I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Rose Gold

I've found myself reaching for my few rose gold pieces often. I'm loving that they mix so well with silver or gold. The pretty pink color is so warm and summery and you know how I love metallics. I have found myself wanting a few more rose gold items to add to my collection.

Click on the items above for buying information.

I saw these fantastic Ray-Ban aviators on some fellow bloggers. Then I lucked out and found them on amazon. They were a great price and I love them. It's hard to tell but they have the most amazing rose gold mirror lenses (even though they are called Copper Flash). The rose gold Stella and Dot Renegade bracelet has been on my must list for a while. I'd love to get a rose gold monogram necklace. This Rebecca Minkoff cross body bag would be a fun addition to my summer wardrobe. Essie polish in Penny Talk is a fun metallic to add to your collection. Just be sure to use a ridge filling base coat because the metallic finish shows every ridge and flaw. I love the geometric shapes of these rings. This belt would look so pretty on a white dress. You know my obsession with oxfords. These by Cole Haan would be a perfect addition to my collection. The Manolos are a pipe dream but I love them. The flat sandals are a pretty and more realistic option.

Do you love rose gold as much as I do?

Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet WINNERS!

The winners of the Renegade Cluster Bracelets have been chosen!  Thanks to everyone who entered, commented, Liked us on facebook, tweeted and retweeted.  We had over 200 entries! If you weren't a winner, don't worry, I have more giveaways coming up to celebrate the Holidays and some RGR milestones.

CONGRATULATIONS

Laura S. and diana!

I will be contacting you via email soon.

  

Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet Giveaway! - CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

I'm sure you've all seen me wearing my all time favorite Stella and Dot bracelet, the Renegade Cluster bracelet. It's the perfect combination of tough and pretty.  I LOVE this bracelet and I wear it constantly. Several months ago I had the good fortune of meeting Stella and Dot Stylist Kristin Biggs at a NoVA Fashion Week event.  Until that point I had only seen Stella and Dot jewelry online.  Kristin introduced me to this fantastic line of beautiful jewelry.  Many months later Kristin is not only my Stella and Dot Stylist, she's also my good friend. Blogging has brought so many fantastic people into my life. Kristin has generously offered to give two Real Girl Runway readers the choice of a silver or gold Renegade Cluster bracelet!

Stack it or wear it alone, this bracelet is so versatile and it's fun.  I promise it will become one of your favorites too. Enter today and tell your friends.  The giveaway will end on November 19. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

Stella & Dot via Instagram

I've mentioned before that I'm partnering with Stella & Dot and stylist Kristin Biggs to bring you some fun new jewelry.  Kristin was kind enough to lend me some pieces to wear and photograph for upcoming posts and articles.  I thought I'd share with you some of the items I've been wearing and how I've been wearing them.

From the top left...

• Sidewinder Ring - I love this ring!! It's hands down one of my favorite Stella & Dot pieces. The rose gold is of the moment. It's also bold and a little dangerous but pretty at the same time.
• Bangles - The Lindsay, the Eleanor, the Carrie, and the Serpent.  I loved wearing these colors mixed. It was fun.
• Femme Fatale Necklace and the Nouvelle Ring - these were a gift from the lovely Kristin.  I've been wearing them constantly. I love the chunky chains of the Femme Fatale and the rugged cuts of the Nouvelle.  You can wear them with everything.
• Stacked Bracelets - (beginning at my wrist) The Tribute bracelet, the Renegade bracelet (in gold), the Nugget Wrap bracelet, the Renegade (in silver), the Carrie bangle (in white, set of three).  I love mixing metals and textures.  This is a great combination.
• Sparkle and Metal - The Luna Wrap bracelet and the Tribute bracelet are pretty worn together or separately.  Again, I love the mix of metals. Fun and not expected. 
• Sidewinder Earrings - A great compliment to the Sidewinder ring without being too matchy.  I like that they are studs but they aren't boring by any means.  They are definitely a statement. 

I love Stella & Dot for the quality and the variety of pieces.  There is something for everyone and every style.  If you're like me and love all sorts of different styles, you can experiment and try out new looks. 

I'm going to be hosting a Stella & Dot Trunk Show later this month.  If you live in the DC area and are interested in attending, please send me an email at realgirlrunway@live.com.  If you don't live in the DC area, you can still participate by clicking this link. Select the pieces you'd like to order and they'll be shipped to you directly.  I will be earning some jewelry via this trunk show and I'll be sharing the wealth with all of you via a give away coming soon.  I can't wait to share it with you!

What is your favorite Stella & Dot piece?

When Life Gets in the Way

As much as I hate to admit it, this has been a bit of a lack luster this week here on RGR. We got home from vacation on Monday evening and my paying job has been non-stop ever since.  I've been getting home late from work and haven't managed to get to bed until late every night, trying to catch up on personal things.  I've also been working on a guest post I'll be doing tomorrow for the DC Goodwill Fashionista. These are pathetic blogger excuses, I know and I promise to make it up to you all next week.

Because of all of this craziness I was inspired to talk about getting dressed in the morning  Since I've been blogging and folks know I have a fashion blog, I feel a little more pressure to pull off great daily outfits. That being said, there are days when I'm just not feeling creative or fashionista like. I've gone to bed without a thought of my outfit for the next day.  I get up late or I'm in a hurry. To avoid the boring old office uniform of a black skirt and white blouse, I've devised a couple of quick dressing strategies.

Pick a Simple Base
I have a couple of dresses that are like a blank canvas. They are solid colors, gray, blue, raspberry, etc.  A great fitting dress can take you from day to night and you only have to grab that single item to get started. If you aren't feeling the dress, use a monochromatic, pants and top base.  The top and pants don't have to match exactly but the same color range helps.  And bonus, a monochromatic look is slimming on all figures.

Spice It Up With Accessories 
Adding accessories doesn't just mean jewelry.  With a basic dress, you can add an interesting or contrasting belt, standout shoes and a colorful bag.  You can also never go wrong with a statement necklace and an arm party of bracelets.


Choose a Great Topper
If it's still cool outside, you can pick a jacket or coat that will get you noticed. I'm a big fan of print coats in bright colors.  If your dress is a neutral, you could choose a bright colored trench.

Using these three simple ideas, it makes getting dressed a bit easier. When I'm in a rush or feeling uninspired, it keeps me from losing my mind.

Do you have quick dressing strategies of  your own?  I'd love to know what they are, please share.

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl (part 3)

Oh the joy of accessories. My heart beats fast, just walking past all of the jewelry, bags, belts, and scarves. My obsession with sunglasses is a bit crazy. Every girl needs great accessories to complete an outfit. You can change the whole tone of an outfit by changing the accessories. A simple little black dress (LBD) can go from day to night with just a simple switch.

All of these items can be found for budget prices.

TOP SPRING PICKS
1. a solid color flowy maxi skirt
2. wide leg jeans
3. anything 70's inspired
4. biker jacket (leather or faux leather, whatever fits your budget)
5. a sheer sweater (for layering)
6. Neutrals in pale tans or blushes (pants or skirt)
7. A Breton striped top
8. Bold color tops and bottoms (vary this depending on your life)
9. a pair of neutral booties that can be dressed up or down, heel height is a preference
10.White pants, skirt, or dress

EXTRAS
1. cat eye sunglasses
2. big bangle bracelets
3. anything rose gold
4. obi belts or wide sashes
5. colorful scarves
6. lady-like bags


To view the buying information for the options, click on the picture. It will take you to a site where you can click on each item and get the details.

There are lots of spots for stylish and budget friendly sunglasses. I recommend checking Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and other low priced retailers in addition to the net.

Thrift stores can be treasure troves for jewelry especially things like bangles. I found some great bangles at Goodwill recently for just a few dollars. Be sure to check your local thrift store.

Fine rose gold is crazy expensive and definitely not budget friendly. If you are searching the net or a site, be sure to check for "rose tone" as well as "rose gold".  The options below are in rose tone metal and rose gold over silver.

The next entry will contain the last of the list.

Get Your Punk On!

I'm inspired by 80's punk styles. My inspirations...

Being a child of the 80's, I've worn all of these trends once before. I just can't help myself, I still love them. It's possible to wear trends a second time, if you reinterpret them for today.

Forever 21 $5.80

Stack bracelets just like the original Material Girl.  Instead of pairing them with a bustier, try jazzing up a t-shirt and jeans or your work clothes.



Worthington at JC Penney $32.99

Forget Dynasty. Pick a strong shoulder jacket that you can pair with a pencil skirt or jeans. Belt it for a more modern look.

Punk.com $18

Pair a studded belt with a tunic or offset the femininity of a floral dress with a little toughness.

Wilsons Leather Cycle Jacket $90

Leather jackets (or faux leather) are becoming a wardrobe classic.  You can wear it with basic pants or toughen up a pretty dress. You can even use it as a layering piece.

Mary Kay Black eye liner $10

What's punk without some black eye liner? Instead of piling it on like Joan Jett, use it as the base of your smokey eye.  Smudge it for effect. This Mary Kay version is waterproof and smudge proof, which is important for long wear.

With a little thought you can take the fun elements of punk and make them work for you.  A studded bracelet or a belt can give contrast to girly pieces. Try an inexpensive accessory before you take the plunge and purchase a leather jacket with lots of zippers. If you've made your own DIY chain jacket that I posted a couple weeks ago, it will fit right in!