Christmas Style

Here are some cute and stylish pictures of my Christmas!  We went to my Aunt Lou Lou's house, so it was a FANCY event.

Aunt Emilie, Christine, Me, Memere, and Grant

My cousin Christine and my Aunt Emilie

Sparkly Feet!  We got Em silver Uggs for Christmas, so cute!

Emilie got tired by the end of the day...

Then her and Grant played with their new iPhone 4S's

Silly iPhone pics!

Merry Christmas from Small4Style!

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Gossip Girl Royal Wedding Preview

Leighton Meester's Vera Wang Lovestruck ad campaign

Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf is marrying the Prince of Monaco in January.  Blair is getting married in an iconic Vera Wang, which makes sense because Leighton Meester is the face of Vera's fragrance Lovestruck.  And of course, it wouldn't be a Blair outfit without a headpiece!  So whose Royal Wedding dress is more fabulous, Blair's Vera Wang or Princess Kate's Alexander McQueen?

Blair in a Vera Wang wedding dress

Princess Kate in an Alexander McQueen wedding dress

 Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

DSquared2's Ice Skate Heels

Have you heard about these high heel ice skates?  Rachel Zoe is lit-erally going bananas about DSquared2's new designer skates.  If anyone wears these to go skating at the Galleria Dallas this Christmas, let me know (just kidding!).  I wonder if Johnny Weir would wear these?

DSquared2 High Heel Ice Skates

Love him...

 You can get a similar style from Jeffrey Campbell...

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Simon Doonan as the Cranky Elf

This video is from Christmas 2009, but it's one of my Christmas favorites!  Simon Doonan is the Creative Ambassador-at-large for Barney's New York, and Jonathan Adler's husband.

Simon Doonan with Jonathan Adler, groovy!

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Project Runway All-Stars

As a true Project Runway fan, I'm so excited for the All-Stars season, premiering January 5, 2012.  Fan favorites and the drama-causing contestants from past seasons are back for another chance to win Project Runway.  I have my picks for the final 3, but you never know who will be in or out on the runway in January!

Austin Scarlett is one of my favorites from season 1.  I loved it when he would put on makeup and curl his hair.  When he was on Runway the first time around, he was criticized for his feminine couture fantasy looks.  He said he would always be himself no matter what the judges said.  But seriously... mustache or makeup, I think he needs to pick one!



 

Mondo Guerra was robbed out of the win in season 8.  One of the biggest outrages in reality TV history, I'm still furious Gretchen won.  But Mondo is back, and I'm predicting he'll be in the top 3!

Sweet P made it to the top 5 on season 4, and I loved her mini-collection on the All-Star special in 2009.  I think she was always an underdog, I'm looking forward to her collection for this season.


Other contestants include Rami Kashou, Kara Janx, and crazyo Kenley Collins.  I can't wait!  Remember to watch on Lifetime January 8, 2012!

**All photos are from mylifetime.com

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Celebrating the Season in Style ... The Mansion

The first semester is finally over and Christmas is just around the corner!  So I had to celebrate in style, at the Mansion on Turtle Creek with my friend Jessica and our moms.  I've known Jessica since 2nd grade, she's an actress/model/ballerina and goes to Loyola Marymount.  Going to the Mansion for lunch was so much fun, and FANCY! 

Jessica Long and Mrs. Long (left) with me and my mom (right)

Jessica looked glamorous in an LBD and faux fur collared sweater.  She completed her look with some fierce boots!

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Trendsetter: Fur Shrugs

Fur is one of the most decadent trends of the season.  Fur shrugs are a nice alternative to a fur coat, and you can make the look your own with faux fur!

Photo Credit: V Magazine

 I love this hot pink fur wrap, so ski-chic!  The Dior purse is also a nice touch.

Photo Credit: Harper's Bazaar

Bernie of New York "Marabou" Shrug, Nordstrom $245

Get the look with this ostrich feather shrug from Nordstrom!

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Small4Style Interviews Amy Schroeder of Simply Chic Jewelry

Amy Schroeder, owner of Simply Chic

Who doesn’t want to look Simply Chic?  Well, lucky for us, there is a Dallas-based online jeweler that offers Simply Chic pieces at reasonable prices.  Amy Schroeder is the brain behind this gem; Simply Chic is for anyone who wants to accessorize without spending a lot, which is something we can all appreciate! After graduating from Mississippi State, specializing in Fashion Merchandising, Amy worked in New York honing her skills for the fashion industry. I got a chance to talk to Amy about how she started Simply Chic.

Fashion runs in Amy’s family, her cousin and two aunts work in the industry as well. Amy always wanted to start her own business, so it was easy to combine that with her passion for jewelry. She says “People can change an entire outfit just by accessorizing and Simply Chic is a great way to achieve that without spending a lot of money!” Every week, Amy features “statement pieces as well as some everyday pieces.” She makes sure “that each item is not limited to one outfit or occasion.” After receiving my own Simply Chic jewelry (Yeah!), I saw that the quality is incredible, and her pieces are so unique.

Amy Schroeder cleverly utilizes Facebook to sell Simply Chic’s fixed-price jewelry during auctions every Monday night at 8PM.  She posts pictures of available items on her wall, and customers comment on their favorite pieces including “SOLD” and their email address to purchase the item. So when people comment and “like” the page, their friends will find out about Simply Chic as well.  PayPal makes it easy to pay; plus, there is free shipping on every order!

As I always like to find out, Amy’s style is “classic and trendy”.  Her style icons are Katie Holmes and Kate Middleton. Her advice for those of us that want to work in the fashion industry is “never be afraid to take chances. The ‘fashion world’ can be scary, you have to be willing to take risks to achieve your goals and succeed!” 

So remember to check out Simply Chic’s next auction Monday December 19 at 8:00 PM central time.  Purchases from Monday’s auction will arrive in time for Christmas, so pick up your last minute gifts from Simply Chic!  Like Simply Chic on Facebook, and follow Simply Chic on Twitter @Simply__Chic.

How the auctions work

Pearl Necklace and Earring Set, $15

Bracelet, $19

Necklace, $15

Necklace, $14

Necklace, $15

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex 

Lauren Scruggs

Me with Lauren Scruggs at the Jean Paul Gaultier press event in November

I met Lauren Scruggs at the Jean Paul Gaultier press event in November.  Not really knowing what to do at such an important event, I was standing alone when Lauren introduced herself.   Lauren came up to me and had said had read some of my blogs on SMUStyle.  Lauren was also a SMUStyle blogger at one time.  She put me at ease right away with her outgoing and friendly personality.  We hung out together at the event and even tried to get a picture with Jean Paul, but, of course, his handlers shut us down.  

I was so struck with how gracious and kind Lauren was to me.  It was so impressive that someone in her position in the fashion industry would approach me and be so genuine.  I mean, I’m just a freshman and she has her own online magazine, LOLO Magazine!  This is something that I will never forget even after spending just a few hours with her.  She had made such an impression on me. 

I was so shocked to hear what had happened to her.  I felt compelled to share her story with you.  From all the news stories and her website, it sounds like she is handling this like she would handle anything else in her life: with determination, courage, and grace.   If you would like to learn more about Lauren and make a donation to help with medical expenses, please go to LOLOMag.com or her CaringBridge site.   Please keep her in your prayers.

Absolutely Fabulous is back, Sweetie-Darlings!

Dahling, they're back!     Photo Credit: http://www.bbcamerica.com/absolutely-fabulous/

Pop open a bottle of bubbly, British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous is coming back in January!  Everyone’s favorite fashionista duo, Patsy Stone and Eddy Monsoon are coming back for a 20^th anniversary mini-season.  Those of you who haven’t seen Ab Fab are missing out on the fashionable shenanigans of magazine editor and international fashion icon Patsy and BFF / PR agent Eddy.  From going shopping for “little gorgeous things” to obsessing over French designer  Christian Lacroix, there is never a dull moment on Ab Fab.  So grab your best gal pals and do your British accent, the first episode of the 3-episode special is Sunday January 8, 2012 on BBC America and LOGO.  Set your DVRs!

Bubble, Saffy, Eddy, Mrs. M, and Patsy     Photo Credit: http://www.bbcamerica.com/absolutely-fabulous/

I'm as excited as Patsy is!

Christmas List: For The Stylista

Kate Spade Sunglasses Nordstrom $128

Sewing Bracelet - ModCloth $30

Marc by Marc Jacobs Scarf $198

Calvin Klein Faux Fur Vest - Nordstrom $98

Prada Candy Perfume - Nordstrom $80

 Gifts for your favorite Stylista!

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Christmas List: For The Tech Savvy Fashionista

Gifts for the tech savvy fashionista!

iPhone Case - ModCloth $10

Phone Hanset Nordstrom $29

Kate Spade Laptop Case $60

Marc by Marc Jacobs phone/camera case $42

Penguin USB Drive - Best Buy $30

 Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex