steal her style: kerry washington

kerryopen steal her style: kerry washington

 

Guys. We really need to talk. I am 100% officially addicted to Scandal. Warning: if you aren’t watching it, I might be judging you right now. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?! Turn on your television now and catch up!

 

OK–now that I’ve composed myself, I can tell you all the reasons why I love it–mainly, because the gorgeous Kerry Washington is so. freakin. fabulous (oh, and there’s an amazingly addicting storyline). She plays Olivia Pope, a Washington D.C. “fixer” with a killer wardrobe and slightly famous boyfriend. Kerry’s style is flawless on-screen, but also off–this past year, she’s completely morphed in to the red carpet gal to watch, rocking everything from Vera Wang to Miu Miu. I swear every time I see shots of her, I do a little “sista killed it” shout. No judgements. Naturally, I’d love to be anything remotely like her (yes, I’m aware I’m creepily swooning over a girl crush. It’s Friday, let it happen.), so I’ve rounded up a few ways you can rock her style below.

 

outfit1 steal her style: kerry washington

pants | jacket | tank | flats | ring

outfit2 steal her style: kerry washington

spike ring | knuckle ring | dual ring | dress (love this one too) | booties (or these!) | clutch |

kerrymakeup1 steal her style: kerry washington

bobbies | shadow | mascara | bb cream | cheek gelee | highlight | lipstick

navy scallops

scallop1 navy scallops

Dress, J. Crew (on sale!) | Heels, DSW (sold out, similar) | Clutch, LOFT | Necklace, Anthropologie (old, similar) |

Without a doubt, scallops have become my favorite spring detail. I first spotted them on these shorts, proceeded to get this dress and snag these pretty yellow shorts. Ladies, I think it’s safe to say we have the makings of a full-blown obsession, and this navy J. Crew dress just added to that.

scallop2 navy scallops

I love how all possible edges are just covered in scallops–it’s a bit “sweeter” than I normally go, but I’m totally smitten with the detail, and dressing it up with bright coral shoes and a clutch made it fun for a dinner out–and less serious. I have a feeling I’m going to be playing favorites with this one all season.

scallop4 navy scallops

Also, I find it totally necessary to mention that during the making of these photos, I was photo-bombed by a ducky. I asked him to pose, but he refused. Psh.

scarlet fever

red1 scarlet fever

Scalloped dress, c/o eShakti (sold out, but love this one!) | Wedges, BCBG (similar) | Bracelet, Stella and Dot | Jade Ring, Vintage | Gold Rings, Catbird (here and here)

I’ve been told before that red is my color–granted, that was coming from my mother and grandmother, but let’s roll with it. There’s something about the shade that’s super empowering and commanding–red is going to get you noticed, whether you like it or not. Usually I hate being noticed, but I’m kind of warming up to the idea of red being my power color.

 

red2 scarlet fever

 

Another thing I love about this red scalloped frock? The fact that it feels like it was made for me–because sort of, it was. When the online apparel store eShakti reached out and suggested I try out one of their custom, made-to-order styles, I was thrilled. I’ve always been short, so finding dresses that don’t overwhelm me, especially length-wise, can be tough. With eShakti, you can customize everything from the hem length and sleeves to the bust size–you can even add pockets. You guys, pocketsAre we all doing a little happy dance? I thought so!

 

red3 scarlet fever

 

The lovely team over at eShakti is kind enough to offer readers of The Glossy Life a discount code so you guys can try them out for yourself! Simply enter GLSYMSNGS at the checkout, any time between now and April 30, 2013. I hope you snag yourselves something pretty!

 

 

By the way––thank you all SO much for your incredibly sweet and encouraging feedback regarding yesterday’s video post. It was so fun to make, but I was worried about how you all would like it. The feedback was awesome–definitely keep an eye out for more in the future–and if you have any video theme suggestions, let ‘em rip! Just shoot me an e-mail, I’d love to hear icon smile scarlet fever

 

 

 

 

 

spring (hair) awakening

springhair spring (hair) awakening

 

If there’s ever a time to accessorize your noggin, it’s the months between April and August. Not only are the options extra cute, but they’re so fun to wear that you might even forget you hair is a greasy, frizzy mess (or maybe that’s just me).

 

The trends this year are a little hippie-chic, a little downtown cool. Grab a fedora for a beach weekend with the girls, a printed head scarf for a Saturday wander ’round the flea market and a floral crown for an upcoming music festival–that’s the one I have my eye on for sure, I’m just waiting for my floral crown moment (what’s that you say? Every moment is a floral crown moment? Music to my ears). Between the inspiration above and the pieces below, there’s no way you’re missing out on spring and summer’s hottest hair accessories.

 

Springaccessories spring (hair) awakening

one | two | three | four | five | six

What hair accessories are you going to be rocking this spring and summer? Are you a floral crown gal or a floppy hat lady?

tula jewelry [+] giveaway

 tula jewelry [+] giveaway

 

When it comes to jewelry, I’m pretty simple. Like any girl, I love a good statement necklace or cocktail ring for a night out, but when it comes to every day baubles, I tend to go delicate, understated and usually, gold. I have a few thin-banded rings that I never take off, and a small gold necklace I wear daily–which is why I’m so thrilled to be bringing you this next giveaway!

 

If you’ve never stumbled upon Tula Jewelry, prepare for a world of pretty. Designer Marisa started Tula Jewelry in 2004, aiming to create ethical jewelry (by using recycled materials and lab-created gem stones) while remaining true to her design aesthetic. Her handmade pieces are understated, elegant and so so gorgeous. I have my eye on a few pretty rings (specifically this stunning stone, and this understated diamond), and today you have a chance to win a 14k gold initial necklace (pictured above) from her shop, valued at $240.00 (I know, I’m a bit jealous myself!). Simply enter using the Rafflecopter below–the giveaway will be open until April 24. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Also listed here and here.

monochrome-mint

mono2 monochrome mint

Shorts, Forever 21 | Shirt, Forever21 | Wedges, BCBG (similar) | Clutch, Gap | Necklace, Anthropologie (similar) | Bracelet, Stella and Dot

I love the look of monochromatic outfits (seen here and here), and really wanted to try my hand at it– I had this whole look just hanging around in my closet, waiting for the right moment (and weather) to wear it.

 

mono1 1 monochrome mint

 

The mint keeps it light and fresh for spring, and it was the perfect outfit for a night out to dinner on vacation. I can’t wait to recycle the outfit for work this spring, and maybe try it out in different colors–white on white, all yellow, everything in red? There are so many possibilities!

 

mono3 monochrome mint

 

mono4 monochrome mint

 

How about you–would you ever try out a monochromatic look?

 

 

 

 

fuchsia & florals

pinkblazer1 1 fuchsia & florals

Blazer, LOFT | Jeans, Joe’s Jeans (old, similar) | Sneakers, Keds (old, similar) | Tee, Madewell | Feather necklace, Forever21 (old, similar)

 

As the weather gets warmer, the need for thick layers (sort of) goes away. I was on the hunt for something lighter and brighter to ring in spring, so when I found this bright fuchsia blazer at the LOFT about a month ago, I fell in love.

 

pinkblazer2 fuchsia & florals

 

Not only does it pair perfectly with tailored pants for work, but it completes a casual weekend outfit, like this one, which I wore for a day at the market and park with my roommate (back a few weeks ago when, you know, it felt like spring was actually coming). The best part of the day? A toss-up between feeling cheery in my pink blazer, watching the old Greek men play bocce ball, or rediscovering my love for swings. Yep, that happened.

 

pinkblazer4 fuchsia & florals

 

 

koret handbags [+ giveaway]

 koret handbags [+ giveaway]

 

I like to think that women can be broken down into two different (but equally wardrobe obsessed) groups–bag women and shoe women. I’m definitely a bag gal, which is why I’m SO thrilled to bring you guys this next amazing giveaway.

 

I’ve been a huge fan of KORET New York handbags for a while (in fact, you’ll catch one in an upcoming outfit post next week!). The quality is amazing, and the shapes are timeless and classic, while still feeling current. I truly think handbags are the biggest wardrobe investment a woman can make–there is no shortage of pretty options out there, and a classic bag, like Koret’s medium “Flip Out” shoulder bag, is no exception.

 

One lucky winner will bag (HA!) the stunning black version (a $268.00 buy!) shown above. All you need to do is fill out the easy-peasy Rafflecopter widget below–if you’re having issues, please let me know! I’ll be picking a winner on April 3, so keep an eye out!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

varsity blues

thevarsityjacket varsity blues

 

Everyone knows that a topper for spring is a must–the sun may be warm, but the breeze is still cool, so a stylish jacket is a staple in any closet. The classic trench will never get old (I have one from Banana that’s seen me through countless seasons) and a leather jacket is always in style, but I’m into something new this spring–a varsity jacket.

 

Maybe I love it because it’s a little bit Grease (one of my favorite movies EVER), or maybe because it brings a touch of vintage and nostalgia to an outfit without trying too hard. Whatever the reason, this is one trend to watch this spring. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

 

varsityjacketlook varsity blues

From left to right: TopshopTopshop | Rag & BoneRag & Bone

wearitwish varsity blues

Skirt | Tee | Trousers | Necklace | Pants | Jeans | Cap | Bag

What do you think? Are you going to be rocking a varsity jacket this spring?

favorite pairings: floral and leather

IMG 2249 favorite pairings: floral and leather

Dress, Prabal for Target | Shoes, Banana (old, similar) | Leather jacket, Florence (similar) | Clutch, Coach (old, similar)

There have been so many great pairings throughout history; spaghetti and meatballs, PB&J (both the sandwich, and The Office couple), Ben & Jerry(‘s), reality TV and wine…and I firmly believe leather and florals should be added to that list. There’s just something about the two that perfectly balance each other out–a little tough with the black leather jacket, but feminine and pretty once you add the bright floral frock.

 

IMG 2253 favorite pairings: floral and leather

 

I snagged this dress as part of the Prabal for Target line, with plans to wear it once spring hit. Well, as we’ve all lamented, spring seems to be dragging it’s feet a bit, and I just couldn’t wait any longer. Adding a tough leather jacket (aka the best purchase I’ve ever made from a leather market in Florence four years ago), made the look a little more seasonally appropriate and balanced out the girly-ness of the super (I mean SUPER) florally dress.

 

IMG 2304 favorite pairings: floral and leather

 

I have a feeling this combo will be shown a good time throughout spring and summer…I simply cannot get enough. This duo is one for the books.