Weekends are a time to wind down, but for some reason I always find that mine are jam-packed. And they usually have something to do with style. So, yeah. I’ll hardly be crying, “Woe is me.”

If you truly love style, it sort of finds its way into every aspect of your week. Even when I’m off duty with my day job as a freelance writer, there’s plenty still to do (much of it fun!). Want a peek at my plans? Here’s my weekend agenda. What’s yours?

Go to the tailor. I have some recent purchases, like a great pair of Palazzo pants from Zara and a Calvin Klein dress, that need to make their way to the tailor. Sometimes I buy a near-perfect item if I know a tiny bit of alterations will make it perfect. If you want a custom fit, make sure to get your clothes tailored to your frame. Especially if the piece is a classic, or one you know you’ll wear forever. It’s worth the money!

See The Hunger Games. OK, OK. You all might judge me for this, but I guess I don’t care? By the time you read this, I will have seen the long-anticipated flick The Hunger Games with a group of my female friends (Yep, puh-lease. Female. These midnight movies are practically “No Boys Allowed”). The film even has a bit of a fashion edge. The folks in The Capitol are known for their outlandish get-ups, so I can’t wait to be awed by the costume design. Oh, and plus, we’ll all finally get a glimpse at Katniss’ famous “Girl On Fire” look.

Avoid Zara. A little email popped into my inbox the other morning to tempt me: Zara’s April Lookbook has arrived. No! Or yes? I can’t afford it, but at the same time it’s all so gorgeous. I am crushing on their blue pleated shorts and airy spring blazer. Ah! Check the lookbook out. If you think you can handle it. Eek!

Skype date! I love catching up with friends, even if they’re all the way across the country. On Saturday night, I’ll be rounding up my Macbook, some coffee and maybe even a few recent purchases to chat with my darling friend, Nina. You may know her from her style blog, XOXO, Nina. She literally lives thousands of miles away, but it doesn’t matter! We always have an awesome time gabbing about clothes, shopping, guys and whatever else is on our minds.

Blog work. I do it all for you, sweet readers! Weekends are my time to catch up on what’s next and what’s now in the fashion world, research new trends that are on the way up, and reach out to fabulous style bloggers in our online community. It’s work, yes, but am I complaining? No way. I could not love it any more.

What is on your weekend checklist?

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Could this have possibly been a more fashion-filled weekend? I don’t think so! Red carpets and catwalks were on my mind, and I’m still thinking all about them both this Monday. Let’s talk, people.

Grammys Red Carpet. The most daring fashion of the season, I love to see what stars wear to the Grammys. Where the Golden Globes and SAG Awards are fun, and the Academy Awards are regal, the Grammys are all about flash and glitz. My favorites? Katy Perry: Eat you heart out, Russell! The girl looked stunning in a pale blue Elie Saab number (I predicted a few weeks ago we’d start seeing gowns from Elie Saab Spring 2012 Couture during award season!). I loved the sparkle and charm of the look, and dare I say it… she pulled off the blue hair! Adele: This soulful songstress has been the talk of the town as everyone awaited for her return to the stage post-vocal cord surgery. She did not disappoint. She sang beautifully, and looked stunning in a black Armani dress that glittered like old Hollywood. That pale skin and striking, statement red lip finished the look. Could not have adored this look any more. Carrie Underwood: I love that Carrie gave into the sparkle of the Grammys while still staying true to her classic style. This gorgeous white Gomez-Garcia gown stood out on the carpet, and the back cut-out balanced out the covered-up front well. She looked lovely, as always.

Fashion Week. From tough-chic looks at Jason Wu, to bohemian elements at Rebecca Taylor, to over-the-topic girlie at Kate Spade, Fashion Week is in full swing — and it’s going to be a wonderful Fall 2012. Check out all the latest from NYC over on Glamour.com (who has full coverage of all the events!), and check back here at Smarter.com as we break down all the madness in the coming weeks. I can’t wait!

Princess Di on the Big Screen. I’ve always considered Princess Diana to be one of the most stylish women ever. She had so many amazing fashion moments, from this one-shouldered dress paired with a choker necklace (worn as a tiara!) to this gorgeous red Christian Lacroix in Paris in 1995. This week, Naomi Watts landed the role of a lifetime playing the People’s Princess in a new biopic. I think their choice of actress was fabulous. Someone was bound to play her sooner or later, and I am confident Naomi will portray Diana with grace, and do her justice. Now, will they be able to pull off the iconic wardrobe? We’ll see…

What are you obsessing about this week?

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Happy Monday, readers! I hope you all had very Merry Christmases. Ready to die over my latest list of obsessions? (I’d let you answer, but a) I know what the answer will be, and b) I can’t hear you through the computer screen. So, let’s just dive in.)

Organizing your closet! It’s just after Christmas. You’re probably going to need new homes for a few of your lovely, gifted fashion items. Right? Forget New Year’s resolutions to get organized. Get organized right now. Take an afternoon or evening and give away what you no longer wear anymore to charity. Then, start organizing. By style, then by color. You’ll probably be shocked at the number of items with tags on them, or that you forgot you owned. Think of the awesome outfits you will be able to create! I’m looking forward to a little time to re-visit my wardrobe and see what I’ve been missin’ and start fresh.

The forgotten winter-coat option: The Cape. I just saw this piece on Stylist (and, um, isn’t this Zac Posen cape outta-this-world?)… man, oh man. I have completely forgotten how chic a cape looks for cold weather! It’s one of those winter coat options we just don’t talk about enough. I have a fabulous cape with a fur collar, and I don’t wear it enough. I have no idea why. I mean, it’s completely magical! And it looks totally fabulous with jeans, or with a New Year’s Eve-worthy, decked-out, super-special outfit. I’ve been inspired to bring back The Cape for the rest of the winter. Is anyone else with me on this one?

Vaseline. Yes, you read that right: VASELINE. Petroleum jelly has been my beauty miracle this season, and I thought I’d let you in on why it’s so awesome. I have incredibly dry skin. My hands are a huge problem. No lotion in the world can save them. But that’s not the worst kind of horrible, because how many people really have their eyes glued to your hands? Not a lot. But it’s pretty hard not to notice when you have skin peeling on your eyelids. Yes, folks. My eyelids began chafing this winter. And let’s just say, it was a not-so-cool phenomenon. I was having trouble putting on eye-makeup, and when I did, it did not look good. Enter Vaseline. I’ve used it on hands, lips and my nose during cold/allergy season, so I figured why not? Can’t hurt to try it… Well, a tiny layer over each eyelid and the skin was soft and smooth again. So, it’s my everyday obsession now. If you have any dry or peeling skin on the eyes, lips, or around the nose, I highly recommend this beauty fix. I’ve found nothing that works better!

What are you obsessing over this Monday?

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I think my whole philosophy about fashion and beauty revolves around one key point: That fashion and beauty are fabulous, but genuine style is what turns heads. While the topics we discuss related to fashion and beauty have everything to do with what you put on, style is solely based on who you are naturally–the things you love, how you carry yourself, your personality–and I think that’s the most important thing for a woman to cultivate.

As a fun challenge for the weekend, try making a list of ten things you find totally stylish. Don’t ask yourself why you find these things stylish–just write from instinct. Then, take a look at your list. Are there any common threads? Does your list reveal anything about your personality, personal taste or dislikes? This little activity might help you cultivate a better vision of your personal style right now, which will constantly evolve over time.

I played the game with happenings from the past week. Here’s what I came up with:

1. Seeing Starbucks had brought back the Pumpkin Spice Latte… and making a little purchase. Yum! (Fall has officially arrived, people.)
2. Not caring too much that my outfit got wet in the rain.
3. Watching Bravo until I literally came down with a case of Reality TV Flu. (Definition: Pretending you’re quasi-sick so you don’t feel super-bad about spending the whole day laying in bed and watching reruns of Most Eligible Dallas, Real Housewives of New Jersey and The Rachel Zoe Project.)
4. Thinking to myself, “Ha ha, bloggers! While you’re in New York for Fashion Week watching Joe Zee speak at IFB Con or Diane von Furstenberg chat at Lucky FABB, I am here at home getting information from both conferences tweeted to me at the same time in a live feed!” That’s almost better than being in NYC, right? (What can I say, I look for the positives.)
5. Almost being late because I changed my look…three times.
6. Getting rid of a ton of clothes and realizing that I buy way too many clothes. Gotta be more of a frugalista in these recession days! (And admitting my problem is the first step to addressing it.)
7. Wearing my new lace-ups and getting blisters…it was worth it.
8. Laughing with my mom until my stomach was literally aching with pain. It hurt at the time, but those laughs are good for the soul.
9. Feeling empowered enough to write the beginning of a short story that I really felt had a unique spin to it.
10. Talking about fashion, beauty and, of course, style with you all.

Do you have any guesses about my style? Spill them in the comments. Then, make a list of your own!

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Only one more day until we countdown the seconds and ring in 2011! What will you be wearing when the clock strikes twelve? If you still haven’t decided what to wear, here are a few ideas that will have you looking chic, sweet or edgy, depending on your personal style.

The Diva
I’m personally more of a diva when it comes to getting dolled up for a big event. This New Year’s Eve try going with something ultra glamorous, but not over-the-top. Now is the time to shine with a sequin dress; they are all the rage and a perfect option for the glitz and glamour of New Year’s festivities. I really love Calvin Klein’s Sequin Sheath Dress because it comes in such a classic design and the sequins will have you glittering like the stars all night! Pair a dress such as this with some black strappy heels and a black satin clutch to keep the attention on your dress. You won’t need much accessorizing, as fully sequined dresses stand all on their own.

The Romantic
If your style personality is more in the romantic and feminine realm, wear something chiffon – something that ruffles and flows. Try something like Bijou’s Chiffon Dress; the one shoulder design with cascading sleeve and ruffles are Goddess worthy and will have eyes on you all night. Candy colors like blush and peach are great in chiffon, but the soft gray on this dress will also keep you away from the monotony of black. To pull your entire look all together slip into a pair of sexy ivory satin heels, like A. Marinelli’s Rev Heels, and bedeck your wrists with some pearl bracelets to add an extra feminine touch.

The Fierce
When I’m feeling sassy, I like to add some edge and attitude to my party look. Show off your wild side and your sexy legs with a strapless mini dress, like Forever 21′s Strapless Foil Leopard Dress. Just as sequins and glitter are a popular New Year’s Eve choice, metallic fabrics also give you a perfectly festive shine. To avoid looking too overexposed, slide into a pair of black opaque tights (which will also keep you warmer!) and into some chic black ankle boots. Top off with a black open cardigan and a cuff bracelet (which are very in right now), and get ready to celebrate!

The possibilities for New Year’s Eve fashion are endless, but the most important thing about any celebration is that you have a great time. So wear what is comfortable and makes you feel great. All the rest will follow.

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In preparation of this big day in the style calendar, I thought I would provide you with a little advance guide to all things fashion-related for this coming Friday. I know the crowds can be daunting, but it’s worth it when you score some major loot. I’ll help. Here’s what you need to know.

Wear something cute, but comfortable. My Black Friday plan? I will be standing outside a store in the freezing cold with my best friend waiting to break down the mall door at 4 a.m. However, I will not be sacrificing any cuteness because of early hours. I’ve got my outfit planned for functionality and fabulosity. What is it exactly? An oversize sweater (it’s going to be freezing, friends), a pair of leggings (never sweats, but I have to be comfortable), boots (it is essential to be mobile, so no slip-on shoes of any kind), and finally, a scarf (accessories are a total must). I know this is the perfect clothing combination to wreak some major shopping havoc. Feel free to use these ideas!

Score deals, but don’t forget your style smarts. I adore going to my favorite retailers for sweet steals, but it’s still essential that you remember to be a savvy shopper. I know that the prices are extremely low, but if it doesn’t fit right, then it’s the wrong color for your complexion. If you don’t have an occasion to wear it, then put it back. If you never take off the hanger, then it wasn’t a deal. You just wasted your money. Not good!

Have fun. Really! It’s easy to freak out over the absolute insanity that is filling each and every store you enter, but just remember: Black Friday is kind of an experience. Part of the awesomeness is the thrill of the hunt, getting up early and beating a hoard of die-hard shoppers to that fantastic sweater you have been eyeing for ages. The day is totally crazy, but at the end of it, you will have tons of amazing pieces if you play your cards right. So, just have fun! What else could mega-shopping be about, anyway?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/lwy/2430684222

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This season, both large and small floral prints are popping up on clothes.  Both sizes of floral print can look beautiful as long as they are accessorized the right way.  Here are some tips for wearing florals this spring:

(Womens AE Ditzy Floral Skirt: $29.99, Eight Sixty Floral Shorts: $72.00)

1. Shorts:  Floral print shorts are  popular right now and can be a great way to switch up your look while maintaining the comfort of wearing a skirt.  Specifically, high-waisted shorts cut short with a fluttery, full silhouette are very in style and easy to wear.  The key to finding the right pair of this type of short is to make sure that the high waist falls perfectly on your natural waist.  If they fit well and emphasize your small waist, then these shorts look great with whatever your wear.  I think floral shorts look great with a basic tank top or other thin-strapped top tucked into them.  They can also be fun with a fuller shirt tucked in, as long as your make sure your natural waist is still being emphasized.  One way to do this is to wear a belt at your natural waist, which further draws the eye to the thinnest part of your body.
2. Blazers:  Men’s inspired oversized blazers have been fashionable nearly all of 2010. For spring, look for floral print blazers cut with shorter, elbow length sleeves.  Floral print adds an extra touch of femininity to the masculine blazer and is especially cool for spring.  Floral blazers can be great to spice up a drab work outfit but can also be fun to wear more casually over a summer dress.
3. Skirts:  This year’s floral skirts are fuller and more drapey than skirts from previous seasons.  The key to wearing floral print skirts this spring is to consider the print size.  If you’re bigger in the hips, wearing a skirt with a smaller floral pattern will be much more flattering.  And when you wear a skirt with a larger floral pattern, accessories need to be kept to a minimum, or it’ll look like there’s too much going on with your outfit!

Be sure to check out some more floral print skirts at Smarter.

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This pre-law Colombia sophmore student has definitely learned the laws of fashion in her getup. Her style exemplifies a  mix of stripes, solids, and new  neutrals. She looks smart and chic with brains to think outside of the box and beauty to defend the laws of fashion. She mixes clothing textures such as leather, twill, and cotton. All of these fabrics are all pulled together through her choice of color and patterns. Her shoes and scarf are the new neutral colors for the spring season.

Black is too drab and white is for hot summer days: cool creams and sophisticated grays help accessorize and complete the look. Her navy blue striped sweater and bold yellow handbag are modern pieces that highlight her youth. She doesn’t over do it with too much color. Instead, she chooses accent pieces for a fun highlight.

Make It Yours:

Think outside the box with new neutrals like cream and gray, colors that add a twist to the black and white basics that are completely predictable. Gray boots have been the season’s must-have, and I have certainly been seeing them on the streets both west and east coast. I’ve even stopped wearing my boring black boots, and I’ve updated my shoe collection with a gray pair.

Try a bold accessory piece (i.e. scarf, purse, hat) that will add a fun touch to your outfit. Stripes and solid colors are a winning combination. Try a nautical navy stripe with gray solid pieces (like this Colombia student) or black and white stripes with a solid red. Be bold with your color, and don’t be afraid to mix and match! Make sure you stay within the same color scheme, and find colors that can be complementary to one another.

Image Source: Street Spotted

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Loved
Roughed up metal shaped love out of weaponry- 22inch thick strand gunmetal chain with Yassai 7 oxidized silver

Peace Fight
Roughed up metal shaped peace sign stencil out of weaponry necklace “ 27 inch gunmetal chain, Yassai 7 oxidized silver screw

Although I feel the whole “gun” look has started a couple years ago (ever since the tattoo style art has been in), this line has definitely recreated the trend. With its creative ways of gun display, this jewelry line redefines the symbol of a gun. To promote peace, love, and certainly style happiness!  The rocker image and bohemian hippie look will complement this jewelry line for the sweet free-spirited girl with a tough image. Or perhaps your simply addicted to Mafia Wars on your preferred social network site.  Try matching this look with military style jackets or vests, biker jackets, plaid prints, or modern florals. Think Anarchy girl meets Woodstock beauty! Definitely a style weapon for mass seduction!

If you’re still aiming for a gunshot of style, check out  gun pendants available at Smarter!

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and make shoulders look more narrow. Wrap around jackets accommodate busty figures and help shape a straight/athletic body frame. Lastly, a bomber jacket helps create a waist and shorten a long torso.

My personal choice of jackets this season are leather and faux fur jackets. I will be layering my outfit this weekend with a cropped leather jacket and faux fur bomber jacket. When wearing a leather or faux fur jacket, I feel like it is so versatile, and it can add a statement look to any wardrobe. Layered over denim, dresses, or leggings, these types of jackets are bold pieces that add character and style to a plain outfit.

Other versatile jackets that are good for this seasonal trend are boyfriend blazers and motorcycle leather jackets. These are trendy key items that you have been seeing more of for women’s jackets and cover-up styles. Stick to what flatters your figure and coordinates well with your wardrobe.  Creating your own unique style is important: you know what works best on your body type. Something that is “IN” can look like it should be “OUT” when you are wearing it! Be particular with your choices, and do not feel the need to follow trends for your weekend style.

Happy Holidays from California!  XOXO

Image Source: screensaver.qweas.com, twolia.com

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