Pieces for the Perfect New Year's Eve Ensemble. (Jacklyn)

For most girls, New Year's Eve is a time to get all gussied up and put on their favorite LBD (little black dress). For me, I take this time to incorporate as many pieces possible to stand out in the sea of black. Although black is a safe and classy way to go, I believe it is important to accent these dresses with dramatic accessories. What better way to bring in the new year than to show off in chunky gold jewelry and sparkly heels? 

 

My Ideal Look:

 

Long Sleeve Pailettes Dress

(Free People)

If I had an extra $500 hanging around, I would be seen in this Free People dress for the New Year. The off-the-shoulder look gives this hanging dress the sex appeal needed for the night out.  

Cage Strap Halter Bodycon Dress

(Topshop)

This past week, I spotted a dress very similar to this Topshop LBD in a consignment shop. Aside from buying the size 4 dress in hopes to jump start my new year fitness goal, I envisioned this dress would give other black dresses a run for their money. The neckline is extremely flattering for those hoping to show off their sexy shoulders ;)

Sequin Fever Bodycon Dress

(Free People)

Can't go wrong with a tight, black, sequined dress for New Year's Eve. Pair this dress with subtle gold jewelry and you have a winner. 

Lace Insert Romper

(Free People)

If you have the confidence, rock this romper this New Year's. The risque top, matched with the loose, high-wasted bottom will leave other girls drooling all night long. 

Roundabout Fringe Necklace

(Anthropologie)

If you do decide to opt for the simple LBD, please, PLEASE, throw on a chunky necklace such as this one.  It will instantly give you a fierce and fun look.

Flash Point Posts

(Anthropologie)

For a night out, these earrings serve as a fresh and retro addition to any outfit (black or sparkly). 

Arielle Collection Multi Stone Stackable Rings 

(Nordstrom)

Love this 5-set ring piece. Perfect for a night-out, as well as day-to-day wear.

Vintage Chanel CC Lock Necklace

Chanel...the perfect addition to make a black outfit instantly classy. A girl can dream. 

 Glam Classics Tassel Earrings

(Michael Kors)

If you decide to wear your hair up or slicked back, wearing long earrings, such as these, will do wonders for your entire look. (Just don't continue wearing these to babysit the next day...)

 Tory Burch 'Robinson- Mini' Patent Crossbody Bag

(Nordstrom)

Another great way to add color to an outfit is buy wearing a small, bright-colored side purse. 

Steve Madden 'Sparrkk' Bootie

(Nordstrom)

This year, I have been obsessed with booties. Now, the combination of a bootie and sparkles for this New Year is just perfection. Try to steer away from boring black heels and try something sparkly new. 

Gifts for Her (Ashley)

Christmas is a girl's dream.  Shopping without guilt or disappointment and designing lists of exact wants and wishes.  Here are some of my fave gifts for 2011.  Happy shopping!

Jo Malone Perfume, Nordstroms

30 ml. $55, 100 ml $110

Kiehl's Holiday Gift Set, starting at $38, Nordstroms

I love the Kiehl's Creme de Corps Products, as well as their Ultra Facial Cream and Eye Cream

Michael Kors Wristlet, $79

I received a similar version for my birthday and have not stopped using it.  Perfect size and amount of space.  

H & M blazer, under $50

Steve Madden "Banngg" Boot, $229

Coldplay Seattle Concert Tickets, starting at $90

April 25, 2012

Peterbrook Chocolate Covered Popcorn, starts at $8

The best popcorn in the whole wide world!

Glassybaby, $40

I love the "see through" look.

ASOS Mini Dress with Sequin Mesh, $82

New Year's Eve, anyone?

lululemon Wunder Under Crop, $68

Potentially the best legging ever made.  

For another quick and inexpensive holiday trick, try wrapping your gifts with magazine pages for a fun and fresh look!  

Gifts for Him. (Jacklyn)

In my opinion, shopping for the man in your life, whether it be your boyfriend, brother, or dad, is a challenge. When it comes to gift ideas, getting anything out of the male species is close to impossible. So, for those of you having problems choosing the perfect Christmas gift,  here are a few items I have had success in gifting.  

Kiehl's 'Men's Refueling' Gift Set

$29.50

UGG Australia 'Byron' slipper

$129

Nixon 'The Sentry' Leather Watch

$130

Bosca 'Executive- Old Leather' Wallet

$100

Lululemon Boxer Briefs

$25

Crystal Mountain Ski Ticket

$65

Stella Atrois 6-Pack

$9.00

(Can't go wrong with Stella :)

All I Want For Christmas Is... (Ashley)

Growing up, it was a Hogan family tradition to put each of our holiday wish lists on the refrigerator.  With a house full of girls, the lists usually included barbies, polly pockets, and playmobile, but as we grew, it slowly evolved into clothes, makeup, and accessories.  Every year, my mom likes to theme each person's Christmas.  For example, last year, my theme was Roma.  This year, my theme is Cabo.  Since I haven't been able to tape my wish list to our home refrigerator yet, I am going to post my Cabo themed list in hopes of continuing my family's tradition until I get to go home.  

Jennifer Zeuner Necklace, Perfect Cabo and Everyday Accessory

$264

Vitamin A Swimwear, Sleek Black Suit

$164 top and bottom

Marc by Marc Jacob, Nordstroms 

$98

Classic, sophisticated, and a little bit larger than the Ray Ban. 

Asos Dress, $ 72.72

I love white for beach vacations.

Kristom High Waist Shorts, Shopbop

$48 

High waisted shorts are perfect for crop tops and lacey, beek a poo beach tees.  

Benefit Legally Bronze, Sephora

$38

Hello bronze.

A girl can dream...

All I Want For Christmas Is... (Jacklyn)

As Christmas quickly approaches, it is time to publish my Christmas '11 wish list. For all of you that were planning on surprising me with fabulous gifts, you now have 

some inspiration (ehem, boyfriend) ;). 

 I hope these items also inspire ideas

 for the rest of you. 

Deborah Lipmann 'Trendsetter' 3-Piece Set

(Nordstrom, $35)

Scrying Ring

(Anthropologie, $48)

                             

Foldover Clutch, Royal Blue Pebble

(Clare Vivier, $156)

*one of my ABSOLUTE favorites

Gold Rush Dress

(Free People, $148) 

FP Vegan Leather Shorts

(Free People, $98)

Dream-In-Color Slippers

(Anthropologie, $58)

Nikon D3100

(Priceless :)

No Caspers Around Here, How to Get That Faux Summer Glow! (Ashley)

I know everyone dreams of a white Christmas, but this holiday season, I want to look anything but white and pastey.  At the same time, I don't believe in bed tanning regularly and spray tans can really wipe out your piggy bank, so options are somewhat limited.  To find a fix, I  decided to do some research on the most popular faux glow products and tested them out for a week.  Here are my faves and the best ways to use them!

Nordstroms

Face Tanner $19

Deep Bronze Luxe $39

A total must have!  Unlike most sunless tanners that can make you orange, Xen Tan creates a more natural look by using olive tones.  I use the Light/ Medium face tanner and body lotion morning and night.

Sephora, $29

After watching the Victoria Secret fashion show this week, I had to look up their makeup tricks. The lead makeup artist insists on highlighter/ illuminators to create a soft glow, especially during the winter.  The product highlights bone structure and creates more dimension.  I choose to use the Copacabana shade for more of a sheen, but if you are looking for some color, Orgasm will do the trick.  Apply to your cheekbones right below your orbital bone and on the bridge of your nose.  

Winter Accessory Galore! (Ashley)

Hello all, I hope your holiday was full of fun festivities with friends, family, and food.  Jacklyn and I apologize for our untimely blogging, but are ready to get back on the bandwagon.  During this most wonderful time of the year, I love accessorizing my winter wardrobe.  The trick lies in combining fashion, practicality, and comfort all in one.

Scarfs are an amazing way to accessorize any basic outerwear outfit and to add a bit of color and texture around your face.  But, there is nothing worse than a scarf that is too tight around your neck or itchy, so I always opt for soft textures when picking out my new scarfs.  For a soft, basic look, the scarf below is perfect and keeps you very warm.  With a loose infinity loop, it is easy to throw on and run out the door in a snap while still looking put together and glam.

                                                                     Nordstrom $18 

For a more colorful option, this Anthropologie scarf suits your cause.  With a two-tone, infinity loop, it grants color, pattern, warmth, and fun to any outfit.  

                                                                   Anthropologie $78

Next, ear warmers!  My ears are constantly cold, so I usually opt for either an ear warmer or ear muffs.  Check them out!  PS Loving the sparkle!  

                                                                 Juicy Couture $ 68

For a less expensive version...

                                                                     Nordstrom $38

Earmuff style!  

                                                                      Nordstrom $14 

Lastly, there is nothing better than a great pair of gloves.  However, I hate the task of taking off my entire glove to send text messages or use my iPhone.  lululemon has found a way to eliminate the chore with its Brisk Run Glove.  The simple black colored gloves have touch-screen fingers to make using your phone in the freeze a breeze.

                                                               lululemon athletica $28