What I Want Wednesday

Every New Year a majority of the population makes some kind of resolution to "lose weight or get healthy". I have spent the last year focused on doing that exact thing. I lost a considerable amount of weight (you can read about my Fitness Journey here) and have another goal set for 2013. One thing that really helped motivate me to work out and get my butt to the gym was fun, cute and flattering work out clothes. Since I run and do a combo of Yoga and Pilates I have to have different looks that are appropriate to each practice. I am looking forward to picking up a couple new outfits in the next month or so to help jump start my motivation in 2013. 

I am currently wanting these pieces...

Outfit 1: When I run I wear looks very similar to this. I ALWAYS wear a jacket or sweatshirt (even in the summer) because I sweat a lot and like to have a layer that soaks it up. I am loving the mock turtleneck on this jacket. This jacket also has mesh vents and wicks moisture away. I cannot think of better qualities of a jacket to wear while on a run. I also need a change in my bottoms and I love that these are solid but have details in the print that makes them a little different. I swear by the Nike Free's for running and working out. This look is a must have in my book.

Zella 'Fresh Take Z' Tank // Zella 'Victory' Jacket // Zella 'Live In' Leggings // Nike Free 4.0 Running Shoes

Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank: I am a huge fan of tanks that don't touch my mid section. They are perfect for Yoga and for working out in warmer temperatures. This one reminds me of the Lululemon 'No Limits Tank' but for a cheaper price. I will definitely be adding this tank to my work out wardrobe.

 Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank

Outfit 2: The girls in Orange County definitely take style in Yoga class to a new level. I need to step it up. I love the color and print in this look. I really love that the top is loose and drapy. Cropped leggings are a fun and sassy way to look different. This is a look that I may have to try when I hit the mat.

Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Tie Dye Capris // Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Knot Hem V-Neck Top

What do you wear while working out? Do you feel work out harder when wearing cute clothes? Would you wear these looks?

#StayFitandHealthy2013

What I Want Wednesday: Stylish Pajamas

Confession...

I wear the UGLIEST things to bed in the winter time. I am talking men's XXL sweats with the waist rolled three times and wife beaters and/or something long sleeved (think ratty sweatshirt or a flannel). I want to be warm, cozy and comfy. I refuse to wear socks to bed, even when I do they are somehow off when I wake up in the morning anyways. I just don't care to look cute. This drives my mother BONKERS. She harps on the ugliness of my PJ choices, has bought me a couple cute sets and always feels bad for my boyfriends. Lol. We have a week long trip to Lake Tahoe planned for Christmas so I know I have to step up my game to be around my family and our guests!

As I was looking for the cutest sets to share with you I was SHOCKED at how many I wanted! I may be conformed! I hope you love all of these as much as I do! PLUS, pajamas are the perfect gift for Christmas! I can look cute and you have some great gift options! It is a win win for all of us. ;)

Stylish Pajamas

1. DKNY 'Patterned Knit': We all need a little leopard in our lives! This is the perfect PJ set with a little bit of sass. It is a knit and not flannel so I am assuming it is extra comfy.

2. Xhilaration 'Polka Dot Flannel Set': I must confess that I already purchased this set. It is too cute and I am having a slight love affair with Polka Dots. I love the clean and crisp feel of the black, gold and white. Plus for $25 it is a bargain!

3. PJ Salvage 'Brushed Thermal Sleep Shirt': I LOVE the print and color way of this sleep shirt (it comes in 7 other prints/colors as well). It is flirty and feminine but will still keep you warm!

4. Gap 'Striped Waffle Romper': I am a fan of the romper and think that this is a cute piece for someone who doesn't like to wear pants to bed. I love the stripes and the buttons. It is just really fun.  

5. Gap 'Soft and Cozy PJ Set': I know that I love wearing cotton tops with my flannel bottoms. A full flannel PJ set can feel stiffer and be very warm. I think that this is a great option to wear to bed.

6. Kensie 'Quite the Character' thermal pj's: Can we all say DARLING! I am dying over the Jade green, the banding and small pocket are fantastic touches and thermals are lightweight but still keep you warm. This set also comes in like 6 other colors and prints. Adorable!

7. Xhilaration 'Dream Sleeptee' and Socks: This set is probably best for warmer places during the winter do to the thin tee shirt material. It is a girl version of Tom Cruise's look in Cocktail. I also like the mixing of stripes and polka dots. This is also a set that will not break the bank!

8. In Bloom by Jonquil 'Unwrap Me': I cannot post looks without popping in something sexier (and kind of cheeky!). I have an older print of this set and I LOVE it. It shows off your curves, showcases your arse and is sexy without showing too much! This is a gift for you AND your man. ;)

What I Want Wednesday: Stella and Dot + Giveaway

Happy Hump Day!

We are half way though the week. Woohoo!

I mentioned in Monday's post that I had attended my first Stella and Dot Trunk Show. I had obviously heard of the line, seen the pics in magazines and have a ton of friends that own many pieces. I just had not jumped on the bandwagon. I am seriously sad that I feel like I have missed out. I want to make sure that you don't miss out on all of the great things that they have. I decided to host an online Trunk Show. I hope that you will click on the links, look around at the site and hopefully fall in love with one, two or ten pieces! Remember that jewelry makes GREAT gifts so make sure that you keep an eye out for your friends, family and loved ones! 

 My LONG list of items I "need".

I want to make things a little easier for you and share my favorite pieces. You will see them all below! I also LOVE that they sell pendents and a ton of charms. They sell just the chain so you can make up any combination you want. Or you can buy a necklace with a charm and continue to add to it. You can personalize necklaces by birthstone, zodiac sign, initial or religion. So many fun options!

Statement necklaces, layered pendents, arm parties and over-sized cocktail rings are all on trend right now. Do not shy away from the big pieces, they often make the biggest impact and complete a look. You have seen a lot of my looks completed with a statement necklace and now you can copy me! ;)

My Stella and Dot Picks

1. Windsor Tassel Necklace: Mixed metals, fringe AND pave crystals? The perfect every day piece that can be worn alone or with smaller, layered pendents.

2. Petra Fringe Earrings: I DIE! I must own these. I love anything with an Art Deco look! I would wear these with jeans, tee and killer stilettos or dressed UP!

3. Soiree Trio Cocktail Ring: I am LOVING mixed metals and I can wear this ring with ALL of my jewelry. I love the pave stones as well.

4. On the Mark Necklace: An every day piece designer by Maya Brenner... yes please! I have a little obsession with arrows and tribal print. This necklace is perfect.

5. Tempest Necklace: Holy Statement! This cecklace can be worn a couple ways. I love that it is "tough" yet romantic. Heavy duty chains with ribbon is very Lanvin inspired.

6. Hematite Cupchain Bracelet: The perfect piece to wear alone or in a big, fat arm party. I love that it is a wrap around bracelet. So fun!

7. Renegade Bracelet: EVERYONE has the bracelet and NEVER takes it off. It is fun, fany and fierce. Spikes are such a cool touch to any arm party!

8. Pegasus Necklace: You saw this on me in Monday's post. It has a tribal feel and the color is incredible. I wore it with a crew neck tee and skinnies the other night. Outfit complete!

9. Vitality Necklace: I love how dainty this necklace is. I would layer it with the On the Mark and a couple other small pieces I already own.

10. Lillith Fringe Earrings: The perfect going out earring. I am a huge fan of black, wearing it often. These will look great with a monochromatic look or with a pop of color. They will make a statement! Wear your hair up to show them off.

11.Bryant Park Scarf: Stella sells scarves! What? EVERY woman needs some leopard print in their closet. Don't want to go as bold as I have? Then buy this baby!

HOT OFF THE PRESS...

(I literally got confirmation from my fabulous stylist, Lauren, as I was writing the post. WOOT! WOOT!)

I have ANOTHER Giveaway for anyone that purchases something from my TRUNK SHOW!

If you buy a piece using any of the links (make sure that its says Mandy Christiansen's Trunk Show in the top left corner) than your name will go into a drawing to win either the Love, Courage or Light bracelet! Your choice of one!

They are the cutest "friendship" bracelets. Since I consider you all FRIENDS I would love to gift someone a bracelet for shopping with me!

I hope you love everything as much as I do!

Have fun shopping!!

What I Want Wednesday

I have decided to revive this series. You can read all my other What I Want Wednesday Posts HERE. Call me crazy but I sure have missed writing this series :)

You guys... 

We ALL know that it is not hard for me to fall in love with shoes. My love affair with shoes is never ending. I cannot get these two pairs out of my head. For reals. I have been SO good lately, NOT buying shoes because I really do not need them. Lately, when I am getting dressed, I find myself planning outfits and thinking that they would look so much better with one of the pairs pictured below. I know that 'oxblood' is the color of the season (and I love how bloggers call everything from red to wine to the deepest purple, 'oxblood'. Not!) and these shoes would be the best way to incorporate the trend into my wardrobe!

 Images via Shoemint

Let's discuss the PROS of these beauties!

Candy: Besides the fact that the shoes rhyme with my name (haha! DORK!), they are a very close replica of the Isabel Marant boot that I fell in love with on Pinterest. When I received the Shoemint email with this mid month release, I just about died. They are the perfect heel height (3 1/2 inches) and I do not have a wedge boot. I am a huge fan of the mixed materials. Suede is super comfy and gets better with wear. I also love that they can be worn two ways. Very versatile.

Gelareh: This shoe is the PERFECT pointy toe pump. They are sexy while still being classic. I have been craving a black leather pump and these are a great trend option and color. I do not own any patent heels right now, crazy right? I can wear these with everything from my BF jeans to a sassy dress and everything in between.

Tell me you agree.....

I REALLY need to purchase both pairs, right?

Wisdom, Wit and What I Want Wednesday {24}

I have a whole new outlook for 2012.

While I am totally excited about it, it is going to be a slight challenge.

I am having to teach myself new habits and there are some growing pains.

I am speaking specifically to shopping.

As in, I can't. 
Or can't like I used to. 
It sucks.

I was complaining to my mom about it and she said to just stop looking. Right.

I then explained how I would have to give up blogging (and Pinterest) and there was no way that I was going to do that. You see, every time I open my laptop up I find something GREAT and AMAZING that I HAVE to HAVE! You all find the most amazing things, it tempts me to bust out the credit card (which I REALLY can't do). I then realized that my What I Want Wednesday posts are doing the exact same thing. BUT the worst part, is that I am actually searching for things to lust and covet. I decided that I have to put this series on hold for the time being. Be smart. Making a wise decision.

Doing this leaves a gap or void. I like having different "series" to fall back on when I do not have an outfit post. So I need something to take What I Want Wednesday's place and I am kind of stumped.

 - Do I move my *new* series Fashionista Fitness to Wednesdays making it a weekly post instead of a monthly post?

- Do I use Wednesday's to get a little more personal and share my heart? (This scares me as I do have a dormant personal blog that I could re open. PLUS I love that this is a blog about style, specifically mine, without tying a lot of personal ish in.)

- Do I focus on "beauty" type things...make up, products, hair, nail polish reviews?

- Do I continue my "Shoe Love" series on this day?
- Do I focus on accessories and how to wear them?
- Do I take any of your fabulous suggestions and grow them?


SO. MANY. Choices!
Good thing I have one week to figure it out. 


As for my photo shoot...it's today. At 3pm.
I believe that I have settled on outfits Two (my top choice), Four (YOUR top choice) and Six (the "iffy" look due to the Chevron print). But I may also bring Look One as well becuase these pics will all be outdoors, in nature and wearing short skirts might not be so easy to manuver in. I am so indecisve these days. Haha. I just know it will be a very fun afternoon! Wish me luck!


What I Want...
I have to post one last thing. I am OBSESSED with these shoes. They aren't cheap. But what designer is? I think that these would be PEERRRRFFFEEECCCTTTT for my 30th birthday and possible Cabo trip. Right?


Valentino Rockstud Gladiator Sandals

Aren't they pretty?
Who wants to buy them for me? HECK... you all can pitch in ;)


This was a wordy post! 
Any thoughts or suggestions are always welcomed.
Happy Hump Day!

What I Want Wednesday {23}

Twitter has been abuzz with people DYING for Spring to arrive. They are posting pics of pastels, brights and dresses. I know that I may sound like The Grinch but I am NOT ready. At ALL. I am not trying to brag but it has not even been Winter here. I haven't worn my sweaters, coats and boots nearly enough. I even plan on going to the beach on Friday. Yes, I said it. I just want to have some kind of cold weather...maybe in February?

With that little rant out of the way (I swear it will tie in to this post in just a minute) I wanted to share that I am having a personal style conflict. I feel like I am drawn to so many trends and want to try different things all the time. Right now I am leaning towards a more casual, rockerish look. I think I am at an 'edgier' place in my life and dressing up doesn't quite fit that picture. I LOVED what I wore on NYE but I could have gone a totally different (read: rocker) route as well. I have always described my personal style as California chic, where Lauren Conrad meets Nicole Richie. I think that is still true but right now I am leaning more boho than California cute. SO I hope that you all bare with me as I try some new looks and outfits on the blog.

With the weather (see the tie in) and my new thoughts on my personal style I am drawn to some different pieces right now. I have to say I feel like a brat posting about things that I want a mere two weeks after Christmas. Oh well. The heart wants what it wants. And Fashion is never far from my heart :)

I do HAVE to say that I am refraining from buying clothes. My fitness program is in full effect and I don't want to buy things that I won't be able to wear later on. If I happen to buy things it will be items where sizing doesn't matter much and that can be worn with a lot of things. I am only adding basics or items that will complete my massive clothing collection. I am also stalking bathing suits and cover ups for my Mexico trips (yes trips, plural. I am going twice in 2012). 

I have to have THIS sweater. Like NOW!

I am also dying for THIS skirt. Worn with my Chambray button up...yes please!

Obsessed with THESE shoes. DYING to buy them.

Cheeky, Chic, Sexy Lingerie. (I mean I am single now. Haha)

A concert tee to wear with cardigans and boots.

So am I the only one coveting already?

What do you Want??

***all pics are from the links provided***

What I Want Wednesday {22}

No Shopping, no shopping, no shopping! WHAM!

Do you all remember the TV show game with the WHAMMY'S?? 

I feel like I am screaming, "no shopping" and WHAM! I fall in love with something else.

I know that this "shopping budget" is going to be harder than I thought! Haha.

My plan for November is to budget, budget, budget.

I am allotting myself with $50 a pay period to buy Clothes and Shoes!

(I am fully aware that this may be pennies to some and a large budget to others)

I want to stay focused on buying things I need and not always buying whatever I want and giving into my frivolous ways. I do not "need" for much. Being a Fashion lover I definitely talk myself into buying things that are not necessary just because I "want" them. I am growing up and need to save some pennies instead of spending them. My savings account is totally in my closet. Ha! I have some amazing shoes and bags ;)

So that is the plan! I am sticking to it!

The irony of posting the things I want while on a budget is just spectacular!

I am using these posts to really determine HOW I want to spend my money.

I don't know what it is about Zara shoes but I am loving them lately! I am pretty much obsessed with these baby's. I think they need a sister. These glitter heels will do the trick! SUPER hot heels.

{image via Zara.com}

I also cannot get this orange dress out of my head. The Clothes Hound is a store in North Carolina that has an incredible social media outreach (HI Mary!!!). They follow me on Twitter and are loyal readers of the blog. They posted the dress on Facebook and I HAVE to HAVE it! I am 99% sure that this is what I will be spending a majority of my allowance on. Be sure and visit The Clothes Hound's online store. Such great picks!

{image via shopclotheshound.com}

Fall is FINALLY starting to show it's face here in So Cal. There is a slight crisp in the air. I love sweaters and this one from Old Navy (yes, I LOVE this store. I find the best things) is JUST what I need to update my wardrobe. It is perfect for the chilly nights and I love the cowl neck. Plus the detailing of the knit is pretty.

{image via oldnavy.com}

I shared my budget, I shared my wants.

Help me decide how to spend my money!!

Happy Wednesday!

Xxoo

What I Want Wednesday {21}

One. More. Week.

In one week i can shop.

But I will not be going crazy.

Want to know why?

Because it feels so damn good to know that I can make do and be happy with  what I have. I don't need to shop to be fulfilled. I think I lost sight of that for awhile and I am happy to have seen growth and change in myself. If you would have asked me 6 months ago if I thought I could not shop for one month I would have laughed in your face. Now...I know I can do it.

With that said, this is what I am loving this week...

Cobalt

 {image via starstyleinc.com}

I LOVE the look of midi skirts and this color is just gorgeous. The shoes are FAB as well.

Theodora and Callum

'Aztec Blanket' scarf

 {images via justjared.com and starstyleinc.com}

I am so enamored with this scarf. I love scarves and this print is so fun and dresses up any look.

Striped, Nautical Inspired Sweater

{image via starstyleinc.com}

This is such a simple, classy and comfy look. I want a sweater like this one!

Cognac leather pieces

 {images via justjared.com}

I ADORE these looks. I want both outfits in my closet right now!

Killed. It. Period.

What is on your want list this week??

What I Want Wednesday {20}

With Fall just around the corner, well in every place but here (I mean, it is going to be 94 degrees today and tomorrow) , I am looking to update my accessories wardrobe. I am the biggest FAN of scarves. I love the extra layer of chicness that I can add to pretty much any article of clothing. 

Since I am STICKING to my shopping ban, the following beauties will have to wait. I am {still} taking gifts and donations. Always. 

Only 19 more days...but who's counting?? HAHA!

P.S. My support group that mentioned last week...was an EPIC FAIL.

They all bought stuff within a day! You should give them all a very hard time;)

I know I have.

You all know that I participate in 'What I Wore Wednesdays' over at The Pleated Poppy. You may not know that Lindsey also has a shop where she sells the most darling handmade things! I am in loooooveeee with her ruffled scarfs. I have been wanting a ruffled scarf since last December when I passed on this one. I LOVE her scarves although I wish that it was about a foot longer!

{images via The Pleated Poppy}

I am also in L-O-V-E with this waffle knit infinity scarf from Urban Outfitters.

The hardest decision is what color to pick. I am torn between the navy and pink. The texture is different than anything that I have. Plus...it just looks sooooooo cozy!

{images via Urban Outfitters}

What do you think of my two picks? I think I should get both! HA!

They really are two completely different looking scarves.

They are both under $35 bucks. 

I love how frugal I am when on a shopping ban. 

Speaking of NO SHOPPING...did you know I am giving away a free pair of Kendra Scott earrings??? Have you entered the GIVEAWAY? Go, NOW!

What I Want Wednesday {19}

A couple of days ago I shared that I was on a self imposed shopping ban.

So writing a "What I Want" post is pretty much TORTURE. Yes...this is going to be hard. BUT it won't be as hard knowing that Jenn, Kimberly, Ying, Sarah, Neris and Amber all decided NOT to shop this month either. I have a support group! Woo hoo! You should have seen our twitter feed. We all wanted "one last buy", exclusions and rules. I was dying laughing at how weak we all are BUT I know that we will all support each other and get through this very long 31 day month of ZERO shopping (clothes etc. NOT the necessities, DUH) together!

SO. If I COULD buy just one last thing this month it would be these shoes.

If you are reading this, love me, want to support my habit, would like to Surprise me OR just feel bad that I am so depressed about not shopping then go ahead and CLICK on the picture, select a size 9 and send them my way! I just LOVE surprises. HeeHee!

Z

Zara Two Tone Python Heels

Aren't they too die for? 

 I would give these SUCH a happy home :)

What I Want Wednesday {17}

Hey Y'all! 

I am in need of some help.

All I REALLY want is for you to help me decide what to wear for my photo shoot this weekend. I am having some updated pictures taken and I have zero creativity right now. ALL you have to do is vote below. You can choose multiple answers! I will probably do two different looks.

Ready????? 

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

P.S. I work with a lot of Texans who say y'all and I LOVE it. So cute. So I am trying to incorporate it into my vocab. Hehe.

P.P.S. My beautiful, talented and amazing friend Leslie is taking my pics. Check out her website and blog HERE. And take a pic at our last shoot HERE.

Thank you for playing!

What type of clothes should I wear for my Photo Shoot?

What I Want Wednesday {16} ...on a Thursday ;)

It has been quite awhile since I have done a What I Want post. In all actuality I have NO problem finding things to buy and I have no business buying things right now. Searching them out does NOT help my addiction. But since I have accumulated all of these fabulous pictures I just had to share.

I am in search of a pair of knit, bell bottom pants that I can throw on and still look Fab!
This snake print pair is pretty amazing. I am obsessing over this whole outfit.
Let me know if you find a pair similar.

 

{image via justjared.com}

I may be completely late to the tribal print trend. I don't think that I have anything like this in my closet. I want every single outfit that I have pictured below. I am especially taken with the neon print dress.

Do you own any tribal print pieces?

 

{Ashley Tisdale via peoplestylewatch.com, Nicky Hilton via starstyleinc.com}

 

{images via justjared.com}

 

{Kristin Cavallari via hillsfreak.blogspot.com, Minka Kelly via peoplestylewatch.com}

It is hard NOT to be a fan of Rachel Zoe. Her love of sequins and the higher, the better heels is right up my alley. I love that she has come out with her own line. I love the collection. The first piece I saw was these wedges on Neiman's website. TRUE love at first sight.
le sigh

{image via neimanmarcus.com}

I don't think that it is a surprise that I am a total hat girl. It is the best accessory to create mystery and hide a bad hair day. I don't have a fedora that is perfect for the winter. I am in desperate need. Or want. I shouldn't be so dramatic.

 

{image via gossipcenter.com}

 

{images via justjared.com}

As much as I love color and prints I still always feel best in basic black. Finding ways to make it interesting is always fun and can be a challenge. I love both options. The tank is sexy and the sweater is intricate. I will take both, please!

 

{images via justjared.com}

 {images via hillsfreak.blogspot.com}

I wear my hair up more often than not. The fishtail has been in heavy rotation but it never looks polished. I definitely want to try Nicole's look. I have been obsessed with making my hair look 'perfect' in a ponytail. I want it a little piecey-er, without my hair too flat and slicked down on my head. I love how Hilary's looks. I also now need black earrings like her. I am a total sucker.

{Hilary Duff via gossipcenter.com, Nicole Richie via Peoplestylewatch.com}

I would rock the heck out of a gold sparkly tunic/dress! There are so many ways to wear this piece. I love this Dries van Noten dress that Jessica is wearing. On the search for something a tad more affordable.

{image via justjared.com}

I have to end the list with some Man Candy. Josh Jackson makes my Top Five overall guys on "MY LIST" (you all have a list, right?). BUT he makes my top TWO of best dressed men (Ryan Gosling is numero uno). I have loved him since The Mighty Ducks era. Yup! Diane Kruger is a lucky, lucky girl!
Can I have him pretty, pretty please????

(Top 5 in no particular order: Ben Affleck, Ryan Gosling, Josh Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal and I rotate between Ryan Reynolds and Josh Duhamel for the 5th spot. Depends on the day)

{image via justjared.com}

That is it...ALL TOTALLY attainable, right??

ONE more day until the weekend. Woot! Woot!

What I Want Wednesday {14}

My obsession with Kendra Scott earrings continues to grow every day! They are opening a store in Beverly Hills and I am DYING to go. I just bought my 4th pair of the 'Danielle' and I am STILL lusting after 3 more colors. They are the perfect everyday earring that makes a statement. Everything they make is cute. What I LOVE the most is the color selection. They have SO many choices if you love a silhouette!

Here is what I want...

(click on the title to be brought to the website to see colors and prices)

Danielle in Pyrite

Karina in Rhodium

Bella in Turquoise

Marlene Rose in Gold

Wren in Pink Agate

Brindle in Crush

Audra in Turquoise

Nasha Chain Swag necklace in Rhodium

Kiri pendant in Crystal

Rayne necklace in Blue Agate

Rana Cocktail ring in Salmon

 

How amazing are these pieces?

Have you fallen in L-O-V-E yet?

I could have added more but I didn't want to seem greedy ;)

Now you can see why Kendra Scott has quickly become my FAVORITE!

I hope you will check them all out!

{all images via KendraScott.com}