Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Lookbook: Maybe Menswear

Happy Leap Day!
It's official. I'm 26! The 23rd was my birthday and it was pretty fun. I actually celebrated last weekend with wine tasting and a zip line tour through a redwood canopy in Sonoma. Basically, it was pretty chill (do people still say that?)

So did I accomplish everything on my 26 by 26 list? You'll have to check out the blog next week to find out!Today's lookbook post is all about menswear...and the '80s. In honor of being born in the 1980s, I give you 1980s hair!

I wore these F21 Harem pants on the blog back in a 1 Outfit, 3 Ways lookbook post from March of last year. And I don't think I've worn this Charlotte Russe vest on the Muse since the Vested Interest outfit post back in 2010! The fairly new buckle boots you've seen recently in the Studded Hearts lookpost post. Oh, and I thought I was super cool so I added this butterfly dangle clip-on earring--just the one--to my look. Very '80s, I know.
My menswear look was inspired by this awesome Jason Wu for Target dotted tie tee. The top and the satchel are 2 of the items that I was able to snag from the collection. I also have the chiffon dress in navy and the flared dress in black.

Note: The Jason Wu clothing runs a little big and the material isn't super top quality, so those are the cons. But they do look very girly and original. I had no issues when purchasing this collection. I bought online around midnight on Feb. 5 and everything was delivered to me within the week. I went to an actual Target store to return an item that was too big and even found some Jason Wu dresses (in my size) still hanging on the rack, so I picked up one last thing. Don't you love my arm party? Also wearing the Charla Zoya polish that seriously lasts a really long time.
Gah! I love this hair flip to one side. The only thing I'm missing is a crimper.
What do you think of my menswear-inspired look?
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Monday, February 27, 2012

Featured Fashionista: Tamara

To see my Best Dressed pics from the Oscars, check out the Muse's Facebook page!
To see a list of all the dresses from the Oscars, go here!

Featured Fashionista ~ Tamara from Vietnam
First off, I haven't seen layering this good in a long time. Tammy totally rocks it! Her chic style is so evident in her looks and on her blog, that it's pretty hard not to become addicted. (And I totally want her black & white Zara blazer)
What do you think of Tamara's look?

Want to be a part of Featured Fashion? Then leave a comment letting me know that you want me to feature your style on the Muse!

Check out a list of all my beautiful Featured Fashionistas for anyone you might have missed.
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Friday, February 24, 2012

A [Faux] Fur State of Mind

As I start to end this most wonderful February, I have to say that I've really enjoyed this birthday month. So thank you to all you muses for the lovely birthday wishes!

Moving to a colder climate made me actually start to enjoy these winter months a lot more than usual. This winter I even got into furs...faux furs. But have you ever realized the various types of faux furs? There are minks, beavers, fox, zebra and many more. These furs come in great styles and range from kids jackets to boot toppers. I never thought I would be into faux furs, but now that the temperature requires them, and the styles have become so versatile, I do feel more comfortable.

So since Punxsutawney Phil proclaimed there will be about two more weeks of winter, let's finish it off with some stylish faux furs!1.This Leopard Faux Fur Hook Vest is the type of vest that I need to add to my wardrobe. It's so versatile and looks super soft. 2. The Sable Faux Fur Tote Bag is a great weekender bag for a nice snow trip up north. 3. Faux Fur Boot Toppers are the best accessory as they can be put on and taken off. The versatility is endless. 4. Let's start off with these Faux Fur Trimmed Gloves that are stretchy and come in black fox, java leopard and sable faux fur. The gloves are super chic when toting around a bag or clutch. 5. And why not add a piece for your home like this Snow Leopard Faux Fur Throw. Seriously, I could cuddle up with this all day. 

6. The Russian Lynx Hat is the type of piece that I'm not sure I could pull off myself, but you have to start somewhere so why not with this stunning accessory? 7. And last but not least is the Leopard Print Faux Fur Weekend Bag. I'm pretty sure this is the ultimate faux accessory as it is the perfect size with the best details.

What do you think of these picks? Are you into faux fur?

Post = sponsored; Opinions = my own 
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Sadee Says B-Day Giveaway ~ CLOSED

Just 1 more day until my birthday! Isn't that the coolest?

You must know by now that I can't have my birthday without giving back to the wonderful followers of Oh to Be a Muse. So to continue with all the giving this month, the Muse and Sadee Says would like you to enter the Sadee Says B-Day Giveaway courtesy of Sadee Says and Bita Pourtavoosi!

I've been a fan of Bita's baubles for a few years now, ever since I saw them while working at Max & Chloe. Her aesthetic is quite unique.
 Now you can win this gorgeous floral patterned bangle by Bita Pourtavoosi!
See how I've worn it! You can wear it low at the wrist or pull it up like a cuff by the elbow.
The Floral Patterned Bangle
♥24K yellow gold plated
♥Uniquely crafted floral pattern
♥Handmade with love

How to Enter
(mandatory entries)
♥Sign up for the Sadee Says Newsletter (enter your email where it says "Sign up for Exclusive Deals" at the top right of the page) - leave a comment in this post letting me know you did that!
♥Fan my Facebook page and Comment there letting me know you entered the giveaway!
Extra Entry
♥Follow Sadee Says on Facebook - leave a comment in this post letting me know you did that!
~~
Giveaway open to U.S. & International Readers
Ends March 7!
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Monday, February 20, 2012

Inspiring Style: Dawn & Deepa

Have you ever heard of Dawn & Deepa? No? Well now you have!

Dawn & Deepa is a jewelry company that specializes in pieces for children. The beauty of their jewelry is that the pieces are not over the top or too gaudy for children. Any kid can wear a Dawn & Deepa piece any day of the week.

Drawing inspiration from pop culture, traveling around the world and their own children, Dawn & Deepa have created everyday jewelry for little citizens.

Some of my favorites include:
♥For the Boys: D&D Tough Cuff - made of upcycled leather with an adjustable snap closure
♥For the Girls: Dancing Butterflies Ring set - three butterflies on sterling silver bands
♥For the Girls: Candy-Coated Bangle in lavender cream - handmade with lavender cream enamel
So if you have a little one, or you know someone who does, then consider gifting them with one of these cute and stylish pieces that are totally age appropriate.

Oh, and did I mention that Dawn & Deepa gives back to the community? For every D&D Appleseed necklace sold, Dawn & Deepa will donate 10% to the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation!

What do you think of these pieces for children?

Post = sponsored; Opinions = my own 
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Friday, February 17, 2012

Makeup & Muses: Zoya Nails of the Day

Back in January, Zoya was giving away two free nail polishes for just the cost of shipping. I took advantage of this by ordering these two new colors to my growing collection. The colors are Kissy & Charla. Kissy is described as red, pink, purple and hologram particles with a glitzy shade of glitter. I love all the flecks that are super easy to see on your nails whether you wear it alone or layer it on top of another color.Since I wanted to feature both of the new polishes but didn't know which to feature first, I went ahead and put both on my nails. Charla has more of a sparkly blue metallic shade.Both colors go on easily and dry pretty fast, which is a definite plus when it comes to polishes. Seriously, I am the first to complain about nail dry time, but these were particularly fast in my case, especially Charla. The best thing about Zoya is the polishes are all free from formaldehyde. My main cons on the polishes are that they took FOREVER to get to me. I think I waited 2 1/2 weeks. And although Kissy stands out a bit more, Charla has better staying power.

What do you think of these polishes and which is your favorite:    
Kissy or Charla?
~~~
Also, I was featured on The Feisty House - Feisty Fashion today. Check out my short interview here:
Feisty Fashion Feature: Cheryl
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Featured Fashionista: Maphi

♥Please remember to vote for my photo in the Refinery 29 Style Blogger contest. Click here, Go to "Popular Contestants" and scroll for "Cheryl" and click the heart on my photo just once!♥

Featured Fashionista ~ Maphi from UK
 
 Maphi believes fashion helps each individual express their unique style while also sending a message about themselves to the world. And based on her looks on her blog, her fearless looks are sending all the right messages!

What do you think of Maphi's look?

Want to be a part of Featured Fashion? Then leave a comment letting me know that you want me to feature your style on the Muse!

Check out a list of all my beautiful Featured Fashionistas for anyone you might have missed.
~~~
And the winner of the Boy Meets Girl Giveaway is...

Ami of The Smallest Happiest Things!
~~~
Hope everyone had a fab Valentine's Day!
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Monday, February 13, 2012

On My Mind: February 2012

How about those Grammys? Some pretty interesting performances from Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry; Chris Brown won an award (really?); and Adele won big!

For some of my picks for Best & Worst Dressed from the Grammys, check out the Muse's Facebook page!
~~~
Totally copied this from InStyle.
I saw this in my InStyle mag a week ago and thought it would make for a pretty sweet blog post on the Muse. It's a way to get to know me a little better. Plus, I like the idea of laying out this post sort of like a magazine layout.

And any reason to talk about Parks & Rec is a good one.

What's on your mind?
~~~
Vote for me in the Refinery 29 Contest too!
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Friday, February 10, 2012

Queen of Hearts: Valentine's Day Gift Guide

I'm sure you've been seeing a lot of these around the blogosphere lately, so I wanted to try to break up the monotony by featuring some different and interesting items in my Valentine' Day Gift Guide. A lot of these I either want for myself or I would totally gift to the hubs or a friend.

The majority of these items can be found on Fab and GoJane, with a few from sites like OohlaFrouFrou.com, Etsy and Paul Smith.
Here are few things that I think the ladies will love.
♥Ooh La Frou Frou Valentine Shoo-In card
♥Satin inset clutch
♥I Heart Vampires wayfarers
♥Woven cut-out top
♥Rosette coin purse
♥Lipstick pen
♥Kissing Swallows stretch belt
And let's not forget about the boys!
♥Bunny iPhone case
♥Heart Tee
♥Transformers iPad case
♥Charlie-Dexter mugs
♥Paul Smith heart patterned bowtie
♥Heart-shaped USB
♥Music necklace set
♥Red spheres earrings
♥It's Not You It's Me necklace
♥Stone necklace
♥Perforated bracelet
♥Oversize mustache ring
♥Double finger bicycle heart ring
 What do you think of my Valentine's Day Gift Guide? Find anything on here that you like?
Happy Valentine's Day!
~~~
And check out my Room Invasion Feature on the Chic Therapy blog!
~~~
Enter the Boy Meets Girl Giveaway & Vote for me in the Refinery 29 Contest too!
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Lookbook: Like a Tree Leopard

With these shoes, it only made sense to climb up a tree.
You've probably seen snippets of this outfit all over the Muse recently.

The hubs took these photos right before we went to our archery class. You might have seen the photo of me shooting with my bow & arrow if you follow me on either Facebook or Twitter. Btw - a lot of the people in my class were like 10-year-olds. But they were beasts at archery. 10-year-old beasts.Anyhoo, it was the hubs' idea for me to take photos with this gigantic tree, and then I decided that I might as well sit on the huge tree limb and get all safari with it.♥Moon necklace ~ Pirate Romance ♥Leopard print flats ~ Charlotte Russe ♥Bow clutch ~ Jessica SimpsonI should also say that these are the Versace for H&M leggings that I so desperately wanted and had to buy on eBay because it was sold out in stores. But it's definitely my favorite piece from the collection. I wear them all the time. And I find I've been wearing these leopard flats all day & night as well.Also, it's the month of February! Do you know what that means? My birthday is coming up on the 23rd! Coincidentally, the last time I wore this blazer on the Muse was my birthday of last year.Remember my 26 by 26 list? Let's see how much I can get done in the next two weeks! By the way, when I picked up this bow clutch in the store a little girl approached me and said, "I love your bag." That's when I knew this clutch was coming home with me. Thanks, little girl aka future Anna Wintour.♥Tops ~ Stella McCartney (underneath) & Charlotte Russe ♥Blazer ~ H&M ♥Leggings ~ VersaceWhat do you think of my look?
~~~
Enter the Boy Meets Girl Giveaway & Vote for me in the Refinery 29 Contest too!
~~~
And the winner of the Pirate Romance Giveaway is...
Jen, The Blonde-Blogger!
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Monday, February 6, 2012

Boy Meets Girl Valentine's Day Giveaway ~ CLOSED

Did you make out like a bandit at Jason Wu for Target?

Anyway, as I'm sure you guys already know, Boy Meets Girl is my jam! There was actually a moment last year when someone saw me with my BMG tote and said, "Love that tote. I've wanted to get that for a while." In which I replied, "Well, I'm special." 

I didn't actually say that. I told her that she could get the tote on the Boy Meets Girl website. And that's not the only great item you can find there. Currently I'm crushing on the Sanctuary Top, the Paramount Pant and pretty much anything with the cute logo on it.These Valentine's Day inspired Boy Meets Girl accessories that I'm rocking today are the BMG tights and the black and white Minky Bean slippers.
♥new floppy hat, F21 top & belt, Oscar de la Renta sunnies, Juicy Couture bag
Love the cute Boy Meets Girl logo on the tights, and the slipper socks are super comfy!
To continue with the giveaway fun this month (aka: the Muse's Birthday Giveaway Extravaganza), Stacy Igel and Boy Meets Girl are giving one lucky reader a chance to win both these BMG tights and the Minky Bean slippers!
And that's not all...
The winner will also receive a Lockerz.com card for 2500 PTZ!
(Each point--ptz--that you earn on Lockerz.com can be used toward discounts on fashion items)

So how do you enter the giveaway? Check out the rules below!
Mandatory Entries
♥Watch the Behind the Seams with Stacy Igel "Get Smartie" video below and leave a comment on this post telling me what you like about it!
(no better video for Valentine's Day than one about candy--make sure you get to the 3-minute mark for a great DIY)

♥Vote for me in the Refinery 29 Style Blogger Contest. Just click here, find "Cheryl" and hit the heart on my photo!
(Comment on this post letting me know you voted for me)
Extra Entries
Follow me on any of these other social outlets!
Become a fan of the Muse on Facebook or Follow me on Twitter
Google Friend Connect, Google Plus, Bloglovin'
~~~
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Ends February 13!



~~~
In other giveaway news...
Today is the last day to enter the Pirate Romance giveaway (click on the sidebar link)
And the winner of the Apothica giveaway is...
Olga of Leave Me on the Catwalk!
♥
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Friday, February 3, 2012

Inspiring Style: Jason Wu for Target ~ My Picks

Yes, I know. Another "designer" for "bargain store" collaboration is about to come out, and yes, I'm writing about it on the Muse. But how could I not? Have you seen the Jason Wu for Target collection yet?

Honestly, I'm more in love with this designer collaboration than I was for either Versace for H&M or Missoni for Target last year. I get more of a Lanvin love when I see it. There aren't any crazy patterns, and I won't have to worry about any strenuous lines either.
I plan to shop online and not have any issues with that little bulls-eye dog saying "Woof. We are suddenly extremely popular...apologies for the inconvenience."

Anyway...enough of my rambling. Here are my favorite picks from the Jason Wu collection!I need more clutches in my life and this floral lace clutch ($29.99) is just the answer. But I've had my eyes on that satchel bag ($49.99) for a very long time now, and if it's the only thing I'm able to get then I'd still be quite happy.
How beautiful are these pieces? They are the epitome of clean lines.
Textured pleated peplum top ~ $32.99
Flared dress in cream ~ $59.99
Sheer floral top ~ $26.99
Trench coat ~ $54.99

Everything in the Jason Wu collaboration is between $20 and $60, and that includes all the scarves, all the bags and all the apparel.

The collection goes live February 5 and can be bought both online and in stores.
Which are your favorites?
~~~ 
And Please vote for me in the Refinery 29 Style Blogger Contest. Click here, go to the Popular Contestants tab, search for "Cheryl" and just click on the heart on my photo. Your vote is much appreciated!
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Makeup & Muses: Nail Art DIY

I believe I first spotted this nail art design on We Heart It, which then led me to someone's blog. It wasn't even my initial idea to do a nail DIY, but I was bored so I decided to try it out. 
Like these zig-zag nails, my last nail DIY--marble nails--also involved the use of tape. Here's what you'll need to get this look!

♥tape ♥scissors ♥paper towel ♥two contrasting nail colors

♥First paint your nails with the first nail color. I used a ginger-scented shade that I picked up from F21. Make sure you let your nails dry COMPLETELY or else you'll just have to start all over (like I did).
♥Next, use the scissors to cut a zig-zag pattern into the tape. I found out that the more cuts, the better. It will make the pattern on your nails look much cooler.
♥After you cut the tape, stick it on to the side of your hand and rub against it for a few minutes. This is so the tape isn't as sticky when you put it on your nails.
♥Once your nails are dry, place the tape halfway across your nail. You can choose to switch it up by putting the tape at the top, bottom or side of your nail.
♥Then take your second nail color (I used a Sally Hansen insta-dry) and polish the side of your nail that is not covered by tape. The beauty of the tape is that if you polish over it then the tape will act as a barrier.
♥Then pull up the tape from the outside edge and your zig-zag pattern will be revealed on your nail.
♥I used a paper towel to blot the tape after each finger so I didn't have excess on each nail.
What do you think?
Have you ever done a nail art DIY like this before?
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