Window Shopping

Lately I've been thinking about fancy dresses. I don't go out to clubs all that much anymore, but from time to time I still like to go out and shake my groove thing. Yeah, I said "groove thing." I can't believe I said "groove thing." Ok, stop saying "groove thing." Sometimes I wind up at clubs where anything goes, and I can get away with a sheer top and jorts. Those come as you are types are my favorite because really, who wants to dance in high heels all night? But often there is some seriously decent music happening at a chichi club with a dress code (this is NYC), and I reluctantly resign myself to a night of discomfort in exchange for reveling in awesome music. And, though I own many cute dresses, none of them really feel right for those fancier establishments.

As I was window shopping the cocktail dress selection at DressV.com, I came across the above beauty. I love the colors, the silhouette, and the delicate detailing. But mostly I love the back. I don't know about you, but I just find something so alluring about the surprise of an open back on a dress, especially when done so tastefully. I would love to own this dress, and twirl around in it at basically any given moment, but even though it's beautiful, it still doesn't seem like proper club attire.

Inspired by the gold dress, I continued searching for an open-back dress that I can really get down in. When I came across this one, I knew it was a done deal. It's pretty, demure, and has that coveted open back. And with all that ventilation, I won't get overheated while dancing in my high heels all night.

I Love the '80s

It's undeniable. I am a child of the '80s. And I know this because I see '80s fashions coming back into style, and while most people scoff, I love it! (On a side note, there are some decidedly '90s styles coming back, too: overalls! flannel! scrunchies! But that's a whole glorious topic for another post).

Lately I'm seeing '80s influences all around, even in fancy-schmancy homecoming & prom dresses! And I honestly can't get enough. I was browsing the dress selection at DressV.com, and came across this fluffy '80s-inspired confection of a dress. With a train! And just like that, I'm humming Like A Virgin and looking up videos of Michael Jackson doing the moonwalk. I may be well out of high school and college, but don't think I'm not wracking my brain trying to think of an appropriate place to wear this. The best I can come up with is '80s night at a club? But let's be honest - '80s fashion > '80s music, so I probably won't be hitting up '80s night anytime soon. It all seems so unfair - in the '80s I was too young to wear any of these styles, and now that they're back in fashion I'm too old. Sometimes irony sucks.

Which reminds me - anyone need a prom date by any chance? It'll be really fun! I'll show you how to do the MC Hammer dance. And then I'll explain who MC Hammer is....  

For more adorable prom and homecoming dresses (like these), check out DressV.com!

ModCloth Home Decor Sale

This post contains affiliate links which means I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking them. 

 Snooze Anchor Duvet Cover  |  Tabby Together Pillow

Ploychromatic Cuddles Throw Blanket  |  Wade for Each Other Pillow

________________________________

ModCloth may be your go-to for cute dresses and clothing, but did you know they have a stylishly quirky decor department, too? Think fun and unique adornments for your home, kitchen, bedroom, or office. If that’s not incentive enough to check it out, they just so happen to be having a 20% Off Decor Sale ! No code needed, just shop to your heart's content, and there really will be no place like your home! (See what I did there?)

What Makes Me Sparkle

Post sponsored by Dasani; all opinions are 100% mine.

Over the 4th of July weekend I shuffled off to Buffalo, as I often do, to visit with my amazing family.  I always love to see my awesome aunts, uncles, and cousins (yes, we are one of those families that truly loves being in each others' presence - it's always non-stop chatter and loads of laughter), but there were three things that made this visit extra special.  My cousin and his wife are pregnant and they decided to throw a huge family BBQ, wherein we'd all get to gather together (it's a rare occurrence that we're all in the same place at the same time; the last instance being at this same cousin's wedding a couple years back*, so this in itself was definitely something to celebrate).  Plus, at the BBQ they would reveal the baby's sex (exciting!!) via cupcake (slightly more exciting!!) that would be filled with either blue or pink frosting.  Drumroll please...... it's a boy!  And the third cherry on top is that my sister flew up from Florida for the occasion, so I got a bonus visit with her.

I have to admit that I've been in a little bit of a funk lately, so being around my hilarious, inappropriate, loudmouthed, outspoken, witty, supportive, loving family was just the thing my soul needed.  Simply put, this ragtag bunch make me sparkle.

^  disorganized, disheveled, distracted - so typical of this family

^  getting closer

^  there it is...sort of

Speaking of sparkling, Dasani recently launched a tasty new line of sparkling water (which I've had the chance to try and it is deelicious!).  In celebration, Dasani wants to know what makes you sparkle.  Upload a photo of what makes you sparkle to Dasani's twitter or instagram with the hashtag #SparkleWithDASANI, and you could win a sparkling getaway to the Westin Diplomat in Ft. Lauderdale!  The prize includes airfare, hotel, and spa treatments for you and three friends.

You'll also want to like Dasani on twitter & instagram so they can contact you if you're the winner (selected in early August).  Good luck!

*just gotta say, big ups to my cousin, Darren, for being the driving force behind gathering the whole family not once, but twice in the past two years!

Best. Fit. Ever.

This post brought to you by Abercrombie & Fitch. All opinions are 100% mine.

Even though we're in the throes of summer (pools, maxi dresses, pedicures, beach waves, backyard bbqs,  bonfires - how can you not love it?), I still get a little excited thinking about back to school season (cooler weather , lots of layers, and crisp autumn air).  Not that I've seen the inside of a classroom in over four years, or anything.  But because even though I'll most likely never matriculate again, I can still take advantage of all the back to school shopping sales.  If I had a first day of classes to look forward to, I'd absolutely wear something like this.  

I especially love the sales on jeans.  I'm a firm believer in you-can-never-have-too-many-jeans as long as they fit really well, are totally flattering, and are 1,000% comfortable. Easier said than done.  I can't begin to tell you how many pairs of jeans and variety of brands I've tried over the years in an attempt to find that perfect pair, and I'm sure you - as a female with your own unique body and shape - can relate. Well, ladies,  Abercrombie & Fitch to the rescue.

They have an amazing collection of jeans with an array of washes, sizes, and fits. Personally I'm a high waisted skinny jeans kind of girl.  But I also like a good, distressed boyfriend jean.  Abercrombie offers both of these (plus lots more), and all jeans have a no-slip waistband that lays flat and has memory stretch so it keeps its shape wash after wash.   And the very best part?  You can get any jeans in store for $35!  What's not to love?  Head over to A&F to discover your #BestFitEver.  

Also, Follow @abercrombie on Twitter or Follow @abercrombie on Instagram for tons of sartorial inspiration!

Why I'm In #BouqLove

Hey guys!  I recently found out about a new, pretty awesome website for ordering flowers and I want to share it with you.  It's called The Bouqs, and it's unlike any other flower website you've ever seen.  Seriously.  They have a simple pricing policy - $40 for all original size bouquets, and always free shipping!  I don't know about you, but every time I visit one of those other flower sites, I'm usually drawn in by the low price of a bouquet -- usually something like $19.99.  Excitement sets in, then I'm thrown for a loop when I start to calculate all of the extra costs like express fees or care charges.  Before I know what hit me, I'm paying $47 to send a small bouquet of limp carnations a week later than I want.  Not cool.  

With The Bouqs, not only is the price a flat fee, but you can be assured that all of the flowers are fresh as a daisy (or rose, calla, or ranunculus as the case may be) because they are cut the day you order them.  What's more, they all come from an eco-friendly, sustainable farm that sits on the side of an active volcano in Ecuador.  Yeah.  Really. And have I mentioned that the bouquets are just so modern?  They've got simple, beautiful designs without any of that weird baby's breath nonsense, or lots of extra leaves thrown in as filler.  Because that is so 1993.  This one with white ranunculus and larkspur is probably my very favorite of the entire bunch.

See what I mean?  Simple, modern design that is so much more original and unique than your average bunch of roses.  (Though, The Bouqs does offer bunches of roses, too, but somehow manage to make them so much more special than any other ones I've ever seen -- see above).  And I can't get over the rustic, brown craft paper that just compliments the flowers so perfectly.

With the gorgeous selection, low prices, and ease of ordering, I can't think of a better time to send a random little ray of sunshine to somebody.  Perhaps even as a hostess gift for that 4th of July BBQ you'll be attending next week?  This oh-so-cleverly named Red, White, & Bouq bouquet would be just the perfect offering, don't you think?

Disclosure: In exchange for this post I received a coupon code for a bouquet which I haven't redeemed yet, otherwise I'd give my review of the flowers themselves.  However, I look forward to receiving some lovely flowers, as I'm sure they're going to be gorgeous and fresh!  All opinions are 100% my own.

adidas Summer Sale!

The post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking them.

adidas Summer Sale: Now Up to 50% Off

I interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to bring you a quick announcement: adidas has just brought their A-game to their Summer Sale! Now, you can get thousands of items—FIFA World Cup soccer gear, running shoes, basketball gear, swimwear… even iconic Originals and NEO lifestyle pieces for up to 50% off!  This sale only happens twice a year, so this is a great time to stock up on your sports gear!  Now if you'll excuse me, I think I have some new running sneakers to buy...

Fashion For All!

This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking them.

Hey all - ModCloth has exciting news!  They're celebrating a milestone this week -- the one year anniversary of officially launching plus-size clothing on their site!  In just a year, they’ve expanded their product catalog with more items that fit all body types. Check out the full-range fashion page in their Style Gallery, which showcases community-uploaded photos featuring ModCloth items that are available in a full size range.  Why?  Because fashion should be for all!

adidas Summer Sale

This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking them. 

If you've put off shopping for your summer sports wear until now, your tendency towards procrastination is being rewarded!  The adidas Summer Sale is on and you can get up to 50% off of over 1,000 items!  Running shoes, basketball gear, soccer cleats, swimwear—for men, women and kids—everything you need needs for an active summer.  The sale will last as long as there are items in stock, so be sure to run (ha!) over there to get the good stuff before it's gone.

How To Get #Sunkissed Instantly + {a Giveaway}

Disclosure: The tights I'm wearing in this post were provided courtesy of Hanes, and as always all opinions are my own. Plus, there's also a giveaway down there at the bottom, which means you can win free tights, too!

Summertime is definitely my favorite time of year, but it's during this time that I become acutely aware that being pale isn't really all it's cracked up to be.  (The one and only time it actually is?  When you get a brightly colored tattoo, because that shit shows up!) Another blessing of the pasty-skinned is that we burn easily in the sun, so getting a real tan (along with the possibility of skin cancer) is out of the question.  Usually around this time of year I begin -very unsuccessfully- to fake tan my legs.  You'd think that after literally years of practice I'd be able to pull it off, just one time, without streaks or missed spots, but alas, no dice.  My lack of ability to evenly coat my legs with lotion is pretty astounding.

But I have found a foolproof solution!  Hanes recently approached me to try some of their new Silk Reflections Sunkissed tights, and I jumped at the chance.  I mean, an instant tan?  Sign me up!  I have to admit that before I received them, I was a little skeptical.  I kept having visions of those odd C3PO super shimmery gold tights dancers wear, and was imagining having to leave the house looking like a less cool this.  But when I put them on, I was happily surprised to find that my legs still looked totally natural; just a lot more tan (and even a little airbrushed, too).

I chose nude bronze, medium bronze, and tan bronze.  Since I'm pretty pale to begin with, I felt most comfortable wearing the lightest shade, nude bronze, because it's not a drastic difference in skin tone between my legs and the rest of my body.  But I'm pretty sure I could pull off any of the three shades with convincing believability.

Now Hanes wants to give you a chance to try some of these tights, too!  They are super generous.  Really.  Look at all the great goodies they sent me along with my tights.

--See?  Indisputable proof of generosity right here--
And also, more proof of generosity right below.
Oh, yes.  It's giveaway time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**Please note: This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents.  Sorry, my international friends - but don't despair!  My DXMall giveaway is open to all!  Click here to enter!**

Goaaaaaaaal!!

In case you guys have been living under a rock (or just, you know, if you're not into sports), it's FIFA World Cup time!  Much like the Olympics, this competition only comes around once every four years.  But unlike the Olympics, this one actually has me glued to the TV, or out in sports bars (a rare occurrence in and of itself), cheering for the teams I like best (USA, Switzerland, and any team whose players don't roll around on the ground crying like babies just to weasel a penalty kick out of the ref).

Friday was the kick off (pun!) to the month-long event, and already, the games have been on non-stop in this house.  So I thought this would be a great time to introduce you to the TBDress  FIFA World Cup selection, which you can find here: http://www.tbdress.com/Topic/WorldCupBrazil/.  They offer some seriously stylish soccer fan gear like tee shirts and cute jerseys.

But my favorite part is that they also have a section titled victory party dresses, which I of course focused on, because, dresses!

Simple, swingy, and drapey.  I am so drawn to this style; it's just effortlessly chic.

I admit that this one borders on obscene with the amount of boobage showing, but I think it would look really flattering on a more flat-chested woman.  I'm a sucker for a good sheer panel.

This one is so 90s-licious; I just want to put this dress on, add a velvet choker, and bust out my Hole cd. 

Are you as excited about the World Cup as I am?  Which teams will you be rooting for?



Post sponsored by TBDress.com.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Go teams CH & USA!

#ModSummer

This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking on them.

The season of BBQs, vacations, and outdoor festivities is upon us, and ModCloth wants you to share your summer memories with them!  Include the hashtag #ModSummer when you’re posting your adventures and you could be featured on one of their social networks. Join in on the community fun, find some outfit inspiration in their Style Gallery, and get ready for summer, summer, summertime!

Announcing the adidas Pure Boost Collection

It's getting warmer out, and besides the added fun of BBQs, trips to the beach, and bike rides around town,  it also means running weather!  Please meet the adidas Pure Boost running shoes.  These sneakers are seriously light and really comfy, and are creating quite a buzz in the running community for both their function and fashion.  Basically, they are awesome enough to wear while running and cool enough to wear when not.  With lots of color options for women and men, these are the shoes any runner (or non-runner) is going to want to nab.

Intro to #Izola

Imagine stepping into an old-fashioned, ultra cool clubhouse with an antique edge.  Or a hipster boyscout den with a vintage twist.  You'd come in, get comfy, and would most certainly be offered a cocktail.  And when your Old Fashioned arrived (naturally), the bourbon would have been poured out of a classic style flask, emblazoned with a tongue-in-cheek inscription along the lines of Neat, To My Health, or Good Intentions.

The entire club would be outfitted in much the same style.  Meander through the rooms and you'd find an array of home textiles, throw pillows, soaps, candles,  bamboo toothbrushes, luggage, hardware, duffel bags, shoe brushes, and ceramics, all in a style of understated sophistication.  It's the kind of cool that speaks volumes without saying anything at all.  

That is exactly the kind of vibe you'll find when shopping at Izola.  It's as if the Izola team plucked the coolest items out of the 1940s and transplanted them directly into one impeccably curated collection.  In fact, Izola is inspired by the old world utilitarian ideal of making something that is built to last.  So it's no surprise that, much like its sturdy predecessors of times gone past, these are high quality items made with great care and attention to detail, and are just undeniably hip.  Basically if Moonrise Kingdom had a shop, it'd be Izola.

Even though the collection at Izola is geared mostly toward men, I had no trouble finding about 184 things that I would totally snag for myself.  But I managed to whittle down the list to include my ten favorites, including items like a typewriter screen printed laptop case, red cedar and balsam fir incense (two of my favorite scents in the world), an apothecary case (it's hard for me to resist anything with a white cross on it - my boyfriend is Swiss, after all), and a laundry bag that almost guarantees to make doing laundry just a little more enjoyable.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

So whether you browse Izola's (ultra cool) wedding collection when registering for your wedding or to choose the perfect bridal party gifts, or are just shopping Izola's series of functional every day staples to find something unique for the special guy (or dad) in your life, there is really something for everyone at Izola.

What do you think about Izola's collection of items?  Do you dig this ruggedly cool, hip sort of style as much as I do? 

Make the Cut ModCloth Contest

This post contains affiliate links which means I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on them.

ModCloth is launching its second Make the Cut Contest of the year!  Remember when we talked about it in February?  No?  Well, it's a fashion design contest, and in this edition, they're giving contestants a template on which to create a print pattern for a scarf.  The talented winner will have their design produced by and sold on ModCloth, plus they'll receive a $500 prize!  But first, the top 10 submissions will be hosted on the Be the Buyer page, where the community will vote for their faves.  Design submissions will be accepted now until Friday, 5/30, and the voting begins on Monday, 6/9.  Official contest rules can be found here. 

Good luck!

Day of Summer at One Kings Lane

Backyard BBQs, seaside picnics, lounging by the pool, hiking through the woods... not so long ago the idea of being outside seemed like a dream, but summer is (finally!) almost upon us, and soon all those fantasies that felt unattainable during the winter will become a glorious, sun-soaked reality.  One Kings Lane would like to help you celebrate with a special Day of Summer! The One Kings Lane stylists have curated a collection of items perfect for creating everything from an intimate garden hideaway to a seaside retreat, and every other form of summer entertainment in between.  These sales will set you up for sun, fun and a dreamy outdoor existence.


Check out the deals at One Kings Lane Day of Summer:

Garden Escape collection
Hotel Chic collection
The Coolest Thank-Yous - perfect hostess gifts
Farm to Table: Alfresco Furniture & Tabletop
The No Fuss Bed at One Kings Lane
Get Outside: Bikes, Games & Beach Towels
Master the New Summer Mix - taking nautical style to the next level
Exclusive Beach Towels collection
The Lighting Bazaar - light up your night
Breezy Layers - perfect summer accessories

How will you celebrate the summer this season?

Top 5 Tips for Festival Season

This post brought to you by Teva. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's that time of year again, guys - the days are a little longer, the sun shines a little brighter, and you just want to dance in a field all day to live music.  It's festival season!

Electric Zoo Festival 2010

Sometimes the festival gods conspire with the sun and the universe to shine down on a simple confectionery to make one of the most beautiful, magical photos ever to be taken at a festival.  Major props to my friend, Elisabeth, who captured this beautiful moment.

Festivals can be a fun, wonderful, otherworldly experience - and they should be - but there are certainly things you can do to make your festival an outstanding one.  Here are my Top Five Festival Tips:

1. Wear comfortable shoes!  I can't stress this enough.  Sure, those wedge sandals look really cute with your maxi skirt and crop top, but after walking and dancing for a few hours, you're going to ditch them.  And then you'll be stuck carrying them around the rest of the day.  Not to mention that you'll probably get stepped on, or worse, step on something sharp.  Teva (the official footwear of Bonnaroo) makes some super comfy shoes that you can find at Zappos.  Personally, I'd choose a pair with a closed toe for protection, but it really depends on if you're going to get up into the dancing pit or hang back and chill the whole time.
2. Bring a backpack.  You're going to want use of your hands ~ while dancing, while snacking, while applying sunscreen, or while holding a beer.  A small, lightweight backpack will keep your arms free for whatever you decide to do with those most useful of appendages.  
3. Prepare for when it inevitably cools down in the evening.  You're going to be there all day, even after the sun sets.  And some festivals don't allow you to leave and re-enter.  A simple beanie will fit easily in your backpack, and you can tie a sweater or flannel around your waist.
4. For the love of God, wear sunscreen.  And reapply it often.  You'll sweat.  You'll go in a misting tent.  The sunscreen will come off.  Put it back on.
5. Visit The Fountain for more tips on getting #ready2roo, where festivalgoers are sharing their tips & tricks for making your time at a festival a truly positive and extraordinary experience.

Have you been to a festival?  What are some of your tips and tricks for making it the most amazing experience ever?  

Cash in Your Clutter

This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive compensation if you purchase after clicking them. 

Do you have electronic clutter?  You know, stuff like last year's e-reader, the laptop with the old processor, that iPhone with the cracked screen...believe it or not, these things junking up your drawers and shelves are actually cash waiting to be collected!  

Starting today, Gazelle will pay an extra $10 for any device valued $50+ that you trade in. An iPhone 4S, for example, can fetch up to $155 on Gazelle, and with this promotion, would be $165!  You'll get extra cash, your home will be clear of the clutter, and best of all you'll be doing the planet a favor!  Turn your spring cleaning into a rewarding process by trading in your unused electronics at Gazelle. 

How To Add & Sell a Pattern on Craftsy

In addition to wonderful online courses and craft supplies, did you know that Craftsy also has an independent online pattern store that lets anyone upload and sell downloadable e-patterns with no fee? 

How do you add a pattern to Craftsy and start your pattern store, you ask?  It’s easy! 

1. Make sure you have a Paypal account. All pattern transactions happen through Paypal, so Craftsy requires that you have an account in order to sell patterns.
2. Put your pattern in .pdf format. You can’t upload any patterns to the online pattern store unless they’re in .pdf file format, so if they’re currently saved as a Word doc, .jpg, or other file format, just convert it to a .pdf before you upload it to Craftsy.
3. Include a photo. All patterns must have at least one photo to accompany them, but you can add up to five. Colorful, interesting photos tend to work the best for catching members’ eyes!
4. Fill out the pattern description. You'll answer some basic questions about your pattern making it easier for Craftsy folk to find it, and determine what your pattern is for. Make sure to have info about your pattern handy for this step.

For more information on how to sell a pattern through Craftsy, or to get started, visit Craftsy today!

Three Ways to Wear a Quinceanera Dress (really)

I know, I know, I know - a quinceanera dress probably isn't the most relevant dress to a lot of us.  My demographic is well above the age requirement implied by the term, quinceanera, alone.  But stay with me, here.  When my sponsor, TBDress asked me to write a post about quinceanera dresses, my first thought was, I am nowhere near 15; what can I possibly say about a quinceanera dress?!  But then I browsed the selection and was instantly enamored by this beauty below.

Then it dawned on me - even if we're not (ahem - even close to) fifteen years old anymore - styled with the proper pieces, this dress still could work for a night out, a fancy event, or even just a sunny day spent picnicking in the park.  A big thanks! to my lovely pal, Linda, whose awesome post gave me the inspiration for mine.

I love the idea of adding a little edge to a fluffy, poufy dress with a bad ass vegan leather jacket, punk-inspired clutch, and some mixed metallics.

Top with a belted chambray button up, pop on some ultra-comfy cowboy boots, rock a flower crown, and this dress goes from frou-frou to frolicking in a field.



For this last look I wanted to create a sleek, stylish vibe, so I added a crisp white boyfriend blazer, some killer peep toe booties, and a pair of those super-sleek mirrored shades all the cool kids are wearing.  Silver & pearl accessories add an extra punch of posh.

I hope I've inspired you to wear a super poufy dress in some new ways.  Find my muse, as well as SO many others here: {http://www.tbdress.com/Cheap-Quinceanera-Dresses-4374/}.

Post sponsored by TBDress.  All opinions, however, are 100% my own.