In ♥ With This: Barbie & Ken Got Married!

This is the freaking cutest thing ever! I stumbled upon the photos while researching bridesmaid updos over on Glamour's website. One photographer set up a photo shoot featuring Barbie & Ken's wedding day. It's absolutely the most adorbs thing I've ever seen. Click through to see a few of my fav photos....

Outfit Post: Daytime {& Worktime!} Sequins

I'm a firm believer of daytime sequins. Actually, I believe in wearing something sparkly every single day (just ask my co-workers!) Whether it's my glittered flats, sparkly sweaters or sequined hair wear I'm always up for a littler shimmer. So when I bought a new sweater on Saturday I knew exactly what to pair it with! I have some fabulous sequined shorts that I usually love dressing up with, but I wanted to figure out a way to wear them a bit more casually. So here is what I came up with:

Ask Bedazzles: Packing For European Vacation

Happy Friday Loveys!!! It's time for one of my favorite sections that hasn't gotten very much attention lately. Ask Bedazzles! I got an amazing question from a reader a while ago but I've just been too swamped to answer it. So finally I carved out some time and here it is!

Hi Nikki!
I saw that you went on an Italy trip recently. We are going to Sicily in mid-September! Do have any recommendations for me concerning staple clothing pieces to mix and match so I can pack light? Muahh!
Katie, North Carolina

Yay! A perfect question. I've covered what to wear when you're at the airport but packing is a whole other subject!! Katie, you've already picked up on one of the most important parts of packing. Basics! The key is to pick pieces that can double up with another item or be worn again. Mixing and matching is exactly the way to get pieces to go further. Let's see what I've come up with:

In ♥ With This: Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung

Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung Resort 2012

The actress, whose upcoming film Colombiana opens Friday, looked absolutely smashing while attending the Neo Golden Age party in Los Angeles last week. In my opinion she totally nailed this look, rocking 3 pieces from Prabal Gurung's Resort 2012 collection. The key to the pure amazingness? The layering! First there's a hot pink tank that's been layered over a textured sleeve tee. Pure styling genius. Zoe also incorporates a little color blocking with this kelly green mini from the collection. She kept the accessories basic and muted - a fab Alexander McQueen skull clutch and some strappy sandals - which let clothing shine. All in all it's so fabulous! I'm inspired! Happy Tuesday loveys! xoxo

photo via InStyle

Currently Inspired By: Kate Hudson in Nine

Whenever we head to Palm Springs we usually spend the weekend lounging by the pool, biking around town, eating delicious food and laughing constantly with Steve & Dana (our gracious hosts). It's so fabulous. And the music... Oh the music! It's constantly flowing all day (and night) long. I seriously love it. One of the songs that kept popping up was the Kate Hudson version of "Cinema Italiano" from the theatrical movie Nine. We actually just recently watched the movie and while it was a little hit or miss my absolute favorite part was actually Kate Hudson's sex kitten character Stephanie.

The chain smoking, blond haired, fashion journalist (of course!) with kohl rimmed eyes Stephanie, embodied everything that I love from this era. Her description of why American women love Italy still stands true (maybe I'm partial - but I doubt it...) And it was pretty amazing how much Goldie she was channeling for this role. Ah-mazing. But what really had me was her musical number. It was definitely, by far, the best one from the movie. The men in the suits, the black & white, the dancing. It's seriously phenomenal. For the past week I haven't been able to stop thinking about fringe, cat eye sunglasses and thigh high boots. I love being inspired by different periods of time or movies or even old magazine photographs. Anything from the past can really be worked into your everyday wardrobe - you just have to find a way to tweak it to work for you. For instance to modernize this look I would

Go See This Movie: Crazy Stupid Love

{Crazy. Stupid. Love. Probably my favorite movie so far this year}

I had been wanting to see this movie ever since I saw the previews for it back in March. I'm certifiably obsessed with Ryan Gosling and have girl crushes on both Emma Stone and Julianne Moore. So I was thrilled when Billy called me at work last week to go on a little movie date! And it was just as good as I had hoped! I can't reveal or review it because then it would just ruin it for you. But I will tell you that it was such heartfelt storyline mixed with great acting and hilarious humor.. It's been a while since I really had laughed out loud at a movie and it's safe to say this is my favorite pick of the year. Now I'll leave you with a little top ten list of why you must go see this movie:

1. Ryan Gosling (duh!)
2. Steve Carell plays a hilarious and relatable character
3. Finally a woman {Julianne Moore} gets to have the "Mid-Life"crisis
4. Ryan Gosling takes his shirt off. Several times. As in more than once. So you'll need the big screen effect
5. The 13 year old son is the cutest kid in the entire world - his views on love will make you feel optimistic about it again
6. Emma Stone has the best freak out moment and gets to do what every girls dreams of since they were like 10
7. Ryan Gosling in his 3 piece suits. Yes. Please.
8. That cute girl from America's Next Top Model is in it
9. The scene from the above poster
10. Ryan. Freaking. Gosling.

Oh and p.s. the music in the movie and the soundtrack are the best!
Now grab a date, some candy (we prefer Sour Patch Kids) and get to the nearest theater! Happy Wednesday!

image via Warner Brothers

Steal Her Look For Less: Giuliana Rancic's Statement Shoe

A few weeks ago I posted about a fabulous LOD I caught on Giuliana Rancic while she attended Chelsea Lately. It ended up being one of the more popular posts on the blog and I've gotten lots of emails and Facebook comments about it. So when I recently found 3 pairs of statement shoes at an amazing price that would get you a similar style I had to let you know! Just a reminder here is Giuliana's outfit and her amazing Giuseppe Zanotti shoes I fell in love with:

{You'll remember I had a hard time finding images of her}

Here's the coveted pair: Guiseppe Zanotti E10089 - Retails for $1,500.

While I am sure most of you have $1,500 lying around - I don't. And even though this could be a SUPER easy and absolutely fun DIY, I still found some fabulous statement shoes that any woman could wear when she wants her shoes to take center stage. Ready....

Steal Her Look For Less: Camilla Belle in Express

Camilla Belle attends a Coldplay concert in an Express Tribal Print Maxi Dress

Summer is still in full force and before we hit September (Fashion week!) I thought it was time for another edition of Steal Her Look For Less. Or in this case - you can actually buy her look! The lovely and gorgeous Camilla Belle showed up to a Coldplay concert last week wearing this Express maxi dress:

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love it when celebs wear affordable style! With maxi dress continuing to be a trend you better hop on this train if you haven't already! They're my new favorite item and I literally can't stop wearing them. Camilla topped off the rest of her look with a red Chanel crossbody, some pretty floral sandals, a few bangles and layered necklaces. This is a look that you can easily re-create for your next summer outing that will have you looking great without feeling over styled. Plus crossbody handbags are my new favorite thing obsession. They free up your arms up to do whatever you need them for (drinking you champagne, holding stacks of clothes/shoes you plan on buying - whatever!) but still add a cool element to your outfit. While you may not be able to afford Camilla's Chanel bag (unless you're willing to shell out a few thousand...) I found some great options that will still have you rolling in style. Tell me what you think:

More Forever 21...

I know that if you try this out you'll look just a great if not better than Camilla! :) Happy Thursday everyone! xoxo

1st image via InStyle; 2nd image via Express

Things That Make Me Smile [Photos]

Friday marked my 25th birthday - one I have honestly been dreading. But the sight of some of my sweet cards helped brighten it a little.

A few of my fabulous gifts: bangles from my BFF Jenna; gift cards from my brother and parents; and the cutest one of all - homemade concert tickets my hubby created since the real ones aren't here yet. We're going to Incubus in October!

I was at home in North Carolina this weekend and got to spend some quality time with my entire family - I miss them so much! Although we forgot to take a family photo I squeezed one in with my mom!

While at home we had Jenna's bridal shower & bachelorette weekend. I had the most delicious cake I've ever tasted at the shower. Had to break my diet plan for this baby. YUM.

Jen wanted a relaxed weekend for her bach festivities. So we spent the time at my family's beach house in Topsail. It's one of my favorite places and I can actually get into the ocean!

I've been so busy with my new job - sorry posts have been sparse! Happy Tuesday!

I Tried It: Ombré Hair Color Part Deux

As much as I love to try unique fashion, new beauty trends and fun hairstyles I usually am a MAJOR baby when it comes to changing my hair. I used to color my hair red/auburn about 12 years ago and I once chopped off over 10 inches of locks my sophomore year of college. But that's about as far as it goes when it comes to drastic change. I'm still that girl who goes to the salon and says "Only 1/4 of an inch please" But when 2011 came around I was determined to make this year fun and different. In part of this "Year of Change" I took a major leap and decided to have my hair professionally colored. I ended up absolutely loving the ombré effect on my hair. However, there were a few issues I noticed afterwards. First, she only colored the bottom half of my hair so it was mostly just peaking through the top pieces. Almost none of the outer hair layers were colored. She also did huge streaky chunks instead of blending the color throughout the pieces. Don't get me wrong - I still loved the change and for a color-virgin it was a great introduction. But 6 months later I'm officially bitten by the dye-bug. I've been itching to get it re-done and for it to be correct! Since my birthday is Friday (Eeeee! I'll be 25!!!) I thought I would gift myself with a little present. So, long story short, I got a recommendation from the owner of the same salon I went to back in January and this time I was definitely not let down!! Check it out...!

Outfit Post: BDIB - Arm Party

It's time for another edition of Bloggers Do It Better! I skipped the last one because I had already done a maxi post since I already selected my hot pink maxi skirt for the Neons & Neutrals post. I wasn't about to miss the latest one! This week was more of a mini-challenge instead of an actual full outfit post. But it's one of my favorite "excess"ory choices right now - A Stacked Arm. If you're a blogger, blog comb-er or magazine reader you know just how major this trend is right now. I personally love it and my theory is "If someone doesn't ask you about your arm full of bangles - you don't have enough" :) So here are my latest picks for the Arm Party challenge:

I think my OPI That's Hot! Pink nail polish makes the shiny jewelry stand out even more

Look Of The Day: Jaime King in Valentino

Jaime King in Valentino

Ohhh. Emmm. GORGEOUSNESS. This was my exact reaction upon seeing Jaime King in this stunning Valentino gown. The actress, who co-hosted a benefit at the Soho House in West Hollywood for the celebrity charity Stand Up To Cancer last week, absolutely shined in her floor length stunner. I thought this dress might potentially be vintage but after searching, much to my surprise, it's from the Fall 2011 Ready To Wear collection. It was styled quite differently for the runway show and I have to admit I think I like Jamie's choice better:

the gown on Valentino Fall 2011 Runway

I think the deep V in the back is much more sexy and the higher neckline is much more flattering than the one strap going across. The chartreuse is such an unexpected twist which really gives it an antique look. With the gown having so much intricate detail, I really appreciate her minimalistic approach to the accessories and jewelry. Simple bun, light makeup and lovely jewelry. I'm wearing a similar style dress (floor length, open back, fun pattern but sleeveless) to a wedding in September and I'd like to emulate this whole look for the event. Including these gorgeous Bulgari diamond earrings. 

Jaime King wearing a Saint Vintage Designs necklace and Bulgari earrings

Also being launched at the benefit was jewelry line Saint Vintage Designs fall collection. She's wearing one of their fabulous necklaces above.

What do you guys think? Are you feeling this vintage inspired gown and jewels? Do tell! xoxo

1st image via InStyle; 2nd image via Style.com; 3rd image via Saint Vintage Designs