Stockings by the Fire

I know this isn't my usual fashion article, but I figured it was appropriate... It's Christmas Eve y'all!! My family gathered in our living room tonight to have a "first annual Curran Christmas Eve Game Night". After the games were over, we got to talking about our Christmas traditions... stockings being just one of the many. As you see in this picture, there are five different stockings: (from left to right) my sister's, my dad's, my brother's, my mom's, and mine. Each year they are hung in the same order, and we anxiously wait to wake up with them full of goodies on Christmas morning.

Festive for the Holidays

With Christmas just a few days away, it's time to think about all things festive...and why not even include your nails! I have always been obsessed with finding new ideas for nail polish colors and patterns, and recently I have found a few on the fun side. On the left, I decided to go with a glittery-girly look: a metallic gold glitter on all of the nails. The fourth finger has a black crackle polish over the gold glitter. This look works really well for a cocktail event, or maybe even New Years! On the right, I decided to venture out and try Sally Hanson's new nail effects. I chose the leopard pattern (duh) and it ended up looking fantastic. This look would be great for a night out or even a good way to liven up your daily attire. So, be bold for the holidays and add some festivity to your nails!!

Best Dressed

Emma Watson

My apologies for being a little M.I.A. lately. Even though school has kept me busy most of the time...I have also fit in time to lust over celebrities outfits for all of the major Hollywood events. Although the premiere for My Week With Marilyn was about two weeks ago, I can't stop thinking about Emma Watson's super chic girly-girl ensemble. The fun, feathery top stays classic with it's neutral color- and the added touch of the thin black bowed belt completely accentuates her tiny waist. This top, paired with a great closet-must-have skirt, looks amazing. Although I would have gone with a different black shoe (not so much a fan of the thin strap across the ankle), I am absolutely obsessed with her clutch (of course I am...it's leopard!). I think the clutch just finishes off the outfit perfectly. The outfit is entirely, classicly-chic while still showing a trendy side with the feathers and leopard. Well done Emma, well done.

On My Christmas Wish List

Vince

It's officially that time of year again... I just got an email from my mom asking me what I want for Christmas. Thinking of gifts has always been a stressful event for me. I sift through many websites trying to find the best and most chic items that I can choose to receive for Christmas each year. This year, one item that immediately came to mind was a pair of Vince corduroy leggings! What could be better than the perfect mix of corduroy and leggings? Not only are they comfortable and easily worn with boots, flats, or heels and any kind of top, but they are also chic and trendily amazing. Corduroy has finally made its way back into the hot trends list, and I think Vince has created the best pant of them all. So, mom... this is a hint to you, an obvious one.

Winter Nails

"School of Hard Rocks" & "Bobbing for Bubbles"

For some reason, in the past few years, I have become completely obsessed with nail polish colors. I somehow find myself changing the color of my nails at least twice a week, and my collection continues to grow almost every day. Recently, I have fallen in love with Essie and their new winter collection. School of Hard Rocks (a light grey with the perfect hint of green) and Bobbing for Bubbles (the most impeccable shade of midnight blue) are definitely my two favorites from the collection. I think I will probably wear the lighter shade for casual week days and jazz it up a little with the more edgy, darker shade on the weekend. What colors are your favorites for this season??

A Girl Can Dream, Right?

Salvatore Ferragamo

One day, I WILL be able to afford these amazing boots and have them in my closet...Or maybe, they'll sit on my mantle, so I can just stare at them in awe all day. Everyone should know by now that I am obsessed with leopard print. Ferragamo just perfectly placed this lovely animal print on a classic brown leather boot to add some pizazz. I couldn't be more in love.

Two-Toned Comfort

aro

I decided to have a lazy day today after an exciting (yet bittersweet) last home football game. So, what better way to have a lazy afternoon than in an extremely comfy sweater?! I love this cozy cotton two-toned sweater by aro. It's oversized, extra soft, and the darker color by the edge of the sleeves just really adds a fun touch to a simple look. I love the colors used, too. A cream and light brown color combination always go well together and are easily paired with ANY kind of pant. So, basically...it's the perfect way to still look fashionable while being comfy and cozy all day.

Oh, The Furry

Juicy Couture Aqua Ella Moss

I have always been a fan of fur. It is such a fantastic way to make a simple outfit stand out. Even though some people are still skeptics of this amazing use of a fabric, I think that with fur is amazing. AND there are so many different ways to wear it!! If you are still getting used to the idea, then start out with a chic, simple coat that has a touch of fur around the collar, like this brown Juicy Couture one on the left. This great coat has become even more gossip-worthy with the added touch of a light fur around the collar. Next, if you have been fond of fur for a while, and want a great way for the cooler way, try a vest!! I got my first fur vest a year ago, and I must say that I am obsessed. This Aqua winter white vest looks so classic with a black shirt and jeans or pants. And lastly, for those of you who dare to be bold, I urge you to try something like this Ella Moss fur coat that is absolutely incredible. Although, I am not sure if my personality allows me to pull of this wonderful trend, I envy those of you who can. So, there are no excuses. I have given you all an appropriate reason to wear fur this season. Now, have fun getting furry.

Jay Godfrey Trunk Show

Jay Godfrey is an up and coming designer who will be opening his New York store this spring. He has incredible fashions and has dressed some of the chicest celebrity fashionistas (Lo Bosworth, Vanessa Manillo). I recently looked at his clothing and definitely think I could find some great items to add to my closet!! So, if you go to SMU, be sure to head over to the trunk show tomorrow and take a peak for yourself!!

Candy Corn

In the spirit of the season and Halloween tomorrow, I was looking around and

found these adorable, delicious nail decorations!! If you are in the mood to be

festive, try these candy corn nails! Once I find some yellow, orange, and white

nail polish...I may just decide to get creative myself!!

Cuff Me

Jewelry has most certainly become a necessity in completing an outfit. Recently, big play jewelry has found its way onto the top of the accessories trends list. There are so many great jewelry designers that have created amazing colorful and over the top- yet still classic and chic pieces- that I can't even name them all. And out of all jewelry items, I have definitely become a fan of the cuff bracelet, lately. Although I definitely love a fun and colorful necklace or bracelet to spice up a simple ensemble, gold is always an acceptable and classic way to go when choosing colors. This Roberto Cavalli gold cuff bracelet is amazing. It is perfectly trendy and chic and edgy all at the same time. This piece could be paired with jeans and a simple black top or used to dress up an outfit with a fun black dress and heels or boots. Which ever way you choose to wear it, make sure to find yourself some oversized jewelry to accessorize your look.

Oversized Comfort

Quotation: Autumn Cashmere

Who doesn't love the a great cashmere sweater? And what better than a chic, fashionable, and completely comfortable one! I love the idea of an oversized sweater. I think it has become a staple in my closet for the fall and winter seasons. Doesn't looking at it just make you want to grab a cup of hot chocolate and cozy up with a winter blanket? Okay, well it does for me. I love wearing these sweaters casually with a pair of leggings or skinny jeans, a great pair of boots, and maybe a great scarf, too. So, go grab yourself a comfy cashmere oversized sweater, and come join me with on the couch with a fire and a cozy blanket.

cool color

Colored jeans became a must-have over the summer, and the trend is transitioning into the cooler weather, too. Your blue and red jeans can definitely stay in your closet from the hotter days, but try adding more muted and jewel toned colors for the fall and winter seasons. Deep blue, light brown, and plum are just a few of the great colors that designers are starting to sell in stores. Wear them with a sweater and boots, or dress them up with a fun blouse and heels. Either way to wear them is okay, just make sure they are in your closet for this season.

Rain or Shine

Hunter St. Regis

These Hunter rain boots are so chic. I love the semi equestrian look, AND they can easily be worn as a normal day boot, too (even when there is no rain!) I love a dual usage shoe...even better a boot!!

Cape Me

Andrew Marc Cape

It FINALLY feels like fall in Dallas! So... I decided to go coat shopping. Nothing makes me happier on a cold day then warming myself up with some shopping for a great coat to add as a staple for my fall and winter season collection. While cozying myself up today, I found this fabulous cape-coat. I'm not usually a fan of coats like this, but it's definitely a trend for the season this year, and I think this one is right up my alley.

Ready for a Night Out

As Kristin gets ready to head out for a night out in Uptown (the chicest place to hang out after 9pm in Dallas), she stops and poses for a few pictures. What better way to express her good taste in clothing then next to a wall of fashion icon inspirations?

So what exactly is she wearing? If we break it down, we see that she is taking an all black outfit and adding a few hints of gold to make it a little more festive and edgy. Starting from the bottom, she is wearing classic black patten closed toe pumps that can do no wrong for anyone. Next, she has on a tight black cotton mini skirt, and if you look closely, you can see that the fabric has a slight ruffled texture to it. On her top half, Kristin is wearing a simple cotton, loose-fitting black top with an added emphasis on the sleeves: gold studs. So subtly edgy, right? Lastly, Kristin decided to finish off her outfit with an added touch to her oh-so-perfectly-yet-so-effortless-looking curled hair- a gold headband. These are definitely a trend right now, and she pulls off the look in a great way.

Who is this Kristin girl, anyways? Well, by looking at her classic, yet casually edgy outfit for the night, I would say that she is a girl who loves to go out and have fun AND can look good doing so (without much effort). She obviously has a fun, playful side, since she had no problem with posing while taking pictures. Kristin pays attention to the trends in style, while still ensuring that she stays true to herself. All she needs is a friend to be her wingman (me??) and she's ready for a fabulously-edgy and glamorously exciting night out. Who's in?

Cozy Up

Aqua Grayson Stripe Poncho

Doesn't this top just make you want to cozy up and get ready for cooler weather of fall?? Yeah, me too. The only problem is that here in Dallas we are still having 90 degree weather! (miserable) I pray for a day of 60 degrees when I can go buy this top and live in it. And the thick stripes & the black/grey neutral color combo are amazing, too.

The Nude Trend

Michael Kors Olympia Flat- Nude Cut Snake

No I am not talking about walking around without any clothes on... Over the past few seasons, nude shoes have become an essential item to have in your closet, and this season is no different. I have been very picky about finding the perfect pair of nude shoes, and after 2 seasons of failed searches... I think I have found my perfect match. These Michael Kors flats not only fit the trend (which I think is becoming a classic), but they are also fun and different with the addition of the cut snake texture. Cross your fingers for me... These flats better be on my feet by the end of fall.

Move, Learn, Eat

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

I found this video when I was just looking around on the internet. There are three of them, and they are all inspiring, but this one is my favorite. Something about it just makes me want to go around the world taking advantage of any opportunity to learn from others. SO inspirational. So, I challenge you to do the same as me today-go learn something new from some aspect of the world :)

It's All About Leopard

Tory Burch "Patricia" Booties

I have always been obsessed with leopard (classy and chicly done, of course), and this season it seems like everyone else is, too! I recently just bought a pair of leopard print loafers (AMAZING), but my next animal-lover buy will definitely be a pair of booties. These could so easily be worn tucked into some dark wash skinny jeans or with a fun black dress. Why not spice up your outfit with some fabulous fun on your feet?

Photog Overload

All of the photographers stuffed against the wall at the Carolina Herrera Fashion Show.

Too many cameras in one place.

Ready for FALL

Okay, so I was in NYC for Fashion Week last week, and I have to say...the cooler weather was SO wonderful, but an absolute tease since I had to come back to the lovely heat of Texas. I got to bring out my equestrian boots, pants, and comfy long cardigans for a few days--and let's just say, I got REALLY excited to wear the upcoming trends this season.

As I was doing some parents weekend shopping, my mom and I found ourselves walking into Rugby. Now, I don't usually shop there, but they definitely had some great pieces that I want to add to my closet.

Their whole equestrian look for the fall is definitely up my alley. I saw these leggings, and not only are the incredibly comfortable, but they look great, too. I might just have to get them in every color...

And for a more dressed up night out, I am obsessed with these downtown chic lace shorts:

The SUN is STILL shining in Texas...Protect your SKIN

A little advice for all you sunbathers...

With all the sunny days, most of us look forward to laying out in the sun, tanning, or even taking the chance of going to the tanning beds to get a little "extra glow." I have to admit, I am right there with all of you. I love the sun and having a nice glow for the summer months. I also know that many times we don't bother to put on sunscreen, or we just would rather not wear it or just use tanning oil. Again, I am one of those people, too...well, I was, until I saw this video.

The news is always telling us how bad sun exposure is to our skin and that we should use sunscreen for protection, but how often do we actually listen to what they are saying? I know that I often times let the information go in one ear and out the other. Now, I use sunscreen when I am laying out in the sun, and although I used to go to the tanning beds every now and then...I DON'T any longer (sorry I really don't want to get skin cancer anymore).

It is so easy to protect your skin. Keep yourself young, youthful, and give yourself a long life. So, watch this video. It had a major impact on me and how I think of sun exposure, and maybe it can make you start thinking, too... It's called "Dear 16 year old Me"

welcome to chic.style.life

Welcome to my blog! I decided to create a website that combines the fun and beauty of the fashion world with the simplicity and essentials of everyday life. So often people think that being deeply interested in the fashion world means that you are superficial or materialistic. I am here to change that stigma.

There is a way to include the love for fashion into your life without letting it take over who you are as a person. There must be a balance, and that is why I will be offering you great tips and insight into both the latest fashion must haves & trends along with the most interesting note-worthy tips that you can include in your daily life to better yourself.

I encourage you to continue reading my blog as I update it. You will gain great insight into two aspects of life I feel strongly about: creating better people on the inside by using fashion as a guide on the outside & using health and happiness to better one's day to day life.

Stay chic. Have style. Live life.

Kelsey