Lets Do The Polka

Polka polka polka everywhere!
Like I mentioned a couple weeks back, I am loving the whole girly pattern trend that we can expect to see by the truckloads this Fall. I don’t believe you should really take yourself so seriously when it comes to fashion – I think more than anything, it is about having fun. So playful dots are definitely a trend I can get behind.

Here are some ways to incorporate polka dots in your life without breaking the bank. All items featured are under $30!

1. Conversation Pieces dotted shorts {link}
2. Forever 21 polka dot tissues {link}
3. West Elm pillow {link}
4. Hue dotted tights {link}
5. Mod Cloth peplum top {link}
6. Ban.do girlie chiffon bow {link}
7. Asos nail wraps {link}
8. Conversation Pieces peplum top {link}

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Ban.do Launches New Black Label

Super duper excited to announce that the always fun, colorful and whimsical Ban.do have launched their black label today! As the name suggests, it is their more upscale and couture line, featuring one-of-a-kind, but still youthful pieces. And man, do I wish it was released 5 years earlier! I would have loved to have this selection of headpieces for my wedding attire, so brides: perk up those antenna! You are all going to go absolutely ga-ga over these beauties for your big day and all the festivities leading up to it!

Here are some of my personal favorites that I would have rocked with my beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown (wasn’t she lovely??):

l to r: over dressed; love struck; crystal punch; up to no good
Feel free to browse the rest of the gorgeous collection here.

What I Wore: Mix & Match

A lot of people are scared of combining colors, but really there is no reason for it. I always get people telling me, “only you could pull something like that off,” but it’s absolutely not true! Anyone can pull off mixing and matching of colors (and patterns), you just have to do so with a discerning eye. It’s not about throwing every item in your closet on yourself at the same time (although that seemed to be a hit in the 80’s), but rather about putting together complimentary colors the right way. Case in point: two neons do not make a right. Although I am pairing two bright colors together with my tee and skirt, notice that the tee is taking center stage, being the brightest and most neon (even though it’s hard to see in some of the photos). My skirt is also vibrant, sure, but it is way more muted.

Tee; c/o Wild Doll (altered with this DIY)
Skirt; The Limited {similar}
Scarf; Primark {similar}
Leather jacket; Forever 21 {similar}
Boots; Shoe Dazzle {similar}
Arm Candy; assorted
Polish; Sinful Colors in 24/7
Necklace; Macys {similar}
Ring; Marc Jacobs

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What I Wore: ColorBlock & Cars

Since we were headed to the park only one day out of the weekend, I had to make sure the outfit for it was extra fun, as well as airy. The Florida heat can be beyond brutal, so I needed to choose a fabric that would breathe, which is why I decided to take my new favorite blouse from H&M (remember it here?) and pair it with yellow for a fun color block effect. I added some blue accessories and just had one more little touch: my Mickey ears! I had forgotten how magical Disney could be – can’t wait to plan our next adventure with the Mouse!

Blouse; H&M {similar}
Shorts; Gap {similar}
Flip flops; Old Navy
Necklace; Etsy {similar}
Sunglasses; Ebay
Watch; Soft Slap {similar}
Arm Candy; Fab/Ebay/Disney
Ring; Disney

What I Wore: Neon & Never Growing Up

As I mentioned earlier this week, the family and I went up to Orlando for the long weekend to visit Disney, and most importantly, to check out their new resort, The Art of Animation. The hotel consists of 4 themed areas: Cars, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and The Lion King. We, of course, stayed in a Cars suite (my nephew is a huge huge fan) and enjoyed hanging out at their different pools and fun grounds. Like I’ve said before, I absolutely love that you can be a little more playful with your outfit choices at Disney, and I tend to go a lot more bright and playful than usual. After all, Disney World is one of the only places that allows you to never grow up. And well, you don’t have to tell me twice.

On to the neon!

Tank; c/o Wild Doll
Bandeau; Forever 21 {similar}
Jean shorts; DIY
Flip flops; Old Navy
Sunglasses; Ebay
Arm Candy; Fab/Ebay/Disney
Watch; Soft Slap {similar}
Necklace; Charming Charlie {similar}

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Lovable Friday!

1. Polka Dot Mini

This little pretty has been circulating around Pinterest, and breaks one of their cardinal rules with an empty link! That’s right, this adorable polka dot mini skirt will remain a thing of fairy tales, as we do not know where to find it. Excuse me while I go cry into my glitter loafers.

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My Beauty Essentials

So I wanted to try something new for today’s blog. I wanted to give vlogs a try again and run through my daily beauty routine. Unfortunately, the sound decided to disappear from my video footage rendering it all useless. Fun, right? Thank goodness it was shot during the tropical storm so it’s not like I had a lot to do regardless. So here is my second attempt. I’ve put together a list of all my daily beauty essentials to share with you. Since I don’t consider myself a “beauty queen” per say, feel free to chime in with recommendations and tips.

This is my daily face.
Approve? ;)

& these are the products I use to achieve it:

1. Estee Lauder’s Violet Underground eyeshadow palette
2. Revlon Color Stay Foundation
3. NYC Cover Stick
4. Bobbi Brown Loose Powder
5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
6. NYC Big Bold Mascara
7. Bobbi Brown Blush (pink rose)
8. Bobbi Brown Lipstick (uber suede)
9. Bobbi Brown Lip Shimmer (uber suede)

I like to mix up high-end products with drugstore to create a flawless, natural face. I think it’s honestly what every girl should try to achieve, not only with makeup but also with wardrobe/accessories. A few key designer items mixed with affordable pieces. Your face should be no different! So do you have anything to add? What can you not do without in your makeup bag?

What I Wore: Polka Dots & Hurricanes

Unfortunately, this weekend consisted of a whole lot of rain, wind and boredom thanks to Tropical Storm Isaac. That means there was basically zero opportunities for an outfit post. Luckily, the hubs and I took two last week so I had one in “storage.” Perfect! Plus, it’s a good one. I’m already a fan of polka dots, stripes and basically any girly pattern, so I am beside myself that dots are making a huge statement this Fall! I love going shopping and seeing a bunch of polkies everywhere – it’s just so fun and whimsical. And you know I love those two adjectives when choosing pieces to add to my wardrobe. Pair it with sparkles, and you might as well put a fork in me: I’m done.

Blouse; Forever 21 {similar}
Jeans; J. Brand via Plato’s Closet
Sparkle loafers; Report via Marshall’s
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Winner of Estee Lauder Giveaway!

First off, thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway and shared the love on Twitter! I appreciate any exposure my little blog can get! I’m glad all of you were excited about it, and I wish I had enough to send to everyone, but unfortunately, there can only be one winner.

And that winner is:

Congratulations, Tracy!!! I’ll be contacting you shortly to get your mailing address so I can send you your prize as soon as possible! Look out for another fun beauty review coming soon!

What I Wore: Green & Yellow

Sorry, that is a pretty terrible Black and Yellow reference.

I should stick to clothes. And that I will! Remember when I used to be scared to color block and incorporate too many colors at once? Long gone are those days. I now love grabbing multiple colors and trying to figure out how I can make them work together. Case in point: green and yellow. This combo literally made me want to grab my car keys and go to the beach. Doesn’t it look like I need a mojito in my hand?

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