Leather Weather

via PopSugar

For some reason, whenever I hear the word "leather," the image of Britney Spears in her all red leather outfit from her "Oops I Did It Again" days, instantly pops into my head. While I will admit, I envied this early 2000's look (especially around Halloween time), I've always thought leather was a little...bold for me. I've never considered myself to be edgy enough to rock a shiny pair of pants or a skirt.

I am here to tell you, I was very wrong! Leather has completely transformed my previous safe and simple style. If you love the comfort of leggings, then leather (or pleather leggings), are perfect for you!

I took a risk and finally purchased my first pair of pleather (faux leather) leggings from Forever 21. Although I was a bit intimidated by this new style, I bravely wore them to my friend's birthday dinner. Not only did they add some major style to my otherwise dull all black outfit, but they were unbelievably comfortable! (Not to mention, I got quite a bit of compliments.)

Comfort and style?! I'm sold!

This leather trend doesn't just end with leggings either. I am loving the look of pleated leather skirts and even shirts with touches of leather. I even plan on wearing my new leather skirt paired with a red flannel for upcoming Christmas festivities (see number 2 under leather skirts).

See the various way this style can be incorporated into your wardrobe. Check out some of my favorite looks for inspiration! 

Leather Leggings: 

1. Styled Avenue  2. Jimmy Choos & Tennis Shoes  

3. SOPHISTIFUNK  4. Her Lovely Style  

Leather leggings can easily be dressed up or down and easily transition from day to night. Keep it simple while running errands by pairing it with a chambray or long, loose fitting tee. At night, dress it up with a pair of your favorite heels and a darker colored blouse.
I love the look of number 2 for a girls night or for holiday parties. Number 4 also perfectly illustrates how adding leather to an outfit can be the perfect look for running errands or a weekend brunch.

Leather Skirts:

1. Lovely Little Style  2. Nomad en Vogue  

3. Pink Peonies

 Although I love the look of leather leggings, I'm even more excited about leather skirts. Since it doesn't get too cold in California, I can pretty much get away with wearing skirts year round. For those of you who live in colder climates, this trend is perfect for incorporating leather during spring or with a pair of tights. 

Leather Shirts:

 

1. Happily Grey  2. Cupcakes & Cashmere  

3. Washingtonian
 

In case you're a little apprehensive, like I was, about trying out this bold, black look, a leather shirt is perfect for you. Outfits number 1 and 3 add just enough leather to any outfit while keeping true to your own style.  


 Leather can add some edge and contrast to a feminine outfit. If you're ready to try out this chic look, check out where you can get your hands on this wardrobe essential! 

 1. Forever 21  2.H&M  3.Charlotte Russe  4.Nordstrom  5.Asos

 6.Target 7.Target  8.Forever 21 

What do you think about this trend? Will you be trying out this edgier look? 

Planners for the Planner

via StyleCaster

The weeks leading up to the New Year always have me thinking about ways I want to improve my life. This year: organization. I am all about planners and keeping track of what I need to do and what's to come for each week.
Unfortunately, this organization-high only lasts about a month before I resort to plastering sticky notes around my room or trying to remember everything and hope for the best!

I used to think planners were really only necessary to remember class assignments and tests, but as soon as I began my post-grad life, I realized planners are a must!

Between work meetings, lunch dates with your best friend, and grocery shopping lists, it becomes pretty difficult to keep track of everything. And as much as I'd like to think I can remember everything, truth is, I can't. Studies have even shown that when you write something down, you're more likely to remember it. 

Who doesn't love that fulfilling feeling of crossing out tasks that you completed? Not to mention, good time management skills are a great quality to have. And what's more motivating than super cute planners?!

But this year is the year I become an organization pro!

Take some time to map out the future this year. Document what's coming up next and get it done! 

I've rounded up some of my favorite planners that are sure to help kick-start your organization resolutions!

 1. Sarah Pinto 2. Sugar Paper-Target 3. Erin Condren 4. Paper Source 

5. Paper Source 6. Bando

How do you keep track of your schedule? Are you a planner-lover? Do you rely on your phone? Or do you just wing it and hope for the best?

The Makeup Super Tool

There is nothing I love more than a well-done winged eyeliner. If you've experimented with this makeup look, then you know that "the wing" can make or break your day. When you get your wings even, you feel ready to conquer the world.

Now, for all of us who are still practicing and perfecting this look, I have the perfect tool for you!

e.l.f. Makeup Remover Pen

This is a Makeup Remover Pen by e.l.f. Cosmetics and I believe it was created by a makeup genius.

I used to use a Q-Tip with a dab of makeup removed to correct any of my mistakes, but that can be messy and it's pretty challenging to get a clean straight line with the rounded tip. This pen is so much easier to use and it has become my makeup must-have!

First, it has the remover right on the applicator, which eliminates any oily mess. But my favorite part is the super pointy felt tip. It makes it extremely easy to smooth out and sharpen those wings.

Not only is it a lifesaver for eyeliner mistakes, but it is also perfect for those pesky specks of mascara you get on your eyelid, especially after all that time spent on creating that smokey eye. All you need to do is dab a little on the mark and dab it lightly with your finger to eliminate excess remover oil. Don't forget to gently wipe the felt tip on a tissue to remove the makeup. Voila! No one will guess you ever made a mistake!

 Oh and did I mention it's super inexpensive?! You can find it for $3 at Target. Gone are the days when you dread creating the perfect winged eyeliner or cry over smeared mascara.

Do you have a makeup product that you just can't live without? Will you be adding this tool to your makeup bag?