Saturday Link List #1

I'm starting a weekly Link List - here goes! (Let me know if you like these types of posts!)

1) This Sugar Free Orange Cake Bites recipe looks delicious. I'm a huge fan of cake pops, and these look just as good but without the caloric overload. Actually, this whole website is great if you're looking to get healthy; it's full of motivation and recipe ideas!
2) Super easy, super cute Knot Your Average Pony hairstyle. I want to wear it every day!

photo courtesy of The Beauty Department

3) StumbleUpon.com. I'm sure lots of you have already heard of this website, but just in case - it's great. Register with some interests - I have beauty and humor as a couple - and click "stumble" to be sent to a random site that you're interested in. I'm never bored anymore, and StumbleUpon is how I found the hairstyle above!
4) Sweaters from Urban Outfitters are to die for! Adorable. I really want one!

I love the color of this one - photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

5.) Hulu. Okay, not a new one either, but it's a huge favorite of mine. All my favorite shows are there: The Office, Community, Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, New Girl, Up All Night, Biggest Loser... the list goes on!

This may be a little bit short, but with time my Link Lists will get better, I promise! Does any of you enjoy these websites too?
Love, Val

Ferris Wheel Inspiration

This is a guest post from Alessia of Luello's blog. Read my guest post for them here. Leave some love!

J Brand shorts, Cropped Tee, Nail Polish, Wedges, KOR Hydration Vessel

Fashion inspiration can come from a myriad of sources. Challenge your wardrobe (and your styling abilities) this summer by getting inspiration from the places you go and things that you do!

Here’s some fashion inspiration coming your way, inspired by a trip to the fair!

Enjoy a summer’s day, indulge in some cotton candy and ride the Ferris wheel in style!

-                    Embrace color and choose a cute pair of colored denim cutoffs, like these pink ones by J Brand!

-                    Opt for a basic cropped tee for a relaxed and comfortable look.

-                    Nothing says summer like espadrilles! Forego wearing flip-flops and instead wear these for a fun and youthful summer look!

-                    Keep your hair simple! Try to tousled fishtail braid (since the rollercoasters will mess up your hair anyway!)

-                    Revlon’s line of scented nail polishes perfectly complements the fun, bright colors of summer! With scents like Bubble Gum and Gumdrop, you’ll never want to take it off your nails!

-                    Most importantly- remember to stay hydrated! (It helps to remember to carry a water bottle when there’s as cute as this one by KOR!)

Visit Luello.com for more products by brands like J Brand, William Rast and more!

Some beach essentials...

Beach Essentials by valscloset featuring racerback tank tops

Y 3 racerback tank top
$54 - theoutnet.com

H M short short
18 GBP - hm.com

Babajaan triangle bikini
$115 - net-a-porter.com

Cream shoes
$55 - calypsostbarth.com

Clinique 'Sun' Face & Body Cream SPF 15
$21 - nordstrom.com

Essie Nail Polish - Watermelon
$15 - apothica.com

I'm so excited for summer! What are your beach essentials??
Love, Val

Lovely and Mismatched

Lovely and Mismatched by valscloset

T by Alexander Wang asymmetric top
$130 - net-a-porter.com

TopShop black blazer
$130 - topshop.com

True Religion hipster short
359 EUR - jades24.com

TopShop green shoes
$140 - topshop.com

Dorothy Perkins beading jewelry
3.75 GBP - dorothyperkins.com

Daisy jewelry
$12 - modcloth.com

Jack necklace
25 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Lipstick - High Tea ( Lustre, Unboxed ) - MAC - Cosmetics & Make Up...
$18 - strawberrynet.com

I love purposely mismatched outfits. A random bicycle necklace here, some blue wedges there. Be sure when you mismatch accessories you keep the clothing simple, and vice versa. Enjoy your eclectic looks. <3
Love, Val

Nordstrom Haul!

Yesterday I went to my favorite store, Nordstrom, to pick out one complete outfit and some new makeup (to make up for what I finished in Project 10 Pan!). Here's what I got...

This pair of navy slip-on Vans was on sale, and they're going to make great everyday shoes!

Army green was everywhere in the store, so I figure it's a trend? Anyways, I picked up this loose fitting, very comfy shirt from "Rubbish."

To go with the shirt, I picked up these cuffed, faded denim shorts from the brand "STS Blue." They're a spring/summer staple!

Finally, I went to the MAC counter! I picked out "Woodwinked" eyeshadow (thanks to Devea's recommendation), a Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, and "Speed Dial" cremesheen lipstick. All of these I LOVE!

I love going to Nordstrom, it perfectly fits my style! What's your favorite place to shop?
Love, Val

Spring Whimsy ♥

Just a quick outfit I put together! This is an example of what I'd like my spring wardrobe to be. Loose, fluttery, floral, and light. The makeup is simple and fresh, and pretty gold barrettes make for cute accessories.

Spring Whimsy by valscloset on Polyvore.com

TopShop white top
$30 - topshop.com

Acne blue short
130 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Italian leather shoes
$168 - simplysoles.com

Floral shawl
15 GBP - joythestore.com

Juicy Couture couture hair accessory
$30 - zappos.com

Longchamp belt
78 GBP - longchamp.com

SEPHORA COLLECTION Eyelash Curler Black
$16 - sephora.com

All for now! I'll have a giveaway winner hopefully in the next couple days.
Love, Val

Spring Fashion Wish List

Hey everyone!
Lately I've been lusting after spring fashions, and this could be because of all the magazines coming in (Seventeen, Teen Vogue, InStyle...) or because of the weather warming up (it's getting into the 70's!). In either case, it's time to go spring shopping! Here are a few things on my wish list.

Free People Printed Warrior Halter

Urban Outfitters Cooperative Button-Up Skirt

Delia's Savina Tonal Bracelets

Gap Roll-up Shorts

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Mitered Layer Tank

Rebels Shira Beaded Ankle Sandal

A lot of these are out of my price range but... a girl can dream! What's on your spring fashion wish list?

Love, Val

Tank Tops in December

Hey bloggers! This morning, I realized a common fashion dilemma of mine. I buy cute colorful tank tops all summer, and then have nothing to do with them come fall. Well, a solution is here, dear readers. (Thanks, Polyvore!) I also added a makeup look that matched the particular outfit I put together - your own makeup is up to you, of course.

Fashion
Pair your tank top with some dark-wash jeans. Then, using colors from your tank's color scheme as inspiration, add a warm coat, shoes, and a purse. Try to use colors that are similar to, but not exactly, the ones used in your top - more saturated colors will keep the look from being too summery.

Makeup
Keep the look light, breezy, and neutral. Start off with soft, neutral eyeshadows and lengthening mascara; add a cool-toned blush for a hint of winter; and finish with the lip color of your choice.

Featured:
Dark pink crop hooded jacket, $65 - debenhams.com
J Brand Bailey mid-rise bootcut jeans, $180 - net-a-porter.com
Nomad Footwear Women's Satin Ballet Flat, $22 - endless.com
Marc Jacobs Small Single quilted leather bag, $525 - net-a-porter.com
vintage garden racerback tank, $30 - shopruche.com

• 
  

Featured:
Bobbi Brown Beige Shimmer Brick Compact, $38 - barneys.com
Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion, $28 - sephora.com
Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Pure Shine' Sheer Lipstick, $30 - nordstrom.com
NARS Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara - Black, $25 - barneys.com

Hope you enjoyed! Enjoy a lovely Friday. What's your common fashion dilemma?

Love, Val

Fall Transition Fashion

Featured (clockwise from top left):
Yves St. Laurent cashmere-blend lizard-print scarf, $695; net-a-porter.com
Plum Soft Buffalo Purse, $695; mulberry.com
Berry Faux Suede Foldover Multi Stud Pump Heels, $25; amiclubwear.com
Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Trans-Siberian, $24; narscosmetics.com
Gap cropped easy straight jeans (dark wash), $60; gap.com
2 in 1 berry jersey top, 55 GBP; houseoffraser.co.uk

  Hey all, maybe two posts in one day is a bit obsessive but that's how I roll. :)
  Anyways, I've been hearing a lot about "polyvore.com" in various blogs and I finally checked it out. Basically, you can make your own collage of makeup and fashion right there! It's really awesome.
  So here's my summer-to-fall transition collage. I would love to have all these items!
  Recommendations: layer dark wash denim, shades of gray (the of-the-moment neutral), and rich berry and plum colors that never go out of style. The result: a look that's put together, classy, and classic but just trendy enough.
  Hope you liked! Please leave requests in the comments - now that I've finally gotten around to the fashion request I would love to tackle some more. :)
  Love, Val

Spring Inspired Outfit

Hey guys and welcome to my first fashion post! I'm just going to show you this Spring-inspired outfit I've put together. Here are a couple pics:

Blazer, Jones New York; Tank, Abercrombie & Fitch; Jeans, Lucky Brand; Shoes, Payless.

Why I love this outfit:
The floral tank, light wash denim, and open-toed low heels all scream spring, but the blazer gives the outfit a put-together look. This outfit would be perfect for lunch or shopping. Also, it was inexpensive: the blazer was a hand-me-down, the tank was on sale, the jeans are from Marshall's, and the shoes are from Payless Shoe Source.

Have fun putting together your own spring outfits!

Love, Val

P.S. With this outfit, I'm wearing my hair loose and wavy, but I'd also recommend a clipped-up style or a braided bun (learn how to make one here). Note that braids, buns, and waves are in for Spring 2010 runway!