The Answer to Accessories

You can take any outfit to the next level by using accessories. Whether it is a simple ring or an elaborate purse, there can sometimes be too little or too much going on with a look, so it often becomes hard to find a balance. In this blog post, I will be giving you some of my favorite accessories, so let’s get started!

Rings, Bracelets and Earrings

As some people might say, it is all about the bling! Jewelry is the perfect way to add a bit of sparkle to your style. The BP line from Nordstrom offers some of my favorite pieces, especially these basic midi rings and this crystal wrap bracelet. As far as earrings are concerned, I blame chlorine for not being able to pierce my ears, as supposedly they can get infected really easily. :( Maybe someday I will become a rule-breaker rebel. 

Belts

Besides holding up your pants, a belt has many other uses. If you want to spiff up a plain dress, you can easily add a belt as an accent. H&M carries some of my favorite belts that are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they are all super affordable too!

Headbands and Bows

You can spice up any hairstyle with a headband or a bow. Recently, it has been cold, but there is no snow. I am currently adoring head wraps because they are stylish and keep my ears warm. Looking back at my childhood, I always wore a side bow. Therefore, I am a big believer in that there is no such thing as having too many bows! Remember, if you can’t find a bow, a piece of ribbon will always do.

Watches

Watches are handy dandy if you want to know how many minutes are left in your least favorite class. Being from a Swiss-German background, I am a swatch lover. Swatch offers innovative and trendy watches that are suitable for all sorts of needs and personalities. Be sure to check out their Swatch and Art collection.

My Current Swatch
Photo Courtesy of: Sasy

Wallets and Handbags

Wallets and handbags are the place to store your moolah or any of your other trinkets. There are the designer wallets like Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, but for those of you who do not want to use your entire paycheck, I recommend purchasing a knock off. TJ Maxx carries brand name products, but at a much, much, much lower price.

Hats and Scarves

My dress code at school used to be really strict, but now it has been amended so we can wear hats! My next wish list item is a beanie from Zumiez. Also, one of the latest crazes here in PC is infinity scarves, but honesty I never wear scarves because I find them annoying and itchy.

Thank you guys so much for reading this post! Please comment below on your favorite accessory, and I would appreciate any feedback or ideas that you have for future posts. Finally, I just added a gadget where you can follow me via email, so check that thingie out! 

XOXO

Siena

Nail Details

I went through a phase a little bit ago where I was just obsessed with painting my nails. Every couple of days, I had to redo them. I’m not like that anymore, but I still love anything and everything about nails. Since I am a swimmer though, I have given up on the whole “no-chipping” concept, as the chlorine seems to rob them of all perfection. In this post, I’ll be giving you some insight on my favorite nail polish brands and colors, easy nail art, and how I try to achieve the salon worthy manicure/pedicure.

Colors and Brands

My two favorite brands of nail polish are definitely Essie and OPI. Stars have been seen wearing Essie at the Emmy Awards and Fashion Weeks. Essie nail polish lasts long and has easy application. The founder of Essie, Essie Weingarten, has created a stellar product. Next, OPI is known throughout the world for their nail care. They provide customers with high-quality formulas and all of their polishes have renowned names. OPI also gives back through advocation for women’s health, education, and anti-violence. 

Within each of these brands, I have my go-to colors. For Essie they are Mod Squad (electric pink) and In the Cab-ana (aqua). Both of these Essie colors are bold and preppy. For OPI they are Pink-ing of You (light pink), Step Right Up! (nude), and Suzi Sells Sushi by the Seashore (medium pink).Woah, that’s a lot of pink! These three colors are very subtle and pair well with any outfit. 

Essie's In the Cab-ana
Photo Courtesy: A Girls Guide to an Organized Life

Easy Nail Art

While some people splurge on all types of nail decals and tools, I have found that household items like bobby pins, chopsticks, and tape do the trick as well! You can do a simple flower by bending the bobby pin and dipping it in the color of your choice. Place five dots in a circular shape on the corner of your nail, and then add another dot in the middle with a different color. To make leaves, place a green dot just outside of one of your five white dots, and use a chopstick to draw out one of the corners for a triangular shape. If you are in a more geometric mood, you can use tape to create stripes of any size and direction. The possibilities are endless!

Salon Quality

For some reason, every time I do my nails, my left hand always turns out better since I am right handed. On my right hand, nail polish always gets all over my skin. Since I am obviously not a pro, I like to dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover and go around all the edges. Whenever I get my nails done, it seems like the color is smooth and not streaky. I have found that if you do two coats (maybe even three for lighter colors), you are able to get a more even application. And finally, don’t forget your top coat. A top coat not only provides protection to keep your nails from chipping, but it also gives them that extra salon shine. If you follow these tips, hopefully others will be asking you where you got your manicure/pedicure done!

As a fun fact, whenever you rip a kneeskin, you can put nail polish on the hole to keep water from entering the suit! Anyways, that is all that I have for you guys today! I hope that you enjoyed this post and check back soon!

XOXO

Siena

My Closet Must-Haves

I thought that today I would share with you some staples for your wardrobe, so here you go.

Cardigan

As we all know, giant cardigans have been coming into style. Whether they are a plain color or have an intricate design, they are perfect for those chilly fall nights or just to simply accent your outfit. Right now, my favorite cardigan is the BP Open Front Cardigan from Nordstrom.

Casual & Cute Sweatshirt

I have those days when I barely can even make it out of my bed, let alone put together my outfit. Therefore, I throw on a sweatshirt with leggings for school. The BP Collection at Nordstrom offers comfortable clothing that is perfect to wear everyday.

Quality Denim

Everyone knows that jeans are a closet staple, since they go with pretty much everything. I like to try out different styles and washes for an unique look. I currently love my high wasted jeans from Delias.

Plain Shirts

I mean, what is better than a solid color shirt? They can easily be worn by themselves or layered and paired with other garments. I have to say, sometimes simple is better.

Black Dress

A black dress is a wardrobe necessity because you can wear it on any occasion. Black dresses come in several different styles, so everyone is able to find one that they love. Plus, they never go out of style as todays celebrities are sporting the look at well.

Fitted Winter Jacket

As the winter season is approaching, it’s time to bundle up. For my birthday, I got a jacket from Nordstrom that has a blue plaid print, kind of like a flannel, and a furry neckline. I think that it is absolutely adorable. There are so many types of jackets from parkas to pea coats to keep you warm when the storm rolls in.

Winter Boots

You can trudge through the snow in fashion with fuzzy winter boots. And, in case you were wondering, American Eagle also makes boot socks. Check out Roxy for my chosen boots.

Converse

Chucks are back! Literally everyone at my school owns a pair (or multiple pairs) of Converse. Since being released in 1917 as the first basketball shoe, Converse have turned into the American sporty sneaker.  Offered in various prints in high or low tops, Converse are sure to make your outfit.

Sweater

Guess what? That time of year is here where it is “sweater weather.” Not only do I love sweaters, but my sister loves them too! She has a sweater that has “sweater weather” written on it, no joke. Anyways, sweaters give you that flawless fall feel.

Leggings

Leggings are the perfect alternative for all jean haters. You can find leggings in stores everywhere! Right now, Lululemon is the most popular. Even with a major price tag, they are durable and fashionable, making every penny worth it. Ivivva, their partner, offers athletic apparel for girls of all ages including outfits for running, dancing, gymnastics, skating, and tennis.

Some of my must-haves!

That’s all that I have for you today!  Thanks and I hope that you’ll check back soon.

XOXO

Siena