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fall 2011: color

fall 2011: color




for my second entry on all things Fall Fashion, we're talking color! Bright, jewel-toned, un-shy color.

The biggest trend among fall fashion colors is mustard yellow. It was on every great designers runway..from accessories to bold coats. For my skin tone (fair with pink-ish undertones) it's a difficult color for me to wear. It works best head to toe with darker, tan skin tones or olive complexions. Still want to rock this color at school or in the office? Easy! Just pair a mustard-yellow skirt with a cream or brown blouse...or navy (an unexpected and very fresh alternative to neutral!). The key is to keep an uncomplimentary color away from your face. Adding it on the bottom will be a great way to wear the trend without looking washed out. Still not sure? grab a belt or a bag in the color, and use it to accessorize!























Rodarte, Fall 2011 runway

Mustard not your thing? How about Crimson?! Such a beautifully rich color, and in my opinion easier to wear. This bold shade was featured on the Rodarte runway and all over celebrities. My favorite piece is the red dress above (by Diane Von Furstenburg)...so easy to wear, so versatile! I haven't found one yet, but i'm on the hunt for a lower cost dupe for this dress. You can wear it now and still wear it in December and January! This color will still be on trend for winter!  

















Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 runway
Jade green was popular in Spring and Summer collections this year, and Fall brings us even more of this gorgeous jewel tone! This has long been one of my favorite colors to wear...it brings out hazel, green, brown, OR blue eyes, and brightens up complexions no matter how fair or dark you are! It's a universally flattering shade..and dare I say, you should replace your LBD with a LGD!













Diane Von Furstenberg

finally, sapphire blue will be seen on fashionista's all over the world this fall. it's blue shade with lavender undertones is flattering for a wide range of people, and it's dark color camouflages imperfections, much like black will (but sapphire is far more chic!)  i LOVE the sequin mini (shown above) for a fun night out...pair it with a simple white tee and heels!

As with all of these color trends, if you're on a tight budget, or are unsure how confident you feel wearing A LOT of a certain color, accessorize with it!  There's also no reason to be a slave to trends, no matter what they may be, if you feel uncomfortable wearing it. You wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you!




until next time! xoxo!



*some of my photos came from here and here

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friday faves!

Friday Faves 7/29/11


purple liner: makes green eyes look greener, and blue eyes look bluer! Plus, it's a great alternative to the usual black or brown. Just make sure it's a deep, rich purple! (good buy: E.L.F shadow and liner stick in plum/purple, $3, eyeslipsface.com

feather extensions (in funky colors!): i was hesitant about these, the very idea scared me. BUT, if you know me you know i change up my hair ALL the time (literally every appointment, my stylist loves me...never get in a rut! haha) So i gave these a shot. I was planning on getting a shade that would easily "disappear" into my hair, but fell in love with an electric blue/turquoise combination and had to have it. It's far enough back and behind other hair (near my ear) that i can easily hide it for work (if necessary), but also very easy to show off. The best part: there's NO damage done to your hair, you can wash it, blow it dry, flat iron it, or even curl it! I plan on keeping mine until my next appointment...just in time for fall...and probably my next hair color. ;)

'drybars': I've heard about salons that only offer styling services in big cities and metro areas. Needless to say, i don't have any where i live. BUT, there's a great one in Tampa called Blowbar. (check out their website, and even make an appointment, here!) The moment i walked in, i was in love. this place is SO me! Everything in the room is black, white, or pink. It's trendy, chic, and cool, but the stylists working there seem down to earth, friendly, and super talented! i got my hair done for a party and was blown away (no pun intended) at the results...using NOTHING but a hairbrush, some hair products, and a blow dryer! My hair is very curly, and for that to be done in 45 minutes using just those products, i was amazed. And hooked. at $25-40, it's not cheap...but great for big nights out when you want to look fab but don't feel like doing your own hair. (my hair would never look that good if i did it myself..lol). Also great to do for a fun night out with girlfriends...make that part of your girls night!

maxi dresses: i think of them as fabulous versions of pajamas. They are SO comfortable, SO forgiving, and flattering...throw one on to go out shopping or to lunch, or to work, if dress code allows! I'm all for "fashion over comfort", but sometimes...you just want to be comfy. THIS is a great way to do it!

stud earrings: trust me, these are the new chandelier earrings. so many styles and stones and price points...thank Princess Kate. SO preppy chic! :)

glittery flats: Tom's Shoes made them popular, (and i highly recommend them: buy a pair and they match it by buying a pair for a child in need!) but everyone from Target to Payless and high end brands are making glittery flats! So cute with dark denim and a graphic tee or you can dress them up with a blouse!

blue nails: the pool blue hue i'm currently wearing is one of my favorites! I'd never worn bright blue-ish turquoise nails before, but i'm obsessed! (my shade: Sally Hansen X-treme wear in 'blue me away') it's bright, fun, and surprisingly chic!

lastly, my Friday fave is love. Not just romantic love, but love in general. It's amazing the power of love and how good it can make you feel. Why do you think that 'Free Hugs' movement became so popular?! Being nice makes you feel good...and what better way to be nice than to show love to the ones you care for! It can uplift you on your darkest days, and when you feel good on the inside...you look good on the outside! :)

have a great weekend lovelies!




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look for less! [Lauren Conrad for Lucky Magazine]

Lauren Conrad for Lucky Mag





Lauren Conrad is one of my favorite fashion-inspiring celebs. Her style is very relaxed and casual, but at the same time chic, flirty, and sometimes sexy. Her look for the July/August cover of Lucky Magazine is SO on trend for fall, with the oversized "men's blazer" matched with a leather skirt and platforms. I love it, but the price is far out of my budget! So i found the look for less! None of the items are over $50 (okay, the blazer is, but only by a few bucks. A good blazer is hard to find!) ;) I also added tights and a more fall/winter shoe, because this look can easily get you through the next few months looking on trend and chic!

My favorite part of the look I put together: the bright mustardy, orange bag! An unexpected pop of color in your accessories really makes your outfit pop. (and i really love the black open toed booties!) tip: buy your blazer one or two sizes too large. just make sure it fits in your shoulders. [and roll up the sleeves to elbow length!] it should be long and a little boxy...as if you borrowed your boyfriend's blazer!

The links below are for every product I used to get this look. Just click on the description, and it'll take you right to the product! (side note: i apologize some of the prices are coming up in euros...ha!) The only things not available for purchase online are the items from H&M. (they REALLY need an online store!)

Hope you guys enjoy! xoxo

Old Navy long tank
$5 - oldnavy.gap.com

H m jacket
£35 - hm.com

H M short skirt
£15 - hm.com

Black tight
$20 - topshop.com

Carvela leather high heels
£29 - kurtgeiger.com

Nine West leather boots
£29 - kurtgeiger.com

Satchel handbag
$32 - yesstyle.com

Bead chain necklace
$30 - macys.com

Silver gemstone ring
$39 - semiprecious.com

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new facebook "fan" page!

bmoorefashionforward



if you'd like to, please "like" my new facebook page, dedicated solely to beauty & fashion goodness! :) click here!

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fall 2011: go BOLD!

fall 2011: go BOLD!


Today i begin my journey into Fall fashion - the best fashion season! I remember being a child, and the ONLY thing great about going 'back to school' was: back to school shopping!
There are SO many great trends this year that I can't wait to talk about, but I decided to start with one of my favorites: bold, graphic, statement making prints!

polka-dots were huge all over the fall fashion runway. Do it the 'realway' with the dress above - or go even more minimalist with a small-dotted polka dot blouse. I've loved this trend since I was 5 (seriously) and I'm so glad to see it's back in a big way this season!
animal print has been a big trend for several seasons now, and it's still very much alive now. The key this season is to do it in more ladylike styles - example, the dress shown above. That dress would look so cute with black tights and knee boots! If you aren't interested in wearing that much animal print, stick to accessories, like an animal print bag or scarf.
Tribal prints, plaid, and graphic shapes were all over the runways of everyone from Diane Von Furstenburg to Michael Kors to Tory Burch! The key to not look too "clown-ish" is to stick to one graphic piece and keep the rest simple. I love the plaid skirt, shown above..it would look great with a tucked in, simple cream blouse or dressed down with a buttoned up chambray shirt and fedora! (both still very on trend...lucky me!) The black and cream tribal-inspired blouse above would look great with another fall must-have: cargo chinos!
finally, big bold accessories make their way back this season. Add interest to a simple dress with a bold necklace (i love doing this..great conversation starter too!), or invest in one great graphic-printed leather handbag and wear it with everything! Don't be afraid to mix patterns - as long as they don't clash, and you think they look good...do it! This is also a big trend for fall. 
I have several other blogs planned to continue my fall 2011 fashion review. Can't wait to share them all with you!

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Friday Faves!

I have been lazy on the blogs lately, but woke up this morning super excited and full of ideas. I'll probably blog all weekend! :) For now, though, I wanted to share with you some of my current favorite things! (I love reading other people's blogs to learn what they love, so I hope you do too!) *Happy Friday!*






Revlon 'Brow Fantasy' in dark blonde
eyebrows. I never used to give them much thought - get them waxed, use some clear mascara to keep them "in place" all day, pluck the occasional hair. BUT that all changed recently. I'm obsessed! Your eyebrows really do frame your eyes, which is the first thing people see when they look at your beautiful face! I'm working on changing my brow shape, which can take awhile - but worth it! If you're unsure how your eyebrows should look to get maximum gorgeousness to frame your face, check out this article I found helpful: Elle Magazine: get your best brows! 
I'm also loving Revlon's "brow fantasy" - a brow pencil on one end, and brow gel on the other! 2 very easy steps to great looking eyebrows. Just don't get it in a too-dark-for-you shade: go one shade lighter than you THINK you need! ($8, drugstores)

Bath & Body Works 'wallflowers' they smell absolutely amazing! there's nothing better than walking into a fabulous smelling house, and these never disappoint. I have two in my condo at the moment, and i've loved all the scents i've used, but my favorite is Japanese Cherry Blossom - OMG delish! (bonus: the super-fun new diffuser thingies!) ;) ($6-20, B&BW)






rosebud salve: [apple] Rosebud Salve has long been a favorite among celebs. It's formula has been around since the 1800's, and claims to be good for everything from chapped lips to blemishes to burns! I think it does the best job of keeping my lips hydrated, soft, and moisturized, and I've tried EVERY lip balm you can imagine..so that's saying something! Last time I went to pick some up I noticed "flavors" - so I picked up the apple. Every time I open the tin I get compliments on the yummy scent! I could not live without this little wonder! 



braids: if you've seen me in person recently, I'm probably wearing some version of a braid. I am LOVING that these are on trend right now, and I hope they stay awhile! I recently learned how to do a fishtail braid (find out how using this video i found on youtube - VERY helpful!): how to: make a fishtail braid! But you don't have to be a braiding master at ALL to get this trendy look! Regular, tiny braids look so fresh! I love braiding my side-bang to the side, in one big or two little braids! It follows the very-now Bohemian look, which I love. which brings me to my next favorite: piling on the jewelry! mixing metals, expensive & cheap, beaded and metallic..anything goes! 








my curly hair: I have naturally curly hair, which I feel like I've been fighting with my entire life. Recently (maybe because I'm getting older? haha) I've learned to fully embrace how special and "unique" my hair texture is. No, it's definitely not perfect, and we still have our "fights"...but with the right products I've noticed I wake up more excited to do my hair. I still love it straight, but it's A LOT of work, and in the summer falls flat and frizzy within minutes. I've found a great line by "Got2B" - their "kinky" products are fabulous and I've gotten lots more compliments on my curls recently. The important thing is to work WITH your hair, not against it!








oh wait..this isn't food! ;)
cooking. I have fallen totally in love with cooking at home! I love to re-create my boyfriend and my favorite restaurant meals, or create our favorites from scratch! It's actually a lot of fun to do and more special than just going out for every meal. I look forward to it and don't even mind the cleanup! (that's what dishwashers are for..hello!) And, as much as i love "themes"...I plan on doing that a lot! [Mexican fiesta, anyone!?] ;)














Lauren Conrad: total girl-crush. I am in L.O.V.E with her style. It's so 'effortlessly cool' and girly, but modern and chic at the same time. Plus she seems to genuinely love fashion and beauty. Oh and yes...I've loved her since the 'Laguna Beach' days. Definitely my favorite 'fashion inspiration'!!
PS* her book Style is wonderful and timeless - the tips & tricks she has in that book will be useful no matter what year we're in!


just a few things i think are great!
have a wonderful day! 


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