Pretty Little Liars Fashion: Spencer!

Pretty Little Liars: Spencer Hastings' Style

Hello, readers! If you're obsessed with the ABC Family show Pretty Little Liars as much as I am (if that's even possible - I've been hooked since the very beginning!), you've obviously noticed some of the carazy cool styles! As a beauty guru, whenever I'm watching a show, a movie, or even a play, I'm usually focusing more on what the characters are wearing rather then what's actually going on. Oops! But in all seriousness, I think people can get to know a lot about a character by the way they dress.

I've decided to start an exciting 4-posting session that will involve me assessing each of the girl's individual styles - Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily. Even though PLL started a long time ago, I'm really looking forward to talking about their style now, since it's evolved over the course of the show. I'm going to start first off with my favorite character - Spencer!

I love Spencer Hastings. She's witty, smart, sarcastic, funny, perceptive, and gorgeous. Along with being the main "detective" on the show, she's also got a killer sense of style! Spencer's style is what I would describe as being "retro", "classic", and "tailored" with a modern edge. If any of you girls out there want some tips on how to grab Spencer's style for this 2013 year, read on! I'll talk all about the hair, the makeup, and the clothes!




1. Hair

Spencer's hair is usually the most interesting part of her look. Whether she's got it down or up, it always looks clean and polished. Spencer used to wear her hair long and straight, but lately she's been wearing it in beachy waves, which I absolutely love! To achieve Spencer's wavy locks, do either of the three following:

1. If you already have naturally wavy hair and are just looking for more polished waves, braid your hair before you go to bed. You'll wake up with cleaner, nicer looking waves in no time! If you braid tight, the waves will be tighter, and if you have a loose braid, the waves won't be as defined.

2. Use a wand or a regular curling iron and wrap the pieces of hair around rather then clamping them. Don't hold for too long, or the waves will turn into curls. Hairspray and shake out the hair at the end for a messy wave look like Spencer!

3. Last but not least, use a product! I've used this sea spray before and my hair turned out looking - and smelling - great! If you're looking to spend a little less, make your own! All you need is a spray bottle, sea salt, water, and a little hair gel! You can also add some nice smelling conditioner like coconut to get that beach feel.

If Spencer's hair is not down in waves, it's usually in a side or top braid. Check out this YouTube tutorial on how to achieve Spencer's super-classy side dutch braid. Spencer has also been known to do french braids at the crown of her head and downwards, like this. Other times, she'll simply to a fun bun on the top of her head or with a headband!




2. Makeup

Spencer has very muted makeup. It usually consists of tans, browns, and other neutrals for her eye shadow  if she is wears any. I always notice that she wears a black eyeliner, and sometimes rubs it out so it fades into the crease very nicely, like the first picture above. Try a nice pink-toned blush to accent your cheeks if you have pale skin like Spencer. For lips, she is almost always using nude lipsticks - I've never caught her with any gloss. The key with Spencer is to go very, very classic and simple on the makeup. Neutral eyeshadow, a bit of eyeliner, mascara for those thick Hastings lashes, and nude lipstick is all you really need to achieve her look! The only time Spencer really does go bold with makeup is at a special event like a dance or Halloween.





3. Accessories

Oooo, the fun part! I think Spencer is one of the most creative girls on the show when it comes to accessories. She pulls from so many different eras and still creates a modern and fashionable look. Spencer wears a lot of fun, vintage hats, which is perfect if you just want to roll out of bed and work with what you got! As for handbags, Spencer carries around large totes. I've heard that her favorites (a.k.a. the ones they use on the show) are from Kate Spade, but if that's too pricey, big totes are easy to find anywhere! If you notice, Spencer doesn't wear any big, flashy earrings or jewelry. She keeps it simple and classic with small, long necklaces and stud earrings. She does favor over-sized belts, though, and can be seen wearing those throughout many episodes, as well as big scarves. As for shoes, Spencer is all over the place. But from what I have seen, her favorites seem to be oxfords, riding boots, and ballet flats. The key with Spencer is really keeping it classic - in other words, while Hanna might opt for neon oxfords or Aria might go for fringe boots, Spencer keeps the same look that the shoes have always had. Neutral colored oxfords, brown or black riding boots, and menswear-inspired ballet flats are the way to go with her.




4. Clothing

I lied - this is the fun part! Spencer has such an incredible style I can't even explain to you in words how much I wish I had her closet! She's very vintage and classy with a modern spin. One of the key parts of her wardrobe is that she has a lot of men's fashion inspired things. For instance, Spencer, as well as wearing oxfords, sports lots of different blazers. She also rocks a lot of cardigans, collared shirts, sweaters, and layered dress looks. With cardigans, she usually lets that be the exciting focus of the outfit - in other words, she chooses unique cardigans with designs or colors and keeps the top blank. Collared shirts are a must for her - she's very Ivy League - and some of her collared shirts are either polka dot or have holes in the shoulder sleeves. Her sweaters tend to have that nerdy cute look that she modernizes with jewelry or fun shoes. When it comes to dresses, Spencer usually has on a big belt, tights, boots, or a blazer to keep it interesting. A lot of her clothing is muted, just like her makeup. Keep it simple, earthy tones, and you'll achieve her look in no time!


That's all for Spencer Hastings! I hope you all enjoyed this fun little tutorial on how to get this fashion-forward look. Just remember the key points:

- Muted colors - Navy blue, black, brown, grey, tan, forest green, etc.
- Menswear Inspired - Blazers, oxfords, etc. Just remember to find that line between a little menswear and too much menswear - ex. if you wear a blazer, go with a bow belt or bring some light flushed pink into the outfit. The key with Spencer is mixing the male and feminine aspects of fashion without going too overboard on either side.
- Layering - Cardigans, big belts, tights, etc.


I'll see you all next time for Aria Montgomery!

XOXO,

Stephanie

Color of the Year: Emerald!

2013 COLOR OF THE YEAR

Hello beauties! It's been a while since I've posted, I know. One of my New Year's resolutions is to be more on-task with these things! I don't want to let any people down, so I'm going to try to post as much as possible. Did you all have a good holidays and New Year? I can't believe it's 2013 - crazy! Anyways, on to the more important subject at hand - Pantone announced the new color of the 2013 year! Last year's color was a pretty, punchy orange shade, and I had a lot of fun mixing that into my wardrobe. But this year, they've decided to tone it down a little and go for something a little classier and mature: emerald!

I don't know about you, but I'm super excited to incorporate this shade into my closet this year! I think the worry this year is that orange was such a young, fun color that a lot of young people enjoyed using. But I've found that people are finding emerald to be a little scary, a little too mature - but no worries, ladies! Emerald is a gorgeous color, and it can totally work for any style and any age. It just has to be worn the right way and the right amount, so we don't look too young or too old for our age.


1. Accessories

Try bringing out emerald this year in a great handbag! What I love about this one from Topshop is that it looks so classy, and can be paired with so many different outfits. It's got a great pop of color, and can be paired with an neutral outfit if you're looking to go casual for a day. I've been fantasizing about this satchel paired with something white and black - maybe polka dots, stripes? Either way, I think - especially for you casual girls who want to be able to throw something cute on in the morning without having to try too hard - that a colored purse is the way to go. That way, you can bring out the excitement in the purse and the jewelry and a simple outfit won't really matter.



2. Makeup

Who said you can't rock emerald this year in your makeup? Remember, it doesn't always  have to be in the clothes or in the jewelry! I think a fun emerald eyeliner, like this one from Urban Outfitters, could be a great unique way to show off 2013's color! While it's super daring, it isn't too predictable and hey, it's cheaper to buy an emerald eyeliner that you can wear with numerous outfits then to buy a great emerald dress that only works in fancy settings. Don't just stop at eyeliner either - Maybelline's Edgy Emerald Color Tattoo  is gorgeous on, and so are other emerald eye shadows. As long as you make sure your outfit isn't too crazy (so it won't clash, overwhelm, or draw attention from your make up), try out this unique way of wearing emerald!



3. Shoes

Possibly my favorite way to bring out emerald this year is in your shoes! Yes, your shoes, girl! Lately, I've been obsessed with bringing a pop of color to my outfits by wearing super bright shoes and a neutral looking outfit. I think it looks totally original and very fun and creative. While these pumps from Christian Louboutin are sold out and obviously way expensive, colored shoes are super easy to find and buy at cheaper prices. Emerald pumps would look so gorgeous with an LBD!


4. A L.....ED?

A little emerald dress? Who says it can't be done? While it's probably the most obvious way to wear this year's it color, you can never go wrong with a classy emerald dress. This one from ModCloth reminds me of Spencer from Pretty Little Liars! If, like her, you've got a fun retro and classy style, go for some oxfords and a side dutch braid! If you're more edgy, try studded black boots and maybe some skull stud earrings or a cool wrap headband. If you're on the girly side, go for some pumps, of course! I'd probably chill down the outfit with some riding boots and long waves, but then again, this dress could work for so many occasions!



5. The Colored Blazer

One of the best ways to dress up an LBD or even little shorts or a skirt - a colored jacket! It doesn't necessarily have to be a blazer, but I think this emerald one from Kohl's is not only super cute, but super cheap! It can look modest and formal with a black dress and pumps, but if you're younger and want to try something more daring, go for some sequined shorts! I think silver sequined shorts, a black ruffle top, and pumps would be a perf New Year's party outfit. I think black skinnies with a black top and then fun, sequined heels or flats would be fun as well!


I hope you enjoy incorporating emerald into your wardrobe this year - I know I will! Please feel free to comment or ask any questions - I'm always here! I'd love to see how you are wearing emerald this year.

Happy 2013!

XOXO,

Steph <3