Carolyn Braden: Party Dress by Urban Outfitters

I love tutus. I love overalls. When I saw this dress by Urban Outfitters, I about passed out. 

This dress combines both of my loves and makes them fashionable enough and grown up enough to wear to a Christmas party. It's part of their Urban Renewal collection. I love the idea of taking an old piece of clothing and making it new again. I do it myself sometimes. I bought the dress in a size small and it does run a little big. Overalls fit that way though. I plan to wear it with sparkle fishnets, my fun Christmas sweatshirt and probably my Ugg motorcycle boots. I will be comfortable and stylish....a perfect combination. 

Carolyn Braden: My 2013 Christmas Sweatshirt

A Christmas sweatshirt?

Why yes! Instead of an ugly Christmas sweater, I chose a kitschy sweatshirt. The quote: "Merry Christmas ya filthy animal." It's from Angels with Dirty Faces and, of course, featured in Home Alone. 

Carolyn Braden's "Over the Moon" #Holiday Gel Polish Mani

My first attempt at a moon mani. I used Shellac and RCM gel polishes. It was easier to do than I thought and I love how it turned out.

Carolyn Braden's Cheap Christmas Tree Skirt

Want a cheap Christmas tree skirt? Go to your local fabric store and buy 2-3 yards of some festive fabric, spread it out at the base of your tree and wait for the question "Where did you get that fabulous expensive-looking tree skirt?" Should you reveal your budget secret? Sure! Pass on the idea because many people are looking for ways to cut costs these days.

Carolyn J. Braden
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Carolyn Braden's Simple Christmas Wrapping!

Simple wrap!  Postal paper, ornaments (I bought 12 in a pack for $5.00 at Wal-Mart), and bridal tulle!  

Carolyn Braden says "Check out Avon and Mark. for some great products!"

Keep safe in the sun!  Wear a hat this summer!  I got my black reversible cotton sun hat from Avon.  It was super packable for my recent beach vacation.  Have you checked out the latest Avon or Mark. Magalog?  They are totally in sync with the latest trends and staples you should always have on hand.  My mother-in-law sells Avon and I love looking through her catalogues.  I can never get through a book without wanting something out of it.  The prices are great!!!  They have things priced very well!  I recently ordered a evening purse.  It can double as a chic fanny pack for a hands free dancing purse!  I know that fanny packs may have a bad rep, but if you look at this one, it will show you how cute one can be. Another great Avon product is Mark. Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint.  I usually order this in bulk so I never run out.   It goes on clear and then the color "ripens" to a wonderful color that matches your own skin tone.

Also, my husband and I love the deodorants by Avon.  My grandmother swore by the the Black Suede roll-on.  I ordered 2 dozen for her one year for Christmas so she wouldn't run out.  I always joked with her about using a men's deodorant.  When she passed away, there were several unused roll-on's left.  I decided I would see what all the hype was about the product.  It was great!  It was better than any other deodorant I've ever tried!  Some people may not like it, as it does go on pretty wet.  It dries very fast though, so you may end up liking it.




Go to www.avon.com to check out more products.  Or, click on the above photos and buy the products I listed in my blog from Amazon.com.

Carolyn Braden asks "Paris anyone?"

Paris is everywhere.  Don't know why, it just is.  It is showing up in fashion, make-up, and home decor.  I can't stop noticing the Eifel Tower.  I had a dream I was in Paris.  I saw the Eifel Tower all lit up at night.  Then, strangely, I saw Big Ben.  Weird.  

If I don't blog before Christmas, have a wonderful holiday!  Be fashionable.  Give crafty gifts this year if you can. I am.  I am making many things this year.  :)

---Carolyn 

Carolyn Braden......Dreamer of Style

I had a dream Tuesday night.  It was a dream about fashion.  I remember my dreams often, but this particular dream spoke to me about an upcoming style.

I remember Tarina Tarantino being in my dream.  She is one of my role models ever since I discovered her wonderful jewelry designs.  I won an essay contest she had several years ago.  It was about inspirations and I wrote how she was such a huge inspiration to me.  She continues to inspire me and I feel like I think in the same creative way she does.  I often will have an inspiration of some design, such as peacock feathers, coming into style.  Then I'll come across her website and see that one of her latest collections reflect what I was inspired by.  There must be a connection between all the creative people in the world.  I am waiting for the door to the creative world to open up for me......... :)

I was talking to Tarina in the dream and we were looking at huge rubies an emeralds.  These big single stones were the focus of her new designs.  I don't remember other colors, but I am sure they were there too.  So......that leads me to believe that big single stones are a great new style coming out in jewelry and maybe more. 

Other inspirations right now? 

Glittery decor.  I raided the Target dollar bins and found the glittery words "peace", "joy", and "wish".  I just bought vases that have similar words to these on them.  I will be using these things to decorate this holiday season.  Right now though, my decor is focusing on fall.  I have used red flowers and white peacock feathers in a large arrangement in my dining room.  I put shiny stones in the vase to keep it from falling over, but they look pretty too.  My placemats have a photo print design of stones on them too.  My bannister contains a "garland" of leaves I created.  I used oranges, greens, and yellows.   Love these colors together. 

My snow globe idea from months ago is out there everywhere.  I just bought my latest globe......a beautiful silver base with a silver Christmas tree inside.  Oh, the holidays.  I can't wait.  :)  "I'm dreaming, of a white Christmas........"  Get some stylish snow boots soon.  You may need them this year.  I am looking for moon boots.  Kind of Napoleon Dynamite inspired.  Where oh where am I going to find them?

----Carolyn