude pumps or strapy heels.  I love the way heels make me look and feel.  They are the perfect definition of Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy!!

(Who doesn't lounge around the house in their heels?!)

However, with the height comes some unwanted pain.  That my friends is inevitable!  Buttttt this pain can be lessened with some tips to make wearing heels more fun and desirable!

Here is my list of How to Reach New Heights:

1) Find heels that have some extra padding in them.  Yes you can buy padded insoles to add in, but when your heels already have some cushion it saves you money and saves your feet from pressure!!

2) Stick to a heel height that makes you comfortable.  Sure the 6 inch stilettos are amazing, but if you can't walk in them without the fear of twisting an ankle, then you seriously need to reevaluate the height of your heels.  *I am very clumsy, so I tend to stay around or below 3 inches.  That is my comfortable height!*

3) Find a style that works for you.  I am a huge fan of heels that have straps or some sort of contraption to lock my foot in.  But I also like the look of a pump!  Once you find the style that suits you, you will be surprised how much more comfortable your feet feel.

4) The right size is best.  This is an obvious solution, but it is still hard for some people.  Different brands run smaller or larger than others.  When you try on heels and have too much space, even if they are the specified size you normally wear, they are not the size you need!

5) Pamper your feet daily.  When you take time to moisturize and pamper your feet before you go to bed, you are preparing them for the next day and alleviating discomfort.  Remember, your feet need some care too!

Stay Sassy,

Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy

Contour like Never Before!

Contour like Never Before!

I know every girl wants to have that beautiful glowing face that comes with contouring and highlighting.  When I first gave it a go, I searched Pinterest inside and out for the easiest, and best, way to get that glow.  Little did I know that it needed lots of things: concealers, bronzers, foundations, brushes, sponges and more.

To say the least, my short supply from Target didn’t seem to make the cut!  After many different tries, I realized that all that makeup was just too much for my skin.  So I came up with my own way to add a little definition to my features that gives me a glow I like.

I start off with a clean face, like I expect most people do! 

(I like to put on my eye makeup first though, but that’s just me.)

I take my handy dandy powder and bronzer, my two power tools for contouring.

I start off with my bronzer, (and use my blush brush). 

I make a kissy-face and apply the bronzer right on, and below, my cheekbones.

I try not to apply it too dark, but make sure you put enough on to give the contour effect. 

*I also like to apply a little bronzer right around my hairline on my forehead and right on the bottom of my jawbone, just for a little more definition. *

After my bronzer, I take my powder, (and again, my blush brush).  

I first apply it to my forehead.

I then add put a little powder under my eyes and take it out to my temple.

Finally, I put some powder on my nose, just to cover any blemishes that might be there.

But wait, there’s more!

A little blush never hurt nobody!!

I like to add some color to my glow, so I put some blush on my cheekbones. 

Make sure you don't overdo the blush! You aren't trying to cover up the bronzer.

That’s my simple contouring! It’s not too much makeup and doesn’t take too long. 

I hope this little makeup tip works for you! J

~Flawless in a Flash~

National Lipstick Day!

National Lipstick Day!

We may be a couple days late, but we're still celebrating National Lipstick Day here at Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy!

Lipstick is so fun and darling! With each new shade you can change your outlook on the day. Red lips bring out your confidence, pink lips show your girly side, and bright colors make you sassy!

Here are some of my favorite sassy ladies and their take on lipstick for the day!

Still want other ideas??  Well here is a video, Perfect Red Lips by Michelle Phan.  Learn how to rock your confidence with red!

Stay Sassy,

Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy

Fab or Fail List: Volume 1

Fab or Fail List:Volume 1

Sometimes new fashion trends come to light and make a big impact, which is fabulous.  However, Sometimes they just make a big flop and fail.  That's where I come in, to help you decide which trends are worth your while!

Here is the Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy Fab or Fail List: Volume 1!

The Denim Suit

This style is a FAIL.  

First off, denim needs to be an accent, not a full blown ensemble.  Secondly, just because it is sold together doesn't mean it should be worn together.  Instead, substitute some colored pants or a top with a pattern to complete your look.

Blazers

This style is Fabulous!

Like I said, a suit set should be broken up and worn separately.  When you wear your blazer, or suit jacket, with other pieces, the look is amazing!  I have found blazers at places like Forever 21, Maurices and Kohls.  These are a great addition to any wardrobe!


Flip Flops

This style is a FAIL.

Now I bet you are thinking, "hold up.. flip flops can be cute"!  Well I agree and disagree.  My definition of "fail" flip flops is the green and pinks pairs above.  Many may argue that flip flops are an essential for beach vacationing or going to the pool.  I agree here!  However, when you are not at the beach, or the pool, these should not be worn. (Like at work or on a date!)  Instead, you can wear some cute flip flops, like the last two examples, that don't include plastic and give you a stylish look.

Colored Bottoms:

 This style is Fabulous!

I LOVE adding a pop of color to my outfits.  My favorite way to do this is by putting on some colored bottoms.  Not only do they make an outfit look put together, but they also provide sassy confidence for the day!

Stay Sassy,

Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy!

Dressing for Your Age!

Dressing for Your Age!

I’ve been asked, multiple times, about my viewpoint on dressing for your age.  The questions range from “do I really look like a mess when I don’t dress for my age” to “why can’t I wear that still?”  Regardless of the question, my answer is always the same; one MUST dress for their age!!

But what does dressing for your age really mean? Many think this means that once you’ve hit a specific age, certain clothes are off limits; like fun dresses, colored pants and heels, to name a few.  However, this isn’t necessarily true! 

What dressing for your age really means is that with the passing of years, you and your style will change. 

But how they change depends on you!

The following list I’ve created has tips to help you remain Fashionably Sassy at every age!

1)     In your Teens and 20s: Take time to find out what works best for your body.  Your teens and twenties are about exploring fashion.  Deciding what shape, color and designers look best on you will allow for future years of stylishness.

2)     In your 30s: Start adding some quality pieces to your wardrobe.  Think of your thirties as a time to invest in nice clothing, shoes and jewelry that you can wear every day.

3)     In your 40s: Continue to add color to your closet and confidence to your life.  If you’re feeling like wearing a hot red shirt; do it!  Don't be scared to brighten up your wardrobe.

4)     In your 50s: Dressing young is no longer on your to-do list, but dressing YOU is.  Simplifying your wardrobe to basics and classics will give you a new perspective on life.

5)     In your 60s and After: This is the time to start wearing the conversation starter pieces that make you stand out.  It is also the time to sit back and enjoy fashion, life and living!

And now to finish, here is a little food for thought:

Don't be ashamed to dress for your age!!

Stay Sassy,

Fashionably Sassy and Stylishly Classy

Curl Up and Go!

Curl Up and Go!

Some days it is a hassle to fix my hair in the morning.  Normally I'm in a rush to get ready for the day and still look presentable!  So I have been trying to find the best, and quickest, way to curl my hair in the morning. 

Curling my hair with a regular curling iron was pretty time consuming, and, once I walked outside, the curls would fall and become straight as a board.  This led to my next curling attempt which featured the famous "Wand" curling iron.  

I found that using the Wand iron made my curls hold longer, but all of the curls looked the same when I curled my hair.  So after some Pinterest hair tip searching, I finally found one that worked:

The Pony-Tail Curl

While I was skeptical of the title saying "5 Minute Curls", I gave it a try!  

The first thing you need to know is that this curling method doesn't take just 5 minutes as Pinterest posts may say.  However, the longest it's ever taken me to curl my hair this way was 15 minutes. (The time it takes to curl your hair depends on the length of your hair.)  But no matter how long it takes, I have found that this is still the best way to go!

Also, I use a regular 1" curling iron for this method, but any curling iron will work.  I have used my Wand and some bigger curling irons too.  The kind of iron you use will determine the look of your curls in the end.

Now onto the fun part!

This is my hair after it had been straightened all day.  

It is not necessary to straighten your hair before you curl it.  

Most mornings I just run a brush through it before I start to curl.

Step 1:

You are going to do just what the name suggests and throw 

your hair in a pony-tail on the top of your head.  

You may look silly, but you will love the results!

Step 2:

You will then grab a strand of your hair from the pony-tail, up to an inch or so thick.

Step 3:

Wrap this section around the barrel of the curling iron.  

I treat my iron like a Wand and just wrap my hair around the iron, without clamping it.  

(I like the look of the curl that comes from curling it this way, but you can use the clamp if you prefer.)

  

Step 4:

You will unravel your hair after holding it for about 10-15 seconds.

  

-HALFWAY THROUGH-

Getting halfway took me about 5-8 minutes after picking pieces of hair and getting them all curled.

Step 5:

 This is what your pony-tail will look like once you are finished curling all of the strands.

Step 6:

Always look through your curls before you take your hair down and make sure you didn't miss any strands!  

You can always find them once you take your hair down, but it's a little harder then.

Step 7:

 Once all the pieces are curled, take your hair out of the pony-tail.

-What my hair looks like right after it is out of the pony-tail-

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

Step 8:

After I take my hair down, I go back and touch up a few pieces in front that aren't as curly as I would like them to be.

I also catch a few of the bottom pieces that didn't get curled to the max in the pony-tail.

-FINISHED-

  

This is the final product! I love the way my curls look using this trick. 

They look more natural and usually last up to 2 or 3 days.

I hope this method works for you!

~Flawless In A Flash~