"I threw a wish in the well."

Fashion these days via collages:



Rebecca Beeson top. BCBG vest. Forever 21 skirt. Tarina Tarantino ring. Coach purse.

"Don't you wanna stay here a little while?"

Any other Juicy Couture fans out there? I am a huge Juicy Couture fan; I especially love their witty screen tees. I present you with another day of screen tees with positive messages! Today's message: "Be Juicy." (Feel free to go ahead and "couture yourself" while you're at it.) :o)

Juicy Couture tee. Splendid cardigan. Joe's Jeans. Melissa flats.
Coach Purse. Tarina Tarantino ring (as seen here).

I hope you don't tire of my black outfits because I have a ton of them. I love monochromatic outfits, especially when it comes to black! I went for a black and white theme with this outfit but did venture out to silver with my Coach bag. Besides, black is a classic. I read somewhere that "anyone who ever tells you something is the new black is probably trying to sell you something." Seems pretty true! Black is timeless and versatile and will probably always be my go to color (or shade if we want to get technical!).

What is your stance on black? Is it also your go to color?

Does anyone have any "real" colors they always fall back on?

-Samantha

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"Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want."

Dear Readers,

Huge apologies for being such a bad blogger this month. :o( I know I've neglected updating and I'm sorry. It's just been a really busy month for me, and I think I had more on my plate than I could really carry. Most of my spare time was spent trying to squeeze in sleep.

It's my last week for my first internship so I am definitely looking forward to more sleep and more time in May--which means, I'll be back to my normal blogging self! :o)

Big thanks to those of you who loyally follow me and still visited, it means a lot!

Gap sweater. People's Liberation jacket. Paige jeans. Swarovski earrings.
Marc Jacobs necklace. Tarina Tarantino ring. Gap scarf. Zigi Soho "Dean" boots.

My giveaway ends on Saturday, don't forget to enter for a chance to win a bird necklace I made!

<3 Samantha



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"Give me boots and boys."

I bought these boots nearly 2 months ago and blogged about them, but here is their debut! I love them so far! They are currently being categorized as 3 hour shoes, but I'll have to wear them longer next time and see if I can last in them. I love their tall height and their versatility with their ability to be either thigh high or rolled down as over the knee boots.

My Juicy Couture headband and scarf were purchased at the same time--amazing deals scored at Nordstrom Rack. LOVE that store! I am also especially loving the scarf. I didn't know how I would like an infinity scarf, but I am definitely converted to an infinity scarf wearer! They are so fun and easy to wear, I don't know why I was so hesitant before! They are worn/wrapped like a long scarf would normally, but you are saved the hassle of trying to figure out what to do with the ends of the scarf (well, I have that problem, do you??)! I don't think you can entirely tell from the pictures, but the scarf is also studded. :o)

C & C California top. Abercrombie & Fitch jacket. Easy Money jeans. Juicy Couture headband.
Juicy Couture Nailhead Infinity Scarf. Tarina Tarantino ring. Report boots.

[Eyes:] Urban Decay Goddess, Shattered, and Grifter shadows,
Lancome Artliner, Lancome Cils Booster, Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara.

I get constant compliments on my eye makeup and when I thought about, I realized my eyes are as great as they are (well, on a good day!) primarily thanks to Urban Decay and Lancome! Urban Decay is my favorite brand for eyeshadows because I love their selection of colors; I especially love their Book of Shadows. The "Books" always come with a great variety of colors and are always really fun. I give kudos to their marketing and design team--or whoever comes up with the book/box designs; every edition of the Book of Shadows is always really fun and I hate tossing it after I'm done!

I like the Lancome Artliner because on days when I want my eyeliner to be thinner, I can draw it so precisely! (For days when I like my eyeliner thick, I can just angle the Artliner, and the job still gets done!)

I was never a huge fan of Lancome mascaras before because I found that they tended to both smudge and clump, but the Hypnose Drama mascara won me over. It's long last lasting, doesn't flake, and most of all, is one of the best volumizing mascaras I've ever used. And with the help of the Cils Booster, my eyelashes look fabulous! If you pick one product to invest in, it should be the Cils Booster; pair it with any mascara and you will see the difference!

What products/new purchases are you currently loving? :o)

-S


P.S. Don't forget to enter here to win a necklace made by me potentially for you!!

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"Just can't get enough."

French Connection dress. Forever 21 jacket. Betsey Johnson socks. BCBG wedges.
Juicy Couture necklace. Tarina Tarantino Carved Rose Bracelets in Raspberry. Guess watch.

Yay for more over-the-knee socks! I told you I bought a whole bunch of pairs! When I bought this pair, I hadn't actually been sure that I would ever wear them because they're not a very versatile color. In honestly, I bought them for the frilly top and the pink bow. :o) But I'm glad I did because I love them!

I also love the jacket here because it's so fun with its tiers and ruffles, big buttons, and full skirt, and despite all the frills and thrills, this jacket is actually very low maintenance with its nylon material. Interestingly enough, this jacket has a suspiciously close resemblance to this Marc Jacobs Sateen Tiered Coat... I didn't plan it that way--in fact, I didn't know about the MJ jacket until I came across it randomly shopping online after getting the Forever 21--but I would say I certainly got the look for cheaper!

However, speaking of getting the look for cheaper, you can get my Tarina Tarantino "Carved Rose" bracelets for $38 each.....


.....or you can get the look with these "Fabulous Finds" Forever 21 "Rose Bead" bracelets for $1.50 each!


I'm actually thinking of buying a few of the Forever 21 bracelets to wear with my Tarina Tarantino ones. :o)

Also, because I didn't end up doing a giveaway in February, I decided to do a reader recognition!

I appreciate the time that everyone takes to read my blog and give me your feedback and thoughts. When I do my reader recognitions, I'll probably note my favorite comment, best feedback received, etc. However, I would like my first Reader Recognition to be my most loyal readers last month! A huge THANK YOU to Nicole of Electric Daze and Mel of Modanista Junkie! The fact that they commented on every single post I did last month means so much to me!





I read every single comment I get! I really appreciate when I receive comments--they make me :o)

-S

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"Throw some glitter, make it rain."

Boy Meets Girl top. rvca shorts. Abercrombie & Fitch jacket. Tarina Tarantino earrings.
AE Scarf. Steve Madden heels. N.Y.C. nail polishes in Starry Silver and Cashmere Creme.

Boy Meets Girl is one of my favorite brands.  I own 2 hoodies, 2 track jackets, 1 skirt, 2 dresses, and the pictured shirt by them and am still looking to add to my collection.  I love the versatility of the brand; while they have a lot of more casual, low key items (i.e., hoodies and screen tees), they also have dressier items like super cute dresses. 

However, if I were to pinpoint what I love most about the brand, it would be their iconic logo of the boy and girl; I think it's super cute and charming.  Normally, the logo is subtle, such as on buttons or zippers, but with this shirt, it's obviously huge.  I hate wearing a jacket or anything to cover it because then people can't see the cute picture!



I bought these Steve Madden heels for a steal of a deal at Marshall's (hello, $20 well spent!) and am so glad I did.  I snagged them off the shelf as soon as I saw them in my size and knew I had to have them.  I ignored the practical voice inside my head telling me that glittery heels weren't too versatile, but "I am so getting these anyway!" I said out loud and I did. 

Glittery heels are one of those hello-look-at-me items that you have to careful with.  In reality, it's like a super bright colored shirt.  It is both great and very attention-grabbing; therefore, you have to make sure you're not wearing other items that will compete with it.  A general rule of thumb I like to have is to keep my general outfit simple, but then choose one item to be in the main attraction (and if my whole outfit is simple, accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!).



Remember when I excitedly posted about these Tarina Tarantino earrings?  Well, they were everything I had hoped for!  :o)



I had debated whether to paint my nails light blue or glittery so I just compromised and painted them glittery light blue!  I give the NYC polishes a 3/5.

It took me about 4 coats (2 of each color) to get my nails to stay polished for about a week.  Overall, I do like the NYC polishes because they are super cheap and if you get bored of having the same colored nails for more than a few days, the polishes are perfect.  I do recommend avoiding dark colored polishes by the brand because I've found that they stain your nails.




I've seen some bloggers do guest posting and I think it's a great idea.  If anyone is interested in doing a blog "swap"/mutual guest post for a day, let me know!

:o)



-S

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All I want...is a great Valentine's Day present.

I've been busy with work lately, as well as my new internship so for those of you who loyally looked forward to my Obsession of the Weeks, I'm sorry they ceased.  I also just acquired the position of another internship so during the next few months, I'll be juggling my job and 2 internships, as well as attempt to find time to sleep.  So I knew I wouldn't have the time to maintain my ritual of Obsession of the Week.  Instead, it has become replaced with "Obsession of the Moment" where I sporadically find time to obsess over fashion-esque things.

Obsession of the Moment: Valentine's Day



1. In God We Trust "Sweet Nothing Necklace--With Love," $40; simple and sweet.

2. Peanuts "Love Is...2011 Calendar," $7; even though everyone buys their calendar in December or January, if you were to get a calendar in February, this one would be it.  It's super sweet, Peanuts style.

3. Juicy Couture "Kissing Birds Ring," $88; I love the blue stone, the kissing birds and their rhinestone eyes.

4. Tarina Tarantino "Pink Head Queen Puff Multi-Bead Necklace," $140; both girly and romantic.

5. Disney Couture "Tinkerbell Interlocking Ring," $40; trust, believe, faith...all components of love.

6. Wildfox "Sparkle Heart Baggy Beach Top," $108; the glittery heart is meant for Valentine's Day--as well as every day!  J.Lo rocks it and so does Taylor Swift; I want to rock it too!

7. Stil "Love Tab Necklace," $16; love the simplicity of this necklace.  The brand also has the same necklace with "Peace" and their "Hope" one is sold out; the style is great for layering.

8. CC Skye "The Love Ring," $125; love can be a bold statement, what better way to show it than with a statement ring?  Plus, I love, love, love CC Skye; it is one of my favorite jewelry brands of all time.

9. Felix Rey "Love Letter Clutch," $130; a really fun clutch!  I envision wearing it with a black dress and pink heels or maybe vice versa.

10. Juicy Couture "Festival Chic Iconic Charm Cluster Bracelet," $68; the rhinestones, the gold chain, stone/gem charms, love tab, and romantic, antique-sque heart--this bracelet has it all. 

11. 291 "Love Rock Long Sleeve Tee," $42; the shirt says it all. (Bonus: it's on sale!)

12. Juicy Couture "Silver Starter Bracelet," $42; I've wanted this bracelet since forever.  It would make a great gift to any Juicy Couture fan.  I am not a huge fan of charms so I would prefer to wear this bracelet as is--simple and chic.



Valentine's Day is probably the time of year when Hallmark hits its jackpot and retail/department/boutique stores jump for joy (at least after all the sales).  One of my coworkers recently commented that her fiancé was anti-Valentine's Day because he felt he didn't need to be limited to just one of the year to let her know he loved her.  Very true, but we can't fight tradition!  (Well, unless our significant other is willing to shower us with gifts every day....)

In any case, it's not the end of the world if you don't have a significant other when Valentine's Day comes around--it is also known as Singles Awareness Day!  Why not make it special anyway?  After all, you're pretty special!  If you don't have that person to shower you with gifts, use it as an excuse to buy yourself a present--that's what I used to do!  We all need an excuse to splurge sometimes.  (And if The Boyfriend doesn't get me something from the above, maybe I'll have to get myself a present too...  ;)  )

What are you hoping to get this Valentine's Day?  :o)



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"And there's many shades of black."

Gap top. Whitney Eve skirt. Tulle jacket. BCBG wedges. Tarina Tarantino earrings. Marc Jacobs headband.

Another one of my monochromatic days.  I love wearing black; it's my favorite color (if we ignore the fact that it's really a shade...) and it goes with everything--including itself.  I've been working to branch out on my color palettes, but there are days like these where I'm in black almost head to toe.  I swear my closet is full of color, but I just have a strong attachment to black.  Besides, shades and neutrals are very "in" this season.  :o)

I just finished The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.  I had been planning on watching the movie and wanted to read the book first.  I really liked the book; it was a great read.  I was up until almost 7am because I wanted to finish the book.  I think the last time I was so engrossed in a book that I was willing to sacrifice my sleep was with Harry Potter (any of them).  That's not to say the books are similar because The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo with Harry Potter are on practically opposite ends of the spectrum.  However, as J.K. Rowling writes an amazing fantasy book, Larsson is an enthralling thriller novelist.  I recommend The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to anyone looking for a good mystery/thriller.  The story is pretty intense and definitely not for the faint of heart.  I give it a 4/5.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

It is for a sampler set of Lancome Juicy Tubes!  Hurry, there's only a few more days to enter!  The giveaway will close at the end of the month.  Entering is easy, just follow me on here (via Google Friend Connect), Twitter, Bloglovin', or Facebook and just let me know where you're following me.  Each place is worth one entry--follow me on all places for 4 chances to win!




-S

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"If my heart was a house, you'd be home."

7 For All Mankind tank top. Joe's Jeans.  Abercrombie & Fitch jacket. H & M hat.
C & C California long sleeve top. Tarina Tarantino necklace. Marc Jacobs flats.

I absolutely love this hat--the first hat I've ever really loved.  In general, I really like hats.  I see them all the time and thinking, "OMG, that is so cute!" and then followed by, "...too bad I can't really wear it."  :o(

My problem is my hair--mostly, my bangs.  I've had bangs since I was four.  My bangs have definitely evolved.  After all, when I was little, literally 50% of my hair consisted of my bangs (hardly an exaggeration, I had the total china doll look going).  In middle school, I was like, "Who the heck has this much bangs??" so I eventually grew them all out and left a wispy amount to call my "bangs."  High school came and I had normalized my bangs.  At one point in time, I experimented with side swept bangs but found them too high maintenance for me.  The bangs you see now are what I've had for awhile and probably will continue to have.  I have a minor widow's peak which is actually a major pet peeve for me so I keep my bangs to camouflage them.

I feel like I'm okay with having bangs for the rest of my life, but when it comes to hats, my bangs are hindering.  If you want to talk about hat hair, hat bangs hair is awful!  Hence, why I can never wear hats.  That is, until I found this super cute H & M one!  Because of its slouchy style, I can wear without having my bangs in the way!  I absolutely love this hat.  It's super cute and gives me hope that there may be other hats out there I can wear without my bangs getting in the way. 



--S



P.S.  Please visit my Etsy shop and let me know what you think!  You can still use the code "blogspot" to receive 10% off your purchase. 

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"Don't go chasing waterfalls."

People's Liberation top over C & C California top. People's Liberation jacket.
Gap jeans. American Eagle scarf. Calvin Klein heels. Own handmade headband.

As the weather keeps getting colder and colder, it's become essential to layer.  I absolutely love C & C California tops.  They are great quality and last awhile.  While I love wearing them alone during warmer temperatures, they are also my staple when it comes to layering.  

And I don't have any closeup shots, but I'm wearing another one of my handmade headbands.  My Etsy shop will open in January!

Hope everyone had a great holiday!  My favorite presents were probably a Juicy Couture necklace, Tarina Tarantino bracelets, and the Marc zipper earrings I had been obsessed with for forever!  Any great gifts you received?

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:o)