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

Currently Craving

Spring Favorites

Below is a collection of some of my favorite Spring 2015 round ups. You'll notice the blush, ice blue, and mint color themes going on. Everything here can be found online and at reasonable prices. Of course, LC Lauren Conrad and Modcloth provide many of the choices, my go-to brands of choice. I hope this board provides a bit of inspiration and happiness thinking of the beautiful season ahead! Happy shopping.

Spring 2015 by amandabrezovsky featuring LC Lauren Conrad

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.

Put a Bow On It

Sequins

Blue Skirt, Modcloth: Similar, Bow Sweater, LC Lauren Conrad: Exact, Pink Glitter Flats, Steve Madden: Similar, Pink Glitter Purse, Charming Charlies: Similar

Add a little extra charm to any ensemble by putting a bow on it. This pink LC sweater with a gold sequined bow on it looks feminine and feels soft and cozy. Just the perfect thing to cuddle up in on a chilly autumn day. Plus it adds just the right amount amount of cheeriness to any environment. The pink sequined flats and pink sequined purse tie right in to the happy relaxed feel of the outfit. Finally the blue midi skirt. I love pairing blue and pink and especially love the midi length for chillier days. During this time of year, when the outdoors start looking drab, I like to add anything fun or whimsical into my wardrobe. Bright colors especially help brighten the day during the "winter blues." Even though winter technically is not here yet, it sure feels and looks like it outside.

Black & White Plaid

Thanksgiving Look #3

Banana Republic Plaid Skirt, New: Exact, Target Riding Hat, Old: Similar, Ann Marino Black and White Heels, New: Exact, Black Quilted Bag, Old: Similar, Banana Republic Quilred Top, New: Similar

I have to say I am a little more than obsessed with this outfit. The pattern and textures are what get me. The bag and top both have a quilted texture and the fit and flare skirt has a plaid pattern, always in style and chic. The flippiness of the skirt feels fun and gives swishy movement every time you walk. To top off the look, a black riding cap. I'm such a fan of hats, I wish women and men alike would wear them more often. This ensemble looks fresh and yet has such a classic feel to it, which makes it perfect for my Thanksgiving look number three. This look has a minimal feel to it, but packs a big punch with its feminine details like the quilting and plaid. A fail safe with the black and white combo, this is sure to be a winning look during the holiday season.

Sweater Dress

Thanksgiving Look #2

LC Lauen Conrad Sweater Dress, Old: Similar, LC Cream Crop Sweater, Old: Similar, Nine West Leopard Heels, New: Exact, New York & Company Brownze Belt, Old: Similar, Lulu Oxblood Satchel, New: Exact

Another look I love for Thanksgiving is a sweater dress in colors that remind me of the season. This LC dress being a wine color with accessories of leopard print heels from Nine West, an oxblood colored satchel from Lulu's, and a bronze colored belt from New York and Company. All the colors have a warm and cozy feel to them which is perfect for a Thanksgiving get together. Is the weather a bit cooler where you live? Simply throw on a crop sweater on top of the dress to add the extra layer of warmth.

Thanksgiving Inspirtation

Stripes

Black and Tan Stripe Dress-Modcloth (Similar), Black Embellished Clutch-Vintage (Similar), Leopard Heels-Nine West (Similar), Statement Necklace- Forever 21 (Similar)

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I find myself getting more excited than ever for the upcoming holiday season. With that comes social gatherings with friends and family alike that are always filled with laughter, reminiscing, and great conversations. To me, the holiday season is one of the best times of the year. I anxiously await it and the dazzling style that comes with it. Once the holidays hit, I like to bring out pieces that incorporate embellishments into them, whether it be actually on the piece or added with some jewelry. This dress from Modcloth reminds me of Thanksgiving with its black and tan stripes. Easy and comfortable for a big family gathering or a smaller intimate one. Add on some statement jewelry to add that little bit of sparkle. The leopard heels from Nine West feel perfect and add a nice pop to the outfit. Finish with a clutch, this embellished one from my mom, in black.  

On a side note, I did a "no makeup" look with this dress. Basically, a look of highlights and contours with subtle mascara and a nude lip. Taylor Swift recently did a magazine cover doing the no makeup look and I thought, why not try it? While I definitely love my go-to, this was a nice change of pace and felt fresh. 

Travel Log

Valley Forge

For the past few years my dad and I have been making a mini vacation out of his seminars for work. He usually goes to the Valley Forge one, to my delight, and we always have a great time. While he's at the seminars, I'll go to the King of Prussia Mall or go down to Valley Forge to walk around. This year, we had the Silver Beaver awards dinner while we were in Valley Forge, so we had to make a trip back up home and then back down in the same day. We always get out to eat once or twice on the trip. This year and last we went to Creed's Seafood and Steak. It has a great atmosphere with cozy seating and a menu to rival any big city. I usually get the Scottish Salmon. Our hotel has the best bistro in it, with booths that have tv's built into the walls. Breakfast and sometimes dinner are a must there. The nice thing about Valley Forge in the beginning of November are the leaves still being on the trees. Up in NEPA, most of the leaves are down and any that are still hanging on have lost their brilliance. I have so many memories of Valley Forge and the general area surrounding it, whether it be from these trips or when I lived there for a few months, this area will always have a special place in my heart.

A Major Award

The Silver Beaver

On  Friday November 7th, 2014, my dad was awarded the Silver Beaver for his dedication, hard work, self-sacrifice, and years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. I could not have been more proud of him. It is the highest award one can receive in the council level. The night went by so quickly, but was quite memorable and one I will not forget. I gathered and prepared all of the photos for the slide show that was given during my dad's introduction. Seeing all of the important moments of his life and hearing the lovely talk was inspiring. I was asked to escort my dad and to stand with him while he was presented with the medal, certificate, pin, and square knot. To my surprise, I was also given flowers that were beautiful and smelled divine. I was more than happy to capture the night and also a big thanks to Justin for photographing my dad and I while we were up by the podium!

From the BSA, The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. It is given to those who do not actively seek it.