Thursday, February 28, 2013

Prabal Gurung x Target - Nail Inspiration

Continuing my obsession with Prabal Gurung, I've noticed some crafty ladies have taken their inspiration to the next level! Check out these super rad nail art designs:
 
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She got super inspired by all the prints! L-R: Nolita Print Long Sleeve Tee, Black & White Lace Top, Floral Crush Print Dress, Nolita Print Pumps 
 
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Floral Crush Print inspired


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Dresden Blue Color Block Dress inspired - this looks totally do-able
 
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I love her Nolita Print!
 
So far, the extent of my nail art design has been with a tooth pick - but these bloggers are inspiring me to take it a bit further and spend some time making a masterpiece. Do you guys have any tips for Nail Art? What are the best tools to use? Or at least the best ones to start out with? I'm open to suggestions!
 
Oh & also.. I have all the pieces in this outfit and wondering if I should re-create it. I usually like being super creative but this ensemble just looks like a lot of fun. So you tell me!
 
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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Outfit Post: Layered Hearts






{photos by my mom}
 
Heart Print Sweater: Target (similar herehere)
Chambray Shirt: Target
Boots: Etienne Aigner via DSW (very similar style & AMAZING price)
Watch: Caravelle by Bulova c/o LuckyFABB
Love Bracelet: BCBGeneration c/o LuckyFABB
Bag & Sunnies: Vintage
 
I couldn't celebrate Valentine's Day with my family so I thought this would be a fun and casual outfit to wear while I was visiting them! I've been wanting to test out the chambray-sweater layered look.. what do you guys think? It's a bit more preppy than I usually dress but I thought it was still cutesy!
 
I love this heart print sweater - so happy my mom scored it for a Christmas gift. Have you check out Old Navy lately? They've got some fabulous graphic print sweaters that are SUPER budget friendly. Try layering it with a chambray shirt or printed button down underneath. I saw a floral print at Target that would be fabulous. SO cute!
 
I've got some crazy and exciting news to share with you that will be changing BAD just a teeny bit.. Stay tuned for the big announcement coming soon!
 
WatchOutForTheWoestmans

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Giveaway Winner [GiGi New York Handbag + PROMO CODE]


Happy Tuesday everyone!! I am enjoying hearing your picks from Sunday's Academy Awards show - so keep them coming! I've got a super busy week this week so I wanted to announce the winner of the GiGi New York giveaway!

And don't worry... if you didn't win this time - GiGi New York is still offering BAD readers a 20% off promo code! So you will still be able to grab 1 (or 2) of these fabulous bags (check out the Teddy Tote. It's next on my list!) to add to your collection. Just enter the code DAZZLE when you check out. 

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Congratulations to Gareen from La Petite GiGi!! You are the winner! (and your blog name has GiGi in the name! Too funny) My only request is that you send over some photos of you with your prize so I can share with other BAD readers!

Thank you to ALL of you who entered!! Stay tuned for more giveaways coming up! xoxo

Monday, February 25, 2013

Red Carpet Fashion: Academy Awards 2013

I'm still getting over how boring last night's Oscar telecast was... and how even more boring the red carpet was. *yawn* Did you guys feel the same? This recap will be short & sweet.. as I'm sure you've already seen most of these gowns...


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Jessica Chastain finally got it all right! A gorgeous glittering goldish-copper custom Giorgio Armani gown was the perfect choice to top off her Jessica Rabbit look. Simple hair, lots of diamonds and red lips are just the icing on the cake. L.O.V.E.

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Stacy Keibler has all the luck. She's got the body, the man & now access to every hot dress on the planet. I am AHB-sessing over this beaded Naeem Khan art-deco inspired gown. I mean she is a stunner and will look amazing in anything but this couldn't be a more fabulous choice.

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Thank you Kerry Washington for bringing some color to this red carpet! In a sea of gunmetal, black, white & light colored dresses, Kerry donned a beautiful coral-pink-red Miu Miu design. I think my favorite part is that crystal jeweled bodice. Such a bright burst of fresh air.

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Naomi Watts has been knocking it out of the park this whole season. I was literally gushing over her beaded asymmetrical Armani Privé dress. I adore the unique neckline and that it has this futuristic vibe going on. This is the kind of updo that I always try to do myself, but ends up as an epic fail. She's the total package that one!

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If anyone can chop her hair off and still look like a beautiful movie star, it would be Charlize Theron. Donning her new cropped cut (which she said was "completely freeing") she looked a statuesque goddess in her Dior Haute Couture white gown. I love the structured peplum with the crystal rhinestone detail. It would probably be an otherwise boring dress without those details. Lovely!
 
What did you guys think? Were you as bored with the Oscars as I was? What dresses did you like? Anyone I left off this list? Let me know! :) Happy Monday! xoxo

Friday, February 22, 2013

Outfit Post: Off Duty






{photos by my mom}
 
Blouse: Target (clearance rack at store)
Scarf: Zara
Bag: Romeo & Juliet
Shoes: Target
 
Today's post is short & sweet - it's Friday after all! This is my favorite off duty look - what I wear when I'm running errands or doing a marathon shopping day. My mom & I did some damage on her birthday (I swear we shopped for like 7 hours) and I wanted to be super comfy. Enter a topknot, leggings, my new favorite shirt (neon of course) and flats.
 
Aside from the fact that this shirt is extremely wrinkled (which I have just now noticed - so embarrassing) I really love this look. It's totally me when I just want to be casual or relax but still look stylish (well at least I think it is). Plus it makes trying on clothes super simple and not a hassle.
 
What are you guys doing this weekend? I'm planning on FINALLY taking a camera class to learn how to use my DSLR camera. It's only been 8 months since I've had the thing! Happy Friday lovelies!! xo
 

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Travel Beauty Favorites

I just got back from visiting my family in NC & I thought I would share with you some of my favorite travel beauty products. I always keep these items in my carry on or purse, for airport and plane touch ups. No, I'm not that vain, but I often take the red-eye back to the East Coast, so it's important that I greet my parents or friends as a fresh faced gal and not a hot mess!

Traveling Beauty Favorites


These little guys are my new favorite product that I discovered in one of my NYFW swag bags. The 7 pack is a perfect travel size & spokeswoman Hayden Panettiere recently told PeopleStyleWatch that she finds other uses for them while on the road. They can double as a patent leather polisher or take deodorant stains out of clothes!
 
A few months ago, I started using the RE9 skin care from Arbonne and I'm not exaggerating when I say that it completely changed my skin! I am totally in love with this stuff. Luckily with my last order, I got this handy travel set with all my skin care products (+ a few more) in travel size. It comes in a super cute case that fits in any carry on and is perfect when I need to wash the plane air off my face.
 
It's a known fact that planes dry out your skin - lips included! So I keep this tinted lip balm on hand as much as possible. It keeps my lips super smooth and really helps reduce cracking/drying.
 
4. MAC Bronzing Powder & Revlon Lipsticks
I'm not a huge foundation gal - but I do love a little bronzer. I usually like to wait until I'm off the plan to put makeup on (unless the flight is quick & easy). My favorite bronzer is MAC's - it's super lightweight and doesn't make me look orange. I also don't go anywhere without these 3 shades of lipstick from Revlon: (L-R) Fuschia Fusion, Fire & Ice, Wild Orchid. Just a swipe of 1 bold color with a little bit of bronzer and I'm good to go!
 
I actually never leave the house without this product whether I'm traveling or not. Dry Shampoo is such a fabulous pick me up and can turn greasy hair into fab hair with just 1 spray. This travel size Tresemme version slips into your purse with ease which means you'll begin to have an emotional attachment to it. Trust me - it's a game changer.
 
please note all products mentioned are actually used by me and I was in no way compensated for this post. I just wanted to share my current favs with you! :)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Messy Project February 2013


I am literally jumping out of my printed pants because of today's post - yes it's that exciting! Over the summer I discovered Kelly's blog Messy Dirty Hair and fell in love with her honest and open approach to everything. Whether it's fashion, beauty, music or just life in general, she's always bringing a slice of humor and realness to her posts. So when I was asked to participate in Kelly's baby, #TheMessyProject for February, of course I jumped at the chance. What's #TheMessyProject you ask?
 
   
The Deal:
1 Item
5 Girls
5 Different Looks
1 Major Blog Post Day
 
The main goal here is to showcase that we can embrace our differences and make a fashion statement with our OWN style. In short, Kelly sends each of us the same article of clothing and we all style it differently. I must admit that I was a bit nervous before getting my item - what if I don't make it creative enough?! But as soon as I got this nude high-low dress in the mail I was stoked. So many possibilities with this baby right? Take a look at what I came up with:
 





 
Dress: Forever 21
Sweater: H&M (old)
Shoes: Sole Society
Purse: DSW
Hat: My Dad's
Nails: Sally Hansen "Pacific Blue"
 
I absolutely loved this high-low frock but I wanted to dress it down a bit - make it more casual. Our L.A. weather has been so fickle lately so layering is key around here. I turned the dress into a skirt (one of my favorite styling tips by the way) and paired it with my go-to sparkly silver sweater. Then I played up the neutral palate with some brown ankle booties, a pink/nude necklace and this gem of a fedora I took from my dad's closet. My favorite part about this outfit? It can be worn fall or spring - super transitional! Oh and not to mention comfy!
 
And if you follow me on instagram you already know how much I heart this fabulous blue nail polish. It's so amazingggggg! I keep getting tons of comments on the color. Thanks again Kelly for a fabulous challenge! And don't forget to stop by the other ladies' blogs to see how they styled their dress!

Amanda * The Pretty Pinhead
Kathrin * ShopSchoolSleep
Mils * Mila Rose Designs
Kelly * Dirty Messy Hair

And don't forget to enter my giveaway to win this fabulous GiGi New York Clutch! Or you can use the code DAZZLE for 20% off any purchase!

 
Isn't she a beaut? You can get her personalized & everything if you win! 20 chances so make sure you enter before the 25th! Happy Wednesday everyone! xoxo
the pleated poppy blogbutton

Monday, February 18, 2013

Sole Society Pick: End of Season Sale!

 
I just love a good sale, don't you? I get like a seriously disturbing high from finding a bargain. Right now, one of my go-to shoe shopping sites, Sole Society, is currently have a MAJ markdown moment on some fabulous shoes! And if you've been on the fence about what ones to purchase, now's your chance to score several pairs for 33% off! Here are a few I'm contemplating adding to my closet:
 
Sole Society Elsa Western Bootie

$69.95 now $46.87
Come on, are you really surprised there are some ankle booties in this selection? Not me.. I seriously can't get enough of them. These Elsa Booties would be perfect with.. everything! (p.s. they come in 2 other colors)
 
Sole Society Valentina Wedge Boot

$89.95 now $60.27
If you don't have a tall boot in your closet, you're missing out. And even if you do have a pair - what's the harm in having a second (or third?) The Valentina Boot is sure to take your winter wear straight into spring and beyond. I like the black but there's a chocolate color that is just dying for an oxblood pairing.
 
Sole Society Sydney Printed Platform Wedge

$49.95 now $33.47
Nothing says Spring like a pair of printed, cutout, sky high wedges - am I right? Just give me a cute little sundress, these Sydney Platforms & a tan. Pure perfection.
 
Sole Society Camila Studded Smoking Flat 

$49.95 now $33.47
If you remember correctly, I can't stop wearing my leopard smoking flats. So adding a pair of studded rhinestone loafers seems only appropriate. I'd rock The Camila with shorts, skirts, jeans, dresses - basically anything that will cover my boo-tay. And how can you argue with that price?

Have you guys shopped the sale yet? What have you picked up?
 
all images via Sole Society

Friday, February 15, 2013

Outfit Post: Casual Kaleidoscope






{Photos by my mom}
 
Denim: Express (similar here)
Clutch: GiGi New York (enter my giveaway here to win it; get 20% off your purchase with code DAZZLE)
Necklace: Fab'rik in Raleigh
 
After I rushed out with my mom to grab some pieces from the Prabal Gurung for Target collection, it didn't take me very long to start sporting one of my favorites. Lately, I've been living in fancy sweatshirts - you know the ones with prints or sayings on them? Thankfully, they're on trend so it doesn't look like I'm wearing pajamas around town. But even if it does, I don't care - because this gal likes her casual comfy clothes.
 
This outfit was perfect for palling around Raleigh with my mom. The weather was crisp but cool and cloudy. Brightened it up with my new favorite Coral clutch from GiGi (did you hear I'm giving one away? Head over here to enter - 20 chances to win!) and kept it grounded with these moto boots. I swear I live in these babies.
 
Other ways I'm thinking about styling this sweatshirt? Jean cutoffs and boots for sure. So perfect for rising spring temps. I also want to style it the way this gorgeous gal did: how smart to wear it with a pencil skirt and high heels! Did you guys grab anything from thsi collection? Oh and please don't forget I'm on the hunt for these precious things... and desperate to find them!
 
Real Girl Style Link UpSTYLELIXIR Style Sessionsthe pleated poppy blog