AG Closet

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." - Coco Chanel

[agcloset]

Summer trend: Pineapple

This summer has been all about novelty prints. Whether it’s a flamingo covered dress or a skirt with cherries all over, there is something undeniably fun and flirty about novelty prints. Lately, I’ve noticed a new trendy print taking the scene. Pineapples!

I first saw this trend on the spring 2014 runways, and now they’re popping up everywhere. This is what I love about fashion. One minute every fashion lover is wearing vibrant florals and the next it’s Pineapple. Pineapple tops, shorts, dresses, bathing suits, jewelry, and even house decor. Anything and everything you could possible imagine seems to have a pineapple print these days. It has taken over summer fashion. Which I am totally ok with since I love me a good novelty print, and tropical pineapple prints are just so quirky and summery. This summer trend is definitely one I will be wearing, even though I know I will look back years from now and say,”what was I thinking?” … and my kids will definitely have a good laugh. 

To wear this trend right, make sure the print remains the focal point. The pineapple should be your statement piece. Instead of trying to pair with other prints, add some color. Try neon accessories or throw on a brightly colored handbag. Even a pair of heels can compliment this fun and playful print. Throw your hair up into simple top knot bun and add on a little winged eyeliner and you’ll be looking chic and stylish before you know it!

How cute is this pineapple swimsuit!?

I also love that this particular summer trend is super affordable to add to your wardrobe!  With pieces under $50 at shops like Sophie and Trey, Forever 21and Nordstrom. 

What do you think of the pineapple trend? I am really loving it! There is something about wearing a playful print that makes me feel like a teen again – while still letting me look trendy and chic.

Will you be giving this summer trend a try? Let me know!

Xo, AG

*All photos taken from Pinterest

[agcloset]

Bare it All

Yesterday I came across Colbie Caillat's newest music video, Try. The lyrics are moving and the message of the song hit my heart hard. I love fashion. Hello, this is a fashion blog. I love all that beauty has to offer the eye of the beholder. Every detail that a woman puts into her outfit I notice. I pick up fashion magazines weekly and read fashion blogs daily. I am constantly wanting to learn more about the new trends that come with each season. I love that I can say who I am without saying a word. I love showing my personality through my clothing and fashion choices. I love every aspect of beauty and fashion, that will never change.

That being said, there is a so much pressure to look and dress a certain way. Are you wearing the latest trends? Did you cover up the red spots on your face? Society blames it on the photoshopped pictures in magazines and the unrealistic lives of those drop-dead celebrities. While I believe there is truth to that, I also think there is more to it. I believe that it is the culture of social media that has turned the women of today into incredibly insecure women. I am guilty of comparing my body or my ability to create the perfect cat eye liner. Everyone has blemishes, gray hair, or crooked teeth, and we all try to hide our flaws from each other even though we all know we have them. When women have on a cute outfit, or have their makeup done, everyone comments about how nice they look. But when that same woman goes without makeup, people comment about how brave they are to go without it. I am guilty of taking social media and making it reality. Are you unrelentingly checking your phone after you post your latest fashion selfie, just to see what comments are being said? Or how many likes it has? I have. When you see a tagged photo pop up on your FB feed do you move at lightening speed to untag yourself the moment you see it's not the most flattering picture of you? I have. Who exactly are we living for? Do the number of social media friends seriously decide how liked we are?

I am not against social media, Heck, I am a huge IG fan and post on a daily basis. What we need to understand is that social media is not reality.  This even goes beyond the standard of beauty. Do I really want the world to see my house when it looks like the tasmanian devil just ran through it? No, and honestly I don't really care to see anyone else's messy house either. I'm not saying you need to post "real" photos and make social media reality (although that's great if you want to). I am simply saying you need to see social media for what is really is. Don't live in it, just enjoy social media for what it's worth. Stop trying so hard to reach unfair standards of beauty. Learn to like yourself first, and forget about fixing your imperfections. Who decides what the standard of beauty is anyway?

I am finally able to see a picture of my mommy friends all dolled up and not wonder, "how does she look like that all the time!?" while I'm over here in  my sweats. I no longer compare my reality to the pictures I see on social media. The pressure to live in a reality of perfect pictures suddenly no longer exist. A picture is finally just a picture.

Thanks to Colbie's new song I will put my insecurity to rest and post a picture of my makeup free face. I refuse to be a part of a movement that makes me feel anything but beautiful. 

"Take your makeup off, let your hair down, take a breath. Look into the mirror at yourself, don't you like you? Cause I like you." 

Click here to watch the music video. Listen to the words and let it hit your heart. I challenge all of you ladies now to post a makeup free selfie. Use the hashtag #AGCmakeupfree and show the social media world just how beautiful you are.

xo, AG

[agcloset]

Summer Shorts

With summer less than 2 weeks away, today I’m sharing 3 chic style of shorts that will make you want to start shopping ASAP. Personally, I always like to invest in a pair of ladylike shorts, a pair of denim cutoffs, and a pair of white shorts for summer season. But there are so many summery options that are super trendy and perfect for the summery days ahead.

Summery Denim -  You can’t go through the summer without trusty denim cut-offs that fit you perfectly. I like my cut-off to hit at an appropriate length so that I can wear them at the beach and out to a restaurant for lunch. Be bold and try on a bright colored pair. It’s summer after all! My all time favorite summer shorts are definitely a pair of white shorts. They are a summer style essential for me. Throw them on with any top and it looks flawless. Or even a plain white tee for a white-on-white look. Bonus: They look great with a tan!

Ladylike in shorts - I also love to have a  pair of tailored ladylike shorts. I’ve been seeing a lot of ladylike silk shorts lately, especially the scalloped style. The best part about this style of shorts is that they are nice enough to wear out to dinner when paired with a nice top and wedges. 

Casually Patterned - Patterned shorts have so much personality. They’re perfect for the days when you don’t feel like putting much effort into your outfit. You can make your shorts the focal point of your outfit by choosing a patterned pair. Uh, yes please! Summer is suppose to be spent soaking up the sun, letting your natural hair take its course, and singing Kumbaya around the bonfire. I always feel so spontaneous when I wear a pair of patterned shorts. Any of these shorts below will keep you comfy and casual all through out summer.. and of course looking super cute too.. :)

1. Green denim shorts, H&M, $9.99

2.Frayed demim shorts, LC Lauren Conrad Kohls, $32.99

3. Cutoff denim shorts, Target, $19.99

4. Scallop shorts, Topshop, $64.00

5. Crochet shorts, Topshop, $45.00

6. Pink lace hem shorts, Newlook, $14.99

7. Spotty chambray shorts, Topshop, $28.00

8. Floral twill shorts, H&M, $9.99

9. Aztec shorts, Newlook, $12.99

Don’t worry, there is no need to buy every cute pair of summery shorts you see out there. I would recommend investing in three different types of shorts this season. Ok summer, I’m ready for ya!

Be sure to click the links to shop your favorite styles!

Happy weekend!

[agcloset]

The Midi

While the maxi skirt may be the ultimate transition piece, I think it's the midi skirt that is headlining for spring. Midi skirts became super popular in the early 1970s as fashion transitioned to a seventies sleek era. As always, fashion has repeated itself and the midi is the must-have piece for 2014. This skirt has actually been on trend for some time now, but it's only now that I am noticing how much I love it. Designers, once again, featured the midi on their spring 2014 ready-to-wear runways making this skirt all the rage for this spring season. Fitting in somewhere between the mini and the maxi, the “middle child” of skirting is anything but average. Depending on the fabric and styling choices, the midi is an incredibly versatile. This ladylike hemline can be just as modern as a mini and just as easily worn as the maxi.

Unfortunately, these trendy skirts are not the easiest pieces to style.Since I'm new to this trend I decided to do some research and find the best tips and tricks when it comes to styling the midi.

Consider your height. If you are short (that would be me), stick to a skirt that hits just below the knee. For taller ladies, any length will do so long as it doesn’t go below your ankles, otherwise you will be in maxi territory.

Length, length, length! Midi skirts are characterized by their length, which can reach anywhere from just below the knee to mid-calf. You can totally ruin the midi look if your skirt is just 2 inches too long or too short. Ideally, you want a midi to hit mid shin, otherwise it will make you look stalky.

Perfect pairings. If you wear a bold color midi, temper it with a neutral blouse. As for fuller options, keep the top simple. I like to wear my midi with a silk button down or crop top (which will make you look taller...oh yes).

These skirts come in so many styles. From ballerinas, pleats, and bold colors, here are some of my favorite midi looks:

Extra Tip: Carry a small purse or clutch (medium sized is doable) instead of a large sized tote bag!

Of course, you could also get this look with a breezy tea-length dress, but I think this trend looks best as a skirt. What do you think about the midi look?

[agcloset]

Currently Loving: Overalls

Okay, I know this trend is probably going to be a hit or miss with some of you fashionistas. Overall (see what I did there) I think it’s worth trying out. If you are think overalls should stay on the farm, made for mechanics or with the 10 and under crowd, think again. You just need to know some tips on how to make this look an overall success (ok enough with the bad jokes) This trend was all over the spring 2014 runways and now style bloggers have started to embrace their own versions of this utilitarian trend. When I wear overalls, I usually think of them as a pair of boyfriend jeans and usually style them accordingly. Almost any shoes will work, my favorites being a cute pair of ankle booties or flats. As for tops, keep away from plaid button downs, unless country chic is the look of the day. :) Layer underneath or layer on top of them. Genius. 

I prefer overall shorts over pants. If you are on the fence about this trend then shorts are definitely the easier one to style anyway. You will love wearing these when the weather is crazy hot (hello summer) and you just want to stay comfortable and cool since they are shorts. And who doesn't love shorts? :) Here’s an example of how I would style them:

Shoes - (similar) Target / Hat - (similar) Forever 21 / Crop top - Target / Overalls - Target

Recently I found a pair of overalls I knew I just had to have. I didn't even need to try them on (I love when that happens). I love the combo of the feminine florals on a trend like tomboyish overalls. Ladies, I'm super excited about this.

Well that's that. The 90s are officially having a moment and I'm loving it. Whether it's on a lunch date with you beau or a trip to the farmers market, don't hate it until you've tried it. :) 

[agcloset]

Just Call Me Superwoman

One thing you all should know about me is that I am a geeky Marvel fan. You better believe that I’ve already seen The Winter Soldier and definitely have plans on seeing it again. Don’t even get me started on how excited I am for Spider Man 2 to come out (eek!). So what does my obsession with super heroes have to do with a fashion blog? Shoes. Yes, shoes. 

When I found these shoes I almost died. My inner geek came out like a raging storm and I HAD to have these bad boys. I saw them, I bought them,  and now I want to wear them every day.

Here is how I put everything together. I simply just chose one color from the shoe pattern and kept everything else neutral. Even though Tony Stark aka Iron Man is my all-time favorite, it was the perfect outfit to wear while watching Captain America save the world.

Surprisingly these shoes are from Wet Seal. Yes, you read that right, Wet Seal. They are definitely upping their game. Click here to order these kick ass shoes (that's right, these shoes deserve profanity). 

PS - huge thanks to fashion blogger Ashley for showing me these shoes in the first place. Check out her blog! You will love all of her fashion tips and updates. Fashionatelyme.com

[agcloset]

Pretty Pastels

The spring season is just beginning and there’s a plenty to be excited about. This is the season of Girl Scout cookies, the beginning of warm weather and pretty pastels! With delicate flowers blooming all around us, pastels are the perfect way to transition from winter to spring. As much as I loved winter, I’m ready to soak up the year’s most delicate season for everything it’s worth.

If you’re looking to add a touch of pastel to your closet, look no further: Here are five pastel pieces that are sure to freshen up your spring wardrobe:

1. Pastel Pants. This is probably my favorite way to wear this delicate trend. I own a pair of mint pants that I absolutely love, just as much as I love this pair from Love Culture.

2. Look ladylike in this lavender dress from Mod Cloth.

3. This is one of the easiest ways to wear pastels. This pink necklace from Nordstrom can easily be worn dressed up or dressed down.

4.  It’s time to put away your winter boots and bring out your favorite flats. This mint pair from Forever 21 is perfect for this pretty season of pastels. 

5. Lastly, these hair ties are practical and look great on your wrist when they’re not in your hair. These are less than $3.00 at Forever 21!

Which piece is your favorite? Are you as excited as I am for this season of pastels? If you are smitten with any of the pieces above, be sure to click the link and shop away! 

[agcloset]

When Spring is Cold

Over the past few days it has been pretty cold here in the Sunshine State. What happened to Spring?! I was so ready to put all of my winter clothes away, and then this cold front came in. Thankfully it only lasted a few days and Florida is now back to its normal warm-weathered self. I will admit that I had trouble putting together outfits with my entire winter wardrobed packed away. Then suddenly I saw one of my favorite scarves hanging there, with the sun shining down on it, and the Hallelujah choir singing ever so perfectly. Ok, really I just happened to remember that I owned it. I bought this scarf a few years ago while I was on vacation in Germany. This floral print is perfect for spring. The colors are soft and the fabric itself is extremely lightweight. Suddenly my problem was solved. This scarf kept me warm all through out our 40 degree weather, and I was still able to show of some spring fashion with the floral print.

Target has some floral scarves in stock right now that I just love! And they are all under $15! Head on over to Target.com and check them out. Here are a few that I want in my closet right now:

I love finding ways to incorporate fashion into a very practical way. What are some ways you stay warm when spring is cold?

[agcloset]

New York, New York

Ask AG: “I will be leaving on a work trip in two weeks to New York. I have NO idea what to pack what to buy what to wear? I will be there for three days most evenings will be to your and sightsee, most of my days I’ll be in classes, and then I’ll have one cocktail party/dinner.  Any suggestions??”

Since New York is known as the fashion capitol of America, I totally understand this concern. Luckily New York is so incredibly multi-cultural that you can get away with wearing just about anything. After all, there is a naked cowboy in Times Square. People in city wear clothes of all types, ranging from elegant to comfortable or from vintage to chic. In such a diverse city, you won’t stand out unless you wear something seriously outrageous. New York is a place where it is encouraged to express yourself fashionably so it is a safe place to experiment with different trends. This of it like a test run. You can try any or all the fashion trends you’ve secretly been wanting to try.

There are, however, a few things to consider when choosing what to wear:

1. While fashion society says to wear black or dark hues when in the Big Apple, I actually disagree. I’m a ‘the blacker the better’ kind of girl, it’s a safe choice, but I just as easily mix bold colors with leopard print. Since it’s New York, any combination works. Runway fashion will try to hand you the rule book, but on the streets of New York, different rules are at play.

2. Mix patterns and fabrics are also a great choices. When in New York, be bold. Be daring. Wear lace with leather, chiffon with pleats. Mix floral prints with pin stripes or polka dots. 

3. You are in a city that holds some seriously high fashion standards. You need to keep that in mind and dress appropriately. Most New Yorkers wouldn’t be caught dead wearing an “I heart NY” T-shirt. With that said, above all dress for comfort and especially for walking. Wear comfortable footwear. You will most likely be walking practically everywhere in NYC. so opt for shoes in which you can walk long distances comfortably. Trust me, your feet will thank you! Especially in Manhattan, you won’t see locals wearing sneakers or flip-flops. Loafers, heels, boots, and heeled sandals are acceptable but still be sure to choose something that is comfortable.

4. No matter what season it is, in New York a hat always works. Hats are super trendy right now and it can give that extra touch of trend to any outfit. The vibe it gives off fits perfect in New York street fashion.

5. The weather tends to be a bit extreme there, bitter cold or ridiculously hot depending on the season, so take a look at the weather forecast for your time there so you can pack appropriately. Layers will be your best friend. If you are uncertain what your day will hold, choose versatile outfits. This will allow your outfit to work whether you are walking through Central Park, strolling through museums or grabbing drinks at a local bar. Consider the type of events you’ll be attending. If it were me, I would definitely take advantage of this high fashion city and dress up for Broadway shows or dinners out on the town.

Above all, be bold and express yourself. New York City is so fashion forward that you won’t feel awkward experimenting with new fashion trends. If I could pick just one trend to wear, it would definitely be leather. Fashion blogger Elle Fure says, “Pretty much anything goes here. No other city in the world embraces novelty the way New York does. It encourages you to experiment, to set yourself apart from everyone else trying to set themselves apart. It’s a city that really understands that style stems from individuality and thereby fosters it.”

[agcloset]

Cruise Diaries

It’s been a long two weeks of vacation but I’m finally back. I feel rested and ready to get back into the routine of life. I also got a great start to my summer tan. My first week of vacation was spent with my husband on a Disney cruise. Don’t tell me that Disney Cruises are not for adults until you try it. I’ve cruised 7 times on 4 different cruise lines and DCL (disney cruise line) is by far the best in the cruise industry. This was our 2nd Disney cruise and it was just as great as the last one. From their food to their entertainment, everything is absolutely perfect.

One thing I love about cruising is fact that this momma gets all dolled-up every night. Here is a look at the outfits I put together for the cruise:

Night 1. After spending the 1st day exploring the boat, laying out by the pool and dancing away at the Sail Away party, I wanted to keep this first look simple. I bought this dress from Target last summer and it has quickly become one of my favorites. The color detail gives such a bold statement so I wanted to keep the rest of the outfit simple by just adding a few gold bangles.

Night 2. Most cruises have a formal night for a chance to dress up even more. I just recently bought this dress from Forever 21 and I absolutely love the color and cut. In fact, the entire outfit is from Forever 21! I’ve actually worn this dress casually too and it looks just as good. I love finding pieces that are so versatile!

Night 3. When neon colors began to appear on the runways again I wasn’t too sure how or even if I wanted to wear this color trend. However, recently neons are all I have been wanting to wear. Neon shorts, shoes and accessories have filled my wardrobe. When I saw this dress at TJ Max I knew exactly how I wanted to style it. The black and white pattern was perfect to add different colors of neon to it.

Night 4. This outfit is by far my favorite outfit of the week. I remember browsing Pinterest and stumbling upon a full, bright colored, gorgeous maxi skirt. So when I saw this skirt at Forever 21 I didn’t think twice about buying it. Literally I was sold the moment I saw it. I paired it with a crop top that showed just enough of my skin.Trust me, you can rock a crop top and still look classy.

The entire vacation was just perfect, and what a better way to end a vacation than to immediately go on another vacation. A few days after we arrived home from our cruise we headed down to Naples, FL to spend the weekend at the beach with my husband's family. It was our boys’ first beach experience so we were super excited to see their reaction. They absolutely loved it.

It was a great two weeks. Seriously, living in Florida definitely has it’s perks.

[agcloset]

Forever 21 Give away: WINNER

Hey y’all! I’m back from my cruise and I’m rested, happy and perfectly tan. :) In the words of Michael Scott, “I’m feeling hot hot hot!”. I can’t wait to share all of my pictures with you. As promised, it’s time to announce the winner of my 1st AG Closet Give Away. The winner was picked from using a random online generator so the winner was not chosen by me. Drum roll please… Congratulations to IG follower @jessicatosado! 

Jessica is looking forward to floral patterns and all the bright colors that Spring has to offer. I agree and can’t wait to pull out all of my floral tops and floral dresses! We are just weeks away from Spring, people! 

Thank you to all who entered in the my 1st AG Closet Give Away. This is the 1st of many more to come. Check back soon to see pictures from my Bahamian cruise.

Happy weekend!

[agcloset]

Giveaway: Forever 21 Obsession

I love living life spontaneously. Last week my husband booked us a 4 day Bahama Disney Cruise and we set sail on Monday! Yes, we cruise with Disney even without our kids. Don’t judge us. We normally go on a 7 day cruise every May for our anniversary, but now that we live in Florida we are able to take spontaneous weekend cruises. So instead of a cruise this May, we will be spending a week in Ireland. Ah! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am. Ok, so back to the cruise. I spent the last week shopping for new cruise outfits and I can’t wait to share them with you! Here is a sneak peek:

As I started to pack my suitcase I realized that over half of these outfits are from Forever 21. If I were forced to only shop from one store for the rest of my life this store would definitely be my choice. Seriously, I love Forever 21. With all the excitement of the cruise I decided to spread the joy and give away a $25 Forever 21 gift card! Plus, it’s March y’all! With Spring right around the corner this gift card will be the perfect start to your Spring shopping. The rules are simple. Follow my Instagram account @alexiagilman, repost my giveaway post and tell me what Spring trend you are most looking forward to. If your account is private then you can direct message me the post, but still be sure to tag me! If you don’t have an Instagram account, you can enter by tweeting instead. Make sure to tag my account and hashtag #agclosetgiveaway so I can see your entry!

I will announce the winner once I am back from my cruise on March 8th. Good luck!

[agcloset]

Zoo Attire

February has been a cold month for us Floridians. Alright, so it hasn’t been freezing, but this Florida girl has been longing to be kissed by the sun. I feel like such a wimp. I spent six winters in Kansas City and I can barely handle my first winter back in Florida. I just can’t help it! I love the feeling of the sun hitting my face and I’ve so been longing for all the fun summer brings! This past week it’s been sunny and in the 80s. It was as if mother nature was giving a week of sunshine just for me! Not knowing how long these sunny days were going to last (since Florida is the most bipolar state known to man), I decided to pack my week full with outdoor activities. One of my favorite warm-weather activities is going to a local zoo. A zoo is the perfect place to keep you entertained for the day, especially if you have little ones. Aside from the exciting main attraction, the animals, other attractions like a train or carousel ride are a great way to keep the fun going. Obviously your trusty iPhone or fancy camera will be in hand to snap pictures of all the memories you’ll make. You know they will end up on social media so why not make sure you’re looking good while staying comfy? I may be a mom taking my kids to the zoo, but hey, I’m a 23 year old hot momma. :)

No matter where I go I always want to dress with comfort. When going to an event that includes plenty of walking then dressing comfortable is even more important. If you want to wear your work out clothes and favorite sneakers then go for it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I personally love showing off my own style with every life event. Don't think I am telling you that you can't wear your Nike Free Runs to the zoo. I am simply just showing you how to dress comfortably and practically while still showing of your own style. Here are a few tips:

1. Comfy shoes. After a full day at the zoo, you’ll have easily walked 2+ miles. With that kind of walking, no one wants to deal with blisters! Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. I chose a pair of strappy sandals that have proven in the past to be extremely comfortable. The zoo is not the place to introduce a new pair of new shoes.

2. Weather friendly. Be sure to check the weather before getting dressed. No matter where you go, you always want to dress accordingly to the weather. This is a fashion no-brainer. Our day at the zoo was going to be hot so I chose super lightweight pieces. This romper is one of my favorite closet items and I love finding any excuse to wear it. It is super light and the pattern is such a stylish print. I love how one piece can show off so much style. Who said fashion can’t be easy? I grabbed my chambray top to wear since the morning was going to be a tad bit chilly. It would also work great to keep me dry if it were to rain.

3. Sun protection. You will be walking outside for the majority of your time there and want to make sure your face is protected (with the cutest of accessories, of course). Squinting is annoying and it only causes wrinkles, so I grabbed my favorite pair of sunnies and called this outfit a day. A cute hat would work great too!

Sadly our zoo experience was not a great as my outfit. My sweet Caden was stung by a bee, so our zoo day came to an end very quickly. Sigh.

Good thing spring is right around the corner with plenty of zoo days are in store. My kids definitely need a redo.

Happy weekend!

[agcloset]

Xhilaration by Target

Being a mother to twin boys can be terribly exhausting as much as it is incredibly joyful. Some days I just need to walk around and breath. Target is that place for me. I grab an espresso at Starbucks then simply walk around and enjoy the peace and quiet. Seriously, Target is my happy place. It's very rare that I take these two dudes with me..

On my last Target adventure I fell in love with Xhilaration's new Spring collection. Xhilaration is no stranger to Target, but this new collection is catching this fashionista's eye. I fell in love with the fluid layers, trendy silhouettes, origami details and floral prints. I wanted to buy everything! I mean, you can't beat Target prices. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Click here to check out the entire collection! 

[agcloset]

The Statement Necklace

One of my favorite fashion trends right now is a big, bold statement necklace. From sparkly bibs to geometric collars, a decorative necklace is just what the fashionista ordered. The fact that one piece of jewelry can alter your entire look is pretty darn awesome. Seriously, you can transform any outfit by simply adding a statement necklace.  Whether you’re wearing a crisp collared shirt or a chunky cable knit sweater, add a statement necklace to your ensemble for a very trendy look.

Recently I discovered a local boutique in Lake Mary, Florida (If you live near by be sure to check out Sophie & Trey but you can also buy online). The boutique is filled with stunning clothes, fabulous shoes and knock-out accessories. There were quite a few items that caught my eye but I ended up going home with a bold statement necklace. Seriously, I want to wear it every day. 

As with all trends, there are some great and not-so-great ways to wear a statement necklace. Here are some tips on how to rock this trend like a pro:

1. Do Keep it Simple-  Let the necklace make the statement. It is important to keep the rest of your look simple and sleek. Pair your statement necklace with pieces that do not cause distraction or fashion chaos. Make sure the neckline is simple as well, without extra fabric or ruffles near the top. A solid top is easiest but it’s perfectly fine (and super trendy) to go with something printed as well. Just make sure the necklace is the star of the outfit. My cousin Ashley and I show a great example of this. Once again we are found owning the same fashion piece, only this time we both arrive to dinner with it around our necks. Whether it's our cross sweater or this statement necklace, I love how we style it so differently! She chose to wear the same statement necklace with a printed top while I chose a solid top. Be sure to follow Ashley on her fashion blog: fashionatelyme.com

2. Don’t Overload on Other Jewelry - If you’re going to wear a statement necklace, don’t overdo it on other jewelry like earrings, rings and bracelets. The best bet is to wear small stud earrings or no earrings at all, so the necklace has no competition. As for bracelets and cocktail rings, keep those minimal as well, maybe one or the other, if any. When I wear a bold necklace, I avoid extra jewelry all together. If anything, I will wear a few simple, thin band rings.

SOMETHING EXRTA! Forever21 has the best selection of statement necklaces. Here are a few of my favorites that are in stores and online now:

From bold jewel tones and sparkling crystals to bold neon and soft pastels hues, the options are endless.

[agcloset]

2014 Golden Globes

Has it seriously already been a year? I feel like it was just a few months ago that I was typing out my AG Closet Best Dressed list for the 2013 Golden Globes. Well, it’s here and it’s officially the kick off to award season. Eek! This year I decided to start a new tradition on the AG Closet site. I present to you..  ”The AG Golden Globe Awards!”

Drum roll please.. 

1. The Best First Appearance at the Golden Globes Award goes to: Lupita Nyong’o! If you don’t know who she is, you definitely will now. The 12 Years a Slave star looked stunning in a red silk gown by Ralph Lauren and custom-designed heels by Paul Andrew.

2. The OMG You’re Pregnant and Look Like a Knock-Out Award goes to: Kerry Washington! The Scandal star looked beautiful in a silk gown by Balenciaga and paired it with Fred Leighton jewels. She proudly cradled her growing baby bump and owned the red carpet.

3. Finally.. what we’ve all been waiting for..The Best Dressed Award goes to: Zooey Deschanel! Once again she is my # 1 Best Dressed pick. We can always count on the New Girl star to bring her unique touch to the red carpet, which makes her 2014 Golden Globe dress no surprise. She wore an ivory tulle gown embroidered with pearls and crystals from Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2014 collection. I love that she kept the entire look full of nude hues. Her pearl-embroidered pumps and gorgeous clutch flow perfect, creating a stunning ensemble. 

Oh, oh! Bonus award! The Best Photobomb at the Golden Globe Award goes to: Jennifer Lawrence! Seriously, this is just one of the many reasons why I love JLaw. 

Did you watch the 2014 Golden Globes? Who was best dressed in your book? 

[agcloset]

One sweater, Two ways

The Holidays are over but Winter is still here and is bringing record breaking temps. This means sweater season isn't going anywhere. Even us Floridans are experiencing below freezing temps. Though I have quite the sweater collection, there is one sweater I just can't stop wearing. I've basically decided I'm kind of obsessed with it. I bought it a few months ago while I was on vacation in Indiana and have worn it more times than I can count.  

Though there are a zillion stores to shop from, sometimes you run into another fashionista who is wearing the same top, accessory, or the same shoe as you. This fashionista happened to be my cousin. My absolute favorite thing about this sweater is how versatile it is. It’s really like having multiple sweaters in one. And that's exactly what this post is about. 

My cousin, Ashley, is a hot career woman who is living it up in Indianapolis. I love that she is bold with her fashion choices. She mixes and matches trends better than anyone else I know. With her bold statement necklace from Park Lane and her gansta shoes from Target, she has made this sweater completely her own.

We all know my wardrobe is filled with neutrals, neutrals and more neutrals. Adding more color to my wardrobe is definitely one of my 2014 new year resolutions. Still, I will always love wearing neutrals. I took this sweater and paired boho and chic together, aka "boho-chic (ha, I'm too funny).  With a jean jacket and boots from Target and my olive green skinnies from Forever21, this casual outfit is perfect for this young momma. 

This is what I love most about fashion. It's about taking different pieces and creating your OWN style. Fashion isn't copying the celebrities and fashion divas. It's all about you and the freedom to express who you are. Seriously, fashion clones would be an incredibly boring world.

PS - who else was glued to the TV last night watching the Golden Globes?! Holy moly, the red carpet fashion was jaw-dropping. Check the blog tomorrow to find out who wins "Best Dressed" in my book. Also, be sure to check out fashionatelyme.com for Ashley's take on the world of fashion. She may be my cousin but she is definitely one of my fashion icons.