Today's Look: Cold Blooded Gypsy

THE LOOK

Top, Free People

Snake skin bandage skirt, Express

Necklace, Pink & Blue

Bangle, Charlotte Russe

Sandals, Nine West

MAKEUP

'Crazy for Coffee' lipstick by Maybelline

Today's Look: Frankly my Dear...

Out tonight for a sushi birthday dinner for my friend, Katie. Feeling like a flapper. Why the heck not?

THE LOOK

Chevron rings, Francesca's Collections

Fringe vest by Line & Dot from Gusto

Simple black dress, H&M

Heels, Chinese Laundry

THE MAKEUP

Urban Decay eyeliner in black

'Are you Redy' lipstick by Maybelline Color Sensational

Le PARFUM
Dot by Marc Jacobs

Today's Look: Ballerina in Leather

I was a dancer for 12 years, now I've traded in my tutus for edgy peplum tops like this one!

THE LOOK

Suede booties, Alice + Olivia

Rectangular cocktail ring & multi chain necklace, Aldo

Leather peplum top, pink.rose

Leather leggings, Forever 21

Shades, Nordstrom

Secrets to Style is on it's A-game

I just want to take a moment to thank all you beauties! 356,000,000 Google search results and you guys are making my blog NUMBER ONE!! Please share Secrets to Style with your friends! 

Get exclusive updates here!

KEEP CONNECTED

BLOG FAN PAGE: http://ow.ly/lWtDN

TWITTER: http://ow.ly/lWtEV

BLOGLOVIN: http://ow.ly/lWtHp 

PINTEREST: http://ow.ly/lWtIr 

TUMBLR: http://ow.ly/lWtJA 

INSTAGRAM: http://ow.ly/lWtL3 

LOOKBOOK.NU: http://ow.ly/lWtM6 

POLYVORE: http://ow.ly/lWtNr

Sephora Turns 15 & Alice+Olivia Sample Sale

As a blogger and advocate of style, I make it my duty to get the inside scoop on what's going on in the fashion world so I can dish to you guys on all the latest trends and shopping steals. Between attending Sephora's Sweet 15th, shopping for my latest must haves, and more shopping at Alice + Olivia's sample sale, I'd say my day's been fairly eventful. Check out what what trouble I got myself in...

SEPHORA'S SWEET 15th

I kicked off the day by taking part in Allure's celebration of Sephora's 15th year of being open this morning at their store location in Union Square. I  had a great time at all the stations they had set up (nail bar, Urban Decay makeup makeover, Clarisonic demo, and St. Tropez spray on tan, and photo booth for post makeovers), not to mention all the freebies I got to take home. Allure's beauty editor even stopped by to share some of her summer beauty tips (I couldn't resist complimenting her on her adorable fuchsia DVF dress), saying sea salt spray was one of her summer must haves for that perfect beach wave. (Click here to learn how to make your own!) Other trends include a coral lip and silver eyes. Not to be worn together necessarily. 

The first 20 people at each station received a goodie bag filled with lots of things that would make a makeup lover gush with excitement. Here's what I took home! (Urban Decay eye shadow primer, eye pencil, and makeup setting spray, sample Naked foundation, sample Marc Jacobs perfume, St. Tropez self tanning lotion...and more.)

FREE PEOPLE SHOPPING

After the party, I headed to one of my absolute favorite stores, Free People. Back home, we don't have (m)any FP stores (only stores who carry the line) so you better believe I'm up in all the FPs NYC has to offer. It's such a tranquil place to shop to get away from all the city chaos, not to mention the incredible pieces that never cease to please me. Love it!

ALICE + OLIVIA SAMPLE SALE

I found out from my new Pulsd app that Alice + Olivia was having a sample sale today until 4pm. I was not about to miss out on up to 70% savings! The isles and open fitting room were tightly packed with tons of garments and scavengers ready to pounce...I was shamelessly one of them. But not in vain, I scored a pair of black suede ankle booties that are as unbelievably comfortable as they are high. My other find was a pair of extra long navy flair denim that looks killer with extra high heels (got them for $48- originally $198). 

Needless to say, my arms were aching from all the bags I had to carry home on the subway...but let's be real...it was totally worth it!

Anywhere but Here

Anywhere but Here by thefiercefashionista featuring platform ankle boots

SHOP THIS LOOK

 

Today's Look: Poetic License

THE LOOK

Floral crop top, Necessary Clothing

Locket, Francesca's Collections

Wide leg pants, Xhiliration

Chunky heels, Shoe Dazzle

Going to California

You might say it's 70s rock n' roll meets modern day Hollywood.

Fashion Fast Forward: Vertical Stripes

When I was growing up, paying a friday night visit to the movie rental store was what I looked forward to all week. Feeling a bit nostalgic (as I often do), I walked into a video store in Brooklyn the other night, coming across some old VHSes that reminded me of that excitement I had felt as a kid. You're probably wondering how this relates to fashion. Well, 90s style has made quite a comeback this season. I may still have been a fashionista in training during this decade, there are some looks that will forever be etched in my mind. For example, remember Cameron Diaz's first ever film role as Tina Carlyle in the 1994 film, The Mask? Of course you do. She was the epitome of all things a girl wants to be and what every man wants. Let's be honest. When thinking of how iconic her wardrobe was in this comedy, one look has always stood out to me, her black and white vertical striped dress. Interestingly enough, I've noticed a bit of similar looks resurfacing and decided to put together STS's very first 'fashion fast forward' post, taking a look at popular outfits from past decades, and how they can be translated to today's fashions. For a more updated approach to Diaz's long sleeved dress, I found this fitted pencil skirt by Nasty Gal. Pair it with a trendy bustier and you're sure to get noticed this summer. 

BUY THE LOOK

http://www.nastygal.com/product/start-me-up-skirt/_/searchString/skirt

Today's Look: Summer Ombre

Embracing the summer in a sleeveless ombre top and adorable detailed shorts. Heading to Pride this evening to support! 

THE LOOK

Ombre chambray button-up top, Necessary Clothing

Shorts, Forever 21

Necklace, Francesca's Collections

Chunky heel booties, Charlotte Russe

Check out the new claws! Treated myself to a mani/pedi this morning after the gym. Might have to pay the nail salon more frequent visits after doing all this city walking everyday! I've been growing my nails out for a bit and filing them in a fresh, sharp almond shape. I decided to give triangles a try and I'm loving it!

Charming & Vicious

Charming & Vicious by thefiercefashionista featuring high heels

THE LOOK
Leather pencil skirt, The Row, $2,024
Pointed toe pumps, St. Laurent, $1,075
Goat hair jacket, Emilio Pucci, $2,835
Clutch, Michael Kors, $108
Black and white bustier, Sass & Bide, $150
Spiked bangles, Boohoo, $8

Today's Look: Floral Frenzy

MAKEUP

Naked 2 palette 

Stiletto Lashes by Maybelline

'Nearly There' lipstick by Maybelline Color Sensational  

'17 Delete' by O.P.I. (Seventeen Mag's custom color for their campaign against bullying)

Surviving NYC: Land the Internship of Your Dreams

photo credit: lookbook.nu

NETWORK

The first step is networking. If you're not a social butterfly it's time to step out of your cocoon. Surround yourself with like-minded people and people you aspire to be like and always carry your business card with you. Never miss an opportunity to self promote and ALWAYS dress to impress. You never know who's watching. A quote that has seemed to resonate with me since a young age- 

“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” -Coco Chanel

Research the company you're interested in interning with and start looking for ways you can connect with someone who works there or who knows someone works there. Reach out to that person and let them know you're interested. 

Before the interview
Rehearse your elevator speech (this is your 30 second or less pitch to sell yourself) and try on your interviewing outfit beforehand to avoid any potential wardrobe malfunctions. When you're prepared, you'll feel at ease and your confidence will be able to truly radiate.   

What you need to succeed: Persistence, ambition and passion.

1. Persistence

When I applied for my current internship I had to go through several people to assure my portfolio had been received and reviewed. My professional, yet friendly approach got me referred to someone in a higher position, ultimately leading me to the right person I needed to connect with to land me the interview.

2. Ambition

Most people do over the phone interviews if they live out of the area. While this option was offered to me, I didn't like the idea of not letting my potential future employer get to see the real me. This provoked me to fly to NYC, where I was able to show off my style, personality, and skill level to prove I was the right girl for the job. I'm a firm believer that going the extra mile sets you apart from the rest.

3. Passion

If you're serious about a career in fashion (or any career for that matter), you won't let anyone or anything stop you. Life is too short not to do what you love. Have a career that makes you want to get you out of bed everyday.

Reflect on what makes you different and capitalize on it. 

We all want to fit in, but what about standing out? Whether it's your shining personality or your innovative personal style, don't be afraid to show off a little. At the end of the day, it's you you want them to remember.

Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. FOCUS ON YOU. 

I started taking on extra classes back in the fall (22 hours, with new classes (year round) every 11 weeks and only 1 week break in between) because I had planted a seed in my mind and set a goal- I was going to be in NYC this summer- do or die. While other students compared themselves to me thinking they should be doing an internship this summer as well, it was my lack of social life they were overlooking. What may be best for one person isn't necessarily best for someone else. We're all on our own paths to success, so comparing yourself to another person doesn't make you any more or less  successful.

Follow up

After your interview, be sure to send a thank you card letting your interviewer know you appreciated the time they took to speak with you. This is just another chance to impress, so take advantage!

Please leave your comments or questions below! I am here to help! If you're not already a subscriber, sign up to follow by email today (located at the top right of the page)!

Surviving NYC: How to Ride the Subway Like a Pro

photo credit: primawan.info

About to brave the subway for the first time? It can be pretty intimidating if you don't know what you're doing, but I'm here to put your mind at ease! As a first timer myself only a week ago, I have quickly gotten the hang of it. So, have no fear, just read these helpful tips I've come up with for you all and you'll be riding the subway like a pro in no time!

Getting around
The Hopstop app on your smartphone will become your new best friend, so be sure to download it! You just plug in your start and end destinations and the app will tell you which trains to take and the total time. While it's fabulous, you won't have connection underground so be sure to look up your destination before you head downstairs. If you're an iPhone user and don't mind spending a couple bucks, I'm a first hand witness of the awesomeness that is the KickMap app. Also, a simple map (which you can get for free at any of the station's booths) really comes in handy! For the most part the city is not hard to navigate. That's coming from someone who is terrible with street names and uses landmarks to give directions.

4 tips to not falling on your face on the subway

1. Wide stance

2. Shift your weight to your feet and stand firmly

3. Lean slightly forward

4. Hold on

Be confident

Even if you get lost, ask someone who seems credible for directions. I have met so many helpful and friendly people since I've been here. The best thing you can do is be assertive, quick on your feet, and quick at making decisions. If you're not comfortable asking someone on the street a question, I advise you to step inside a business and ask an employee. Hotels are use to tourists and know the city well. 

Other helpful tips

1. Enter and exit the train quickly

2. Keep as many of your things in your lap as possible. You'll feel better about keeping your things safe and out of the way for other passengers.

3. Always carry hand sanitizer. Need I say more?

4. Don't wear your heels on the subway if you can help it. Most women wear more comfortable shoes on their commute and put on their heels when they've arrived at their destination. 

5. Band-aids & gel inserts will help soothe your aching feet from all that walking. Click here for all your purse must-haves.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

Today's Look: Addicted to Love

THE LOOK

'Model Actor Waiter' tank, Forever 21

Accordion maxi skirt, Forever 21

Black strappy wedges, Target

ACCESSORIES

Gold spikes waist belt, Kla boutique 

Black & gold cut-out cross earrings, Charlotte Russe

MAKEUP

'Are you Redy?' Color Sensational lipstick by Maybelline

SONG