Fashion and Friendship Friday (and a Giveaway)

Yesterday I had a big deadline for my full time job. I know I promised to work on finding a blogging, work and life balance and I'm not really doing that yet. The main paycheck won out over the last two weeks. I'm taking a three day weekend and I'm working on some fun things for next week. Behind the scenes I have been making some things happen. Today, my dear friend and blogger Alison, is giving away the beautiful Fortuna necklace (in either gold or silver, your choice)!! I read her blog, Wardrobe Oxygen, daily. Alison was one of the first bloggers I ever met in person.

Fortuna Necklace (three ways)

If you follow me on instagram, you saw this photo from the DC Goodwill gala. I'm wearing the Stella and Dot Pegasus necklace in this photo. We don't get to see each other as often as we'd like but when we do, it's always a great time. Alison is celebrating 10 years of Wardrobe Oxygen and I'm thrilled to celebrate her success and her wonderful blog.

Make sure you check out her blog and enter the giveaway!

Happy Friday Real Girls!

AVON Butler Bag WINNER!

Congratulations to the winner of the AVON Butler bag!!

CONGRATULATIONS Tekisha!!

I will be in touch about getting your bag sent out to you. Thanks again to my dear friend Kevin Seiger-Cottoms, AVON Representative, for providing this fantastic bag for me to giveaway!

Stella and Dot Necklace Winner!

I'm excited to give someone their choice of a beautiful custom engraved Stella and Dot necklace.  It's a fantastic piece to add to a jewelry wardrobe.

I used a random number generator to determine the winner. Each entrant was assigned a number. Then using Random.org, the number was generated. CONGRATS to the winner!

CONGRATULATIONS TLC (Tameka)!!

 

I will be in touch to get you your necklace. 



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).

WINNER: Stella & Dot Rory Necklace

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway for the Stella and Dot Rory necklace. I hope you will all keep reading and stay tuned for more great style and giveaways. I've been neglecting RGR a bit over the last week because I've been focusing on work and some DIY projects.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

to

Trish C. F.!!

 

I will be emailing your soon about your necklace!



My Easter Duds and a Giveaway - Stella & Dot Rory Necklace!

Over the weekend, we made a quick trip to see my Mom. My visits with her are never long enough and this one was delayed because we had a sewer problem at our house. Plumbers earn every bit of their pay, it's a nasty job. There is still more fixing to do and more money to pay (UGH!) but we have a little peace of mind. It was nice to leave that stress behind and spend some time with Mom.

Jacket - Target, Top - Talbots Outlet, Skirt - Talbots Outlet, Shoes - Asos (no longer available but similar here and here), Aviators - Amazon, Rings - gifts, Bracelets - vintage (gifts) and Stella and Dot, Watch - Timex (gift), Lips - Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Lollipop

Rory Necklace (bottom) and Somervell Necklace from Stella & Dot

I also see this necklace styled with a coral top or jacket (like this kimono I just purchased) and some white jeans. I'm sure I'll be wearing it constantly. It's the perfect summer addition.


Would you like to win your very own Rory Necklace?! My good friend and Stella and Dot Stylist, Kristin Biggs has generously offered to give one of you lucky readers a Rory Necklace of your very own. Just enter below by leaving using the handy entry and leaving a blog comment about how you'd wear the Rory. You can also gain additional entries by liking RGR and Kristin on Facebook, following RGR on twitter and tweeting about the giveaway. The contest will end at midnight on May 5th.

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GOOD LUCK!!

WINNER - Skirt the Issue Giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who read the review and entered the giveaway. The winner of the Skirt the Issue skirt of your choice is:

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Michael S.!!


(I will be in touch via email.)



If you didn't win, Skirt the Issue and their fabulous creator Karen is offering a discount to all RGR readers.  Just click here and go to Skirt the Issue, select a great style (or two) and enter the discount  code:

SKIRTLOVE

for 10% off of your order until June 1st.

Skirt the Issue - Review and Giveaway CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Please read the review and order your own, here.

There are those days when the planets align and amazing things just happen. Last Saturday morning was one of those time. Every Saturday morning, my good friend Joey and I walk inside Potomac Mills Mall. It's great exercise and a good time to gab. I look forward to it every week and it's a perfect addition to my weekly exercise routine. On this specific Saturday we noticed lots of tables being set up, around the mall, for some sort of expo. It was a summer camp expo for parents and kids and many of the tables didn't interest me. Then just past Starbucks I spied a table with products that peaked my interest. The table was for Skirt the Issue. The skirts looked to be little skirts that you could put on over your leggings or yoga pants. After our walk, we grabbed coffee and I stopped at the table. I asked about the product and met Karen, the owner and inventor of Skirt the Issue!

I firmly believe that leggings are not pants. We all wear yoga pants and leggings when we exercise and most of us take a quick stop at the store, do errands or grab coffee afterward. Changing isn't always convenient or an option. Karen has come up with a solution. She has created a seemingly simple pull on tube skirt. It's small enough to tuck in your purse, gym bag or even your pocket. It covers you and looks incredibly stylish. The skirts come in sizes XS - XL.  I wear a size 22 pant and I can wear the XL (lots of stretch)! I was so impressed with the product. Just by seeing it and talking to Karen, I knew I needed to tell everyone about it. I convinced her (I didn't have too try hard) to share this great product with all of you! 

I had to do a few errands after our walk and I was excited to try out my new skirt. I slipped it on over my yoga pants. Frankly, I was a little worried that it wouldn't fit, based on the general sizing guidelines but it did! It's a fantastic solution for all sorts of fashion issues. Check out the website for styling suggestions. Mini skirts aren't for me, so I won't be wearing my skirt solo but it would look great on my friends. I can picture lots of ladies I know who walk to exercise class, wearing a skirt (over their leggings) during the walk or metro ride. I'm also thrilled to share that the skirts come in lots of great colors and patterns and they are manufactured in Virginia!  I love supporting local businesses!

I will be posting photos on Instagram this weekend.  Be sure to check out my Instagram feed and follow me for updates. I love my skirt, in case you couldn't tell. I'm sure you'll love yours too. Since Karen's business is growing, the available colors, sizes and patterns may change as inventory is restocked and new options are added.

Now you can win your own skirt!  Just enter below. Leave a blog post entry and earn additional entries by liking our facebook pages, following us on twitter and tweeting about the giveaway. The winner will be announced on March 24th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Make sure to share this with your friends!


NOTE: All opinions are my own. I was provided a skirt for this review and a skirt for the giveaway.

WINNER AVON Mega Effects Mascara Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered.  The winner of the AVON Mega Effects mascara and makeup bag giveaway is:

SHELBY C.!

I will be contacting the winner via email soon. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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Avon Mega Effects Mascara Review and GIVEAWAY - CLOSED

This Giveaway is CLOSED.

Mascara can make or break your makeup look.  As someone with short lightly colored lashes, mascara is an essential for me. Because of this I am always looking for the latest and greatest mascara. I've tried lots of department store brands but I've found that the economical brands are great and cost less. When I read and saw the buzz about AVON Mega Effects mascara, I knew I had to try it. Lucky for me I have a great AVON connection. My college roomie, Pam, is an AVON representative. She offered to send me a tube to try and a tube to give to one of you! Oh and she also threw in a great little makeup case.

 

My overall verdict is that I love the results. I got these lashes with the mascara only. I didn't use an eyelash curler. It's rare that I am able to achieve lashes this long and full without a curler and with only one mascara (I ususally use two).

I found the wand a bit hard to get used to but once I did, I found it easy to control. I was able to get to the corners of my eyes easier. It was great that I could use the wand straight or at several angles. This allowed me to achieve better results. I wiped off a bit of the excess mascara before applying and found that helped to ensure my coverage was less sloppy.

I'd definitely buy this mascara again. The results and innovative design make it a bargain for $10! Would you like to win your own tube and a fun little makeup case?  Enter the giveaway below. You can enter until midnight on Thursday.

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If you've tried AVON Mega Effects mascara, let me know what you think.  I'm definitely a fan.



NOTE: All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was provided a tube of AVON Mega Effects mascara in exchange for my review.

Passport to Baltimore Fashion Event and Giveaway! - GIVEAWAY CLOSED

 

This giveaway is CLOSED.



This coming Sunday, September 8, the Junior League of Baltimore is hosting its first annual Passport to Baltimore shopping card event!

 

 

Sunday, September 8, 2013
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Green Spring Station Baltimore, Maryland

The event will showcase the latest fall fashions, there will be light refreshments, salon and spa mini treatments and discounts at participating boutiques throughout the day (in addition to November 1 through 10, 2013)!

All proceeds from the Passport to Baltimore fashion event plus the shopping card sales will help support the Junior League’s programs and community impact work.

 

The amazing ladies of the Junior League of Baltimore are offering a lucky DMV or Baltimore area reader, the chance to win a ticket to the festivities!  Just enter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you'd like to learn more or purchase tickets, just click here. Tickets to the fashion show are $50.00 and include a Passport to Baltimore shopping card! Shopping Card tickets are $35.
 

The prize for this post is sponsored by the Junior League of Baltimore, Inc.

 

 Junior League of Baltimore, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and community impact work, including fighting childhood obesity in Baltimore metropolitan area. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. To learn about the League or becoming a member, visit www.jlbalt.org

Winner - Stella & Dot Gift

The giveaway for the $50 Stella and Dot gift card ended at midnight. I'm thrilled to announce the winner! Beautiful jewelry awaits.

CONGRATULATIONS Randi!

 

 



I will be contacting you soon with details.

Even if you didn't win, you can still order some great jewelry.  You could also host your own online or in person trunk show. Just contact Kristin Biggs, Stella and Dot Stylist for details.

I'll be hosting another giveaway very soon. It's a new (to me) and exciting prodocut.  Stay tuned!!!

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.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Styling Your Sale Buys

End of season sale purchases are only bargains if you can get some wear out of them in the current season and transition them to the next season. I believe that most wardrobe pieces should be multi-seasonal. All of the pieces I chose for the post last Friday can do multi-season duty. Here is how I would style some of those pieces.



Click on the items above for buying information.

 

By combining the shorts with a leather trim blouse, you give them edge. Add some heels, statement jewelry and a bright bag for a fun outfit for going out.

Click on the items above for buying information.

Your cropped pants get some polish with a buttoned denim shirt, a jacket and a lady like bag. Add a statement necklace, designer shades and some sneakers to top off the outfit for weekend errands.

Click on the items above for buying information.

 

A short sleeve cashmere sweater and a jacket add warmth to the summer skirt. A few accessories, including some versatile nude pumps make this outfit work for the office.

All of the jewelry and the fun coral bag styled with these outfits are by Stella and Dot.

Enter to win the $50 Stella and Dot gift card that I'm giving away!  Just click here to enter!

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.

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. 


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HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

Jamberry Nail Shields Giveaway - And the Winner is...

CONGRATULATIONS to Sarai M!!  Sarai is the winner of the Jamberry Nail Shield sheet of her choice.

Thanks to everyone who entered and thank you for reading.  There is another giveaway coming soon. RGR has hit a few milestones.  We now have over 100 likes on facebook and over 500 followers on Twitter!  Those two milestones demand a celebration and a fantastic new giveaway is coming soon!

I also thought I'd give an update on my own Jamberry experience.  As you know I was a bit hesitant at first but I have to say, Jamberry has surpassed my expectations.  I get compliments on my nails everywhere I go and today is day 10.  They still look good.  There is a tiny (very tiny) bit of wear on the tips.  {msL} says that it's not noticeable at all and that they still look great.  One of the shields (ring finger on my right hand) has detached from the nail.  I noticed that after a few days and applied heat to reattach.  Now that I'm on day ten it has gotten worse. I think that is due to my error in application since none of the other shields have had this problem.  As the instructions stated, I had a few corners of the shields begin to peel up slightly.  I trimmed them with nail clippers instead of using glue as was suggested.  They still look great.

You can also see the nail growth.  I think that is the most noticeable issue. Your results will vary depending on how fast your nails grow. Despite the time it took to complete my original manicure, I'm a new Jamberry fan.  There are many more Jamberry manicures and pedicures in my future. 10 days and no chips! I'm on board! If you'd like your own set of Jamberry Nail Shields, be sure to visit Noel's website.  You can see all of the Jamberry styles and get tips on application.  She is running a special right now, buy 3 get 1 free.  Based on my own experience, you'll get at least 16 manicures or pedicures for $45 (only $2.81 each), from the deal!  That's a bargain for a manicure that will last you for more than one week. 

Jamberry Nail Shields Giveaway! - CLOSED

Just a few more days to enter the Jamberry Nail Shields giveaway.  You can check out my review and enter the giveaway here.

I love the results I got using Jamberry. I'm giving away a set of your choice. The giveaway will close at midnight on Friday (Saturday morning).