CMA Awards 2013 Fashion: Goodbye Cowboy Boots, Hello High-Heels

Not only were all eyes on some of the night's most outstanding winners, but many of country music's most prestigious women also stole the show with their elegant fashion choices at the 2013 Country Music Association Awards last Wednesday night. Many of our favorite country stars ditched their cowboy boots and slipped on a pair of their hottest heels for Nashville's big night. So, which women of country music undoubtedly seemed to steal the show? Let's find out.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Naturally, Carrie Underwood rocked just about every outfit she wore. From short and long to sequins and metallic, Carrie styled it all. She even threw in an interesting hippie look with a sparkly headband, crop top, and jeweled, high-waisted jeans, while her partner-in-crime, Brad Paisley, dressed in a black and white pin-stiped suit. At this point in the show, Carrie told Brad, "You kind of look like a referee going to prom." Brad ignored the jab and handed her a foam claw imprinted with her husband's hockey team, the Nashville Predators', logo. Carrie shouted, "Let's go Predators!" Brad's comeback, as he looked over the foam hand, was,"I don't think Miley done it that way." Apparently this explains their unique fashion of choice for this particular comedy-skit. Anyways, as we would all expect, Carrie flawlessly pulled off all of her ensembles on Wednesday night. The top picture displays four of her many wardrobe changes of the night, including the outfit with the foam hand. My personal favorite was her red carpet look, a stunning and heavily-embellished Ralph and Russo gown. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Another one of country music's most favorite blonde bombshells, Miranda Lambert, looked radiant in this low-cut, royal blue Roberto Cavalli gown. Not only did Miranda score Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2013 CMA's, she definitely won me over as one of the best dressed of the night. To the left, Kellie Pickler sure made a head-turning fashion statement with a black George Chakra couture gown, which clearly showed off her silhouette to perfection. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Sugarland star, Jennifer Nettles (far left), was dressed to impress in a Naeem Khan V-front gown. This lovely garment was from Naeem Khan's Resort 2014 collection. In the right picture, Taylor Swift styles a classier look in a big, bold gown by designer Elie Saab. Taylor picked up the Pinnacle Award at this year's 47th annual CMA Awards. This award was created to honor an "artist who has achieved both national and international prominence through concert performances and record sales at levels unique in country music," according to the Country Music Association. Taylor, preceding Garth Brooks from 2005, is only the second performer ever to receive the Country Music Association's Pinnacle Award, and what better way to look elegant doing so. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Speaking of elegance, Sheryl Crow (far right) dressed in a simple, yet elegant Ralph Lauren gown at Wednesday night's awards show. The black halter dress, consisting of a gold embellished neckline, fit this 51-year-old's frame beautifully. Kimberly Perry (left picture), of The Band Perry, posed in a Johanna Johnson cap-sleeved gown with floral embellishment. Coupled with a simple up-do, Kimberly definitely looked exquisite in her off-white gown and Swarovski clutch. 

Of course, as always, there are the stars who didn't quite make the "best dressed list" of the red carpet. Here are some of the other fashion hit and misses from Wednesday night's 47th annual CMA Awards. Also, did you happen to miss the show from Wednesday or just want to watch it again? There is still hope! Thanks to the wonderful world of social media, you can watch the entire 2013 CMA Awards at ABC's website or by clicking on this link! http://watchabc.go.com/the-47th-annual-cma-awards/SH55152460/VDKA0_7robmrvy/the-47th-annual-cma-awards-part-1

Lastly, it wouldn't be the CMA Awards if co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood didn't dig up the most talked about news of the year and convert it into a mini-comedy scene. Watch Brad and Carrie's opening act for 9 minutes of guaranteed, non-stop laughter!

The Textures, Patterns, and Colors of Scarves

My go-to look for the unbearable, arctic months of fall and winter is definitely scarves. If you refer back to a previous post of mine on "34 Unique Ways to Wear a Scarf" this fall and winter season, this post is going to take a slightly different turn on scarves. Not only are there an abundant amount of ways to wear/tie them, but there are a plethora of textures, patterns, and colors as well. You can dress up an outfit with scarves, you can dress an outfit down, or you can simply wear them for warmth in the brisk fall and winter months of the Midwest.  

Photo Credit: www.etsy.com

My personal favorite this year are the oversized, crocheted scarves. Not only do these warm you up, but they have the ability to add color and a unique texture to your attire as well. Pairing it with an oversized sweater will definitely hinder the nip in the air from reaching you. Plus, how much comfier could an oversized sweater and crocheted scarf get?? Check out the helpful video at the end of this blog post to see how you can crochet your very own scarf this season! 
Get this exact oversized, crocheted scarf here- http://www.etsy.com/listing/126178195/oversized-scarf-oversized-chunky?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=oversized+scarf&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto5&ga_search_type=all

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Patterned scarves are also a fun way to spiff up any outfit. There are thousands upon thousands of patterns out there to choose from that can be easily coordinated with any wardrobe. The cheetah/leopard pattern, in particular, has been a huge hit the last couple years and it looks like it will continue to be a trend this year as well. To the right are a few examples of the endless amounts of patterns that can be worn. One valuable piece of advice is to coordinate a print that picks up a color in the outfit you are wearing. If the prints on your scarf and outfit mismatch, your outfit could potentially appear too "gaudy."
Polyvore Scarves- http://www.polyvore.com/scarves/shopcategory_id=105

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Colors, colors, and more colors- another ultimate way to perk up your outfit with a scarf. Whether you choose a solid pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, or a mixture of them all, colored scarves have fabulous potential make an outfit go from bland to bright! If choosing to wear a multi-colored scarf, one tip is to make sure to keep your clothes simple as you do not want your scarf and outfit to look too disproportionate of one another. By choosing wisely, scarves have the ability to add the perfect pop of color to any outfit!
Shop Colored Scarves Here- http://www.scarves.net/trend/solid-color.html  

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Whether incorporating an oversized, crocheted scarf with a comfy sweater, styling a printed scarf, or matching a colored scarf to a simple outfit, scarves are the ideal layering accessory this fall and winter season (as the picture to the right displays). Like I said, they can effortlessly make your outfit look chic AND keep you warm at the same time. What more could a girl ask for??

Now, check out this fun video on how you can crochet your very own infinity scarf!

Top 3 Inspiring Fashion Bloggers of 2013

Beginning with my first blog post back in September, I mentioned how vital social media is in 2013. The interactive social system, known as Web 2.0, is one of the primary ways people do their shopping now-a-days. Not only are people shopping online, they are following their star influencers, doing business, keeping up with the latest news and gossip, and doing much more on social media. Bloggers, for instance, are some of the most innovative and up-to-date people on the Internet in today's world. The style tips and fashion knowledge of fashion bloggers, in particular, successfully reaches an immerse audience and users of social media cannot get enough of their stylish fashion and beauty tips. With that said, I am going to name my pick for the top three fashion bloggers of 2013 who have influenced me. In no particular order...

Photo Credit: Pinterest

1. Emily Maynard: fashionista from Season 8 of ABC's The Bachelorette and Season 15 of The Bachelor. Emily is always "dressed to a T" and never fails to be on top of the latest fashion trends. Her impeccable fashion sense is extremely inspiring and I guarantee that thousands of women around the world would give anything to own that closet of hers. So, join Emily's blog, follow her on Twitter (@EmilyMaynard), and "like" her Facebook page to be a part of her admirable fashion sense. 
Emily Maynard's Fashion and Beauty Blog- http://emilymaynard.com/ 
Emily Maynard's Jewelry Collection- http://emilymaynard.com/shop-the-collection

Photo Credit: Pinterest

2. Lauren Conrad: star of MTV's 2004 hit show, Laguna Beach, and MTV's 2006 hit show, The Hills. Lauren claimed her fame from her presence on these two reality shows, but now-a-days, she is an exceptional author and an even more exceptional fashion designer. She has a thriving blog consisting of not only the latest fashion trends, but also beauty tips, tips on getting fit, decorating ideas, and even crafting activities. In fall 2009, Lauren collaborated with Kohl's to launch her second fashion line "LC Lauren Conrad." Since then, her fashion line has been very successful. Lauren is well-known, well-liked, and just an overall inspiring role model for women all around the world. I admit that I was #TeamLC all the way and I was THAT girl who religiously watched her on all of MTV's reality shows. I am sure many of you reading this are just as guilty as I am! With that said, join Lauren's blog, follow her on Twitter (@LaurenConrad), "like" her Facebook page, buy her books, and shop her chic fashion line here: LC Lauren Conrad.

Lauren Conrad's Blog- http://laurenconrad.com/
Lauren Conrad's Books- L.A. Candy (#1 in Series), Sweet Little Lies (#2 in Series), and Sugar and Spice (#3 in Series)

Photo Credit: www.jamiefleetwood.com

3. Jamie Fleetwood: a young, midwestern girl from Iowa. I just recently followed her blog as a friend of mine mentioned how trendy of a fashion sense she has. And let me tell you, her style is indeed flawless. Since I started my fashion blog two short months ago, I have been inspired to search for other fashion blogs on social media. When I found Jamie's, I felt close to home knowing that a young girl in her 20's from a small-town in Iowa has thrived from her fashion tips and gained a large and dedicated audience doing so. It is always fun to find someone other than your average celebrity who has flourished on social media. I strongly recommend following her blog for an upscale Iowan's outlook on modern fashion! 

Jamie Fleetwood's Blog- http://www.jamiefleetwood.com/

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Emily Maynard, Lauren Conrad, and Jamie Fleetwood are only three of the many fashion and beauty bloggers who have inspired me so far on my own blogging journey. I'm sure their closets are the epitome of every woman's "dream closet," like in the picture on the left, for example, but a girl can dream right? So, thanks to the Web 2.0 and social media, we have the advantage to do endless amounts of activities on the Internet in this day and age. I highly encourage all of you readers to follow these three fashion bloggers in order to boost your fashion and beauty morale, gain some of the most credible fashion and beauty tips, and work your way up to that dream Pinterest closet that you are all yearning for! 

Fall Fashion is Mad for Plaid in 2013

Photo Credit: Google Images

The traditional plaid is still a staple in fashion as of 2013, but it is now delivered in a new and original style for both men and women. Not only are plaid shirts a stand-out trend this fall, but they add an abundant amount of comfort to your wardrobe as well. Plaid is by no means a new trend this year, nor was it last year, or the year before. In fact, you would probably find pictures of yourself wearing plaid back in the day if you were to rummage through old photos. The trend has been around long enough that there are even black and white pictures of people wearing plaid. As this throwback picture to the left displays, there have been lumberjacks in plaid, Hollywood stars in plaid, and even ancient royalties in plaid (Prince Charles Edward in the picture to the far right). So, plenty of decades later, the plaid trend still remains. 

Photo Credit: Google Images

A countless number of celebrities are wearing plaid in 2013, and have been for quite some time now. The picture to the right shows how plaid was worn in the 1995 film Clueless, one of my personal favorite movies growing up. This portrays a more higher-end example of plaid, but almost 20 years later, plaid is worn for more of a relaxed look than for a look of elegance or class. A more relaxed look is definitely the case, under two conditions: Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger. Plaid is the signature print of high-end fashion label Burberry, so that appearance cannot be overlooked. Tommy Hilfiger's fashion line is also another exception for when plaid should not be overlooked since the vintage plaid look embodies the design that Tommy Hilfiger is known for. So, don't get me wrong, plaid is definitely worn for comfort among the majority of people in 2013, but it can certainly still be worn for a sense of luxury as well.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Google Images

Which of our favorite stars are wearing plaid these days? From left to right (on the top picture), Luke Bryan, Kristin Cavallari, Blake Shelton, and Lauren Conrad are just a few of the many that have been captured styling the trend. London's finest have also been seen wearing plaid all the way across the world. Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, displays a classier way of wearing plaid, whereas Prince William, Prince Harry, and Pippa Middleton portray the more casual look. 

Pinterest

Pinterest

Now, how can you wear plaid this fall? First off, if you want to go for the most comfiest style of them all, couple your plaid top with a pair of leggings. The look to the right incorporates black leggings with the black and red plaid top and gives off a very simple, relaxed style. In order to perk-up the outfit up a tad bit more, choose black leather leggings. This would give your appearance more of an "edginess" and rockstar look. A second way to wear a plaid top is to pair it with some Cognac leather boots (picture on the left). This is another chic way to add some simple flare to the ensemble.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Other ways to wear plaid include infinity scarves, jeans, vests, leg warmers and riding boots, and numerous accessories as the picture to the right shows. There are ways to dress it up and there are ways to dress it down, but plaid is for sure a major staple in this year's fall fashion, so check out some of these websites to get your very own plaid shirt. 

H&M- http://www.hm.com/us/product/15495?article=15495-A

Impressions Boutique- http://impressionsnwa.com/search?q=plaid

Ralph Lauren- http://www.ralphlauren.com/search/index.jsp?kw=plaid+for+women&f=Women 

Plaid is here to stay this fall and winter season and, at the rate that it's going, doesn't seem to be losing trend any time soon. Whether you are a royalty, lumberjack, or just your average citizen, 55 or 5, male or female, dressing casually or classy, plaid is the go-to look. If you're not already on the trend, now is the time to start!

Emerald as Color of the Year

Photo Credit: Pantone Color Institute

It is not just the beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves that tend to catch one's eyes during the fall season, the choice of color in fashion has a great advantage in doing so as well. Whether your color of choice be Emerald, Carafe, Acai, Koi, Samba, Vivacious, Linden Green, Deep Lichen Green, Mykonos Blue, or Turbulence, your ensemble will be right on track with the fad. You are probably thinking to yourself where in the world did she come up with these colors? Well, according to The Pantone Color Institute, these 10 colors are the trends for fashion this fall. So, which one of these colors did Pantone name as the "color of the year?" 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Drum roll please.............. Emerald, a lively and radiant lush green, is the answer. High-end fashion labels such as Burberry (picture on the right) are incorporating this color into their fashion. From coats and pants to cute tops and accessories, this rich shade is going to be a huge hit this fall. As I stated in my previous blog, blazers (picture on the left) are a great fashion choice for all seasons, but especially for fall. A blazer of the emerald green color would make for a considerably classy appearance. The woman on the left also chose to coordinate gold jewelry into her ensemble, which accentuates the emerald green color very well. 
Emerald Blazer- http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=emerald+blazer

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Emerald is perfect for both tops and pants. The picture on the left displays the various options. Since colored jeans still remain trendy this fall, incorporating Emerald green pants into your outfit is a great way to stay on top of the trend. The color can easily be paired with Cognac leather boots (as displayed), black boots, or basically any neutral shade. Emerald gives off a very sophisticated look and can be dressed up for an effect of elegance or down for a more casual appearance. 
Emerald Top- http://www.lulus.com/products/v-sionary-emerald-green-top/111282.html
Emerald Pants- http://www.6pm.com/free-people-skinny-cord-electric-emerald

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Accessorizing with Emerald may be my personal favorite look when it comes to wearing this green shade. Whether choosing a scarf, purse, shoes, statement necklace, or other forms of jewelry, accenting your attire with Emerald green is an exquisite choice. Emerald is a color that can be embraced in small or larger doses, depending on your mood or your own personal decision. So, if you want to wear Emerald in smaller doses, choose to accent with Emerald accessories. A simple idea to incorporate the color, but also a wise way to make a classy fashion statement.
Emerald Infinity Scarf- http://www.etsy.com/search?q=emerald%20green%20infinity%20scarf&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&ref=auto1

However you choose to wear Emerald this fall, the positive news is that there will be plenty of it in stores. Whether you incorporate Emerald into your ensemble by wearing a blazer, pants, cute top, or as an accessory, you will be right on trend. Pantone sure believes so!

Emerald will surely bring luxury and elegance to your fall wardrobe. #FCRFall2013 http://t.co/cx1nvTXe91
— PANTONE (@pantone) September 1, 2013

Fall Fashion Layering: à la Mode

Layering: a prominent way to bundle up during the fall and winter season. Everyone layers up during the chilly months of the year, but how do you look fashionable doing it? The trick is pretty straightforward. Blazers, military jackets, leather jackets, denim vests, and, of course, you can never go wrong with a scarf. Layering can also include boots and leg warmers, which have been a popular fashion choice lately. By adding colorful, comfortable layers, your layered ensemble can potentially be perked up in no time. 

Now, let's see some examples of prime fashionable options for layering this fall and winter season. Once again, Pinterest is a splendid social media choice for finding stylish, up-to-date layering ideas. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Military jackets continue to be a very popular trend, especially for celebrities. There is something about these vintage, combat-looking jackets that is so appealing to the public eye. Perhaps it is the army-green color, or maybe it is the ease and coziness of wearing them. It is a casual look that is perfect for fall and winter. Well-known celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian (left), Jessica Alba, Minka Kelly, Julianne Hough, and many others have all been photographed lately wearing these green military jackets. This proves that they are undoubtedly here to stay. These three photos to the left also display  the women accessorizing their military jackets with handbags. The black and cognac-colored handbags are two exceptional color choices that coincide very well with the army-green military jackets. Want this look? Search the websites below for the perfect military jacket that matches your very own style.

Michael Kors Handbags- http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/templates/P6VAll.jhtml?itemId=cat3003

Coach Handbags- http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/SearchResultsView?storeId=10551&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&quickOrder=yes&searchTerm=4294967280_8122&cacheKeyword=HANDBAGS%20BROWN&category=HANDBAGS&color=brown&price=&LOC=SR

ShopStyle Military Jackets- http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=military+jacket

Photo Credit: Pinterest

http://stylegirlfriend.com

Another trend that peaked over the summer was the denim vest. It seems to add a "cool" touch to virtually any outfit, particularly the maxi skirt, a cute sundress, or a vintage tee. Well, the trend doesn't seem to be dwindling away quite yet. The denim vest layered over a light or bulky sweater is a brand new fashion statement this fall season. It can easily spiff up any sweater, whether it be a light denim vest or a dark denim vest. It is such a popular trend that even the guys are doing it! To the left, Usher rocks a denim vest while in England in 2012. Yes, this may have been over a year ago, but the trend is still going strong, even more so than ever. Would you wear it? Click on the link below to purchase a denim vest to layer your sweaters this fall!

Polyvore- http://www.polyvore.com/denim_vest/shop?query=denim+vest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

I'm sure this is old news as they have been popular for a few years now, but blazers are more of a classier layering choice for fall and winter. The photos on the left display 3 various ways to wear a blazer. First of all, I have to point out the fact that the woman on the far left is wearing an Aztec-patterned tank underneath her blazer. As I stated in my previous blog, Aztec is the go-to pattern for sweaters this year. The middle picture portrays a great layering example of a blazer incorporating a scarf. She is also wearing a felt-floppy hat, as Lauren Conrad stated to be a huge fashion trend this fall. Overall, a very fashionable fall look. The picture on the far right shows a more casual look for a blazer. She simply coupled it with a pair of pastel pink skinny jeans and a knitted tank-- a more comfortable look. In general, there are endless amounts of ways to wear a blazer, but these three photos are just three examples of how you can pull a blazer off this fall. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

As I mentioned above, layering can also include boots paired with leg warmers. This look, as the old saying goes, kills two birds with one stone. Not only will your toes and legs be remarkably warm, but you will look like a fashionista doing it. It is a fun and interesting way to create new looks for your wardrobe by pairing it with jeans, leggings, tights, or whatever your heart desires! This look was very popular last year and continues to be an ideal layering choice for 2013 as well. Von Maur, Steve Madden, Cordoba, and Nine West are some great options for purchasing leather riding boots. As for the leg warmers, these can be purchased virtually anywhere!

Steve Madden Boots- http://www.stevemadden.com/CategoryItem.aspx?id=595&nav=1051&np=595_1051

Kohls Leg Warmers- http://www.kohls.com/catalog/womens-socks-and-hosiery-clothing.jsp?CN=4294720878+4294719514+4294719810&pfx=pfx_google_roi&cid=aagaccessories&gclid=CPekhvfzr7oCFY0-MgodeFkAWw&gclsrc=aw.ds

As I explained in this blog post, layering is the perfect way to bundle up during this fall and winter season and to look "a la mode" doing it. Hopefully it gave you some insight on some exceptional ways to layer your own wardrobe in a trendy fashion this year! Also, see a previous blog post of mine on how to incorporate the ever-so-popular black leather jacket into your fall attire!

Aztec: The Perfect Pattern for all 4 Seasons

What are big, cozy, and knitted with fun, unique patterns? You're probably thinking of sweaters, obviously. That's right, but more specifically, the infamous Aztec sweater. The Aztec pattern originates from Mexico and was influenced by an extensive history of tribes. In tradition, the Aztec prints reflected the appreciation of insects, birds, fish, and animals. So, how did the Aztec pattern steer its way into the fashion trends of the United States you may ask? Well, in 2009, at the spring/summer catwalk show for Matthew Williamson, the Aztec pattern was exposed for the first time. Ever since its appearance, celebrities and women everywhere have styled the trend with sweaters, skirts, dresses, coats, and scarves. Some woman even choose to wear the pattern as leggings. In other words, Aztec is a pattern perfect for all seasons. Four years after it was introduced, the pattern is still going strong and it appears as if it is going to be just as popular as ever this fall and winter, according to social media. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

As you explore through Pinterest and add ensembles to your wish list for fall and winter, you may discover endless amounts of various Aztec patterns. This particular sweater on the right is just one of the many styles that can be found on Pinterest. This girl chose to wear her sweater with jeans, but leggings would also be a comfy choice that would go well with this sweater. She also chose to accessorize with a watch and bracelet. Since the pattern is already pretty catchy and somewhat "busy," the addition of the watch and bracelet was simple and didn't overdo it. This exact Aztec sweater can be found at The Rage.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Displayed to the right is another Pinterest creation. This girl coordinated her Aztec cardigan with leggings and a pair of Cognac leather boots. The Cognac leather boots add a touch of color to her all black and white wardrobe choice. This practical and stylish look is perfect for a casual fall or winter day. Click here to find your very own black and white Aztec patterned cardigan or sweater.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

To the left is another chic example of how to wear an Aztec printed cardigan. This image greatly merges the ethnic and eccentric style of the Aztec pattern with a pair of Minnetonka boots. The website listed below has a variety of Aztec patterns: leggings, jeans, sweaters, cardigans, dresses, and boots. It is also a great site if you want to simply get ideas on what to wear the pattern with. This site is extremely popular with Pinterest and has some pretty fun Aztec patterns, so check it out before they are all sold out of your favorite patterns for the fall and winter! 

http://impressionsnwa.com/search?q=aztec

Photo Credit: Pinterest

In my previous blog post, I mentioned Emily Maynard, the fashionista from ABC's "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." Well, last fall season when the Aztec trend finally began to make its way into fashion trends, Emily was styling this popular pattern on the right. This cardigan instantly sold out and a lot of Emily fans were bummed out that they didn't purchase it in time. Great news! The "Emily Sweater" is back in stock and can be purchased here. As you can see, she is also styling the Minnetonka moccasin boots as I stated above as another popular trend. 

So, as you stroll through social media sites and stumble upon the Aztec patterned trend, hopefully you will remember the pattern as it began in Mexico, transitioned its way into the United States fashion trends in 2009, and how it continues to thrive in fashion to this day. This ethnic, tribal look is definitely going to be a well-liked fad again this year, so hurry and do some some Aztec-patterned shopping before you see the ever-so-dreaded "sold out of all sizes" phrase.