Peter Pan Collars

Peter Pan collars have become a regular in the fashion scene as of late, but it's not easy to find classic pieces with this collar that will live on once this trend is behind us. Finding necklaces in this shape is an easy way to be trendy yet not be locked in forever.

 

Check out these options:

 

 

 

Topshop

 

 

Wallis

 

 

Hot Topic

 

 

Carolee

 

 

Topshop

 

 

 

 

I personally love this new trend - it's an easy way to dress up a plain dress, tee or sweater.

It adds just a touch of glam to something that may be a little less dressy on it's own.

 

 

Peter Pan collars - a do or a don't?

 

Hnady Dandy: How to Fix Broken Eyeshadow

 

 

Ever come across this in your makeup vanity and think that it's now meant for the trash? You can salvage your broken eyeshadow and keep them in rotation!

 

 

Scoop all remnants of your broken shadow into a separate bowl.

 

Crush remnants until you are left with a finely ground powder.

 

Slowly add rubbing alcohol in, creating a paste. Be careful not to add too much!

 

Stir/mix the paste until it's even throughout and add back into your eyeshadow container.

 

Set aside for a few hours so paste shadow settles.

 

Gently press paper towel on shadow to absorb any extra moisture and to help mold shadow into place, if necessary.

 

Voila! You saved your eyeshadow!

 

 

BDIB: Oxblood

 

The theme for this Bloggers Do It Better challenge is oxblood - the IT color for fall.

 

You can see my previous submission for BDIB: Sequins here.

 

 

 

Oxblood is not just maroon or bordeaux or wine...it has a hint of brown mixed in with the burgundy. Such a perfect fall color...makes me think of rich wine or dark colored leaves.

 

I had pants that were PERFECT for this challenge but alas, they were still needing to be hemmed. Luckily I had just purchased this cardi and it had oxblood all over it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Target Cardigan / Target Tank / J. Crew Trouser Jean / JustFab 'Krisily' Wedges / Coach Tote Purse / JewelMint 'Daphne' Necklace / Pyramid Rhinestone Earrings (similar)

 

 

 

 

Even my lipgloss was an oxblood shade!
 

I told you I was loving my sock bun - it was just right for the weather since it's been raining non stop. And no joke, the humidity was at 100%. Hence the flyaways framing my face.

 

 

You can see the other bloggers sporting their oxblood on the BDIB link up here!

 

 

Red Carpet Fashion: Emmy Awards 2012

I actually missed watching the red carpet arrivals for this year's Emmy's but thankfully I was able to play catch up on my DVR and with online pics :)

Julie Bowen

Tina Fey

Sofia Vergara

Kat Dennings

Allison Williams

Kerry Washington

Kaley Cuoco

Emily VanCamp

Julianne Hough

You can see more red carpet looks here.

Photos via JustJared.com

SYTYCD Winners!

Congratulations to Cheyon & Eliana!

Check out their duet - "The Nutcracker Suite"

Luxe for Less - Valentino Rockstud

 

Today's "Luxe for Less" post is dedicated to the Valentino Rockstud Slingback T.100

 

 

 

 

The ladylike kitten heels combined with tough metallic pyramid studs is the latest brought to us by Valentino. The combination of nude and black leather is a classic color combo with a bit of an edge perfect for those ladies who like to mix it up. Grit & Glamour has been rocking her red pair all over Instagram (follow her at @gritandglamour). You can rock them too in any color combo you choose for just $895.

 

 

I prefer the 'nicer' price point offered by Shoedazzle's "Erin".

 

 

 

 

 

Erin is the Rockstud's cheap little sister at just $39.95 - but when I saw it, I instantly knew where the inspiration came from. It's missing a few pyramid studs on the top strap, but aside from that you have a pretty awesome deal on a luxury style!

 

 

 

So what's your pick?

 

Valentino or Shoedazzle

 

Cheers to One Year!

The Pretty Factor is officially one year old!

 

 

Technically it turned one on Friday but oops, I forgot.

 

I cannot believe one entire year has gone by since I started this little blog. I didn't even know what I would blog about or how consistently I would blog, but over the year I stuck with writing on things that interested me no matter the subject.

 

I have hosted a giveaway, participated in a Bloggers Do It Better challenge, shared some outfit posts (examples: here and here), recipes (examples: here, here and here) and even experienced my first Fashion's Night Out! I joined Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bloglovin' and I even have my own fancy cards to share...you can even shop my closet!

 

This has become such an enjoyable journey for me. Regardless of whether or not it's read or shared or commented on, it has become my own place to express myself about all the different things I love. I hope this next year brings even more joy with the hopes of new doors being opened for me to experience new and exciting things!

 

Thank you to those who have supported this little project of mine - I hope you will continue to follow along and see where The Pretty Factor goes in year two!

 

 

Friday's Five

My five favorites this week...via Instagram

 

 

 

#1 - I love this phone case snapped up by Saucy Glossie.

 

 

 

#2 - Keiko Lynn got a great shot at the Betsey Johnson show.

 

 

 

#3 - Great view of NYC's skyline by J's Everyday Fashion.

 

 

 

#4 - Marie Claire had such a great view of this Badgley Mischka gown. LOVE.

 

 

 

#5 - Check out this braided mani caught by Lucky!

 

 

OOTD // Seaweed & Coral

I wore this Seaweed & Coral outfit this weekend for church. It's such an easy dress that can easily be dressed up or down. And I love throwing on a denim jacket over dresses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Target Dress (similar option) / Old Navy Denim Jacket / Jessica Simpson 'Astor' Shoes / Necklace (similar options here, here, here, here & here) / BaubleBar Bracelets / Guess Watch / Jessica Simpson Sunglasses (similar option)

 

 

 

 

And I am totally loving my sock bun. I practiced this all through Tropical Storm Isaac and now I am almost a pro. Practice makes perfect - check out the 'how to' here!

 

Handy Dandy: How to Stretch Shoes

Want to stretch out shoes that are just a bit too tight?

 

You will need just one plastic sandwich bag for each shoe, water and your freezer!

 

 

 

Fill up plastic sandwich bags with water, just about half way.

Squeeze out any excess air and seal bag.

Insert this bags into your shoes and freeze overnight.

The newly formed ice block will stretch out your shoes as it expands.

Allow the ice to defrost for a few minutes so you can gently ease the bag out of your shoes (be careful not to 'rip' the bags out).

Try on and repeat steps if necessary.

 

 

 

I have done this several times and it has stretched out my shoes to just the right fit!

 

 

 

*Photo via.

FNO 2012 Recap

In addition to the other birthday celebrations I had, the main event was attending a Fashion's Night Out event in my area. The event was held at Neiman Marcus in Fort Lauderdale. I zipped on over after work and dove right in!

 

 

 

 

 

The highlight at this event was a fashion show featuring the new fall fashions from the store. The crowds were heavy - I was lucky enough to get there a bit earlier and snag a seat.

 

 

 

 

 

The opener was this sweet little eleven year old named Julia Dale, who happens to be the Miami Heat's little good luck charm. :) Her voice was incredible!

 

 

 

 

 

And now the fashions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neiman Marcus even had a surprise guest for the evening...

 

 

 

 

Karina Smirnoff from 'Dancing with the Stars'!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had such a great time at FNO - I can't wait to check out next year's events!

 

 

Tell me...did you do anything on Fashion's Night Out?

 

 

Birthday Festivities

Last Thursday was my birthday but it's been celebrated all weekend long!

*I'll share my Fashion's Night Out experience tomorrow since that will be a long post.

 

I arrived at work to find balloons tied to my chair and cards lined up on my desk. My sweet coworkers gifted me with gift cards to Starbucks and the movie theaters. I even got a box of six delicious cupcakes!

 

 

 

 

 

My sweet parents gave me this pretty white leather Coach purse - I love the silver trim!

 

 

 

 

 

On Saturday, my friends hosted a barbecue/pool party for my birthday.

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate at all - totally ironic because it was blazing hot all day long until we left our house! Typical.

My friends gave me some great gifts - a photo tray and some cute jewelry!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To wrap up the weekend, the Hubs and I went to church (that included taking a few pictures for an outfit post to come sometime this week!) followed by our married couples Bible study group. They had a mini celebration for my birthday too and even decorated my place at the table with a plate of my favorite treats. :)

 

 

 

 

 

Overall it was a great way to ring in my 32nd year.

 

I am super blessed by having special people in my life. :)