Monday, February 28, 2011

Oscars Dress Review

Cate Blanchette
 I'm loving Cate Blanchett's dress. I like the unique details and the toga-like draping bottom half.

Mandy Moore, Michelle Williams, Halle Berry
 I love the nude trend this year.  I always think women in nude looks great because it takes the emphasis away from the dress and onto other beautiful areas such as skin and hair.

Jennifer Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lawrence, Penelope Cruz
 There were was a lot of redness on the carpet this year. Personally I'm not feeling it. However, if I had to choose a red winner, it would be Anne(minus the red lips).

Mila Kunis
BEST DRESSED= Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.  Can I have this dress in white for my wedding dress? Just a little more fabric so it's not see-through and it's perfecto!

I didn't even get to see the Oscars because I was studying, but at least I saw the lovely dresses.


Pics from: www.guardian.co.uk, www.celebuzz.com, www.stylelist.com, www.smallscreenscoop.com

Monday, February 21, 2011

Going for a walk

Hottie!





Hi All.  I hope everyone had a nice weekend. It was waaayyy too short if you ask me.  These pics are from a few days ago when we had one nice warm day(what a tease).  I felt like inspector gadget with my trench coat and fedora.  Charles and I went for a walk.

For those who wanted the recipe that I made on Valentine's Day...here is the recipe for the Red Lobster style Cheddar Bay Biscuits.  I substituted heart smart bisquick instead of the regular and I also used smart balance spread instead of butter.  Either way works so you can make these when you want to splurge and when you want to save on those calories.

C.P.: Old Navy jacket and jeans, Van Houssen button down shirt, Rare air Jordans, aviators(random).

Jo: Gap trench coat, Forever21 fedora, acid wash Keds via Free People, H&M crop pants.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Valentine

Don't you love the card Charles made for me!






Typically the only pics with both of us look like this


This was our Valentine's day. I made Scallops, brocoli and cheddar bay biscuits.  The buscuits were made using my healthier version of the original recipie and they were the winner of the night.  Charles made me a card and picked up some lovely prosecco for us. Good times. 

Jo: I am wearing a pink apron with little white flowers that Charles' mom made me about a year ago.  It is so great and I wear it whenever I can.  She really is a talented seamstress.

:-)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Markdown Mondays


This Back in Brisbane dress can be found at Modcloth.com for $48.99(Originally $69.99).  It's very basic but whenever I look at this website, this dress keeps catching my eye.  It's one I could be wearing over and over again.  Throw on different jackets for different looks. Black leather jacket, nude cardigan, etc.  Also the waist is very flattering, I can see lots of belts belonging here.

This Jocelyn Satchel was found at Shop Suey boutique.  It is marked down to $29.99(originally $58).  I haven't ordered from this place yet but many of the handbags come with youtube videos so you can see inside, the size, etc.  I find this a very unique and useful feature of this shop.  This bag is an easy one to throw on with any print or basic in any season.  I have made a vow to myself to only buy satchels from now on because I love the hands-free shoulder strap option. 

As a person who does not wear perfume, body spray, or scented anything, let me tell you about this product.  This is a cucumber melon triple moisture body cream.  I love this scent because it smells natural and subtle...it actually calms me.  There are so many fragrances that i'm sure you will find one that suits you just as I have.  As a nursing student, I intern at several hospitals and wash my hands about 50 times per day.  Therefore, my hands get super dry.  I have been using this lotion at night and my hands have improved dramatically. There is a deal going on at Bath and Body works. If you buy 3 products, you get 2 free.  They have this triple moisture body cream, regular body lotion, bath wash, body spray, etc in this scent and many many others. Basically you can get 5 products for about $30 (originally $50).


First off, let me apologize for this tiny image.  You don't know how long i've been sitting here trying to make it work.  I'm kind of computer illiterate and i'm getting frustrated so i'll just take the L on this one.  Anyway, I didn't want to leave this K-Dash by Kardashian Cape with Pull-through belt out.  Charles hates me for this but I like the Kardashians.  I watched them live on QVC this weekend and the spring collection has improved so much since their last collection.  This is my favorite piece and I am eyeing it in the darker cognac color since I already have a khaki colored trench coat similar to the color above!  You can throw this over anything and it instantly becomes stylish.  Jeans and a T just got chic! I'm loving this!  My fav of the day!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day.  The weather was so wonderful today.  Charles and I had a nice home cooked meal and he made me the best handmade card.  I'll share pics later.  G night and happy shopping!

P.S. Let me know if you purchase anything from Markdown Mondays.  I'll post a pic of you and your new closet addition.(And a link to your blog if you have one) :-) 

P.P.S. Do people still use p.p.s'? I think the last time I've seen it was in middle school when I was writing notes to my bff and putting in her locker between classes.  Anyway, when I reach 20 blog followers i'm going to be doing a giveaway! So get ready to enter to win!



Saturday, February 12, 2011

Tips For Stylish People on a Budget






 Hi Everyone. Here are a few pics I took before making steamed veggie dumplings and watching a movie with Charles.

As most of you probably already know, this week is NYC Fashion Week.  It has prompted me to do a lot of thinking about fashion this week.  While I love looking at some of the lastest trends and getting some ideas/motivation, there is so much of the fashion world that I don't like.  It seems as though whatever is put on the runway is considered a must-wear by so many, even if it is hideous! Another big thought of mine is...how the hell do fashion bloggers, many who are students, afford to spend $400 on a pair of shoes or $350 on a dress or $1000 on a handbag?

Most people are limited in their spending...me being one of them! For those of you who don't know, i'm a nursing student.  Prior to going back to school, I worked as a group fitness instructor.  Such a fun and challenging position but not so lucrative.  Since i'm in an accelereated second-degree full-time program, working is out of the question.  I want to use this blog to show that you can be creative and look great with any budget.  Some of the key ways to accomplish this are...

Johanna's 7 Tips for Stylish People on a Budget:

1) Use season-less pieces- Try to buy clothing that can work year-round.  For example, a tunic that can be worn in warm weather with leggings and sandals and in cool weather with skinny jeans, boots, and a chunky sweater.

2) Layer- Mix and match with layering. Just keep adding layers on in different ways to create several looks.

3) Consider thrift shops your best friend- Don't be affraid of your local Salvation Army or Good Will stores.  There are so many great finds.  Even if an item is too big, a belt to accentuate your waist can do wonders. Always wash your finds before wearing.

4) Stick to classic pieces- I recently purchased a Gap trench coat.  I feel like I can put it on with anything and it makes the outfit look chic and stylish.  Also, I know I will have it for years. Classic pieces don't go out of style...that's why they are so great

5) Remix- This is when you take one piece of clothing and wear it several different ways.  Take some time playing dress up.  I do this without putting it on sometimes.  Laying things out on your bed works too.  For example: Start with a floral short sleeve blouse.  Look through your closet and find as many different outfits as you can with this shirt to maximize your wardrobe. Maybe you will pair it with skinny jeans and a blazer.  Next you can wear it with polka dot wide leg trousers.  Next you can put it with a black maxi skirt.

6) Nails and hair-  Changing your hair style and nail color may seem small but it can give you different looks.  For example: A high bun and bright red nails.  Hair down and wavy with light ballerina pink nails.  A braid and teal nails. 

7) Accessorize- Don't be afraid to accessorize.  Wear a fedora and small stud earrings, put on a scarf, tie a turban out of a scarf, wear a belt at the waist, wear a wide headband, wear a beanie and some hoops, etc.


Jo: Bakers combat boots, target skinny jeans and black faux fur jacket, gap t and cardigan, Anthropologie clutch, necklace from Hecho a Mano in Puerto Rico.

About my outfit: Hecho a mano means "made by hand."  They have some lovely pieces.  I try to go everytime i'm in PR.  (They have other locations and an online store too)  Also, the black faux fur jacket was found on the clearance rack for $17 bucks! I'm so proud.

Well, I am blabbing on too much so, Do you have any other tips?
Have a great weekend and I hope you will come back soon!  :-)


Monday, February 7, 2011

Markdown Mondays

So, my smart friend Charli suggested I do a discount shopping post once a week.  I decided to do "Markdown Mondays."  There are so many great deals out there, but here are my picks for this week and some quick ideas on how I would wear them...

Stock up on basics at the Gap.  This asymmetrical gathered T is $17 with the coupon code GETGAP30. It was originally $30.  I'm thinking some black hareem comfy pants and flats for going to class or running errands. Get it here

Midnight Merriment Clutch

Beaded Synergy Clutch
I always love Anthropologie for their lovely prints. These clutches are so key to give some spice to a basic plain outfit.  The Midnight Merriment Clutch is $39.95 (originally $168). The Beaded Synergy Clutch is $49.95 (originally $188).  Definitely my fav of the day!

Check out this Free People Almost Famous Fur Jacket. It is $69.95 (originally $248).  I would wear it with dark skinny jeans and a T just like Karla did here...



Need Supply has so many cool pieces to choose from.  This Ruffle Skirt by Erin Brinie is $56 with coupon code EXTRA30 (originally $136). I would try to funk this out with a black tank and a leather moto jacket.



Zappos has tons of shoes in their clearance bin.  My pick are these Type Z Panema wedges. They are going for $69 (originally $129).  I just want to throw these on with my tribal print jumpsuit.


Hope you have a nice and quick week. Happy shopping!  :-)

Don't forget to follow the blog on this page and on twitter  too! 

Friday, February 4, 2011

Melt Please!


C Looking good as always






Look how high the snow is!

It's been such a crazy week, but we managed to take a few pics in the snow.  I am anxious for spring.  That way we won't freeze while snapping photos!

I love this jumpsuit i'm wearing. I can't wait to wear it with sandals and not have to cover it with a sweater.

Don't forget to follow on the blog and on twitter too! :-)

Jo: H&M jumpsuit and scarf, F21 cardigan(ooooold), thrifted belt, Nike sneakers

HAPPY FRIDAY!