Thank You Giveaway [Swag Bag #2 worth over $125]

Before I left L.A., I got to attend quite a few events/openings. And now that I'm finally settled in our new home, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to my readers. But instead of just telling you, I thought what better way to thank you than to share some of the awesome stuff I receive!! There's no way I could use everything so I've split it into 4 special giveaways giving you more chances to win! If you haven't entered the first 2 (swag bag #1 & ipad case) go check them out when you're done here! Now we're onto number # 3 and I'm super excited about this one...

How To Wear A White Tee [challenge]

 

 

AG Jeans Pocket V-Neck White Tee

Express "Stella" Dark Wash Jean Legging

Julie Vos "Grande Soho" Gold Link Necklace c/o LuckyFABB

Target "Ona" Patent Nude Flats

Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Clutch

Sally Hansen "Mint Sorbet" Nail Polish | | Revlon "Fire & Ice" Super Lustrous Lipstick

 

I told you about the Real Girl Style Challenge earlier this week and it's here! Amber asked myself along with 5 other bloggers to help launch this challenge and I am so excited to share my look as well as the other ladies'!

 

My white tee is truly 1 of my core staples in my wardrobe. It can be worn with almost anything. But 1 of my favorite ways to style it is just super simple. You don't need much, just your favorite pair of jeans, a good pair of flats and 1 piece of statement jewelry. I personally think this look is casual but still chic. And it's something you could wear to the grocery or for a movie date with your love.

 

I also like to mix it up a bit with jewelry and accessories. The gold and rose gold clutch metals don't clash, but actually work together. Gone are the days of sticking with just silver or just gold! I topped my look off with air-dried natural locks and red lips.

 

So my advice for how to style your white tee? Pair it with your favorite items and go! Keep it simple and easy on you. Now I can't wait to see how you style your tee - come link up with us!!

 

Don't forget to enter my Thank You giveaways!

I've got an awesome sequin iPad case & a swag bag worth over $150! Plus there's 2 more giveaways coming! Make sure you enter! :)

Thank You Giveaway [Melie Bianco sequin iPad/tablet Case]

Before I left L.A., I got to attend quite a few events/openings. And now that I'm finally settled in our new home, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to my readers. But instead of just telling you, I thought what better way to thank you than to share some of the awesome stuff I receive!! There's no way I could use everything so I've split it into 4 special giveaways giving you more chances to win! I hope that you entered the 1st one - a swag bag worth over $150! - Now here's the second one...

Thank You Giveaway [Swag Bag #1 worth over $150]

Before I left L.A., I got to attend quite a few events/openings. And now that I'm finally settled in our new home, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to my readers. But instead of just telling you, I thought what better way to thank you than to share some of the awesome stuff I receive!! There's no way I could use everything so I've split it into 4 special giveaways giving you more chances to win! Here's the first one...

Outfit Post: Daytime Sparkle

Before I forget.... I'm co-hosting a style challenge with Amber from Real Girl Glam that's going live this Friday! We want to see your favorite way to wear a white tee. Whether it's casually chic or all glammed up - start planning your outfit now! Snap some pics and then come link up with us on Friday!

 

 

J. Crew sequin polka dot top (on major sale!)

ILY Couture "Pia" handbag c/o

Express black "Stella" jeans (new color here)

DMSX "Ivy" bootie c/o

J. Crew pave link bracelet | | Caravelle by Buolova rose gold watch | | ban.do neon bobbi bow c/o

Sally Hansen "Mint Sorbet" nail polish | | Revlon "Wild Orchid" lipstick 

 

I feel like since I've moved here - we've had nothing but dreary weather. It's either been ridiculously cool or raining cats & dogs. Luckily my mom and I snapped these during lunch when the rain finally took a break (for 15 minutes)

 

Whoever said you can't wear sequins in the daytime obviously never met me. As you know my motto is "wear something sparkly everyday" and yesterday was no exception! I decided to beat the drizzle with this fab sequin top and a bright pink bow. I mean you can't not smile when you see either - right?

 

Plus let's discuss my new favorite Belliza Knight earrings! Aren't they gorg? The yellow enamel flowers are from the 1920's (eeeeeeek!) Then the rest is handmade by a brilliant designer - Brinker. My mom & I fell in love with her vintage inspired creations when we attended her jewelry sale last week. You've GOT to check her pieces out - I promise you won't be disappointed.

 

How do you dress to beat the blah weather? Don't forget about the style challenge!

 

Don't forget to enter my super fun "Thank You" giveaways!

I love my readers and just want to give a little something back to you!

 

 

Outfit Post: Graffiti Print Dress

 

Prabal Gurung for Target printed shirt dress (sold out - similar here)

Zara studded ankle boot (old - but newer version here)

GiGi New York Uber Clutch in Indigo

ILY Couture arrow ring c/o || J.Crew pave link bracelet (very similar budget option) || Caravelle by Bulova watch c/o || Vintage sunnies

 

As much as I complain about how much I miss LA... I really love our new neighborhood! Our apartment is SO MUCH roomier than the last - I kind of don't know what to do with all the space :) Our building is on top of a grocery store, restaurants, salons & shops plus there is an outdoor mall across the street with a Target & movie theater. It does have a very Santa Monica vibe in that sense so I still feel like I'm in a city - which I love :)

 

I wore this outfit last night when I got to attend this fabulous jewelry show where I picked up the most amazing pair of semi-vintage earrings. I cannot wait to wear them - they're gorgeous!! The thing that I love about this shirt dress is that it's super versatile (I guess I'm still on a graffiti print kick). This time I dressed it down with my favorite studded boots - sort of downtown chic don't you think?

 

Don't forget if you're a Raleigh/Triangle area blogger - I want to meet! Let's hang out as soon as possible :) Happy Thursday everyone!

Outfit Post: Street Style Wedge Sneakers

 

Target Wedge Sneakers

TopShop Leather Side Panel Leggings

AG Jeans Pocket V-Neck Tee c/o

Target Neon Satchel (old - similar here)

 

After finally giving in and buying these wedge sneakers I pondered on how to wear them. They're not exactly my usual style but I really wanted to step outside the box with them. Turns out - they're my new favorite item in my closet! And after Sally Hansen asked me to create a "Street Style" inspired nail design, I also got inspired with my wardrobe too!

 

The best part about this outfit? It's all 100% comfy - like an updated version of jeans & a tee. These leather panel leggings are PHENOM. I've worn them dressed up, casually, and every which way in between. L.O.V.E. Lastly, I topped off my look with messy waves and a smokey eye.

 

Bill & I finally have an apartment, we just bought a couch & I think we're getting a car on Wednesday which means that our life is (slowly?) getting back to normal. Which also means posting on BAD should be getting back to normal. Thanks for you patience and support during our BIG move! I heart you guys!! xo

 

Nail Art: Street Style Graffiti Print Nails

 

Lately, I've been really inspired by street style. Even more than usual. I'm not sure if it had anything to do with me buying these new wedge sneakers, the Prabal Gurung for Target bright spring line or the recently themed "Chaos to Couture Punk" Met Gala Ball, but street style has been on my mind.

 

So when Sally Hansen asked me to create my own nail design based on "Street Style" I jumped at the chance. And since my love obsession with neon is still going strong, I thought why not create a Graffiti Print inspired nail design.

 

 

I have to admit that nail art has always been a little bit intimidating to me but this was a really fun project! All it took was a little bit of trial and error and some patience. Plus, it made me realize that it doesn't have to be perfect to look cool. In fact, I kind of love that it's messy, edgy and unique - just like "Street Style" itself!

 

Want to know how I did it? It was actually super easy!

 

 

Graffiti Print Nail Art

 

Here's what I used:

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in (L-R)

 Black Out

Green with Envy

Blue Me Away!

Sun Kissed

Mellow Yellow

Fuchsia Power

Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Dry & Go Drops

 

1. Paint your nails with base/top coat. Let dry 5 minutes

 

2. Paint all nails with Black Out Polish. I did 2 coats. Let dry completely (I did mine the night before)

 

4. Add a few of the Dry & Go drops to create a shiny texture.

 

3. Put a small pool of each color that you want to use on a paper plate. Just a small amount. You can always add more if you need to so don't dump out too much polish

 

4. Using either a sponge or a dental floss stick, slowly add the 1st color to each nail.

Note: depending on the look you want will determine which tool to use. The sponge will give you a more smudged look. While the dental floss stick will be more defined. I did both, but preferred the dental floss tool better)

 

 

 5. If you use the dental floss, dip the side ends onto the polish and dab on each nail. Then run the floss part over the color the spread it out (see above photo for more explanation) Wait for the 1st color to dry (about 3 - 4 minutes)

 

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 with remaining colors

 

 

That's it! See how easy it was? It may take a bit of time, but I just watched a DVRed episode of "Real Housewives" so it didn't take that long. It totally reminds me of spray painted walls on the street.

 

I love these Graffiti Print nails so much that they actually inspired me to create a "street style" outfit based on them!

 

 

Check back tomorrow to see the full look!

 

I chose not to add another coat of Dry & Go drops because I wanted my design to be more "matte" than shiny. Kind of like concrete walls or asphalt sprayed with spray paint. Now that I see how easy Nail Art can be I'm really excited to try more designs. Next up on my list is Pop Art inspired nails.

 

Make sure you enter the Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Contest by submitting your own nail design! To enter go to Facebook.com/SallyHansen or use the hashtag #iheartnailart on Twitter or Instagram to share your looks. 5 Finalists will win $500 and be flown to NYC to compete in the final round where 1 winner will win an additional $2,000!

 

 

What are you creating on your nails?! Happy Wednesday everyone!! xo

 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Sally Hansen via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sally Hansen