2012 Outfits in Review

I've had another year of my Style Challenge!! I went back through and picked some of my favorite outfits of 2012, hopefully to inspire all of you to think outside your go to style and try something new! That includes hair ;)

What was your favorite look from 2012? What new things do I need to try for 2013??

One Dress: Three NYE Parties

Yeah, this is from my old One Dress: Three Dress Codes post but I have holiday hangover still! Plus, if you still don't know what your NYE plans are, it shows you can still buy a cute, basic LBD and be prepared for any dress code! Just swap out some of the more summery accessories (sandals for oxford, etc) and you'll be good to go!

Last Minute Gifts In Store

I hate when people post last minute gifts and I'm all like, "Um, if I pay $xbillion dollars for overnight shipping, maybe!" So I went through and found a bunch of items, including stuff for guys, from stores that are commonly found across the States! If you don't live near a Gap... well, I got nothing for you!

More Banana Republic...

Nicole Miller Dog Accessories

I didn't know Nicole Miller did a line of chic pet accessories!! I just recently discovered (and purchased) some fab pieces at Fab.com, including bowls and matching treat jar, and a leopard print retractable leash. They seem to be gone now, but you can purchase what appears to be everything in the collection at Doggie Couture Shop.

My Style Challenge: The LBD

For my office holiday party I had a great little black dress I wanted to wear! I actually don't go for the LBD very often, since it can be challenging to look "fashion bloggery" in something so classic. People expect me in loud colors and mixed prints!! But I decided that with the right accessories I could still look blog-worthy!

How did I do?? I woke up with my hair feeling very British rocker so I decided to channel Kate Moss for my look. I paired my LBD with a menswear tux jacket and a bold statement necklace to really amp up the volume. I'm wearing: Guess? dress, lush jacket from Nasty Gal, Michael Michael Kors pumps, lovers + friends leopard bag. Jewelry includes: Statement necklace from South Moon Under, gold bangles from Cambodia, stacking rings from Banana Republic and Tina Tang, large blingy ring I think from H&M.

The necklace is tres divine and surprisingly versatile! I can't wait to wear it again with a more casual outfit.

Another detail shot! My necklace was the focal point, but that doesn't mean I couldn't wear some other fun jewelry!! Don't be afraid to pile it on, it's the holidays!!

Velvet Garter Leggings

One ticket to sexy town!!! These leggings would be great under a short, flippy skirt for NYE, don't you think? Sexy and fun you can buy them at Wasteland for $65.

Sequin Zap Tee

Comic pop art prints tend to always be a fringe trend, meaning they're always kinda chic but never overdone! This tank is blinged out in sequins and would be super fun to dress up with a pencil skirt and blazer, don't you think? Buy at Motel for $70.

First Kiss: A Profile

He also has a heart for a head!

So I've had a lot of people ask me to tell you all a little more about First Kiss, the guy I've been dating. It's hard to balance blogging about my life and protecting his privacy, but I do want to share more about him! So here are a few random details about the new guy in my life...

He cooks for me. Not only is he a good cook, but he makes these full, multiple course meals that are healthy and balanced. On my own I tend to eat two servings of an entree for dinner, but with him we eat salad and a random side and an entree. And sometimes we eat parsley straight (not as a garnish), which I still think is odd but hey, when in Rome!

He plays soccer often, likes to stay active and has those awesome hip lines I've recently learned are called an Adonis belt.

He loves old, classic movies. We watch lots of film noir and black and white movies; I finally watched Casablanca with him! He especially loves Hitchcock and Orson Welles. I love old Hollywood and it's nice to see some of the amazing cinematography and dialogue that these films highlight.

He's very positive and makes me laugh. I love it when people make the best of almost any situation they find themselves in.

He travels all over the world, including Rome, Paris, Costa Rica, China, Panama, and more! I'm hoping we take a trip somewhere next year.

He loves the arts. We go to the opera together, and talk about art and literature, and he actually knows more about classical music than me! As someone who has a background in music, it's almost embarrassing.

Writing this out, I must say he does sound a little like a gay straight man, ha! I like to think of him more as a Renaissance Man... a pretty far departure from my usual geek guy tendencies, don't you think?

Things have gone from good to great lately, which is awesome and a little scary! I have to let my guard down, which is hard - sometimes I practice him breaking up with me in my head just to be prepared... I have issues! But overall he's been nothing but awesome to me and definitely makes me happy!

Winter Cropped Pants

Just because it's getting cold out doesn't mean you should start storing your cropped pants until spring! It just means you can get a little creative with your ankle pants! I've created three winter appropriate looks to help inspire you!

My first look may still leave your ankles cold, but surely layering a sparkly sweater over a turtleneck will help make up for it! Add some statement earrings to complete the festive look and you're good to go!

My second look is probably my favorite - it's time to break out some fun socks! The key here is to make sure they stand out, almost to the point that they're the focal point of your outfit. Don't be afraid of socks and heels!

Lastly, try finding a pair of ankle boots that cut off just an inch below the hem of your pants, showing a sliver of skin. This edgy look is complete with some leather layered under a plaid shirt!