Bloggers Do it Better: Red

Quick: how many pieces of RED clothing do you own? If you’re like me, the answer is not many. I counted 4 red items in my wardrobe: a cardi, blouse, tank top, and pair of Christmas socks.

I’d say it’s about time to add this bold color to my life! One of my favorite fashion blogs, Pretty Shiny Sparkly, is hosting a challenge to help with just that. She’s asked bloggers to show how real girls wear real trends in her column called “Bloggers Do It Better.” Today’s assignment is simple: show us how you wear red!

Since I shared a few red-hot Valentine’s Day outfit ideas with you all a few weeks ago (here, here, and here), I figured it was only fair to reveal my own red Vday outfit. Here’s what I wore to dinner with my sweetie on Sunday night. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shirt & Necklace – LOFT (similar blouse) // Skirt – Express (similar) // Belt – The Limited // Wedges – Bakers // Bracelet – Forever 21 (similar) // Purse – Ruche (see all their cute purses here)

And because bloggers really DO do it better, here are a few other red-inspired outfits from six fellow bloggers. This is also my sneaky way of sharing my fav fashion blogs with you all (seriously, check them out). Looking good, ladies!

Pretty Shiny Sparkly // Gal Meets Glam

Granola2Glam // Tick Tock Vintage

Mix and Match Fashion // M Loves M

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Currently Coveting: Pops of Neon

Maybe it was Madonna’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl, but I gotta confess: I am currently coveting a serious 80’s trend.

Neon!

A pop of neon mixed into an everyday outfit is a fun and flirty fashion do. Yes, even in 2012! I’m not asking for a head-to-toe neon getup that you (and Madonna) used to wear in 1988. Just throw on one brightly colored accessory. Here are a few ideas on how to have fun with neon.

 

Zip top clutch
$45 – asos.com

Portfolio clutch
$36 – asos.com

Plastic watch
$36 – asos.com

Cuff bangle
$4.80 – forever21.com

Is it spring yet? ring
$9.99 – modcloth.com

Heart charm wristband
$8.95 – asos.com

Faux patent leather belt
$15 – thelimited.com

Stila lip enamel in giggle hot pink
$22 – stilacosmetics.com

Adora-bauble Necklaces

[bau-ble: A small, showy trinket or decoration]

I’m currently coveting bold, adora-bauble necklaces. Get it? Adorable + bauble! Let me explain.

Picture a necklace that has a bold embellishment on it — maybe a chunky cluster of beads or a row of sparkly gems — and you have yourself a bauble necklace. It’s a necklace that is meant to be seen. A statement-maker.

Check out some of my current favorite, all under $50, and then challenge yourself to use the word “bauble” in a sentence today. So fun!

Modcloth Pearls of Widsom for $20.99; Modcloth Tidal Crave Necklace for $34.99.

Etsy Teal Cluster Necklace for $50; Etsy Flower & Pearl Necklace for $44; Charlotte Russe Bead Cluster Collar Necklace for $12.50; Kohl’s Simply Vera Wang Jet Simulated Pearl Necklace for $21.

LOFT Long Fireball Cluster Necklace for $34.99 and Anthropologie Loose Change Necklace for $48.

The Limited Stamped Feathers Necklace for $36.90.

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Most Likely to Wow Classmates at Your High School Reunion

Like a nervous bride, I almost got cold feet the week leading up to my 10 year high school reunion last year. Don’t get me wrong, I sincerely loved high school — football games, pep rallies, boys!

But did I really need to awkwardly relive it a whole 10 years later? I seriously contemplated becoming a runaway alumni.

But I had made a pact with my 3 best friends to attend this shindig. So in my best former cheerleader voice, I gave myself a little pep talk. It went something like this:

Get it together, Maddy. Be happy about your big girl job. Go to this reunion and knock people’s socks off with a really smokin’ outfit.

In case you’re also feeling a little jittery about what to wear to your own reunion this fall, I thought I’d share some ideas. The goal? Be yourself and don’t overdo it!

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Location: Casual Bar
You want to look sophisticated and hot… but also approachable. A great pair of fitted skinny black pants set the stage. Add a rich, colorful top and fun accessory.

All items from The Limited: Cameo Pendant Necklace ($34.90), Ruffled Tiers Top ($39.90); Exact Stretch Skinny Pant ($69.90), Faux-patent Peep-toe Heels ($89).

Location: Wine Bar or Brewery
Once of my fav outfits for fall weather is a comfy dress with jazzy tights and flat boots. I think this outfit works for so many occasions, including a reunion. This outfit is put-together but doesn’t give the impression that you tried really hard, which is key!

Latico Carlie Sheen Clutch/Wristlet ($65 from Endless); Aldo Folse Wedge Boot ($90 from Aldo); Cloudburst Stripe Dress ($39 from Lulus); Apt. 9 Diagonal Plaid Tights ($9 on sale from Kohl’s).

Location: Hotel or Banquet Hall
Now is your chance to go a bit fancier. Think ‘fall wedding’ when selecting an outfit. Don’t show too much skin. You want to look classy not trashy!

Beaded French Wire Earrings ($4.80 at Forever21); Instant Glam Ring ($5.80 at Forever 21); Lucy Love Farrah Purple Dress ($73 from Lulus); Chinese Laundry Honey Bun Bootie ($69.95).

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Here’s what I wore to my “casual bar” reunion (2nd from left). Top is from Nordstrom and I paired it with dark jeggings from New York & Company.

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