Style It: Engagement Photos

My oldest sister Darlene recently asked me to help her pick out a few outfits for her engagement photo shoot. I love any opportunity to be a personal stylist! I wanted to be able to shop with her in D.C. but since I can't visit now, we decided to style one of her outfits using items from online stores.

She picked out the dress and I helped with the rest. She chose this fun, coral dress from the Gap. The dress is very summery so I decided to the coordinate the dress with a pair of tan gladiator sandals. Since the dress already has a little embellishment at the top, I just added a delicate gold necklace to the top.

While she may not use these exact items, she can use this as an inspiration for her outfit! It is also better to try everything on in person, especially for engagement photos!

1) Giselle Necklace, Anthropologie ($38)
2) Strapless Pom Pom Dress, Gap ($69.50)
3) Nine West Jamil Gladiator Sandal ($88.95)

H&M Spring/Summer 2009

H&M is one of my favorite stores and I have to say that I'm impressed with their current campaign. The ad is not only cool but it showcases some of the awesome items in the store's Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

Lauren Conrad Collection On Hold

I have a confession. Although I was never a fan of Laguna Beach, The Hills, or Lauren Conrad in particular, I secretly loved her clothing line. A bit overpriced... yes, but her designs were very cute, comfy, and girly.

Now the 23-year-old fashion designer is taking a break from her clothing line. Despite rumors that her line was being discontinued, Conrad wrote on her blog that she's just taking a few seasons off.

She wrote, "I have learned so much in the past year and I want to apply that to the improvement of my clothing line. I also wanted to make some changes in production so I would be able to lower the price point."

So if you love her line as much as I do, don't worry... she'll be back!

Spring Trend: Statement Necklaces

This season, I'm completely obsessed with finding the perfect statement necklace... the bigger, the better. These necklaces are beautiful, striking and all under $50.

1) White House Black Market Feather Faceted Necklace ($49.30)
2) M. Haskell Large-Bead Illusion Necklace ($28)
3) Banana Republic Layered Chain Necklace ($49)

Hair Removal: Threading

(Photo: The Pantagraph/Lori Ann Cook)

During my recent trip to California, I had my first experience getting my eyebrows and upper lip threaded at Vinita's Beauty & Threading Studio in L.A. Threading is the process of removing unwanted hair using cotton thread to grab and remove hair from the follicle. The method has been known to be practiced in countries like Egypt and India but has recently become more popular in the U.S.

The experience was not painful and felt very similar to tweezing. I now prefer it over waxing since waxing often leaves my eyebrows too thin. I really enjoyed the experience and loved the results!

Style Inspiration: California Here I Come

In honor of my trip to L.A., I decided to show a California-inspired outfit. While I consider myself more of a East Coast kinda girl, I always loved the laid back style of the West Coast. Take a look at some of my picks to create this effortless look. L.A., here I come!

1. Free People Dreamer's Seamed and Strappy Dress ($138)

2. Alex and Ani Owl Expandable Bangle ($28)

3. Twist Filigree Gladiator ($38)