bitty.and.bunny

Beauty Bit: Messy Side Bun DIY

2013-05-23T15:52:00.003-04:00

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but my sister is a pretty kick ass hair stylist. Sometimes when we go out, I ask her to help me with my hair and she'll whip up this sculptural, funky side bun that I love. I never saw how she did it, and always assumed it was just a whirlwind of backcombing, hairspray, and talent. Well, that part's true, but even though the end result looks intricate and fancy, you don't actually need the talent to pull this off. The backcombing and hairspray are necessary, but skill is totally optional. After we made this tutorial and she broke it down step by step, I realized that even someone inept at doing her own hair (me!) can pull this off (evidence that I was able to accomplish this feat all on my own here).

1. Gather your supplies. You'll need some hair elastics, bobby pins, hairspray, and a teaser brush or comb (for backcombing your hair).

2. Pull your hair into a low, side pony and secure with an elastic. 3. Gently backcomb the ponytail, leaving a small section un-teased. Don't backcomb too tightly; you want the hair puffy & fluffy.

4. Braid the un-teased section of hair & secure with a small elastic.

5. Begin sculpting the backcombed hair into a bun shape, securing in various places with bobby pins. Don't worry about perfection, this is most definitely a messy-is-better kind of deal. Leave the braid out of the bun for the time being.

6. Wrap the braid around the bun and secure with a bobby pin or two, taking care to hide both the pin & the end of the braid into the bun. 7. Spray with hairspray for a stronger hold.

A huge thanks to my super creative & talented sister, Jen, for sharing the secret of one of her go-to hairstyles. If you're in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area, be sure to stop by The Factory Salon and ask for her. I promise you won't regret it.

Linking here.

Crazy Amazing

2013-05-21T12:09:00.001-04:00

Hey all. So, over the weekend I unknowingly committed a blogger's worst crime - I forgot my camera at a friend's place, which means no outfit photo, at least for today. Instead I suggest you watch this crazy amazing video. My stomach leaps into my throat just watching these guys...I can't imagine actually being one of them. They're nuts. And they're totally awesome.

Enjoy watching grown men repeatedly fling themselves off of impossibly tall skyscrapers.

#SplashofColor Sweepstakes with Crocs

2013-05-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

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

Hey guys. I'm just popping in to let you all know about the SplashofColor Sweepstakes Crocs is hosting on instagram. If you've never participated in an instagram contest before (like me - I'm a veeerrrry late comer to the whole smartphone/instagram/technology party) then let me tell you - it's really fun!

For this contest, it's all about finding bright and pretty splashes of color, and photographing them with instagram. Simply capture your splash of color (whether it's a bold shade of lipstick you just got, a beautiful sunset, some blooming flowers, or the color of your cat's eyes), tag it #splashofcolor, then head over to the Crocs Instagram Sweepstakes page to connect your instagram account and enter to win. You can upload 3 photos a day. But hurry, this contest ends on May 20, so you should probably go enter right now!

Here are my entries for today:

^ springtime is the perfect time for lots of gorgeous color ^

^ a few bright colors at home ^

^ even on a rainy day color is everywhere ^

I hope you'll enter this fun & creative contest! Please feel free to leave me a comment sharing which splashes of color you found, and why you'd love to win!

What to Wear to a BBQ in the Rain & a Giveaway

2013-05-16T12:59:00.002-04:00

{ON sweater (similar), hat (similar) | f21 shorts | kamik boots | groopdealz bracelets (1, 2) | dogeared necklace}

Yup. This hat. This lovely little hat. I'm wearing it again because it's my new favorite thing, and it seems to add that extra oomph that going bare-headed just can't compete with.

I wore this to a BBQ on Saturday. It was warm, really humid, and raining. Perfect conditions for an outdoor party, don't you think? Luckily the hostesses have a pop-up canopy and a patio, so we kept relatively dry while chilling outside all evening, and my boots came in extra handy for running around the wet yard with the dogs from time to time. It just isn't a party until someone rubs a dog's belly I always say.

So, I had really wanted to rock some glasses with this look (because doesn't the side braid/fedora combo just scream for nerd glasses?) However, my current glasses are just for occasional wear like driving or when I'm in the nosebleed section at a baseball game (this happens often). Basically, they're not made to be worn all day long. And just as I was thinking that I should really get a pair of Rx-free lenses in a geek-chic style (because glasses aren't just for vision correction, they're an accessory too!), my dreams are answered because Firmoo launched their "first pair free" program where new customers can choose a pair of glasses for free (you just pay for shipping). They've just stocked their shop with lots of new arrivals and have so many great styles. These are my fave.

Right now, Firmoo is generously offering a totally free pair of glasses (including +1.50 single vision lenses plus free shipping) to one lucky winner. All you have to do to enter is follow me on bloglovin', twitter, or facebook (your choice - you only have to do one, but I'll send you big, virtual hugs if you follow all three) and then visit Firmoo to scope out which pair of glasses (from this selection) you'll choose if you win.

Leave a comment telling me how you follow, and with what username, and which Firmoo glasses you like best, as well as your email address. That's all! Good luck!

The Fine Print: Contest is open to residents of US & Canada, as well as everyone residing in these countries. Please be sure to click the link to ensure that Firmoo ships to your country of residence before entering the contest. Contest is open until May 31 and winner will be contacted shortly after. Winner must respond within 48 hours, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Linking here today.

#CB2NovogratzBrasilSweepstakes

2013-05-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

This post brought to you by CB2. All opinions are 100% mine.

I know we mostly talk clothing on this here blog, but that doesn't mean that dressing your home isn't just as important as dressing your body. Innovative husband-and-wife design duo, Bob & Courtney Novogratz (of Home by Novogratz fame - if you haven't watched it, do - they are amazingly creative), have recently launched their newest home goods collection, CB2 and Novogratz Collection. The collection was inspired by their vacation home in Brazil, and features bright pops of color mixed with the warmth and texture of wood. The best part is that there's a large range of items at varying price points, making it a totally accessible collection for the masses.

^ I would totally rock this little guy on an end table ^

^ Wouldn't this table add a pop of happy to an outdoor space? ^

To celebrate the launch of this collection, CB2/Novogratz are hosting the CB2 and Novogratz Brasil Sweepstakes. Enter the contest, and you and 3 friends could win the trip of a lifetime!

~The grand prize winner will score a one week stay at Bob and Courtney's vacation home in beautiful Trancoso, Brazil.
~10 other lucky winners will receive a CB2 giftcard worth $100 along with a personally signed copy of the book “Home by Novogratz."
-Enter via cb2.com/sweeps. Sweepstakes will run from from now until June 3rd.

For more updates on the sweepstakes, follow CB2 on social media:

-Twitter: @CB2Tweets
-Pinterest: CB2
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cb2

-And check out my pinterest board to see some more of my favorite picks from the collection.

Can you imagine winning something so cool? Head over to enter right now!

Island Dreamin'

2013-05-13T19:00:00.001-04:00

This post brought to you by Aruba Tourism Authority. All opinions are 100% mine.

The weather finally seems to be warming up a bit, and while I am loving every moment of spring, I'm also beginning to think about summer vacation. Recently, my honey and I were given the generous offer from a family member to borrow his timeshare in Aruba for a week. Just as I began daydreaming about the clear blue waters and white fluffy beaches, I was approached to do a little research and write a post about Aruba travel! Kismet? I think so.

When I imagine Aruba, beautiful images of pristine beaches and calm waters pop into my head. Much like this gorgeous scene.

But after reading a bit more about it, I learned that there's all kinds of things to do there besides relaxing, reading, and basking in the sun (because as much as I love to lounge around on vacation...or anywhere really, I also reluctantly enjoy a little exercise every now and again. Especially if what I'm doing is so awesome that I forget it's exercise.)

There's a national park - perfect for hiking and exploring the island by foot. And then there's kyaking to take in the sights by water. And of course, calm, clear waters make for great snorkeling. Plus, there are these great natural land bridges that I would be in heaven just being near.

Just look at this gorgeousness!

If you want some more information, check out the video below and be sure to visit Aruba travel.

Now...to begin saving up for that flight to Aruba....

Appropriate

2013-05-13T14:15:00.002-04:00

{gap jeans (similar) | pacsun tank | target cardi & wedge sneaker | ON hat (similar) | inpink ring (so similar)}

As the weather continues to be just....weird....I actually find myself having more fun putting outfits together. Because it's hot, then chilly; warm, then freezing, I don't get to miss any one aspect of dressing. Usually sometime around month two of a season, I'll begin longing for the pieces that I haven't been able to wear in a while. But this schizophrenic spring pretty much requires my entire wardrobe to be on call so I'm ready to throw on a maxi dress or shorts for those warm, sunshiney days, while also being prepared to bundle up, say for example in wide leg jeans & a cardi the very next day...when we're sitting around a bonfire in the yard to warm up a bit. Note: the hat is appropriate anytime, but is most useful for covering up lazy and/or bad hair days.

Linking here today.

Shape Shifter

2013-05-10T12:14:00.002-04:00

{target dress (similar) | sears top | f21 sandals (similar) & brown bracelet | gifted necklace & bracelets (similar}

I am well aware that this dress has sort of a funny shape, and may not be the most flattering on my body. In fact, when I first bought it it looked better, but when I washed & dried it, the crocheted band near the knees shrunk and the rest didn't, leaving this kind of reverse tulip shape. Which sounds pretty, but actually isn't. But it's all good because I love the way I feel in this outfit, despite its distorted shape. Sort of boho, sort of hippie, and utterly comfortable. Plus, one of my very best friends who moved to Switzerland a year and a half ago arrives tomorrow (!!!) to spend the next 3 months working here in NYC. I'm just way too thrilled to care that my dress is an undercover shape shifter. My friend is coming back!

Linking here.

Me, Myself, & I

2013-05-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

{target tee (similar) | UO skirt (cute option) | i heart ronson jacket (similar) | steve madden boots | asos socks | havok necklace & earrings | fossil watch}

I feel so very me in this outfit. A pocketed skirt, stripes, and boots - it's the kind of outfit I feel best in. If we're really being honest, I actually prefer pajama pants, bunny slippers, and a ponytail held up by an 8 year old scrunchie, but, you know...you guys would get bored seeing me in that fancy get-up day after day, so I change things up a bit. For you.

In other news, I'm linking here today.

Maxi Love

2013-05-06T06:30:00.000-04:00

{ON dress, sweater (similar), & boots (similar) | fossil watch | boyfriend's belt | gifted earring | dogeared necklace}

There's not much to say about a maxi dress that hasn't already been said. Comfy, flattering, lengthening, easy to top with a sweater and fool your friends into thinking it's a skirt...what's not to love?

Linking here today.

Crop Circles & Stripes

2013-05-02T06:30:00.000-04:00

{f21 cardi (cute option) | whoop tee (giveaway win) | gap jeans (similar) | target shoes | vintage necklace (similar)}

I'm doing it again. Wearing the same thing in less than a week. When I get a new item that I really like, I tend to do that. It's like my brain literally can't remember anything else that's in my wardrobe, and it forces me to keep turning back to the same piece I haven't stopped thinking about since the day it arrived. This tee is that piece. Its simple bold, graphic print just goes with everything. And really, it's a b&w screenprint of a nautilus/crop circle hybrid that Tara dreamed up. Can you blame me for wanting to live in it?

Linking up today.

Mon Petit Chapeau

2013-04-30T06:30:00.000-04:00

{gap tee | f21 shorts | ON hat (similar) | payless shoes (similar) | kohls, groopdealz bracelets | fossil watch | havok necklace (giveaway win)}

I just need to take a moment to rejoice over this hat. Yes, this one, single, on-clearance, unwanted, little $10 hat. And it's because it really, truly fits! Being the owner of one of the smallest heads of just about anyone I've ever met, it's a pretty big deal to find a flattering hat that's not indigenous to the kids' section of Target or Gap (ditto for sunglasses, but that's a post for another day). Right now I'm going to go put on my fancy new chapeau and do a little happy dance to celebrate my foray into adult-intended headwear.

Linking up here.

Tree Hugger

2013-04-26T13:20:00.000-04:00

Click here for the OASAP giveaway! Hurry, it ends soon!

^please pardon my uber-chic camera bag there^

{ON cardi (old) | whoop tee (giveaway win; designed by Tara) | target maxi (similar) | blowfish sandals | fossil watch | target, f21 bracelets (similar 1, 2, 3)}

Since today is Arbor Day (go hug a tree, seriously, it'll make you smile. Or better yet, plant a few!), it only seems fitting that today's photos were taken during a walk through a local park's cherry blossom festival a few days ago. The weather predicted a sunny 70 degree day, hence the skirt & sandals. In actuality it was 55 degrees and cloudy with 13mph winds that made me want to walk around shrouded in a blanket. But alas, cherry blossoms are fleeting and we were not about to let some wildly inaccurate weatherman stop us from enjoying them.

And just for the sake of Arbor Day:

Aren't they just gorgeous??

Linking here today.

Michael Kors Giveaway

2013-04-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

This week I've teamed up with Gumball to bring you a fun giveaway. I know spring has been slow to arrive to most parts of the country, but that doesn't mean we can't still dress like it is. This bright & cheery yellow clutch would add such a fun pop of brightness to any outfit, no matter the weather (but really, let's hope spring kicks in quick). Good luck!!

(Also, don't forget to enter the OASAP giveaway, too!)

Birthday Suit

2013-04-22T14:30:00.001-04:00

~~Don't forget to enter my OASAP giveaway here~~

{target top, jeans & sneakers | fossil watch | groopdealz earrings (similar) & bracelet | asos necklace}

Before you go thinking I'm completely crazy for wearing a paper crown, just know that over the weekend some friends & I celebrated my birthday. Not that this fact necessarily justifies the questionable headgear, but sometimes the birthday girl just needs to don a tee shirt, jeans, and wedge sneakers (a perfectly acceptable birthday suit in my opinion), and top the whole look off with a jaunty little flourish. Because this is the one day a year that this particular cranial adornment isn't questioned.

Linking here.

Chevron's Got My Back

2013-04-19T13:06:00.005-04:00

OASAP giveaway happening right here

{target chambray & dress (similar) | skechers shoes | UO necklace (similar) | fossil watch | groopdealz bracelet}

The weather's been throwing us some warmish days lately. Not enough to throw caution to the wind and shut off the heat for the season, but enough to shed the tights from time to time, and open all the windows to let the bird chirps, fresh air, and sunshine inside. This was one of those days. I was in a rush to head out and meet up with some friends, and was so baffled by the warm weather that I forgot how to dress for a minute. So I immediately went for my go-to dress - this little chevron number- which has been such a workhorse ever since I bought it last year. It's nice to know there's an inanimate object in my closet that's got my back, giving everyone the illusion that I made an effort. Even if they all know otherwise.

Linking up here.

OASAP giveaway

2013-04-17T10:48:00.001-04:00

Hey guys. Yesterday was my birthday. And while I enjoyed such festivities as being woken up by a solo rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" sung by my boyfriend sporting a freshly shaved fu man chu (if you don't know why that's an excellent gift, then you need to read this), accompanied by a birthday cake fully lit with the proper amount of candles (true story), eating lots of delicious food that someone with loftier health goals has no business eating, and cashing in on some birthday treats, I didn't forget about you. I have a little gift to share with you, too! Oasap is having a giveaway. Enter to win your choice of any one of these awesomely adorable prizes:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9
not pictured: 10 // 11 // 12

*Some important things to note: This contest is open internationally. There is just one rule: there need to be at least 50 entrants in this contest in order to choose a winner, so don't be shy about spreading the word! The more the merrier, I always say. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Firmoo Giveaway

2013-04-15T21:15:00.001-04:00

Hey all. A few days ago Firmoo contacted me to collaborate with them because they're giving out free glasses and would like me to help spread the word. Of course I said yes, because, duh, free glasses! Whether you actually need them to see (my entire family) or just like the smartypants look you get with non-Rx lenses (somehow, miraculously me), winning a pair for free is pretty awesome.

Besides, ophthalmologists recommend replacing your glasses frequently because wearing the wrong prescription can deteriorate your vision. That is a big no bueno. So hop on over to Firmoo and get your free glasses now!

The Fine Print:

1. Giveaway will start on Apr.16^th, and the free eyewear code will be shown on that page right after the giveaway starts. Firmoo gives away certain amount of eyewear each day, so first come, first served.
2. Furthermore, Firmoo will draw one lucky person per day from those who have shared this page via FB & twitter to win free eyewear.

It's Due.

2013-04-15T12:27:00.000-04:00

{ON tee | diy skirt | target wedge sneakers | sprout watch | gifted necklace (cute option)}

Happy Tax Day everyone! As we all know, taxes are due today so I hope you've all filed on time, or at least filed for extensions, and are receiving nice chunks of change back from Uncle Sam. I don't have much else to report except that it was warm enough for this outfit a few days back. The weather has since settled back down into its apparent comfort zone of low 50s, but things are turning green, flowers are starting to bloom, and I'm becoming just slightly more hopeful that I'll be able to rock more outfits like this in the very near future. Spring has just got to show up any day now. It's due.

Linking here today.

My Top 5 Favorite Birthday Freebies (and how you can get them, too)

2013-04-12T13:13:00.003-04:00

image

(add a handful more candles to this cupcake and we're getting close to how many I'd really need)

My birthday is right around the corner, on Tuesday (aka the day after tax day; aka the day most Americans either dread (they didn't file on time and are now late and/or owe a bunch of money to the IRS) or breathe a sigh of relief on (they just finished their taxes and sent them on time and/or are getting a nice refund). Either way, my sister and brother lucked out a little better in the birthday department (they got day before Valentine's and day after Halloween, respectively).

But anyway.

Around this time each year, my inbox starts filling with all kinds of fun birthday freebies from various companies. Just google "birthday freebies" and you'll find enough coupons and giveaways to enjoy a free appetizer, entree, ice cream cone, or cup of coffee every day for about a month. But I've whittled down the list to my top 5 favorites. These are the ones that I look forward to cashing in on every April.

Sephora birthday gift: There's something different every year but it almost always includes something awesome. This year it's samples of Benefit They're Real! mascara & Watt's Up highlighter (two things I've been dying to try from one of my favorite cruelty-free companies).
Moe's free entree: Moe's is my new favorite fast food place. EVER. It's Mexican. It's vegetarian friendly. It's delicious. We go way too much; the guys that work there now recognize us. It's slightly embarrassing at this point.
Chevy's free entree: I have a thing for Mexican. What can I say; it's the perfect cuisine for a cheese-loving vegetarian.
Anthropologie 15% off coupon: Admittedly this one isn't really a freebie, but it does give me an excuse to scour the sale racks at Anthro and get a couple extra bucks off when I choose something I absolutely don't need.
Dunkin Donuts free coffee: Need I say more?

Linking here today.

Gidget About Town

2013-04-10T11:04:00.001-04:00

{target sweatshirt & jeans | ON chambray | skechers shoes | sprout watch}

There's someone I want you to meet. Her name is Gidget. She's my new bike and I love her. Last year we took a vacation to Hilton Head, and rented beach cruisers there. We rode those things everywhere that week, and I became slightly obsessed with the easy, laid back style of this kind of bicycle. A nice, wide seat to coddle my butt? No gears to change? A veritable trunk? Yes, please.

I took Gidget out for her inaugural spin on Sunday, and since the plan was a 10 mile route, I knew I needed something simple and easy to bike in. The weather was mild, but there was still a slight chill to the air. This easy, warmish outfit fit the bill. I thought I looked decent, but apparently I pale in comparison to Gidget. She got complimented by a stranger that day. My outfit, on the other hand, went completely unnoticed.

Baby Brunch Best

2013-04-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

{target top | tulle skirt (similar) | steve madden boots | fossil watch | kohl's necklace (similar) | groopdealz bracelet (similar)}

I wore this to a baby shower over the weekend, and despite everything I've heard about the horror that is attending one, I had a really excellent time. The party was held at a trendy restaurant (that was closed to the public just for us) and included a tasty brunch, a unisex guest list, and some hilarious conversation with my friends & table mates.

In the last 10 minutes before leaving the house, I was scrambling to change out of my lightweight chiffon dress that I realized was not working the moment I stepped out into the still cold weather. In what might have been my fastest sartorial decision to date, I put this little number together. I actually can't believe I hadn't worn it until now. I've thought about it so many times, and really, floral + denim? It just makes sense (in a totally illogical, only because I'm a style blogger kinda way).

Linking here today.

Vipre

2013-04-04T18:00:00.001-04:00

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

Hey guys. Let’s talk about internet security for a minute. I know this is a fashion & style blog, but no matter what you do with your computer, if you go online you run the risk of a virus. I used to think that getting a virus was a death sentence for my computer, or meant having to bring it to an expert for an expensive fix. But recently I realized that having a great antivirus program eliminates all of that. Not too long ago, I got a major computer-altering virus that I thought would mean the end of my laptop. And then my anti-virus program bailed me out. It took a few nerve-wracking days and some work from my boyfriend (he's the computer whiz in this family), but in the end, it wiped that sucker out. It was then and there that I realized just how absolutely imperitive having an anti-virus program is.

Recently I had the opportunity to try out VIPRE Internet Security. I've had it for a few days now, and while I thankfully haven't had to use it for any viruses, I have been able to deduce a few things about it:

The Good:

~Easy installation. I’m talking really easy. Like, so easy I could do it (though I kept my boyfriend on standby just in case).

~The scan it performs is extraordinarily thorough; and from what I can tell, it automatically runs once a week, which is perfect for someone as forgetful as me.

The Bad:

~I had an issue with the program’s website blocker. It blocked several totally legit websites that I visit on a regular basis, so I had to go in and manually disable the firewall. Unfortunately there’s no option to view the list of blocked sites, and allow those you feel should be allowed. Instead, you have to enter each approved website manually, and for me it was inconvenient. So I just shut the option off instead. But like I said, I'm pretty computer illiterate. If you try it and find a better way, please let me know!

The Verdict:

I think that there are plenty of excellent, free anti-virus programs out there, my preferred being Avira (I’m forever grateful that it saved my computer’s life). But Vipre has free technical support, and promises to patch out of date software, which is a common cause of computer infections. As far as I know the free ones don't. It's really nice having that secure feeling of being protected from all the nasty little bugs that are floating around in cyberspace. Click here {VIPRE Internet Security} to check Vipre out for yourself.

circa 1987

2013-04-04T03:00:00.000-04:00

{thrifted top | ON chambray & jeans | target belt | steve madden boots | f21 necklace (similar) | fossil watch}

Here's another one of my prouder thrifty finds. This top was almost flawless, except for a set of heavy duty 80s shoulder pads that it originally came with. But I saw straight through those wads of cotton and my boyfriend's teasing that it looks like discarded scrubs, to the shirts versatile and mixable potential. $2.50 later it was home, washed, shoulder pads snipped out & trashed, and my excel style spreadsheet (don't judge me judge judy) brimming with outfit ideas involving a bright blue, short sleeve rayon top circa 1987.

Linking here today, too.

guest posting @ Haircut & General Attitude

2013-04-02T12:26:00.002-04:00

Today I'm over at one of my favorite blogs, Haircut & General Attitude, with a spring break look. Which is kind of funny because it neither feels like spring, nor am I on break. Discuss. (Bonus points if you know which character's voice I'm channeling!)

Linking here today, too.

bitty.and.bunny

Beauty Bit: Messy Side Bun DIY

Crazy Amazing

#SplashofColor Sweepstakes with Crocs

What to Wear to a BBQ in the Rain & a Giveaway

#CB2NovogratzBrasilSweepstakes

Island Dreamin'

Appropriate

Shape Shifter

Me, Myself, & I

Maxi Love

Crop Circles & Stripes

Mon Petit Chapeau

Tree Hugger

Click here for the OASAP giveaway! Hurry, it ends soon!

Michael Kors Giveaway

Birthday Suit

~*~Don't forget to enter my OASAP giveaway here~*~

Chevron's Got My Back

**OASAP giveaway happening right here**

OASAP giveaway

Firmoo Giveaway

It's Due.

My Top 5 Favorite Birthday Freebies (and how you can get them, too)

Gidget About Town

Baby Brunch Best

Vipre

circa 1987

guest posting @ Haircut & General Attitude

~~Don't forget to enter my OASAP giveaway here~~

OASAP giveaway happening right here