NWA Fashion Week 2013

I think it's safe to say that the Friday night show of NWA Fashion Week 2013 was a huge success. The shows were incredible, the clothes and models were beautiful, and the Chancellor hotel was the perfect setting. It's so crazy to think that a corner of Arkansas would have so many amazing local boutiques. We're so blessed to have these stores near us.

{Look at these gorgeous nails, follow @nikkis_nails on Instagram to see more of her fabulous creations} 

Here is a general breakdown of the shows. Excuse some of my pictures... I clearly wasn't in the front row so my camera kept messing up and focusing on the people in front of my seat's heads. I only have a short amount of time to do this post before I leave for my mission trip. Expect more in depth posts about the shows next week!

Strut fora Mutt: {Lola+ Mae’s+ Luxe}

These store's models were holding the cutest puppies that were up for adoption. Their clothes were stunning, and they were very minimalist. There was a lot of black and white in the girls' outfits.

{You can't see her outfit, but this is my friend Tanj}

 Maude:

Their show was springy and fun. There were a couple of breezy dresses that caught my eye. I also liked the lighter colored ensembles and the bright colors in some of the pieces.

{This little girl stole the show. And yes, she is wearing bottoms}

Savoir-Faire:

All of the bright colors in SF's show made me so ready for spring. I loved it because all of the looks they created were fun and super wearable. I noticed that quite a few of the outfits had a sporty touch thrown in. Also, I was psyched to see one of my favorite bloggers (Leslie from A Blonde Ambition) walk down the runway.

{the lovely Leslie}

Bimini Butterfly:

I'll be honest, I had not heard of this boutique before the show. However, they impressed me with their looks, and I'm interested to see their store. Common themes I noticed were bright pink, bright florals, and fluttery shapes.

Vintage Violet:

Although their show was almost last, it was definitely not least. Stephanie worked hard to create the one-of-a-kind vintage gowns and swimwear that went down the runway. I loved the dresses because they were all so unique and eye catching. Her pieces always make you stand out because they are the perfect mix of vintage and modern.

Have a great Spring Break!

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

So Very Vogue

I probably had the most fun modeling this outfit out of any others I have featured on my blog. Like the title suggests, I felt like I was going to be featured in Vogue. It was glamorous, but kind of rustic. The pant legs were blowing in the wind, there were horses-- and we were driving around in a golf cart type buggy. I do have to give all credits of this outfit to Tori, though.

She found these pants at a thrift shop. They were actually very big in the runways this season! The print makes them seem so vintage. I also wore her easy fitting white top and some black flats. Her big, floppy hat made the hippie-boho vibe so much more dramatic. I hope you love it as much as I do! 

NWA Fashion Week is next week! I am so so so excited for it. Last year was such a great experience. This year, I am going to the Friday night show. I'm so excited to see Maude, Savoir-Faire, and Vintage Violet's shows. Let me know if you are going, because I definitely want to meet you!

{blowing kisses to nobody, or my pony friends who aren't in the picture}

{they ran away because my pants were flapping}

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Just Some Pictures

I have always admired the work of talented photographers. It takes skill to perfectly capture a moment on camera. I would definitely not call myself a photographer, but I'm working on getting better. We recently had a snow day, and my friend Caroline and I went out while it lasted. Here are some of my favorites that I took! 
{all edited with Camera+}

{snow snow snow}

{I thought this was cooler than when I put it in the previous post}

{One of my favorites}

{Moments when I hope neighbors don't read my blog, aka this isn't my house}

{My beautiful friend Caroline}

{Snow boots}

{I have a model dog}

{Not that I had to get on my stomach in the middle of the street to take this}

{My newest babies, my monogram necklace and utility vest}

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Best Dressed: Oscars 2013

I'm usually really into award season. All of it fascinates me- who is chosen to win, the fantastic performances, gorgeous celebrities, and designer gowns, all in one place. I had missed the red carpet and beginning portion of the previous shows this season. However, last night for the Oscars I soaked it all in. Whose dress were you in love with last night? I'm going to use this post to share my favorites with you.

Jennifer Lawrence is just perfect. Her acting is phenomenal, she is hilarious, she always looks gorgeous, and her gowns are always perfect. This Christian Dior dress was beyond beautiful. It was classic and dramatic all at once, and it was perfect for picking up Best Actress. Go Jen!

Amy Adams looked like a princess in her Oscar de la Renta gown. I love how huge and dramatic the fluttering skirt is! She kept her jewelry simple so that it wouldn't compete with the dress.

Jessica Chastain rocked her Armani Prive dress! The nude color was definitely a risk, but she wore it perfectly. The detailing on it was beautiful, and her rid lip pulled it all together. 

Those were my top three! Here's a peek at the glamorous party we hosted at my house. By glamorous I mean that my brother and I dressed up, our whole family watched the show in the living room, and we had milkshakes.

{the brother and I, like his shoes?}

{fancy night in heels}

{Bella was obviously the most interested}

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Lace Day Any Day

Before I start this post I would like to announce the winner of the bubble necklace giveaway! It was one of my wonderful readers named Sophie. She doesn't have a blog, but I would mention it if she did. Congratulations to her! :)

{Maude top, abercrombie kids jeans, MACA earrings, Steve Madden boots}

Some people say that lace is just a warm weather thing. The amount of lace tops I have is kind of crazy. Personally, I love it in all seasons- even winter. You just need to wear it correctly.

This lace top is perfect for this time of year. It's long sleeved, and the Peter Pan collar adds a unique touch. Depending on the weather, you could layer a cardigan or jacket over it. I completed the look with my absolute favorite pair of jeans and tan boots.

{pictures by Tori}

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Sweater Weather, Better Weather

{Vintage Violet sweater, Aeropostale scarf,

Old Navy leggings, Steve Madden combat boots, Savoir-Faire necklace}

     I hope you all had a fantastic Valentines day! 

     A long, comfy sweater paired with a pair of leggings is probably my favorite casual winter outfit. It keeps me completely comfortable without wearing sweats and a t-shirt. You can find sweaters like this almost anywhere! My favorite places to get them are thrift stores and my dad's closet.

     Amp up the look with either a scarf or a necklace. The sweater takes up a lot of your body. You don't want it to be the only thing that's seen, so a fun accessory is necessary. Once again, combat boots never fail.

     Today is the last day to enter in my giveaway for a bubble necklace. I would love it if you all entered!

{pictures by Tori}

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Winter Cutoffs

{Pac Sun sweater, Vintage Violet cutoffs, Steve Madden combat boots}

Wearing jeans with every outfit can start to get boring. One of my favorite winter substitutes for jeans is cutoffs with tights underneath. If you make or purchase a unique pair, you will stand out from the crowd even more. I purchased these at Vintage Violet, and I adore wearing them. If you're looking for a pair of cutoffs stop there because they have a huge variety of different styles and colors!

To stay warm, I wore one of my favorite sweaters. I love how cool and different the back of it is! It's like a mixture of Aztec and galaxy print. My babies (aka my combat boots) completed the outfit. They're starting to get more distressed which makes them about a million times cooler!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a bubble necklace! You have until Friday!

{pictures by Tori}

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com