Fridays are for Fashion

Friday's are good days, I think most people can attest to that. For me if I don't have to work I usually keep my Friday mornings and afternoons wide open to catch up on things from the week. These past few weeks have been especially busy and I haven't had any time to get through all of my November issues (and one October). 

The Elle October issue was amazing, the Personal Style Issue. I love seeing whats trending. When it comes to having great personal style it is important to find trends that align with you, but also trying things out of you comfort zone. Personal style is constantly evolving which is great. From the mouth of Wilhelmina Slater "Taste is having the courage of your own convictions." 

Be confident when it comes to your look, confidence is one accessory that can transform any outfit. 

Picked out a few of the trends that I am loving right now:

Suede: First off whats not to love right? Adds great texture and can have such a rich color which can really enhance any outfit.

• Panelope by Steve Madden
• Burberry Trench
• 'Betty' Shoulder Bag by Saint Laurent

Pattern: houndstooth, tartan, shepherds check, tweed I love them all. The best part about these prints are they are usually warm and practical. These have been seen all over this season including this great Prada handbag. 

• Checked Blazer by Zara 
• Houndstooth Print Trousers by Zara 
• Two- Sided Scarf by Zara

Isabel Marant: Who isn't talking about this right now? Isabel Marant for H&M and it is anything but a disappointment. One jacket in particular I cannot get off my mind (middle picture), but it is all beautiful.  

• Jacket with Beaded Embroidery 
• Boyfriend Jean
• Suede Shoes

Healthier Habits: End of the Detox

After 23 long days we have finished our shopping detox! Even though we were not perfect and admittedly had a few relapses, it worked! 

Liv:

I pretty much kept myself busy the whole time.  As odd as it sounds I need a distraction from wanting to go to the mall. Then I realized, “how did I even have time to go to the mall in the first place?” I’m so busy with school, work and balancing just everyday life; going to the mall was the last thing on my priority list. It felt really good not constantly feeling like I'm missing out on something. I did, however, end up buying two new things. I felt really bad about it and instantly had shoppers’ remorse. 

All and all, it was nice taking a break from shopping it isn't needed anymore. It's just like taking a break from social media sometimes you just have to. It's a struggle at first but after awhile you don't miss it. 

Krystal:

At first I thought this was going to be so hard. I kept getting emails about deals, and wanting to check all my shopping sites. But, next think I knew a week had gone by, and the another. I committed all that time I did previously shopping to focusing on school, work, and this blog. Of course will shop again but in a more controlled way. The UPS and Fedex man will be happy not to do the hike to our apartment door weekly any longer. 

Sunday How To's: Dress for Success

Everyone has that same image of the "sexy secretary" a hyper sexualized women in the work place wearing a skin tight pencil skirt with a slit up the back and a low cut top. This is not a good look. It is important, especially as women, to present ourselves properly in professional environments. Women before us have worked too hard for us to be able to come to professional arenas and be taken seriously. To disrespect that by dressing inappropriately really hurts me. Lately at a lot of events I have seen too many women dressing provocatively. That is what inspired me to do this how to. In these first images I am wearing a simple black dress that hits right at the knee and comes all the way up to my neck. Finding a perfect fitting black dress is an essential piece to your wardrobe. Depending on your body type different cuts and styles will flatter you best. It may take a lot of trying on but it is definitely worth it. DO NOT SETTLE. I know a lot of women enjoy feeling sexy. The perfect fitting black dress even though it is knee length and not baring cleavage can make you feel sexier than anything skimpy. Even more than sexy being dressed appropriately can truly make you feel beautiful and strong. This dress is so versatile, here I have it a little more dressed up, more of a work event versus everyday. But, I could easily dress it down and turn it into the perfect office dress. 

The Outfit: 

• Dress, Zara
• Jacket, Talbots
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Necklace, Forever 21
• Watch, Fossil 
• Clutch, Steve Madden

Being dressed professionally does not always have to mean looking boring. That is a common thought I believe many people have. If you have a more eccentric personality there is a way to tie that into professional clothing and still make yourself presentable. Of course you must always keep in mind the crowd. If your at a law office where the most exciting thing you see is someone changing their suit from black to brown you probably do not want to wear a yellow dress. But, there is always business casual events that need attending right? This look I'm wearing once again is overall covering. It hits slightly above the knee but it is also not as form fitting. This dress is great for many things: a wedding, business casual event, and possible your job (depending on where you work). It is a really rich color but a classic cut.

The outfit:

• Dress, Zara
• Watch, Fossil
• Gold bracelet, Forever 21
• Earrings, from my mom
• Shoes, Me Too 
• Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection 

Note: I would suggest accessorizing different based on the event, you would not want this large bag at a wedding.

 Lastly pants, I know everyone doesn't like wearing dresses. Pants are nice because if you find a pair that fit you great they can be a base to many outfits. This means invest, like the black dress shop around and find a pair that fit great (get them tailored if necessary). It is easy to make a simple pair of black pants look different by changing the blouse or adding a jacket. If you decide to wear a shear blouse it is important to be very conscious of the undergarments that you choose. You do not want bra straps showing and you always want to make sure the tank top underneath is giving you enough coverage. 

The Outfit:

• Blouse, H&M
• Pants, Macy's
• Watch, Fossil
• Handbag, Dooney & Bourke
• Shoes, Steve Madden 

Note: Looking great and professional does not have to be expensive. Find versatile pieces that can be re-used in many outfits and practical shoes versus shoes that only go with one outfit. Also keep your eye out for sales. The black dress I am wearing was purchased during Zara's winter sale for $19.99. Since they offer free shipping both ways I was able to try on different sizes in the comfort of my own home. 

Get Cooking

The weather is starting to cool down outside so what better time then to turn up the heat in your kitchen? That's why we love this recipe! Peppered Shrimp Alfredo. It's pretty simple, takes less than an hour, and I am confident anyone can nail this even if your a little new to your kitchen. Do not get turned away if there is something in this ingredient list that your not to keen to. My boyfriend hates mushrooms so I personally leave those out almost every single time. Also if your someone who doesn't like to much spice I would highly recommend either cutting the cayenne pepper amount in half our removing it totally.

Happy cooking :)

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, diced (1/2 onion if it is large)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, diced
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce 
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more/less to taste
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter together with the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper, and mushroom; cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 2 minutes more.
3. Stir in the shrimp, and cook until firm and pink, then pour in Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and cream; bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir drained pasta into the sauce, and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

When A Little Retail Therapy Becomes an Addication

Let's all admit it, when we're feeling a little down, maybe a little upset, or even just bored, hitting up the mall is probably the best thing next to going into a 9 hour Netflix marathon surrounded by junk food and feeling sorry for yourself. Getting a little pick-me-up can really boost a girls' spirit and that's a fact. 

 But what happens when all those little trip start to add up? Trouble. Krystal and I are going through what we like to call a, "Shopping Detox." One month of no shopping. Here are the rules:

1) It's pretty simple, no shopping. Nothing can be bought that isn't a necessity  No clothes, shoes, makeup (outside of the everyday items: ex. Bright red lipstick if you do not already wear it), decor, etc.

2) This also includes food. After talking we realized we could get our fix of "New" by buying snacks and food. This includes, but not limited to: Starbucks, Caribou, Dining Out, Dining in, etc.

Just by having this discussion, we've realized our shopping habits and how they actually affect us. It's not a social activity anymore for us. The thrill of getting something new doesn't have the same thrill when it happens almost everyday. Conspicuous consumption is a very real thing we face in todays' society. It is something everyone should consider reading up about and then take a minute and say to yourself is this me? Frivolous spending really isn't that cute. If a month without shopping sounds to hard, consider all the things you could do to fill that time you would be at the mall. Volunteer in your community, exercise, take up a new hobby! I hope many of you will consider taking this detox along with us. 

  We'll occasionally post about our detox and keep everyone updated.

Links to Volunteer opportunities locally:

• Pillsbury United Communities 
• Girls in Action
• Feed My Starving Children 

The Beginning: Welcome to Suite337

Krystal (left) & Liv (right)

Welcome to Suite337

A lifestyle blog that has a little bit of something for everyone (we hope)! A one stop shop for two different fashion perspectives, cooking tips, cosmetic finds, travel advice, and more. Taking life as it comes and sharing our adventures. We both have been very inspired by different blogs over the years and look forward to bringing that same inspiration to you all through ours! We hope you enjoy and stay along for the ride :)