Archives: Blog

Written by Lauren Emerick.

1. Splash of Color

Spring is here, which means it’s time to bring out all of your colorful looks. We’re not saying to deny neutrals and blacks, we just advise you to throw a splash of pink in with your all-black outfit. Life isn’t as fun without color! Spring colors usually include pastels, which are variations of your favorite colors in lighter shades. Think baby blues and pinks, along with other colors like golden yellow, bright green, and rich blue. Don’t forget to wear white as much as you can from now until Labor Day, too!

Balance your color out with neutrals. Or, opt for a full pastel colored outfit, just make sure you don’t resemble the Easter bunny or any spring flower. Red shirts look great with brown and black, and pink always pairs well with white. To experiment, pair two pastels together with a neutral blazer or hat to break up your outfit. Don’t forget to break out your bold heels, or treat yourself to a new pair this season. We die for a nude pantsuit paired with a hot pink or red heel!

2. Lace-Up Heels

Shoes are a big weakness for most girls, and when they look this cute, it’s so hard not to buy  them all! Lace-up shoes are everywhere this spring, and they’re a sexy upgrade to your regular heels. Lace-up shoes are definitely investment pieces, because they haven’t gone out of style yet, which means they’ll probably be around for quite a while. There are ballet flats you can wear to the office, simple sandals for  an afternoon outing, and stilettos for a night out on the town.  Along with the variety of styles available, there are plenty of colors from neutrals to bright.

Many celebrities have been spotted wearing them with casual outfits and on the red carpet as well. Kylie Jenner frequently wears her sexy stilettos with just about every outfit in her closet.

3. Boho Chic

What began as a big trend for summer music festivals; boho chic has become a big trend for  this spring as everyday wear. Transforming any look to be boho approved isn’t a hard task. The boho look is all about being free-spirited. It ranges from pieces such as kimonos, bell bottoms, crochet tops, and a lot of loose-fitting clothing. Free People is a perfect example of festival style, but we love to recreate Free People like looks from brands like Tobi and Forever 21, so we aren’t spending our whole paycheck on one look. Loose, sheer dresses have become the new bodycon. Once late April comes around, every girl in town is wearing a kimono or floppy hat to class or the park, and we can’t complain.

I just wrapped up shooting for Fox Baltimore! I had such a blast discussing prom styles on Fox, with two super rad models.

I got up at 5:50 AM this morning to go to get my hair and makeup down at Haute Blow Dry Bar, located in downtown Baltimore. I featured Haute back in 2014 when I was in Baltimore with Girl’s Life Magazine for their summer bash, and it was memorable to be back in the same salon two years later. The place looked exactly the same! My stylist was the sweetest girl, and Cecilia and I chatted for over an hour about blogging, hair, and following your dreams. I’m so terrible with hair and makeup, so I left it up her to her to decide what to do with my hair. Immediately after seeing my statement dress, she took my hair and makeup into her own hands. I LOVE when I don’t have to tell people what to do with my hair: they just know! If you’re in Baltimore, I highly suggest going to Haute for a blowout or GNO. They’re the only blowout bar in Baltimore, so obviously, they’re doing something right.

Now onto the segment. My lovely models wore Promgirl dresses, and shoes by Tiannia Barnes. Today was actual International Prom Day, which made for the perfect discussion about prom dresses. If you want to buy the dresses discussed in the segment, buy them today because a portion of all sales from Promgirl today are going to SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). There’s never a reason to not give back!

I wore a dress by Dave & Johnny, Laurel wore a dress by Morgan, and Diamon wore a dress by Primavera. All of these dresses are under $300! If you’re looking for a deal,  Promgirl has everything you need and more to standout at your prom for a crazy affordable price. If a dress isn’t on Promgirl, it probably isn’t out there.

Remember: prom comes down to confidence. Wear what you feel makes you look your absolute best, regardless of what your friends or parents think. This is your night to shine! And no, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to shine. You can easily get a full prom ready look for under $400. Maybe even less!

Watch the segment here, and don’t forget to RSVP for A Night at the Barre tomorrow in Boston!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Getting adjusted to Boston has been interesting. Boston isn’t New York City, and I’ve had trouble (at times) finding my “group” of people here. I’m lucky that most of my best friends are going to college in Boston, but I’ve still been attempting to network and meet new people in the Boston area. One thing I have been experimenting with is fitness. I’ve made some new friends during my attempts to experiment with new fitness methods, from boxing to barre and beyond. That’s how I came across Xtend Barre, which recently opened on Newbury Street. A few months ago, the owner and I got chatting, and decided to co-host an event on Friday for local bloggers/ media + friends!

Come take Xtend’s signature barre class, and then mingle and munch on food from B.Good + Jennifer Lee’s Bakery. Goodie bags will include gifts from Saladworks, Air Repair Skincare, and Crispy Green Snacks! There will also be a raffle with proceeds going to No Kid Hungry. 

RSVP HERE!! See you on Friday!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Camille La Vie dress + Naturelle Pro hair products

I’m not going to prom, yet all that’s on my mind is prom-inspired styles! I collaborated with Camille La Vie and Naturelle Pro to put together this post on how to get by with rocking your prom style out in public. A different version will also be appearing on Girlslife.com soon!

You’d be surprised at how much money girls spend on their dress, hair and makeup for prom. Instead of splurging on a crazy expensive dress, you should either rent one from Charlotte’s Closet, OR, buy one from PromGirl or Camille La Vie. All of these retailers have options for under $200, and what’s even better is almost all of the dresses can be worn again for different reasons.

Throwing a leather or denim jacket on top of your prom dress instantly takes your look from dressy to super chill.

Or, pair your favorite sneakers with a preppy dress for a tomboy inspired upgrade. I love this dress from Camille La Vie, with gold Converse, and a watch by La Mer. You can get this entire look for under $300! The blue watch matches the dress perfectly, and you can invest in a watch like this to wear with everything from dresses to jeans.

After you splurge on your dress and shoes, I suggest heading to Sally Beauty Supply (either in-store or online) and picking up Naturelle Pro’s Biotera Long & Healthy line. Fueled with superfruits like acai berry and pomegranate, you’re bound to get a salon look for under $10. The shampoo and conditioner protect against breakage, split ends and color-fading, for such a crazy cheap price! I’m obsessed with this line. AND, your hair will smell like all of those beautiful, tropical fruits!

Pick up the Naturelle 3-minute masque as well so that you have every product necessary to get a salon look at home.

Catch me next THURSDAY on Fox Baltimore discussing prom looks for less!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Have you heard of Marimekko? If you’re not familiar with the brand, it’s time you become familiar. Marimekko is a Finnish company that designs textiles, fashion, and household goods, with a vibrant outlook. Known for their boxy and unusual shapes and patterns, Marimekko has gained traction over the past years for being the forefront of a new revolution with style and home goods. Founded in 1951 (the year my mom was born!) by a Finnish entrepreneur, Europeans and Americans have taken a strong liking to this brand.

I was stoked to attend their show at Paris Fashion Week, housed in a beautiful museum in the heart of Paris. I showed up really late, but got there just in time to lose my seat, and get a standing spot which was even better for pictures. The music came on blasting: a happy, hoppy kind of song, and out walked the vibrant models.  I can’t say quite yet that Marimekko is totally my style, though they’re doing something right. The brand has been around for ages! Their Newbury Street store is totally adorable and quaint: and a breath of fresh air after wandering around AllSaints and feeling slightly like death from being surrounded by mass amounts of black. Remind me why people don’t wear color anymore?

I’ve got a bunch of other show reviews to write up, but I’ll be heading to New York City for the Talkspace conference I’m speaking at on April 5th (RSVP here!) and will be going to the Marimekko showroom. That’s why I wanted to introduce you to the brand now before I go throwing a bunch of shoots with them up on my blog + social media. Would you wear the looks above? If so, which ones?

Make sure to RSVP for the Talkspace conference, and I’ve also got another panel I’m speaking on on April 11th in the city! More coming up on all of these soon!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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THINX underwear, Victoria Secrets bra, J. Crew top

When I was younger/modeling, I hated looking in the mirror. I hated my thighs, my waist, my face…everything. It was a rough period, but I got through it. How did I get through it? I got through it by waking up every single day and telling myself to love myself. I’d look in the mirror, and say yea girl, you got thighs and you got hips, and you’re beautiful. Because this body? It’s gonna deliver a kid one day. Muscle is going to protect you from falling and breaking your limbs, and muscle is created from exercise and diet. From cupcakes and chicken. From green juice and coffee. Not that guys are important, but will a guy really want to be in bed with a girl he’s afraid of breaking? Maybe some dudes… though if I was a guy, I’d be wanting a girl with a butt and thighs. That’s a lot sexier to me than skin and bones.

Strong is better than skinny. We all have different body types: slim, curvy, tall, short, and every single body type is beautiful. The most beautiful aspect of any women is confidence. A pretty face and a nice butt might get you a job, or a boyfriend, but it’s not going to get you satisfaction from life. I want to look in the mirror, whether I’m in a relationship or single, and know that I’m doing my absolute best to be healthy, to be motivated, and to be successful. Regardless of what I’m eating, what I’m wearing, or who I’m dating.

So, I put on a pair of underwear from THINX, my boring black bra, and snapped some shots this morning in my bedroom. No editing, no filters (besides the first one!) and definitely NO Facetune. I could’ve made my legs skinnier, my arms more muscular, my butt bigger. But it’d be a lie. This is me. Skin and bones, a little bit of eyeshadow and foundation, and a pure soul.

I’ve found the only pair of underwear I’d ever get photographed in thanks to THINX, and their extensive collection of underwear for women of all shapes and sizes. They’re comfortable, they’re accessible, and they’re amazing for teen girls + adults who have their period and are constantly soaking through flimsy Victoria Secret’s underwear.

THINX made me feel damn good in my body this morning, and look pretty good in the mirror. I finally feel sexy naked. Now that is earned confidence.

Love yourself.

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

Twitter || Instagram

It’s prom season, again! I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I went to my senior year prom at home. Time has flown by. I’m nostalgic for the excitement that came with picking out my prom dress with my best friend, finding the perfect shoes, and dancing the night away. It’s one of those memorable nights that you’ll never forget.

Now that prom season is here, I’m making it a priority to give all of you teens the opportunity to dress for less this season! Remember when I wore this adorable Charlotte’s Closet dress to my prom? I adore Charlotte’s Closet: it’s a great platform that enables you to rent dresses for your prom! Over the past year, Charlotte’s Closet has adopted even more brands to be a part of the site, so you’re in luck this year if it’s finally your time to start prom shopping!

On the hunt for another brand who offers fantastic prom sales, I came across TJ.Maxx’s extensive collection. They’ve got an entire shop called the Prom Shop, with dresses as low as $129! That’s a steal. I put together a selection of some of my favorites below: click the link of the dress you want to purchase it directly through TJ’s!

I’ve been noticing that many teens are beginning to move away from your regular big ballgowns, and experiment with new styles. Like a separate top and skirt, dresses with cutouts, and tons of side slits. If you scroll through sites like Camille La Vie and PromGirl, you’ll see what I mean.

Prom is your last chance to show off your impeccable style to all of your high school friends before you go off to college, so be different! Be bold. Be confident. 

Trust me, your date will love your dress AND confidence as much as you will!

Beaded Halter Dress

Strapless Lace Prom Gown

2 Piece Lace Dress

Short Foiled Dress

Strapless Sequin Dress

Asos heels, H&M trench coat, Tobi skirt + top, Jill Schwartz headband

After Paris Fashion Week, my feet looked like they had just endured a war. I’m talking the Vietnam War, people. I only bought three pairs of shoes to Paris: my Hunter rain boots, these new heels, and a pair of silver oxford flats. I didn’t take the time to stretch either of them out before I left, because I’m 18 and don’t think, duh. I brought it on myself, but damn, my feet are still recovering.

On that note, this outfit was one of my favorites. Cassell and I were wondering down the street in between our shows, and stumbled across this adorable ferris wheel. I hopped on, and it immediately started going in circles and I almost fell off. Still here, though! Cassell began snapping pics, and I immediately threw him my cell phone to get some action shots while the carousel was in action. Something about the gentle lighting on the carousel, paired with the elegant trench coat, went together perfectly.

Riding around on that carousel made me nostalgic for my childhood. Who could blame me?

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Nike sneakers, Tobi skirt, Asos leather jacket, Jill Schwartz jewelry

I’m back on U.S. soil- yay! It’s been a long week in Paris. Between running around to shows and meetings, as well as making some time to sightsee, I’m quite exhausted. Shockingly, it’s even warmer in Boston than it is in Paris, which is lovely! Though I do miss Paris: a lot. Between the quaint streets, and my morning chocolate croissant and espresso, you bet I’m going to be waking up every morning slightly disappointed about eating egg whites and not croissants. Until next time, Paris.

On Saturday, Cassell and I ventured to the Le Bristol Hotel in Paris for a beautiful collection preview over tea. I fell head over heels in love with that white gown: wouldn’t it look so perfect as a bridesmaid dress?! (Hint, hint, sister who is getting married and should be reading my blog, take note).

I decided to take a risk and not wear tights with this look, which was a dumb idea and left me freezing, though the look was definitely more put together minus a pair of thick tights. I purchased this skirt online at Tobi for a great price prior to leaving, and I knew the style was bound to fit me. Online shopping is always a risk, and the tip I usually stick with is only buying clothing/ shoes that I know will fit me. Not guess, or think, but know. I’ve worn peplum in the past, and red is a bold color for Fashion Week, so purchasing this skirt was a total win.

The next few weeks are going to be kind of crazy, too. I’m hosting my event on April 1st in Boston with Xtend Barre, and I’ve got some totally amazing sponsors that are gifting product…it’s gonna be good! Then after my event, I go right to NYC to speak at 2 different conferences that week.

Remember when I told you following your dreams pays off? It does.

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

Twitter || Instagram

J Brand denim, Jill Schwartz headband, Asos leather jacket, H&M top

On my first day in Paris, I changed immediately after getting off of the plane, into a semi- comfortable outfit. Prior to leaving, I did some damage to my bank account by buying a bunch of new clothes online. One item I’ve needed for a while was a trendy leather jacket, and I found the cutest one at Asos. I adore the belt and zippers: it makes this jacket different from other leather jackets I’ve had in the past!

My photographer friend Cassell decided to fly out to Paris for a few days and spend the weekend going to shows with me, so I took him to Pascal Millet for his first show of Paris Fashion Week. We both adored this show. I mentioned in my last post how people in Paris wear immense amounts of black, and it’s totally true. As much as I adore a splash of bold color, I don’t mind black being included in the majority of a wardrobe. I’d wear EVERYTHING Pascal had walk down the runway. The venue was rad as well, and Cassell and I ended up meeting a fashion blogger from Amsterdam who we chatted during the show. We got some pics afterwards too, in front of the sparkly mirror. Between the venue and the clothing, Pascal chose the absolute perfect spot to host his show.

Pascal Millet has made my list of top 3 shows so far this season. A mix between fancy and minimalistic is my kinda wardrobe.

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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