Thursday, November 13, 2014

OOTN: Beta Semi-Formal


It's semi-formal and formal season in the Greek community which means you have to plan your outfit! This past weekend I went to Beta semi-formal and had a blast! So what did I wear to the occasion?


For the night I wanted to wear a more simple dress with a fun pop of color. So, I wore this awesome dress from Tobi.com. Tobi is a great place to get fun party dresses. This one has a cool neck detail but is still pretty covered. Also, I love how the sleeves flow out and are wider at the bottom. To add a bunch of color I wore a bright pair of violet heels. These pumps have a cool heel design which makes them super unique! Then I completed the look with a fun pair of statement earrings that matched my heels. Also, since the formal was a masquerade theme I did my own DIY mask.  

What I wore:
Dress: Tobi
Shoes: Sam Edleman 
Mask: DIY 
Earrings: Old Navy


Here are the steps I did to make my DIY mask! It is was super easy to make and only took 3 basic steps: 
1. First I painted my whole mask purple and let it dry. 
2. I gemmed certain sections of the mask to add some sparkle! 
3. Then lastly I just coated the whole mask in silver glitter. 


Do you have an upcoming formal or semi-formal? Let me know in the comments what you are wearing! 

XOXO 
Miranda 



Wednesday, November 12, 2014

OOTD: Sweater dress



The best time to wear a sweater dress? All the time! Well maybe not all the time but for sure in the fall time. I am in love with this creme sweater dress. I purchased it last year but I am just starting to find the right moments to wear it. In this look I styled it with a pair of printed polka dot tights. If you have noticed I love wearing fun and printed tights. I think wearing a simple dress with fun tights really makes your outfit pop. I paired the look with wedge ankle booties that I got forever ago. 

For accessories I wore one of my favorite J Crew statement necklace. I love this one because it has a lot of pretty jewel tones which makes it a great go-to necklace in the fall. Then I also wore a pair of brown pearl earrings. These are always a great option if I want to mix it up from my favorite classic pearl studs. 


Where it's from: 
Dress: American Eagle 
Tights: Old Navy 
Shoes: Forever 21 
Necklace: J Crew 
Bracelets: Henri Bendel & Alex and Ani 
Watch: Michael Kors 


Sweater dresses are a great comfy option to wear to class! How do you like to style your sweater dresses? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 
Miranda 



Tuesday, November 11, 2014

OOTD: Preppy Plaid


Recently, I have been super into wearing plaid scarfs. Constantly I find myself reaching for both of mine! During Thanksgiving break shopping I intend on finding a few more because they are literally perfection! 

For this outfit I paired my red plaid scarf with a fun red scalloped dress. I bought this dress in the summer but now I am transitioning it into fall with a pair of printed tights. The slight houndstooth print in these tights adds an extra pop of pattern to the look. To layer the dress I wore a simple denim button down underneath. It added an extra layer so I didn't freeze in class! To complete the look I wore a crystal statement necklace from J Crew because what else completes an outfit like a J Crew statement necklace? For shoes I stuck with my classic pair of black ballet flats. 


I am loving this layered look! The combination of the scarf, dress, and denim button down creates a cozy fall look. This look is super easy to re-create and makes a great casual fall look. Simply find a sleeveless dress from your summer wardrobe and layer it with a button down of some sort underneath. Pair it with a necklace and or scarf to complete the look! And of course don't forget a pair of cool tights. 


Where it's from: 
Dress: TJMaxx 
Layered shirt: Lucky Brand
Tights: Aerie 
Shoes: Tory Burch 
Scarf: Macy's 
Necklace: J Crew 
Bracelets: Nordstrom & Alex and Ani


I love this scallop detail on this dress! Scallops are the perfect preppy touch to any garment. 

XOXO 
Miranda 

Monday, November 10, 2014

OOTD: Plaid Obsessed


If you haven't noticed I am officially obsessed with plaid! My typical outerwear look recently has been my Brooks Brothers jacket along with a plaid scarf. The current go-to scarf is this red one that I picked up from Macy's last year. It goes perfectly with my coat and with basically everything I wear. 

For my outfit I layered a fun nautical sweater with a striped collared shirt. Layering is one of my favorite hobbies in the fall. I love the idea of wearing a sweater with a collared shirt peeking out. It's for sure my go-to look for the colder months. Also, you can't forget a statement necklace! So I wore another favorite of mine a pearl statement necklace from J Crew. I know nautical pieces are generally for the summer but I can't help myself, I wear nautical pieces all year round. There is nothing better than an anchor in my opinion. 

To dress down this look I wore jeans and a pair of Sperry Topsiders. I love these Sperry's because basically no one has them and they are partnered with J Crew. So essentially my two favorite things combined into one fabulous shoe. 


This outfit was perfect for a day of class then running errands. Here is me downtown Ames in front of a disco ball Cy. How perfect? Iowa State combined with sparkle. It doesn't get much better. On our errands we decided to stop by a cupcake shop called Cupcake Emporium. They make fabulous cupcakes and were even featured on Cupcake Wars. Cupcake Wars is my new obsession as well. It's on Netflix people be sure to go watch it. 


For my arm candy of the day I paired my favorite bangles (the usual) with an anchor bracelet that I received as a gift! Even my friend contribute to my nautical addiction. Then of course I wore my classic gold Michael Kors watch. 


 Where it's from: 
Sweater: Gap 
Collared shirt: J Crew 
Jeans: American Eagle 
Coat: Brooks Brothers 
Shoes: Sperry Topsider for J Crew 
Purse: Kate Spade 
Bracelets: Charming Charlie's & Alex and Ani 
Scarf: Macy's 
Watch: Michael Kors 
Necklace: J Crew 
Earrings: Kate Spade 


Leaves and Sperry's are the perfect combination in my opinion. What is your favorite fall shoe? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 
Miranda 

Sunday, November 9, 2014

OOTD: Tees and Things





For a night full of meetings I decided to dress what I call comfortable chic. Most people don't consider skirts and tights comfortable but I sure do! This skirt is also super soft and loose so it's one of the most comfortable things ever. I paired this heather maroon skirt with a fun graphic tee from J Crew. To keep myself warm I added a simple black cardigan and a pair of plain black tights. To accessorize the look I wore a chunky jewel statement necklace, bow earrings, as well as some of my favorite bracelets. I changed my shoes for my meetings but to class I wore this super fun pair of Kate Spade owl flats. These flats were on super clearance when I bought them so I got them for a steal. This was the first time I have actually worn them so I was pretty excited about that.

This look was super fun and like I said super comfortable. You shouldn't be afraid to wear a skirt or dress around campus! Like I said I think they are just as comfortable as leggings or sweat pants. So, if your feeling daring one day wear something a little out of the box. I know when I feel dressed up I feel a lot more productive and ready for the day versus when I just throw on a sweatshirt and leggings. 




Where it's from: 
Tee: J Crew 
Skirt: Topshop 
Cardigan: J Crew 
Tights: Aerie 
Necklace: C Wonder 
Flats: Kate Spade 
Boots: Sam Edleman
Earrings: Kate Spade 


Pairing a graphic tee with a skirt gives a great combination of dressy and casual. What is your favorite dressy casual combination? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 
Miranda 

Friday, November 7, 2014

Halloween Recap: My costumes

When Halloween rolls around it is always a struggle to find a unique outfit. This year I tried really hard not to be "basic" if you will. Although there were a few people with the same costume I was very happy with the results! 

For actual Halloween I was a sugar candy skull or a day of the dead skull. I originally saw the idea on Pinterest and I kind of put my own twist on it. Instead of using a flower crown I used a giant piece of tulle to make a bow then I added fishnets and fun pink heels. We also had rhinestone cob web stickers that we put on our body. If I do say so myself it was a pretty successful look. Surprisingly the makeup wasn't that hard either! 

To re-create this look all you need is tulle for your head band, some sort of skirt and crop top combination, fun tights, heels, and makeup! 


Where it's from: 
Bandeau: Aerie 
Skirt: American Apparel 
Tights: Old dance fishnets 
Heels: Report- Nordstrom Rack
Head piece, flower necklace, and rhinestone cobwebs- Craft store 

 



For another day of what some call "Halloweekend" I was boo from Monsters Inc! Then my best friend was Mike Wazowski of course. This outfit was super simple and cheap. I simply wore an oversize pink t-shirt with purple socks and white Keds sneakers. Also it helps that I am basically Boo's twin. I mean I'm short, look like I'm a baby and I have brown hair. It was the perfect combination. 

Where it's from: 
Shirt: Craft store 
Socks: Topshop 
Shoes: Keds 


Hope you had a fabulous Halloween! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Nordstrom Sale Picks


Retro Chic: This pair of tall black boots I actually own and I love them! They are at a great discounted price so I highly suggest snatching them up. I am kind of obsessed with this houndstooth bag. It's super small but it would be a great going out bag for the holiday season. Then this House of Harlow necklace is gorgeous! The pearlized detail makes it super neutral. Not to mention this would be a great piece to layer with. 


Comfy Cool: All of these pieces are super cool and casual. This Tory Burch denim bag is so chic. It would be a great neutral piece to add into your closet. I have a jacket similar to this tan one and I wear it constantly. Then these leather sweatpants may be your solution to a lazy day at class. They are cool but comfortable! 

  


Preppy Fun: Personally, I am a huge fan of fun, feminine, and preppy pieces. Here are three of my favorites from the sale! The first are these super cute bow ballet flats. These would be great for an every day look or if you have to dress up! Then these statement earrings are life. All of the colors are super neutral so they would go with practically everything. But, who doesn't love a graphic sweater? I am loving this super cute fox graphic sweater. It adds a touch of fun without feeling like your 12. 

  


Those are some of my favorites from the sale! Trust me I had more but those are just a few. I like to do this thing where I add everything I like into my cart and see how much my cart would cost. My cart totaled over $800..... so I won't be buying all of the things I like but maybe a few will end up in my basket! Do you do the same thing? Let me know how you online shop in the comments below. 

XOXO 
Miranda