WARNING: Eyes may need to adjust to the brightness these colors produce!

Ah, the bobby-pin. The one hair accessory I use to wear ALL the time when I was younger. Whether it was to keep the hair off my face, or to keep my hair from sticking out. Well, it's not just for young girls anymore, it's grown up and made its way onto the heads of women alike. It's the one hair accessory that can either be extremely useful, or extremely artistic, or both. Coming from out of hiding, these hairpins can now stand out as a fashion-forward look. Celebrities, like Diane Kruger show them proudly in a zigzag line of braided hair. It was even seen down the runway for Cacharel Fall 2013. Just make sure to add hairsprary to the pins before putting them in your hair, that way you won't get any fly-aways. Below are bobby-pins or "bobbies" from Anthropologie, I wish I could dress my hair up with. Who knew they could be so fancy?! (Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5)

Have a lovely weekend!

Always,

Mostly Lisa

Not to be too cheesy, but I remember when I was younger always trying on my mother's perfume. She has this great vanity with a huge mirror that has been around since I can remember, and I would always try to emulate her with the scents that she wore. Her favorite perfume is still Estee Lauder's Pleasure, and was a favorite of mine while I was in high school. It made me feel like a woman, or maybe just more sophisticated. I think that is what I love about perfumes, they can make you feel something just by a few spritzes that you put on. As I've gotten older I've switched up what scents I wear on a daily basis, some are designer fragrances and some are basics. These are just a few of my favorites at the moment, but I am sure some will stay with me forever.  (Image credit: The Glitter Guide)

 

1. Valentino Emerald Backless Dress | 2. Gold & Emerald Bangle Trio | 3. Believe It or Not Bag | 4. Elle Heeled Ballet | 5. Clive Christian 1872

Emerald is officially the color of the year! Makes me think of emerald stones, luscious lace, celebrating St. Patrick's Day, and much more. I don't often wear green, it doesn't really suit my skintone, but with this outfit I'd definitely be willing to take a risk. I think pairing it with a nude color flat is the perfect way to balance the whole color scheme out.

 

 1. With a Little Lock Bracelet | 2. Hollywood Thrills Sunglasses | 3. Zara Shopper Handbag | 4. Black Side Split Maxi | 5. London postcard T | 6. Steve Madden Sandal in Black/Tan

So I'm a little late on the whole maxi trend. Last summer while I was in New York, I took the chance and purchased a maxi dress and a maxi skirt. Wouldn't you know that they were the two most used clothing items I wore while I was living there. It's such a classic piece to have in your wardrobe, and can be very figure flatting for a curvier woman. I love pairing a basic tee with a maxi skirt, there's something so chic and simple about it. This London T from Gap is probably one of my must-haves for spring right now. It's so cute and would look really great with the skirt and sandals.
1. Aldo LEDEBUHR purse | 2. J.Crew Minnie Pant | 3. Lace Shoulder Shirt | 4. Black Pleated Mid-Heel | 5. Chanel Rouge Lipstick | 6. J.Crew Translucent Braclet | 7. Ponte Boyfriend Blazer

I've talked about Black & White before on my blog, just a few entries back actually, and I decided putting together an outfit would be just perfect for this. Again, this is a really figure flatting combo on any body type. I decided to make this look a little more professional, so pairing the sleeveless lace shirt with a blazer was just the ticket. I am ALL for adding a pop of color to any outfit, so I had throw in this J.Crew bracelet.

 1. The Mowden iPhone Case | 2.Beige Kettle Tassel Bag | 3. Embroidered Floral Collar Tee | 4. Faustine Spiked Loafer | 5. Andros Floral Bracelet | 6. James Jeans

I think we all know when you think of spring, you think of flowers. They're beginning to blossom and grow, and I think you can do that with your wardrobe to for this season. I love this outfit because it's so simple, yet it's actually really detail oriented. With the embroidered peter pan collar tee, the floral bracelet and even the iPhone case!
1. Pastel Tale Sign Bag | 2. Kate Spade Glass Pearl Necklace | 3. Edith London in Midnight Blue | 4. Happy Closed Strippy Sandals | 5. Having a Field Day Wallet

Blue is my favorite color and so putting this outfit together was super easy. I've seen these dresses over at ModCloth and thought I'd give a peek to the actual retailer because they are so flipping adorable. They're called Poppy Children and are based in Great Britain. I'm a big buff on all things England, and all of their dresses appeal to me because they feature the London skyline on the hem of most of the dresses they carry. Plus, they are inspired by the '50s which is a favorite decade of mine. I would wear this in a heartbeat!

Have a great weekend!

Always,
Mostly Lisa



Now I am still living with my parents, which has been an absolute life safer as I don't have to pay rent, but it's as long as I'm in school and working. This can happen as long as I stick with both and help out around the house. Obviously I really would like to move out sometime soon and actually be independent. I have dreams of what I would like my apartment to be, and eventually what I would want my house to look like. An essential part of any house is the kitchen. It's the place where you can cook amazing meals, have fun conversations, and decorate with fun and whimsical ideas. My Pinterest has been the perfect place to set up ideas and inspirations on what my DREAM kitchen would look like. Bear with me though, these are just wishes and wants. I have no idea or clue of what my kitchen will look like when I move out, but here's hoping it'll look like any of these.

When I Get An Apartment:

I love the mix of exposed brick and the brightness of light coming in from the windows. This would be a perfect area to eat breakfast and cook dinner. I love how comforting it feels also.

(ciao vita!)

I love this take on an apartment kitchen, it's super open and airy. It'd be a perfect spot to have dinners and maybe even throw some parties.

If I Ever Get A House:

I am in love with the seating for this kitchen. The lighting reflects so well on the wooden table and progressively blends into the exposed brick wall. Such a cool concept for a modern and vintage feel.  If you go to the website also, it shows pictures of how huge the kitchen actually is. When can I move in?

Always,

Mostly Lisa

Being a curvier woman, I often have difficulty finding the right dress for my body type. But with retailers being more open to plus sizes, it's getting a little easier. I've also found inspiration from other fashion bloggers who have been setting the trend on what looks right for our silhouettes. Girl With Curves has been a constant source of ideas and I highly recommend checking out her blog. She is fabulous and knows what she's talking about. Nicolette Mason is another must read! She actually writes and has her own column in Marie Claire magazine. Must say she's someone I really look up to and can only dream of achieving what she has. Bow down.

 

But back to finding a dress for my body type, like I said previously there has been a growing trend in finding the right resource for a curvier body. I have a few favorite retailers that accomodate to my needs, and these are just some of the dresses I would wear.

 

 

1. Fair Thee Swell Dress | 2. Floating on Heirloom Dress | 3. Two if by Tea Dress | 4. Midi Dress with Pleat Skirt | 5. Skater Dress with Lace Collar | 6. Maxi Dress | 7. Tea Dress  | 8. Scallop Hem Dress | 9. Tulisa Sequin Dress

 

I think I might need to go shopping! Each one of these retailers have fairly reasonable prices and make such flattering decisions for curvier women. I especially am fond of SimplyBe because they are an online retailer that aims specifically for plus size fashion. I only recently found out about them, but I am very happy I did! Do any of you have any favorite plus-size retailers? Let me know!

 

Always,

Mostly Lisa

Samantha Pleet Autumn/Winter 2013 Lookbook

It's a rare case when I am in love with an entire collection, I usually only like a few pieces here and there. This collection though from Samantha Pleet is absolutely stunning. It's ethereal and filled with flowing movement. Deep hues are adorned on intricate prints. It's the perfect collection for Autumn.

Marchesa Fall 2013 RTW
While I had several different favorites from the Fall 2013 collections during NYFW, Marchesa was one of my top choices. This dress screams elegance and is something I would wear if I was a Princess in some far off land. If you want to see some of my other favorites from NYFW, LFW, MFW, and PFW check out my Pinterest!

This view in Paris.
I mean, how amazing is this? Gives me the urge to want to travel and find special places that could be just as beautiful as this.

Have a great Wednesday!

Always,
Mostly Lisa