MY HIGH BUN TUTORIAL

Happy Saturday lovies! I didn't get to make an outfit of the day post today but I was able to make this tutorial.  A few people on my instagram requested a video for my high bun.. this is my first tutorial ever and I hope that you like it!! Let me know what you think and if you have any other requests!! XO 

H&M AND FOREVER21 HAUL

Hi my loves! After a few requests I did my first video blog!  This is a video haul for items that I got from H&M and Forever21.  I'm sorry it's a little lengthy but usually these types of videos are long.  I hope you get some inspiration from this and please let me know what you think!! <3

My Favorite Kind Of MINT

Happy Friday!! One of my favorite colors for this season is MINT and I have been searching for the perfect pair of pants.  I'm so happy that I was able to find these and for such a great price.  If you are looking for colored denim but something very affordable then I highly suggest going to H&M... most of them are about $24.95 and the quality is really good.  I have the same style skinnies in multiple colors now.. next on my list is yellow!

I paired these mint pants with a new off white button down.  The material of these are really thin and after wearing them a few times they can get worn out fairly quick.  So every once in awhile I like to get new ones.  I got this one from H&M.

I fell in love with this snakeskin clutch, mostly because of the color combo.  It's a great statement piece to instantly add some color to any outfit and I love the gold hardware. I really like how it brightened up this outfit. I have on my mary jane platform pumps.  Unfortunately these got dirty in the back and I am hoping to get them cleaned.  Shoes like this go with so many things and if I see another pair I will be getting them.

I have on a lot of accessories today.  I ordered these 2 above the knuckle rings from Etsy. They are super thin and tiny but look so cute.  I got this cross bracelet from Asos and my love bracelet is from Forever21.  I have on a collar/choker style necklace that I recently purchased at H&M and wearing my white & gold Aldo earrings.  Also wearing sunglasses from H&M.  Been getting a lot of compliments on these and they were super cheap. Score!

Hope you liked the pictures! Have a great weekend everyone!! 

<3 

THE LOST ENTRY!

I know the contest is over but I received an email from another entry that never sent through to me because of a typographical error.  She originally sent me the email on the 26th and although I wasn't able to include it in my contest I wanted to still share her outfit and inspiration with you just as I did for the other entries!

Gaby

Hi Naty,

I’m @gaby­_vanderslice on Instagram! Attached are my pictures for your contest (my own picture and the inspiration behind it). My outfit was inspired by your blog! I already owned the blazer, the distressed jeans, the clutch, the heels, the jewelery—everything! It just never occurred to me to put it all together in that fashion until I saw your picture.  In fact, one of the reasons I selected this outfit was because I already had what I needed.  They are statement pieces that most girls already own—this is what I like about your style—any girl who wants to recreate any of your looks doesn’t have to go out of her way to buy  items that are costly or hard to find.  This was my appeal to your blog—and sense of fashion.

Thank you again for all the ideas/inspiration your blog generates.  See you on IG!

Gaby

I love this and it would have definitely been one of my top picks!! I'm so happy that my outfit post inspired you to recreate this and still make it your own! I love the effect that white tees and distressed/ripped jeans give to blazers. You definitely rocked this and made it work for you.  I'm loving that clutch too and that chain necklace.  You look great! I always like your outfit posts on instagram and I can't wait to see what you send in for my future contests!! xo  

CONTEST ENTRIES & THE WINNER!

First I want to say that I loved all of the entries that I got!  You ladies really put a lot of effort into sending me these photos and telling me about the inspiration behind your outfits.  Some of you wrote a lot and I wanted to make sure that I included it all.  Thank you so much for taking the time to do it.  I honestly liked each of your photos and for different reasons so below your entry I put what I loved.  I was really torn on who I wanted the winner to be and I asked a few of my friends for their opinions too.  I wanted to judge partially on the outfit, partially on the inspiration behind it and also if I was inspired by it!  So listed below are everyone's entries, and then of course the winner!! This will not be my last contest, so make sure to enter again in the future for your chance to win some goodies from me! And again, thanks so much to all who entered!

ENTRIES 


Jenn

 I was inspired to wear this after reading your post on your new years eve outfit. I loved the one shoulder look but was afraid that I was too short to wear it. After seeing how fantastic you looked I decided to give it a try. This is what I came up with. :)

I'm so happy that my outfit inspired you to rock this because you look fab girl! Love how you put this all together and the statement ring was a nice added touch with your accessories.  Definitely an outfit that I would wear. This a great color on you too! 

Andrea 

Hi Naty! I have SO MANY outfits that you inspired but I narrowed it down to three, I couldn't just send you one, lol! I swear every time I have trouble deciding what to wear I just take a look at your blog and it ALWAYS helps :)   In my first photo I'm wearing a pair of booties that I ordered from Shoedazzle. I love them now but at first I wasn't too crazy about them because I ordered them thinking they were Taupe color but when I received them they were more of a greenish color so I wasn't sure what I could wear them with. When I saw your blog post, "Wooden Heels & Scarf Versatility" I remembered I had an old scarf that would match perfect with my new booties, and it did.  In my second photo I have on a headband that is mostly purple but it has some teal in it as well, the same exact color of my shirt. I decided to keep the rest of my outfit simple and just wore black jeans and black wedges from Bakers. This outfit was inspired by your "Edgy in Red" post where you had a headband on and you match it with the rest of our outfit. In my third outfit I matched my boots with my belt and I had on a plain white shirt with jeans but I felt like it was missing something and I saw your "Pink Delight" post and I just added a pink scarf and I thought it completed the outfit perfectly.  Thanks for always sharing all your outfits, they really help me put my outfits together!!!  XOXO Andrea

I'm so happy that my blog has been able to help you with your outfits so much and I really appreciate your support! All of these pics are so cute.  You wear simple outfits but know how to add a little something extra to make them stand out, just like me! I think my favorite look out of the three is the one on the left! I like how you matched the shoes and scarf and left the top neutral. Love those earrings too! And I have those over the knee boots.. aren't they the best?! 

Shenachanel

Well, hello there lady! You should know me by now, I think I must like all your posts and pictures. TY for being a trendsetter especially a budget friendly one. Not too many fashion bloggers are budget friendly & actually shop in stores that everyone can shop in.
 Anyways, this picture you might of seen in instagram but this is one of my favorite outfits. I am not a girlie girl whatsoever! I use to not care how I dressed or anything- just recently I picked up on fashion.
As much as I am not a girlie girl this outfit fits me right- its some cute high waisted h&m tan shorts, blue & white striped h&m button down with aldo nude wedges. Hot pink mani & pedi - some safari bangles, wedding ring & a big flower ring.  I just wanted to feel comfortable, cute & me at the same time & this was the end result!
I don't have any other great picture but hope this will do.

You definitely show me so much love and I appreciate it very much! You're such a cutie.  I really like that you went out of your comfort zone a little bit by dressing more "girly" but you still made it fit YOU and that's the most important thing! You always have to be comfortable in the clothes you wear.  I'm loving the arm candy and those are great shorts! I have a similar pair and they can be paired with so many things! 

Fanny 

Hi! My name is Fanny & I just admire you and the way you dress! This picture resembles my triumph! I had twins in 2010 and they are my miracle babies because me and my hubby couldn't have kids. I have lost almost 40 pounds in 6 months! I was inspired to wear these two looks I put them together myself! These 2 outfits really meant a lot to me because I felt very confident about me and my body after my weight loss. It made me feel proud of myself and especially when I was able to fit into the leather leggings. It was an amazing feeling when I put them on and I saw there was no struggle needed to be made lol. Hope you like!  Thank you for the opportunity!

I loved the inspiration behind your outfits and congratulations on the weight loss and most importantly, your miracle babies!! That is such an amazing blessing.  You look great girl and I would have never known that you had twins!  I think that leather leggings are awesome and a great way to add some edge to an outfit.  I like how in the photo to the left you kept it a little funky and the one on the right you made it a little more feminine with the button down shirt.  Great booties too! 

Maria 

Hey, Naty! 
First of all just wanted to say that I have been following your blog since day one! I'm a huge fan and I love all your posts! 

When I read about your contest, I knew I would love to enter and share some of my inspirational & signature pieces. A huge fashion inspiration is Khole Kardashian Odom. I love how she is curvy, but still always manages to look classy and fashion foward. She always have a effortless rocker vibe, which lately I have been into. On the pictures below, I have a purple tank top that I got at Forever 21, with a I love H81 jean vest also from Forever 21. The jeggings are from Zara which are super form fitting. I recently purchased Jeffrey Campell Spiked Litas and they are extremely comfortable. It goes great with this outfit and gives this look a "rocker" vibe. Since I have statement shoes, I have my clutch from Mandees and my Michael Kors silver watch that was given to me for Christmas. Since makeup is the finishing touches on any look, I didn't want to try to over due it, so I love this Makeup Forever shadow in #92 which is a "dirty purple". I love to color the apples of my cheek with Nars "Deep Throat" to give me a flushed look with some shimmer, and I keep my lips nude & shinny with MAC "Hue" and "Naked" lipgloss from Victoria Secret. I love how this look came together and has a little "Khole Kardashian" vibe. I wish you much more success on your blog and you will always have a loyal follower in me! 

xo! - Maria Bermudez

Follow her on Instagram- x0_bermudez

Thanks for the support girl! I love that Khloe is your fashion icon because Kourtney is one of mine! I like how you added in your makeup because you were the only who mentioned that!  The spiked Litas and cut off denim vest were great pieces for this outfit and I think you really achieved the "rocker" look that you were going for.  You put pieces together that not every one would think to do and I really like that.  Super cute. You owned it! 

Yosely 

Hi Naty!I had an interview today and I wanted to wear something different, not your average black suit that I'm used to wearing.
 So I went to Mandee and picked up this cute polka dot top that has a sheer design in the back and I wore my beige bandeau underneath. I also wore my Calvin Klein light beige blazer to bring out the polka dots. This was kind of a  short shirt for me since I don't normally wear this but I fell in love with it since it ties in the front and I know that is in lately based on some of your posts and other fashion trends I have seen in the stores and online. I picked up this Black high waisted skirt that fit just right and right above the knee and I decided to wear my J Lo dark beige pumps because they are very comfy and they matched perfectly with the mini purse I wore today which I have had for years and decided to bring it back to life. I realized you can always bring an old-school hand bag or clutch back to life since trends are often changing.
 I also got these new accessories at Mandee I am absolutely in love with my BIG ring it matched perfectly with my new little necklace it was really simple but cute I didn't want to look like I was going to the club since it was an interview, but I wanted to have cute accessories and it went perfectly with my bangle that I have had for years which I love as well. I also picked up those new earrings not sure what color accessories this is I would say a rustic gold, but I happen to like it a lot. I am clearly not a fashion connoisseur but i do love to read your blog as well as other fashion blogs and I am always interested in changing things up doing something different or standing out a bit. I decided I'm dedicating 2012 to ME so fashion will be a big part/change for me this year!
Best of luck to all the ladies that sent in images, can't wait to see them :-)
 Yosely Maldonado
Follow her on twitter @Favors_and_More & @_MissYosi_

First of all, I hope the interview went well!  I really like that you tried something different because you easily could have gone with a simple black suit and you didn't.  I love that you matched the blazer with the polka dots in your shirt and all of the accessories were a great finishing touch.  I think it's great inspiration that you are focused on dedicating this new year to you and trying different things when it comes to fashion. That's exactly how you find your own personal style!  I really like how you put this all together and I think you did a great job with this! You look fab.

WINNER: ARI

Hello Doll! 

So excited to be part of your contest! :) 

I've attached the photo with a little collage of the whole ensemble. Unfortunately i didnt capture my infamous arm candy but ill be sure to keep it in mind for your future contests. :)

I know the rules were someone or trend that inspired your look... My look in this case was inspired by my favorite season, Spring! I love the fact that its cool enough to still wear fun boots but warm enough to expose your legs a bit! This dress was perfect for the day's activities, walking the lovely streets of Brooklyn so i had to wear something comfortable but of course something trendy. I LOVEEEE my cowboy boots, especially since after 2 years they finally look beat up and well worn in. Accompanied by a 3/4 sleeve navy and white striped dress. Cant forget my favorite manicure which was featured in Glamour Magazine as one of their favorite mani's! :) So that pretty sums up my look. Fun, Spring, Striped dress with some boots! :) My Instagram is @ari_says.

Congrats on being my contest winner!  Now I can explain why you were my first pick!  I thought this was so cute! I fell in love with your cowboy boots and how you paired them with this dress, because honestly that isn't something that I have thought about doing before and you really pulled it off.  This look inspired me to want to get myself a pair of similar boots so I can experiment with them!  I like that you were inspired by Spring but didn't make your outfit super feminine.  The boots just had a really nice effect with the dress.  This is such a great transition outfit from winter into the warmer weather.  The manicure and necklace were also great additions to add a little pop of color.. something that I love to do.  I really just loved everything about this.  You look great! :) 

 That concludes my first contest! I thought that I would get more entries but I think I would have been too confused on who to pick! I hope you all liked these entries as much as I did! Stay tuned for more contests in the future....
 Lots of LOVE! xx

Belted Poncho

Hump day!  This weather is all over the place.  It was raining a little earlier today and I wasn't sure if I would be able to take pics, but thankfully the sun is shining right now :) First I want to say that I love all of the entries that I got for my contest and I will be announcing the winner tomorrow!  I am still torn between a few so I will be making the final decision later tonight.  So here is my outfit of the day!

I'm wearing a poncho that I purchased from H&M last year.  I've worn this once before but decided to switch up the entire look.  I have on a bandeau from Islay underneath so it shows a little bit of my stomach in the front and I decided to belt it at the waist to bring it together.  Some girls aren't sure how to wear ponchos without getting lost in the material and a belt is a great way to give it shape.  I like that this belt is a darker/rustic color but still mixes well with the outfit.

I paired this poncho with Forever21 leggings and my Jeffrey Campbell Litas.  Felt so good to put my Litas on again! I'm using my H&M fringe bag.. one of my favorite bags.  I have on rings from H&M and Gypsy Warrior along with these 2 bracelets.  Check out my manicure too!  

I got these new sunnies from H&M also for just $5.95.  How cute are these shades? I love them :) 

Ponchos are really a great transitional piece from winter into spring.  It's a nice little cover up that you can wear in different ways so be afraid to try it out! 

<3 

HOW TO: "FUNK UP" YOUR DRESS!

Happy Monday loves!  It's super windy out today so I was only to get a couple of shots outside.  I've had a few girls ask me how they can "funk up" a dress to give it some edge and make it a little less dressy so that they can wear it out to different places.  I thought today would be the perfect opportunity for me to play dress up and put something together to give you an idea of how to do that!  I hope that this helps :)

I'm wearing a dress that I got at Target this past summer.  I paired it with black tights and my Steve Madden booties.  When you wear booties with a dress it will instantly add a different vibe to your look and make it a little more fun.  I decided to wear this hat that I got from H&M because it really helped bring this outfit together and definitely added some funk as well.

  I am also wearing my faux leather jacket with zippers.  I think that jackets like these are a great addition to outfits.  You can pair them with dresses like this or with a skirt and top.  It will give you the edginess that you're looking for.  

I threw in a little pop of color with this silver and turquoise ring.  Throwing in some color with neutral tones is always great to do whether it's with your shoes, bag, or accessories.  I also have on these hanging cross earrings that I found at Forever21.  The finishing touch was this studded clutch that I got awhile back at Mandee.  As you can see it's the little things like accessories and jackets that will switch up your look.  If I wore this with a pair of pumps and without the hat and jacket then it would have more of a dressy and sophisticated chic look.  Minor adjustments is the key to achieving this. 

Enjoy your day and you have till tomorrow to email your photos for the contest! 

XO. 

TOMS

Hope you all had a great weekend!  I had an amazing night in the city yesterday at this great little wine bar.  Delicious food, wine and fun! Before going out I stopped at Whole Foods to pick up a pair of TOMS.  I'm not sure if all of you know about them but I wanted to do this post because buying a pair goes to an amazing cause.

Every time you purchase a pair, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.  It's called ONE FOR ONE.  It started back in 2006 when the founder Blake Mycoskie befriended children during his travels to Argentina and found out that they had no shoes to protect their feet. You can read more about it and check out all of the different styles of TOMS on their website here http://www.toms.com/our-movement/

How great is this?  You can find them at different locations but like I said, I got mine in the city at one of the Whole Foods for $54.99.  They're such a cute pair of flats, similar to a loafer style and they come in various colors, materials, prints and designs.  Plus they are extremely comfortable and perfect for day time shoes for a casual outfit.  This is the pair I got!! I will be wearing these often :)

Red & Denim

Yay for Friday!! Today was so hectic for me so I wasn't able to take nice photos outside but I did take a quick shot of my outfit.  I was in Hoboken all afternoon with a friend and it was such a nice day to be outside! I literally put this outfit together in 5 minutes and I'm really happy with the turnout. Very cute, colorful and casual!

I'm wearing red skinnies from H&M with this micro tank from Target.  I paired this with my denim jacket and Target flats.  My necklace is from Gypsy Warrior and my bracelets are from Forever21. 

Denim jackets are so big right now.  They go great with so many things and are a perfect little jacket for warm days with a cool breeze.  I'm so happy that I held on to this one for so many years because for awhile, I stopped wearing denim jackets. 

Now that I am so used to taking good photos with my mom I hate taking these pics in the mirror but I feel like I need to still be able to show you all my outfit! lol Once again, don't forget to enter my contest! I will remind you guys every day till it ends! 

Hope that you enjoy this weekend!!

Mustard & Lime

Who would have thought that we would see such a beautiful day in March?  It's gorgeous outside.  Loving it! I took a few photos at this amazing park but it felt like I was in a wind tunnel.  So then I took a few near my house so there's some different scenery.  I put this together very last minute and wanted to mix these two colors together.  I think it worked well! 

I'm wearing a lime green button down tie shirt from Forever21 along with these skinny jeans that I got there also.  I think this is a great shade for spring & summer.  I paired this with these mustard peep toe platforms that I found at Mandee.  They're super high and very comfy.  Absolutely adore them.  Mustard is another fab color for this season.

I've got a little arm party today.  These are all from Forever21.  I heart this love bracelet.  Super cute.  I'm wearing my choker chain necklace and rings from H&M. 

[Don't mind me, just playing with a pine cone lol]

As you can see I tried to take some photos without my shades on but during the day when the sun is beaming it's so hard to not squint my eyes!  I tried though :) So how do you feel about this color combo?

Don't forget to enter my contest give away! So many girls told me that they're going to enter but I haven't received any photos yet and I'm soooo anxious to see! Email to aloveaffairwithfashion@gmail.com from now till Tuesday the 27th!! 

Love & Hugs <3