Thursday, January 31, 2013

January Favorites

I thought that it would be fun to do a favorites post every month or two! It will be a great way to tell you about some of the things that I'm loving. It won't just be fashion; I'll add things like music, verses, food, beauty, and shows. Here is what I've been loving this month:

-This season of Pretty Little Liars! I have been obsessed with the show since the first season. I had gone without it since October, so I was super excited when it premiered again this month! It's been so dramatic and surprising so far, and I just love guessing what will happen and watching it. I definitely recommend that you watch it on my fave, ABC Family.
-Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream is just so good. In the winter my cuticles get so dry that they're just all cracked and nasty. I put this on right before I go to sleep, and when I wake up my cuticles actually look like normal skin. It's also great for making your nails less brittle, and I'm a fan of the scent!
- I've been obsessed with my black combat boots ever since I got them for my birthday in October. They go perfectly with every outfit. I wear them with pretty much anything, from jeans to leggings to my uniform skirt.
{picture by Courtney}
-For music I've been listening to the band the xx. I'm a fan of indie/alt music, and they're one of my favorite indie pop bands. Their music is pretty chill, and it has a subtle sort of electronic sound. My favorite songs by them are "Shelter", "Angels", and "Stars". Comment any of your favorite bands or songs so I can check them out!
-A book of the Bible I just keep going back to is 1 John. It is just such a good book, and it's full of life changing advice! The book is full of wisdom about fitting in, love, and pleasing the Lord. You should read it.
-I wear my grey knit infinity scarf from Savoir-Faire all of the time! It's a great way to stay warm while looking still looking cute. I wear it to school to make my uniform not look so "uniform-ish", and I will wear it to make a tee and leggings seem like an outfit.
{from an upcoming outfit post}
-My last favorite is this Maude aztec print cardigan. I featured it in my last outfit post, and it is just such an adorable piece! My mom gave it to me for Christmas, and I have worn it so many times since then. Every time I wear it people compliment me on it! You can wear it over a simple dress, jeans, or just leggings and a tee for a cute and cozy look. 

I want to know what your favorites are. Tell me in the comments! Make sure to follow my blog on GFC, Instagram (@simplydaring), Facebook, and Bloglovin!

Love,
CLAIRE
simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Monday, January 28, 2013

Aztec + Hearts


     I've been really into print mixing lately. You can create so many combinations if you mix correctly! My style isn't all out crazy, but I managed to make it work in a subtler way. 
     The aztec print cardigan is definitely one of my favorite pieces at the moment. You can dress it up like this, or wear it with leggings and a simple tee! The dress has smaller hearts all over it, so it's not too overwhelming. It also has a slight high-low hem. Both the dress and cardigan are from Maude, so check them out! Riding boots and a bun completed the look. 
{pictures are from a gorgeous shoot by my friend Tori at her 
neighbor's barn. get excited for more!}


Love,
CLAIRE
simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Team Wu

I'm usually not into designer labels as they are not relevant to me. I'm fourteen-- not only could I not afford a couture gown, but I wouldn't have anywhere to wear it. Don't get me wrong, I still think they're gorgeous. I admire how beautifully made designer pieces are all of the time! They just aren't right for my life in Arkansas.
I read about Jason Wu's new "contemporary" line  for Nordstrom's in Teen Vogue, and I had to check it out. The Miss Wu pieces are stylish, but they're simple enough for everyday wear. I have to admit that going through the look book made me a fan of this collection! The pieces are classic with unique features. A dress could be a solid color with an eye-catching silhouette or a top could be a classic shape with an unexpected print. The prices are still beyond my limit, but I'm loving the collection. Here are some of my favorites from Miss Wu:

I had a huge photo shoot this weekend, and the pictures are gorgeous! Be expecting lots of outfits coming up!

Love,
CLAIRE 
simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Glam maybe?

Gap tank, Abercrombie & Fitch cardigan, abercrombie jeans

Between my shimmery tank and super girly pink cardigan, this outfit is on the verge of glam. It can be fun to bring out your glam pieces and go on a girls day sometimes. For that, my black shimmery tank is the perfect starting piece. I layered my cropped and ruffled pink cardigan over it. Skinny jeans add to the sass. To add a little bit of toughness, I wore my black combat boots.


{Courtney took these pictures}



Love,
CLAIRE
simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Monday, January 14, 2013

Style Interview: Abby

     The other day I realized that I hadn't done my favorite type of post, style interviews, since this summer! My dream is to be a journalist for a fashion magazine, so it's a great way for me to practice.
     Abby has been one of my close friends for a while, and she's a great person to have. I admire her style and the way she puts together outfits. Whether it's using bracelets, necklaces, rings, or scarves, she always accessorizes perfectly. I had so much fun having this photo shoot, getting coffee, and doing this this interview with her. Enjoy learning about her style!

Simply Daring: Why do you enjoy fashion?
Abby: Its a way to express yourself with out saying anything. Fashion allows you to be unique.

SD: What are some of your favorite stores?
A: They would have to be Altar'd State, Forever 21, Vintage Violet, Boden, and occasionally Dillards.

SD: Is there a particular decade or era that you think should make a comeback? 
A: I really enjoy vintage pieces in general, and I take inspiration from them. I like incorporating pieces from the past, but not making the whole outfit centered on a specific time period.

SD: How would you describe your style?
A: I think it's simple with a twist because I enjoy adding in unique pieces.

SD: Is there a certain city or place whose style you admire?
A: New Mexico- it's artsy and funky!
SD: What is your no fail outfit?
A: Something easy and simple to throw on is colored jeans, a denim shirt, and a scarf.

SD: What are some of your favorite and least favorite trends? 
A: My current favorites are infinity scarves, chevron, and skinny jeans. I'm not a fan of leggings with a shirt that shows the waistband of the leggings or super sheer shirts with a bandeau.
SD: What are your five fashion essentials?
A: I always wear my leopard leggings, rings, long necklaces, boots, and chunky-ish sweaters.

SD: What is your favorite season to dress in?
A: Definitely fall because you can layer for variety and incorporate simple pieces with funky ones. You can also still wear favorite shorts, tanks, etc. from summer on warm days.
SD: Are there any items on your wishlist at the moment?
A: I'm wanting combat boots, a cute denim jacket, and mustard colored skinny jeans.

Love,
Claire
simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Monday, January 7, 2013

Lace and Leather

This outfit is from my family Christmas, so it's a little late. I loved the combination though and really wanted to share it! If you haven't already, follow Simply Daring (I will most likely follow you back), Like the Facebook Page, Follow on Instagram (@simplydaring), Follow on Bloglovin, Fan or Hype on Lookbook. I'm going to do a giveaway super soon, and I want you all to know about it!


{Masons leather jacket, Target tank, GapKids shorts, Steve Madden Boots,
MACA necklace and earrings}

I adore these lace shorts and become excited over any opportunity to wear them! They can dress up any outfit instantly or be the focus point. I had been looking for a pair since last spring, and I was beyond delighted when I found this pair. I added a cute tank and my leather jacket (my other love) to ground it a little. The gorgeous necklace and earrings were a Christmas gift from Courtney. My lovely mother took the pictures at my aunt's house.

Love,
CLAIRE
simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

YouTube Subscribtions

Almost as much as I enjoy scrolling through my favorite blogs, I love checking my YouTube subscription feed.  I have found some users who make terrific beauty and fashion videos. There is a whole other element in the videos that you just can't get out of blog posts. All of these girls are worth checking out. Here are some of my favorite users:

Macbarbie07: Bethany was the first user that I started watching, and even though she's only 17, her videos are so professional! Her outfits are always my favorites, and her makeup tutorials are perfect because she's in high school and doesn't put on a ridiculous amount.

Sarahbelle93x: Sarah has such a classic, preppy style, but she still takes risks. Her tutorials are simple but stunning. She is super into monograms, and actually inspired me to get my monogrammed necklace. Not to mention, Sarah is absolutely gorgeous.

Meghanrosette: Meghan's personality is what helps to make her so great! She shows it in all of her videos, and her hair and makeup is always flawless.She doesn't do as many fashion videos, but I'm a fan when she does. 

Msbrittanybrat: Brittany has possibly the best preppy and classic style ever. Her outfits are always so nice and put together. After watching one of her videos, you will probably want to go and recreate her hair or makeup look. I also personally think she looks like Ali from Pretty Little Liars. 

Arose186: I'm a huge fan of Arden because she is an Arkansas girl with a definite personality. Her makeup is classic with a twist, and her style is effortlessly chic!

Stilababe09: Meredith's clothes are literally the cutest things ever. Her styling makes them all the better. She has super gorgeous long hair that will make you want to grow yours way out. 


Love,
CLAIRE
simplydaringblog@gmail.com