Bringing Classy Back - Happy Birthday Princess Kate!

Duchess of Cambridge turns 30 today! In times when nip slip is a word easily understood, S.L.U.T and Juicy are the T shirt graffiti, and underwear could be seen as an outerwear - Kate is spearheading a trend - something a smart, professional and stylish woman can embrace. With structured outfits, elegant accessories and and a ladylike attitude, she is overpowering  the Kardashian boobage and Ga Ga fishnets! For me, Kate is the style icon for women who want their femininity shine without losing the clothes. From fashion weeks to store windows I could see her influence everywhere in 2011 and can confidently say that her style will be a big trendsetter in 2012 too!

Here is wishing  Kate Middleton a.k.a. Duchess of Cambridge a very happy birthday!

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Star Style For Less - Gwyneth Paltrow in Tie Dye Scarf

Stripes and tie-dye usually don't mix well, but Gwyneth Platrwo somehow worked them together effortlessly in this casual outfit! This outfit looks perfect for travel or shopping excursion with a lot of walking involved:-)

Image via People Magazine

Here is how to create this look for less!

Get Gwyneth's Star Style for less here -

Tie Dye Scarf @ Amazon - $19

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Eye Candy - Mila Kunis for Dior

2012 started with a haute bang for “Black Swan” star Mila Kunis  who has has been named the new face of Dior and will appear in its spring fashion campaign shot by Mikael Jansson. In the new Dior spots, which showcase the latest versions of the Miss Dior handbag, Kunis looks hot, chic and sophisticated - totally Dior Diva!

Image courtesy US Weekly

The ad campaign is to debut in the U.S. in The New York Times on Jan. 29, followed by a range of American monthlies, including Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar. 

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Trend Spotting - Red Jeans

I usually stick to basic blues and blacks when it comes to my denim, but a pair of red jeans seems perfect to get me out of my (denim) comfort zone! Colored denim was a  big style trend all through 2011 and is here to stay in 2012 too! The red jeans is the perfect color punch to the dark winter wardrobe! Don't believe me? Look at Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba and Molly Sims who spiced up their wardrobes with some red hot denim!

Nicky Hilton, Charlize Theorn, Jessica Alba, Molly Sims rocking the red jeans!
Image via people.com

Get the red jeans here -

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Stressed Out? Need The Magic To Be Happy? Read On!

Another year, another day, another morning - full of promise and full of stress as well! We all have responsibilities, families to take care of, work to be finished, presentations to be made, numbers to be crunched - and in the race to reach 'there', we get stressed out. And we all have been there! To break the monotony and feel energized, here is my list of 10 feel-good, pick-me-up, make-me-smile magic tricks! All you need is just a little time!

1. Get some aromatherapy

Think outside lavender vanilla! The fresh peppermint, eucalyptus or citrus scents in the morning showers can energize the body and mind to make you ready for another hectic day!

2. Go for a stroll with someone you love

Take a walk with your husband or best friend or your kid or a dog (or with all of them together!) The little moments have big impact in life!

3. Get a kitchen facial

Forget the trips to spa and expensive treatments. Open the kitchen cabinet (or even the medicine cabinet) for some instant TLC! Here is how to make an easy face mask. Works really well for troubled skin - one of my favorites!

4. DIY something

The process is more important than the results. Get inspiration from awesome blogs like Honestly WTF or I Spy DIY!  It might not come out to be perfect, but it will be super fun!

5. Give yourself a pedicure

Give your nail salon a break and get the little plastic tub out! Simply soaking the feet in warm water, few flower petals (or some regular shampoo) and massaging the soles can make a huge difference! That's the time when I get creative ideas:-)

6. Drink more water

Hey, even if there is no scientific proof, you will feel better!

7. Teach a child something

Teach a kid how to ride a bike, how to count backwards, how to draw a butterfly.. Trust me- it is the ultimate mood lifter!

8. Build an outfit around your least favorite/least used piece

We all have pieces in our closet we bought on an impulse and hardly use! (way out in the back where sun don't shine!, Yes plaid capris, I am talking about you!)  Make them the centerpiece of the outfit and build something fun! It is a good exercise if you time on your hand and you want some laughs!

9. Forget stats , play for a day

No more thoughts about numbers - be it calories (don't go all fried now!), Google analytics stats (yes, you blogger you!), salary or bonus..Just enjoy the moment. As my friend said the other day, the world is gonna end in 2012, better enjoy every day!:-)

10. Count your blessings

...and be thankful! You have it good!

Be Happy everybody!

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Style Delights Featured on 'Links a la Mode' on IFB!

I guess 2012 has a pretty good start! Independent Fashion Bloggers featured Style Delights blog post about How To Care for Cashmere Sweaters on the weekly 'Links a la Mode' and I am appreciative of the fact!
Check out my link along with 19 other awesome blog posts below!

Edited by: Meghan Donovan of WIT & Whimsy

It’s clear from this week’s Links a La Mode that we are all excited to have 2012 here and that we’re sure it will be one stylish year. From closet clean-out tips to style resolutions, IFB members have loads of ways this week to work that closet in the new year.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 5TH

• Style Delights: Caring for Cashmere
• Blonde Vivant: Spring 2012’s Brights
• Coming Unstitched: Man’s Word on Spring Trends
• Dress with Courage: 2012 Style Goals
• elodiebubble: The Fearless Shoes of 2012
• Endear: Closet Clean-out
• Fashion Hacker: 2012 Style Resolutions
• Girl Next Door Fashion: Get Inspired with Your Wardrobe
• Gracefuls: Rose Gold Eye Makeup Tutorial
• House of Modern Vintage: Vintage Nightgowns
• Inexpensive Chic: Wearing Your Denim Jacket in Winter
• My Fashion Wish List: Classic Buys You Won’t Regret
• Over 50 Feeling 40: Journalism 101 for Fashion Bloggers
• Simply Frabulous: 10 Unforgettable Pieces of Fashion News from 2011
• Style Abuse: Bring on Print-Blocking
• Styledelica: New Year, New Fashion Goals
• Sugar & Chiffon: Peter Pan Collar Trend
• Sugar and Spice: Shopping the Sales Now
• The Average Girl’s Guide: Closet Clean up for 2012
• WIT & Whimsy: A Touch of Ralph Lauren Rugby

SPONSOR:

Necklaces at Shopbop: Chan Luu, Iosselliani, KJL, Vita NY, Noir, Dara Ettinger, Shashi,Phillip Lim, GinetteNY, Vanessa Mooney, Adia Kibur, CC Skye & Dannijo

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Star Style For Less - Nicky Hilton In Red Denim

Usually, I look for real stars for outfits inspiration on Star Style For Less feature, but Nicky Hilton has so many of my favorite things in this outfit (leopard print, red hot jeans and chic motto jacket) that I am willing to make an exception! :-) Sorry for sounding mean - but I wish having at least one talent was the requirement to be passed as a celebrity! She looks gorgeous nonetheless!

Here is how to to create this look for less!

 Get this style for less here-

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Review - Target Merona 'Euna' Leopard Print Pumps

I love the leopard print - not so much in an overall outfit as in the accessories. I wanted to get a leopard print round toe pumps with low heels. And I wanted to get it on a budget! There are some great choices - from big name designers to department store brands. I liked Calvin Klein (not round toe though - selling for $79.99, link below), Elie Tahari (selling for $174) and Ivanka Trump ($130). And I found a very inexpensive pair on Target (online only) for just 24.99! I liked the look, bought them online and here is my review.
Disclaimer - I am neither being compensated nor was asked by Target for this review. I am reviewing my purchase for my blog to help readers make their decision.

• Look - They are made of faux suede, look very nice, not the pony hair 'expensive' look but good suede look nonetheless.
• Price -  Compared to other choices I mentioned above, they are really inexpensive and good value for money too.
• Toebox - The only thing not 100% satisfactory with these pump is their relatively tight toebox. I usually buy medium width for pumps and they were little tight. I wore them with thick cotton socks for an hour and walked across my house (this tricks works on most new shoes and kinda breaks the shoe in!) and they opened up a bit.
• Heel - 2.5", very comfortable and easy to walk in.
• Sole comfort - I would say medium comfort- not super soft but not too wood-y either.

Here is how they look!

Here is the link to buy target leopard print pumps -

 ...and some other choices for leopard print pumps -

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What I want in 2012 - Top 5 On My Wishlist

(OK, Dream Wish List!) Just like January resolutions, I have a list of "I want" for 2012! Some of the things on my list are absolutely achievable, some not so much - but that's why I am calling it my dream list! And a girl surely can dream, can't she? Here is what I want in 2012-

1. To raid Kate's wardrobe

My regular readers must know by now that I am totally in love with Kate Middleton aka Duchess Of Cambridge's style! Is there anything she can't make look good and classy!  If not really 'raiding', I would love to emulate her wardrobe with sheaths, blazers, pencil skirts and ladylike pumps!

2. To copy Jennifer Aniston's workout routine

Toned arms, flat abs and overall healthy body! No wonder majority of Fitness magazine readers say they would like to have Jen as their workout buddy!

3. To travel in Miranda Kerr's style

Now this is one supermodel who always travels like she is on the runway! Her chic style on the airports in 2011 is a trend in itself!

4. To have Alton Brown's kitchen/pantry

If anybody can make cooking look absolutely fun- it is Alton Brown! He is the supercool professor we wish to have in every classroom! Good Eats inspires me to learn more about ingredients and cooking styles.

5. To (all) Kardashians to go away 

Need I say more? Enough is enough!

Well, 4 out of these 5 still seem possible!

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My Inspiration Board - One Word At A Time, One Image At A Time!

January 1st is always the best day to hope, dream, make goals..This year, my goal is to be a better fashion blogger. Create a blog that looks great, reads better and inspires. Build the relationships and a community on my blog. To achieve this goal, I need a motivational reminder - images and words to keep me on track. I want an inspiration (virtual) pinboard with images of  some of the style icons I admire, and words that remind me to curate a better blog! And I believe I just created my perfect inspiration board that will remind me to move one step at a time toward my 'be-a-better-blogger' goal!

This post is my submission for 'IFB PROJECT #28: Create A Motivational Mood Board'. May this pinboard inspire you as it inspires me every time I look at it!

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