Giveaway: Nordstrom Gift Card

Hey guys! It's been awhile... I have a blog post for ya next week talking about life right now and what not... BUT until then I have a giveaway for you! YAYYY!

  I am thrilled to be collaborating with a gorgeous and talented group of bloggers to bring you a $450 Nordstrom gift card, or Paypal cash (winner chooses) giveaway! Looking for the perfect spring wardrobe? Clothes for the kids? Or maybe even a birthday gift for a friend? Think of all the possibilities!

To enter, simply complete the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open until 11:59pm EST on March 27, 2015 and remember, the more entries you complete, the more chances you have to win! For fashion lovers around the globe, this giveaway is open internationally. Oh and be sure to go say a big hello to all the fabulous people involved. Good luck! 

Host

Kiss Me Darling

  Co-Hosts

Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes, Shar Style, Itsy Bitsy Indulgences, Live More Beautifully, Hearts of Gold, Dressing Dallas, Red Closet Diary, The Style Gala, City Peach. Kelli France, Team Wiking, NTYLS, Fashion by Mariah, Looks for Lovelies, Style Wish, Arrows and Apricots, Lauryncakes, The Sugared Lemon, Center Street Chic, Life of Brooke and Jane, The Mumsy Blog, With Love from Kris, Eleventh and Sixteenth, Lovely Deseret, Racheal Jade, Style by Suzi, With Lola

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Trend Sighting: Delicate Jewlery

Necklace: H&M. Rings: Nordstrom, Old Navy, Michael Kors Bracelets: H&M

Pictures By: Bailey Winters

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a lovely weekend! I spent mine hanging out with family and eating at yummy restaurants. Good food and people I love make for a pretty good weekend! And I spent most of my Sunday playing with Batman action figures and watching Super Hero cartoons with my cousins kids. The sad is, I think I enjoyed it as much as they did. Nerd alert!

Moving on! This week is all about Super Bowl fun! There will be a Super Bowl themed workout, party tips, a recipe and tons of nerdy football pictures of me. BUUUUT before we go deep into my Super Bowl themed week I decided to start the week of with a girly post. A post all about a new trend that I am looooooving, the dainty jewelry trend!

For awhile there it was all about huge statement pieces. HUGE necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings what have you. You would wear one piece and you were set. Now the jewelry trend has moved on to more simple, dainty pieces that are easily layered. There are few reasons I love this trend. One, I love the look of simple layered pieces. I find it elegant and classic. Two, I have a sentimental heart and I love the idea of being able to layer a lot of jewelry pieces that mean something to you.

ANYWAY, if you wanna jump on the dainty jewelry bandwagon there are a couple places you can start your collection without breaking the bank. The first place is H&M. I am dead serious. The necklace I am wearing in this pic is from there, so are my bracelets. Go check them out! (The stores have more options than their website.)

I got my rings from Nordstrom (under $50), Old Navy, and Michael Kors (From my momma for my birthday). Nordstrom has sooo many options and the prices for most of their pieces are totally reasonable! So, how do you feel about the new trends? Do you miss the statement pieces? I'd love to hear!

P.S. Can we talk about my fav looks of the Red Carpet over the weekend? Miss. Jennifer Lawrence and the dashing Eddie Redmayne! Her dress she wore this weekend on the Red Carpe was beyond stunning and Eddie in his suit? Wow. It's  how I picture every Englishman looks. Haha. Who were your favorites?

Golden Globes 2015: Best and Worst Dressed

I adore award season. Not for the movies (I seem to love what critics hate and hate what they love!) but for the clothes. I'm in awe of the fashion! The glamor reminds me of  Old Hollywood days (but to be honest I wish those modest silhouette appeared a little more but that is just me.) and I just adore watching what all of today's designers put forth. I just love it!

When I first got into journalism I wanted to BE on the red carpet and ask everyone "Hey, what are you wearing?" But I decided lifestyle was more my thing... Ok I'm babbling let's move on. I have decided to do a little blog post on the best and worst dressed of the 2015 Golden Globes. I am going to focus mostly on the best dressed because that's nicer right? Anyway, here are my pics! AND I'd love to hear your votes for best and worst dressed!

PS All pics are from E! Online

2015 Golden Globes Best Dressed 

Greer Grammer: I love a good blush gown and this one by Lorena Sarbu is stunning! The appliques are perfect. Now, this type of dress is very popular on the red carpet but I find that this one isn't over kill with the glitz and the tulle is just the right amount of poof. Well done in my opinion. 

Julia Goldani Telles: I chose her as one of my best dressed because of the hue of the dress. I mean seriously! Is that blue not stunning?! The hue in addition to the cut of her dress made her stand out to me. I am huge fan of ball gowns and this one was an A+ in my book.

Emily Blunt: I adore her, I don't know her personally (obviously) but she seems sweet and I think her and her hubby are the cutest. Anyway, I LOVED her Michael Kors dress. To me, it was a modern take on Miss. Monroe's famous white gown. I also loved how she added a bit of color with her fabulous turquoise earrings.

The next selection of my best dressed is all about the blue hue! I adored this light blue/grayish tone, it's stunning no? Let's talk about the ladies individually.

Julianne Moore: Givenchy Couture. Repeat, Givenchy Couture. STUNNING. This was one of my favorite looks of the night. I know some might think that the sparkle and the feathers were a bit over kill but I disagree! The hue of the dress makes it OK (if it were hot pink that would be a different story). The ombre effect of the feathers is stunning and it just says "Red Carpet" to me.

Diane Kruger: The train on this dress wins my heart. I love a good stiff train! Also the high neck and the thick sleeves is not a usually look you see on the Red Carpet. THEN the fabric has a slight sparkle to it, yup, I loved it.

Amy Adams: I am a huge fan. I watched her interview on the red carpet with Ryan Seacrest and I was very impressed with her. She seemed humble and gracious and I thought it was refreshing. BUT on to her dress. To be honest, Amy Adams is always on my list of Best Dressed because she is always classic. I know fashion is about taking risks but I applaud her for being brave to stay classic. This Versace dress is fabulously Old Hollywood and I would borrow it from her if I could.

Allison Williams: I watched her interview on E! and when they asked about her dress she informed them that after playing Peter in Peter Pan she wanted something super girly. She nailed it! The bright color of the dress and all the detailing is super fun and glamorous. 

Anna Kendrick: I wish Anna and I were friends, I think we would get along. Anyways, her burgundy and nude dress had me green with envy. I want to wear it! The dainty belt and ball gown shape are so lovely. Plus, I am a huge fan of most everything Monique Lhuillier creates.

And honorable mentions to Emma Stone and Felicity Jones! (The detail buttons on the back of Jones' dress were stunning!!!!)

2015 Golden Globes Worst Dressed

Now before I go on I don't want any of you to think I hate prints. I LOVE them, it's just my two least favorite dresses just happen to have prints on them.

Claire Danes: I feel like this dress would have been better if the top had been fixed. I mean, I am not a top fashion designer but the top was so loose that when she posed for pictures, to me,  it didn't photograph well.

Keira Knightley: The problem with this dress is the proportions. The bib part of the dress cuts so low and the frills on the bottom of the dress start so high it makes her look short. I also think the dress makes her look slightly juvenile. And I feel so bad saying that because, apparently, it took- like- 30 people to make the dress.

What are your thoughts?!

Holiday/New Year's Styling Tips

Photos: Saans Photography

Hair and Makeup: Kali Chris Hair and Makeup

I hope you are all having a great Christmas and are ready for the New Year! I've got some holiday styling tips for ya! And I know this post is a little late... but some of the styling can be applied to New Years! ANNND some people have late Christmas Parties... it happens! So let's go! Oh, P.S. these are tips and rules I follow but there are merely ideas. Everyone has their own style!


1. Don't do Red AND Green
Wearing red and green at the same time is a bit over kill. It reminds me of Whoville for some reason...

2. Go All White
One of my favorite things to do around the Holiday is go all white. Songs like "Let It Snow" and "White Christmas" come to mind. If you go all white it's fun to add a pop of red! Try adding a red lip, shoes, or other accesories.

3. Try New Fabrics
I feel like the Holidays are a great time to experiment with new fabrics. Many Holiday parties are on the formal side so its the perfect place to pull out lace, fur, taffeta etc. In my opinion, these fabrics make any outfit a bit more fancy and festive.

4. Don't Be Afraid To Wear Pants
Many times when women are deciding what to wear for a Holiday part they immediately think they need to wear a dress or skirt. Now, I must admit that I spend most of my life in dresses and skirts (I don't do jeans... it's an odd thing of mine) but I LOVE a good jumpsuit! I think they are so fun and you can really dress them up! Put on some killer hills and a fun belt and you are good to go! With this outfit of mine I went with some SPARKLY accessories because, I mean come on, it Christmas! Plus New Years is all about the glitter too.

5. Don't Over Do It on The Sparkle
I just said I love sparkle, and I do! However, I feel like Christmas and New Years is a time where it can get out of hand. If you have sparkles all over you, you start to resemble a Christmas ornament... or the ball that drops in New York. If you have glitter pants, that's all you need. A glitter top? All you need. A skirt? You get the point. (Accessories are another story, my rule is two sparkly accessories at a time. I totally made that up but it seems to help keep my love for glitter in check. Haha.)

So those are my tips! Like I said, they are rules that IIIIIII follow- I realize everyone has their own style, and that's what makes fashion so great! BUT if these rules can help you pick out a killer Holiday outfit I think I have done my job!

Fashionable Fandom

Hello everyone! I have a fashion post for you today. (I know, you're probably thinking "Well, duh the post title says 'Fashion' in it.) Since it is Fall and everyone is in the football spirit I decided to do a post on how to show your pride fashionably. I put together a couple of outfits to give ya some ideas, I hope ya dig them. Wait- people don't say dig anymore. I hope you think these outfits are "everything." (Ha! Teasing!)

Also, before moving forward you will notice some conflicting colors. My family and I Roll Tide pretty darn hard. Rammer Jammer!!! Yes, we live in Utah but I have family in the South and my dad lived down there for a very long time.We love 'Bama and have for yeeeears. However, my Father and I both went to BYU so I do have cougar pride. Thus, the conflicting colors below.

Oh and, one more thing, I'm kind of a spaz. Thus, typical blogger posing is hard for me to do... so enjoy these Elora-esque posing. 

Outfit 1:
Fancy Fandom

T-shirts are an easy way to show your team pride! I got this one from Fanatics.com. Anyway, a way to dress it up is a fit and flare skirt, I find that these skirts give any outfit a feminine touch. And this one is from H&M so it won't break the bank!

Moving on, be careful with the shoes, depending on the length of the skirt you'll want to watch your heel height. This skirt is long so I went for a high heel to make me legs look longer.  AND the jacket is my favorite part. This one is realllly old BUT bomber jackets are so in right now! ASOS has some great ones, check them out here . 

Outfit 2:
Toned Down Team Colors

I got this dress to wear if I ever go to BYU games AND just because I liked it. One of the reasons I liked it is the detail on the sleeve. It gives the dress a sporty feel but it still girly because, well, it's a dress.

When you are thinking of going to a game, or a party, try a simple dress like this one or a cotton maxi- something to that effect in your teams color shows your pride without being SUPER obvious.

Another cute and subtle way to show your pride is Alex and Ani bracelet. The brand is awesome and has many College/Team logos.  I have an Alabama one and I LOVE it.

Outfit 3:
Sweatshirts and Skirts 

I got this sweatshirt from the PINK College and Pro Collection at Victoria Secret.  The skirt is super old, it's from Anthro. Buuuuut you can get a good pencil skirt anywhere- even Target! (I am a huge Target lover!)

Anyway, most sweatshirts are boxy and a little over sized- but you can totally wear them and not look frumpy.  The key is to have a more tailored bottom, like a pencil skirt. Then you can add a casual shoe. With a sweatshirt top, a tailored bottom and a sneak on bottom it is a game day appropriate outfit. Obviously you'll be a little more dressed up then the other fans but you'll look cute!

Dissecting Stars Style: The Duchess of Cambridge

Happy Friday everyone! Are you excited for the weekend? I hope you all have some fun plans for the next couple of days. Here in Utah we're getting a little kiss of fall weather and it has been so lovely! The trees have even begun to change. So I am hoping this weekend I can enjoy the outdoors a little bit!

Anyways, today I am going to do a "Dissecting Stars Style" post. You can read the other ones here and here . BUT today is one of my favorite style icons of all time. The Duchess of Cambridge, Miss. Kate Middleton. And since she just announced she is having another baby she has been all over the media- so why not do a little post about her awesome fashion sense?

Casual Kate-
Let's first dissect Kate's casual style. One of the things I adore about Kate is she doesn't over accessorize. She keeps it simple, clean and effortless. When she does accessorize, she usually goes for a simple scarf.

To achieve Kate's casual style you'll first need a pair of good jeans. Obviously, we all don't have a gazillion dollars to spend on jeans but you can still find yourself a good pair. The fit is essential, when you try on jeans pull the waist out- if there is a lot of room you need to go down a size. Also make sure around the bum area the fabric isn't pulling or sagging.

Kate often wears blazer. She isn't too trendy in the blazer department, classic silhouettes and colors are her go to. No crazy lapels or pockets for this girl!

As far as the shirts Kate wears, she never goes CRAZY with patterns. Stripes, gingham and polka dots are classic patterns she often wears. And her shirts are never super baggy, they are structured and fitted. Luckily for all of us, cute and classic button ups are easy to find without breaking the bank!

Kate's Dresses:
This is where Kate and I are kindred spirits- her dresses. Because of the position she is in she often is dressed up a little more than the average person (I know, duh right?). Again, Kate never over accessorizes. Yes, she is famous for her fabulous hats but those are only for special occasions. Whenever you see Kate in a dress she lets that be the focal put of her outfit.  You will even noticed that she often wear simple SIMPLE shoes.

For Kate, most of her dresses define her waist. She is a girl after my own heart! Kate loves herself some fit-an-flare pleat dresses! They are so classic and feminine. L-o-v-e it.

Even if you don't have a Middleton body, waist defining dresses make you look real good. She often wears nude pumps which make her already long legs look longer because the line doesn't break. Kate doesn't always wear fit-and-flare but she always makes sure that waist of hers is defined.

I also want to point out Kate is not afraid of color. Yes, gray is a go-to of her's BUT some of her most well known dress looks of been solid bold colors.

The Trench-
Finally, you can not dissect Kate's style without talking about her trench coats. Trench Coats are soooo classic. Whenever I think of them I think back to the one Audrey Hepburn wears in Breakfast at Tiffany's. They've been around forever!

Even though they are such a classic piece Kate chooses coats that reflect her personal style. If you don't have a trench coat I would invest in one. There are so many great ones out there- some with leather trim, some with more of a flare, some with ruffles, some with edgier details. Pick one that is uniquely you. It'll be a piece you'll have forever and you'll channel your inner Kate Middleton.

Fashion Contributor: Some Color and a Fit and Flare

Hello everyone! You have made it mid-week! A couple more days and we have ourselves a long weekend! Isn't that exciting!? Anyway, my Fashion/Beauty Contributor is back! Yes, Mrs. Whitney Fredette is here with another adorable look! Here she is!

Hello again everyone!  I wore this outfit a few weeks ago and got a ton of compliments, so I had m husband take some pictures, so I could share the outfit with you all!

This shirt is one of my favorite shirts I’ve ever owned.  Not only is it the coolest neon pink color, but it’s also a neoprene shirt.  So it has the feel of a wetsuit.  It isn’t super tight fitting, which I like, because I can eat as many cookies as I want and no one will know- muaha!  The only thing is that because it is neoprene it has ZERO shape to it.  Which can be sometimes be really unflattering.  I would suggest either tucking it in al the way, or just the front to give it a little more shape, and not make you look like a box!

The skirt is also another favorite purchase of mine.  My husband LOVES the look of a fit and flare skirt, so he is always encourages me to buy that style.  I agree though!  I think it is so flattering, and really fun. 

The shoes are so amazing.  They are so pretty and eye-catching.  They are, however, a low heel- which I usually don’t wear, but in this case I make the exception.  I think higher heels make your legs look better, and make you taller, so I tend to go for a higher heel.  These are unbelievably comfortable and look really great with a pair of boyfriend jeans, or a skirt.  The other thing I love about them is that they are completely wearable in all four seasons.  They are a pointed toe, but are hot pink so its makes them okay for winter and summer!

 Top- J Brand

Skirt- Ohne Title (from ShopBop- last season)

Shoes- Valentino

Sunglasses- Victoria Beckham

Wedding Trends: Dainty Sleeves

Today we are talking about a wedding dress trend that I am super excited about- sleeves. There was a period of time (and I mean you still see it here and there) where strapless gowns were the"in" thing. EVERYONE had the strapless gown, there were no sleeves ever. BUT now sleeves are IN! And not super stiff sleeves- dainty, whimsical, sweet and feminine sleeves. I adore this trend, it makes dresses look romantic and sweet- which is often the emotions you get from weddings. AND for my fellow modest brides this a trend we can take part in!

ANYWAYS, there is a company that I think has nailed this sleeve-trend on the head, I am talking about BHLDN. Below are some of my favorite dresses they have!

This Ones About Sneaks

So I have a fashion post for you guys! It's all about a trend that I am in loooove with lately. Sneakers! They are everyyyyywhere! I love how they aren't just for the gym anymore, you can pair them with dresses, skirts- ah! I am just super excited about it! The kicks I am wearing in the pic are knock-off Keds. I got them from Target for $15, gooooo Target! Anyway, below are some sneaks that I am adoring right now. How do you feel about the kicks trend?

Nordstrom:

Keds Leopard Sneaks

Steve Madden Snake Embossed Slip-On

Sam Edelman Slip-On

Perforated Slip-On Sneaker

Keds Canvas Sneaker

Target:

Slip on Leopard Print Sneaks

Slip On Quilted Sneaks

Lunea Sneaker

Vans:

Chambray Dot Slip-Ons

'Dem Shades

It's FRIDAY! I hope everyone has a great weekend full of fun, love and food. (The food part is VERY important.) Anyway, today I have another fashion post. You see, I don't accessorize that much. I wear a ring my mom gave to me when I was going through a rough patch but thats pretty much it. However, I am alllll over sunglasses. I love them. Even on days when you aren't looking so good they help ya out. (As my aunt says, "These can help cover a whole lot of ugly.")

When it comes to sunglasses, everyone has a go to style. For me I adore a good cat-eye, it appeals to me because it goes with my face shape. Below is a little guide I discovered on what sunglasses look best with certain faces. Now, you don't have to follow it to the "T". I wear every single style but aviators... I think I look like a doofus. Look at the guide but have fun trying on the funnest accessory out there, sunglasses can change a whole outfit! (And yes I know funnest is not a word) 

Heart-shaped faces are characterized by a wider forehead and high cheekbones with a narrow chin.
Sunglass Type: Cats-eye or other round frames will complement the heart face shape.
Oblong faces feature narrow chin and cheeks.
Sunglass Type: Try oversized or wrap-style frames to break up a long face like these
The oval face shape consists of a proportionate forehead, cheekbones and jaw.
Sunglass Type: Almost any pair of sunglasses will flatter the oval face shape because of its balanced proportions.
Broad foreheads paired with a square jawline make up this face shape.
Sunglass Type: Avoid rectangular frames or other shades with harsh angles. Instead, select a pair of round, oval or cat’s eye sunglasses.
Round faces are characterized by full cheekbones with a narrow forehead and jaw.
Sunglass Type: Wide, rectangular frames will look best on round faces. 

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The Best Dress Ever

Pics taken by Christine Barlow Photograpy

Hello Everyone and happy Wednesday! I hope the week is treating you well! Can you believe that July is half way over?! Fall is coming people and it's CRAZY! Anyway, on to the post. So, a little about my style... I ADORE dresses. I am most confident and comfortable in them. I feel like they are so easy, you just throw one on and you are good to go. Because I love them so much I have a lot of them- it is slightly embarrassing. However, there is one dress that I have three of. Yes, three. It is an amazing dress, it is a cute length, SUPER comfy and doesn't break the bank. This magical dress is called the Midi Skater Dress from ASOS. I would give you a link, but ASOS is a little funky. So go to ASOS.com and search for the Midi Skater dress- a gazzilion patterns and colors will come up. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them.

Oh, and PS I believe that black wedges should be a staple in every summer wardrobe.