Anything But Basic

Date Night

Happy Thursday everyone! The weekend is almost here and I know that makes me one happy girl. With that comes date night and the ever challenging question of what to wear? I was feeling a vintage mood, honestly when am I not??, and decided on this beautiful tulle dress from Target from a few seasons ago. Since the temperatures can dip quite low in the winter, I wanted to layer a shirt underneath and went with a polka dot pattern from LC Lauren Conrad. To kick it up a notch, I added this beautiful fascinator from Modcloth, pictured below, and my favorite leopard heels from Nine West, also pictured below. To complete the look, layers upon layers of pearls. The earrings are replica of Jackie Kennedy'sand pictured below.

Anything But Basic by amandabrezovsky featuring a layered dress

Styling Your Vanity

Pretty Little Things

My favorite time of the day is when I'm sitting at my vanity and getting ready for the day ahead. It's a time to relax and primp, which to me has always been quite fun. I wanted my space to reflect my personal loves and have a feeling of delicateness and romance. I knew right off of the bat that I wanted white furniture. It feels pretty and clean. Next, adding antique dishes for showing off some of my jewelry. I really loved the idea of having my jewelry out and also using it as a decoration. It's much easier getting ready when you can actually see what you own. Along the same lines, I wanted my makeup brushes to be out and keep them in a pretty candle holder and also a little decorative stiletto shoe my mom surprised me with. What vanity would be complete without a mirrored plate to keep perfume, little mementos, and flowers on? Really, anything can be stored on the plate and makes it feel oh so very feminine. Scattered here and there are little personal items such as a framed photograph of Justin and I along with little photos I place on my mirror, seashells from family vacations, a cork from my birthday in Hyannis Port last year, a crystal bear from my grandmother, and lastly a wand that has purple and blue stars, moons, and star dust. The wand was given to me as a child from my dad. It's something I've always loved and treasured and keep it in a prime spot where I can always see it. One of the last items on my vanity is an antique mirror and brush set my mom gave me. Having an extra mirror to hold up close comes in handy when you're applying eye liner and mascara.

Styling Your Vanity by amandabrezovsky featuring Pier 1 Imports

Backpack/Bucket Bag

Over sized Scarf

Accessories have always been a favorite of mine. They can make a casula outfit look elegant and vise versa. I have absolutely fallen in love with my Melie Bianco bag (brown and black still avaliable) that I got in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It is actually a backpack bag with an extra strap usedto convert it, but I always carry mine as if it were a bucket bag with the single strap. It's large enough to carry all of my essential items, but not too big that it overwhelms. Also, this over sized plaid scarf from Target (multi-color still avaliable) keeps me snuggly warm during these freezing temperatures in Northeastern Pennsylvannia. What's not to love?

Backpack & Bucket Bags by amandabrezovsky featuring crossbody handbags

A Joyous Announcement

Happy Valentine's Day

Today I am so thrilled to announce our pregnancy. I took these pictures for a photo announcement card that was sent out to our family and friends. Baby Brezovsky is on the way! Justin and I could not be any more excited. We are literally brimming with happiness as we await our little one to join us. Now that the second trimester has started, and I am feeling much better than in the first, I can finally start planning and preparing the nursery and all the little details that accompany the arrival. How fitting to share this news during a holiday that represents love and caring. 

Pretty Pink

Valentine's Day Dress

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is almost here and with that means Valentine's Day is one more day away! I simply cannot wait and I'm also so excited to share some big news with you on the day devoted to love. I've had some much fun getting these outfits together this past week. The inspiration for this outfit came from Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's. In the scene where she comes home from a party, she's wearing a bright pink dress with a big bow and sparkling pink tierra. This Jennifer Lopez for Kohls dress with tiny bows at the waist instantly reminded me of the dress, mostly because of the standout color. Since the weather is on the freezing side in my area, I added a soft pink chiffon blouse underneath from Modcloth. The blush sequined purse from Target really adds a celebratory feeling and compliments the dress rather nicely. I wanted to pile my hair into a high bun and added a dainty LC Lauren Conrad pin for a simple touch.

Pretty Pink by amandabrezovsky featuring a floral pencil dress

Decorate Yourself

Valentine's Day Jewels

I gathered some of the jewelry that I wore in my past two posts for Valentine's Day outfits, Soft Romantic Colors and A Pop of Red. The rose gold bow ring and the pearl necklace were Christmas presents from Justin this past Christmas 2014. He knows me quite well! I love how pearls elevate even the simplest of outfits and truly go with everything. Rose gold has been a new favorite of mine and of course I'm such a sucker for anything with bows. The rest of the jewels are inspired by pretty soft pinks, some red, and hearts to go with the lovely romantic theme.

Valentine's Day Jewelry by amandabrezovsky featuring a j.crew necklace

Pop of Red

Valentine's Day Outfit

Happy Wednesday everyone! For this Valentine's inspired outfit I wanted something a little more relaxed, but still stylish and of course that pop of red. The blouse, with its beautiful tie bow neck, is from Modcloth and the ankle jeans from LC Lauren Conrad. Ankle jeans are great for anyone who is vertically challenged like me. I'm only 5ft 2in and find that most jeans are too long for me. Anything titled "short" or "ankle" fit usually work best. The red heels from Connie and pretty pink clutch round out the outfit. Notice the chocolate covered caramel apple? A great treat for anyone on Valentine's Day. Absolutely delicious. Shop similar styles below. The Second pair are jeans are the exact match.

Pop of Red for Valentine's Day by amandabrezovsky featuring a houndstooth shirt

Soft Romantic Colors

Valentine's Day Inspiration

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I could not be any happier! All this week I'll be getting ready for the big day, plus I have a big announcement that I cannot wait to share with everyone. It's one of those holidays that makes you appreciate the one's you love and show them that you care. I love to wear soft pinks or bright reds mixed with gold or whites for any Valentine's celebrations. For this look I wanted something very soft and romantic. I went with an LC Lauren Conrad pink chiffon blouse with a rhinestone peter pan collar and an LC creamy white tulle maxi skirt. Gold sequin heels from Enzo Angioloni and a vintage beaded clutch with roses on it finish off the look. Shop similar styles below.

Soft Romantic Colors for Valentine's Day by amandabrezovsky featuring a gold handbag

Spring Trends

2015

Sure, some of us are still in the dead of Winter (me included), but why not start thinking about the beautiful Spring season that awaits? Spring trends have already started popping up and I have been searching around for some nice additions to my wardrobe. Spring has always been my favorite season to buy for. There's something about the fresh renewal and bloom going on all round you that makes life feel good. Then again, it could be the sunshine and warmer weather too! Below are some of the top trends for Spring 2015.

Pleats:

Pleats always seem to be in style no matter what year or season it is. It's a style I simply adore and have plenty of in my closet. Pleats feel so feminine to flutter around in.

Blush and Lace:

It's no secret how much I love blush colored outfits, especially ones made out of lace. The romantic quality of lace really has it as a year round fabric, but especially for Spring with its delicate and feminine nature. Equally so, blush seems to be a color worn more throughout the year where as once it was only seen in Spring. Basically put, you can never go wrong with this pale pink color.

A Vivid Trench:

There's nothing like breaking out of the winter doldrums with a bright colored coat to liven up the Spring season ahead. The trench is the perfect Spring accessory by being light enough for the warmer afternoons, but still just enough to keep you warm when the temperatures dip in the morning and evening hours.

Ice Blue:

Blue has always been a favorite color of mine and this Spring its icy hue is taking center stage. Pair with with some silver metallic accessory's to keep with the cool feeling. 

Travel Log

Pittsburgh, PA

Back in early December, the 3rd and 4th to be exact, Justin and I traveled down to Pittsburgh for his companies Christmas dinner. We stayed at the Sheraton in Station Square which had the most beautiful view of the Pittsburgh skyline. I could have sat and stared out the window for hours. Once night time fell, we dressed for dinner and hailed a taxi to take us up to where the restaurant was. The view from there looked out onto all of the city. Simply spectacular, though I did not bring my camera to the dinner. The next morning, we both had room service bring our breakfast, a first for us!, which was probably the best part of the trip. This trip was right before I started getting sick too, which I still am battling, but hope to be better soon. With out further ado, here are some images from our quick trip.

Christmas Photo Shoot

Michael, Caitlin, Bruce, and Kenzie

I was so happy to be able to photograph my brother and his girlfriend along with their two little Jack Russell Terriers Bruce and Kenzie. The shoot went great and was so lovely with their tree and the string of twinkle lights I brought to drape everyone in for some added festiveness.

Winter Coats

Stylishly Staying Warm

One of the most important parts of a winter wardrobe is the coat you wear. When trying to stay warm in the chilly temperatures outside, all people will see you in is your coat. I've acquired a few different ones over the years and wanted to share some of them here.

To start with is my camel coat from Victoria's Secret. It seamlessly goes with everything because of its neutral color and fabulously cinches in the waist with its belt. It's my favorite coat by far and the one I wear the most.  The next one is my mother's white Icelandic wool coat that comes with a hood, gloves, and scarf. It's a long coat reaching down to my ankles and probably the warmest coat I've ever worn. The Polar Vortex has nothing on me while I'm snuggled in this beautiful coat. Next are for when the temperatures are a bit warmer and you can get away with just a sweatshirt and vest. The blue vest, with an interior sweater liner, is from Sarah Jessica Parker's old line Bitten for Steve and Berry's. Remember that store?! The blue puffer vest lends a chic way to stay warm while foregoing a heavy jacket. My next style, also from SJP's Bitten line, is a black and white hounds tooth coat with the perfect pop of red leather gloves. I wear these gloves all the time since they bring such a brilliant color to the wintery white backdrop. My last jacket is from American Eagle and one that I wore mostly in college. It is a blue plaid pea-coat that is perfect for any sporty type of event such as hiking in the woods or cutting down that Christmas tree.

Sparkle and Shine

Celebrate

DSW Sparkle Pump, Old: Similar, H&M Embellished Midi Skirt, Sold Out: Similar, Forever 21 Embellished Gray Tank, Old: Similar, Replica Jackie Kennedy Waterfall Earrings, Exact

When it comes to celebrating I always like a little, or a lot, of sparkle and shine in my ensemble. There is no greater time to shine than at New Years Eve. The holiday practically begs for everyone to dazzle their brightest. While this look is every bit of a party outfit, it is still comfy with the soft jersey tank and midi length skirt, great for keeping those legs a little warmer during these bitter cold days.

Winter White

Creamy

Tulle Skirt, LC Lauren Conrad: Exact, Snowflake Sweater, LC Lauren Conrad: Exact, Red Suede Heel, Marshall's: Similar, Red Shoulder Bad, Banana Republic: Similar

Ah winter white, one of my most favorite colors. I look forward to this time of year when I can pull out all of my winter white clothing. This beautiful shade has more of a creamy feel to it than stark white does. It seems lately that I've been pairing most of my outfits with red accessories, which since it's the Christmas season, seems quite appropriate. No other color gives that "pop" sensation like red does. Also, the LC Lauren Conrad sweater is so soft and comfortable you cannot help but feel cozy and warm in it.

Blushing Beauty

Oxford Cutie

Pink Sheath Dress, Jennifer Lopzes: Exact, Pink & White Oxford Shoes, Modcloth: Similar, Pink Clutch, Target: Similar

I was very excited to receive this pink sheath dress from Jennifer Lopez's collection at Kohls. The ever so subtle shimmer means its perfect for a night out or a festive holiday party. While red, green, gold, and silver are the popular colors for the season, why not stand out in a pretty feminine shade of pink? Amp up the cool girl vibe by swapping out pumps for some oxford flats. Your feet will thank you by the end of the evening. A mid sized clutch allows you to store all of your essentials while still being sleek and chic.

All That Glitters...

Is Gold

Gold Dress, Modcloth: Exact, Red Suede Heels, DSW: Similar, Gold Clutch, Target: Similar

There's nothing like a gold party dress during the holidays. Not only is this great for Christmas, but also for ringing in the New Year. I gravitate toward anything that glistens, shines and gives off the ever so subtle sparkle. To me, that sparkle means its a time to celebrate and party with friends and family. The gold sequins of this dress twinkle to give off the most festive feeling. With gold, I like to keep things either monochromatic or to inject some pops of color in, this time with red. The holiday season gives the perfect excuse to get all dolled up, especially with some sparkle!

Fancy Fête

Lovely Lace

Teal Lace Dress, H&M, Similar, Teal Suede Shoes, DSW: Similar, Green Beaded Clutch, Vintage: Similar, Emerald Neckalce, Jackie Kennedy: Exact, Emerald Bracelet, Jackie Kennedy: Similar, Emerald Earrings, Jackie Kennedy: Similar

Nothing says femininity like delicate lace. When I saw this dress during my visit to Valley Forge, I thought how much I liked the midi length and the long sleeves for the chilly winter weather. Add in the lace and floral pattern and you have one knock out of a dress. I wanted to stick with the green/teal color to create a monochromatic look and chose suede heels, a vintage beaded clutch, and replica emerald jewelry of Jackie Kennedy's. I tend to lean toward suede heels in the winter because of the heavier fabric and how it feels dressier. This teal dress from H&M is sold out in this color, but still available in a creamy nude. I also adore how little skin this dress shows, but still flatters my figure in its shift form.

Posh at the Party

Holiday Soiree

Posh Party Dress, Modcloth: Similar, Posh Party Skirt, Modcloth: Exact, Red Velvet Heels, Marshalls: Similar, Red Clutch: Similar

This is one of my most favorite dresses that I own. You cannot get anymore 1950s looking than this. As soon as the holiday season comes around, I whip out this dress from Modcloth and start planning all of the parties I'll be wearing it too. The fit and flare style flatters all figures and the bright pop of red brightens the black and white satin and velvet of the dress. I wanted to wear my hair up to revel the beautiful deep V-shape in the back. A ballerina bun feels fun and elegant, but any up-do will look fantastic. This is the absolute perfect holiday dress for me and I feel at my most glamorous in it. It embodies everything I adore about a dress and with the red accents, it feels oh so very Christmas-y. This dress, which is sold out in the black and white, but is still available in Teal or a silver and black skirt, can be worn to any number of occasions from a formal holiday party, cocktails with friends, a holiday work party, or even an elegant date night out.

Holiday Glamour

Red and Gold

Red Fit and Flare dress, Modcloth: Similar, Gold Sequin Purse, Jennifer Lopez: Similar, White Feather Hat, Vintage: Similar, Gold Sequin Pumps, Enzo Angiolini: Similar, Gold Pearl Necklace, Forever 21: Similar

There's something so festive and energizing about red during the winter and holiday season. It's one of my go to's when choosing an outfit, especially a party one. The eye-catching color and sparkly sequins are sure to get you noticed and stand out from the crowd. Of course, using a bright red lipstick felt appropriate. I read that heat signifying shades, like bright red, hot pink, orange, and yellow trigger energy levels. Wearing a lipstick, shirt, or dress in those shades during the winter keeps you feeling cheery and excited when feeling down from the dreary weather. I used gold as the neutral color, which pairs so well with red, in all of my accessories. A nice little vintage feather hat feels ever so classy without feeling too over the top.

Lady Like

Tulle

Blush Tulle Skirt, Modcloth: Exact, Black Turtleneck: Similar, Black Sequin Clutch, Steve Madden: Similar, Blush Sandal, Zara: Similar

Sigh, this is the skirt dreams are made of, well mine are at least. I have such a love for tulle skirts, especially ones that make me feel like a ballerina. While the skirt is very feminine, the other parts of the outfit are neutral, which balance each other out giving a nice lady like effect. I choose black as my neutral here and opted for a blush tone with the heels instead of black. It blends nicely with the skirt and also gives the illusion of longer legs. This is a perfect holiday outfit might I add. Glam, yet understated and completely lovely.