The Perfect Way to Style a Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a piece that most of us have in our closet. It's a great item for the cooler weather, as it keeps you warm. While functional, it is also a great and stylish piece that can make an outfit look put together and edgy. It can be dressed up or down and made chic or edgy depending on what you pair and accessories it with. Personally, I love to style it with a pair of high waisted skinny jeans and a plain top such as the white tank top shown blow. I also added a black lacy bralette underneath to a feminine yet edgy look.

Store Review: The Ministry of Supply

Located on Newbury Street in Boston, the Ministry of Supply is a small high end store. With nine locations across the U.S., this brand makes sure to fit each customer's needs. By studying and interviewing people about their clothing problems, they engineer fabrics which are then tested in a lab, as well as with their field testers for durability. Using "3D Print Knit Garments" they reduce 40% of the waste as well as custom "body mapped" fit.
The store itself is very clean, organized and well put together. I found the atmosphere to be very relaxed and aesthetically pleasing. Although I did not end up purchasing anything the staff was very friendly and helpful and the garments were very high quality. If you are willing to spend a good amount of money on custom, high quality dress clothes, then I would recommend the
the Ministry of Supply.

5 Locations that Make Great Backgrounds for Photos

I love taking pictures, as both the lack of storage on my phone and computer will prove. Sometimes I have a great outfit on, and someone to take pictures, but nowhere to take them. Sure, a blank wall in my house will work, but after a while it gets real boring. Location can make or break a good picture. But where can you go?
1. The Beach - the beach is gorgeous itself for pictures but using it as a background also makes the pictures of whoever, look even better.

2. The Woods/ Outside - the gives a relaxed natural feel to your pictures and trees also work as something to pose on/with/next to.

3. Stairs - sitting pictures are a great way to change things up. Stairs also can provide cool shadows.




















4. A Bridge - this can give the feel of perception or you can take a photo of someone walking for a cool but natural looking action shot.

5.  A Brick Wall - simple, keeps the model the main focus, but much less boring than another Palin white wall.

How to Make Your Amateur Photoshoot Look Professional

In the age of social media, especially Instagram, sharing photos is something we do weekly or even daily. Many people who have an interest in fashion, like I do, have a whole feed full of outfits and clothes. From people we know, to models on the runway, there are dozens of people who post pictures of their outfits. If you have ever tried to take a picture like this, or even a picture in general, it almost never comes out how you want it on the first try. One photo tends to become a photoshoot of different angles and poses until you get a picture or two you like.
What makes the difference between a picture of someone wearing clothes that you pay no attention to and scroll past and a picture that makes you stop and admire the aesthetics of it? Well there are a lot of aspects besides the outfit and the model themselves that make the picture look like it could be in a magazine. Some of these things include...

• Angle - the angle from which the photos were taken can make a huge difference in how it looks. Don't always just take the picture straight on. Try to switch it up with pictures taken fro the ground, close up, or from the side.
• Lighting - having good lighting is key to the difference between a crappy picture and a good picture.
• Pose - Models in magazines are very rarely standing straight on with their arms by their sides looking straight at the camera. Try tilting your body, shifting your stance, moving your legs and arms into different positions, sitting or leaning, and looking at different things besides straight into the camera.
• Background - A messy room or some stranger walking by in the background can ruin a whole picture. Make sure your model is the focus of the picture and the background doesn't distract too much from the model.

These are a few pictures I have taken that show this tips in use.

3 Outfits for a Tight Schedule

Like most people, I don't usually have a leisurely few hours to get ready in the morning. I easily could if I wanted to cut back on my sleep time, but, lets be honest, I'd rather get my sleep. While I care about sleep, I also love to make myself look nice and feel confident. After years of running late, I have mixed my skills of getting ready in a short amount of time, with my intrest in fashion. I have put together three outfits, all of different style types, that I was able to throw together in less then 10 minutes each.

These outfits are nothing special, however they look as though you spent time getting ready, and can probably be thrown together quickly with items you already own. The great thing about fashion is that you can customize it to how you like it. So each piece can be switched out with something else to give it a new personal look.
1. This outfit consists of a grey, long sleeve body con dress, an infinity scarf, black leather riding boots, and white knee high socks. 

2. For the second outfit, I put together a blueish-grey off-the-shoulder top, ripped high-wasted skinny jeans (I cuffed them at the bottom), a black belt, grey ankle-high leather boots, and a black and silver choker to make the outfit edgier.

3. Finally, a very easy to put together, less casual "outfit" is a dress or romper because you don't have to worry about matching tops and bottoms - only accessorizing. This look is simply a dark blue (dress style) romper, a jean jacket, strappy nude wedges, and a statement necklace. 

Random Favorites: Take 2

I had so much fun writing my last 'Favorites' post and it had such a great response that I decided to do an updated one. So here are some of my new favorite things.

Beauty Products:
Naked 3 eye shadow pallet - Although this pallet is a big investment, as it is around $50, if you do use eye shadow often, it is well worth the money in my opinion.

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo - I have pretty dark eyebrows to begin with but this powder is great for filling in the sparse areas. I recommend going to Sephora and asking an employee to match your shade so you don't end up with something too dark or two light. Anastasia also offers a good selection of other types of brow products including gel, pencils, etc.

Food:

Music: 
I am very into country music so if that's not your thing, then you probably won't like any of these. I have been using Pandora lately and listen to music about 80% of the time I'm awake weather its in the car, while I'm in my room, showering, and getting work done. This being said, I have way too many songs to list so I will list some of my favorite new found artists instead.
- Charles Kelley
- The Cadillac Three
- Eric Pasley
- Brothers Osborn

Shows and Movies:
I have been watching almost all my TV on Netflix lately, so most of the shows and movies listed can be found there. Please comment series suggestions on Netflix I am always looking for new shows!
- Blue Bloods
- Fuller House
- Vampire Diaries
- Super Natural
- Criminal Minds
- The Bachelor 

As always I'd love to hear some of your favorites as well and suggestions for new blog topics! Thanks for reading!

How to Earn Some Extra Cash

Life can get busy, so when your wallet is looking thin, it can be hard to earn money quickly, especially with all of the other expenses eating up your paychecks. I did some research and found a few ways to earn some extra spending money.
1. Take Paid Online Surveys - This is so easy. You can literally earn money from your couch. Yup, earn money from your couch! Some websites that offer this are.. My Survey, SwagBucks, or Survey Money Machines
2. Sell Old Unused Junk - Not only will you declutter, but you can earn some cash. Ebay and Craigslist are great sites to do this on.
3. If You Have a Talent, Use it! - There are tons of websites that you can sell homemade crafts, clothes, etc. like ArtFire or Etsy.
4. Babysit - This depends on your schedule and interest in kids, but this is a classic way to earn some extra money.
5. Tutor - You can earn $10 to $15 dollars per hour or even $75 with a teaching degree.
6. Participate in Research Studies - There are thousands of different research studies willing to pay for your time. Look for signs in doctor's offices or go online to find one that fits you.
7. Recycle - This can help earn a few extra bucks while helping the environment. Most bottles and cans offer 5 to 10 cent deposit when you take them to a recycling center as opposed to throwing them away.
8. Sell or Turn in Old Electronics - Some carriers like Verizon offer a service in which you can turn in your old phone for a new one. Another way to get some money from old, unused, or broken phones is to sell them. There are many websites like EcoCell and centers that will pay for old electronics.
9. Dog Walking - Pretty self explanatory but if you have a little extra time, dog walking gets you exercise and puts a few dollars in your pocket at the same time. 

While I was researching some more ways to earn money, I came across a website dedicated to helping people save and earn money quickly and easily. Whether you're earning or saving, check out The Penny Hoarder for tips, tricks, and advice.

Comment how you earn extra cash! Thanks for reading! :)

The Ultimate High Heel Guide

For some, shoes are just something to keep our feet warm, dry, and off the ground - but for me, shoes are part of something bigger. Shoes are the key to tying the perfect outfit together. I have always loved fashion. It has been a passion of mine since I can remember. I hope to go to college for, and later pursue a career in fashion as well.
As girls, many of us own more pairs of shoes than we can even wear, or at least more than we need. But do you really know the names of all the styles of shoes? I mean just about everyone knows the difference between boots, sneakers, heels, sandals, and flats, but do you know the difference between a stiletto and pumps? Well, here is a visual and descriptive guide of 25 different types of shoes and when to wear them.

Heels: Like all types of shoes, different heels are great for different types of events, but tend to be more formal or fun (and not necessarily comfortable footwear).

Stilettos - Stilettos tend to be more pointed with a skinny heel and are great for formal or business events

Pumps - Less formal, pumps are a bit more rounded and are better for going to a party or out to dinner.

Platforms - Platform sizes can range in size from about half an inch (which could be considered a pump) to a few inches high and are far from business, but perfect for a party.

T-strap - T-straps are basically what you'd picture: a strap shaped like a curved 'T'. These can come in many types of heels and therefore vary which occasion they fit.

More heel styles:

Thanks for reading and please comment ideas on what I should post next! :)
- E

Blogging!

So this year I am a senior in high school which is very exciting! I am currently taking a course called "Humanities" in which we are assigned to form a blog on a passion we have. The first thing that pops into mind is fashion, which has been an interest of mine since I can remember. I decided to get back into this blog instead of creating a new one, so here I am. I am excited to add some new posts and see where the pen and paper (or in this case, the keyboard), takes me.
I will be continuing to blog about fashion related topics and would love suggestions for specific topics. Please email me at eatalbot13@gmail.com or comment on any of my posts. Hope everyone has a wonderful day and I am so excited to start blogging again.

- E

Do's and Don'ts of Job Interviews

Job Interviews are tricky no matter how big of a deal they are. Your appearance is a super important even if you're just interviewing for a local clothing store. You could have the perfect resume but if you show up in yesterday's yogas and a top two sizes two small, the odds are you're probably not going to get the job. A company is looking for someone who will not only do their job well, but who positively represents the company.

Other Tips:
Don't...
Show up with wet hair, this shows bad time management and looks less professional.
Wear yoga pants or leggings.
Show undergarments.
Play with hair or nails and/or fidget.
Use bad grammar or mumble.

Do...
Have a fresh manicure. Even no manicure at all is much better than old chipped nail polish.
Go for simple, rather than bold, this applies for clothes, shoes, make-up, accessories etc.
Make eye contact.
Be friendly.
Prepare to answer common interview questions. This can help relieve nerves if you know what you're going to say and gives you time to come up with good answers.
Have a minimal to extensive knowledge of the company.

Smile and give a firm handshake.
Be truthful. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt when it comes to your strengths and honest when it comes to your weaknesses. It's okay to say that you're good with people or you struggle a bit with organization. This is the type of thing the employer wants to hear. It saves time and energy on both ends if you are honest, this way it's easier to tell if the job is right for you. If it's not, that's okay. It's better to find out now then after you get the job.



Thanks for reading!
xoxo - E http://redtoesandlacebows.blogspot.com/

Makeup Tips

As requested by the lovely Rebecca Gibbs A.K.A. Rxbxcca, this post is all about makeup tips. Whether you've been into makeup since you had your princess eyeshadow kit at age 6 or you have absolutely no clue what you are doing, there is always something new to learn about makeup. That is part of why I love it. The products and styles are constantly changing so there are always new things to try out. Although I don't wear a whole face of makeup everyday, I do love trying new products and trying out different looks for different occasions. Here are some tips i've found helpful over the years:
1. Applying a little white eyeliner to the inner corner of your eyes brightens up your whole face and makes you look more awake.

2. Adding a few drops of eyedrops to old mascara that is starting to clump will make it like new. You still should replace your mascara every few months but if you find it clumping or want to salvage a high end mascara this trick does wonders!


3. Want matte lipstick that lasts all day? After applying your lipstick, gently hold a tissue over your lips and brush on some powder.

4. Makeup, much like any other product, doesn't last forever. But how do you know when to get rid of what products? Mascara should be replaced every 3 to 4 months; eyeshadow, lipstick, and blush last 12 to 18 months; foundation usually last for about a year; and eyeliner can last up to 2 years. Some of you may have an amazing memory, but personally I can't even remember what I had for dinner last night ;) so whenever I buy a new product I sharpie on or use my label-maker to date when I need to get rid of that particular product, this way I can make sure all of my makeup is fresh.

5. Much like a curling iron for your hair, which won't work well without heat, the best way to get a good curl in your lashes, it helps to heat up your lash curler. Hold your lash curler (for 15 to 20 seconds) up to a blow dryer on high heat and viola, long lasting eyelash curls.


Comment some of your makeup tips! Thanks for reading and let me know if these were helpful so I can add more! :)
Xoxo
- E  http://redtoesandlacebows.blogspot.com/

Healthy Snack Ideas

Healthy Snacks:

PB Chocolate Bananas





This is such a great dessert substitute for cookies or a bowl of ice cream and it's so easy to make! This is pretty self explanatory to make. Just make some PB and banana sandwiches, cover them in melted chocolate, freeze and eat!






Yogurt Parfait

One of my new health food finds are chia seeds, which are super good for you. (I found mine at Trader Joe's, but you can get them at most grocery or health food stores.)
Chia seeds are small and aren't super flavorful so I have been trying a different few ways to eat them without really realizing that I was! My favorite is to put them in a yogurt parfait. Obviously you can add any toppings you'd like but I usually put fresh fruit and granola on my yogurt. I either mix the granola with the seeds before I sprinkle it on top or I just stir all the ingredients together. (The granola helps hide the seed texture if you don't like that sort of thing).








Air-Popped Popcorn

This is one of my favorite snacks and isn't too bad for as long as you don't load on butter and salt! You can buy a Popcorn Popper online for around $20 or if you have a farmer's market or health food store near you they might sell popcorn on the cob (which you can microwave in a brown bag). Then just add whatever toppings you'd like or leave it plain! If you're in the mood for something sweeter, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top.

Crackers and Laughing Cow Cheese 

These aren't exactly fat free but they are delicious and much better for you then a bag of greasy potato chips! Plus they are only 50 calories! It is a super quick and easy snack, perfect for school or work lunches.



Thanks so much for reading! Leave comments on your favorite healthy snacks! :)

Staple Clothing Items for Every Girl's Closet

Every girl's closet is different. Looking through a closet, you can tell a lot about its owner. Not just size or age but personality and style. Although everyone has different taste, there are a few staple items every girl should have in her closet.

1. A Little Black Dress - In my opinion, this was one of Coco Chanel's best works. The "Little Black Dress" looks good on every woman and has lived on since the 1920s.

"One is never underdressed
with a little black dress."
 - Karl Lagerfeld

2. A Blazer - This can be incorporated into most outfits. Worn with jeans and a white tee for a more casual look or dressed up for a more professional look.

3. Skinny Jeans - This goes with just about everything. No explanation needed.

4. White T-shirt - A simple tee can be dressed up or down and goes with everything.

 

5. White Button-Down - This adds a crisp, fresh look perfect for a professional looking outfit.

6. Pencil Skirt - Just like a blazer or a white-button down this is an essential piece for a clean sophisticated look.

  

7. Simple Cardigan - This is just another obvious necessity. 

8. Leather Jacket - The perfect go-to for an edgy look.

9. Jean Jacket 

10. Cable-Knit Sweater - Warm, cozy, and perfect for those colder months.

Please comment letting me know if you want me to do a 'Staple Accessories' post. 

Thanks for reading!