Game Day Outfit: Seminole Shirt Dress

 

Garnet Shirt Dress from L.Mae Boutique c/o (now on sale!!)

Zara Gold Studded Suede Booties (old - super similar at Express)

ban.do Metallic Gold Lamé Pom Pom Flower c/o

Nordstrom BP "Flash" Metallic Aviators in Pink || J.Crew Classic Pavé Link Bracelet || Blu Bijoux Gold Pearl Bangles c/o Max & Chloe || ILY Couture Gold Arrow Ring c/o || oNecklace Gold Cursive Monogram Necklace c/o

 

Are you ready for some football?!? I know I sure am!! College {and Pro!} football has finally arrived! It seriously feels like a lifetime has passed since last season, but last night was practically Christmas Morning officially kicking off the year.

 

And thus, another season of BAD x Game Day has begun! All season long I'll be showing you how I rock my alma mater's colors and style - Florida State Seminoles (insert tomahawk chop) Gone are the days of oversize jerseys and icky old screened white tees. So many boutiques and stores are offering super cute game day looks so there really is no excuse why you can't look fab while cheering on your favorite team.

 

So when L.Mae Boutique contacted me about showing off my FSU Game Day looks, I couldn't be more thrilled! They have a ton of options no matter your style or school's colors. I was instantly drawn to this Garnet shirt dress because I knew it would be so comfy and easy to transition as we go from summer into fall. I can't wait to add some tights and boots as the cooler temps come our way. A few of my other favorite Florida State looks are this tribal print dress (with a gold belt), this ruffled mustard skirt and I'm uhhhbsessing over this bell sleeve tunic - so fabulous!

To make my look even more Seminole worthy, I added my favorite Metallic Gold pom pom pin from ban.do. P.S. they have a bazillion colors AND offer it in a mini form so get over there ASAP and order some.

Make sure you stay tuned for the rest of my Game Day looks! Also - tweet and instagram me your game day looks! Would love to feature you over here on BAD! :) xoxo

End Of Summer Inspo: Erin Wasson x Vogue Netherlands

 

As much as I seriously hate to admit it.. I'm glad that we're right on the edge of Fall. I'm so ready for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Sweaters over leggings, boots, scarves, crisp weather and color changing leaves. So in honor of the technical "last weekend of summer" and the hopes that we'll finally get some cooler weather (these 85+ degree days with humidity are killing me), I wanted to share this fun fashion editorial from June's issue of Vogue Netherlands.

 

The always gorgeous Erin Wasson shows off her flexibility and gorgeous beach curls proving that summer really is all about letting loose and having fun.

 

Happy early Labor Day weekend y'all!

 

all images via Fashion Editorials

Lusting After: GiGi New York Fall 2013 Collection

 

Uber Clutch || Hayden Satchel || Jessica Zipper Tote

Teddie Tote || All in One Clutch || Julia Shopper

Elle Cross body Bag || Maureen || Cross-Body Bag

 

Let's discuss how obsessed with GiGi New York's new fall collection I am. These colors are rich, luxurious and absolutely gorgeous. The burgundy is spot on for the oxblood fall trend and you'll remember that emerald was named by Pantone as the color of the year. And grey goes with practically everything in your wardrobe. I'm not even in lust.. I'm in full on love.

 

All the styles above are available in each of the fall colors. I've got my eye on the emerald Hayden satchel and the burgundy Elle Cross body (also comes in a gorgeous saddle tan color) But truth be told, any of these beauties would be a welcome addition to my collection! So pretty!

Now Trending: Ruffle Hem Trumpet Skirts

The more I think about it.. the more excited about Fall I get. And with a change in season usually comes a change in trends. However there is one chic piece from Spring/Summer that I'm excited about transitioning to the cooler months. The Trumpet Hem Skirt. This ruffled beauty has been showing up all over the runways and blogs these last few months. See a few of my favorite ways to style it and shop the look below:

 

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 Graphic tees are all the rage right now.. love the idea of dressing down a feminine skirt with a rocker inspired tee

 

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Is there anything that a chambray button up won't go with? The answer is no. Throw on some flats and a sparkly necklace and instant girly outfit.

 

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 As the temps start too cool off I literally get giddy with glee at the thought of pulling out my sweaters. I love the way this cozy knit paired with some neutral sandals and shades changes a summer look into an early fall one.

 

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 I'm still red-hot over black and white. What's not to love about this two-toned outfit? Never underestimate the power of a white tee, even if it has long sleeves. (p.s. she MADE that skirt!)

 

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Printed versions are best paired with solid pieces - and turtlenecks are the perfect way to make it through winter in style and keep warm.

 

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Who would have thought that black tights would become such a staple in my cold weather wardrobe (I hated them as a kid) So perfect with a bright bold option (and a printed blouse!)

 

What do you think? Are you into this trend? Here's a few budget friendly options for you to try !

 

Outfit Post: Birthday Butterflies

 

 

CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley Butterfly Printed Shorts (at Belk - on clearance!!) (love this ASOS version)

Topshop Ribbed Peplum Top (old - similar here and here)

Guess Pink Glitter Pumps (old)

ILY Couture Fan Fringe Necklace in Ivory || Arbonne Black Glitter Knuckle Clutch (old - LOVE this one and this gold one || Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Rose Gold Watch || J.Crew Pave Link Bracelet

 

Can you believe we're already almost 1/2 way through August? I can't. Time is just flying by the older we get and I'm not liking it! Speaking of getting older - I celebrated my birthday last week. Why aren't birthdays as fun as they were when you were 7 or 10.. or 21? Maybe I should try having a "Purple Party" like I did when I was 8 to inject a little bday spunk into my life...

 

How fun are these butterfly print shorts? When I spotted them on my latest instagram crush, Maggie, I just had to have them. I scored them majorly on sale (they're still available so you can too!) and just couldn't wait to wear them for dinner at Mura, my favorite sushi restaurant in Raleigh. They're part whimsical part girly which is totally up my alley. I also couldn't resist pulling out my favorite pink glitter pumps, a Christmas gift from Billy several years ago. What better way to celebrate a birthday than with Pink Glitter?

 

What about you - what was your favorite birthday celebration you ever had?

 

 

Outfit Post: Camo, Leopard & Straight Hair - Oh My!

 

 

 

Zara Camouflage Print Trousers with Zippers (old- extremely similar at Bloomie's) 

Aaron Ashe Cut Out Back Tank (old)

Target Leopard Loafers (old - super similar here)

D'Andrea "Mr. One Nighter" in Black c/o LuckyFABB || Apricot Lane Black Cat Eye Sunglasses (similar here) || Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Rose Gold Watch || oNecklace Gold Cursive Monogram Necklace c/o

 

Let's talk hair for a moment or two.. When Misikko contacted me about testing out one of their top rated flat irons, I hesitated for just a second. You see, I used to spend hours on my hair. No joke, actual hours. After washing it, I'd blow dry it section-by-section then flat iron it section-by-section. My hair is pretty thick and curly so it usually takes forever. But it's literally been about a year since I straightened my hair, so I decided to take the plunge and test it out.

 

Boy has my perspective changed! Misikko graciously sent me the HANA Pro 1" Flat Iron, one of their #1 sellers, to test out. I was so surprised to see how big of a box I got.. I was even more surprised when I opened it up and found all this:

 

 

Talk about a pampering sesh! Misikko included quite a few little extras -  I especially loved the heat proof mat. Perfect to lay any hot tool on. Also who couldn't use a new eyelash curler? Sometimes,  I just love being a girl! :)

 

So I washed my hair the day before and let it air dry. I did this for 2 reasons: 1) If I'm using a hot tool, I try not to blow dry to lessen the amount of heat put on my hair & 2) My hair is freaking long and I'm lazy. So it usually looks like this before:

 

 

Just has a natural wave and a teensy bit of frizz (but I personally like it that way) I blasted my crown with some cold air from my hair dryer to give it some extra body, then went to work with my Hana flat iron. Or so I thought... I was finished within 20 minutes. MY WHOLE HEAD. And not like kinky straight - but it actually smoothed out my waves and zero frizz.. I was seriously so impressed. Check ittttt....

 

 

Here's a few things that I love about it:

1. It heats up super fast so I'm not waiting for forever

2. It has temperature settings which is great for all hair types. Thin hair can set it to a lower temp while people with hair like mine or curlier can go higher.

3. It has a 360 swivel cord making it easy to work all the way around my head

4. It comes with a travel pouch, making packing a breeze and keeping it safe to store while cooling off

5. Even though it's only 1 inch, it worked perfectly on my thick hair - though I still flat ironed in sections

6. Misikko customer service was fabulous - I couldn't believe how quickly the iron shipped to

 

I'm so happy the Hana Salon helped reunite me with my love of straight hair minus the arm cramps and all the sweat equity. Totally simple, totally worth it. I let my ends bend a little so it wasn't completely stick straight. P.S. anytime you use a hot tool on your hair.. please, please, PLEASE use a heat protectant spray.

 

 My next task is to try to curl my locks using the straightener. I know that sounds weird - but I've heard of so many people who do it.. if you have a good tutorial, pass it along! It's Friday guys! Go enjoy the weekend!! 

 

Disclosure: a complimentary Hana Pro Flat iron was provided by Misikko. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Misikko or Hana.

July Insta-Life

Just a few snaps from my instagram during July...

 

 

my version of 4th of July with Vitamin A swimwear

 

I'm so excited for College Football! I found a few items this summer that will be perfect for Game Day outfits - this garnet dress is one of them!

 

Sneak peek of this outfit post

 

Lunch with new friends calls for casual cutoffs and, of course, ankle booties!

 

My version of a Saturday Night while Bill was out of town (and it was gloriousssss!)

 

Hi. My name is Nikki and I'm addicted to neon.

 

Catch these photos and more on my instagram account - @NRich14