And I Give You, The Cold Shoulder

One trend that is coming to a store near you, is the "Cold Shoulder" shirt. I mean, who doesn't have sexy shoulders? This look is great if you don't want to show your upper arms, but at the same time want to show a little extra skin.

You'll see this trend in dresses, shirts, and tunics. With tunics, I suggest layering with a tube top. I found that this trend tends to be drapey, so much so that you will be able to see your bra in the arm holes. If you don't want to wear the scarf around your neck, try wrapping it around your hair! Check out http://girlobsessed.blogspot.com/2011/11/head-scarves.html to find some inspiration.

And I Give You, The Cold Shoulder by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring a tube top

Forever 21 top
$23 - forever21.com

BKE tube top
$14 - buckle.com

Forever 21 cotton capri legging
$4.80 - forever21.com

Gladiator shoes
$24 - maurices.com

Wet Seal bangles jewelry
$13 - wetseal.com

Forever 21 zebra print scarve
$8.80 - forever21.com

How to wear neon colors

When I hear the word neon, two things come to mind. A really crappy car and a really bad 80's rock band. But you CAN wear neon colors without having to be on "In Living Color"!

Find a dress that is otherwise girly but has bright colors in it. Then pair accessories in that color! It's that easy! The motorcycle jacket adds texture and helps squash that "I'm going to church and I'm wearing a flower dress" feel.

All pieces can be found at H&M and Forever 21...all under $50!

How to wear neon colors by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring zip jackets

H M flare dress
£15 - hm.com

H M zip jacket
£30 - hm.com

H&M flat heels
£7.99 - hm.com

Forever 21 clutch hand bag
$17 - forever21.com

H M longs jewelry
£3.99 - hm.com

Forever 21 woven belt
$4.80 - forever21.com

My Make-up Routine

I have been obsessed with make-up since the first Christmas my mom bought it for me. I can still remember standing in front of the mirror hanging on every peice of advice my mom gave me! For years I was able to use the same make up (Mary Kay) until recently when my skin did a 180 and decided to become oily. I have had a lot of people ask me what make-up I use, and I can't believe I haven't done a blog post on this already!

So, obviously, I have oily skin. I am a believer that your foundation comes from taking care of your "canvas" and having an even toned face. I use two different kinds of face wash so that my skin doesn't become immune to the formula. The wash is #1. Mary Kay TimeWise for oily skin and #2. Garnier "The Brusher" Microbead Cleanser. I also use Clinique Eye make-up Remover. Then I use a Day Solution or Night Solution (Both from Mary Kay) and Biore Moisture Lotion with SPF 15. And because I am closer to 40 than 15, *tear*, I use Firming Eye Cream (Mary Kay) and All About Eyes (Clinique). When I have a blemish I use Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel.

Once a week I will use a Microderm Abrasion Treatment (Mary Kay), Biore Nose Pore Strips, and a face mask from FreeMan Beauty (the $1.50 masks that you can find at Wal Mart).

Finally we can move on to make up! So I have never liked a primer until I used this particular one. Victoria's Secret (VS Pro Airbrush FX Face Primer). It's oil free, fills in pores and evens out lines and wrinkles for an even application of foundation. Then I use a yellow based concealer. MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NW25). This concealer is creamy and luxurious! I absolutely love it! I apply this to my under eye area, nostrils, center of nose, and chin. Now I use a foundation to even out redness. Clinique makes a foundation with salicylic acid built right in. This will help fight off acne through out the day. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Make up (03). For my bronzer/contour shade I use Bare Minerals in Warmth. I love this shade because it has no shimmer in it. When you contour you can't use shimmer because it will defeat the purpose. Then I use a blush in Victoria's Secret luminous mineral blush duo (Surrender). Pop the pink on the apples of cheeks and the shimmery shade on the cheekbones, center of nose, and above the eyebrows. By the way I use a make up brush from Wal Mart :)

Make up Routine by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring a Victoria's Secret makeup primer

Clinique makeup
$26 - nordstrom.com

Makeup brush
walmart.com

Victoria s Secret blush
$15 - victoriassecret.com

MAC Cosmetics face makeup
$17 - nordstrom.com

Victoria s Secret makeup primer
$18 - victoriassecret.com

Printed Skinny Jeans

This look may be adventurous for some, but I could totally see myself wearing this outfit! It can go overboard quickly, so with just a few rules we can take this look from 80's to modern.

When finding the perfect pair of printed pants there are a couple things to look for. #1, they need to be skinny. And #2, make sure the print is nuetral...no bright greens and pinks (hello Molly Ringwald!). Everyone should try on a skinny jean, you'll be surprised at how great they look on you! I love the snow leopard print! I think in my previous life I was an Italian 16 year old from Long Island...I can't get over prints, mini's, and neon colors LOL! You definately want to pair these printed pants with nuetrals, but I love a pop of color. The pink in the tank top will peek through the open knit sweater. The cardigan will come off in the warmer months ahead and you can switch out the booties for strappy wedges.

Play around with fashion and choose a look that you would never see yourself wearing! When you walk into your closet you should feel happy and excited to get dressed! This is a great time to choose color, prints, and beautiful fabrics.

Snow Leopard by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring leopard print jeans

Old Navy scoop neck top
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com

DKNY draped top
$795 - net-a-porter.com

Splendid top
$21 - theoutnet.com

Leopard print jeans
$20 - delias.com

Dolce Vita platform boots
$108 - threadsence.com

ASOS clutch bag
$21 - asos.com

Preparing for Spring

I don't know about you, but I am SICK of winter!! I hate dressing for the cold, the slush on the bottom of my pants, wearing my coat inside buildings because I'm freezing my butt off...etc., etc. So I am officially preparing for Spring! Imagining this coming Summer when it's going to be SO hot that I won't even leave my house...I can't wait :)

I am longing for the day when I can walk out of my house in a crisp white dress and people won't look at me like I'm an idiot...even though I constantly see people in shorts and flip flops (I look at them like they're idiots).

All the items in my set are from H&M. If you don't have an H&M nearby, I am SO sorry! Petition for the next store in your area :) OR you can come to Fort Wayne, I'll take you out to lunch and we can be shopping buddies for a day! H&M is fantastic for finding designer knock off's for cheap and good quality. From dresses to socks and everything in between, this store is it!

When it comes to a white dress anything goes. Find your style and roll with it! I've gone two ways...daytime neutral and evening brights. I love to wear a colorful lipstain when wearing white just make sure the rest of your make up is toned down.

Spring has Sprung by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring leather shoes

H M flare dress
£20 - hm.com

H&M leather shoes
£25 - hm.com

H&M suede shoes
£7.99 - hm.com

H M wide ring
£3.99 - hm.com

H M longs jewelry
£3.99 - hm.com

H M floral shawl
£4.99 - hm.com

H&M metal shades
£3.99 - hm.com

Nars Large Than Life Lip Gloss Cœur Sucré
£19 - liberty.co.uk

Valentine's Day

Wondering what to get your loved one for Valentine's Day? Put down the credit card because a survey done by COSMO magazine shows that men want YOU more than anything! Awww....they CAN be sweet!

So here's what you can do for your lovey-dee. Instead of waiting for an hour to get into a restaurant, take advantage of the many take out options there are. If your man wants steak, surprise him with a sit down dinner at home courtesy of Outback Steakhouse! Put some music on from Pandora and slip into a "comfy" outfit. Can you believe that over 80% of men want to see you in his button down white work shirt! Wear your hair down and pump up the volume with hot rollers. Now get out dessert (chocolate covered strawberries of course!) and a bottle of wine and your set to enjoy the rest of the evening :)

Valentine's Day by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring shelf bras

Shelf bra
$36 - topshop.com

Cosabella thong panty
$20 - bloomingdales.com

Denham Pin Roll Sleeve Shirt White
£100 - seasonsclothing.co.uk

Golden Edibles Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
$60 - saksfifthavenue.com

Wine Rotwein Bordeaux Superiore
€2 - depot-online.com

70's chic

If yesterday's skinny jean scared you, today's flare is more your style! As you can see, yesterday's and today's outfit is very similar. All I did was switch out the pants.

With any outfit you have to design it around your body type. Not everyone is comfortable in a skinny jean. That is what I love about this year's designer styles! Every shape is getting it's own fashion update!

The flare jean is my favorite style! I love the 70's care free bold prints and flow-y fabrics. The 2012 Flare is different from the 70's flare in that it isn't as wide at the ankle opening and has a pleat down the leg. This design is meant to be worn with heels, as this will lengthen your legs. These pants must always skim the floor. The trick with finding a great pair is to fit your widest part (which for me is my waist) and then hem the bottoms as needed. I usually just go with a taller heel :)

70's chic by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring bangles jewelry

Old navy vest
$22 - oldnavy.gap.com

A.N.A zipper jeans
$15 - jcpenney.com

Bandolino camel boots
$100 - dsw.com

Jigsaw bangles jewelry
£39 - jigsaw-online.com