It's Been Real

My babies, I hate to say this but my time here at Bows & Bliss has come to an end. It has been a fabulous two years but all good things must come to an end. I am not done blogging, I have actually been working on my new blog and am thrilled for you all to see it!

Stick with me through this transition because I have so many new and exciting things in the works.

My new blog is called Creme de la Claire.

Thank you everyone for so faithfully following Bows & Bliss! This blog will forever be my day1<3

xoxo

Fifty Shades of Anticipation

Y'all... So I started the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy in hopes of getting my interest in reading renewed. And holy shit was it ever. These books are out of this world. Opposed to popular belief, they are not all about kinky sex (which I probably wouldn't even mind). They have a killer story line to go with the kinky sex. I have not been able to put them down!

As everyone who doesn't live under a rock already knows, the trailer for the movie, due to release on Valentines Day 2015, came out this morning. I must say Christian Grey is played by one serious panty dropper, Jamie Dornan. I would go see the movie solely to see him go shirtless. But you guys be the judge of that... check out the trailer and let me hear your thoughts!

xoxo

Let Me Hear You Say "Hey Mrs. Carter"

I reached the biggest milestone in every woman's life last night. I saw Beyonce live for the very first time. I cried, I screamed, I sang, I crumped, and I cried some more. It was literally everything I could have ever hoped for. She was even more beautiful in person. The rest of my life will pale in comparison to the On the Run Tour. We went to the one in her hometown of Houston, go big or go home. It was absolutely unreal.

Here are a few pics from the perfection

Kat, Kyle, myself, and Caroline before the concert

Our faces whenever the Queen came out.

FLAWLESS.

The face of sheer happiness.

I am probably the luckiest person alive right now. I just got back from New York, I saw my sheer reason for life on stage before me, and soon I will moving to college and attending the Justin Timberlake concert. #blessed

xoxo

NYC*

I had the absolute best time in New York! I cannot begin to describe the sheer opulence of the trip. Here are few of the highlights of my "Big Apple" stay. 

I cannot wait to go again! Fahhhhbulous trip with even more fabulous people. 

xoxo 

Over Packed & Over Excited

Bright and early tomorrow morning we head off to the big apple! I spent all day pampering and packing, or shall I say over packing? I will try to post a picture every day of my outfits and let you guys know what I'm up to! Can't wait to fill everyone in!! Much love

PS my plane ride read is Fifty Shades Darker which is the second book in the scandalous series. I'd HIGHLY recommend it. 

xoxo 

I'm in a New York State of Mind

Having finished senior year and seeing college approaching in my horizons, it was definitely time to squeeze in a trip. Between babysitting (which I do constantly) and my college preparations I felt like I have had no time for myself these past few weeks. But soon enough I will be on my way to New York! This is my first trip to the "Big Apple" and I could not be any more excited. Hannah and Kyle are coming along for the journey. I cannot wait to share my experiences with you guys (as well as my outfits... duh).

So to mentally prepare myself for the extravagance that is New York I have been in training...

 

• obviously watching plenty of Netflix series revolving around New York (ie Gossip Girl and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23)
• side note: Don't Trust the B----- was Kyle's Netflix discovery of epic proportions. This show is purrrfect. I would highly reccomend it to anyone who is looking to binge watch something. **disclaimer** there are only two seasons so prepare yourself for the trauma of finishing it... #bringbacktheB

• I have been accumulating my wardrobe. I need to be on my fashion A game for this trip. 

• Santa Claus brought me this wonderful guide to NYC called "Fashion Insider's Guide: New York". It has so many great tips and tricks on where to eat and shop, uber helpful. 

If ANYONE has any tips for my trip feel free to shoot me and email! I love to hear from you guys! Can't wait to update you all on the sheer fabulosity of my trip. Ta ta for now.

xoxo

Memorial Day Obessions 5/26/14

Today I am extra blessed because I have my brother, First Class Airmen Evan Plauche, in from Japan. He came and surprised me for my graduation, it was such a special moment for my family. Now he is getting to stay in town for a while before he has to go back across the world and we are enjoying every moment of his visit. It is especially wonderful considering today is Memorial Day.

Here are few of my American themed favorites

• Twist on an American Flag cake

• Adorable American cookies  

•  This gorgeous patriotic table scape 

• Wendy's American outfit 

Be sure to tell those men and women serving and who have served our country thank you. They have given all of us so much more than we could ever repay.

Happy Memorial Day!

xoxo

What Would Claire Wear: Audrey Inspired

Bonjour my little macaroons! 

I had the most brilliant brunch today with Kyle and Hannah. I couldn't wait to debut my newest obsession, my tea length skirt. 

• Top
• in order to dress down the skirt I wore a simple tshirt that I got at Forever 21. Easily one of the most comfy shirts I own and it's so quirky/fun! 

• Bottoms
• this skirt left me drooling. I stumbled upon it at Express the other day and simply couldn't leave without it. I love how it has such a classic "I Love Lucy" shape but with a modern edge using the sheer panel! 

• Shoes
• just to keep things simple I stuck to plain blush ballet flats. 

• Hair/Makeup
• I wore my hair in a slick Parisian style pony tail to keep the whole look going. Makeup wise I left it pretty minimalistic since it was just brunch. I did a light champagneish eye shadow with a touch of mascara, light rosy blush, and a lip color that is a smidgen darker than nude. 

I really enjoyed the ambiance of this look and I can't wait to see how many other way I can wear this skirt! 

xoxo 

Lately

Hello everyone!

I have been extremely busy lately with the school year rounding out. Finals, Prom, Hangout, and with Graduation rapidly approaching I have hardly had time to breathe! Luckily things should be starting to cool down and I will have time to focus on Bows & Bliss once more. Very soon I will be announcing a HUGE project that Kyle and I have in the works. I can hardly wait to tell you all about it!

Hope all is well for my loyal followers!

Can't wait to be nice and dress even nicer for my end of the year events! <3

xoxo

Current Obsessions 5/5/14

Hey all! I am so excited about the spring/summer season approaching. I am loving getting new fun flowey tops (post to come on Wednesday) and vibrant eye liners. Summer is the time to let loose with fashion and beauty, be adventurous. Search blogs and Pinterest for ideas if you are a little rusty in the experimentation area. Here are a few of my beauty inspirations and obsessions...

Beauty Pinterest Board

Another thing I would like to experiment with this spring/summer is flower flavored things! I am loving these spring flower popsicles. I cannot wait to try them on a hot day. Flower soda's are delicious too, look for them at Fresh Market or Whole Foods.

Flower Popsicles

I am fully embracing the colors and flavors of spring!

Oh, and Happy Cinco de Mayo! (& two year anniversary of my back injury)

xoxo

What Would Claire Wear: Swim Suit Edition

Hello! As swimsuit season rapidly approaches I have been searching the depths of various websites to find the perfect suit for my body type. Now don't be thinking that you will be seeing any pics of me in a bikini on here... my bod is not quite there yet. But you will see the suits that have caught my eye!

In case you can't tell, I like to leave a little up to the imagination.

• High Waisted Print Suit
• Love love love the little peepholes on the top of the bottoms. This suit is a fun pattern to wear at Hangoutfest coming up soon! I would layer some dainty necklaces and wear my hair in a perfectly tousled bun.

• Classic One Piece
• This looks like the most flattering piece of swimwear known to man (if I had to guess I would also look like Lily Aldridge while wearing it). It is reminiscent of the original Barbie doll. I would love to wear this one while lounging around the pool. A wide brim hat and fruity drink would be in tow. I would also probably have to wear red lipstick... it's only right.

xoxo

Festive & Current Obsessions 4/29/14

Festival International de Louisiane '14 came and went. And might I add, it was wonderful! I had a great time exploring the bazaars and seeing the people. Although the music was obviously the best part. Two of the best bands I heard were Radio Radio and Bombino .

As you can see from the picture, I had a total Britney moment with the snake I held.

In other news, since I am vowing to tell you guys about some of my most recent obsessions here are a few things you all NEED to check out!

•  Ending school... 

• Indiana Chocolate Peanut Butter popcorn
• y'all it's sinful. Like I feel bad for telling you all about it because it is so freaking addicting. 

• Coffee Cellulite Scrub 
• This home remedy is seriously amazing! I just mixed some coffee with a tad of warm water to make a paste and went in the shower and rubbed it on my thighs and ass for 5-10 minutes. I then washed it off with cool water to shrink the pores. The results were incredible. My skin was silky smooth and the appearance of my cellulite was tremendously reduced. Given I smelled like coffee but it was totally worth it.

xoxo

Current Obsessions 4/21/14

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter! I spent mine with Kyle's family and we had a wonderful time exploring and enjoying the wonderful weather.

Over this Spring Break Festival International de Louisiane is coming to town. This is a huge international music festival in downtown Lafayette filled with international musicians, vendors, and artists. You can find so many incredible things at festival. Last year was by far the greatest time I have ever had at festival (and I have been going since I was in the womb... that's obviously why I'm so cultured). I wiggled my way up to the front for two of the major headliners and even got to dance with the lead singer when he came into the crowd!! I cannot wait for this years festival. I have been obsessed with getting my schedule together and figuring out what I am going to wear each day and who I need to hear at what stage at what time. I can hardly stand how incredible it is going to be!

Check out Festival International de Louisiane here.

These are a few pictures from festival last year

Hope to see some of my dolls out there, I will be the girl climbing on stage...

xoxo

What Would Claire Wear: orange lipstick

This past weekend I spent the day visiting my grandmother and hanging out with my pal Kyle. We ran errands around town and it great! We all know how much I love my weekend errands. I must say, I really loved this outfit. It was a great transition from winter to spring. It incorporates spring colors into weather appropriate pieces.

• Top 
• This sweater is from Chicwish . I have been waiting to debut this sweater in society for a while now. I simply love how casually glam it is. 

• Bottoms
• I have on my Target jeans. These have been frequenting my outfits. They are not as harsh as black jeans but look equally as chic when paired with the right items. I also love them with just a plain fitted, feminine t shirt. 

• Shoes
• These shoes I got a super long time ago yet I still look forward to wearing them in the spring and summer. They are as comfortable as flats but are just the lift that my little 4'11" frame needs. 

• Hair/Makeup
• I wanded my hair so that I had big "Hollywood" curls (which ended up frizzing because it was a rainy/humid day... why do I even try?). I was SO excited to try out my new lipstick. It is was Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Purty Persimmon and it seriously lasted all day. I would highly recommend that everyone tries it out!

I love using lipstick and springy sweaters to transition! What pieces do you guys like to try to transition with?

xoxo

Current Obsessions 4/14/14

Even though I will not be married ANYTIME soon... shit I'm not even dating really... I have been loving to stalk wedding blogs. Something about spring brings about a sense of love in the air and a beautiful back drop for weddings. It is also the perfect seasons for guests to wear their most chic and lovely frocks. Pastels, florals, and black and white dresses are my favorite for springtime weddings. Here are a few dresses that I'm itching to wear at my next nuptial attendance. 

1. This Chicwish dress is currently being shipped to my closet <3. I can't wait to wear this mod froc to various daytime spring events such as my cousins wedding and our graduation brunch. The color is so refreshing, it reminds me of lemonade! Can't wait to put it on... I've been eyeing it for weeks. 
2. I love this striped peplum by BCBGMAXAZRIA. I have been saving up my bank flow so I can treat myself to it. It is so crazy flattering on and is such a piece of art to look at. It would be adorable for spring with a sweet candy colored nail polish and a light gloss. This dress could be worn for a daytime or nighttime wedding.
3. This futuristic peplum is ahhhhhmazing. I would love it with a bold orange/red lip and tall nude pumps. A slicked back mid pony tail will complete the look.This dress could also be worn for weddings at anytime of the day.
4. This adorable floral number is quite coquettish for an afternoon ceremony. A huge silky blowout would make this dress over the top flirty, which is perfect for a bachelorette like myself trying to reel in a man at these sort of events. Judge me.

Weddings are such fun to plan outfits for. Check out the wedding sections of Fash Boulevard and Lauren Conrad to share in my obsession!

xoxo

What Would Claire Wear: various pinks

I know you guys are probably wondering if that is me and someone colored my body with a Valentine's day pack of markers. Well it really is me... and I was not colored on. I tried to go for something a little different to a birthday dinner for one of my gal pals.

• Top 
• This top is from Banana Republic. I got it for some of my senior pics and it has become my go to shirt.You cannot tell with this outfit but it has a very subtle and soft peplum. I tucked it in for this look however. 

• Bottom
• This red skirt is my friend Cat's. It is from Forever 21 and I simply don't want to give it back! I love the whole skater skirt look and I especially love the contrast between how sweet the cut is with toughness of the red leather. 

• Shoes
• THESE SHOES<3 I was so excited to finally wear them! I got these from Forever 21 and I must say that they are incredibly painful but very worth it. Can't wait to wear them again... and again and again and again. 

• Hair/Makeup/Accessories
• Frankly I just left my hair in the slicked back pony that I had it in all day. I kept my makeup very simple and just added some berry color lipstick. I carried my usual blush purse.

This outfit is a big leap for me considering how colorful it is! I am holding true to my resolution of dressing brighter and bolder. I think this pink top is definitely my color, what color are you guys excited about for spring?

xoxo

Current Obsession 4/7/14

As you all know, I have an obsession with blogs. I love to follow blogs via Bloglovin.
Bloglovin is a website that puts all of your favorite blogs at the tip of your fingers on one website. Every time a blog that you follow posts something new, the little button on the top of your screen will display a number. This number is the amount of posts you have not read yet. It makes it super easy to stay up to date on my favorite blogs!

One blog that I discovered through Bloglovin was "They All Hate Us". It is basically just a blog of very fabulous photos. It posts a couple of series of photos a day revolving around the same theme. I would highly recommend that you guys check it out!

http://www.theyallhateus.com/

xoxo

Zoe Excited!

So excited to remind you guys that Rachel Zoe's new book, Living in Style, just came out! I preordered it in early February as a v-day gift to myself. Now that it has finally come out I can hardly wait to get it. This book will be one of those things that I will read in one night... the only thing I will ever binge read.

However, you all should invest! Zoe always has great tips on how to live in style (pun intended).

Living in Style: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Glamour

Oh and also, if you haven't watched the First Kiss video that went viral a few weeks ago, you must. It is beautiful.

Hope my dolls have a fabulous weekend filled with glamour and kisses!

xoxo 

What Would Claire Wear: Chambray Shirt

As you all know, I love to run errands. Getting dressed nicely and running around town is truly one of the finer things in life. I loved this look that I wore, it was a wonderful early spring outfit.

• Shirt
• I was actually cleaning out a friends closet recently and she had three chambray shirts. I told her she needed to pick two to keep. So she decided to throw out the one you see above and I really liked it so I kept it for myself. You can get this shirt from J. Crew. A chambray shirt is a great staple in a women's closet. It is an incredible transitional piece and gives off a very all-American vibe. 

• Pants
• These are my favorite jeans. You can get a similar pair here. They give off an allusion that my legs are longer and leaner (which is totally what I need). I tucked the shirt in just a little so that I did not look frumpy. That is another trick for longer legs.

• Shoes
• I was SO excited to wear my favorite sandals again. These shoes are extremely old but they are trustworthy. They have about a four inch wedge and are very easy to walk around in.

• Hair/Makeup/Accesories
• I wore my hair just casually down. I tried to do a turban but with the hair and lipstick it was a little too Rosie the Riveter. My makeup was relatively plain but with a pop of color from my Chanel lipstick (shade: Gabrielle). I also wore my favorite sunglasses from Target! 

What are some of your favorite transitional pieces? I'd love to hear!

xoxo

Turbans: A New Trend

So turbans have been a thing in the middle east for ages. However they have been popping up on blogs and runways alike. I think they are absolutely brilliant! They are an ode to Carrie Bradshaw via Sex and the City 2. I am going to try to incorporate turbans into my spring wardrobe. Here are a few ladies who know how to werk a turban

Sarah Jessica Parker

Elizabeth Taylor, turban icon

on the runway of Marc by Marc Jacobs

If you're feeling extra ballsy, Karolina Kurkova

I think they are beautiful and so chic! Not to mention, they are fabulous for a bad hair day. Whenever I wear a turban I will be sure to snap a pic for you guys. 

xoxo 

Camping Survival Guide

So this weekend is the annual Plauche Family Camping trip (click here) . In case you guys were unaware, I do not like camping or the outdoors. However, I will make the best of the trip this year. I compiled a little guide of what I am going to bring on my adventure!

1. GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer  - I LOVE this moisturizer. It makes my skin appear vibrant and awake. I totally need this for my trip that way I will look happy even if I am miserable. 
2. Sunglasses - Sunglasses are a must when camping. I hate nothing more than the sun blocking my eyes and my view of beautiful nature (sarcasm intended). 
3. Tee Shirt - I love this twist on a classic white tee shirt. It is like a glamorous peplum, crop white tee! & it's only $16!!!!!
4. Jean Shorts - High waisted shorts are one of my summer/spring staples. They make everyone's butt look great (well most people when wearing them properly). It's also super comforting knowing that you won't have to worried about whale tailing it whenever you sit down (google it). 
5. OFF! Bug Repellent - for the obvious reasons
6. Converse - These are such a fabulous pair of converse. I don't really do tennis shoes but I would absolutely wear these. 
7. Dry Shampoo - I tend to play with my hair a lot and the fact that I'm outdoors will be contributing factors to my hair getting greasy. Dry shampoo is quite a savior. 
8. Trail Mix - I have a serious hanger management problem so I want to be prepared. 
9. Magazines - For my entertainment purposes while my family is hiking and such I will catch up on all of my magazines!

I will obviously pack the other essentials too (toothbrush, pjs, facewash, etc). It'll be interesting to see how my weekend will go... I'll share pics! Now off to the *great* outdoors.

xoxo

What Would Claire Wear: This Spring

This Spring I am so looking forward to trying out new fashions. Here are a few of the styles that you guys will be seeing me in within the next few months:

Sarah Beth Photography

• Pink
• I am trying to venture into this shade after vowing myself to be bold with my fashion choices. This shirt really did it for me. Whenever I tried it on I thought to myself, "Hey, you look good in a color other than black". I am excited to try and incorporate more pinks into my staple wardrobe!

Old Navy Sweater $12

•  Quirkier Pieces
• I tend to have a very serious take on style. I like structure and dark hues. However I had to buy this sweater when I saw it. It was only $12 and SO Lauren Conrad. Ever since I bought it I have been looking for every opportunity to wear it. Another piece I look forward to wearing is this dress (click here ) from Chicwish.com. 

 

Sarah Beth Photography

• Brighter Lipstick
• When it comes to lipstick I like it like I like my men, dark and mysterious. Totally kidding about the men part... not the lipstick. I love a good purple lip! My friend recently gave me a tube of Rouge Coco in Gabrielle. When applied it appears a vibrant red but when the sun hits it you almost see orange hues. I absolutely j'adore. 

Wendy Nguyen

•  Florals
• I know, I know.... but I seriously do not wear that kind of thing. However, I want to try to incorporate them subtly into my everyday wardrobe. Florals can go from cute to cheesy in an instant so I'll have to make sure that I get chic pieces like Wendy's jacket.

I am excited to start experimenting with my spring wardrobe. This means I will have to go on a little shopping spree! But that also entails a little closet spring cleaning..

xoxo

The Most Inspiring Woman I Know

Everyone please take the time to watch this video of my cheerleading coach, Jamie Bourque. Due to the corruption and dictatorship at my school she was fired from her job of 10 years. We, as a squad, are devastated because not only was she our coach but one of our best friends. Jamie knew literally everything about each and every one of us. Even though she is no longer our coach she will always be the one who taught us the most about cheerleading and life.

Watch the video here.

So much love for this woman.

xoxo

What Would Claire Wear: coffee catchup date

I must say it felt nice getting to wear sassy clothes again after being confined to workout clothes and cheer practice uniforms for the past three months. A few days after I got back from Disney I went to grab coffee with a few of my favs from the play. We had a great time catching up and I had just as great of a time catching up with my much missed clothing and Johnston Street Java.

oh and get this, this entire outfit was from Target! That, my friends, deserves an award.

• Top
• I simply love this turtleneck. It is one of those tops that I cannot get enough of. The front is modest and conservative but the back is fun and flirty. It is like the mullet of shirts... business in the front, party in the back. Not sure if I should be proud or ashamed of that Billy Ray Cyrus reference...

• Bottoms
• These jeans are a new and kind of out there investment for me. They stray from my normal dark, high-waisted staple and since my purchase of them I cannot take them off. They are a fun item to transition my wardrobe into Spring with. 

• Shoes
• Just simple nude ballet flats. Every respectable woman should own a pair. 

• Hair/Make-up
• My hair is the signature "Claire" 'do, crazy and unkempt. I tried to just do natural make-up since it was an early morning and I did not need to wake up with a full face of formal make-up on for coffee. 

I am so excited to get my Spring wardrobe out and start to put together outfits! What trends are you all most excited for this Spring?

xoxo

Things that Inspire Me: Spring '14

With a whole new season budding I find inspiration through many things. Not just style inspiration (but mostly style inspiration) but also a lot of inspiration through quotes, movies, books, and dare I say... nature. TBH if I had to pick a season to be outdoors it would probably be Spring, closely followed by Fall. Maybe some things that inspire me will also inspire all of my dolls!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/428545720764560340/

• Lupita girl you are preaching to the choir. Coming from south Louisiana it feels like my dreams can be a little too ambitious but hearing things like so always ignite my dreams and remind me that I can do big things. 

http://www.wendyslookbook.com/2013/04/a-walk-around-town-chambray-skirt-gold-sandals/

•  Ugh Wendy you never cease to inspire me. 

http://totalstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Wisteria-Flower-Tunnel-%E2%80%93-Japan.jpg

• Wisteria Flower Tunnel in Japan

• Let it Go ~ Frozen
• Literally every freaking time I hear this song I cry. I cried when I heard it before I saw the movie and during the movie my emotions were obviously running rampant. This song really is inspiring though... 

• Let it Go ~ Africanized
• So you guys could just about imagine whenever I heard this version I was a complete mess... and it was in class. There is just something about a children's choir and African drums that get me. & the fact that this little girl is far more talented than I will ever be.

http://fashnberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/kate-hudson-at-86th-annual-academy-awards-in-hollywood-2.jpg

• Kate just looked so fabulous at the Oscars this year. I love the subtle ode to old Hollywood. This inspires me a lot (for prom possibly...? f the administration. totally kidding, <3 yall). 

I hope my Spring style and attitude are just as bold and blossoming as the weather.
"Spring is the time of plans and projects." ~ Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

xoxo