Date Night Outfit Inspiration for Every Occassion

Here it is-- Date Night Outfit inspiration
! I know there are many of you who wait until the last possible second to salvage something decent looking (and probably black) from your closet, but this is the night where you are going to be the star of the show, looking stunning in the appropriate outfit for your occasion.

A Casual Evening In-

Even though you may be watching movies and eating takeout, looking cute for pictures is still a priority. I recommend pixie pants or any leggings, an over sized boyfriend sweater, and some riding boots. Comfy- casual.

Vintage Earrings

Boots- Sam Edelman
Socks- Nordstrom BP
Leggings- J Crew
Cardigan-LOFT
Sweater-LOFT

Fossil Watch

2. Date Night Out! Simultaneously cute and comfortable is vital. Dresses, in my opinion, are the most comfortable, especially with a peplum (just incase you want to order dessert). Heels are not ideal if you are going shopping along with dinner, but this outfit is just for the meal portion. Swap out the heels with wedges or booties if there is going to be a lot of walking.

Ted Baker Embellished Peplum Dress- $348.00

Manolo Blahnik Black Pumps-$795.00

If heels are not your style, try pairing an LBD with statement jewelry and black booties&tights!

3. Dinner and a Movie-- every girl needs to learn to find the perfect balance between looking put together and dressed up and looking casual. I walk on the dressed up side too often, and it throws off the 'vibe', per say. A cute cowl neck knit with black pants, hunter boots, and a quilted vest should do the trick! To dress it up, add statement jewelry or even some heeled booties. 

4. If your beau is outdoorsy ( and you Would rather be getting mani pedis or watching gossip girl), I have the perfect cute and comfy outfit for you. Leggings are a must for hiking, but underarmour makes especially thick leggings for colder months, which are perfect. Pair that with a thick flannel, timberlands/bean boots, a puffer vest, and a knit circle scarf and you are totally prepared. Throw your second day curls into a pony and out the door into the wilderness you go!

I hope this helped you ladies in need! Have any requests for a post? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers,

EKM

Winterlicious Tag

My first tag blog post ever- so exciting!

1. Favorite Winter Nail Polish?
I would have to say either 5 Golden Rings by Spectrum Cosmetics (I had never heard of it before but my Grams got it for me for Christmas last year and I wore it non stop all winter) or Butter London British Racing Green-- it's my favorite hunter green color!

2. Favorite Winter Lip Product?
I am not one to splurge on makeup (I do that enough with my clothes) so my favorite winter lip product is Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet-- it's not too bright since the color is pretty sheer.

3. Most Worn Winter Clothing Piece?
I would have to say my J Crew Pixie Pants-- I wear them with absolutely everything since they are as thick as normal pants. But if you're going to get them, buy them from the factory store, they are like $20 cheaper and they are almost the exact same. (shhhhhh)

J Crew Pixie Pants- $98.00

4. Most Worn Winter Accessory?
Hands down my cream cableknit boot socks I found at Marshall's- they were in the clearance section without a tag when I spotted them-- I had been looking for them for FOREVER and a day and I finally found them. I wear them with both my riding boots and my Hunters to keep my feet warm. Sorry I don't have a picture for you! Here are some similar ones--

Also I really love my new scarf ( I just got it yesterday) from LouLou. It's the perfect winter plaid!

5. Favorite Winter Scent/Candle?
I'm actually burning it right now to be honest-- Yankee Candle in Mistletoe! Absolutely my favorite smell.

6. Favorite Winter Beverage?
Earl Grey Tea! Specifically, Ahmed Tea from London. (I am into all things British, if you can't already tell.) Can I include my favorite tea mug in this question? Its from Anthropoligie and it has an L on it for the short version of 'Elle', since it sounds the same. That may answer the question about my profile pic as well. 

Ahmed Tea from London- Earl Grey

Homegrown Monogram Mug from Anthropologie-$8.00 

7. All time favorite Christmas movie?
Actually I just saw Frozen in theaters yesterday and it ranks pretty high in my favorite Christmas movie list! I definitely recomend it. Also Elf, that's a classic for everyone. 

8. Favorite Christmas song?
My favorite christmas song happens to be THE Christmas song, you know, 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire...'? A classic. I'm into the classics.

9. Favorite Holiday food/treat?
My mom makes peppermint ice cream around Christmas time that I can't get enough of. You just mix vanilla ice cream with crushed candy canes, and you're done! I try to avoid the chocolate desserts since they give me painful headaches. 

10. What is your favorite Christmas Decoration this year?
Every year, my family puts electric candles in the windows, which I've grown to love. 

11. What was your favorite present you received on Christmas?
I got a ponte peplum top from J Crew from my Aunt that I am wearing right now, that is so flattering and cute for all seasons! I talk about it more in my 'What I got for Christmas' post. 

12. What are your holiday plans this year?
I had six Christmases with different family and extended family. I'm just staying in with a couple of my girlfriends on Christmas eve- it's our tradition to watch Mean Girls and get takeout on NYE.

My favorite movie of all time-
"Last week, I saw Katie Heron wearing army pants and flip flops. So I bought army pants and flip flops."

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."a -Calvin Coolige

xx,

EKM

What I Got For Christmas!

Hello all, and I hope you had a lovely, wonderful, joyus Christmas or whatever winter holiday you celebrate! I will try to boil down my gifts to the top 10 important things I received--let's see how this goes! I am grateful for everything I received, but my favorite part of Christmas is most definitely giving gifts! My goal every year is to make my mom cry (she does whenever she gets a sentimental gift--does anyone else's mom do that?). I also love seeing my little sister light up with the gift that I get her.

 Without further ado, let's get started!

1. Ninja Blender- I have a protein smoothie every day for breakfast so I needed a new (and faster) blender to save time! And it doesn't leave unblended chunks which is a miracle.

Ninja Professional Blender With Single Serve Attachments- $149.99

2. My aunt/ secret santa/godmother got me the following three items all from JCrew-- So generous! This is my favorite out of the three- I wore it today to go shopping! This peplum top is so flattering and is cute with everything from leggings and boots to a pencil skirt and heels. Love love love!

J Crew Factory Ponte Peplum Top- $78.00

3. Also from my aunt, I received a J Crew boatneck striped tee-- perfect for the summer with printed chino shorts and a SoPro baseball hat, or during the winter with a puffer vest and riding boots. 

J Crew Factory Contrast-Stripe Boatneck Tee- $42.50

4. I also got this J Crew Star Sweater- Not so sure I am in love with this one. I may exchange it for the lobster one if I can find it in stores-- I will include both below.

J Crew Factory Warmspun Intarsia Star Sweater- $88.00

J Crew Factory Intarsia Charley Sweater in Lobster- $78.00

5. My mother got me a monogram sticker from the Etsy shop DecalInnovations similar to the one below, except the outline is navy and the letters are white (and the monogram is different, obviously). I am going to put it on my organizer I have to spice it up a smidge. 

5in Monogram Decal Sticker from Etsy- DecalInnovations $10.00

6. A monogrammed quarter zip in royal blue with a white monogram from Etsy-- I don't know the name of the shop, sorry loves! I have worn this top for the past two days-- no shame. My friends and family are aiding my monogram addiction.

Monogrammed Quarter Zip Sweatshirt in Royal Blue with White Thread- approx. $40.00

7. This olive loft sweater which I LOVE-- the neckline is extremely flattering and I love the color with pixie pants, white boot socks and deep brown riding boots! I put it on as soon as I got it and wore it to a Secret Santa party a few days ago. 

LOFT Textured Boatneck Cable Sweater- $69.50

8. Along with that, I got a LOFT white boyfriend cardi to wear with leggings and over dresses to make them more winter appropriate-- Although it does leave a trail of fuzz, I adore how it looks!

LOFT Textured Stitch Open Cardigan- $59.50

9. My favorite nail polish EVER got old and sticky a month or so ago (I almost cried) so I asked for this nail polish for Christmas-- apparently it was discontinued so my mom had to search high and low to find this, and I am eternally grateful. Here it is, Let Them Eat Rice Cakes by OPI

OPI Let Them Eat Rice Cakes

10. And last but not least, my favorite perfume- Burberry Weekend. My mom used to wear this perfume all the time and I fell in love with the scent-- it reminds me of my childhood and looking up to my smart,stylish, beautiful mother. 

Burberry Weekend Perfume for Women 2.3 fl. oz.-$58.00




And that is it, ladies and gents! I hope you enjoyed!




xx,

EKM

DIY Monogrammed Ornament

So my last minute DIY present making has come to a close, and I wanted to share what I made with you all! It's very simple, but personalized means everything. These are my monogrammed ornaments!

Step 1. Cut out circles (the size is your choice) out of white or colored poster board.

Step 2: Draw smaller circles in the center of the ornament, equidistance from the edges.

Step 3: Draw the Monogram of the intended giftee on the inside of the smaller circle-- this will take some practice. For all you ameture monogrammed out there, a monogram goes FIRST, LAST, MIDDLE initials.

Step 4: Paint with desired colors and patterns! I did mine with stripes and blue/yellow coloring just for reference.

Step 4: Take 10in. Of string,  use a hole puncher to punch a hole at the top of the ornament, and string the ribbon/string through!

DIY Nautical Monogrammed Ornaments!
Featuring my favorite holiday candle-- Yankee Candle in Mistletoe

All done! How simple (and adorable)?!

Merry Christmas Eve!

xx,

EKM

When the Weather Outside is Frightful, How to Keep Your Figure Delightful

Alright, ladies and gents, now is the time to start the process of preventing the holiday 15...or 20( pounds, that is). With invites to holiday parties taking over your schedule, you cannot help but think how you will maintain your figure through all of this. However, I do understand, you cannot stay away from grandma's peach cobbler and those decadent sugar cookies, along with that oversized helping of stuffing and many, many crescent rolls. Besides self-will and abstaining from eating (which is destined to turn into severe depression), here are a few tips and tricks to keep your mid section slim and trip and keep you rocking your favorite jeans long after the holidays have come and gone.

1. Portion control!

Here is my rule: choose 1 of each food group. Pick between carbs (sliced bread vs. stuffing), starches (corn vs. white potatoes), and sweets (pumpkin pie vs. Apple strudel). I find that this lets you indulge without going overboard.

2. Feel free to fill your plate with all the fruits and veggies you can fit. Never limit yourself on food that comes straight from the Earth. Now, some exclusions from this rule include Cream of vegetable soups and any sort of fruit pies. That's just cheating.

3. Drink water in between bites. It'll keep you full while eating less.

4. Exercise! If you know you are going to be eating three of every desert at the party, go on an hour long walk before hand a speed up your metabolism so it's ready to burn every chocolate chip you scarf down.

5. Eat before you come! An hour or two before you depart, eat a large salad and an apple. Only vegan food before you go, to allow yourself to indulge at the party, but controlled! This will curb hunger and keep you feeling healthy. I find that if I eat a good breakfast, just like eating a salad, I make better choices throughout the day/party.

Enjoy your friends and family. After all is said and done, Christmases are limited; use your time wisely.

xx

EKM

"19 Things I learned before I turned 19", courtesy of Tumblr

I found this on tumblr and felt the need to share it-- lovely quote that I feel will inspire many.

“Nineteen things I’ve learned before I turned nineteen.

1. Always carry $5 and a lighter with you (even if you don’t smoke). 


2. Ask every person you meet how their day is going. Genuinely ask with the soul intention of learning how their day is. Ask the coffee shop employee. Ask the person next to you in line at Walmart. Ask your distant friend. Ask everyone.

3.Take many photos of yourself. Take photos of yourself when you’re happy. Take photos of yourself when you’re sad. Take photos of yourself because there are millions of trees in the world, and we all look at the same sky, but there is only one of you.


4. Stay in contact with your parents. Try not to hate them. They are the reason you have the ability to feel anything at all. Try not to hate your parents.


5. Opening your skin will not set your demons free. Open your heart. Open your mind. Open your hands.


6. Nobody knows anybody completely. That’s okay.


7. Be gentle, but be aggressive. Take a stand. Nobody hears your voice if you stay silent. 


8. Respect everybody. We are all humans trying to survive. We all deserve respect. 


9. Wearing black will ALWAYS make you feel better about yourself. 


10. Always give tips, whether it be a couple extra dollars or a piece of mind. You never know how much you could be helping someone. 


11. Change is the only thing consistent in life. Do not allow that bother you. Embrace chance and move with life, whichever direction it chooses to take you.


12. Smile often. Smile at strangers. Smile at your friends. Smile when nobody is looking and you’re alone in your bedroom. Smile when somebody is rambling to you. 


13. Body image means nothing. Your body is merely just a seatbelt in the car. Your body is here to protect you. You choose the direction you go, and your body will not hold you back. Only you can hold yourself back.

14. Don’t hold grudges. Don’t allow yourself to hate anybody. Forgive them. Learn to love them for the person you never got to see them to be. Believe that a beautiful human exists in that person. Wish them well.


15. Drink orange juice. Lot’s of it.


16. Don’t allow the opinions of others to choose your destiny. We are all simply trying to live our own life.


17. Sing all the time. Sing off key. Sing in a silly voice. Sing like you’re on stage. Sing no matter who is around. Singing is breathing for the soul. Sing.


18. Take time to think. Write your feelings down. Write letters to the people you love. Texting is overrated and not as heartfelt as a nice handwritten letter.


19. Live for yourself. Breathe for yourself. Do everything in your life for nobody but you. This is your life. This is it.”
-----------------------
Katey Chrest

Hello, Loves!

My name is Eleanor Kathleen Marie, better known as 'Elle', although sometimes abbreviated as 'L'. I am a classic prep in every sense of the word. People who meet me assume that because I may write in a Lilly Pulitzer agenda and carry a leather LV bag instead of a backpack that I am less intelligent, which is not the case at all. 

I wanted to start this blog because I am in a rut in life. Truth be told, Nothing monumental has happened, neither good or bad, and I wanted to add a little spice to my life by starting 'Virginia Curls and Pearls.' I want to inspire young women (and maybe men, who knows!) to dress well, act classily, and work hard to be successful. And I hope that as I help others to be successful and embrace who they are (along with giving a little fashion advice), I will learn to help myself. I want everyone to know that smarts can come with looks and class. Contrary to popular belief, you can have it all if you work for it.

Ladies and gentlement, raise your glasses, your heads, and your standards, and let's be the next wave of people who change the world. 

xx,

LKM

Do you have questions? Need Advice? Let me know!

VirginiaCurlsandPearls@gmail.com