I Love the 90s

Good Morning, Gorgeous! Lately it seems we've been talking a lot about the 70s when it comes to fashion, but today, let's talk about the 90s.


Recently I've been seeing a lot of outfit posts from some of my favorite bloggers that remind me of the 90s. Teresa wore a very 90s dress this week, Tanvi wore floral print skinny jeans that remind me of leggings I had long ago, Jessica has been sporting crop tops throughout the summer, Carrie can be seen in boyfriend jeans and chunky heels, and Sara is bringing back plaid. This trend is not just happening in the blogosphere, either. I have seen people wearing 90s inspired outfits everywhere- even if they don't know it.


Think about...when was the last time floral, hippie inspired dresses were popular? The 90s. The last time Keds were cool? The 90s. What about flare jeans and wide leg pants? You guessed it, the 90s. Even the ever so popular romper is nothing more than a reincarnation of shortalls (overall shorts). And of course, who didn't notice the reappearance of (cringe) Hammer pants?


But what about the 90s hair and makeup? Well, that's coming back to. This fall, it's time to put those straightening irons away. Hopefully none of us will start wearing poodle perms or "mall bangs" again, but softer looks with big, flowing curls are definitely making a comeback. Braids have also been seen all over, reminding me of the styles my mom used to create for me before I headed off to school. Not even the latest makeup trends can say they aren't inspired by the 90s. Deep wine colored lips, thick brows, and dark blue hues are all reminiscent of the trends that were popular when I first started getting into makeup.


So, how does one capture the 90s without falling prey to the not so hot trends of the time. Remember your history. Look back at photos of yourself from the time and see which styles are worth reviving and which should remain solely in history (this might not be useful if you were too young back then). Here's a look I put together reminiscent of the trends of the 90s (flares, dark lips, and soft, curly tendrils) without copying that era exactly.

The last time I wore a Fred Durst/Chicago Bulls inspired color scheme? 1999.

Blouse: Thrifted (Summer, 2011)
Tank: American Apparel (Fall, 2008)
Jeans: Citizen's of Humanity (Winter, 2010)
Shoes: BCBG Paris (Fall, 2005)
Jewelry: Bracelet- The Limited; Watch- Swiss Legend; Necklace- Martine Wester; Earrings- ??? From Venice Beach

Makeup: Lips- Lancome Lip Liner in Mauvelle, Lancome Lip Stick in All Done Up; Eyes- Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow, Smashbox Eye Lining Crayon in Black, Benefit BadGal Lash; Cheeks- Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Honey Dipped; Brows- YBF Brow Pencil in Taupe 

So if there is such a huge presence of 90s trends in fashion right now, why are so few people talking about it? Perhaps the influence of the 90s has been somewhat subconscious or perhaps it's been overshadowed by the hype of the 70s. Perhaps it's not being created on the runways, but rather on the streets. Regardless of where they came from, the fashions of the 90s are making a comeback and they won't be ignored.


But, why now? It's 2011, right? Right. It's 2011. What does that mean? That means generation Y is entering its prime. Those of us that grew up in the 90s are now working, having families, and influencing society. Those of us in our late 20's and 30's shared glory days with A.C. Slater and the kids of 90210, so perhaps nostalgia is contributing to this trend. Plus, not to get too political, but the 90s were good to us. By the end of the decade the economy was thriving and Clinton had a budget in place that would have eliminated the national debt and created a surplus by the year 2010. The 90s went out with a bang rather than the wimper that ended the first decade of the new millenium. I can't be sure, but I would be surprised if a longing for the way things were wasn't contributing to the revival of the 90s.


So, do you love the 90s? Have you noticed this trend slowly building across the country? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Guest Post on The Wear To Go Girls

Good Morning, Beautiful! Today I have a guest post featured on The Wear To Go Girls! I was so thrilled when Mel & Jamie asked me to write something about my favorite place to visit in Chicago, and knew exactly where to "take them!" To find out where I love to go and see what I wore for the occasion, click here!


Also, don't forget to enter my new giveaway! You could win your choice of any single bracelet or necklace from my Etsy shop! I hope you have a fabulous day! The weekend is almost here!

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Would You Like Some Color Blocking with Those Stats?

Hello Gorgeous! Every Friday I have to teach an undergraduate course (statistics), so I'm always looking for something fun to wear that is also teacher appropriate (so much for casual Fridays). This morning was so absolutely perfect and sunny out that I really wanted to brighten up my look with some bold color blocking! I've had discussions with several other bloggers about how much we like this trend, but don't have the solid brights to really pull it off. Luckily, the Banana Republic Factory Store had a big 4th of July sale, so I was able to pick up a couple new bright pieces to add to my collection. Here I'm wearing one of the purchases, along with some pieces I picked up last summer.

Cardigan - Banana Republic Factory Store - Summer 2011
Tube Top - United Colors of Benetton - Summer 2010
Skirt - United Colors of Benetton - Summer 2010
Sandals - Old Navy - Summer 2009
Tote - Donna Dixon - Spring 2011 (from this post)

Watch - Swiss Legend - Spring 2009
Bracelet - DIY - Last Week :)
Blue Ring - From a Cruise! - Spring 2008
Engagement Ring - From K. via C.A. Jewelers - Spring 2011

As for my makeup, I try to keep things more toned down on teaching days, so I used a lot of neutrals. I also added a little bronzer and some light colored lip gloss for a summery look.

What are my neighbors doing??? Anyway...
Eyes - Benefit Eyeshadow, Lancome Definicils Mascara, Estee Lauder Eye Liner in Gray
Cheeks - Laura Geller Baked Blush 'N Brighten in Honey Dipped (from June Birchbox)
Lips - Unknown brand from the swag bag seen in this post

Overall I was pretty pleased with this look. I have been in love with coral for at least a couple years now, so I was happy to break out this tube top and pair it with another bright! I have yet to do a full color blocked look as I don't really have any bright colored pants or skirts, but I do have a pair of turquoise shorts that I might try to do something with soon. Have you tried creating an entire outfit out of bright, bold colors yet, or are you like me and only have a few suitable pieces to work with?

By the way, Banana Republic Factory Stores are currently having a BOGO sale on all their clearance items, so if you have one near you, check it out before July 13th! They seem to have a lot of bright, solid color pieces right now, so it might be just the place to put together your own color blocked ensemble! While I think I paid a whopping $12 for this cardigan, I also picked up a bright green t-shirt for just $2 and a cute skirt for $6! While I wouldn't say that my absolute favorite items are from Banana Republic, I definitely love their wardrobe staples (plus the prices at the Factory Stores are amazing)! 

For now, I must be off to bake a Cubs cake for my nephew's 1st birthday (yay), but I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and are enjoying the same, beautiful weather we are having here in Chicago!

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FTF Blog Event: Summer Trends

Hello Beauties! Today I'm participating in the June Full Time Fabulous blog event hosted by Kristy! This month, we are supposed to depict one of our favorite trends for the summer. While I first thought I would do a color-blocking look, I decided that what I'm really most excited about now that the weather is nice and hot is the return of maxi dresses and skirts! I love maxis because they are uber comfortable but also super stylish and flattering. Plus, I think most of us already have at least one maxi skirt or dress in the closet, so it's a trend that you can partake in without having to spend money on new clothes! Here is what I'm wearing for the last day of the Chicago heat wave:

I'm all BCBGMAXAZRIA'ed out today in a BCBG maxi skirt, BCBG cami, and BCBG platform wedges!

I love this particular maxi skirt because of the extra details such as the rope cinching and the sequined front panel.

I also love these BCBGMAXAZRIA wedges I picked up at Nordstrom Rack a few years back. Platform wedges are another big trend this summer!

In this shot you can see my statement necklace by Kenneth Cole New York (thanks mom)! Statement necklaces are definitely haute this season! I also included a couple summer makeup trends in my look today. Adding a bright pop of color to your eyelid is very "in" right now, as are coral or pastel pink lips.
Eyes: Tarte Eye shadow in Teal; Lancome Definicils Mascara; Tarte EmphasEYES Brow Pencil in Taupe; Lips: Ulta Lip Pencil in Rose; Revlon Lip Gloss in Coral; Cheeks: Laura Geller Baked Blush (part of my June Birchbox)

And here's a photo with Noodle because she kept trying to get in the shot today. She's a very needy cat. :)

What summer trends are you most excited about? Do you love maxi dresses and skirts as much as I do? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, be sure to check out the other fabulous blogs participating in this event by clicking here! Have a fabulous day and stay cool!

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Frilly Frocks for a Rainy Day

Hello Dolls! It's an exciting although rainy day today! Why am I so excited you ask? Well, it's because this is my first ever outfit post! Since it's a bit rainy and chilly out today, I couldn't wear anything too summery as I had originally hoped, but still put together this number for a trip downtown to run some errands!

You might remember these Romeo & Juliet Couture skinny jeans from a recent post- On Clearance for $7.50 at Filene's, Spring 2011

Free People Dress- On Clearance for $35 at Von Maur, Fall 2010
Cable & Gauge Cardigan- $25 at TJ Maxx, Spring 2011

I'm also wearing:

BCBGeneration Pumps (from this post)- $79 at Macy's, now $39.50 (Wah-wah), Winter 2011

Swiss Legend White Ceramic Watch- $250 on Overstock, Summer 2009

Make-up:

Eyes- Tarte Eyeshadow in Lilac, Rose, & Pale Pink; Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx; Tarte MultiplEYE EyeLash Primer (see review), Lancome Definicils Mascara

Cheeks- M.A.C. Powder Blush in Feeling

Lips- Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Strawberry

All Over- Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting (which I reviewed yesterday)

So what do you think of this outfit? I must admit, I have a new level of respect for my blogger friends who do outfit posts regularly. Not only does it take a while to get the photos ready, but it's also a little nerve-racking putting your style on display for the world to see! :) I definitely intend to do more outfits posts, especially if you all really like this one. I hope you're having a fabulous day and are experiencing better weather than we're having here in Chicago!

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