Taupe Notch Gals: My Favorite Fashion Bloggers!

Creating Taupe Shop was not as easy as I thought it would be, but having other fashion bloggers to pull inspiration from certainly helped! Whenever you are starting a new endeavor I highly advise you look at those who are not only already doing it, but are also excelling tremendously at it. Therefore I've complied a list of 5 gals who kill the blogging game, work their butts off and look fierce while doing so. Even if you're not into blogging and are just looking for outfit ideas, hidden restaurants, or travel destinations I recommend you check out these accounts! (These are in no particular order as they're all equally amazing in my mind)

#1: Julia Engel- Gal Meets Glam

This gorgeous blogger covers it all: style, travel, beauty, and lifestyle! Her style is fun, flirty, and never disappointing. My favorite thing about her is that she finds the tastiest healthy meals, but can indulge in a coconut ice cream cookie sandwich while relaxing on vacation. 

#2: Jessica Stein- Tuula Vintage

Travel and style are this gals forte! Originally from Sydney, Australia, she brings an international perspective to the table. She travels the world constantly and never forgets to show her followers where her adventure took her that day (often it takes her to delicious eateries that make your mouth water through the screen). 

#3: Mary Seng- Happily Grey

This Nashville style blogger brings a minimalist look along with her everywhere she goes. She'll have you asking yourself why you didn't put that outfit together weeks ago. Not to mention she has a darling Great Dane that will brighten your day every time she makes an appearance. 

#4: Natasha Oakley- Tashoakley

Another Australian blogger with an amazing sense of style. Natasha is the co-creator of A Bikini A Day and the designer of Monday Swimwear, so you know she's got the best swimsuits around (and arguably the best bod around too)! She also seems to live at the beach, so her pictures are breath taking and make you wish you were there with her. 

#5: Kat Tanita: With Love From Kat

This New York City based blogger covers fashion, beauty and travel all while maintaining an impeccable style. She'll keep you updated on the best books to read, shoes to buy, restaurants to go to, and places to see!

Keeping you on taupe of things: It's officially Spring!

In case you haven't heard, the Spring season has officially arrived. That means it's time to bring out the pastels from the back of your closet and pull out those open-toe shoes that have been mocking you all winter long. You may be asking what colors are said to be a hit this Spring, but no worries I've done all of the research for you! Pantone recently released their annual color prediction for all of the 2015 seasons, and contrary to last spring's neons, this spring features more muted colors (hello beautiful neutrals). So, without further adieu, I give you this Spring's hottest colors:

1. Aquamarine

This color is a calm, dreamy blue that is said to be soothing. It's color roots stem back to the ocean, making it the perfect color to pack for a vacation(or to wear any day as a relaxing reminder of the beach and sunny days).

2. Scuba Blue

This color has much more vibrant and vivacious notes. It can be worn as the as the perfect pick me up as it's color contains a contagious energy.

3. Lucite Green

This color is comparable to aquamarine as it too is very soothing in nature. It's hues are refreshing, gentle, and airy making it the perfect color for a breezy day.

4. Classic Blue

This color, like it's name, is classic and confident. It's one of the more bold colors Pantone listed for the season making it perfect for a work presentation or a formal evening out to send your confidence soaring. 

5. Toasted Almond 

(I'd like one of everything in this color, please!)

Like I said, hello beautiful neutral! This color has a very warm, organic hue that embodies the summer season just around the corner. 

6. Strawberry Ice

This color is very refreshing and sweet, much like the name suggests. It has a glowing hue and tempting charm that makes it a hard color choice to refuse. 

7. Tangerine

This color is bold without being overly in your face. It's hue is juicy and irresistible

making it a must have color if you're looking to spice things up this Spring.

8. Custard

This color makes you want to floor it to your closest ice cream parlor. It's hue is fun, sunny, and lighthearted. So if you're a "wherever the wind takes me" kind of gal, this is the perfect color for you!

9. Marsala

This color is as yummy as it sounds. It's one of Pantone's more daring choices, and I'm all about it. It's hue is sensual, warm and sophisticated.

10. Glacier Gray (A Taupe Shop favorite!)

This timeless color is one to always have in your closet. It can easily be transitioned from fall to winter, winter to spring, spring to summer, and summer to fall. It has a relaxing and peaceful hue that is perfect for starting your day off on a positive note!

So now that you have all of the color info you'll need to look your best this Spring, go out and have some fun with it! Even if you're wearing a color not on the list, remember that it's your confidence that ultimately makes an outfit work.

Taupe Shelf Perfumes: My 3 Must Haves!

When you first meet some one there are a couple of things that immediately stand out. Some people say it's another persons eye color or smile and for others its their shoes or clothes. I, however, have always found it to be a persons perfume that leaves a lasting impression. To me it's the first thing someone you are meeting will notice and should they smell the scent elsewhere it will remind them of you. This being said, it's very important you pick a signature fragrance that isn't too overwhelming while at the same time not too underwhelming either (also ladies, dousing yourself in any perfume regardless of scent is always a no-no). I know this sounds a bit tricky, so I've pulled together my favorite three perfumes that I believe cover every occasion!

The first perfume shown, The Vert Green Tea by L'Occitane, is a perfume I've had for the longest period of time. It's scent is made up of orange, green tea, jasmine, mate, cedar, and thyme. This was my signature scent for the longest time since it is such a delightfully fresh scent that it can be worn anytime of day. If I had to choose an occasion in which it was most appropriate I would definitely say it's a beach/summer scent.

The second perfume shown, Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf, I try to save for more formal events. Its scent is made up of sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, ballerina freesia, and patchouli. I would still rank it in the fresh fragrance category but it definitely is stronger than The Vert Green Tea. If I had to choose an occasion in which it was most appropriate I would say at a formal dinner or night time event. 

The third perfume shown, Chance by Chanel, is a perfume I came across most recently. I think it's the perfect in between of the other two fragrances. It's not as airy and light as The Vert Green Tea yet it's not as powerful as Flowerbomb. It's classic scent is made up of grapefruit, quince, fresh green notes, jasmine absolute, and white musk. Therefore I believe this scent can be worn all day and to any function. Overtime it has become my go to (Word of Advice: When it come's to creating a product that will never grow old, leave it to Chanel), and I've started to use The Vert Green Tea as a gloomy day pick me up. 

Bikini Taupes and Flip Flops: The Ultimate Guide to Spring Break!

It’s finally that time of year ladies…SPRING BREAK…which also welcomes the most dreaded time of the year for some women…SWIMSUIT SEASON! That being said, this blog goes out to all of those ladies who cringe at the sound of the words “pool party” or “beach trip”. I’m challenging each and every one of you to become confident in your own skin instead of sitting around the pool in your cover up secretly hoping you’ll get some color (all that’s really getting you is a guaranteed farmer’s tan). I know you’re probably asking how I could expect you to do this overnight, but I’m a true believer that it all comes down to the suit you’re wearing. There’s no better way to feel confident rocking your yellow polka dot bikini than by picking out the perfect silhouette for your body. Therefore I've compiled an array of tops and bottoms that are sure to flatter every body type so that you can take on Spring Break like you never have before!

Option #1: Triangle Top and String Bikini Bottom

This Cia.Martima swimsuit is a knockout that features a bold print and gold hardware. The print makes it super easy to mix and match the top and bottom with other separates you may have (love doing this)!This swim set is particularly suited for those who are not lacking in the chest department as it features very light padding and takes the shape of the person wearing it. These bottoms offer what's called "moderate coverage", meaning the majority of your cheeks are covered. In general these bottoms are a safe bet for women of all body types! If you are smaller chested and trying to pull of a suit fitted like this one, definitely look for a bold print that will enhance some of the features you lack. Also ruffles and fringe also help to achieve a fuller look!

The Perfect Polish Match: Essie "bikini so teeny"

Option #2: Push-up Triangle Top (these are literally "pick-me-ups" if you're smaller on top) and Low "V" Cut Bikini Bottom

For all you ladies trying to work with what your mama gave you (and your mama didn't give you much) this Victoria's Secret suit is for you (and me)! It's features a bold leopard print and a secure twist in the center of the top. This top also has corner padding in order to put your "girls" in their place. The center twist comes in handy as it holds the top in place giving it structure. These bottoms are a little more risky as they feature a low "V" cut in the front and moderate coverage in the back. This "V" cut is perfect for showing off lower abs but should be avoided if you're feeling bloated(it frames the area). 

The Perfect Polish Match: Essie "good as gold"
Sun Shades: Prada 

Option #3: Bandeau Top and Side Ruched Bikini Bottom

In case you didn't already know, Victoria's Secret is the queen of swimsuits and this next selection is no exception. This bandeau top is a win for a lot of women since it's cut is flattering regardless of size. The only problem is that if you are larger than a size C, this top could get a little tricky. This is because although it has padding, it lacks in structure which could be a disaster waiting to happen if you enjoy surfing ocean waves. These bottoms however are extremely flattering to all body types and feature a moderate coverage. The ruched sides make them very comfortable and stretch to fit your body(BONUS: the ruching also grips you more than a string bikini so they're more likely to stay in place). 

The Perfect Polish Match: Essie "play date"
Sun Shades: Ray-Bans

Option #4: Strapless Top and Side Ruched Bikini Bottom

This Victoria's Secret strapless swimsuit features a gorgeous sequin design and a regal sapphire color that will be sure to turn heads. The top offers more coverage than a typical bandeau and therefore can suit girls from bra size A-D! This style of swimsuit is also available with a built in wire just to make sure the "girls" aren't going anywhere.  These bottoms are very similar to the one's above in that they feature the side ruching detail. 

The Perfect Polish Match: Essie "butler please"
Sun Shades: Ray-Bans

Option #5: Halter Top and Tie String Bikini Bottom

This Target Xhilaration swimsuit is perfect if you prefer to leave more to the imagination. It has a halter top style that criss-crosses in the back and a loose panel that flows along with your every move. This panel hangs low enough to cover to top portion of your stomach so you can feel more comfortable wherever your sunny days take you. These bottoms tie at the sides making them a custom fit while still covering the majority of your backside. When shopping for suits make sure you look for those with a classic pattern like these polka dots so that you can wear them season after season!

The Perfect Polish Match: Essie "over the edge"