REEBOKS: ALTER THE ICON

     I've partnered with Reebok and Footlocker to celebrate individuals who are out there changing the game. It's a celebration for those who define their own success- for those who chase after far-reaching goals and dreams drafted by the creativity of their minds and judged not in comparison to the success of others but by their own rules and standards. That- is changing the game.

Because the "game" doesn't exist and if it does, it's simply the game of life for which there are no winners. There is no one way to achieve success, because success- like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. I get a lot of people who ask me how I have gotten to where I am now and it always takes me by surprise. Here I am- struggling to be financially stable and barely holding on to what I love to do while balancing school, work and a social life and someone is wants to know how I'm doing it? My answer is always the same- "I am far from where I want to be. I am not yet 'successful' in my eyes, but I am extremely grateful for where I am now." Everyday- every single opportunity- is a learning experience. I do not think there is a final platform for success. I believe that success lies in the growth of the individual- how far they have come and what obstacles they had to overcome to achieve it. To that measure, I have had successes. However, everyday I discover a new opportunity for growth and the distance between me and success seems to grow wider. The last few years of my life have taught me to accept that distance and to take success in small steps. Because if you stress yourself over the big-picture end goal, you'll never get there.

Moral of this rant? Don't hold others up on a pedestal and measure your success in comparison to theirs. Everyone grows at their own rate and goes through different life obstacles. Only you can know if you've been successful. Once you've conquered and accepted that simple fact, obstacles won't come across so hard and life won't seem like a losing game. Don't hinder yourself from happiness. Do yourself a huge favor and appreciate the small accomplishments and in time, your success will come.

RETROGRADE: NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE HIGHLIGHT

MOODY MONDAYS

     If anything can be summarized from NYFW 2018 shows and the Pantone Fall 2018 color report, it is that muted colors will never ever be a fad. The Pantone Fall 2018 color predictions are swatched above (at bottom right). The timeless hues of tan, blue, and grays will surely be seen throughout the year. Most prominently, the 80s has been making a huge comeback. This can be seen in the retro sunglasses, circle bags, and flared hems in both Resort 2018 collections and Fall 2018 collections.

As a reminder, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018 Early Access is still going on. Take a look at some of the hottest items below that are included in the sale.

Finding the perfect sunglasses isn't always easy. There are a lot of factors to consider- face shape, lens color, frame color, etc. The best thing about retro-style sunglasses are that they are made to look quirky. They're fun, colorful, and edgy- that's the whole point! Here are my best picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale below for retro sunglasses:

• These white framed sunnies from Quay features a slight cat eye and mirrored lens. They're an easy match to just about any outfit style and are on sale for $36!
• What's better than a pair of the perfect sunnies? A pack of four perfect sunnies of course! A mix of 4 Leith sunglasses are boxed together for the dreamy price of $46 during this sale and includes of mix ranging from retro styles to the modern aviator.
• These Burberry Heritage cat eye sunglasses in Pink is romantically flirty and adds just the right touch of color to the face. They are priced at $181 on sale!
• One of my personal favorites, the Sonix Kyoto sunglasses are on sale for $80. You can find a great deal on these for just $60 here, here, and here. 

Stay tuned for more sale alerts!

THE NEW VOGUE: NIKE x ANNA WINTOUR

     "Street fashion" and "high fashion" are recurrently an intermingling affair.  Designers such as Balenciaga and Kanye West take it from realway to runway and the styles seen on Fashion Week runways and street fashion trends in the last two years have been especially intrusive. Take for example when Alexander Wang first launched his collaboration with the renowned fast-fashion brand, H&M in 2014. The announcement stirred up conversations about whether fast-fashion had a place in luxury. At the time, streetwear brands were acclaimed on the streets but not reaching much further than street style crowds and bloggers. Today, just about every clothing store have adapted the trend as athleisure becomes the new everyday style. Another example is the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Supreme. It was only a matter of time before street fashion's most prominent brands trickled onto the likes of fashion industry's most prominent leader, Anna Wintour.

      Nike will release two versions of Air Jordans showcasing the sought-after stamp of approval from the acclaimed fashion editor. The sneakers will stamped with the acronym “AWOK” which stands for “Anna Wintour OK”, according to Vogue.com.

     Anna Wintour- a woman who needs no introduction. Simply put, she is the face of fashion. Known for her influential time as editor-in-chief of VOGUE, she is now making waves as the artistic director of Conde Nast. So in a way, the Nike x Anna Wintour collaboration is just as much a collaboration between Nike and VOGUE itself. 

     The Nike Air Jordan 1 features a retro, high-top design adorned with red or white leather. According to Nike News, the sneakers will be available July 21 at Hirshleifers, Kith, Nordstrom x Nike and North America Jumpman Doors (Toronto and Chicago). On July 23, the sneakers will be made available on the Nike SNKRS app in North America. 

     The Nike Air Jordan III AWOK will feature a design inspired by Anna Wintour’s signature tweed jacket and sunglasses. These will be revealed on September 7. 

All images courtesy of Nike.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE 2018

     It's the most wonderful time of year... No, I'm not talking about Christmas. I'm talking about the much awaited Nordstrom's Anniversary sale of course! It's the one time every year Nordstrom opens its doors for a few weeks revealing jaw-dropping sale prices on exclusive new arrivals and select brands. It's the smartest time of the year to get your back-to-school or holiday shopping done in the 25 day window because after the window closes, prices shoot up to their original prices. Know that pair of sunnies or boots you know you're going to want in a month? The time is now.

     I was able to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at everything that's going to be on sale this year and I can promise you you're not going to want to miss out on this one. While I'm not going to reveal every item that's going on sale, I'll give you an exclusive first glance at what I think are the BEST items you'll need on your wishlist!

Missguided jacket | Fashion Nova sweater dress (similar here and here) 

     Early access is accessible from TOMORROW- Thursday, July 12 to Thursday, July 19 for all Nordstrom card owners. The sale will open to the public on Friday, July 20 to Sunday, August 5. Please note that ONLY Nordstrom card holders will be allowed access to the "early access" shopping window, so if you don't already own one, be sure to apply for one here. Trust me, it's going to pay off. Having a Nordstrom credit card means you earn 2 points with every dollar you spend in stores and online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club. Card holders also earn a $40 bonus note if you make a purchase on the card the day you're approved. Need I say more?

     And now, the moment you've been waiting for. Here's an exclusive inside look on items that will be included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Sam Edelman boots (splurge here, affordable here and here)

WHAT'S GOING DOWN.

...IN FOOTWEAR/APPAREL/ACCESSORIES

•  In the womens apparel department, I spotted a number of my favorite brands with unbelievable prices on its new arrivals. Topshop, ASTR the label, Maggy London, and Vince sported a variety of products I've got dibs on. One of my favorite designer brands, Rag & Bone, will showcase a number of items for the sale. One item that caught my eye was a leather circle bag for $260
• A few pairs of Mark Fisher boots and booties will be on sale, some at almost half off at $129
• The Steven Madden Tracy Mule- one of my personal favorites- will be on sale for $50
• Everyone needs a good fiddler hat. Brixton fiddler hats will be on sale for $32
• If you're shopping for someone special (or just feel like spoiling yourself because you are special), a variety of Lagos Diamond bracelets will be on sale. The beautiful Lagos Diamond Caviar Oval bracelet will be priced at $1841
• The Movado Two-toned watch will be on sale for $450
• For the go-getter and always on the move kinda gal, the Treasure & Bond belt bag will be marked down to $53
• Many activewear brands will be featured during the sale as well. The timeless Nike Free Rn 2018 will be priced at $75- a steal! Converse, Adidas, Vans, and Cole Haans are just some other active shoe brands that will also be included in this year's sale.

Photos by Adrianna Moss Creative

Last but not least and most definitely necessary- the Beauty & Cosmetics department. 

... In the BEAUTY DEPARTMENT

• Microdermabrasion facials are definitely on my to-do list this summer. Take care of all your facial needs right at home with a personal dermabrasion handheld device such as the PMD one, which will be on sale for just $133. (These skin savers are usually priced $200+ across most brands)
• If you are looking for a less intrusive facial device, try the Dermaflash 2.0 luxe exfoliation and peach fuzz removal device, which will be priced at $126 during the sale
• If you're looking for the complete at-home spa treatment, the Skin Inc. Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light uses LED chromotherapy to target and treat a variety of skin needs such as blemishes, dull skin and aging. This beauty must-have will be included trio set (thrown in with a few masks) and will be on sale for $175.
• Lusting for flowy, beachy tresses? The Beachwaver rotating curling iron will be marked down to $133. Dry bar's The Most Wanderful Waves set will include a curling wand, hair shine mist, hairspray, texturizing spray, and a sea salt spray- all for $165. 
• I am the biggest advocate for a good nude lip. The MAC nude lip trio will cost you $36 during this sale window. 
• Don't forget to take care of your hair! Kiehl's Amino Acid shampoo and conditioners will be under $40 

     Some other of my favorite big-name beauty brands such as Clinique, Kate Somerville, Lancome and more! Many of these brands will be offering value sets- the perfect gift combination.

     The best thing about this sale is that it applies to both online and in-stores purchases. In addition, you can even purchase items online and pick-up at your local Nordstrom! To summarize, here are a few key points. 

1. Apply for a Nordstrom credit card, if you don't already own one.
2. Card-owners get early access starting 7/12, Non-cardowners get public access 7/20
3. Go through my list of items that are going to be on sale and create a wishlist ahead of time in order to plan out your shopping!

Keep up with me on the blog or my Instagram (@styleologie) to stay up-to-date on the latest sales, fashion trends, and style advice. Happy Shopping! 

HOW TO GET THE ELIE SAAB RESORT 2019 LOOK FOR LESS

MOODY MONDAYS

     Despite the sweltering heat wave weighing down Los Angeles at the moment and the constant urge to lounge around in nothing but an oversized shirt all day, there is an overwhelming urge to hit the shopping malls to purchase layers of clothing as a result of digitally consuming the best of Resort 2019 collections. This week's mood board is centered around the hot-hot-hotness of Elie Saab's Resort 2019 collection. Skim through each of Saab's latest pieces and tell me you're not getting major It-girl vibes. The collection emanates a mixture of 70s flair and Parisian chic to create a look that sums up the definition of day-to-night luxury. These are unique pieces that could be seen strolling down the streets of Saint-Tropez, strutting off to a prestigious day affair, and then *cue dramatic entrance* sweeping into an afterparty. With its soft, feminine textures and playful, bold details, the collection showcases garments that are flirtatiously romantic yet demands to be seen.

     I know what you're thinking- I want them all! Although I'm sure we would all love nothing more than to own each and every item in Saab's collection, let's be real. Unless you've got a salary and the means to afford it, most of us keep these dreamy items in the back of our heads like a pipe dream waiting to happen. Don't fret- I've compiled a list of my favorites as well as all similar and affordable options. Scroll through below to shop my favorites from this collection OR keep scrolling down to see how you can recreate these looks with affordable alternatives (you're welcome!). Style tip of the week? Look out for statement florals, flowy fabrics, and flared hems.

SHOP my favorites here:

Here are more of my favorite looks from the lust-worthy collection.

View the entire collection here.

images courtesy of ElieSaab.com

Love the bold, floral details and dark mesh dresses? Take a look at these affordable alternatives ranging from $17 - $400:

Taken away by the soft ruffles and bright fabrics? Try these on for size. 

Lusting for the darker side of the collection? No worries. Here are affordable options for flared pants, tassel dresses, and suede bottoms.

In need of a panama hat? I know I am. 

BEST HOME TEETH WHITENING SYSTEM

     Teeth-baring pictures are a rare commodity for me. Sure, I've had braces and regularly switch between "whitening" toothpastes, but I've always preferred to hide my smile for fear of not having the "perfect" smile. Of course, I simply drink too much coffee to know if any of these toothpastes have had any lasting effect. Let's just say my smile has never been my favorite feature. I've had the great fortune of partnering up with Smile Brilliant, an at-home teeth whitening kit, my smile is now brighter (goodbye coffee stains!) and whiter. This is the first time I've ever used any kind of whitening kit, and I was a little hesitant because I have sensitive teeth. Thank god the process itself was simple and the kit is perfect for whitening sensitive teeth. In this post, I have included a step-by-step guide so you can also achieve the smile of your dreams. There's nothing like a pair of pearly whites to brighten up your day or someone else's!

FISHNET TOP + ROMPER

It's official! You are looking at a college graduate. (yay me!) Unfortunately, I was never able to grasp onto blogging consistently in my four years at CSU Long Beach. However, I have been able to develop an increasingly expanding portfolio in styling, graphic design, and event coordination. ( Psst-If you haven't checked out my work yet, take a look at www.cindychouofficial.com.) As I grow my freelance career, I hope to kickstart life back into my original blog with the extra time on my hands. Introducing Styleologie 2.0 - a fresh new layout and your go-to source for a daily dose of style inspiration, news, tips and more. Read on to find out how to recreate this look!

Fishnet top (similar here)

Romper (similar here)

Faux Suede jacket (splurge here | affordable here and here)

Satin Sneakers (similar here)

Sunglasses (similar here and here)  

Photos by Adrianna Moss Creative

Shop the look: