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I just joined Bloglovin, which means that following my blog is now easier than ever! Yes, I sound like a commercial, but I am a marketing grad after all...

Anyway, I cannot wait to get to know more of you!

Click here to respond to my "commercial" and follow my blog with bloglovin! <3

xoxo,

Sarah
@itsalovelylife

Almost a year older...!

1) Set of Professional Makeup Brushes - $60 - Sephora; 2) Cuckoo For You-oo Necklace - £11.50 - Eclectic Eccentricity; 3) Vintage Floral Dress - $31.50 - The Wooden Spool; 4) Peter Pan Collar Blouse - $38 - Urban Outfitters; 5) Ultra Chi Pink Straightener - $129.95 - Ulta; 6) High Pigment Eyeshadow Palette (66 colors) - $24 - Urban Outfitters; 7) Vintage Granny Ankle Boots by Gucci - $115 - James Rowland Shop; 8) Black Bow Headband - $20 - Jennifer Birge; 9) Quilted Detailing Bag - $228 - Kate Spade

The last several months have been so busy that I almost forgot that my birthday is coming up next month! While I figure out with whom and how to celebrate it, let me direct you to some fabulous items that have been on my radar for quite a bit, all perfect gifts for me by the way...

First up, a few essential items that I need for my daily getting-ready routine:
* Makeup Brushes - Since last Christmas, I have been looking for a really nice set of professional makeup brushes, and I am just about sold on the ones above from Sephora. With ten assorted brushes bundled in a lovely pink pouch, this set is just the thing for budget fashionistas (like myself) with expensive taste.
* High Pigment Eyeshadow Palette - While we are talking about makeup, I must say that I am ready to take the advice of all the fabulous web makeup artists (as made famous by youtube) and invest in a high pigment eyeshadow palette.
* CHI Straightener - Investing in a quality product is definitely worth it when it comes to hair and makeup. Over the years, I have probably purchased and worn out three cheap straighteners (all rough on my hair). In college, I was spoiled by my roommate's CHI, and I have been wanting one ever since. The one above from ULTA is even on sale right now! 

The other items included are versions of things that I really love right now:
* Unexpected Charms on Jewelry - Since I have an obsession with Germany, it fits that this cuckoo clock necklace strikes my fancy. Matryoshka dolls (or Russian nesting dolls) as charms are also looking great on necklaces. Leave it to me to love anything foreign-inspired. Even when I am not traveling to other countries, my clothing and accessories possess hints of other places. 
* Floral Dresses - While we were working through our spring trend series on DFOF, I wrote up a piece on floral dresses. I am especially fond of bright floral prints, preferably with exposed zippers.
* Peter Pan Collar Blouses - This design is so cute. A little childish with a hint of sophisticated, any fitted blouse with a Peter Pan collar grabs my attention. They look best in some kind of print, either in muted or bright colors.  
* Quilted Detailing on Anything - Whether it is spicing up a leather jacket, cotton bag, or printed skirt, quilting is one of my favorite details right now. I am especially digging this chic Kate Spade bag with simple square quilting.
* Bow Headbands - I love this headband by Jennifer Birge! Even though I have seen and loved this designer's work before on Etsy, I was reminded of how gorgeous her pieces are after she was featured in the last issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine along with Kelsi and me (aka, the Dedicated girls).
* Prairie Girl Boots - Also called Granny boots, I have pretty much been obsessed with these boots for six or more months. I always loved the style when I was a kid, but I need a new "grown-up" pair for my current fashionising.

Now that you know what to get me, how should I celebrate? Ideas please!

xoxo,

Sarah
@itsalovelylife

Featured in N.E.E.T. Magazine!!

Earlier this year, Dedicated Follower of Fashion was contacted by Stephanie J, N.E.E.T Magazine's editor-in-chief. She asked us if we were interested in being guest writers for the March issue of the magazine, and we could not have been more delighted or excited to be a part of it!

The March issue of N.E.E.T. was focused on sustainable, eco-friendly fashion, so the Dedicated girls helped paint a picture of four amazing brands devoted to these standards in design. Our spread in its entirety is called Green Piece.

My first article in the spread starts on page 92. I wrote about Suno, which is a unique new brand based in New York and produced in Kenya. Definitely read the article on your own to learn more about the label's creative director Max Osterweis and what led him to create Suno in the first place. It is quite an interesting story!

By the way, Suno just showed its first collection at New York Fashion Week this season, which pretty much means this brand has ARRIVED in the fashion industry. It was an absolute pleasure corresponding with them and having the opportunity to write this article!

My second article begins on page 128. I interviewed the lovely trio behind Jackson, Johnston & Roe. Based in Brooklyn, this brand encourages its fans/wearers to create sustainable wardrobes through staple pieces. As noted in the article, the label succeeds in this effort by focusing on classic shapes and simple lines. And as a bonus, all designs are produced locally. Three cheers for social responsibility!

Wow, it was such an amazing experience to work with N.E.E.T. for this issue. There is something so wonderful about seeing your name in print!

When you go over to read the issue (because I know you will!!), I am featured on pages 92-107 & 128-138.

March 2010 issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine:
neetmagazine.com

xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

P.S. Kelsi (aka, DFOF's editor) also wrote some wonderful articles on behalf of Dedicated Follower of Fashion. Check out her features over Lu Flux & Adhesif on pages 108-127.

I've always wanted to live in a store...

This has already been a crazy busy year, but I LOVE it! New opportunities find me all the time, and some/most are absolutely mind-blowing. I am very fortunate! In my newest fashionable endeavors, I may have the opportunity to do some freelance stylist work. More details later if the opportunity works out, but the possibility of the job gave me an idea:

As I was cleaning my bedroom this evening, I realized that there is just not enough room for everything in my closet. I can get things put away, but I always end up forgetting about what I have because things get crammed together. So I am thinking about a bedroom redesign--possibly resembling a stylist's closet. Instead of keeping clothes only in my closet, I want to get some smaller rolling racks for the main space. I have some shelves that are not going to any real use, so I can use that area for hats and headbands.

I would love to have a bedroom to be used almost like my style office. It would be the perfect inspirational environment in which to write my fashion articles, and I could bring clients in to choose outfits for shoots. Plus, none of my clothes would get lonely or forgotten anymore!

This could be fun...almost like living in a mini boutique! I will keep you updated on everything!

xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

Today's Winnings

 

It has been quite a wonderful day! I spent the afternoon hanging out with my younger sister (she is also one of my besties!!). After a nice, VERY-filling lunch, we hit the malls to work off a few pounds before heading back to watch (500) Days of Summer. The shopping trip was really successful for us both. Check out my "winnings" (pictured above) in detail below:

1) Free "Be Stupid for Successful Living" t-shirt from the latest issue of NYLON Magazine - What a wonderful way to get people to buy NYLON. My sister and I often share issues of mags, but getting a free t-shirt enticed us into buying our own copies. Funny thing is: I rarely wear t-shirts. This one is pretty cool though!

2) Latest issue of NYLON Magazine - This magazine is so hip, fresh, cool, creative, etc, etc! Not your typical fashion magazine and always an interesting read, I dream of writing with them one day. On my way!

3) Boho Magazine, Issue No. 6 - Just discovered this New Jersey-based magazine in the bookstore today, and I am quite possibly in love. Upon every turn of the page in this green fashion magazine comes something very whimsical and pretty. Plus, every issue is printed on recycled paper! 

4) Feather Earrings - Not sure how it happened, but until today's shopping trip, I did not have any feather earrings. These were cute and only $3.50 from Claire's, so "cha-ching" went my card! Who carries cash anymore anyway?

5) Gold & Cream Dress by Rampage - Sometimes you happen upon those dresses that look just as great on the clothing rack as they do on you. Seeing and trying on this dress led to that kind of lovely experience. By the way, it was on sale for only $16.99. Now that is an absolute steal!

6) Leopard Ruffled T-Strap Pumps by Madden Girl - I love t-straps, animal print, and pumps...ruffles are debatable. Combining several good things can sometimes lead to a disaster, but, in this case, it worked. Even if it had not, these pumps were only $12.99. Once again, CHA-CHING! 

Until next time...

xoxo,

Sarah

@itsalovelylife

Modeling the free tees from our NYLON mags!

I saw it first Miley!

The Grammy's have come and gone already, but people are still talking about the fashions on the red carpet. As I was admiring the celebrities in their designer wear (labels that I look forward to wearing one day), I was most excited by Miley Cyrus' choice of a long-sleeved, Hervé Léger mini dress. Some called it a bit casual for the Grammy's, but I loved it, especially because of the tie-dyed material. In fact, I loved it when I first picked it out on the catwalks and featured it in my article reviewing the collections during NYFW S/S 2010. It feels good to be on the same wavelength as a celebrity! What can I say? We have great taste!

Check out my original New York Fashion Week article on Dedicated Follower of Fashion (scroll down to "Night Life").

Plus, if you love the dress as much as Miley and me, it will be in an auction (February 8-18) to benefit Haiti relief efforts. Way to go Miley! 

xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

Your English Is Good!

Once you have been around me long enough, you will discover how much I adore music. Not only is it a fabulous means of expression (a bit like a journal), but musicians are often seen as trendsetters. Just remember the Sgt. Pepper look from the Beatles or the recent revival of military attire by Coldplay with Viva La Vida. And do not even get me started on Eisley; they definitely have their own kick going (quite possibly responsible for bringing skinny jeans back), and most only wish they could keep up!
 
All that to say, music inspires me, and it influences the fashion industry. This evening, my lovely sister introduced me to Tokyo Police Club's video "Your English Is Good," which is filled with very stylish individuals enjoying a summer day. I want to join in the fun chronicled by this adorable group of friends!

See for yourself:



xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

P.S. In other news, I am ready for spring and cute floral dress wearing!