Steal Her Look For Less: Hot Pink Clutch

  

Celebrities everywhere have been punching up their spring and summer looks with a fabulous accessory choice: A Hot Pink Clutch. Since it's pretty well known that I love anything pink - I am super excited about trying this trend out. With color all the rage for the past few seasons you can pair this handbag with ANY outfit and it would look amazing. I've got some celebrity choices to give you a few pointers and of course some affordable options for you to try!

Two of my style icons, Diane Kruger and Olivia Palermo, definitely proved that pink and other colors are a must combo. While Diane paired hers with a lace Vionnet dress for a Paris celebration, Olivia went bright color blocking with her tangerine Victoria Beckham dress (look familiar?) The color just pops on both outfits! Glee's resident germ-a-phob counselor Jayma Mays paired her Rebecca Minkoff clutch with a striped sparkling Reem Acra cocktail dress showing that hot pink is totally appropriate for a formal function. Try it at your next summer wedding! And finally one look I can't wait to try - Hot Pink with Neutrals (well I guess I already tried this!) Actress Michelle Monaghan let her handbag shine while attending a dinner in honor of Tory Burch. She paired the designer's Quinn dress with nude Christian Louboutin pumps and fuss free curly hair. All around love.

Here are some options for you to try! For more ideas I'd pair one of the textured clutches with a plain LBD or LWD. I've got tons of weddings and showers to go to this summer/fall. Hopefully I'll be able to do this more than once for a fresh look! p.s. if you want Olivia Palermo's exact clutch it's the Sondra Roberts' one from Nordstrom! :) Happy Trending!

all images via People

Go Shopping: Janie Bryant's Mad Men Collection for Banana Republic



Yes, Yes, YES!! I could not be more excited or thrilled for this! Here's a first look at Janie Bryant's new Mad Men inspired capsule collection! As we all know I have a slight obsession with things Mad Men (here and here) as well as a hardcore twitter following of Janie (one of my Twitter convos with her started here) Whether you identify more with Peggy, Joan or Betty [yes please!] you won't be disappointed with the pieces in this collection. These images are filled with amazing printed shift dresses, fabulous pants and full skirts. All that's missing is your martini glass and your lit cigarette. Oh and don't worry dapper men! There are sexy suits and sweater options for you too! Let's take a peek:

I am gushing over these two looks and need them immediately. It's everything I love about 60's fashion. The silhouettes, the pants, the lace. And I love how she puts her modern twist on it by incorporating leopard into the shoes, bag and jacket. Pure Pure Genius. I bow down to you JB.

Another fabulous pairing. I'm guessing Joan and Peggy. The gloves and the headscarf are a fabulous nod to the era while the two piece suit in [guessing again] wool keeps it fresh. Also more leopard and a great use of color and lace for the 2nd style. It's just the right amount of everything.

I so wish that my husband could dress like this everyday! That sweater with the rolled up sleeves, tailored pants and shirt is practically making me drool. And of course it wouldn't be Mad Men without a gorgeous 3 piece suit and a masculine hat to top off the look.

The collection hits stores on August 11th with a Facebook pre-order on the 10th. Janie told magazine InStyle that she hopes the collection is about "bringing a dressed up look to American style for the modern man and woman" I'll tell you one thing: With items like this in my closet I'd want to dress up every day. What do you think of the collection? Any pieces you would sport? See more images over at InStyle's site here

all images via InStyle

I Tried It: Reader Edition

Hi Lovelies! I know how much I love to share with you when I try something new but it makes me even more excited when YOU try something you have seen featured on BAD! So for today's post I am showcasing two readers who sent me pics of new trends they decided to try!

First up is Witty Whit from San Fransico (You may remember her from when I Guest Posted for her blog a few weeks back). She doubled the trends for her bachelorette party in Vegas this past weekend (hate I missed it!) trying both Ombré Nail Polish and Hot Pink Lipstick.

Whit trying Ombré pink nails and Hot Pink lipstick [Note she couldn't find Spellbound so she used Siren instead] You look fabulous Whit!

Next up is another BAD reader Brittany. She lives in Colorado and was inspired by my first outfit post where I paired a long maxi skirt with a plain white tee and jazzed it up with accessories. Here's Britt's take on it:

Britt was excited to pair her flowing skirt with a simple white tee. She also layered on some necklaces and stacked a few bracelets on her wrist for perfect accessory choices. Guess what else she's wearing...?Sole Society shoes in the Libby style. In her words "The Best!" Great minds think alike! :)

Thanks so much to these ladies for sharing their style with me! Have you tried something out that you've seen on BAD - send me a quick photo and I'd love to feature you on the blog! bedazzlesafterdark@gmail.com Don't be shy! Happy Tuesday everyone!!

JewelMint Coupon!

A few weeks ago I told you about my AMAZING Nicolas necklace I picked up from JewelMint. I am still so in love with it - and it's definitely a conversation piece. Plus it's the perfect compliment to my plain black maxi dress. Well I found a coupon code this morning for new members when you sign up! 50% off your first purchase when you use the coupon code: welcome50

I know a few of you have emailed and facebooked about the line and this is the perfect way to see if you will like it or not. Plus $15 for an amazing piece of jewelry is pretty great! Plus if you already are a member try the code Alli8 [for a limited time] and get 8 bucks off!

To read more about how JewelMint works click here or to start your account and take a style quiz (it's totally free!) click here. Make sure you send over some photos of what you get!! :) xoxo!

Outfit Post: My First One!

As I write this I am so extremely nervous about posting it! But I figure since I give so much advice about styling and ideas for outfits that I should really own up to my own words and show you readers what I wear... So here's my first real outfit post for BAD!

I have been dreaming of this Jil Sander look ever since I saw it go down the runway last fall. I loved the hot pink skirt [and lips]. Pairing it with a white tee was genius. I was determined to recreate this look but put my own little spin on it. And so here it is:

Skirt: Zara, White Tee: Target, Belt: Express Bag: Deux Lux, Jewelry - Watch: ASOS, Bangles: Express, Forever21, H&M, SillyBandz, Necklaces: My Own, Forever21, Lips: CoverGirl Spellbound

I know that the lighting isn't the greatest. We've been having terrible June Gloom [more than usual] weather lately and I'm using my small digital camera. I looooovvve this skirt. It was a one size fits all so until I can get it hemmed and taken in I need to wear a belt to keep it up :) I'm participating in the Bloggers Do It Better series and this week's challenge is "Neons & Neutrals" I tried to keep the rest of the look in the neutral area so that the skirt could stand out. But I had to add a little sparkle with my Express elastic belt :) I'm also wearing my favorite Sole Society wedges - The Libby

A "Stacked Arm" - My favorite new way to wear accessories

What do you guys think of my look? As nervous as I am to start outfit posts, I am excited to be challenged by the BDIB series and hopefully I will get used to snapping and posting pictures. Stay tuned for more looks and I hope that you feel inspired to switch up your wardrobe! xoxo!

Happy 3rd Anniversary to Us!

I know I try to keep this blog as fashion-focused as possible but I had to share a celebratory post with you readers! 3 years ago today I put on the most perfect dress on a gorgeous summer day and married the most amazing man in front of all our family and friends. It's hard to believe that we've been together over 5 years much less married for 3 of them! Marriage has been so unbelievably challenging and rewarding all at the same time [is that possible you ask? yes, I assure you it is] I'm thankful to have him in my life and as my husband. Billy and I couldn't be any more opposite if we tried but it's made us grow both independently and as a couple. Plus I basically owe my thrifty shopping obsessions to find deals to him! Check out the card I woke up to this morning:

He said this card was a symbol of our marriage right now! Young, sitting on the beach in LA with my bedazzled hat and flowers :) Perfect!

So happy 3rd year of marriage Bill!!

Look Of The Day: Leighton Meester in Vera Wang

Leighton Meester promotes Lovestruck by Vera Wang

As the face of Vera Wang's "Lovestruck" fragrance, Leighton Meester proved  a combination of tough and edgy with pretty and sweet is an amazing mix. The Gossip Girl actress wore skintight leggings and a pleated girly blouse both by the designer while promoting the scent at Harrod's in London. It's a fabulous way to wear a leather piece without the look going into S&M or biker territory. By pairing it with a flowy neutral top it keeps everything fresh and fun. Her Brian Atwood platform sandals are just the icing on the cake. Love it!

For more Leighton take a look at her commercial and that fabulous Vera purple mermaid dress. The whole feeing is very Pretty Woman [aka every gal's dream!]

image via People

Steal Her Look For Less: Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham

The Duke & Dutchess of Cambridge

Oh. My. Goodness. I am not sure if it's the purple carpet, the dress or that smile but Catherine Duchess of Cambridge (aka Kate Middleton) looked absolutely smashing last night. She and the Duke attended the 10th annual Absolute Return for Kids [ARK] Gala in London for their first official appearance as a married couple. And she really has outdone herself here. Catherine (or Kate... I'm not really sure what to call her now!) wore a gorgeous rose colored Jenny Packham gown (on sale now for $3,515 but I am sure not for long!) with sequin, crystal and beaded detail. You might think it looks familiar as Leighton Meester wore it in Gossip Girl a few weeks ago. She paired it with L.K. Bennett bow sandals, a rose colored clutch and simple earrings. Stunning.

So beautiful!

I haven't featured Kate on here too often but I just knew I had to find some "Steal Her Look" options for my lovely readers! This is a style that you can emulate for a night out with gals (shorter versions) or for your next charity function (longer gowns) Just keep everything in a similar color tone and whatever you choose make sure you accessorize with a mega-watt smile! Plus there's no better way to start a Friday off than dressing like a princess? Happy Weekend!

More Townsend...

images via Getty Images

Ask Bedazzles: My First Guest Post!

With summer rapidly approaching it's time to start pulling out the suitcases and figuring out what to take on your next vacation! But there's another part of your trip you shouldn't neglect... What to wear to the airport? This is a question I get all the time which is why I am so excited to share with you my first Guest Blog! It's for my good friend [AKA Queen of Travel] over at Witty Whit's Words to give you readers some tips and ideas on Airport Fashion that doesn't include sweatpants! (I promise you will still be comfy!!)

Head over here to read the full post! Let me know what you think!

Red Carpet Fashion: CFDA Fashion Awards 2011

The CFDA [Council of Fashion Designers of America] awards were held last night at the Lincoln Center in NYC. Even though these awards are an all encompassing fashion event, I was less than impressed with the outfits that showed up. There were only a few that I enjoyed so this will be a short round up

Katie Cassidy

I need this gal to get another t.v. show stat. She was my favorite character from the Melrose Place reboot (Ella Sims, bitchy and fierce with the most amazing closet - ah just my type) and I enjoyed watching her play the devious Juliet on Gossip Girl (minus that awful hair color she sported the whole season) But alas looks like she's currently unemployed though I hope that changes soon. She showed up last night wearing a fabulous Behnaz Sarafpour cream mini dress and gorgeous Brian Atwood pumps (similar to the ones we saw on Rachel Bilson a few weeks ago) Surprisingly I am gravitating towards simplicity lately but I definitely love this look and her mirrored clutch. Here's a fabulous "Steal Her Look" from the amazing Sole Society:

The Dash pump comes in either Nude or Black and is the perfect go-with-everything pump.

Chanel Iman

The gorgeous Victoria's Secret model Chanel Iman wowed in a turquoise dress from BCBGMAXAZRIA. Her keyhole neck and high slit gives off a very 70's vibe and we know how much I love that! The color is fabulous for spring and I need those platform gold shoes ASAP! All in all this is perfection.

And that's it! Between all the designers, models and celebs I thought this would be a hard pick of litter. Turns out it wasn't that exciting. Is there another style that you loved? I love hearing your picks for best [and worst too!] Also here is a list of the winners from last night:

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler

Menswear Designer of the Year: Michael Bastian
Accessory Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang
Swarovski Award for Womenswear: Prabal Gurung
Swarovski Award for Menswear: Robert Gellar
Swarovski Award for Accessory Design: Eddie Borgo
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Marc Jacobs
Fashion Icon Award: Lady Gaga
International Award: Phoebe Philo of Céline

p.s. oh and be on the lookout! I have my first Guest Post coming up this week and I can't wait to share it with you guys! :)

1st image via People; 2 image via Sole Society; 3rd image via Zimbio

Video: 50 Best - L.A. Bands

Happy Monday! Kicking off this week I thought I'd share with you the "50 Best" for June's L.A. Times Magazine. I've covered this edition before from their February 2010 50 Best Hollywood Movie Kisses and I always look forward to what their choice will be. This time it was my favorite list yet, "50 best L.A. Bands" There could be no other choice for the coveted #1 spot - Venice originated The Doors. I have a slight obsession with this band. I fell in love with them and their music after I got my hands on my dad's 1985 Best Of The Doors album. I literally played that double set over and over getting lost in Morrison's words and the sound of Manzarek's organ. They're truly some of the most amazing creative minds ever which is why they definitely deserve the top spot for L.A. bands. Neil Young also makes an impressive triple appearance with #4 Buffalo Springfield, #11 Crosby, Stills, Nash [this totally counts as their best songs are with Young] & #24 Neil Young and The Crazy Horse. The list ranges from 1961 (The Beach Boys #2) up until 1999 (Maroon 5 #26) Check out the list here and see if your fav band is listed. You can also vote and help decide who you think should be the HomeGrown  #1. Now I'll leave you with one of my favorite live Doors performances from The Hollywood Bowl 1968. Here's a start to great week!



1st image via The Doors Facebook

New Obession: JewelMint Jewelry Line by Kate Bosworth

Lately Liz from my work has been coming in wearing exceptional pieces of jewelry. Funky necklaces and cool earrings. I was shocked with each new piece she donned. "Where did you get that?" I asked. "JewelMint!" She exclaimed. "You have to join!" Now I know what you're thinking... Another membership club... And I think the same thing too whenever I see these pop up. So far I've only joined Sole Society and I have obviously been extremely thrilled with them. But I've been a bit skeptical of the other membership clubs. Until now.

JewelMint is a jewelry club with a line that is designed and created by Kate Bosworth and her stylist Cher Coulter. Joining is completely free. First you take a style quiz and based on those answers jewelry fills your "showroom" each month that is personally tailored to your taste. For just $29.99 per month you get one piece of jewelry and a styling guide on how to wear it. Don't like any of the selections or want to save money that month? No problem - just skip with no additional fees. And you're not limited to buy only piece [as I've already seen with Liz!] Like I said it's free to sign up and you only get charged the $29.99 when you decide you want to start the membership. I joined last week and already made my first purchase that I wanted to share with you! First - here is my style bio:

so perfect for me!

There were many pieces that I loved in my showroom but I ended up going with the Nicolas Necklace and I am so thrilled I did! And I promise it's not just based on the name ;) I love jewelry that is a little unusual and different from other people have. This necklace is absolutely perfect for that!



Love the packaging that it came in! Both shipping and gift box!

Here it is! My Nicolas Necklace!

So it's obviously a little funky but I love it! It was inspired by a pair of shoes seen on the Balenciaga runway and children's building blocks. The colors are gorgeous pastels and it's definitely a stand out piece. I'm taking it with me to Palm Springs this weekend and can't wait to wear it!

So for 30 bucks a month I get a great, unusal piece that's different and unique. And they have many options to choose from. Plus Liz said it best "I pick pieces that I might not normally get" So if you guys want to join JewelMint and maybe try something new - I highly suggest you do! I love it so far and I've already picked out my piece for June and can't wait for it to arrive! Click here to sign up. Happy Thursday lovelies!!



1st image via JewelMint