Fabulous Find: Leopard Booties

Hi Loves! How was your holiday weekend? Hopefully you enjoyed it. I'll indulge you with a purchase that finally arrived today!

I've been on the hunt for some leopard booties ever since this post. I actually found those amazing Rock & Republic shoes one day from a sale on HauteLook. But due to a sizing issue they sadly never worked and I was back on the trail again. After searching and searching for another option that was cute and affordable [key word!] I came across these adorable booties a few weeks ago. I was shocked when I saw they were from Charlotte Russe and only 35 bucks! I immediately purchased them and they arrived today cheering my Tuesday right up! Even though we're about to hit summer I figure I still have a few days left to wear them and they'll be perfect for all my fall outfits! Do you love? Head over here to Charlotte Russe where you can add these to your own closet and take note from these lovely celebs on ways to style them!

Diane Kruger and Olivia Palermo prove Menswear Chic or Girly Style both go with leopard booties

Whitney Port wears edgy leather shorts while Jessica Szohr dons a black jumpsuit for their leopard boots

 I can't wait to rush home and put them on to see if they fit! Here's hoping.... Happy Tuesday! :)

images via People

Ten Ways to Wear 1 Little White Dress [LWD]

Lately I've enjoyed discovering how to wear one piece of clothing many different ways. So far my favorite piece I've tried this with has been a black maxi dress. Options that I've done are: [not all at the same time obvi!] a leopard belt, a bright colored bra, tossed on a jean jacket, dressed it up with wedges and worn a burnout tee over top.... all giving me tons of different looks! It's been fun using pieces I already have in my wardrobe to create several styles. Now I want to challenge you to do the same! I figured you might need some inspiration. So watch the video below from FabSugar about how to wear 1 LWD ten different ways. Then click through some of the LWD options I found and start discovering your inner stylist! Happy Wednesday! xoxo

Now here are the options! Have Fun!!!

More Asos...

Steal Her Look For Less: Celebrities in Gucci Spring/Summer 2011

Clockwise from top left: Olivia Wilde, Kerry Washington, Camilla Belle & Jennifer Lopez - Fans of Gucci

I've been obsessing over the fact that COLOR! is so major right now! Based on the runways of Jil Sander, Versace, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, DKNY and so many more, it was a known fact that your wardrobe must be bright! And while sometimes color can be a little scary for those who stick to a neutral pallete, I think it's a great way to spruce up your look. This season's Gucci collection has been all about the color. Rich jewel tones with splashes of Gold make up the base while cut-outs and plunging necklines are just a few of the added details that make the S/S pieces so special. Plus I've noticed TONS of celebrities wearing the line over the past few months. Olivia Wilde and Camilla Belle are just a few...

Jennifer Lawrence [looking AMAZING] and Katy Perry wear Gucci on magazine covers

And as of two weeks ago, Gucci S/S 2011 clothing has actually been featured on over 50 magazine covers [not to mention all the editorials I've seen too]. Pretty fabulous! I was totally inspired by this collection [take a look at the print campaign here and the runway show here] and determined to find some looks for less to add into my closet. I found that one store was delivering big time with this trend: Zara. I had been hunting everywhere for a Pink Maxi skirt that could match a look I saw at S/S 2011 Jil Sander runway show and Ashley texted me with a find! $60 bucks at Zara! (Hey that beats the 985 price tag!) So I rushed over to the Santa Monica Promenade location. The minute I walked into the store it was as if the rainbow exploded all over the place - in the best possible way. Oranges, Pinks, Greens and Blues were everywhere and in basic pieces like blazers, pants, mini skirts. I was in color heaven! I've always liked Zara but after all the pieces I fell in love with now I am obsessed! I want to share my finds with you dear readers but unfortunately for us, Zara doesn't have a U.S. online shopping site. However you can click on each piece below and be directed to the right place on the site to find what you're looking for. There you can find the colors and sizes that each one comes in and stalk your nearest Zara.

Plus I think there are so many more options than this actually in the store - you've just got to search for them! (That blue dress is so gorgeous and comes in Green, Pink, Yellow and White! Perfect for an outdoor wedding!) If you scoop anything up - let me know what you find.. I promise that you will not be disappointed!! :)

1st, 2nd and 4th image via InStyle, 3rd image via Zimbio, 5th image via Fashion Gone Rogue and 6th image via Fashionista

Look Of The Day: Rachel Bilson in Chanel at 2011 CW UpFronts

It's only fitting to write about Rachel after yesterday's post!. She showed up to yesterday's CW UpFront's looking fabulous if I do say so myself. Minimalistic Chic at it's best! Her Chanel Couture dress stays on the LWD (Little White Dress) trend and she keeps everything easy-peasy with simple chain necklaces and a tanned glow. But I love adore her Brian Atwood Donna pumps - so adorable with a little ribbon bow on the back!

Sadly, they aren't available anymore but probably could be a good #DoItYourself. Hmmmm... ;) Happy Friday everyone!!!

1st image via FugGirls, 2nd image via Zimbio

Video: Rachel Bilson's New CW Series Hart of Dixie

It's Thursday! Even though I've been busy with work and trying to get things at the house back in order I had to post about this! Rachel Bilson is definitely one of my style icons. I am always looking at photos of her style and her column in InStyle is one of my favorites. She was also a major inspiration behind my Ombré Hair. With television's Up Fronts happening this week, the fall schedules are out and her new show's time slot is right behind Gossip Girl on Monday nights. I can't wait! The O.C. was an obsession of mine and Summer was definitely my favorite character [which may or may not have something to do with a college freshman telling me I reminded him of Summer] So here's a look at Rachel's new show! Enjoy!







Judging from these clips it's definitely got a Josh Schwartz vibe (Gossip Girl, O.C.) and kind of reminds me of the WB (yes I said WB!) shows I grew up with (Felicity, Gilmore Girls) Tell me - will you be watching? Also for all you WB fans Sarah Michelle Gellar's new show also got picked up. You can watch those previews here.

I Tried It: Ombré Nail Polish Trend

After Nicole guest posted about Ombré Nails - I have been wanting to try the trend! I decided upon going with a pink color scheme and I set out to put together the most fabulous combination of colors! However after looking through my whole collection (all 52 bottles!) and talking with Katy about my current selections I discovered I need to make one last trip to Target in order to get the correct spectrum of light to dark colors. What I ended up with is the finished product above! I love the look of this - it's so different and super fun! The colors I used are as follows:

shades from left to right: OPI Bubble Bath, Sinful Colors Glass Pink (my purchase from Target), OPI Arose at Dawn Broke by Noon [probably my favorite color ever] Sally Hansen Baby Doll, Confetti in Get The Party Started (found at CVS)

So what do you guys think? I am totally in love - the next color scheme I want to try is blue. Or I was thinking about trying this Lauren Conrad twist and going from baby pink to RED:

How fabulous! Thanks Nicole for a new and exciting suggestion! If you guys try either of Nicole's or Katy's nail suggestions send them me (bedazzlesafterdark@gmail.com) I'd love to feature them on the blog! xoxo

last image via Allure

Friday Inspiration!

The theme of this week: Overwhelmed! Between the jet lag, work and unpacking I've had minimal time devoted to the blog! Plus there is so much stuff to stay on top of {January Jones is preggo?! The Met Ball fashion! Missoni for Target?!?}  On top of all that I've planned a full shopping day for this weekend (major sample sale tomorrow!) So while I am out combing for some summer style I wanted to share some inspiration with you loves. Hopefully Sunday will be filled with relaxing on the beach and catching up on my suntan and fashion magazines. Have a fabulous weekend! xoxo

p.s. happy Friday the 13th! Eeeek!

image via WhoWhatWear

Look Of The Day: Rachel McAdams at Cannes 2011

Rachel McAdams promotes her new Woody Allen movie Midnight in Paris during the 64th Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival has begun! And the stars have already been showing off some amazing style. Actress Rachel McAdams was snapped wearing two lovely designs yesterday. First she wore a white Maxime Simoens Couture cocktail dress with nude Ferragamo pumps to the photo call for her new movie Midnight In Paris. Love the flowers seen at the pockets and lining the shoulders. It looks like she also lightened her locks to a buttery color and swiped on some hot pink lipsticks for a beauty change. Rachel's next dress is much more dramatic and stunning for the festival's opening ceremony celebration. Her nude and red lace Marchesa gown is beautiful! (Check out that train!) Paired with classic Casadei heels and Bulgari jewelry she channels a retro siren. I am seriously in love with whole look - she looks like classic Hollywood glamour - something that we haven't seen a lot of lately - or as Katie from Anything Lovely told me "It's the first WOW red carpet look in a long time". Katie, I couldn't agree more! Here is a close up of her hair and makeup:

so beautiful!

images via People

New Obsession: The Beauty Department by Lauren Conrad

So I've been ohhhhhb-sessed with Lauren Conrad's new venture - a website called The Beauty Department. For years I've stalked every site out there with how-to's on Lauren's hair and makeup - I swear her hair is always perfect. Thankfully all of that information has ended up in one place where her make up artist Amy Nadine and hair stylist Kristin Ess [aka magic makers] provide tips, examples and even step by step instructions on how to re-create popular looks. The site is updated several times a day so there is always a new hair trick or makeup style to try. I for one will be constantly refreshing the Tutorial and the Hair section as I always love LC's look. Here's one of the first hair tutorials they've shown:

Click here for the step by step written instructions

Tell me loves - will you be checking out this site?! I hope you are as excited as I am! :)

images via The Beauty Department

Final Stretch Of Italy Trip: Cinque Terre!

 Love these houses built up on the cliffs

Today marks the last of our travels through Italy as Bill and I go into the home stretch of our trip. Arriving in Cinque Terre this morning, items on the agenda here will be much more relaxing than all the site seeing we had planned to do in the other parts. Today will mainly consist of a beach day and visting [many] restaurants in town. Tomorrow we have a big hike planned along with a sunset cruise (complete with prosecco, cheese and more!) It's apparently one of the greatest things to do in Cinque Terre. Then we head back to Florence to catch an AM flight on Monday. Can't wait to share all the details with you guys! Have a fabulous weekend!! xoxo

image via Enthusiastic Traveler

Guest Blogger: Try This Trend: Ombré Nails

While I am gone on my trip I'll have several guest bloggers writing for Bedazzles After Dark. I love reading their blogs and I wanted to introduce them to my readers! Next up is Nicole. Nicole blogs on her personal page & on The GLOSSary with Katy (you met her earlier!) - A full blown site dedicated to the obsession of nail polish. She also loves fashion and margaritas (what gal doesn't?!) I know that I can always look to her for a new color polish to try. This time she's got a very interesting take on a new kind of nail trend.....

The Ombré trend has been around for some time now. First, it was with flowing dresses and then the ever popular ombré hair. From blondes like Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port to brunettes like Rachel Bilson, the ombré hair trend doesn't seem to be going anywhere. But it doesn't just stop with hair. Now, we're experimenting with the ombre nails.

There are two different ways to try out this lacquer trend. The first is to grab five nail polishes in the same color family such as pink or blue. Arrange the colors from light to dark and make sure the shades don't contrast too much. For example, start with a dusty rose all the way to a bright fuchsia.

One of my favorite bloggers, I Am Style-ish tried out the trend in purple hues and put her own spin on it. PS, how fab is her YSL ring?

The second, more literal take on the ombre trend takes a little bit more work.

Apply your choice of base color like a saturated blue. Then find a dark color to use for the tips. To get the perfect ombre fade, pour the dark polish onto a hard surface and pat on the dark polish with a cosmetic sponge. Finish off with a topcoat to blend the colors together. You're left with a perfectly ombre'd nail even Gaga would envy.

Let us know if you try [and love!] this chic nail trend. May I suggest glittery hues for you bedazzled lovers?

Keep on glossing!
xo,
Nicole

You can read more about Nicole's nail choices here and tweet at her here [@heynicoleleigh].

1st image via The Beauty Department; 2nd image via I Am Style-ish; 3rd image via Refinery 29

Guest Blogger: Put A Spring In Your Step - Spring Shoe Options

While I am gone on my trip I'll have several guest bloggers writing for Bedazzles After Dark. I love reading their blogs and I wanted to introduce them to my readers! Here is Ashley. Now if you thought you were a shoe lover, let me tell you, you have nothing on Ash. Writing for her blog Pursuit Of Shoes, Ashley is my go to gal when it comes to knowledge of footwear. She loves high end designer pieces (Louboutins, Manolos, Brian Atwoods) as well as affordable options too! (J. Crew, Dolce Vita, Steve Madden) It's fun to see what shoes she wears next (I swear she has a never ending closet - look at this pic!) So here are some of her favorite styles for the Spring/Summer with a few cash friendly options thrown in there too.....


Spring is finally here and I can’t get enough of the SS ‘11 shoe choices. With so many options, it may be hard to nail down the new shoes that will make it into your shoe closet but Pursuit’s got the right picks for any fashionista. Here are 3 perfect styles to grab for a smooth spring to summer transition:

Sky High Espadrille Wedges

Wedges are great way to add height without a teetering stiletto! I love the espadrille look because it’s so beachy but can be dressed up for evening. {Charlotte Olympia, Top Shop, Pour La Victoire}


Simple Sandals with Unexpected Details

A fabulous pair of basic sandals is a must for any shoe lover’s summer closet. Spice it up this year with unexpected details such as animal prints or tassels. {DV by Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita}


Ballet Flats that Pop

Color! Color is taking over my SS ’11 wardrobe and I love it. Don’t forget about the shoes! Bold flats will carry you comfortably from spring through summer and you’ll look oh-so stylish. {Tory Burch, J. Crew, Bloch}

Thanks Nikki and BAD reader’s for having me guest post. It’s always so fun to work with stylish friends and bloggers!! Keep Pursuing Shoes – Ash


You can view more of Ashley's pursuit of footwear on her blog Pursuit Of Shoes or Tweet her here [@PursuitOfShoes]

Guest Blogger: Double Coat Mochachino with Room for Glitter

While I am gone on my trip I'll have several guest bloggers writing for Bedazzles After Dark. I love reading their blogs and I wanted to introduce them to my readers! Meet Katy. She is co-contributor of  The GLOSSary (with Nicole) A full blown site dedicated to the obsession of nail polish. Katy loves her "neutral wardrobe" but never misses a chance to add a pop of color with her nails. I love seeing her wear Black on Black and a flash of green or blue when carrying her Starbucks cup in hand. I knew she would write something fabulous seeing as she has more bottles of polish than me (who knew?!) So let's see what Katy has in store for you lovelies.....


When Nikki asked me to be a guest blogger for Bedazzles After Dark while she enjoys her much needed Italian vacation, I started to rack my brain for a way to connect The GLOSSary (my nail polish blog with Nicole) and the glitz and glitter that Nikki brings to all of you. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best – so glitter nail polish it is.  And even though it is great to glitter after dark, I also enjoy a healthy dose of daytime dazzle. Enter Essie's Mochachino, which I bought weeks ago, but have yet to try because of all the bright and bold lacquer shades for spring. Mochachino is a break from the "notice me" hues I've been sporting, but amazing nonetheless.

Channeling Nikki's Italian Vacation and my next coffee break with Mochachino

Here's what I am loving about it… First, the name. Even though I don't drink Mochachinos (I'm more of a Venti Americano type of girl), I am a full-blown caffeine addict, so I am clearly in support of all coffee, coffee-related substances and coffee-inspired names. Second, choosing this Essie hue is an homage to Nikki's Italian vacay (Italian espresso is epic… yum!) and her love for glitz. Third, I love a neutral, goes-with-everything polish and Mochachino adds the perfect touch of sparkle to this taupe color.  I have to note, though, that this shade is on the greige side of taupe, rather than the brown side –not exactly what you would expect from the name, but delightful, dazzling and decadent just the same. With a balance of simple shimmer and subtle color, Mochachino has an everyday and every-occasion-appropriate finish, which is sure to give it a much-loved position in my polish collection (numbered at 60 right now… yes, I just counted!)

Bright and bold Essie shades Clambake and Coat Azure have graced my nails in previous weeks.  Continue to mix it up from week to week with vibrant and subtle shades.

Are you going bright and bold or neutral for spring? Hope it's a little bit of both! Happy glossing! - km

You can read more about Katy's bold nail choices on The GLOSSary or tweet at her here [@MiniMissMason]