Style Alert and OOTD: Gozon is the Affordable Fashion Website You Can't Live Without

I'm always on the hunt for affordable fashion. If it looks cute and chic but doesn't cost an arm and a leg, sign. me. up! Gozon most definitely fits the bill. I kept seeing girls I follow on Instagram wearing their clothes, and I finally had to try them for myself. I was lucky enough to get a couple totally fabulous styles sent to me recently, and I'm so excited to share them with you.

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Follow Your Heart ... Especially with Fun Heart-Shaped Sunnies

Disclaimer: This is going to be a different kind of post than you normally find on The Beauty of Life. It's an OOTD of sorts -- but with a wider message.

What makes you happy? This is a question I've been asking myself for a long time -- and, frankly, until I moved to LA, I really wasn't sure how to answer it. But these past two and a half years have proven to me, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that when you really work on making yourself happy and healthy, you can achieve anything.

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#OOTD (Slash Always): The Skargorn #61 Tee is Pretty Much My New Favorite Thing

I've fallen deep down the rabbit hole with my latest obsession, and I really don't see a way out. Its name? The Skargorn #61 Tee.

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Outfit of the Day: Taking on the World One Laugh (and One Fedora) at a Time.

I don't really post that many OOTDs (AKA Outfit of the Days) here on The Beauty of Life. In fact, I've posted exactly 11 before today. (They're all here, in case you're curious.) But I simply had to post this one, because ... well ... I really love everything about the photo and the outfit.

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OOTD: Running About Town In Comfort

Admittedly, this is from a few weeks ago -- I meant to post it then, but somehow that didn't happen! In any case, this is one of my standard running about town weekend looks -- oversized tee, denim cutoffs, TOMS (because they're the most comfortable shoes EVER) and a Rebecca Minkoff bag!

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OOTD: Celebrating My New Yorkiversary!

I meant to post this last week, but time got away from me! In any case, this is what I wore to celebrate my New Yorkiversary. I spent the evening with friends at a much loved bar on the Upper East Side, and then had late night eats at Moonstruck Diner (side note: they have the BEST matzah ball soup, except for my grandmother's and my own). I wanted an outfit that was fun, stylish, comfortable and with just a hint of bling -- and this was everything I hoped it would be! Here's what I wore.

Forever 21 gold top (not available on the website, but might still be available in stores)
Hue Cotton Leggings, $28 at hue.com
Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Hobo in Lavender (no longer available)
Barneys New York leather booties (no longer available)

Note: Please disregard my crazy hair! It was so hot and humid that night that even my perfect blowout from Drybar frizzed and poufed!

OOTD: Working Up a Sweat!

I'm going to admit something that's been pretty tough for me to deal with. I've gained about 25 pounds in the past four years. Life has had its ups and downs -- being fired from a job, dealing with a less than stellar roommate situation, moving to a new apartment. And even though the past two years have been nothing but rosy, the weight has still slowly crept on. Chalk it up to too many nights ordering unhealthy dinners, too many days spent NOT working out, just too much indulging overall. Truth be told, I can't fit into a lot of my amazing clothes anymore -- they're too tight in the bust, too tight in the stomach, just too darn tight. So I'm making a change, committing to eating better and working out more. Hence my latest OOTD!

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Outfit of the Day: A Strong Stance in Cheetah Print

My outfit today was structured around my brand-new blouse from LOFT. I happened upon a LOFT store while meandering down 5th Avenue last night, and this cheetah-print stunner called to me immediately. Yes, I know it's huge and pretty much covers my shorts -- but that's what I love about it! I love that the pockets peek out from underneath and make my legs look as long as they possibly could. I paired my new piece with tried and true favorites -- items I reach for again and again, because every time I put them on, I just feel good. Here's the breakdown.

LOFT Cheetah Print Dolman Sleeve Sheer Blouse, $59.50 at loft.com
Current/Elliott The Boyfriend Short in Sugar, $77.97 at piperlime.com
Sweetie Pie Jewelry Joy Earrings in Clear, $36 at sweetiepiejewelry.com
Alexis Bittar Large Gold Calder Coral Ring (no longer available, but you can find your favorite Alexis Bittar jewelry at alexisbittar.com)
Marc By Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock bag (no longer available)
Stuart Weitzman T-Bar Platform Sandals (no longer available)
Nails: Rescue Beauty Lounge Catherine H (no longer available)

Outfit of the Day: Relaxing At My Mom's House in Cleveland

It's rare that I post an Outfit of the Day post on The Beauty of Life, but today is an exception. I'm not going to say this is the most fashionable thing I've ever worn, but it is an outfit I wear pretty frequently -- especially when I'm traveling, which was the case today. I took a moment to sit under the tree at my mom's house in Cleveland and enjoy the sunshine in what is probably the most comfortable outfit I own, jazzed up with my favorite pair of bold gold chain earrings. Here's the final look for you!

Splendid leopard-print tee (no longer available, many more styles available at splendid.com)
Hue black cotton leggings
TOMS red canvas Classics (multiple styles available at nordstrom.com)
Bing Bang oversized gold chain earrings

Outfit of the Day: Laughing in Los Angeles

I've been living it up in Los Angeles for the past few days, enjoying some much-needed vacation and R&R. On Saturday, my friend Jenny and I went to Abbot Kinney in Venice for a little shopping (where I bought THE MOST AMAZING Alexis Bittar earrings, more to come on that later). Jenny snapped this pic of me outside the fabulous Tumbleweed & Dandelion -- a home store where I could literally outfit my entire apartment -- and I think it's fairly quintessential of my style while on the West Coast. Here's what I was wearing!

Norma Kamali Batwing Cardigan in Light Grey Heather ($12.99 at walmart.com)
Old Navy striped tank (no longer available)
Hue Denim Leggings in Navy ($28 at hue.com)
Havaianas customized flip-flops
Fallon Desert Drop Earrings (no longer available)
Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Mini with Strap (color no longer available)

Outfit of the Day: New Year's Eve Fun!

How was everyone's New Year's Eve? I hope you rang it in with a big bang. Mine was pretty fantastic -- I went to Boston to spend time with my brother and his rockin' band, the incomparable Love in Stockholm. (Check them out here, and purchase their CD, A King's Ransom, on iTunes!)

In any case, I had a really amazing time. Best New Year's since, well, last year, when I was in Israel! I loved my outfit this year -- I decided to go all out and get super glam. And the best part? The entire outfit was under $200! Find an account of the look below!

Forever 21 dress (purchased for $10.80!)
Fallon earrings (acquired on Gilt Groupe for $45!)
Ralph Lauren pearl and gold ball necklace (found on sale for $75 about 5 years ago)
Anya Hindmarch Marano Glitter Clutch ($425, but it was a gift)
Dolce & Gabbana snakeskin heels (scored for $25 at a Bluefly sample sale YEARS ago)

Outfit of the Day: Toughening Up in Leather

I'm spending the week in Cleveland -- my hometown -- and, yes, it rocks! I'm enjoying seeing some family and friends, taking in multiple showings of Eclipse, and otherwise relaxing over the July 4th holiday weekend. I recently acquired this Marc by Marc Jacobs leather jacket (originally $698 but I snapped it up for only $120!), and just had to put an outfit together based around its fabulosity.

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Outfit of the Day: Playing with Proportion

Today is one of those perfect summer days ... not too hot, not too cold, unbelievably gorgeous and sunny. I felt that my look today needed to be breezy but still chic -- hence the long tunic paired with relaxed silk pants. To be honest, I wasn't sure about the proportion -- but since everyone in my office has been complimenting me today, I guess it worked out okay!

Here's the breakdown:

Polo Jeans Co. embroidered cotton tunic
Diane von Furstenberg "Copper" Cropped Parachute Pants in Dark Khaki (more info on that purchase here!)
Ralph Lauren black linen and patent leather peep-toe pumps
Alexis Bittar Rose Gold Crystal Encrusted Liquid Link Earrings
Alexis Bittar Large Gold Calder Coral Ring (more info on my Alexis Bittar haul here! Shop for your favorite Alexis Bittar jewelry at alexisbittar.com.)
Gold signet ring and garnet ring: presents from my mom on my 16th and 18th birthdays, respectively
On my nails: Deborah Lippmann Constant Craving

Closeup of my Alexis Bittar jewels!

Outfit of the Day: The Chic but Casual Traveler

I was traveling on the Acela back from Boston today and decided I needed to be chic yet casual. This called for a mixture of items that, on their own, are pretty easygoing -- but I think added up to a nice array that kept me looking respectable on the train! (Not to mention I hate wearing jeans when I travel -- I think they're way too tight -- so I always go for leggings.)

Here's the breakdown:

Vince colorblocked tee
Hue Zipper Leggings in Black
H&M silver hoop earrings
Banana Republic "Heather" Sunglasses (more on them here!)
Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Bag in Purple (more info on that purchase here!)
Henri Bendel three-row crystal cuff
Vans (customized, thanks to Robert Verdi)

Outfit of the Day: My Very First One!

It's a momentous day here at The Beauty of Life -- I'm bringing you my very first Outfit of the Day! Though I'm usually a fan of injecting color into my wardrobe, I dressed all in black this morning -- a company meeting called for it. I spruced up the black separates with some gold jewelry and boldly hued pumps. Hope you enjoy!

Here's the breakdown:
Diane von Furstenberg “Teela” Top (also available in Hot Red)
Theory “Elly” Leggings
Bing Bang Chain Hanger Earrings
Cara Accessories pearl and chain bracelet
Kara Ross Small Hammered Flower Ring
Garnet stone ring (gift from my mom when I turned 18)
Gold signet ring (gift from my mom when I turned 16)
Manolo Blahnik turquoise suede pumps
Nails: Essie Lilacism (from the Spring 2010 collection)



Thanks to the fearless Deenie Hartzog for being my photographer!