Summer Wedding Necessities

To be honest, the title of this post is a bit deceiving. Some of these items are more likely perceived necessities but a girl has to dream. We have four weddings on our calendar between May and July. I've lost weight over the last year and all of my dresses are too big. That's a beautiful thing but it's also challenging. Most of the weddings have some sort of outdoor element to them, which means stilettos and long gowns are out. Weather can change from warm to cool at night, so I will need some versatile options. In addition to the wedding, there will also be a few events surrounding some of the weddings. I'll be traveling to all of them. Three are out of state. I want outfits that pack well and will still look great. Challenge accepted. I went searching for some inspiration.

 photo credits: Fashion Vibe, Gal Meets Glam, A Little Dash of Darling


None of the weddings are formal but some are dressier than others. Some are extremely casual and frankly, those throw me a bit. I want to be dressed appropriately, per the couple's guidelines but I also want to look good. And I always err on the side of dressy. It never bothers me to be a little more dressed up than other guests. I prefer it over being overly casual. I found these three options.

Lane Bryant (sold out online, available in stores) / Asos / eShakti

Each of these dresses will look great dressed up with heels and statement jewelry or dressed down with flats or flat sandals and more simple jewelry. Versatility is always important to me. 

Jewelry by Stella & Dot / Shoes available via Saks Off 5th

Telling My Story - KEEP Collective

One of the things I've enjoyed the most about blogging is meeting fantastic people that I most likely would have never met. Some of these great people I've only met via internet and phone, due to geography. Recently you've read about my friend Alison and about my friend Noel. Alison and I are lucky enough to live close by but Noel, who I met through blogging, lives in Texas. Through her, I met Candice (she also lives in Texas), who is a KEEP Collective Designer. When I was first met Candice, via facebook, I was not yet a Stella and Dot Stylist. In case you didn't know, KEEP Collective is a sister company to Stella and Dot. When I became a Stylist, Candice and I decided it would be fun to work together. She was kind enough to send me some KEEP Collective goodies and I sent her some Stella & Dot goodies.

Candice chose the Grace Chandelier earrings, which look stunning on her and the Gilded Arrow Bangle.  She looks beautiful wearing her earrings (top photo). We both styled our Gilded Arrow Bangle with our KEEP Collective bracelets. Candice is wearing the mesh bracelets and the Time Key. I'm wearing the Double leather bracelet in rose gold (and saddle, on the reverse) and the accent keys that tell my story.  If you follow me on facebook or Instagram, you've seen my love of personalized jewelry. It's special to have a piece of jewelry that is your own. KEEP Collective makes that possible.

I love KEEP Collective because it's so personal.  Each person can wear the same accent key and it means something different to each person.

 

So why did I choose these accent keys?

• Crescent Moon - for {msL}. Since early on in our relationship, we've always shared a love of the moon. Even today (9 years in), if one of us sees a great moon, we will show it to the other. I woke her up one night recently and got her to come out on the deck to see how bright and beautiful the moon was.
• Knot - for my Dad (and {msL}). My Dad loved all things nautical and his hobby was knot tying. Knots always remind me of him because he was such a strong bond for our family. During our wedding ceremony, {msL} and I tied a sailors knot in honor of our Dad's (her Dad was a sailor). When you pull on a sailor's knot it just gets tighter. The rope will break before the knot unties.
• Eiffel Tower - represents my love of travel and fashion. I was lucky enough to visit Paris several years ago and I can't wait to go back.
• Champagne Glass - I believe that life should be a celebration. We should never take our days for granted. Life is short and we should approach it with joy and gusto.

KEEP Collective has so many options for you to tell your own story, including letters, numbers, gem stones, sayings and many more accent keys. They have bracelets in leather and metal as well as necklaces. All of the leather bracelets are two colors (double sided). You can change your accent keys and your story at any time. The keys slide on and off of the bracelets and necklaces. Candice can help you to design something that is personal and uniquely your own.  I love my bracelet and I already have a growing wish list, including a time key and more accent keys.

Stella & Dot Giveaway - Custom Engraved Necklace - CLOSED

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is my monogram necklace. It was a gift from {msL} years ago. Now you can win your very own custom engraved necklace!! To celebrate my new Stella and Dot business I'm giving away your choice of a custom engraved round or bar pendant in your choice of gold or silver. There are so many ways to customize these necklaces that I couldn't possibly include them all. All you need to do to win is to leave a comment below telling me how you'd personalize your necklace. I have my eye on one with our wedding date.

The winner will chose the circle or bar style necklace, in silver or gold, and add their personal design. You can see all of the font and design options by clicking the Personalize link on the page for each piece. Enter your comment below and good luck!!!

The giveaway will end at 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 17th.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED

Stella & Dot (Your Choice) Giveaway (just leave a comment) - CLOSED

To celebrate the launch of my new Stella and Dot venture, instead of Frugal Fashion Friday, I'm hosting a giveaway! The custom engravable necklaces we have are a great addition to the Stella and Dot line. You can create beautiful pieces of engraved jewelry that is uniquely yours. Your custom options are limited only by the number of characters your can fit on the charm or necklace. To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment below!

Gold Engravable Circle Necklace

Silver Engravable Bar Necklace

Winning is easy, just enter a comment below telling me how you'd personalize your necklace. I'd love to have one with my wedding date!

The winner will chose the circle or bar style necklace, in silver or gold, and add their personal design. You can see all of the font options by clicking the Personalize link on the page for each piece.

The giveaway will end at 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 17th.
This Giveaway has CLOSED

 

Happy Friday Real Girls!!

Next week I will be sharing some great new items I've tried out (beauty and fashion).

Stella & Dot Summer Preview

You are all well aware of my love of and for Stella & Dot. Some great new items have arrived just in time for warm weather! I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you but you can check out the entire collection here.

Rory Necklace

 

Aviva Chandelier Earrings

 

 

Coral Cay Necklace

 

 

Sahara Pendant Necklace

 

Cady Wrap Bracelet

 

 

 



Capri Wrap in Moroccan Tile

You know I love sarongs. This great sarong is on my summer wish list and it will definitely be in my beach bag!

Diamond Raffia Tote

Check out all of the great new arrivals yourself. Stay tuned, I will be styling one of my favorite pieces soon and there will be a giveaway too!

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Accessories - Unexpected Sources

Accessories are the icing on the cake that is your outfit. They elevate a simple gray t-shirt to evening wear status or turn a tulle skirt into day wear. Shopping for accessories is something I do constantly. The best part is finding them in places that you wouldn't consider typical.

Drugstore sunglasses
One of my favorite pairs of sunglasses and that recieve lots of compliments came from Walgreens. These sunglasses are Foster Grant and cost just $12! This style is no longer available from Foster Grant but these are similar.

{msL} and I at the beach last year, both pairs are drugstore shades

Hardware Store jewelry
Rope bracelets have been really popular in past years. I love a good DIY and I constantly look for fun new projects. I've made bracelets from rope, wire, and other hardware. Last year our beach trip turned rainy so I made a trip to the hardware store for copper wire. I made lots of rings and toe rings for the girls.

Airport gift shop scarves
I have a bit of a scarft problem. I've collected pashmina like scarves in every color. They are great for polishing an outfit. Somehow I always think a woman looks more chic wearing a scarf. My best find for these inexpensive scarves is airport gift shops.  They usually sell them in every color and for about $10. Score!

What is your favorite unexpected spot for accessories?


photo credit (scarves bottom): the gloss

Stella & Dot Giveaway and My Wishes

My love of Stella and Dot jewelry is no secret.  It's beautiful high quality jewelry and there are pieces that appeal to everyone. That's why I've joined up with my favorite Stella and Dot Stylist, Kristin Biggs to bring you an amazing giveaway.  Click here to enter to win a $50 Stella and Dot gift card!   NOTE: This giveaway is closed.

These two necklaces, the Kahlo (hematite) and the Pegasus are on my wish list. They are amazing and certainly stand outs. If only I could enter the giveaway.

Stella & Dot Fall Trunk Show Preview and GIVEAWAY! - CLOSED

This Giveaway is CLOSED.



 

Thank you for reading. I conduct new giveaways regularly. Check back for details.

When I got my first look at the new pieces in the fall Stella and Dot collection, I think I squealed. There are so many amazing pieces. Many of them suit my personal style but there is truly something for everyone. There are pieces you could wear every day, pieces that can be worn multiples ways, sparkly pieces and statement pieces.  I couldn't show you everything, so I just picked some of my favorites.



Click the photos above to see details on these pieces and the rest of the collection.

 

When I saw the Kahlo necklace in hematite, I knew it had to be mine. It's an amazing statement necklace, mixed metals, sparkle, and heavy chain. I also love the Sutton Necklace. You can wear it five different ways! That's quintuple duty! Not only are there beautiful pieces of jewelry, there are bags and handbags. Don't even get me started on the bags and wallets. Take a look for yourself.

I love these pieces so much that I'm hosting an online Stella and Dot Trunk Show as well as a giveaway! Check out all of the new pieces and be sure to enter the giveaway for a

$50 Stella and Dot gift card!

You have more than seven chances to win, if you complete all of the entries. Earn more entries by tweeting daily or placing an order through the trunk show (not required for entry or to win).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer - The opinions expressed here are my own. I was not paid for this post, however I will earn credits from purchases through the trunk show. The $50 gift card is provided at my own expense. A trunk show purchase is not required to enter or win the gift card. The gift card can only be used for Stella & Dot items purchased through Stylist Kristin Biggs.

Beach Scenes 2013

This week is our annual family beach trip. I'm focusing on family and fun this week. Blogging has taken a backseat but I thought I would share some photos with you that I've snapped of our fun.

Our first evening here we took the kids down to the beach to play a but before bed.

A late night wicked storm rolled in and washed us out.

This morning the kids got to play in the huge puddles created by the storm.

I always bring craft projects for the week. It's my relaxation time. This week I created two new cell phone cases.

There will be other DIY projects coming this week.

This quartz skull pendant is my best vacation purchase so far. I can't wait to add it to my favorite silver chain and rock it with a concert t-shirt.

We all take turns cooking. Tonight is my nephew Tommy's turn. The best part is that I get to drink wine (or vodka) and watch someone else cook.

There will be more vacation fun soon. Have a great day and night Real Girls!

Inspiration - Van Cleef & Arpels Zip Necklace

The suggestion for the design of the iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Zip Necklace came from life long customer, the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson.  She was known for her amazing jewelry collection (much of it given to her by her husband), an auction of twenty pieces was held in 2010. She suggested a convertible necklace made in a zip fastener style. In 1951 the zip necklace was created.  The design appeals to my desire to have items that perform double duty.  The necklace transforms into a bracelet (see video below).

I wish that someone would create a less expensive version of this amazing piece but I have yet to find anything similar. It's stunning. Van Cleef & Arpels has created many versions of this necklace over the years in different metals and with various gems.  All unique in their own way.



Is there an iconic piece of jewelry that you love and wish to own?

Everyday Jewelry

My jewelry armoire is filled with tons of great jewelry. I love to mix up my look but there are pieces I gravitate toward daily and those I wear every day without fail.

Silver bangles that belonged to my Mom, white gold link bracelet (one of the first gifts {msL} ever gave me) that I never take off, a watch (I have a silver, a gold, and a rose gold in similar styles.)



My engagement and wedding ring.  I never take off my wedding ring.

My Stella and Dot Renegade bracelet (c/o Kristin Biggs) is my favorite bracelet. I wear it almost every day.

My monogram necklace (a gift from {msL}). I wear it often.

Do you have favorite jewelry pieces that you wear ever day?

Classics "I Want" List

One of my favorite Pinterest boards is my "I Want" board.  It contains those items I spy when virtual "window shopping" online that I would like to have. Some are affordable and some are pipe dreams. There are tons of trendy items I'd like to have. Some I buy, like these boots. In reality I have lots of clothes and I need to pair down and clean out my closet. I'm planning a massive closet purge soon. My style is eclectic but there are items that I consider classics or basics that will be used and worn for years and years to come. Here's my current classics "I WANT" list.



Click on the pictures above for buying information.

• Nude or Tan Top Handle Tote - The color needs to be muted, more nude than brown. I want the top handles to be short so it's easy to carry down at my side or in the crook of my arm. It also must have a long strap for hands free ease as well as internal pocket(s) for organization. This one from Zara fits all my criteria.

• Chunky Gold Chain Necklace - I have tons of silver necklaces but I don't have many in gold. I like this one from BaubleBar but I'd prefer a single, thick chain that I can wear multiple ways.

• Full Skirt - This circle skirt from ModCloth is the right length and the right amount of fabric, at the right price.

• Nude or Tan Chunky Heel Sandal - I need a neutral sandal like this one that I can dress up or down. It can go to the office or out to dinner. This pair from ALDO is simple but still has interesting detail.

• White Jeans - I own a pair of white cropped pants but I'd love to have a pair of white jeans. I want them to be a narrow cut or skinny but they can't be tight.  The trick to making white pants look good on us curvy girls is fit.  If they are too tight or pull in the wrong place, they'll be terribly unflattering.

• Printed Pants - I'm sure these paisley pants don't seem like a classic.  But I love printed pants and I'm sure I will be wearing them for several seasons or more.  I own four pairs and I wear them constantly. They have become my go to pants this spring and I wore them all winter too. I think I need to hit the Talbots Outlet soon. Three of my four pairs came from there and they were all great bargains.

Do you have a classics list?

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.

  

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - White

Remember the fashion rule, "No White After Labor Day"?  Well, completely disregard that old and outdated rule.  This fall, white is HOT.  It was all over the runway in the shows for fall 2012, in all sorts of combinations.  Black and white combined was a big trend. White blouses have always been a year round staple but white was seen in pants, coats, jackets and in entire outfits.

I snagged a new white blazer that I've been sporting regularly. A winter white coat is polished an beautiful.  This one from Land's End even give a nod to the military trend with it's pea coat style.  You can never go wrong with white jewelry, year round.  It goes with everything and these pearl and enamel pieces from Stella & Dot, are fun and classic pieces you'll be able to wear for years. Pearls are a great way to do white jewelry.  A white watch is already part of my wardrobe.  The one looks like a more expensive designer style but it's less than $20.  Lace works with this year's brocade trend.  A top or a dress with lace is a pretty addition to your fall outfits.  Just add a jacket or a cardigan and they can be worn well into winter. White pants in the fall?  Yes, pair them with a chunky sweater and some boots and you'll have a fantastic weekend outfit.  This top handle bag by Dooney & Bourke, with brown accents will work with all of your fall favorites.  I'm in love with these winter white, flat boots.  The neutral color will go great with pants or a wool skirt when the temps drop.

Are you going to wear white this fall or are you sticking to the old rule?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Military

Today I'm continuing my fall trends series. It's no secret that I love the military trend.  Military has been seen for quite a few seasons now.  I'm very glad it isn't going away.  My cargo vest DIY is just the first of several military inspired DIYs coming up.  The key to wearing the military trend is to select one military clothing piece and accessorize with items that work with the trend.  If you pile on the military pieces you'll be in danger of looking like you are going to a Halloween party or that you just joined up.  Make your military piece the statement and combine it with more simple items for a chic look.

I love military jackets and vests. If you pick a light weight option, it's easy to layer with other items. Look for buttons or braid if you want a bit of flare.  Navy, olive, gray, khaki and camo are great colors for this trend. If you own a cape that you bought last winter in a darker color, it will fit right in with the military trend. It's a great piece that will accent some of your basic items like cargo pants.

Throw on some fun jewelry that accents your military look.  I chose pieces from Stella & Dot.  They aren't specifically military but the coins and the crown have the look of medals and work well.  The simple but stately studs accent the outfit without being overpowering. A cross body bag or satchel is sure to fit right in with your look. A classic rectangle with very few embellishments, can be worn for years.

You can't go wrong with a great pair boots. As much as I love studs, I think the classic lace up styles that look like girly versions of combat boots are the best. They're versatile and you'll be able to wear them over and over with lots of outfits.

Will you be embracing the military trend?

Inspiration - Silver Accents

My love for all things silver is pretty obvious.  I've done many posts with silver jewelry.  I always gravitate toward silver over gold. I just love the way it sparkles.  Here are just a few of my silver loves and inspirations.

Thrifted Watch Band Turned Bracelet

DIY Upcycled Tray, Spray Painted Silver

My Stella & Dot Alexandria Necklace

DIY Silver Skull

ASOS Paris Metallic Pointed Heels only $20.44!

Coolest DIY Silver Leaf lampshade from Design Sponge

DIY Silver Leaf Chest from Little Green Notebook

ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet

My thrifted tray and after Halloween sale, skull became great home accents.  A thrifted watch band has become one of my favorite bracelets. I'm in love with my Stella & Dot Alexandria necklace (c/o). It's in regular rotation and I get compliments every time I wear it. A pair of silver pumps are on my list and these are on sale for only $20.44 at ASOS!  I love simple DIY projects and this black and silver shade just that. Some silver leaf will transform a blah black shade. There is a brown buffet sitting in our dining that I bought via work list serve many years ago.  I've been debating about what to do with it and couldn't decide. Then I spied this silver leaf DIY on Pinterest and I knew I'd found the solution. DIY here I come! I can't resist a spiked bracelet. The gunmetal version is one of my favorites and I definitely need to snatch up the silver one too.

What's your favorite accent color?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Wendy Brandes Fine Jewelry

My regular feature, I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much, sometimes focuses on my wish list items. Recently, I've become obsessed with Wendy Brandes Fine Jewelry.  I first learned of Wendy through her writing.  She writes regularly for the Huffington Post.  She posted one of my favorite outfits in a feature that she did titled "Do Long Skirts Mean You Should Short Stocks".  I started following Wendy on Twitter and then learned of her amazing jewelry.  She's an award winning jewelry artist.  I love the beauty and edginess of her designs.  They're fantastic! I'll have to start saving or as Wendy says, "time to start playing the lottery."

Onyx Skull Ring (my FAVORITE piece)

Barbara Necklace

Queen of Scots Earrings