Lucky Mag x Topshop VIP Shopping Event Recap & Mini-Haul [VIDEO + PHOTOS]

Hi Everybody! Today is an exciting day! I've been researching and practicing and thinking about starting a YouTube channel for a while now. Well, the day has finally come! I'm so very excited to take The Closet by Christie from the page to the screen because it expands my horizons a bit. It's a new challenge, the opportunity to learn new skills, and it's a risk putting myself out there in a new way. Will people make fun of me? Ha, probably! But I'm not going to hold myself back on account of just that.

Does this mean that I'll leave my little .com haven? Absolutely not! Nothing will change with The Closet by Christie blog. If anything, it will be better! Making videos will challenge me to create content in a different way and you'll get a glimpse into my world through different eyes. You'll still get my fashion tips and favorites but in addition, you'll get ready with me, work on home projects with me, and learn DIY projects alongside me. Whatever I'm doing in my life, you'll experience with me! That also includes events and shopping trips, as you'll see with this first video! 

6 Must-Haves for Styling a Crop Top for a 20-Something

It's that trend that keeps on coming around every summer; crop tops. I have spotted a few that I would totally rock, but on second thought, aren't I too old for this trend? Nope! It's really all in the way you style it. So, how can us 20-somethings wear crop tops without looking like teeny boppers? There's a fine line between budding fashionista and teenage-wannabe! My first instinct is to tuck it into a high-waisted skirt but there are so many more options that are much more fun.

Here's 6 must-haves for styling a crop top for a 20-something!

Created by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore for the  
'How Would You Style Your Favorite Spring Trend' Contest, Co-hosted by Lucky Magazine

Friday Favorites: Spring 2015 Trend Watch- Paisley Print

Created by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Happy Friday! Alas, it's the weekend! That means it's time to celebrate with another edition of... Friday Favorites! What's my favorite this week? Call me biased but I am particularly partial to paisley print because well, my dog's name is Paisley. So, I couldn't have been more thrilled when I got an email from Express marketing their Spring prints- one of which was paisley! 

I've since noticed that a lot of retailers now have this special print- making it an official Spring 2015 trend- but I really love a lot of the pieces Express is carrying. I haven't ordered anything yet, but I have Express rewards that are about to expire so I definitely will be featuring a piece or two on an upcoming style post. Stay tuned for that!

Created by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

A Silhouette Every Girl Should Have In Her Closet

It's universal across all women; we all want to look good and feel good in our clothing! You don't have to be a genius to figure that out. The real mystery is- what silhouette would flatter the average woman? With so many body types, what is really flattering to the real woman? Well, there are several different silhouettes that are a safe bet for most but my personal favorite is... fit and flare! 

It's a style that's common in dresses, but can also be achieved with a skirt. This flattering silhouette has a tighter fit above the waist and an adorable, feminine flare at the bottom. Because it accentuates the waist, you can add a belt for an even more flattering look. 

Spring Brights & What They Say About Your Personality

There's nothing like bright colors at Spring time! Bright flowers, bright sun, and... bright fashion! I've never been afraid of color because it really does give life to a look. It's eye-catching, fun, and can even brighten your mood. Have you ever noticed that you get more compliments when you wear a bright color? That's not a coincidence! Brights are aesthetic and pleasing to the eye. They make you look more attractive! 

Fashion is a form of nonverbal communication. Your choice of attire communicates who you are to the world! I believe brights can say a lot about a person and their personality. Brights are loud and can indicate that you are fun, spunky, and energetic. It also reminds me of cheerfulness and positivity!

Because bright, vibrant colors exude confidence, energy, and excitement- it could make it more enticing for others to interact with you. You may become more approachable or more fun to be around. 

I got this bright coral peplum skirt on sale at Express years ago but still come back to it every Spring. Oddly enough, the top is a non-matching LC Lauren Conrad tee that I bought about two years ago. It was my favorite shirt for a while until I shrank it in the wash. I almost got rid of it but realized it was still perfect to tuck into a skirt!

THE LOOK

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Tee (similar:  LC Lauren Conrad Pleated Top)  //  Express Coral Peplum Skirt (similar: ASOS Textured Skirt)  //  Nine West Pointed Toe Pumps (similar: Ann Taylor Eryn Heels)  //  Express Colorblock Snakeskin Crossbody //  kate spade new york Bow Necklace (similar: Lord & Taylor Bow Necklace)  //  LC Lauren Conrad Stud Earrings  //  Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado

Linking up with these fabulous ladies!

Rhea Et Cetera  //  More Pieces of Me  //  On the Daily Express  //  Not Dead Yet Style  //  Claire Justine  //  Pink Sole  //  Style Nudge  //  Still Being Molly  //  Fizz and Frosting  //  A Touch of Tartan  

 Bless Her Heart Ya'll  //  Induffinitely Me  //  Mama and More  //  I do deClaire 

Walking in Memphis in High Heels  //  Style Elixir

Friday Favorites

Created by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Happy Friday, everyone! I've had a busy and long week, so I'm particularly happy that it's finally the weekend. I'm hoping for gorgeous weather like last weekend but we'll see. How was your week? 

I haven't done a favorites post in a while so naturally I'm bursting at the seams wanting to talk about my new favorite things of the moment! Here we go--

Created by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

1- Topshop Scallop Frill Tee
This is a great tee! I love the feminine scallop hem and it can easily be dressed up or down. Very versatile!

2- Topshop Tinsel Wrap Mini Skirt (similar: Topshop Assymetrical Skort)
I love these assymmetrical skorts! I noticed them in Express six months or so ago and thought they were cool, but way too short for me. This one looks a little more practical for my twenty-something self!

3- Banana Republic Ice Crystal 360 Double Side Stud Earrings
These are so pretty! I love the 360 earring trend but a lot of them have a funky style to them. This pair, however, is so elegant! I tried to order them but they were sold out. Maybe they restocked it?

4- Banana Republic Spike 360 Stud Earrings
Now these, I did buy! I've only worn them once so far but they're pretty cool. I love them because they're edgy and unique with the Banana Republic quality!

5- Modcloth Vintage Inspired Strum Full Circle Hat
This is a sexy hat! I love the big bow, of course, and it's a unique hat. I haven't seen anything else quite like it and there's something about it that takes me back to the 20's. And I love 20's fashion!

6- Valentino Rockstud Ballet Flats

Ok, these rockstud shoes have been around for a while. There's heels in various colors and now, the flats. I love it! It's so rocker-chic and still very fashionable.

Classic Chic with a Flair

Who doesn't love a classic, chic look? It's a great investment to fill your wardrobe with timeless pieces. Plus, it's the easiest way to look effortlessly beautiful! But trendy is cool and we as twenty-somethings, and particularly us fashion bloggers, need to be ahead of the curve at all times. So, what would you say if I told you we could have our cake and eat it, too? 

That's right- with a few fun accessories, you can transform your look from chic to classic chic with a flair. Here's how!

So, here's my classic chic look. A white oxford top paired with a black and white striped midi skirt, black bow belt, and black bow clutch. I styled this look with dainty gold jewelry; a Kate Spade bow necklace, sparkly stud earrings, and a Movado Bold watch. 

This bow belt is from White House Black Market. They have an amazing belt selection, but they're pretty pricey. Most of them are priced at $50 but every once in a while, seemingly at random, they drop the price down to $10 or $20. Wait for it! 

So how can we take this classic look and give it some flair? Simply add a few fun accessories! Here's a few must-have examples:

1- Brights

Color makes a huge difference when it comes to anything, especially fashion. Brights are the key to Spring fashion and can really dazzle up a simple look. My very Barbie-esque hot pink leather jacket is girly, yet kind of edgy and funky.

2- Studs

Studded anything is one of the best ways to add contrast to a super girly look or add a bit of funk to an otherwise ordinary look. I know whenever I wear studs I feel just a little bit edgier!

3- Embellishments

Forget jewelry! Embellishments give every accessory a little more trend-appeal. 

4- Fringe

It's no longer a thing that was once worn by flappers and hippies; fringe is now the it-trend! My favorite is the black fringe high heel that I've been seeing everywhere. It's super sassy, a little sexy, and without a doubt trendy! Express has a nice version in tan: fringe braided runway heeled sandal. 

5- Leather

This is the ultimate, timeless way to add some flair and edge to any look. Commonly paired with floral dresses, it's a fantastic contrast piece. 

THE LOOK

Express Original Essential Top  //  Express High Waist Striped Midi Skirt  //  INC International Concepts Pink Leather Jacket (similar: Guess Factory)  //  White House Black Market Mesh Bow Belt  //  White House Black Market Embellished Pointed Toe Heels  //  kate spade new york Bow Necklace (similar: Lord & Taylor Bow Necklace)  //  LC Lauren Conrad Stud Earrings  //  Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado

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Linking up with these fabulous ladies!

Pumps and Pushups //  The Pleated Poppy // My Girlish Whims 

Because Shanna Said So // Style Elixir // I do deClaire  //  Sydney Fashion Hunter

 Get Your Pretty On // Classy Yet Trendy  //  Lisa a la Mode

 Sun Fun Fashion  //  Mix & Match Fashion  //  Shopping My Closet

Rocking Opposing Styles; Rocker Chick Meets Girly Girl

Although my style is typically very feminine, I have a little bit of a rocker side in me. I've always been into rock music and it occassionally comes through in my style! There's just something about studs and spikes that's alluring to me and I love adding a pop of that style to a classic or feminine look for a little surprise! It's a fabulous accent piece!

Here's a weekend casual look with a rocker style inspiration!

I've had this olive top in my wardrobe for years and I'm glad I held onto it! I love how contradictory it is. There's cute feminine ruffle details and little gold pyramid studs. It's just a basic tank, otherwise, but these accents really give it a unique look. The way it all sits together looks kind of grungy, yet also chic. 

I paired the tank with basic jeggings, nude pumps, and a nude clutch to keep it pretty simple. I then added my new 360 spike earrings as another rock-inspired accent!

THE LOOK

Olive Studded Ruffle Tank (similar: Studded Ruffle Tank)  //  Express Jeggings  //  Nine West Pointed Toe Pumps (similar: Ann Taylor Eryn Heels)  //  Jennifer Lopez Nude Foldover Clutch (similar: Silver Foldover Clutch)   //  Banana Republic 360 Spike Earrings  //  Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado

I'm obsessing over these new Banana Republic 360 spike earrings! What do you guys think?

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Linking up with these fabulous ladies!

Rhea Et Cetera  //  More Pieces of Me  //  On the Daily Express  //  Not Dead Yet Style  //  Claire Justine  Pink Sole  //  Style Nudge  //  Still Being Molly  //  Fizz and Frosting  //  A Touch of Tartan  

 Bless Her Heart Ya'll  //  Induffinitely Me  //  Mama and More  //  I do deClaire 

Walking in Memphis in High Heels  //  Style Elixir

How To Style Knee-Highs: 3 Ways

 

 

Knee-high socks are an accessory that have been around for decades! They are most commonly associated with school uniforms or a prep style, but there are many other ways to style them. I've been rewatching one of my favorite old shows- Gossip Girl! Between that and watching Pretty Little Liars, I have been seeing more knee-high socks than I ever noticed before. So, I've decided to give this tricky trend a try to bring you this how-to-style tutorial.

Here's How To Style Knee-Highs: 3 Ways! Read on as I walk you through 3 different styles; collegiate, classic, and alternative.

The collegiate style, one of my personal favorites, is all about plaid and pleats! It's the ultimate prep style and a classic look paired with knee-highs. It's my absolute favorite style for the Fall season, but it can really be worn any time of year. Common colors that tie it in with Fall are burgundy, navy, mustard, and shades of brown. By simply switching up the colors to Spring brights, like turquoise, you can carry these pieces with you year round. 

THE LOOK

Merona Plaid Blazer  //  Express Original Essential Top  //  LC Lauren Conrad Circle Skirt  //

Navy Knee-Highs c/o Chrissy's Socks  //  Jennifer Lopez Glitter Ankle Booties  //  Leather Envelope Clutch c/o SUSU Handbags //  Target Fleur De Lis Dangle Earrings (similar: Silver Fleur de Lis Earrings)

The classic, feminine style is the most like my signature style. Each piece- from the clean, crisp oxford top to the simple envelope clutch and black bow belt- has a timeless appeal. The mostly black color palette gives this look a minimalistic style, while the bright pop of color adds a much-needed dose of Spring!

These black thigh-high socks are perfect to pair with black boots or ankle booties. This pair is a lighter knit fabric, making it ideal as the weather is starting to warm up. It's both polished and stylish, giving the illusion of tights while showing a slight bit of skin.

THE LOOK

Express Original Essential Top  //  LC Lauren Conrad Circle Skirt  //  Express Bar-Accent Clutch  //  Target Fleur De Lis Dangle Earrings (similar: Silver Fleur de Lis Earrings)  //  White House Black Market Elongated Bow Belt (similar: Small Bow Belt)  //  LC Lauren Conrad Buckle Ankle Booties (similar: Jennifer Lopez Ankle Boots)  //  Black Thigh High Socks c/o Chrissy's Socks

This funky, alternative style is pretty different for me but that's what makes it fun! The biggest appeal of fashion and style is getting to play dress-up by trying out new styles and looks. You can show the world a new side of your personality or your particular mood by communicating through style! 

These burgundy striped tube socks are a retro style, but I associate them with a sports attire. That could be because I played field hockey in high school but either way, these were the biggest challenge to style. Most of the other pieces in this look are pretty simple but the accessories- the wide-brimmed felt fedora and the tube socks- completely transform the look and gives it a bit of an alternative, street style appeal.

THE LOOK

Express Sleeveless Portofino  //  LC Lauren Conrad Circle Skirt  //  Express Bar-Accent Clutch  // LC Lauren Conrad Buckle Ankle Booties (similar: Jennifer Lopez Ankle Boots)  //    Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado  //  LC Lauren Conrad Wishbone Necklace (similar: LC Lauren Conrad Heart Necklace)  //  Burgundy Striped Tube Socks c/o Chrissy's Socks  //  Express Wide-Brimmed Felt Fedora Hat

 

Linking up with these fabulous ladies!

Pumps and Pushups //  The Pleated Poppy // My Girlish Whims 

Because Shanna Said So // Style Elixir // I do deClaire

 Get Your Pretty On // Classy Yet Trendy  //  Lisa a la Mode

 Sun Fun Fashion  //  Mix & Match Fashion  //  Shopping My Closet