21st Birthday

Hey everyone! Today was my 21st birthday. I just thought I'd make a quick post to share some of the highlights.

I can hardly believe what my boyfriend got me -- these gorgeous Prada baroque sunglasses that I've been lusting over since the first time I saw them in a magazine spread. I saw a girl wearing them when we were in Puerto Rico and that was the first time it actually struck me that people could actually buy them. I mean, it's not like I didn't know that, I'm just so used to flipping through magazines and seeing a barrage of designer items that I'd never be able to actually own that I start to gloss over the more reasonably priced pieces after a while.

I didn't have time to do it myself, so I asked the boyfriend to snap a quick picture of my outfit before we met some friends for dinner. He's not very good at photography (despite my insistence that all the best style bloggers have photographer boyfriends) and seemed to think that the picture was more about showing off his car than my clothes... My shoes aren't that exciting anyway, black leather pumps. Just use your imagination! 

Kinda sucks that my 21st was on a Monday (and I had an exam in the morning) but I'm not too big on partying most of the time anyway so I don't mind waiting until the weekend to celebrate a bit more.

Thanks for reading! 

I'm on TV!

Exciting news! I've been co-hosting a beauty and fashion talk show on my university's television channel. Unfortunately, it's only available on television in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin, but feel free to "like" The Look on Facebook to get updates on web uploads! 

Here I am with my co-host, Pang right after shooting our second episode yesterday. Neither of us had done any television work before, so our first shoot was a little rough but we were able to power through out second episode and do almost everything in one take.

I'm really excited to get involved with something style related on campus. Small college towns in the Midwest aren't exactly known for being fashion hubs, but I'm glad to be able to help promote the small local community that we do have. Unfortunately, it does eat into my blogging time a tad but I try to make time when I can.

Quick Note: Google Reader will be shutting down on June 1st. Make sure to update your subscription to Rhinestone Religion through Bloglovin' or another reader of your choice! 

Polka Dot Pink

 We had a bake sale at work to raise money for our Help the Homeless drive yesterday. I wasn't initially supposed to work that night, but I was asked to cover a portion of my co-workers shift so I came in for a few hours.

Everyone decided to wear aprons to go along with the theme, but since I don't own one I thought it would be cute to wear my new dress. I think it gives off a little bit of a 50's housewife baking in the kitchen feel, don't you think? 

It's actually a halter dress, so it'll be perfect for Summer and my vacation, but I needed a way to cover it up and make it more work appropriate so I tied a white blouse around it which... kind of gives it a more country-girl vibe but oh well. 

Outfit Details

Blouse: The Limited

Dress: Lace Affair

Shoes: Aldo (similar)

Necklace: Vintage

Lace Affair might be my new favorite shop for dresses. I got this one from the site as well, I think they're really reasonably priced for the quality. I know this dress was available on another (ahem, very popular) site for $15 more than I paid for it. Love it when I use my super sleuthing powers to find bargains. 

I was a little nervous for it to come because I wasn't entirely sure on my size, but the medium fits like a dream. The hem is just right that it shows a little leg without stopping me from bending over, the waist is exactly the right size and it covers my bust enough that if I were really careful I could probably get away with wearing it without a bra, though I did opt for an adhesive one because I would really, really like avoid wardrobe malfunctions at work. 

I'm definitely packing this for Puerto Rico -- can't wait to wear this adorable dress outside without anything over it and it'll look awesome with the white sun hat I picked up for the trip. 

Oh yeah, I started tanning for the first time in my life. Notice any difference? Haha. 

No Pants, Ever

Outfit Details

Top: The Limited

Necklace: Express

Skirt: White House Black Market

Shoes: Nine West

Heey, the weather was kinda-warm today! Know what that means? It means Hell if I'm wearing pants.

I got a long-overdue haircut yesterday. The way the layers are shaped right now I thought it would be fun to pretend I have a bob haircut for the day. Here's a not-very-secret secret: I'm really, really bad at doing hair. My strategy is pretty much "Stick pins in it until it looks kinda like what you want it to look like" so... here is my half-assed attempt at faux bob. It probably looks like death from behind, but I couldn't tell you because putting a mirror behind my head while I look at one head-on requires way too much coordination.

Otherwise, keeping it simple. Can't go wrong with white and black.

As a reminder: I'm looking for people to contribute guest posts the week of the 17th! To those of you who already e-mailed me, fret not! I'm off to work right now but I'll get back to you later tonight.

Red in the Snow

Getting so sick of Wisconsin weather. Just the other day, I was getting out of my car to go to work and I realized I barely even needed my heavy coat. I heard birds chirping, the snow was starting to melt and make little puddles for me to dodge across the parking lot and the wind didn't feel like burning on my face. "How delightful, spring will be here soon!" I said to myself in my best Disney princess impression (not really) and went about my merry way.

Not five minutes into my shift a customer passingly mentioned the snow storm that was coming. I mean, I guess that's what I get for not watching the weather, but seriously? Make up your mind, Wisconsin.

I'm getting sick of boots and I'm getting sick of pants. I know, I know -- no one really wants to hear me complain. So I'll make note of some good news. If I were going to be stuck wearing the same pair of boots for four months straight, this pair from Nine West would be it. They're super comfy wedges, they're waterproof and they don't weigh 50 pounds like my last pair of boots so I don't take an extra 20 minutes lumbering to class. The best part? I got them at an outlet mall for only $24.99.

Outfit Details

Top: Ann Taylor

Jeans: Express

Boots: Nine West

Necklace: Express

Still, I have a rack full of cute flats that haven't been worn yet because I'm waiting for the slush to disappear. Keeping my fingers crossed for some warmer weather soon!

My Valentine's Day

I know a lot of people have some very strong feelings about Valentine's Day. Personally, I think obsessing over it too much is silly. If you don't have someone to celebrate with, it's really not the end of the world nor is it something that should make or break a couple. In the grand scheme of things, it's not worth getting upset or depressed over.

That said, this was actually my first Valentine's Day in years that I've been with someone (and High School doesn't really even count, right?) so it was pretty exciting for me this time around. My boyfriend brought me adorably well thought-out presents, including a book about octopuses. For those of you who don't know, I have a mild obsession with cephalopods though my favorite is actually the cuttlefish. He also made some keto-friendly cookies, and I got some tea that I can write about for next week's Tea Tuesday!

Outfit Details

Blouse: Modcloth

Cardigan: Target (similar) 

Skirt: Prabal Gurung for Target

Shoes: Nine West 

To be perfectly honest, I had no idea what I was going to wear until I had finished my makeup for the evening and was staring with eyes glazed over at my closet. I wanted to get a bombshell red dress similar to this one just for the occasion, but I had been searching for almost a month and hadn't found one I loved. So, strapped for time I scrambled to put together this outfit, utilizing a few new pieces in my wardrobe. I guess it didn't turn out too bad for something I threw together, the woman at the table next to us at the restaurant complimented me on it!

What did you do for Valentine's Day? Tell me in the comments!

Pearls and Studs

Outfit Details

Sweater: Forever 21; Pants: Loft; Shoes: Aldo; Necklace: Vintage; Handbag: Madden Girl 

One day, on a whim, I bought a pink sweater from Forever 21 because I was trying to incorporate more of my favorite color into my wardrobe. Under normal circumstances, buying anything from Forever 21 is understood to be a very short-term purchase, but let me tell you that goes doubly so when you buy anything that has a bunch of tiny, tiny embellishments sewn on.

I don't know why I thought this was a good idea. I wore this to go shopping on Saturday, and every time I'd pull it over my head to try something else on at least two or three minuscule pearls flew off and bounced all over the floor. By the time I went home, almost the entirety of the left side of my chest was missing its decorations and I had several little pink threads poking out in every direction. 

I could maybe, maybe get one more wear out of it if I don't mind being lopsidedly adorned or if I just clip all the little pearls off myself -- but at (I think) $20 for the sweater, the cost per wear on this item is pretty abysmal. Cute concept, poor execution. But as I said, I really shouldn't have expected any better from a store that is pretty much the epitome of fast fashion. 

I mentioned in yesterday's Link Love post that I'm trying to be more discerning about the quality of clothes I buy. While I can't afford absolute top-of-the-line quality as a college student, at the very least I can try to avoid really, really obvious lapses in judgement again. 

Here's what I picked up at the mall though. I got two tops from the Limited, which while again not being top-of-the-line quality, is certainly better than Forever 21 and was having a pretty great sale when I stopped by. I'm really excited about the polka dot sweater, as I've been on a sweater kick lately. I used to think sweaters looked really... matronly on my figure. Think Kindergarten teacher with a cat applique cardigan. 

I have since discovered, however that if I'm very particular about the material and cut I can manage to pull them off. Specifically, V-necks and very thin, form-fitting knit will work. I feel like an entire world of new possibilities has been opened up to me since discovering I can actually wear something that's felt off limits to me for so long. 

Have you ever made clothing purchase that you regret? Or have you discovered ways to wear something you previously didn't think you could? Tell me in the comments! 

Work Holiday Party

So, it turns out I was definitely not cut out for dressing myself in Winter. First of all, I love floral prints. If you did an analysis of the prints in my closet, it would probably be split almost 50/50 florals and leopard print. I don't know about you, but roses don't exactly say "I wear this in -10 degree weather." to me. Does that stop me? Hell nah.

Outfit Details

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

Necklace: Vintage

Cardigan: Forever 21

Dress: Express

Shoes: Aldo

Second, I tried doing the whole bare-leg thing before I took a single step out of the door, clattered "holyshitineedtights" before promptly running back inside to put on a pair of black tights that in all honestly didn't look awful but it certainly threw off the funk of the ensemble.

I wore this for my first work holiday party! I recently started a new job at a video rental place mid-December after four years at a video game store. It's an interesting change of pace, and for the first time I work with all women but I'm really enjoying it so far. We went to see a show at the Comedy Corner in Neenah, which was awesome. I've never actually gone to see a stand up comedy show before.

The new semester starts for me on Monday! I got stuck with an 8AM class, which is literally the worst thing imaginable to a college student. At the end of this semester I'll be done with my Theatre minor, and I'll only have one more class to go for my Japanese one. Communication major is going to take a little bit longer. Secretly, I've always wanted to be a marine biologist and seeing this video of a giant squid geeked me out and I cannot express how much regret I have that I didn't suck up my hatred of math and go into biology.

Dinner Date

Outfit Details

Necklace: Vintage

Shirt: Pac Sun

Belt: Forever 21

Skirt: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Aldo

In my previous post, I mentioned that I had started Keto, which is basically a very low carb and high fat diet. I put on maybe 6-7 pounds from the Holidays and I was beginning to enter panic mode since that was almost as much as I had worked so hard to lose over the Summer. Since counting calories had stopped working for me, I decided to go a new route. I've already lost those extra pounds I put on, but I'm not exactly overjoyed just yet because it's most likely water weight.

Anyway, the first few days I was cooking something for myself every meal and was getting sick of it, so my lovely boyfriend took me out for dinner. It was pretty last minute, I actually got my makeup on and outfit ready in about 10 minutes total, so this is encroaching into "slapped together" territory.

I wanted to try to rotate some shirts that haven't seen much use lately into the mix. This one obviously has been avoided due to being white, very thin material and a floral print -- all things which tend to not mesh well with Winter weather.

Speaking of which, cold weather is so restrictive. I can't wait for Spring for all the pastels and light layering. Anyone else?

Black Flamingo

Have you ever taken a picture that you absolutely loved except for one minor detail that drove you batshit insane, and then proceeded to try to replicate the exact photo minus that one flaw only to have every attempt turn out to be a piece of crap?

That's exactly how I feel about this photo. The issue being I ONLY HAVE ONE FREAKING LEG.

I swear, I have two. See below for proof. Just the way I leaned against the wall and the length of the skirt conspired against me to make me appear to be doing my impression of a black flamingo, which is really just a way less glamorous version of the same colored swan.

Outfit Details
Shirt: Ann Taylor
Skirt: White House Black Market
Necklace: Vintage
Watch: Betsey Johnson
Belt: Forever 21
Shoes: Madden Girl 

Obviously, I gave up trying to replicate it. Just roll with me here.

Anywho, this is what I wore to work today. I just started a new job last week! Going well so far. I wanted to be comfortable but still a tad dressy, so I went with an all black ensemble featuring my favorite skirt, with a few gold and cream colored accessories as an accent.

I think cream colored shoes would have balanced it out better in retrospect, but I like how the black tights and black heels steamline my legs. What do you think?

Kiss From a Rose

It's so nice to finally be done for the semester! So much has piled up on me and the last few weeks I found myself getting less and less sleep regardless of how hard I tried to get to bed early.

I didn't have a thing to wake up for today. I love the feeling of waking up naturally, where you gradually become aware of what's around you and how freaking comfortable your bed is. I remember in my half-awake stupor pulling my fleece blanket closer to me and thinking that I was a baby bird warm and cozy inside an egg.

Turned out I slept ten hours. I am okay with this. 

Unfortunately, I also had the bad luck of hitting a rough patch relationship-wise during finals as well. I think I've finally found the courage to move on though. When I'm with someone I care about, I noticed I have a tendency to be too willing to make excuses for them and let them take advantage of my eagerness to make them happy. I let them get away with treating me poorly because I want them to see me as understanding and willing to compromise. In the end, I'm the one doing all the work and feeling neglected.

I need to start focusing on my making myself happy first. It's a hard thing to come to terms with -- but it's necessary. Love is hard, man. 

Outfit Details

Cardigan: Target

Dress: Lace Affair

Belt: Forever 21

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

Shoes: Madden Girl 

Anyway, any time I'm feeling  a little down I like to dress up in something gorgeous. I just got this dress a few weeks ago and I've been hoping for an excuse to wear it (someone take me on a date goddamit, it's a perfect date dress!) and I figured going to the mall with my friend for some Christmas shopping was as good a reason as any.

I guess it's not very Winter-y, but eff that I love me some floral printed dresses and I will wear them all year if I want.

Sweet & Cozy

Believe it or not, one of my eyes is actually open in this picture. Try to figure out which one.

I have a confession to make -- I am terrible at styling hair. Literally, atrocious. Hair is something I have a lot of, and it never does what I want it to do. I just flat out do not have the patience to work with it. 

On Pinterest, I found a tutorial that seemed so simple even I could do it. You chop off the end of a sock and roll your hair into a bun with it. That sounds so easy!

Well, yes and no. Cutting off the toe of the sock was easy.

 Actually rolling my hair into said mutilated sock was more difficult, but after some futzing and cussing I managed. It looks alright, except for this one little pizza slice snippet that I could not fluff out no matter what I did. 

Outfit Details

Cardigan, belt: Forever 21

Shirt: Charlotte Russe

Skirt, tights: Target

Boots: Blowfish 

Accessories: Vintage, Betsey Johnson

Anyway, my friend and I went out to dinner at a new Japanese restaurant that opened up in town. We've been making a point of finding locally owned places to try, since our particular college town tends to be overrun by boring chain restaurants.

When I went to pick her up, she said "How did you get your hair to do that?"

"With a sock. There is literally a sock in my hair right now."

It was one of those moments where you realize how ridiculous some of the lengths you'll go to for fashion are. It's probably a secret I'd best keep to myself, now that I think about it. Like a good magician, a lady doesn't reveal her tricks. 

Except I just told the entire internet. The Alliance won't approve.

Feeling Less Like Fall

I know Winter technically doesn't start for almost another month, but December starts tomorrow and I have a hard time associating it with anything other than Winter. I had to bust out my thick coat, and I'm not sure how much longer I can get away with prancing toward campus in flats instead of thick furry boots.

I also seem to have lost my black tights. I'm not quite sure how that happened, or how I only have (had...) one pair of such a major staple. Though I think it may be time to switch to sweater tights, anyway.

Anyway, I haven't done any outfit shots for a while. Partially because my closet was just starting to overwhelm me and I didn't feel like I had any outfits worth sharing. I managed to perform a successful purge yesterday after being absolutely exasperated.

Secondly, as much as I hate to admit it I am way too embarrassed to go outside with a tripod and take a billion pictures of myself. It's taken me forever to figure out a way to get decent quality lighting in my bedroom (which does not even have a light fixture built in, mind you) but after some clever maneuvering and futzing with my camera I think I've finally managed.

Outfit Details

Shirt: Express

Skirt: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Aldo

Belt: Forever 21

Necklace: Express 

Earrings: White House Black Market

Poison Ivy Halloween Costume

I love any excuse to get crafty and dress up, so it goes without saying that Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. Every year I spend the entire month of October working on my costume, because it feels incredibly dull to buy something pre-packaged. Last year I went as a Splicer from Bioshock and painstakingly made a bloodied masquerade rabbit mask. All things considered, that was a relatively cheap costume. This year, I went a bit more extravagant.

I've wanted to make a Poison Ivy costume for a long time -- she's my favorite villain, after all. However, I've put it off because I wasn't entirely satisfied with my body and didn't think I'd be able to pull it off. After losing 30 pounds, I decided I may as well finally go for it. (Though truth be told, I'm still not entirely satisfied with how I look in it. Oh well, we'll stick to the positives today.)

I didn't have a specific version of Poison Ivy in mind when I started fleshing out the costume. One of the cool things about her character is that the costume is pretty open to interpretation while still being easily recognizable. I knew I really liked the way Kim Kardashian wore it, so my silhouette was heavily inspired by her. I also knew I wanted to add a dash of my own personality, so I decided to go with a burlesque/showgirl inspiration for the details... which of course, meant lots of glitter. 

The skirt portion, admittedly, was thrown together rather quickly. I realized I didn't have the time I needed to make exactly what I had pictured, but I suppose it will do for Halloween purposes.

I would like to wear this costume to a convention at some point though, in which case I will definitely revise the skirt. I think a green bustle skirt in the same kind of fabric paired with a garter belt would look really interesting and add to the burlesque inspiration of the costume. And of course, more leaves!

The pieces that required the most work were the corset and the eye masks.

For the corset, I bought two branches of faux leaves, snipped them off into individual pieces and then used glitter spray paint on them. After they had dried, I hand sewed every single one onto the corset, taking extra special care with placement and to try to keep the colors contrasting against each other as much as I could. I've seen a lot of versions online where the leaves look plastered onto a body suit, and I wanted to avoid that as much as possible and allow for a more organic look.

I practically had a heart attack the first time I sat down with needle in hand ready to attach the first leaf to my brand-new $110 corset. Everything went much better than expected though, and I'm actually extremely satisfied with how that portion of the costume turned out.

For the eye masks, I followed this tutorial via The Deadly Garden. I had initially intended to attach them using spirit gum, but upon considering the possible (and likely) consequences that would have on my eyebrows I decided that eyelash glue would be a safer bet.

Total, I'm estimating that the costume cost me about $250 to complete. Though a large chunk of that was just the corset. The wig is this one from Gothic Lolita Wigs. It was actually my second choice wig, but I like the vintage feel of the one I ended up with a well. I also want to mention that I highly recommend Gothic Lolita Wigs -- this is the third wig I've ordered from them and they always have great service and insanely fast shipping. I got this one in two days!

If there is one thing I've learned from going all-in for Halloween this year, it's that as stressful as it can be sometimes I really love making costumes and I'd like to start being crafty all-year. I'm a cosplay admirer, but rarely ever actually participate outside of Halloween. I've been throwing around the idea of making a Qarth costume for Daenerys from Game of Thrones since I saw the perfect fabric at the store while shopping for this one!

What were you for Halloween this year? Have you ever made your own Halloween costume? Tell me in the comments!

This post was created as a submission for the IFB Project #70: Halloween Costume Challenge. Please take a look and give your support to the other entries!