app that

It's an on-the-go world these days. What better way to keep up to date with the fashion world, trend tips, and style questions than iPhone applications? 

Here are a few of my favorites! 

Forever 21
The store is at your fingertips! This app has a lot to offer. Shop, find a store near you, or browse the look book for inspiration. At the store and can't find your size? Scan the barcode to find the closest store with the item in stock!

 

H&M

See the latest collections H&M has to offer. Find a store near you and make your wish list!

Pose

The Pinterest fashion category on steroids. Take a quiz and the app will accommodate the styles shown to fit your taste. Browse hundreds of different looks and see where you can get each piece. 

Shop Style

Select a category - Women, Men, Kids & Baby, or Home & Living - Pick a style - Browse!
You can see the brand, price, and actually purchase the items directly from the app. Shopping made easy. 

 Style Tag

Search through hashtags to find whatever fashion styles you like. See whats trending and find inspiration for your next outfit! 

Which apps are your favorite? Inspired to download a few new ones? 

Stay Splendid and Happy Styling! 

Irish Blessing

I came across this Irish blessing a few years ago. When fall comes around it is a quote I like to remember, I think it describes the season perfectly: cold weather, family, laughter, and love. 

So, from me to you...

Happy November 1. Stay Splendid!

Tweed

Refinery29's tweed finds here.

Adore this textured trend for fall: bit.ly/LCxTrend102412
— Lauren Conrad (@LaurenConrad) October 24, 2012

Her style guide on tweed here.

It is funny how fashion styles are always cycling back. The latest to do so is - you guessed it - tweed. This isn't a fabric I have paid much attention to in the past, I suppose it has previously just seemed somewhat outdated. Not anymore, my friends! I did some searching around and found more than a few great tweed looks. Just typing in "tweed" on Pinterest came up with a pelthora of adorable looks: 

Blazer: TopShop

Earings: ModCloth

Go bold with a statement piece or add tweed to your wardrobe in a more subtle way with a pair of classic post earrings. 

Still skeptical? I did some homework for you :] All chic and affordable. 

See this skirt. I am in love.

This coat.

Definitely this blazer. 

This dress.

This pair of oxfords. Yes, shoes too!

Will these tweed purchases be your first? What are your thoughts? 

Stay splendid! 

mirror makeover

This summer I came across a great frame in a consignment shop. I loved the style of it, but it looked like it endured a rough life - chipped paint, loose corners - it needed some TLC. Immediately my mind began racing with the things I could do to update it. 

I decided I was going to turn the frame into a mirror and give it a fresh coat of paint to match my bedroom. For $20 the mirror was mine and I couldn't have been more excited for the project I had ahead! 

the original
[not my most quality photo, sorry!]

First, I took the frame to a local hardware store and had a mirror put into it - approximately $30. Next, I purchased a can of spay paint from a craft store - approximately $7. I opted for a Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint in Smoke Gray with a Gloss finish. Heads up: gloss tends to chip a little easier so if you choose this too, be careful! 

Step 1: 

Put 2 - 3 layers of newspaper over the mirror, and securely seal with painters tape. Make sure to cover everything, you don't want to get paint on your new mirror! 

Step 2: 

Spray an even coat of paint across the frame. Let dry, and apply another coat. Continue as needed. [Mine took three coats]

Step 3: 

Let frame sit over night in a dry area. 

Step 4:

Remove newspaper and paint.

Voila, you have a great new piece for your bedroom, living room, bathroom, wherever. About a $60 project, but the finding and crafting is half the fun! 

What pieces have you given a makeover? 

Happy Styling! 

tone-tastic

I'm so excited! I just took a peak at the Pantone Fall 2012 Fashion Color Report, and I am loving each and every one of the colors. Even the names of the colors sound warm and inviting to wear - "French Roast," "Honey Gold," and "Tangerine Tango" are a few of my faves. 

What's even more exciting is that I happen to already have a few of these colors tucked away in my closet - gray and blue are a few of my favorite stand-bys, but when you throw a new name at them such as "Titanium" and "Olympian Blue," it might just make wearing these basics a little bit better than before! 

Here are some of my favorites:

Sometimes bright colors can be intimidating. So, what is a good way to subtly bring these brights into your wardrobe when everyone else is wearing darker tones for fall? 

Some of my cherished choices: 

A great statement necklace dresses up any outfit, you can find this one at Francesca's. 

I love scarves, and this one comes in all kinds of bright colors. Classic piece + warm and cozy. This one is at Francesca's as well. 

A classic flat. You can't go wrong here. Time for a trip to your local Target! 

 Don't forget about those nails! Why not coat them with "Knock-a-Mango" by Sally Hansen?

How will you wear this fall's fashion colors? 

Stay Splendid! 

splendid styles from stylist magazine

Off-duty looks we loved this weekend - including this Aubin & Wills pea coat: stylist.co.uk/fashion/sidewa…
— Stylist Magazine (@StylistMagazine) October 8, 2012

This tweet by Stylist Magazine caught my eye today. A collection of "off-duty looks" of celebrities - to see the full link visit my twitter feed.

I have so many favorites it is hard to narrow them down. Gwyneth Paltrow's girly + chic look. Katie Holmes pairs a leather skirt with a casual cardigan. Pixie Lott rocks embellished pieces. Anna Kendrick pairs an adorable blazer with a little black dress. Which looks are your favorite?

Stay Splendid :]

an expressive era of art

Gustav Klimt - a wonderful Austrian artist who's work I actually got to see in person at the Klimt Museum in Vienna, Austria. Before visiting I had never heard of Klimt, but at the museum his "Golden Phase" work immediately caught my eye. Detailed, colorful, and expressive are a few words to describe this era of art in Klimt's life. 

This phase lasted from 1899 - 1910, using gold leaf in a mosaic form. You may recognize one of his most famous called "The Kiss" seen below with a few more of my favorites. 

If you ever get the chance to 1. Go to Vienna - GO. It is by far one of the most architecturally beautiful cities I have ever seen. 2. While there - visit the Klimt Museum. His work is even better in person. My only regret is not purchasing a poster size print of one of his pieces. 

Enjoy! 

 

"The Kiss"

1908

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I

1907

"The Tree of Life"

1905

"Farm Garden with Sunflowers" 

1906

I hope you've enjoyed his work as much as I. Stay Splendid! 

a charming array

Because jewelry is one my very favorite accessories, displaying it in my room as decor seemed like the perfect idea. Especially after coming across these great display options - one of which is a DIY project for earrings [a very simple craft that looks great]. 

Step 1: Choose a frame that fits your style [mine was actually my late grandfathers, which makes me love it even more]. You could even paint an older frame to liven it up. 

Step 2: Choose a material to hang your earrings by. Some great options include lace, string, fabric, or chicken wire. 

Step 3: Attach your material to your frame. I suggest using either a staple gun or a hot glue gun. 

Step 4: Hang on wall

Step 5: Start showing off your jewelry! 

Here's a few pictures of mine: 

 I chose to hang mine by a single nail, if you choose a newer frame, hangers may already be attached

Here are a few jewelry displays I purchased:

 This key was a steal from Francesca's Collections - $10! 

 I found this at Urban Outfitters - it comes in a few other colors as well.

Ta-da! If you're currently a renter like me, this is a perfect way to spice up your room.

And there you have it, a jewelry exposition in your bedroom :] Go brighten up those white walls! 

For more jewelry display options and DIY inspiration, check out my blogger friend Inspiration Station.  

Stay Splendid :] 

one fashion week to the next

From New York to London, fashion week lives on. London Fashion Week is September 14 - 18, 2012 for Spring/Summer 2013 styles. The "Highlights" section on the site is the best - I can't stop looking! 

Sheers, abstract lines and cuts, looser fits, light and feminine colors: less is more, it's really all about the clothes. 

Things I'm happy to still see: blazers, belts, and pockets [a personal fave]. 

So far, I personally really like Nicole Farhi's line shown Day 3 [clean cuts, full skirts, fresh] and Antoni & Alison shown Day 1 [a mix and match of amazing colors, prints, and embellishments]. 

Nicole Farhi

photo from: 

http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_catwalk_overlay.aspx?designerid=231&seasonid=32#11

Antoni & Alison

photo from:

http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_catwalk_overlay.aspx?designerid=24&seasonid=32#17 

It is so hard to pick just a few! What have your favorite designers and styles been? 

Happy Styling :] 

Blog Inspiration

Curious as to what went on behind the scenes of New York Fashion week? Me too! I wanted to share one of my favorite fashion blogs [if you haven't already seen me re-tweet her daily] - Lauren Conrad's. She shared daily updates about the shows she attended, what styles she saw, and what styles she wore to the shows. I'd say this blog is a must! To read about fashion week with Lauren, click here! 

Beyond fashion week, Lauren has a plethora of advice and ideas regarding style and design on her blog - what I find to be an absolutely perfect inspiration for my blog! Be sure to look around while you are there. 

I also recommend the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week site, it has everything! 

A few chic + classy looks I found by Marissa Webb. Her looks are so feminine, it was hard to choose just a few. There are some great shots of her looks here.

I love the very first look: 
A collared shirt and these pants spice up the outfit just enough

As well as the bright romber + neutral blazer on page two: 
Simple hair - Bright romper with matching heels - Neutral blazer to tone the outfit down a bit - I feel like everything about this outfit is perfect

What styles did you show off this weekend? Happy styling :] 

oxfords: they'll sweep you off your feet

A week into September in Iowa means that 50 degree weather is upon us at any moment. While it makes me sad to say goodbye to toasty warm weather, I do look forward in saying hello to fall fashion and trends. Cool and crispy weather makes for the perfect opportunity to class up any outfit by wearing a pair of oxfords! They are perfect when it is too chilly for sandals but it is not quite time to pull out your boots (although how soon is too soon for boots, really).

These aren't just your every day lace up shoes - spice your outfit up by wearing a pair with a splash of color, sparkle, heel, or a classic bow. You can't go wrong when pairing these classics with skinnys or tights, a cozy sweater and a scarf. Hello fall :]

Check out some of my favorites (and afordable) below:

a worn in look with a color that will go with just about everything

[DSW]

cute and classy

[at urban outiftters]

a cross between a flat and an oxford

[at Nordstroms]

these are mine, a little more of a masculine look but i love the splash of color on the sole

[DSW]

Also on my lust-list... loafers. Another classic coming back into style!

edgy

[DSW]

a more classic look

[DSW]

And there you have a variety of oxford styles. Which ones are your favorite? 

Keep checking back for style and design updates! Check out TOPSHOP's line at Nordstroms here. I'm so excited one of my favorite European stores is hitting the U.S.! 

Stay Splendid :]

Welcome!

Welcome to Splendid Style :]

A selection of splendid pieces: accessories, artwork, clothing, and crafts

I am excited to share my style and design ideas through a plethora of pieces. For daily updates, follow me @SplendidStyle_. 

More coming soon... Enjoy & embrace the day!