Saturday, December 24, 2011

December 24, 2011


Happy Holidays Everyone!!! Merry ChristaHanaKwanzakah!! In other words, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Kwanza!! These holidays are some of my favorite times of the year-baking cookies, shopping for presents, decorating the house, and having tons of fun.  Today is Christmas Eve and I am just so excited! Don't lose the excitement of Christmas no matter how old you get!!  My favorite decorations are my Viva La Juicy stocking that's hot pink and definitely stands out from the rest of my family's stockings and the yellow ballerina christmas tree ornament that I got when I was 3.  
Have and ahh-mazing holiday!!
xoxo,
Serena
P.S. Keep checking this blog because I have many ideas coming up, including fashion inspiration!!!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Lulu's-New Favorite Spot

Heard of Lulus.com??? It's my new favorite website!!! After hearing about it so much, I decided to check it out and absolutely love it.  Lulu's selection of clothes and accessories is very trendy, with some girly, edgy, and boho styles mixed in.  Anyone can find something there.  It's reasonably priced, you won't find a graphic t-shirt there priced at $300 and $35 for 10-day shipping.  Lulu's has a wide range of merchandise, from casual skirts to jeans to party dresses to ballet flats to almost anything.  The only downside is that Lulu's is entire an online store, so you have to use your credit card online and can't try on any clothes.  My christmas list has several things on it from this store. It is definitely worth it to take a quick look at this website. 
xoxo,
Serena

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Marilyn Monroe



Marilyn Monroe is such an icon to everyone.  She's a role model, lived every moment of her life, had an amazing career, and has such classic, fabulous style.


"I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot."

"I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful."

"I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil. I am pretty, but not beautiful. I have friends, but I am not the peacemaker. I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love."

"Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul."

"If you're going to be two-faced, at least make one of them pretty."

"If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything."

"If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere." 

"I used to think as I looked at the Hollywood night, 'there must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me, dreaming of becoming a movie star. But I'm not going to worry about them. I'm dreaming the hardest.'" 

"Imperfection is beauty. Madness is genius and it is better to be absolutely ridiculous then absolutly boring." 

"Someone said to me, 'If fifty percent of the experts in Hollywood said you had no talent and should give up, what would you do?' My answer was then and still is - If a hundred percent told me that, all one hundred percent would be wrong." 

“When it comes down to it I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I’m already better than them anyway.”

"We are all stars, we all deserve to twinkle."

"Well-behaved women rarely make history."

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."

Black Friday Shopping 2011

Who went shopping on Black Friday this year??!!!  I did!!! :)  Black Friday is just an awesome day to go shopping because almost every single store has a sale at the same time.  And because all these stores are having a sale, you don't have to play a guessing game and hit the mall when only 2 stores have sales.  It's just store after store after store with exclusive deals and sales and freebies.  The only downsides are the crowds and the long lines, but it's a small price I'm willing to pay.  Wake up early to go because a bunch of stores have the best sales and deals in the morning, so it's definitely worth it.  Set your alarm early for just 1 day, hit Starbucks for a Venti mocha for some extra energy, then shop your heart out.  I did! Express, Hollister, and American Eagle were offering 40% your entire purchase, something that doesn't happen very often, if it all.  Victoria's Secret had $25 crewnecks and yoga pants, and if you spent $65 you got a free tote with a few free samples.  Tons of other stores had buy 1 get 1 free, 60% off, 50% off, and a bunch of other deals.  My list that of stuff I bought included:

  • Steve Madden Partyy R Peep-toe wedges (remember my previous post about them?!)
  • Stila Glamour Palette from Sephora
  • Bare Escentuals Blush set from Sephora
  • Hollister skinny jeans
  • Cerulean skirt from Hollister
  • White tee with lace back from American Eagle
  • Black peep-toe heels with bows
  • 2 tanks from Forever 21
xoxo,
Serena

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Bare Escentuals Changed My Life


Bare Escentuals is my new favorite makeup.  Honestly, it is so amazing it changed my life.  This summer I bought the Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Starter Kit and I love it.  This powder foundation first comes in every single shade ever, so it's always a perfect match.  Second, it's gives complete coverage and makes my skin airbrushed.  Third, it improved the quality of my skin and it's super natural.  This product is amazing.  I have tried many different kinds and brands of foundation-liquid, cream, mousse, tinted moisturizer, and other powders but nothing comes close to Bare Minerals.  My skin looks flawless in it and it doesn't clog my pores like other sticky liquid foundations did. It looks completely natural and I absolutely LOVE this product and use it every single day.
Bare Minerals also doesn't just stop at face powders, they have blushes, bronzers, mineral veils, highlighters, concealer, any makeup for your face.  If you don't use Bare Minerals, you don't know what your missing!!  J'adore this brand. It's available at Bare Escentuals boutiques and Sephora.
xoxo,
Serena

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

J'Adore These Heels!!

So this weekend I was shopping for a Fall Ball dress and I saw these Steve Madden heels.  OMG, I love them sooo much and are to die for.  Since I absolutely love anything pink or sparkly, of course these shoes are perfect for me.  They are called Partyy-R by Steve Madden and are platform heels made of satin with 4-inch heels studded with gems.  These shoes are gorgeousss!!!!  They also come in black, tan, and cobalt blue in addition to the hot pink. unfortunately, I couldn't get these amazing shoes because of their slightly steep $130 price tag, but maybe I'll save up my $$$ and buy them one day. I was thinking how stylish and good these hot pink shoes would look with a simple, navy blue dress.  These are definitely statement shoes so I think styling them with a simple dress would create an amazing look.
xoxo,
Serena

Monday, September 26, 2011

Gossip Girl Season Premiere!


Who's excited for the Gossip Girl Season Premiere on tonight?!! I know I am!  I cannot wait to see what happens on this episode!! I heard on a website that one of the characters is pregnant, but who knows who it is? It could be Lilly or some little side character we completely forgot about.  And what's going on with Blair and the prince?  And what's this about it being in LA? The Gossip Girls have relocated from New York City?  A season without the Upper East Side??!! Could Little J come back?  And Serena's in a movie?  What else is going on? 
I was so excited for premiere today I wore my Team Serena t-shirt.  Always support Gossip Girl.  It's hard to believe it's on the 5th season already.  I totally feel like having a Gossip Girl marathon and watching seasons 1-4 all over again.  So much happens so quickly.  
Don't forget to watch! It's on at a new time, 8:00 now on Mondays. 
xoxo,
Serena

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Ballroom Dancing

Aloha Everyone!!
Life has been soooo busy the past 2 months with school, college apps, clubs, friends, and everything else . I'm so happy to finally have a little bit of free time to update Stilettos & Sparkles!!! Yesterday my good friend and I went to a ballroom dancing competition.  Watching all the professionals and dancers dance was so much fun, I really wish I could dance like that! The outfits were also gorgeous-very stylish and sparkly.  There were all these vendors selling ballroom shoes, dresses, jewelry outside the dance floor and it was so much fun to look at all the dresses covered in Swavoraski crystals and patterns, with designs and ruffles all over. All the dresses were about $4,000 or more, but they were totally worth the price. There were tables and tables cover in jewelry, cuffs made entirely of jewels, pretty hair pieces that sparkled, huge statement necklaces in every single color of the rainbow.  Everything was so colorful and sparkled.  It was amazing to go and I want to learn to dance like that and wear all the outfits.  Haha, going on Dancing With The Stars would be amazing!!!!!
xoxo,
Serena

Monday, July 25, 2011

Blair Waldorf



Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl has the best quotes ever, anyone who watches Gossip Girl knows. However, picking favorite quotes from Queen B is impossible, so here are just a few starters.

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness obviously didn't know where to shop!"
"The most important parties to attend are the ones you aren't invited to."
"Fashion knows not of comfort, all the matters is the face you show to the world."
-Blair Waldorf

Sunday, July 17, 2011

SoCal!!!!

Heyy Chicas!!!
I'm back from my vacation to SoCal!!! It was AMAZING, no other word to describe it, I just LOVE Los Angeles.  I stayed in a really fun hotel in LA and I went to Orange County, Hollywood, Malibu, and all over LA then I flew up to San José, San Francisco, and Santa Clara for a day and a half.  I love the city, I love the beaches, I love the shops, I love the weather, I love everything about it!!! I'm super busy at the moment, so I'll post more pictures and tell you all more about the trip soon!
xoxo,
Serena

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Beach+City-Los Angeles





Hey Chicas!
I'll be off to Los Angeles, California on Sunday!! I'm just so excited and can't wait!!! I always thought of Los Angeles as perfect because it's the beach and the city, not to mention amazing, sunny weather, exciting city life, fabulous shopping and home to a million celebrities, and so much more.  Only 3 days left until I'm there!! Looking through all the photos of LA, it was hard to pick just one but I'm loving the palm trees.  
Now, it's time to start packing. I love packing for vacations but I always bring WAY more than I need.  So this time, I'm going to plan out every single outfit for every day (did I mention how warm it'll be!)-down to everything, earrings, shoes, jewelry, purses-and pack just that so I don't end up running through LA with 4 suitcases and a carry-on. I'll do the same with my makeup collection. I'll keep you all updated! :0
xoxo,
Serena

Monday, June 27, 2011

Heiress

"Some girls are just born with glitter in their veins."  -Paris Hilton


Paris Hilton has such fun quotes, such as this glitter quote.  I'm thinking of making a section of this blog for just celebrity quotes. Believe it or not, celebrities have the best quotes,whether they're super inspiring, just fun to read, funny,or whatever.  
Paris Hilton has such a glamorous life and that's why she calls herself a glamorous heiress.  

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Too Faced

 ♥ Too Faced makeup so much.  I love the makeup colors, quality, the cute packaging, and that it doesn't test on animals.  This is the amazing Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye palette.  By saying this is amazing, that would be an understatement.  This palette has 10 different colors, most of them with a gorgeous shimmer and a few matte, and for only $35 at Sephora, this was an ideal investment.  All the colors can be worn together and for those who are beginners at makeup, it comes with a double-sided eyeshadow brush and cards with diagrams and instructions on how to do different looks.  
After wanting this palette since September, I finally bought it in New York City 3 weeks ago and have literally been using it everyday since I bought it.  One of my favorite things is that I can wear it during the day but when it still will look good and fancy enough for when I go out at night or go to a party.  
I'll be filming a tutorial on this palette and how I do my everyday eye makeup on my YouTube Channel so check it soon and don't forget to subscribe & follow me!  :)
xoxo,
Serena

Friday, June 17, 2011

The City That Never Sleeps-NYC


Anyone who's ever known me knows that I always wanted to go to New York City, one of the fashion capitals of the world.  Basically, everyone tells me I'm such a California/LA girl because it's beaches and cities, and NYC is every fashionista's dream to visit.  This year I got to go as part of a school trip with 3 of my friends and it was amazing!!!  The shopping is fabulous, the city is so much fun, Time Square looks exactly like it does in all the TV shows and movies, it's hard to write about everything.  I'll focus on the shopping and fashion aspect of NYC.  (Note: In this picture above, we're on Fashion Avenue at the Designer Sidewalk!)
I noticed that everyone was either dressed very pulled together with high waisted skirts and tops, big sunglasses, and either an oversized bag or an across-the-shoulder bag with flats or heels.  If New Yorkers were not wearing this, they had no sense of fashion at all and were wearing baggy t-shirts and sweats or bad-fitting jeans.  I didn't notice much middle ground, either you were completely pulled together or you honestly didn't care about your outfit.
The shopping was amazing, but that's no surprise.  Everyone knows how fabulous the shopping is in NYC.  All of the parts of Manhattan each had really good shopping although they were totally different.  The Upper East Side had 5th Avenue which was filled with the high end designer stores, Chinatown had tons of cheap jewelry and purses and t-shirts, SoHo had cute little boutiques like Dash (the Kardashian store), Greenwich Village had Marc Jacobs and Juicy Couture along with very original little boutiques.  The Garment/Fashion District had more stores about making and designing your own clothes, such as Mood Fabrics from Project Runway.  Let's just say because I'm a shopaholic, of course I went shopping a ton in NYC.  I'll show the favorite things I bought in a haul video on my You Tube channel PinkDiamondGoddess, so don't forget to check that out!!
xoxo,
Serena
P.S. Expect more posts about NYC soon!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Even Supermodels Love A Sale

Everyone loves a sale, even supermodels.  Tuesday was the first shopping day I had this summer.  One of my best friends, Natalie, invited me to go shopping with her and her two sisters.  She only mentioned that we were going to Plato's Closet and nowhere else, so I brought very little money.  This was only my second time going to Plato's Closet.  They have a bunch of brand name, good quality clothes for pretty cheap so it's easy to find good stuff.  My friend found this adorable lilac BeBe dress with ruffles-it was adorable and I'm totally going to have to borrow it.  I just bought a black sequined high-waisted skirt and a strapless turquoise sundress.  After my major spring cleaning in March, I had two huge bags full of good clothes, that included Juicy Couture hoodies and tees, Burberry polos, American Eagle, Abercrombie, and Hollister t-shirts, tops, dresses, and some jeans.  I was seriously hoping that Plato's Closet would buy the clothes from me, but they offered my $17.50 for everything.  I was just thinking "Hell to the no, 1 Juicy Couture was $100, there's no way I'm selling this all for $17.50." So I told them no, I wouldn't give it to them for that little amount.  Now I'm thinking of starting an ebay account and selling all the clothes off there, anyone interested? message me if you are :) 
Next, we quickly stopped at a new fro-yo place which was so cute and yummy.  I got  strawberry and cake batter flavors with chocolate chips. Mmmmm, delicious.  
Then, we hit the mall and saw that the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale had started.  I love shopping at VS and I love their huge sale.  Of course, I had no idea we were going to the mall so the very few dollars I brought, I already spent.  There was a sale going on at H&M, VS, Bath and Body Works, and Arden B.  We spent so much time there that we didn't have time to go anywhere else.  Anyway, since I love VS, I came back later that day with money and bought a new bikini, 3 new scents, a highlighter/illuminator, a t-shirt, and a few other things. The bikini top is pink with ruffles and little black hearts and the bottom is just a plain pink.  The 3 body sprays smell amazing, I got the scents Juiced Berry, Pure Seduction, and Candy, Baby.  The t-shirt was just a hot pink v-neck, perfect for the lazy summer days to throw on with a pair of jean shorts and a few bracelets.  I have not tried the highlighter yet, but I will soon!  
Most of the stuff that was on sale at VS were sweatpants and some sweatshirts, but I passed on those because I'm not a sweats person. I'd much rather were jeans or a tank top or a dress than look like a bum in sweatpants all day.  
Wish I could've made it to more sales and stores, but I only had a little bit of time.  I'll do a haul video on my YouTube channel, which is pinkdiamondgoddess, so subscribe and check soon for the video!
xoxo,
Serena

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Pretty Little Liars

Season Premiere of Pretty Little Liars on tonight!!! I am so excited, I can't wait to find out what happened to Ian at the end of last season.  And will Toby and Spencer get together? Was Mona harming or helping Hanna when she tore up Caleb's love letter? Will someone find out about Mr. Fitz/Ezra and Aria?  And sooo many more secrets to figure out!  We've all been waiting a long time since winter to find out what happened and tonight we'll finally get some more clues!  The season finale was so suspenseful and so much stuff happened, it was hard to believe.  This season has to be just as good but hopefully will answer more questions.  Can't wait to see it!  
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

Monday, June 13, 2011

The Beginning


Hey Girly Girls!
Welcome to Stilettos and Sparkles, my new blog! I'm super excited to make this blog because I used to have one with Pop Sugar but it was so hard to figure out how to work and make it do anything so I could barely update it.  Now I'm so excited for this blog!!  Since summer is finally here and today is my first day of summer, I'm reading to start blogging!
Junior year was my favorite year of high school and I meant to blog so much about it and post a bunch of pictures, but I never got around to it although I feel like I should.  So if I start blogging about the Halloween dance or whatever, that's why :) It was an amazing year and I'm going to remember it forever.
Me:
(Just a few random facts)
My name is Serena
I'm 17 and will be a senior in high school
I'm addicted to shopping and love fashion
I'm a dancer, I love modern dancing
I wish I could be on Dancing with the Stars and dance to all the Latin Dances like the ChaCha and Somba
My closet is organized by color
I have my own YouTube Channel-pinkdiamondgoddess so be sure to check it out!
I'm a complete California girl, but I love the fast pace life of New York City and Los Angeles
Friends are super important to me
I love summer and hate the cold weather

I want to make this blog about style and fashion, like my old blog and my YT channel but I also want to add in more parts about my life and stuff, if that makes sense :)
Don't forget to add me as a friend, comment, and follow!
xoxo,
Serena

Dance Dance Like It's The Last Last Night of Your Life

There's no way to have this blog and not mention dancing. I absolutely love to dance. This picture is from May, when my school dance team performed Turn It Up by Ciara and Usher.  We practiced sooo hard and the performance went really good.  It was so much fun.  Our little outfits were cute, I made the t-shirts, which were actually a bit harder than it looks.  I love this picture, with our matching t-shirts, jeans, black shoes, and our toes pointed. Dancing is just so much fun.
School dances are so much fun too and one of the best parts of high school.  The decorations are always so cool, getting ready is a blast, and hanging out with friends and dancing the night away makes it a blast. Although prom was cancelled this year :( dances are still so much fun.  Getting ready for dances is half the fun, of course, I'm a complete girly girl so I love picking out the perfect dress, trying out new eyeshadow colors and styling my hair, but the dance is just as fun.  The lights flashing, the music blaring, and just dancing and dancing and having fun. :) The songs the DJs always playing are so upbeat and fun and they never repeat a song the entire night, unlike the radio which has about 4 songs on constant replay!


"Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing.
It's the rhythm of your life.
It's the expression in time and movement,
in happiness, joy, sadness and envy."

- Jaques D'ambroise