Going There Series Part 4: Family Reunion

With students out of school and plenty of opportunities for fun and games, summer is the season for family reunions. So what to wear when you'll be seeing extended family you likely haven't seen in awhile? Here's my personal breakdown.



For the Average Family Reunion

Family Reunion by TheClosetFiles featuring American Eagle Outfitters jackets

A casual dress a good pick because it shows that you care about looking nice for your family. I choose to pair it with wedges because they keep the nicer appearance while still being comfortable and grass friendly. If you have any type of simple heirloom jewelry like a charm bracelet or necklace, wear it! Chances are your grandma won't be able to contain her excitement. Just make sure to bring along a jacket or cardigan to cover up with.




For the Active Family Reunion

Casual Family Reunion by TheClosetFiles featuring Old Navy shoes

Lots of families choose to have a very active family reunion. With games like potatoe sack and 3-legged racing, you will want to be sure your outfit is cute and functional. For this type of event I chose cute shorts and a fun graphic tee. Complete the look with some bracelets and flat sandals and you'll be ready to go!

Do you have an upcoming event you're wondering what to wear to? Send me an email at theclostfiles@aol.com. I'd love to help!

The New Ace of Cakes

I LOVE fashion, and this blog is definitely focused towards that. However, there are lots of other things in life I find intriguing, and I'd really like to share those things with y'all too! I'll try to limit non-fashion related posts to 1 or 2 a week, but be sure to let me know your thoughts. What else would you like to see here?

Anyways, last night my mom and I started cake decorating classes at Hobby Lobby. I was all excited about the price ($20 a person included four 2 hour classes) until I found out all of the things I would need to buy... But regardless of my new investment, we had lots of fun. Sure, all we learned in our first class was how to make "stars," but that inspired me to go home and take matters into my own hands. I looked ahead in our beginner's book and taught myself a few things (Just don't tell the teacher, haha.) Sure, I'm not amazing yet, but I thought it was pretty dang good for a first timer!

This is the cake I made after class!

To make my cake I used Pillsbury Devil's food cake mix (yes, I cheated), ready made buttercream icing, and wilton's chocolate decorator icing. I torted the cakes (split each of the layers in half) and filled each layer with buttercream frosting and fresh strawberries. I did a basketweave around the edge and a few vines, leaves, roses, and chocolate chip "buds" on top.

I was really worried the strawberries would soak through and make the cake soggy, but after a night of refrigeration the cake wasn't soggy at all, just perfectly moist. The whole cake tasted like chocolate covered strawberries- SO good.

I'll have to let you know how the classes progress, maybe I'll cheat on fashion with cake and become the next ace of cakes... or maybe not :)

My Mom's Scarf

What

Top: Old Navy, $6

Shorts: Old Navy, $4

Scarf (worn as belt): Vintage

Ring: Charlotte Russe, $4

Bracelets: Rue 21, $5 and Old Navy, $3

Earrings: Puerto Rican Jewelry Store, $12

Sandals: Payless, $3

Why

I really wanted to try out the turban look, but just as I was getting ready to walk out the door, I changed my scarf into a belt. Maybe one of these days.... what are your opinions on headscarves and/or turbans (I'm thinking about the type that SJP wore in SATC2)?

Fun Find Friday

Today is National Donut Day! Find out if your Krispy Kreme is participating in the free donut giveaway here.

If you know me, you know that one of my favorite pastimes is to pop out and scare people. I've never really liked Ozzy Osborn, but I do appreciate a good prank.

Speaking of funny videos, the Huggies commercial for denim diapers is hilarious! It makes me laugh everytime.

Been to see Sex and the City 2? I went opening day, and although it wasn't the best movie in the world, I'm definitely a fan. Here Patricia Field (Costume designer for SATC) answers questions about the cast's wardrobe.

I love InStyle.com, and I definitely love their slideshow on how to dress up your T-shirts!

Sadly, that's all I have for today, but I have an outfit post scheduled for tomorrow!

Going There Series Part 3: Conferences

With students out of school and an abundance of nice(r) weather, conferences are abundant in the summertime. Whether you're going for work or play, it's important to make a good impression, after all, conferences are a great place to meet professionals of the area you're interested in, so you want to make sure to make a good impression!

Even as a college freshman (soon to be sophomore), I've been to quite a few conferences and a general rule of thumb I've learned to follow is to go by the guidelines of business casual, unless otherwise noted. From packing completely unmatchable separates to being the only person in jeans, there are plenty of packing mistakes to be made. However, with just a little planning, you can be the most put together attendee!

Some Outfit Ideas

Outfit One (for a casual conference)

Outfit Two

Outfit Three

General Tips

1. Plan all of your outfits a few days before leaving, that way you have plenty of time to add or change things
2. Try on each outfit (accessories and all) before leaving. Nothing is worse than arriving at your hotel and learning that you're short an outfit.
3. Bring a blazer and pair of jeans that you don't plan on wearing. That way if the conference turns out to be more casual or more professional than you expected you still have a backup.
4. Layering is important. Even though it's hot and sunny outside, conference rooms are usually air conditioned and chilly.