Spring Wish List

This spring I'm looking forward to bright neon colors, fun colored nails, sweet and refreshing beauty products while continuing my leopard obsession (like here and here). Here's a detailed look into what I'm wishing for:

1. A beauty booster to keep me looking fresh during spring time allergies. Clarin's Beauty Flash
2. Caitlin and Amanda sold me on this sweet and soothing face oil.  Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil 
3. Who can resist a perfume that's "chic, comfortable, and entirely addicting"? Chloe Rose Edition Perfume
4. The best smelling dry shampoo ever! Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleanser
5. You can't go wrong with pretty pink nails especially in spring. Essie "Status Symbol"
6. I always love the woodsy smell of vanilla. Diptyque Opopanax Candle
7. I'll never tire of leopard. It instantly adds fabulous to any outfit. Zara Calfskin Bowling Bag 
8. Menswear with a punch of neon may be my favorite look for the season. Jill Sander Blouse
9. Mega high heels with juicy fruit colors--oh la la. Zara Satin Sandals
10. A fun weekend dress that will look great with sunkissed skin. Marc by Marc Jacobs Striped Dress 

Playful Prints

Blazer-Zara (seen here), Dress-Kate Moss for Topshop, Handbag-Botkier  c/o Stefani Bags (seen here), Shoes-c/o LuLu*s, Sunglasses-Karen Walker, Necklace-c/o EmersonMade, Watch-Michael Kors (similar style) , Bangle and Ring-vintage, Lipstick-Revlon #712 'Hot Coral'

The weather this week is incredible. I keep making excuses to get outside and away from my desk. The warm weather really allows me to wear bright colored lips (more lipstick love here and here) and playful prints. This Topshop dress by Kate Moss is one of my favorites and Alexa Chung (worn here) inspired me to wear it with leopard print. To make it less casual I added a blazer and colorful heels. This is something I would wear to a lunch meeting and then I would throw on my trusty flats (hidden in my handbag) to shop and stroll around town.

Getting Dressed

Kimono Dress-H&M (seen here) (similar style), Sweater-J. Crew, Top-Gap, Pants-Vintage (seen here), Shoes-Dolce Vita, Watch-Michael Kors 

The process of choosing an outfit is half the fun of going out. I enjoy the daily ritual of opening my closet and seeing what speaks the loudest. I have staples like stripes, sequins, and flirty dresses that get worn often. But I prefer to go by what suits my mood. One day I may feel like being bohemian or girlie and other days I may go totally preppy. That's what's fun about personal style--it's all about you. And if you feel good in what you're wearing that's what really matters.

http://rstyle.me/ad/c3zkitd

Spring Sunshine

*Top-J. Crew (seen here), Skirt-BB Dakota-Jack c/o Tilly Boutique, Shoes-Dolce Vita, Handbag-Vintage, Sunglasses-Karen Walker, Necklace-J. Crew, Watch-Michael Kors, Bracelet-Forever 21, Lipstick-Maybelline #515 Coral Crush

After a week of non-stop rain I couldn't wait for some sunshine so I could throw on my new skirt from Tilly Boutique. It wasn't quite warm enough for a short skirt and bare legs, but I didn't care, I was loving the first real sunshine we've had this spring. Plus, I wanted to feel girlie and cute with my new haircut. It was time for a change, nothing too drastic, just a few inches off to feel fresh and renewed. This outfit reminds me of a similar look (see it here) I wore last year, but with a little more edge. 

*To help you shop my looks better I've started to use Shop Style to link to my items or similar styles. 

Glitter Guide & Emma Kisstina Giveaway

 

When Emma Kisstina contacted me about partnering with Glitter Guide I was ecstatic! I've been a fan of hers ever since I discovered her drawing of my favorite perfume Chanel Chance (her work also seen here). Emma's collection is a Glitter Girl's dream: lipsticks, perfumes, pastries, and designer handbags. She's also done some amazing work for Matchbook Magazine. So I couldn't be more flattered that the Glitter Girl can have her very own print that is sure to add sparkle to any room! I can't wait to proudly display mine in my new and improved office!

Glitter Girl Mini Poster:

-Size 30cm x 40cm (12" x 16") Professionally printed on satin matte paper as well as signed and dated by Emma Kristina.

-Rolled in tissue and sent with care in a cardboard poster tube.

To win the Glitter Girl print: 

-Head over to Emma Kisstina's shop and tell us which prints are your favorites

-Like Glitter Guide on Facebook  (you can subscribe to Glitter Guide too if you'd like)

-Leave contact info 

Contest ends next Wed 3/30 at midnight Pacific Time. Good luck! 

 Congrats Marcie from Lemons and Laundry! You won!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Blog!

Tomorrow is Sterling Style's 2nd birthday! I can't believe how fast these two years zipped by. It's been an amazing journey. Two years ago I tired of filling up countless binders with inspiring images and tidbits and wanted a new outlet. I'd never considered starting a blog until I Googled the Miss Dior Cherie campaign and landed on Poetic and Chic's blog. It opened my eyes to a whole new world. I wouldn't have experienced such amazing things without your support. You make me want to be a better blogger and a better person. Thank you.

Check out a few memorable posts below (click on the image for the post).

(Old backdrop, new camera in 2009)

(celebrating spring in 2010)

(one of my many visits to Santa Cruz)

(Lucky and H&M collaboration)

(in love with my cottage)

(Fossil 2010 Holiday Lookbook)

(celebrating love in 2011)

{top image via Flikr and edited by me}

My Motivation

To me, style extends beyond how I look and dress. It's about giving back, being kind, thankful, and living a healthy and happy life. I've always enjoyed working out and eating healthy. Don't get me wrong I have my bad days, but I try to make fitness a priority. Here are ten things that help keep me motivated:

While nice and functional workout clothes are great I rely on my accessories more than anything.
1. Baseball cap 
When I head out for a run I like to protect myself from the rain and sun. A simple cap always does the trick (I like Nike). 
2. Headbands 
It's pretty clear I have an obsession with Lululemon's headbands. I hate having sweaty bangs in my face!
3. Good shoes 
Owning a good pair of shoes is one of the most important things you could invest in for fitness. I have multiple styles for different functions (running, weight-lifting, hiking, etc).
4. iPod 
Music is a great motivator. I update my playlist once every two weeks to keep things fresh.
5. Water bottle 
I always have water with me. Hydration is obviously necessary and can help keep you focused.
6. Gym bag 
I'm a handbag girl, so naturally I have an affinity towards gym bags too. Lululemon makes them stylish and very functional (I own six!).

A few other motivators:
7. Friends 
Having friends to work out with offers you support and a challenge. I love my CrossFit family. They make even the hardest days bearable.
8. Anywhere fitness 
It's easy to make excuses not to work out. Whether it's your schedule or your budget there are always ways to work around them. I feel empowered knowing I can workout anywhere.
9. The couple that works out together stays together 
I'm not going to lie, the fact that my boyfriend works out for a living is a great motivator for me. I surely don't want to be the out of shape girlfriend. Many couples shadow each other's habits so try to make them healthy ones.
10. Reward yourself 
No one likes all work and no play. If your pushing yourself hard it's important to sometimes reward that effort. I treat myself to a glass of wine or a gigantic cookie with ice cream!

Date Night

Jackets-(Faux Leather)Forever 21 (Jean) Abercrombie & Fitch, Dress-French Connection (similar one here), Belt-J. Crew, Shoes-Dolce Vita, Clutch-Club Monaco, Ring-YSL, Earrings-H&M 

Inspired by my new Who What Wear book. I decided to ask on Facebook what looks you would like to see me style and I got a plethora of different responses. One look that many of you asked for was "date night". I can understand why this particular look would be in high demand, it's tricky. There are also a lot of different kinds of date nights. Is this a first date or a date with your significant other? I went with a little of both. For me, date night is a chance for my boyfriend and I to get out of our routine--a break from the endless nights of pajamas and dishes.

On date night you should feel stylish and pretty. I gravitate towards dresses since they make me feel flirty and feminine.Whether it's a first date or your weekly night out, this is a time you should feel sexy--so don't be afraid of high heels and shorter hemlines. If your going short on the bottom cover up on top and vice versa. Also, keep your look pretty and natural. This isn't the time to try a new hairdo or beauty routine. Last but not least make sure to have fun (check us out above).

Things That Live In My Closet

A closet is more than storage, it's a place where we visit old friends (as DVF might say) and a place of memories and inspiration. When you come across a piece that speaks to you there is something magical that happens--you're transcended. Whether it's a distant memory of your first date with the person you love or a vision of the future where you're hosting a dinner party looking utterly fabulous, a closet is where dreams hang out. That's why I decided to start a new series similar to my "Things That Make Me Smile" called "Things That Live In My Closet" where you get an inside look at the clothes that help style this blog.

{1. Steve Madden platform heels 2. H&M leopard skirt and J. Crew sparkly skirt 3. Uniqlo fedora, H&M floppy hat, and Urban Outfitters sequin beret 4. H&M sequin dress, Topshop leopard dress, Elizabeth and James dress, French Connection sequin dress 5. H&M gray leopard clutch 6. H&M kaleidoscope dress}

Stormy Weather

Jacket, Shirt, and Socks-Gap, Sweater-H&M, Jeans-c/o James Jeans, Shoes- Kelsi Dagger c/o Moxsie (ON SALE NOW), Handbag-c/o Botkier, Necklace-"Abbey" c/o Lauren Elan, Lipstick--M.A.C. Impassioned

This weekend was cold, wet and windy. When it's gloomy out it's best to wear practical layers, but that doesn't mean you can't be stylish. I went with neutral colors, but kept it interesting with pattern and texture. It appears I have a growing obsession with button-down shirts (as seen here, here, here and here).  I like how they add a little tomboy to my more feminine style. Plus, they work perfectly with a statement necklace like this stunner from Lauren Elan.