Black

OOTD- Cold Shoulder Shift Dress

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I told you I’d show you how I styled this number from New York & Company that I recently wore for my Best Friend’s Bachelorette Party, so let’s get down to business! 😀

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Here’s my  full look:

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As you can see already putting these birthday gifts to good use!

The dress had a loud print and some really beautiful cold shoulder detail so I wanted to keep accessories, hair, and makeup on the simpler side. I didn’t get any good close-ups of my makeup but basically I blended some greens, golds, tan, bronze, and brown eyeshadow. I used a hunter green eye liner and some mascara to define my eyes and make them pop. I filled in my brows and did some highlight, blush and bronzer. For lipstick I wore a neutral mauve- Revlon’s Ultra HD Matte Liquid Lipstick in the shade “Forever.” I love this color and it lasts a good while! For hair I threw it up in a messy bun to show off my big gold hoop earrings.

 

Black pumps

These chunky black heels have been such a great investment. I lasted the entire night dancing away in these, normally I’m in flats after an hour.

 

ACCESSORIES

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Gold bangles, thin gold rings, and a light up engagement ring, because, duh? Bachelorette Party. 😉

 

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I wore this statement ring on my other hand.

This was the manicure. I decided on- a pistachio green color, with a gold glitter ombre effect!

I rocked some black tights and a black side purse with a gold chain on it.

And last but not least here were some other accessories used to enhance the bachelorette party experience.

 

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Team Bride Glasses, Body Tattoos, Light Up Ring and Glow Necklace.

 

We had a grand ole time! Love you Jenny Girl!

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*All images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

My Birthday Weekend Food & Fashion

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

This weekend I celebrated my 26th birthday. My birthday is March 26th, so I turned 26 on the 26th. And this is when I learned I was celebrating a Golden Birthday.

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A person’s golden or grand birthday, also referred to as their “lucky birthday”, “champagne birthday”, or “star birthday”, occurs when they turn the age of their birth day.

Oh boy 26, I’m on the other side of the 5, and approaching 30, holy crap! Needless to say, I had such a great time with family and friends. Even my errand running went well! I found all that I needed for my best friend’s upcoming Bachelorette Party. That never happens!

 

FRIDAY NIGHT was my time to just relax and do a little pampering. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately with everything going on in my life and a lot of things needing to get done all at once, so I really needed this weekend to do my thing and relax.

 

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Started my night off with some Sushi ❤

 

I’ve also been loving lighting candles.

FUN FACT: the one on the right was a gift from my brother and sister in law. They brought it back from Hawaii for me, it’s a pineapple candle that smells unbelievable and it’s in a coconut!

Spring is here ladies, so you know what that means, time to shave yo legs. haha

 

 

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I tried this brightening mask, I’ve never done a face mask like this, and it was super strange, I felt like an Alien, I couldn’t move my face haha. But I didn’t hate it.

 

 

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Gilmore Girls, kept me company during my pamper routine. ❤

 

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SATURDAY NIGHT I met up with my best friends and their fiancĂŠs and they treated me to some drinks and desserts. A night filled with great company and great conversation.

I ordered the BLACK BOTTOM BUTTERSCOTCH A layer of bittersweet chocolate lies beneath creamy butterscotch custard, topped with fresh coconut whipped cream, and a chocolate wafer. And a glass of Moscato. It was delicious, I was sad when it was over! 😉

For my outfit, I wanted something comfortable, yet sophisticated. It’s a basic combination. But this picture of Bethany Joy Lenz was my inspiration for sure, (as usual.)

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I had these basic pieces already in my closet so I thought, why not?

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I love how these bracelets kind of tell my story, they each show important relationships I have in my life. I am M which stands for Me or Michelle. I am a daughter, a sister and a godmother amongst many other things.

SUNDAY NIGHT I started my day with God at church. Can’t go wrong with that. Then later my parents treated me and the family to dinner at one of my favorite hibachi restaurants.

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I had the chicken and shrimp hibachi with vegetable fried rice, and a frozen margarita.  For dessert I ordered green tea fried ice cream. YES, YES and YESSS! Everything was so delicious, so I was a very happy camper.

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For my outfit, I wanted to dress up this plain black sweater dress I had gotten a while ago. And so any excuse I get to rock my leopard faux fur coat (and blue strappy heels) is always A-OK in my book.

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*Black, Blue, Leopard…I sense a theme. 😉

Last but not least I ended my night with some blueberry pie, instead of birthday cake, I love pie so this was perfect. My whole weekend was perfect. It wasn’t a crazy rager, but it was exactly what I needed to ring in my golden birthday! 😀 I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people who made it that more special. ❤

I also got a bunch of great gifts too, I think I might do a Birthday Haul/What I Got For My Birthday post-Stay Tuned!

 

 

 

*Most images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

OOTD: Palazzo Pants & Big Hoop Earrings

michelleleighwrites 3 Comments

New York & Company is a store I shop at when I need something a little on the fancier side. So for my best friend’s Bridal Shower, I went to pick up an outfit. When I walked into the store I was instantly aware of their newest trend- Palazzo Pants. Hello, welcome back to the 70’s ladies.

I had to get a pair and after trying on a bunch of prints, this is the pair I decided on. I have to say I saw these and knew they’d be the ones I’d end up with. #BlackAllDayEveryDay #ICantEscapeIt

 

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My top and earrings are also from NY & Co.

 

 

Here is how I styled these Palazzo pants:

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I wanted the pants to be the focal point. I love that they were black with a pop of color from the flowers. Because of this, I wanted to pair them with a white simple blouse. I tried yellow, and red, but it seemed to be too much color. This simple white top was perfect. Not only did it blouse nicely when tucked into the pants, but it has that subtle yet unique neckline that spruced the plain white color up a bit.(The top was a bit sheer so I wore a black bandeau underneath.) 

For makeup and hair I kept it pretty simple. Kept the eye shadows in the bronze, browns, golds family. That’s usually my go to, because I LOVE GOLDS! As for lips, I did a mixture of a burgundy red (Revlon’s Rum Raisin) and bright orange (NYX Cherry Cheesecake) to form a nice bright coral like red. 

Next, I wanted a sleek, yet slightly messy high ponytail with some curls to frame my face. Added some bold big gold hoops for earrings, paired with gold bangles, and some bold rings with turquoise and green accents.

 

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I don’t have any links to these rings- The one of the left was my grandmother’s and the one on the right I bought from someone at a garage sale.

 

On my nails I had Essie’s “Penny Talk.”

And for shoes, I kept it simple with some basic Mary Jane type black pumps. That chucky heel made them much more comfortable.

 

Black pumps

Got these suckers on clearance for $15! #WhatAFreakinSteal

 

The whole outfit is funky yet still sophisticated. I have this habit of wanting to funk up every outfit I wear! Lol. My best friend told me I look like a sophisticated flowerchild. And guess what, I’m ok with that. It’s completely accurate and exactly the look I was trying to achieve. 😉

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I was so excited about rocking this outfit. It was super comfortable. Perfect for all my maid of honor duties! I would definitely recommend the Palazzo pant trend, here’s a link to all the different prints New York & Company has to offer. Take a look!

Stay Tuned for when I style this little number for her Bachelorette Party coming up! 😀

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-<3-

 

 

“Make Me”- Britney Spears Fashion

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

If you ask me, no one does black lace like Ms. Britney Spears.

She’s recycled that look since her jaw dropping iconic 2001 VMA red carpet look.

And quite frankly anytime she rocks black lace it still suits her perfectly.

Here’s Britney rocking a darker hair with a similar black mesh look

at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

And more recently she rocked this scandalous number at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 22: Singer Britney Spears attends the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images for dcp)
attends the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In fact there are several flawless Britney Spears looks I’ve been obsessed with over the years and most of them are looks she’s worn in her music videos.

The torn fabric look from “Stronger,” has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember, I just always thought she looked so damn cool and edgy.

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Currently I have been in love with the AMAZING black lace inspired outfits she’s rocking in her newest firecracker video for “Make Me.” Some people have been hating on this video and I just don’t get it. I think it’s really fun and you can’t take it too seriously. And FYI if you think this video is her objectifying men, that’s a bit of a reach. I mean how many rap videos do women have to sit through and see boobs and butts sticking out and women being objectified continuously. The video has a plot, the men are there to audition for her video, it’s not just like men naked for no reason. There’s a fun little story to go along with the theme of the song. And um…I am obsessed with this song! 

Anyway…I digress, these black lace looks featured in this video are so classic Britney, and so sleek and trendy. Black Lace, never goes out of style. And the fedora….perfect touch. Can one rock that outfit on the regular please?

 

Did I also mention that she announced that her new album; “Glory” will be released…August 26th!

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“Make Me” and (her next single) “Private Show” are available on Spotify. Catch a sneak peek on “Private Show” in the commercial for Britney’s newest fragrance inspired by the song!

Britney promises a new era with this album. From the listen of just these two songs, I’ve got to say I’m excited, I feel like this may be just what I’ve been waiting to see from her. A reinvention. Britney Spears in all her GLORY. 😉 #GloryIsTheTitleOfHerAlbum #SeeWhatIDidThere #CleverIKnow 😉

The Queen is Back!

*I do not take credit for any images, videos, gifs used.*

-<3-

 

 

Tori Kelly- Style Files

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Tori Kelly is one to watch. She has a voice to be reckoned with. Plays the guitar and the drums. Has a damn cool laid back style with funky twists and spins and overall gives off really good cool chill vibes. AND HER HAIR IS EPIC!

I’m going to showcase some key things I’ve noticed in her style choices.

Maybe it will help create some fun fashion inspiration for my laid back girls out there.

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The sneaker trend.

Tori has this cool way of rocking a funky sneaker with a dressier outfit. Somehow it works.

Below she is pictured wearing them with a dress, a romper, shorts, and a pants outfit. And although it may be considered a slightly off kilter concept, she makes it work. I’m not much of a sneaker girl and I don’t know if I would be able to pull of this trend, but I’d definitely give it a try!

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The Daytime Village At The 2015 iHeartRadio Music Festival - Backstage

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Colored shades.

Below you will see Tori rocking the same pair of green sunglasses. I am obsessed with these. They are such a funky color and reflective and just bad ass. They add a pop of color to any outfit and work really well with her big blonde curls.

Flannels.

Below you will find Tori incorporating flannels into her outfits, whether she is the rocking them around her waist to add more dimension- giving it that 90’s grunge vibe- or she’s rocking a full skirt piece, Tori makes it all work-effortlessly. Besides, you can always throw the flannel on if you are cold which would then in turn switch the outfit up a bit-giving it a cozy, cabin in the woods vibe. Where’s my crackling fireplace and my glass of wine? I’m ready. 

The all black theme.

Tori wears a lot of black, all black outfits often including a leather jacket to be more precise. She even likes to paint her nails black as well. It gives off an edgy, rockerish vibe. And let’s be honest, you end up looking sleek as hell. What I love so much about the following three all black outfits, is Tori’s choice to accent the shoe with a shiny texture and vibrant sparkly color. We see gold wedge sneakers in the first photo (WHICH I ADORE), electric turquoise heels in the second photo and sparkly silver platform sneakers in the third photo. These accents are what makes Tori, Tori.

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Thin rings on three consecutive fingers.

I see a lot of people wear simple jewelry additions like this. I adore this trend. So is there a name for these rings, and where can I get them?

The basic Tori samples.

Leather jackets aside, Tori often rotates denim pieces, plain tees, blazers, and booties.

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Classing things up.

Even though often opting for a laid back, comfortable fashion style, Tori Kelly is no stranger to putting together a kick ass red carpet ready wardrobe. Below you will see how she isn’t afraid to go bold, bright, adding a little sparkle and shimmer. The first look plays with color, the second is head to toe sequins and sparkle, rocking the heels too. The last photo is my favorite look. I love everything about it, the studded booties, the feather dress, the leather jacket – which makes for a really interesting but beautiful texture contrast. And these pieces are all slightly different shades of gray/black as well, which compliment nicely.

 

Lanvin : Front Row - Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2016

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All of these key ideas give Tori her own style. And it looks comfortable too. I’m all about that life. Because sometimes I can’t fashion, I’m too tired and now that summer is here, I have no patience. But it’s fun to explore the idea that laid back basic pieces can be made into fashion forward looks and still remain chill and comfy. Tori Kelly is quite the talent. So I leave you with these killer performances as you start to gain some outfit inspiration from her stellar self. Let me know in the comments below if I missed any Tori Styles Tips!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2p0wMy182w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsEIHVo5XGo

 

*I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

 

My Weekend in Outfits-Part 1

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

This past weekend I went out to celebrate my best friend’s 25th birthday. We enjoyed a really great Mexican meal and danced a bit at a club filled with a fog machine, a disco ball, an electronic bull, and a whole lot of Spanish music. Sometimes I act my age. Other times, I’m 25 going on 85. #GrandmaSouls

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As the summer weather begins to creep in, I wanted to create a fashion look both cute, and comfortable. Something that I would survive the heat in.

So here’s what I came up with and I have to admit, I was happy with the end result.

Here’s the look in-you guessed it-crappy cell phone pictures. 😀

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How flawless is that printed set on my best friend. #FashionistaSistas

For this look I wanted to include darker, more timeless shades and pieces, and enhance it with accessories and a bold shoe and red nails. #YouGuessedIt #IAlsoRockedMyBLUEHeels #YetAgain.

[See my first post on styling them HERE]

OUTFIT:

-Gray and black checkered capri dress pants

-A simple light weight razor back black tank top

-Blue heeled sandles

-Red nails

ACCESSORIES:

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HAIR:

I basically just used some products; curling mousse, curling serum, dry shampoo for volume, and hairspray and then I braided two braids on either side of my head and pinned them back. I curled the rest of my hair and pulled it to the side twisting it up into a messy side bun, with a few clear elsatics. I added the flower to dress up the simple do.

MAKE-UP:

I got my inspiration for this look from a video linked below.

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I just combined alot of whites, browns, reddish orange bronze colors, and golds, lined with black eyeshadow on the top and bottom water lines and blended a nude lipstick and a dark brown over top. You can basically make your own adjustments to this look, but I really loved it! Especially this lip combo-Left: wet n wild’s 900B “Pink Suga.” Right: Revlon’s 665 “Choco-Liscious.” I will definately be doing this look again.

Natural Brown Makeup Tutorial- 90’s Inspired

So there is my look, I felt chic and sophiscated but funky with the blue heels, red nails, big rings and studded purse. Those little touches definately made the outfit less businessy and more me.

****Segway****

As part of my best friend’s present this year I got her tickets to a concert-

Here’s how I told my best friend we’re going to see Bethany Joy Lenz in concert!

Bethany Joy Lenz L.A. -by ljGUNDERSON

 

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I got her a card and printed out the concert poster to fold up and leave in the card. On it I wrote a little riddle that read:

She’s someone we’ve always admired.

Beautiful and unique.

A”Joy” to watch on screen.

A voice, oh so sweet.

She’s finally touring- New York City.

I hope you are free.

So we can live out a childhood dream

And finally see our ultimate idol;

a girl we’ll always know as “Haley.”

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We can’t wait….full blog post (and possibly vlog) coming for that- post July 28th!

*All photos (except those of Bethany Joy) are my own*

-<3-

2015 Fall Fashion Inspiration

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Fall is literally right around the corner. And I’m going to be extremely common for just a second when I tell you this is my favorite time of year. My favorite things about fall are the crisp air (even if you wouldn’t know it because it’s still hot in NYC. I can feel the weather wanting to change.) I love the darker colors. I can wear black, and not bake in the heat. I love the promise of fun filled holidays and fun events. And last but not least I do love me some pumpkin flavored stuff. I’m not a fanatic about it, but I do think it’s a fall staple. So let’s get down to business here, shall we?

My 2015 Fall Fashion Inspiration

Beanies, Leather Jackets, Flannels, Converse…

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Cozy Sweaters, Ripped Jeans, Boots…

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Black on black outfits…

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Birkenstocks with socks…

I normally cringe at the idea of wearing socks with sandals. However, I bought a pair of knock off Birkenstocks this summer and I feel like I only wore them a few times. So I would like to continue to wear them through the fall. In fact the styling of the fall look is super cute. I can’t wait to give it a try.

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Scarves are my stable for the fall. I have one for every outfit. And they are just a really simple way to add some fashion sense to your outfits, and keep you warm at the same time.

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Big floppy hats…

I love the look of these hats and seeing as how it’s often too hot for me to function in the summer for me to leave hats on for too long, fall is much more suitable to rock these. I gotta get one!

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The darker nail polish and makeup tones…as we speak my nails are black and I can’t wait to paint them Essie’s Wicked next!

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The tulle/ballerina tutu skirt, I have always been in awe of the Carrie Bradshaw fashion. She manages to pull off the most bizarre things. And these skirts are so beautiful to me, getting a nice black one and pairing it with some nice pumps for a night out would be gorgeous!

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Tori Kelly Curls…

Oh my god I am OBSESSED with this girl, with her voice, and her laidback fashion. BUT her hair is in a league of it’s own and I have been trying to replicate it, but I think I need a crimper. It’s just not big enough. For this look; the bigger the hair the better.

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Laidback dance rehearsal style outfits…

I’m not gonna lie, I have an obsession with dancer wardrobe. When Bethany Mota was on Dancing With The Stars two seasons ago, I would always love her rehearsal outfits. She always looked so cool and comfortable, but still really cute. Same goes for Jenna Dewan’s character in Step Up. I was always so in love with her outfits. In fact I’m a big fan of leg warmers, and I wear them a lot. The only ingredient missing is…I wish I was a dancer. I mean I love to dance and used to be in dance class as a kid, that counts, right?

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So there you have it, my Fall Fashion Inspiration.

What are some things you are excited to try this fall, let me know what I missed!

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images used.*