Outfit Post: Casual Friday

 

 

Top: C&C California (old)

Shorts: Zara (last seen here - suuuuuper cute version here)

Leopard Smoking Flats: Target

Sunnies: H&M

 

As much as I love dressing up and being girly, sometimes I do want to keep my look casual and easy. I wore this a few weeks ago when Bill and I went to an afternoon movie - we usually ride our bikes hence the shorts and flat shoes. I also threw a scarf in my bag in case my legs got cold while we were in the theater.

 

This outfit is actually combining two things - an oversize top and leopard print. I decided to wear the shorts since the top was so flowy and drapey. I thought it was proportionally balanced. And since my color palate was black and white - the leopard shoes just fit right in. I kept everything else super basic with minimal jewelry and I never go to the movies without gummy bears. They're my favorite!

Oh & we had a little visitor pop by during our shoot - check it out for yourself :)

 

 

What's your go to comfort or casual style? Hope you guys have a GREAT weekend!

 

{this post is linking up with Ma Nouvelle Mode & Marionberry Style, & Real Girl Glam}

BAD in NYC: Lucky FABB 2012 [photos]

One of the most fabulous parts of New York was attending both IFBCON & Lucky FABB. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera for IFB so I made sure that I brought it with me to FABB. Before both conferences I swear it almost felt like the first day of school! I thought "who am I going to sit with, eat lunch with, what should I wear, how will I get there?" But the second I stood in line and talked to the girls around me, those fears and questions went out the window. I'm going to share a few pictures as well as tidbits of wisdom that I picked up from our fabulous speakers

The theme for FABB was "Making It On Your Own Terms" We heard a ton of awesome business advice that I think could apply to anyone whether you're a blogger or not. So here we go... :) (p.s. all images are mine unless otherwise stated)

My partners in crime during NYC, Emily from The Stylist LA & Ashley from Pursuit of Shoes. {image via Pursuit of Shoes Facebook}

 

 

Lucky Editor in Chief Brandon Holley with the CEO of Macy's Terry Lundgren.

 

Terry had some great points about how to maintain and build a healthy, viable brand. Lucky for you, I wrote them down :)

 

1. Know your customer

2. What is it about your brand that makes you different or unique. Step up elements to differentiate yourself.

3. Maintain consistent quality and don't get sucked into something if it's not you.

 

 

Executive Digital Editor Lauren Sherman, Executive Editor of Fashionista Leah Chernikoff, NY Editor of Refinery 29 Annie Georgia Greenberg & Founder of Man Repeller Leandra Medine

 

Leandra came tearing in late due to traffic and I'm so glad she made it because she had some really great suggestions. The panel discussed how important engaging with your readers is and to always be transparent with your audience. They also said to approach new things the way you might approach something you know - just think about it for a second...

 

 

Also check out her amazing outfit... that's a very sophisticated crop top!

 

 

Brandon Holley and fashion extraordinaire Rachel Zoe

 

This was probably the highlight of the trip for me. It only could have been made better if I could have met her in person. When Rachel Zoe walked out onto the stage I literally felt my heart stop. Her conversation with Brandon was so authentic, down to earth and genuine. Plus I was drooling over her gold tassel necklace. But it was her advice that I was most excited about:

 

Confidence is important.

You need enthusiasm and drive to succeed because nothing is just going to fall into your life.

You need to work really hard and love what you do.

And the most important thing she said... "Always be a nice person"

 

 

She also went through a few pieces from her fall Rachel Zoe collection. This was my favorite look (notice the necklace)

 

 

CEO of CFDA Steven Kolb, Head of the Fashion divison at CAA Mitch Grossbach, CEO of YOOX Federico Marchetti, Partner at High Line Venture Partners Shana Fisher

 

 

 

Chairman at Gilt Groupe Susan Lyne, Co-Founder of FEED Lauren Bush Lauren, VP of Global Comm at Donna Karan Aliza Licht, Founder of P.S. I Made This Erica Domesek

 

2 of the most informative panels took place back-to-back. These discussions were much more business centered with fabulous notes on how to truly start, build and maintain a business. One thing that really resonated with me is when Erica said "Talk Once, Listen Twice"

 

 

Exec and Fashion news director Jean Godfrey-June and Lauren Conrad

 

After a lunch break, next up was everyone's favorite reality star turned designer turned author turned brand Lauren Conrad. My favorite thing she said? "Do what you love. Because there will be days when you don't love it. It has to be something you really care about or else it's hard to push through"

 

 

Simon Doonan from Barneys New York and fashion designer Anna Sui

 

Lastly, and by far the funniest panel of the day, was Simon and Anna's awesome back and forth banter. Anna, who hailed from Detriot, said that's what gave her a dream and a desire to do something more. She also said she loved vintage and antique pieces because it gave a window into seeing what someone left behind and that there was a story behind it.

 

After we sat through the panels it was time to mingle and I'm so glad because I finally got some face to face time with bloggers that I love! Here's a few snapshots

 

 

Finally got to meet Danielle from Lou What Wear in person! {Image via Lou What Wear}

 

Cocktails with Em, Ash & Julie from I Heart Heels. {image via Pursuit of Shoes Facebook}

 

Finally meeting southern lovely and Charlotte resident Elspeth from Elle Bow Room {Image from Elle's Instagram}

 

Ash and I had a quick wardrobe change for a dinner we were attending. But we still chatted with Elle, Laura from Laura Lily, and Kristen from Living In Color Print {image via Pursuit of Shoes Facebook}

 

Whew.. I'm exhausted again just seeing the pics. There are more floating around somewhere.. so I think I'll make a facebook album and you guys can view the rest! Stay tuned for my GiGi NY tour too!

Outfit Post: Tender Greens Boots

Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o Poor Little It Girl

Skirt: Zara (similar style here)

Sunnies: Vintage

Tank: Forever 21 (old)

Lips: Revlon "Love That Pink" / Nails: OPI "Deutsche You Want Me Baby"

 

{Sorry for the lack of posts.. I've been visiting with my family in North Carolina. I'll be back home Thursday!}

Last Saturday night Bill and I had a date at Tender Greens which is my new jam. The fresh and local ingredients combined with superb flavors come together to create a full blown dance party in your mouth. There's quite a few in the Los Angeles/So Cal area so if you're nearby one, GO! P.S. their mint lemonade is to-die-for and was also my co-star in the above photos.

 

I'm not sure if it's these new boots or my netflix obsession with My So Called Life, but right now I'm all about the 90's. I keep reaching for ripped cutoffs, cropped tops and unexpected pairings. Which is why I really love this look. The skirt is super girly and fun (see how I wore it here) but this time I wanted to dress is down. So I took these rad motorcyclish boots and a loose gray tank to give it a much more casual vibe. With fall right around the corner, I can't wait to wear these shoes with tights and shorts. They're such a fabulous seasonal transition piece.

 

Also, can we discuss how ahhhh-mazing this OPI nail polish color is? With it's sparkly orangey-red tone, "Deutsche You Want Me Baby" is the perfect color for autumn.

 

{Linking up with Real Girl Glam & What I Wore Wednesday}

Outfit Post: Dressed Up Chambray

Chambray Shirt: Target

Sequin Leggings: Express (old)

Shoes: Zara

Sequin Heart: c/o ban.do

Star Necklace: c/o by boe // Blu Bijoux Pearl Bangles c/o Max and Chloe

Lips: Revlon "Fire & Ice" / Nails: OPI "Deutsche You Want Me Baby"

The day before I left for New York - I hit the chambray jackpot. My longtime hunt was finally over when I scored this denim button up from Target for only 20 bucks! Since it's from the Merona section (meaning it's ladies sizing versus juniors sizing) my only wish is that they had an XS. But after the months-long (yes, as in plural) wild goose chase I had been on, I wasn't about to let it slip through my fingers.

This week's Copy Cat Closet challenge was to dress up your chambray. As soon as the email came through, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. In my sparkly world, sequins and chambray always go together in perfect harmony. These pants are actually one of my favorite pieces that I own. I don't wear them as often as I wish but they are perfect for adding that special something to an outfit.

Do you spot my new favorite accessory? This sequin ban.do heart has been coming with me everywhere lately. In my hair, on my bag, pinned to my clothes. It's a total multi-functioning little piece of heaven. So obsessed with it.

P.S. I just realized my nail polish is totally matching my shoes! Happy accidents with pops of red are the best! Only one more day until the weekend guys.. you're almost there!
 

{This post is linking up with Ma Nouvelle Mode, Real Girl Glam, Transatlantic Blonde, Watch What I'm Wearing}

OMGeeeezies! Blake Lively's Wedding Rings

I'm holding my breath on actually seeing her wedding dress, so until we do, this will have to do. Blake Lively's ridiculous and amazing Lorraine Schwartz wedding rings were on display last week and I think I've fallen in love.

 

Her gi-normo engagement ring consists of a pink oval diamond surrounded by a thin band of smaller diamonds for a truly larger than life sparkler. As if that wasn't enough, her delicate rose gold wedding band is also a bunch of teeny diamonds. Pure perfection. Now if we could just get a peek of that gorgeous Marchesa wedding gown....

image via People

Giveaway: [NYFW Beauty Swag Bag] *closed*

I know that I am due for a post about my NY trip... but while I am working on that I thought I would do a giveaway for my lovely readers! I actually just hit 200 followers so I guess it's a double celebration. Without you guys, there would be no reason for me to attend these conferences and events in NY. So I hope you know how much I appreciate and love your support!!

 

After LuckyFABB, IFBCON, NYFW and all the events I attended I was basically swimming in swag! Tons of makeup, beauty products, samples and free items later, I realized there's no way I can use everything! So I've put together a little goodie bag for one lucky reader. It includes a custom canvas fashion tote designed by Kmart, Orlane face cream, super fun false lashes, Smashbox primer, nail polish, Neutrogena foundation and so much more!

 

For the giveaway entries, I thought I would switch it up a little bit... So here's how to enter:

 

{MANDATORY ENTRY}

Follow me on Instagram (@NRich14). Snap a picture of your favorite beauty product and make sure you tell me why! Upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #BADBeauty and tag me in the post.

(note - if you don't have Instagram you can do the same steps with Twitter) Make sure you include the hashtag and my handle or else I won't be able to find your entry!

 

{ADDITIONAL ENTRY}

Follow via GFC or Bloglovin. Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite beauty product and why. Don't forget your email so I can contact you if you win!

*This giveaway is now closed*

 

I can't wait to see what beauty products you guys love. And maybe new things for me to try.. Good luck and Happy Monday!

 

Please note: Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Up to 2 entries per person. Winner will be chosen at random via Random Number Generator. Giveaway ends at 10:00pm PST on September 25th, 2012. I will announce the winner in a blog post. The winner must respond within 3 days of announcement to claim the prize. If there is no contact by the 4th day or the winner is not a follower, I will choose another winner at random.

Steal Her Look: Olivia Munn in Sole Society

I don't know about you, but I really love it when a celeb sports affordable fashion. Of course I absolutely adore seeing them in their gorgeous gown, sky high Loubs and glittering gems - that's part of the perks of their job! But whenever they slip on something from Zara, H&M or {gasp} Target, it just makes them seem slightly more down to earth. Case & Point: Olivia Munn and her Sole Society shoes.

Olivia's movie "The Babymakers" came out this summer and she had a slew of red carpet, television and award appearances. It was super rad to see her pair incredibly affordable footwear with pretty dresses, pencil skirts and even a casual jeans & tank look. Proof that you really can wear 1 shoe many different ways.

My favorite choice (and a pair I recently ordered) that Olivia wore is the Viola Button Heel Platform Sandal. This shoe comes in 2 colors, Dusty Rose (4th photo) & Taupe (1st photo) I love that both outfits have a "girly-coolness" vibe whether she's dressed up or slightly dressed down. The playful leopard under sole and button detail on the heel are fabulous small touches. (Note: I bought this pair, but it runs a little small so I'm waiting for my 1/2 size up to arrive!)

Olivia also got fancy with the Tori Color Block Peep Toe in Camel (2nd & 5th photo) and went with the classic nude Raffie Woven Platform Pump (3rd photo)

So what do you guys think? Do you like her SS choices? Have you gotten any of the above that you love? What did you pair them with.. I want to know! P.S. All of her shoe choices are still available for purchase. Just click any of the links above or click here to sign up for Sole Society!

images via: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

2 Ways To Wear It Floral Print Heels: Guest Post

 

 

Make sure you head over to Haute Child In The City to see my guest post on 2 ways you can rock the Floral Print Shoes trend! I've already tried them one way, but with my new peplum top, I can try option 1! Can't wait to hear what you think! xo

 

Also thanks to Megan over at TFDiaries for featuring me in her "5 Ways To Wear: Animal Print"

 

xoxo

Lusting After: ban.do Black Label

Happy Wednesday loves! Let's beat the mid-week blues by chatting about the latest addition to my wish list... ban.do's black label! You'll remember that ban.do is one of the reasons I started BAD after I blogged for them during the 2009 holiday season.

The thing I adore about ban.do is the fact that they offer budget friendly accessories (like sequined hearts for $15 and fun corsages under $75) as well as specialty one-of-a-kind pieces. Their black label is filled with lots of sparkle, tulle, veils, poms and anything super girly that you can think of.

While past collections have included vintage inspired pieces (last year's was a total homage to Joan from Mad Men) this time they wanted a more rock-n-roll vibe that's totally fresh and playful. Classic ban.do. Perfect occasions for wearing these beauties are celebrations like your wedding reception, birthday party, or just because it's a Tuesday night and you want to look fabulous (my personal excuse)

The pieces I'm seriously lusting after the most are those gorrrrrrrg sparkly combs as well as the "Can't Stop Won't Stop Vol 1" (note: volumes 2 & 3 ain't so bad either!) I'd hurry over and see if any of these pretties need to be added to your wardrobe.. a few have already been sold! It's really true.. Shop ban.do... Feel pretty!

All images via ban.do

Outfit Post: Rooftop Floral

 

Floral Pants: H&M (last seen here)

Peplum Top: Topshop

Bag: GiGi New York c/o Shut Up I Love That Shirt On You

Necklace: Amrita Singh "Rosaline"

Sunglasses: Dior (same style in black)

Shoes: Zara

Bracelets: c/o Max & Chloe (Skull, Ball) // BCBGeneration (via LuckyFABB)

 

I'm a super bad blogger. Like the worst. I was so excited to be in New York, attend the conferences, meet new people, go to parties etc... that I literally took actual pictures of 1 outfit. ONE! I swear, I must deserve some sort of blogger citation or something...

 

Anyways... Remember my quest for a Topshop peplum? Well I came up a winner with this ribbed black version and knew it would pair perfectly with my fav floral pants! And if you follow me on instagram you know I'm wearing my very special gift from my Fairy Godfathers. I love the ladylike top and pant combo with the playfulness of these red/purple sunglasses. It's all about having fun with your look ladies! Just enjoy your clothes and don't be afraid to experiment or try new things.

 

My lovely friend Amanda snapped these for me before my meeting with GiGi New York on her roof! The view was amazing and I'm so happy she suggested it for our little photo sesh. I also cannot wait to share my GiGi trip with you! I got a full on factory tour and met with some awesome people. Stay tuned for that post coming up along with more snapshots from NYC! xoxo

 

{this post is linking up with Blonde Episodes, What I Wore Wednesday & Real Girl Glam,}