Exciting News and a Little Change is in Store!

SO, as some of you may know, this blog originally started as an assignment for my Mass Communications class at UVU. We were instructed to create a blog that was in some way media related, so of course I opted for something up the “fashion & style” alley. Our professor made the deal that at the end of the semester, the creator of the top-rated blog would be rewarded an automatic A in the class. And guess who won? THIS GIRL. Yes, it’s true! And yay! I was SO excited — still am! It’s definitely something I’ve worked hard on, and though there’s alwaaays room for improvement (which I’m in desperate need of when it comes to consistent posting), I am super proud of myself and excited. On that note, a big THANK YOU to all of you fine people. There’s SO many people that have helped me along this blogging journey so far… Photographers, family, friends, peers, and most importantly, ALL OF YOU! I am so grateful for each and everyone of you and I hope that you stick around and pass on the word to your loved ones.

As far as the adjustment goes, now that my class has come to a close and all of my posts don’t necessarily have to media-related, I want to do a lot more of personal posting and the include all of you in the special things going on in my life. Of course I will continue to post outfits and have my friends and family do guest appearances, BUT generally, this blog will become a little more individualized where y’all can get to know me on a more personal basis. LUCKY YOU!

I’ll give a quick update on my life…
1) I started my new job at vivint, which is a security alarm and home automation company and I LOVE it! I work in Data Entry and it’s a very fast-paced environment with plenty of multitasking going on, which is totally my thing, so obviously, I’m obsessed. The people are great, the company atmosphere is awesome, and there’s no shortage of work. The vivint. systems are top-of-the-line and our company mission is to protect families through security alarms, invite people to live intelligently, and simplify lives through home automation. If you want more information and/or are interested in getting a system, visit http://www.vivint.com/ where you can get in contact with a rep who can get you all set up in your area!

2) My Spring semester came to an end last Tuesday and with that being said, I received 4 A’s and 1 B+! I was kinda bummed about not getting the straight A’s, but I’m confident in the fact that I did my very best and worked very hard this semester, so I’m content.

3) I’ve developed this new found obsession with Hiking the Y! It’s the mountain in Provo, UT in which the big white Y for BYU is posted. I love this form of exercise because it’s outdoors! Oh, and the feeling when you reach the top and are able to just sit and think on top of the city of Provo in unlike anything else. It’s an awesome hike and I invite everyone to try it. But be ready for a challenge! Gotta love it!

4) This boy and I have reached our first big milestone! I set three major milestones after he left and they include: the end of my Spring semester, the end of Summer 2012, and the start of Fall Semester.  Because Spring semester just ended, we are 5 of the 11 months through, which means he’s only got 6 more months left in Ft. Lauderdale, FL until his return! He is such an awesome missionary and has touched many lives through serving the Lord and bringing the gospel into the lives of many. I couldn’t be more proud of him. For more info. on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, visit my link here, where I give you my take and where you can find additional links: https://dressed2thrill.wordpress.com/my-hope-happiness/

5)  I bought my very first pair of Sperry’s! SO excited and I freakin’ LOVE them so much. I recommend them to everyone, especially for Summer! They are a new staple of mine.

That’s all for now, but I’LL BE BACK. Love you all! Thanks again so much for the constant support. You have all been a huge blessing in my life.

XOXO, Brooke
PS) I promise to get more consistent in my posting! With school having ended, and my only focus being work, I’ll have a lot more time on my hands to be on here. Brace yourself! 

Now Presenting… One of my All-time Favorite Purchases

Operation Black Pant Jumpsuit:

Let the pix speak for themselves. I’ve been looking for one of these for awhile, and finallllly found one on overstock.com. I was kinda nervous to order it online — not having tried it on, but I felt risky and did it anyway. UMMMM… best purchase EVER! This get-up is SO comfortable, feels like pajamas, and is SO chic. Also, I love how it’s modest! The sleeves are ever so flattering. Ah, I just can’t convey how much I love this. I highly recommend getting one. It’s a sleek, classy, and light summer staple!

ENJOY!

Jumpsuit: Overstock.com (http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Grace-Elements-Womens-Flutter-sleeve-Cowlneck-Jumpsuit/5320831/product.html?CID=208011)
Black Shoes: Steve Madden
Statement Necklace: Forever 21

XOXO, Brooke
Love Y’all! 

Seeing Spots: Polka Dots!

It’s no surprise that polka dots are a HUGE trend for this warmer season, as the pattern has been spotted EVERYWHERE …no pun intended! Polka dots are vintage and classic, so it’s a win-win. As you can see, I paired the black patterned top with white jeans and added this handbag for some pop color. By opting for the white jeans, the polka dots stand out more from the blackness of the top, and ultimately create a simple yet fun, warm weather look and feel. I went with the top bun hair style because the polka dots influenced me to throw back to older times, such as the ever-so-inspiring, Audrey Hepburn era. I guess that I took a blast to the past! Nonetheless… ENJOY!

PS) Toooootally found a dandelion during this shoot. SO sweet!

Polka Dot Top: Forever 21
White Jeans: LV Boutique
Shoes: Nordstrom by Jessica Simpson
Handbag: Marc Jacobs
Pearl Earrings: Forever 21

XOXO, Brooke 

My BFF is getting married! This one’s for you, Chloe.

So one of my best friends and partner in crime is getting MARRIED next Saturday! Exciting, right?! Chloe and I grew up just 4 houses down from each other and toooore up the town of Las Vegas. We did every crazy thing under the hot LV sun and would travel across the entire town to hang out with cute boys when we were 16 and finally licensed drivers. You can only imagine how much fun we had AND how many hearts we broke. Sorry we’re not sorry?

But inevitably, 4 years later, the time came when she found the man that she absolutely adores and who absolutely adores her back, and they are the CUTEST! It’s such a great feeling for me to see my best friend so happy and join lives with such a fun-loving/good guy. And the fact that he has a cute brother doesn’t hurt, hehe.

To celebrate her final days as a non-married woman, our group of high school best friends went out on Friday night to the LV Strip. We had dinner and dessert at The Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas and then went back to a girlfriend’s house for games, gifts, and girl talk… Quite the combination, huh? And on Saturday evening, my mom and I hosted the bridal shower for the future Mrs. Ostler and it was SO fun! The food was unreal and everyone had a great time.

As far as the style goes… For Friday Night – The Bachelorette Party, I went with a little black dress with one large ruffle. This is my go-to dress. It’s easy and so comfy! Not to mention that I don’t have to worry about sucking in because the ruffle does all the work. Thanks ruffle! Love you! For the Bridal Shower, I went with this white, Greek-like maxi dress and an “all-to-the-side” hairstyle. I saw Christina Millian wear her hair like this on Fashion Police the night before, highly admired it, and I thought I’d try it out, soooo that’s what I did and I loved it! …Despite the mermaid and Greek goddess comments I got all evening. Hey, I’ll take it. Nonetheless, I loooove this white dress so much! It’s simple and sleek — WINNING!

Chloe (the bride-to-be) wore a one-sleeved lace dress for the Bachelorette party and THE cutest all black pant jumpsuit with a linked belt to the Bridal Shower. Serrrriously, this jumpsuit was THE cutest thing ever. In fact, I’m probably going to go get one this weekend. She was one HOT bachelorette!

So… without further adeui, here’s to you Chlover!! Love you! ENJOY!
PS) This post is going to double as my “Friend Fashionista Friday”
HAPPY FRIDAY Y’ALL! 

My Apparel:
Black Ruffle Dress: Forever 21
Nude/Leopard Ankle Wrap Shoes: Charming Charlie’s
Silver Earrings: Mom’s

White Maxi Dress: H&M
White Platform Heels: Jessica Simpson

Chloe’s Apparel:
One-sleeved Lace Dress: Forever 21
Black Bootie Heels: Forever 21

Black Pant Jumpsuit: Forever 21
Heels: Victoria’s Secret
Linked Belt: Saks Fifth Avenue

XOXO, Brooke 

Spring Make-Up Tutorial!

Hello! And welcome to the post containing my FIRST tutorial video! Exciting, yet nerve racking! Because sometimes, I can be shy. But nonetheless, I hope that all of you lovely ladies like it and get some new, fun ideas. Oh! And I’m sorry that it’s kind of long! Time flies when youuuu’re… talking about yourself? Haha, so my apologies. But I was sure to cover EVERYTHING. If y’all have any questions, feel free to comment or contact me. I would love to help with any and everything. Happy Thursday to all & cheers to Spring 2012! ENJOY!

Products Used:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (the orange one) – Target
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser – Target
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer (in “Sensitive Skin”) – Target
Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (in Medium) – Target
MAC Studio Fix Pressed Powder (in C3) – Nordstrom or MAC Pro Store
NYC Color Wheel Bronzer – Target
elf Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder – Target
NYC High Definition Volumizing Mascara – Target
elf Liquid Eyeliner – Target
Anastasia Brow Pen (in Universal Light Shade) – Nordstrom or Sephora
Victoria’s Secret Highlighter (Desert Star) – Victoria’s Secret
Baby Lips Gloss Stick (in Grapevine) – Target
Lancome Juicy Tube (in Lightest Shade) – Nordstrom or Department Stores

XOXO, Brooke

Friend Fashionista Friday! Kristin is back!

How DARLING is she?! I die. SO lucky to have her as my best friend, even though we refer to each other as sisters. I looooved these jeans she has on and her mix of patterns & textures is fabulous! I love learning and getting new ideas from my cutie friends. PS) Check out her eye makeup in the picture she’s looking down in… Looks SO pretty and perfect with the fur vest! ENJOY!!

Blue Jeans: H&M
Striped Shirt: H&M
Grey Thermal: Target
Fur Vest: H&M
Boots: Target
Necklace: Forever 21

XOXO, Brooke 

Snow in Spring?!

So Utah “Spring” weather has been… “moody” and “unpredictable” to say the least, and I know that my fellow Utah followers can vouch for me on that. In fact, it’s snowed a couple times this past WEEK. And yes, you’re not crazy. It IS March and the second day into the Spring season. Funny because of course, after getting stoked about the new season and posting about Spring 2012 Trends in my previous post, I jinxed myself and arrived home from Spring Break to snow. Loooovely. Not the “warmest” of welcome UT… Anyways, enough complaining! But do you blame me? I’m from LAS VEGAS! We Sin City-er’s hardly know how to spell snow, let alone dress for it. Nonetheless, having lived in Utah for two years, I’ve almost got it down to a basic science. It’s called ponytails, scarves, boots, peep socks, and some form of ear warmers. This look was perfect for the snowy/wet days I’ve encountered this week. My little earsies were as warm as can be with this head wrap and I was comfy and warm in one of my favorite leather jackets, my go-to pair of boots, and basic scarf.

Dear Mother Nature,
Please give us Utahan’s a Spring feelin’ season sooner than later this year! We’ve got cutie clothes to wear, places to go, and people to see. Thanks! 😉
Sincerely, Brooke

ENJOY!!

Green Leather Jacket: Nordstrom Rack by Members Only
Black Shirt: H&M
Jeans: Forever 21
Black Scarf: The Flower Basket Boutique
Head Wrap: H&M (stolen from sis, hehe)
Boots: Target
Black Peep Socks: H&M
Earrings: Macy’s

XOXO, Brooke 

Spring Trends 2012!

With only FOUR more days until the First Day of Spring on March 20th, it’s time to prepare ladies! Having done my homework, I’ve found that there’s many, many fun trends this season, so I had to narrow it down. I’ve listed just some of the several trends and have broken them down by category (apparel, shoes, & accessories), highlighting my top favorite pieces.

Don’t have any major plans this week? Put it to use and get on your Spring ’12 stock up game! Remember to shop the trends, while keeping in mind that you’ll be able to wear and re-wear them at least three times. Rule of thirds, people. OR better yet, go through what you already have in your wardrobe to be in style this season and buy ONLY what you may need to spice up the old. Spring has nearly sprung! Couldn’t be more excited! ENJOY!

SPRING 2012 TRENDS IN GENERAL:

• Colorblocking
• Seafoam Green, Tiffany Blue, Yellow, Tangerine –> (Pantone Color of the Year!)
• Pastels
• Pleats, Fringe, Bows, Lace, Sheer, Scallop, Round Collar
• Black & White
• White
• Bold Prints – Floral, Polka Dots, Animal Print, Stripes, Tribal, Printed Graphics
• Trousers and Light, Flowy Maxi Skirts
• Wedges, Platforms, Embellished Sandals, Boat Loafers, Ballet Flats

FAVE PICKS IN APPAREL:
Sheer Dress – Asos $85.94

Color Block Tank – H&M $59.95

Elephant Graphic Blouse – Asos $62.67

Pastel Button-Up Top – GoJane $27.10

White Lace Dress – H&M $29.95

Black Fringe Top – Forever 21 $22.80

Grey Trousers – Forever 21 $22.80

Black & White Polka Dot Top – Forever 21 $17.80

Blush Pink Maxi Skirt – Forever 21 $12.50

Stripe Tunic – Forever 21 $22.80

Tangerine Blouse – rag & bone  $275 *Splurge Alert!*

FAVE PICKS IN SHOES:

Platform Booties – Go Jane $48

Knotted Sandals – Go Jane $17.60

Boat Loafers – Asos $35.81

Wedge Sandals – Target $24.99

Two – Tones Ballet Flat – Nordstrom $69.95

Ankle Strap Nude Platform Pumps – Nordstrom $128.95

FAVE PICKS IN ACCESSORIES:
Cat Eye Sunglasses – Victoria’s Secret $36

Peach Beaded Necklace – Forever 21 $8.80

Tiffany Blue Thin Belt – Asos $10.74

Braided Pearl Necklace – Forever 21 $8.80

Black & White Envelope Clutch – Forever 21 $19.80

Turquoise Statement Necklace – Nordstrom $16

Kate Spade Rose Gold Pearl Watch – Nordstrom $195

Leopard Pendant Necklace – Forever 21 $5.80

Beaded Satin Clutch – Forever 21 $16.80

XOXO, Brooke

The Magical Color Wheel & My Emphasis on Pink & Orange.

This post is all about bright, vibrant, color combinations and I’ll touch on textures! But before I get any further, please don’t mind the run in my tights… Haha, it happens! I swear… I can only wear a pair of tights a maximum of 2-3 times before I have to get a new pair because I’ve snagged them. So annoying! Something I MUST work on.

Anyways… In a previous post, I talked about different types of outfits, particularly “above & beyond” outfits — this is one of them. This was a fun Saturday out on the town with friends, so I went big. This isn’t really something I would necessarily wear to school. It’s too much for that kind of setting, but out with friends on a beautiful weekend in Provo, yes please!

When combining colors there are a few ways you can do so and using a color wheel is a great guide! I learned about the color wheel in my Interior Design class last semester. The color wheel is helpful and has a system of its own, but it can be very tedious. I tell people that in fashion and style, the color wheel is to be used as a GUIDE more than anything. Fashion and style is a creative, outward representation of oneself. With that being said, don’t get hung up on any rules, but follow through with color combinations that make you, you.

You can make the following combos using the color wheel as your guide:

1. “Bestie” color combos:
Colors that stick together and are always found side-by-side. (yellow and yellow-orange; yellow and yellow-green; violet and blue-violet, etc.)
2. “L-Shape” color combos:
Colors that form right, 90 degree angles with each other (yellow and red-orange; blue and violet-red; green and orange, etc.)
3. “Opposites Attract” color combos:
Colors directly across from each other (yellow and violet; blue and orange; red and green, etc.)
4. “Tea Time” color combos:
Colors that form a T. (blue, orange, and violet-red; yellow, violet, and red-orange; yellow, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)
5. “X Marks the Spot” color combos:
Colors that come together to form an X. (blue, orange, violet-red, and yellow, violet, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)

As you can see, I went with guideline #2, “L-Shape” color combos. My choice of pink and orange were colors that formed a 90 degree angle with each other on the color wheel. The textures of these colors made a huge difference in the look. While the dress was lace and the vest was fur, it created depth and an “out-of-the-box” feel.

Now that your brains are fried, I’ll conclude by saying try new things and practice use of the color wheel! It’s a good thing to be aware of and as you’re out shopping or people watching (my fave), take note of the different uses of color. You will see that a lot of it correlates with the color wheel. ENJOY!

Pink Lace Dress: Forever 21
Orange Fur Vest: Forever 21
White Belt: Marshall’s
Statement Necklace: Forever 21
Tights: Target
Boots: Nordstrom by Franco Sarto

XOXO, Brooke

Friend/Family Fashionista Friday! Meet my sister, Brittany.

My sister, Brittany, wore the funnest outfit the other day! It’s now March, and with Spring right around the corner, she did an awesome job of welcoming it with two of the major Spring trends… 1) Colored jeans and 2) Bold prints.

Colored jeans are a continuing trend for Spring. However, the color hues will be much lighter given the fact that it’ll be warmer out and when it’s warmer, we go light. Also, keep an eye out for bright, neon colored jeans, as well. Those are going big this season.

Moreover, bold prints are going to be HUGE for Spring 2012. Take a look around you… At almost any clothing store or boutique you will be seeing lots of stripes, polka dots, bold floral, etc. And get this… at H&M last night, I even saw many bunny printed pieces. SO fun! Get in on the fun and stay in style for Spring 2012!

As far as the make up department is concerned, can we all just take some time to admire her PERFECT, fresh, Spring beauty look?! She’s rockin’ a pinky, girly-girl blush, flirty lashes, and what better than a very feminine hot pink lip color to top it all off? Take notes, y’all. This face & outfit is the epitome of the Spring 2012 look.

And without further adieu, my lovely sister! ENJOY!

“Sisters are best friends for life.” …Luckily! I love mine SO much.

Brittany’s Outfit Breakdown:
Polka Dot Top: PINK Boutique in LV
Pink Jeans: Bags That Fit Boutique
Necklace: Bags That Fit Boutique
Watch: Michael Kors
Bangles: Gifted
Wedges: Steve Madden

HAPPY FRIDAY, LADIES!
XOXO, Brooke