Celebrity Style Obsession: Hilary Duff

I feel like growing up (in the Lizzie McGuire Disney era) most girls my age wanted to be Hilary Duff, even Selena Gomez says that she aspired to be like Duff as a child.  Hilary loves to play with fashion, & different looks.  She experiments with different pant styles, patterns, dresses, skirts, scarves, & hats, always changing up her look effortlessly.  Throughout years & years of fame Hilary has always remained classy & stylish, & she comfortably goes from red carpet dresses to off duty jeans.  From single girl to married lady to hot mama Duff always looks fabulous, & is a celeb to look to for outfit inspiration.  Pictured here are some of my favorite looks the starlet has worn

Which of Hilary's looks is your favorite?

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Recipe: My Most Favorite Frosting

So my absolute favorite frosting in the entire world is cream cheese frosting.  Oh my gosh it's just so delicious, especially on red velvet cupcakes.  I'm seriously just hungry thinking about all that yumminess!  I got an amazing cream cheese frosting recipe off of a box of WillIams-Sonoma Gluten Free Red Velvet Cupcakes.

Ingredients: 1 cup cream cheese, room temperature
8 tbsp. butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions:
Combine using a mixer with paddle attachment. -Beat cream cheese on medium until smooth & fluffy, about 3 minutes.
-Add the butter, & beat again on medium for 3 minutes.
-Add the powdered sugar, beat until smooth & no lumps of sugar are visible.
-Add vanilla, beat until combined.
Makes about 2 1/2 cups frosting.

This frosting is so good I can just eat it straight, which is something I never do.  I highly recommend making this!  It will add a little something to any of your holiday baking!

What's your favorite kind of frosting?

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First Friday in December

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone has had a great week!  I think I'm finally starting to feel better, I just need a little more rest & I will be back in action, thankfully it's the weekend.  Since we've all made it this far here's my Five on Friday...

{1.} Celebrity Outfit of the Week Allison Williams in Oscar de la Renta at Winter Ball for Autism in New York City.

Photo Credit: people.com

Allison Williams always looks amazing & this look is no exception.  Like last week's favorite look I feel like this is just the epitome of holiday glamour.  From the on trend sheer sleeves to the big tulle skirt it is so chic.  This has been my favorite look all week & it blew the competition out of the water.
{2.} Crazy About Kate Kate Middleton has been on fire this week.  She first made headlines on Tuesday when stepping out to an event at Buckingham Palace while wearing the Lotus Flower Tiara.  This tiara dates back to the 1920's & was on loan from the Queen.  This was such a big deal because it is only the second time that Kate has worn a tiara, the only other time was two years ago on her wedding day.  Personally I think that Kate needs to rock a tiara more often.  Who better to wear one then the Duchess of Cambridge & future Queen of England?

Photo Credit: people.com

Next Kate made news when attended the premiere of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" in London while wearing a Roland Mouret gown.  Kate looked amazing (as usual), but there were two shocking things about this look: #1 was that Kate had worn this dress before & #2 was that it is suspected that her necklace was from Zara & only cost $35!  I really love that Kate wears dresses more then once & tries to work affordable pieces into her looks, I feel like it makes her more of an 'every girl'.

Photo Credit: people.com

{3.} My Kind of Christmas I don't think it's any secret that pink is my favorite color!  My freshmen year of college my parents got me a pink tree for my dorm.  It is the cutest little thing & just makes me so happy.  Even though it's a small tree & I consider the tree at home my 'real' Christmas tree, I feel so adult every year putting it up.  It is the ultimate girly tree with a feather boa used for garland, sparkly ornaments, & a tiara as the topper.  Since Thanksgiving & Christmas are so close together this year & I got stomach bug I think this is all the decorating my apartment will see this year.  I usually put up lights & other decorations every where, but I put up the tree on Sunday when I got back from break, & then I was out of commission most of the week & I leave for home a week from Monday.  I just don't see the point in going crazy (getting the lights up is a pain!) putting stuff up to only take it down a week later (all Christmas decorations have to be out of our rooms when we leave for break).  With a final next Friday & the following Monday, this coming week is going to be very stressful, & I've been getting anxious & home sick because of it.  For some reason Christmas-y stuff is just making that worse so I think I am just going to stick to my happy little pink tree!  Bonus: it's less stuff to clean up before I leave!

In all it's Instagram glory.

{4.} Links I'm Loving Here's a round up of some interesting links I thought you would all like.  They are filled with great fashion & beauty information!
17 Holiday Makeup Looks to Wear This Season from Cosmo: This is a list jam packed with pretty celeb makeup looks that you can recreate for any holiday party or night out. Holiday Makeup Inspiration from The Beauty Department: This is a step by step guide, from Lauren Conrad's beauty website, to get a 'Winter Frost' makeup look.  I am especially in love with the eye makeup! Winter Style Guide: What to Wear Now from People: A breakdown of six of the hottest trends of the moment, with celebrity pictures for inspiration. (Hint: Allison Williams' look above has one of them!) 5 Simple Steps to Unclogging Your Pores from Cosmo: This is an awesome 'how to' for getting your pores really clean, which will help you to achieve glowing skin. JewelMint Jewels from Fash Boulevard: I love everything that Anna wears, but the look in this post will serve as great inspiration for a holiday look.  From the jacquard dress to the metallic accents & the chic bun this look is pure perfection.
{5.} Christmas Pajamas I am really big on pajamas lately.  I like to keep my room on the cold side when I'm sleeping, not freezing, but cool enough that you need warm pjs & comforter (my Dad read somewhere that that's better to sleep in a lower temperature, so my parents have been doing it for years & I swear by it!).  The best part of this is that there is nothing better then sleeping in super soft pj's while you're wrapped in your cozy blankets.  Since it's the holiday season I'm loving the idea of Christmas pajamas, it's just so cute!  Here are some fun options:

P.J. Salvage "Merry Wine" / kensie "Always a Deer" / P.J. Salvage "Dog"
I own a few pairs of P.J. Salvage pajamas & they are so comfortable & I highly recommend them.  They always have super cute kitschy prints like the dog ones, which I'm loving.  I picked the kensie pair because they look so cozy too & the cute reindeer print is very festive!
Well that's all I've got for today!  If you're doing any holiday shopping this weekend don't forget to check out all of the Gift Guides/Wish Lists I put together that are chock full of gift ideas.  Also keep a look out for my last one some time next week.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!

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Tech Accessories Gift Guide

I made this 'Gift Guide' for Meghan's blog.  I have a stomach bug & didn't feel well enough to do a new post so I thought you guys would enjoy this too.  It goes hand in hand with the other wish lists I have created.

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7 8  /  9  /  10  /  11  /  12
As I'm sure you can see I tried to keep a pink & gold theme with all the items.  These colors are so popular right now & will add a little pop to any accessory.  There are so many cute options & buying a tech accessory is a safe bet because everyone has some form of technology in their life!  I am in love with #8 because it is a modern take on the instant camera.  I've always wanted a Polaroid one & this is just the same (but more reasonably priced!).  I also cannot stop thinking about how adorable the Kate Spade Bow USB is, I am obsessed with bows & this is so clever!  I would love getting any of these as gifts & I'm sure any lady in your life would love them too.

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Fall Photoshoot

Have you seen my new About Me page? Or my new introduction on the top of the side bar?  They both feature gorgeous pictures taken by one of my sorority sisters, Kelly Ryan.  Kelly is so talented & after school she wants to be a photo journalist (which I predict she will be super succesful at!).  We took photos on 2 days at different spots on campus.  The majority of pictures were taken behind the on campus mansion that we had our sorority initiation at.  We cannot figure out what that area it used to be, but it made for a pretty backdrop with all of it's cool deconstructed staircases & doorways.  We had a blast climbing around back there & exploring, it's an awesome place!  These are the pictures from the shoot, I am so thankful to Kelly for taking them!

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Christmas Wish List: Baking

Everyone has a lady in their life that loves to bake, this list is for her!

1. Pink Melamine Measuring Spoons Set of 4 Pretty pink measuring spoons are a fun addition to any kitchen!  I got these last year from a friend & love them. 2. Pink Melamine Measuring Cups Set of 4 Pretty measuring cups will also spruce up any kitchen.  Pair these with #1 for a cute (& inexpensive) gift set. 3. Tovolo Spatulas in Fuchsia Set of 2 Your recipient can scrape her bowls in style with these fun spatulas. 4. Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Bakeware Set This set is perfect for someone in a new home, it is all the baking pans they will need to be set up.  The Goldtouch is top quality making this a great gift. 5. Gingerbread Boy Copper Cookie Cutter There's nothing I love more then gingerbread at Christmas, I especially love them when they are traditionally shaped, & this cookie cutter will help you achieve just that! 6. Deliciously G-Free: Food So Flavorful They'll Never Believe It's Gluten Free by Elisabeth Hasselback If you have anyone who is gluten free in your life this is the perfect gift, it is packed with amazing recipes & the book's name holds true. 7. Ad Hoc Gluten Free Cake Mix in Red Velvet Who doesn't love red velvet?  With this mix anyone in your life who is gluten free can enjoy it too. This mix has my big stamp of approval, it's delicious! 8. Bow Peep Josephine Apron No one wants to get messy while baking & this apron will help them to stylishly stay clean. 9. Black With White Bias Oven Mitt With Bow Pair 2 to make a set, & the perfect present for your chic baker. Bonus: KitchenAid Ultra Power 4.5 Quart Stand Mixer If you are looking for a big ticket item for the baker in your life this is it!  I got the pale pink one last year for Christmas & am obsessed with it.  It is really something that every baker needs!
Any of these will make for great gifts & will help to add some style to anyone's kitchen!  Which item is your favorite?

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Christmas Wish List: Accessories

1. ASOS Turban Headband These headbands are my favorite way to keep my ears warm in the winter.  It makes a great stocking stuffer for the fashionista in your life. 2. Nashelle Initial Disc Charm Monograms are everywhere lately (& I'm loving it!), this is an unexpected take on the trend especially for a girl that has everything in her life monogrammed. 3. Tortoise Shell Bangles - Set of Three Tortoise shell is a neutral, meaning that these will make a perfect present for anyone. 4. Glitter Cateye Sunglasses in Gold Glitter Every girl loves a little sparkle, especially around the holidays & these chic shades will give her just that! 5. Fiercely Spotted Leopard Mitt Glove These gloves combine two huge trends right now: leather & leopard, add in the fact that they will keep the recipient's hands warm & you've got the perfect Christmas gift. 6. Kate Spade New York 'Ring' Wool Blend Gloves Everyone knows that getting engaged around the holidays is a big deal, gift these to the girl in your life who just got a ring on her finger so she can show off that she is engaged even when she has gloves on! 7. Rebecca Minkoff Kerry Pouch in Scarlett Give this to the girl in your life that straddles the line between naughty & nice, this pretty pouch will let her pick which she wants to be each day. 8. Lulu Faux Fur Infinity Scarf  Infinity scarves are everywhere right now, & this faux fur one will make for a great gift. 9. Kate Spade New York Neon Bazooka Metro Watch Who wouldn't love to get a watch for Christmas?  Bonus: The bright wristband on this one will add a pop to any outfit! 10. Kate Spade New York Small Square Studs These are super versatile & come in 13 different colors, meaning that you can surely satisfy any of the girls on your list with them!
Will you be gifting any of these?

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Christmas Wish List: Nails

1. Butter London Backstage Basics Butter London makes great nail polish & this kit that includes their base & top coats is a must have for any nail obsessed girl! 2. Ciate Tree Trinkets This set gives you pretty polishes in ornaments, it's so cute! 3. Ciate Mini Mani Month This is an Advent calendar filled with 24 different nail art minis.  It will make for a very festive gift! 4. Deborah Lippmann Big Bang 12 gorgeous holiday shades from celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, what more could a girl want? 5. Nails Inc. My Nail Polish Diary Packaged in a fun nail diary, this set includes a polish for each month so it's the gift that keeps on giving. 6. Bio Seaweed Gel Unity All-In-One Colour Gel I read about this on people.com & seriously need to get it!  It's a gel polish that includes a base & top coat, hence it's all in one name.  People explains that it "cures in the sunlight in two minutes, actually strengthens nails instead of destroying them and doesn't peel."  It's a better gel manicure that can be done at home! 7. Formula X For Sephora ASAP 3D Nail Appliques With so many fun patterns this strip manicure is an awesome stocking stuffer. 8. Nails Inc. Monogram Manicure  This cool kit allows your to make messages on your nails with the letter appliques that it includes. 9. Nails Inc. Bling It On Rose Gold What girl doesn't want a blinged out manicure?  This kit gives you just that!   10. Ciate Feathered Manicure Feathers have been a big trend for a while & now you can get them on your nails with this cool kit. 11. Ciate Caviar Manicure Luxe This is such an awesome concept, the recipient will be able to give themself a 3D manicure with the included caviar pearls. Bonus: Ciate Nail Lab This is the ultimate gift for any nail polish lover, with it you can create your own polish (with glitter too!), put it into a bottle & name it.  You can also do all different designs with the included tools, it is the coolest at home nail studio that exists!
Have you picked up any of these for friends or family?

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