Baby it's Cold Outside... REALLY COLD!

Being raised in Florida, and then moving to Texas I think it is pretty safe to say that I am NOT a cold-weather type of girl! Although I love the cold - especially during the holiday season with some hot chocolate in a red Starbuck's cup- finding something warm and cute is not always easy. Until of course, you find the secret pieces that will make your wardrobe 100 times more comfortable and cute! 

My secret ... oversized sweaters, leggings, knee-high boats and chunky necklaces! It is the solution to all our freezing cold needs! I have never found a more comfortable outfit... As many of you know comfort is not something you should really aim for in fashion. But in the case, I actually like to consider "comfort" as effortlessly chic. 

Stores such as J.Crew are allowing us to indulge in the trend as well. Not to mention they are the ones who began my obsession to chunky necklaces, and their pixie pant (leggings) are to die for along with their cashmere boyfriend sweaters. 

So before this becomes an ad for J.Crew, all I have to say is... Staying warm has never been quite so fabulous! Go out and buy all different types of leggings, sweaters, and necklaces and I promise you you will never be cold or unfabulous again! ((until summer of course...))

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

As you know, Christmas is right around the corner. I could not be more excited about the overflow of christmas lights everywhere I turn. Although I will always argue that Christmas is in fact the most wonderful time of the year, there are points it can get tough. Which ones? Well, the gift-giving part. 

Although we all love to go shopping when it is for ourselves, shopping for that special someone or everyone is not quite as easy. Sure, they may give you a christmas list if you are lucky but what about those that say they don't want anything?! Those are the tough ones! This is why we have to be forever grateful to Neiman Marcus and Ken Downing. 

On November 20th, Downing debuted the Ken Downing Gift Collection, which includes gifts from under $100 to over $1,000. From selections such as fabulous handbags to adorable home furnishings, he has thought of something for everyone in our lives - whether it be our litter brother or sister, or a teacher!

So now that shopping is fun and enjoyable too, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! So stop worrying and get jolly! 

Happy Holidays! Xo

CH CAROLINA HERRERA + SMU RETAIL CLUB = PERFECTION

Yesterday’s Retail Club event at CH Carolina Herrera was truly unique. The high-fashion brand allowed SMU students to enjoy 20 percent off of all merchandise.

Girls and guys shopped the latest styles while sipping on champagne and eating cake balls donated by Toni Rivard. Many girls walked out with new purses and wallets while guys left with beautiful button down shirts - perfect for interviews or nights on the town.

The event was such a success that CH Carolina Herrera extended the discount until Sunday, November 24^th. This extension allows students and faculty members who missed the event to stop by and enjoy the perks of being part of such an amazing club and buying from such an amazing brand!

Do not miss out on your chance to buy Christmas gifts and treat yourself to an end of the year gift; maybe even buy something to get motivated for finals! We all deserve it! Unfortunately, it was Retail Club’s last event of the semester, but it was so great that it should hold us over until January, when the excitement will continue once again! Until then, I will have to find our fashion fix elsewhere!

FASHIONABLE WEEK TO COME THANKS TO THE SMU RETAIL CLUB!

Next week Fashion Retail Club is hosting two events that you must attend. The biggest events of the semester are sure to be fabulous.

First and foremost, the Fall Fashion Show will take place Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Meadow’s Taubman Auditorium. “Woodland Wonderland” will feature the latest trends from Gypsy Wagon, along with cake balls and Starbucks. SMU students are collaborating in making the event a total success. Aside from hosting, they are taking on the roles of models, make-up artists, promoters, and the DJ.

As if the fashion show wasn’t enough, towards the end of the week SMU Retail Club will host its monthly event at CH Carolina Herrera in Northpark Mall. The event will be on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. It will include a 20 percent discount for all attendees, along with refreshments. The 20 percent off is exclusive to affiliates of SMU.

As the event planner of the club, we are very excited to announce this event, as discounts at luxury stores are rare to come by! The discount is not limited; it includes everything from jewelry, home decor, fragrance, and clothing to most importantly handbags! I am very, very excited to take full advantage and get all my Christmas shopping done!

I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the events that Retail Club has set up for you! It will be an exciting week, and we hope to see you all there!

Retail Club Hosts Fabulous Event at LUBLU!

Tuesday night, Retail Club hosted yet another fabulous event. This time at SMU's student, Kira Plastinina, store - LUBLU.

The night included customized LUBLU cookies along with champagne. The event gave a chance for SMU's most fashionable to mingle and shop this seasons collection. Guests received 10% off along with their new VIP card.

The VIP card for this month included discounts to Hemline, L.Bartlett and Piermarini to name a few. Aside from fabulous discounts, it also included a free class at Pure Barre! Definetly a VIP card worth getting!

All in all, it was a fabulous night filled with the latest trends, excellent company, and amazing perks. I recommend everyone who missed the event to attend the next one which will be hosted at CH Carolina Herrera on November 22nd. Retail club events are a great way to make a stressful school week better. I mean what's better then some shopping therapy with friends and discounts. Right!? 

Finding a Unique Costume for an Out-of-the-Ordinary Night... 

Halloween is just around the corner, and the biggest challenge of all is finding the perfect costume. Finding a full costume that’s perfect at party city is like finding Chanel flats on sale- possible, if you go on the right day, but not very likely. Most of the time, sizes are sold out, and the ones available are missing a piece or need fixing. Desperate and in need of three costumes for the weeklong festivities, I ventured out to see what I could find.

I decided that the best way to go is to create a costume, or to go to a temporary Halloween store such as Halloween City and Spirit, because they only focus on Halloween. They have a lot more to choose from, and since they are only temporary, not a lot of people know where they are. Most of them move every year, so searching online is the best way to find the store.

Here you can find full costumes very easily. I found my first costume here, and I absolutely love it. So easy! Of course, there is a downside: everything is final sale. For me, this is a problem because I am always indecisive and usually do not like what I buy by the time I got home. Other than that, it is a great option, especially if you are trying to look for a group or couple costume because they put all costumes and accessories by category.

My second costume is from Costume World, a costume store that is available year round and specializes in rentals. Costume World is in many states, and is perfect if you are trying to go all out. They specialize in costumes for theater shows which comes with great advantages; however, high quality comes with a high price tag, and you do not even get to keep it. Considering that one is always exhausted after Halloween, it could be a hassle to drive far to return it, but I thought it was well worth it because I found the perfect costume!

Last but certainly not least, my own creation. Drained after going to so many Halloween stores, I decided to make my own costume with the pieces I have. Costumes such as a clown, Greek goddess, Indian, Barbie and flapper are all easy to make with a few accessories. I decided to go for the flapper, so I will be wearing a black sparkly dress with fishnet stockings, long pearls, and a headband that I found at Party City. It is super simple, very affordable, and the most unique. I recommend everyone to try it out, even though it can be very time consuming if you do not know exactly what you want to be.

Halloween is such an exciting time! But as usual, prepping can be very stressful! The best advice… START EARLY! Do it during your free time. Don’t panic! You will find something; even asking a friend for previous costumes or accessories is a great idea! Being creative is the best way!