Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: LIFE THE LAST WEEK IN JANUARY 2012 INSTAGRAM STYLE

2012-02-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

(images via Liesl Ehardt's instagram)

AFFORDABLE FASHIONS: FUN, UNIQUE AND STYLISH HATS

2012-01-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, Blogland!

What a busy weekend I had, between visits with my sister and nephews, to watching the SAG Awards to endless eating, but it was all oh so fun and yummy!

I am here with a post all about super cute, trendy, fun and affordable hats starting at $35! I happen to have a rather small head, though looking at it you wouldn't think so, most hats honestly are too big for me. In fact, while filming "Kreating Karloff," the hat they had to get me was a juniors hat, believe it or not, and when I tried on a friend's newsboy hat while out, it too went over my ears...yes, 'tis true! LOL!

First up is the Fit to Flick, which I think is such a clever idea! They are a line of hats for spring/summer and/or fall/winter that allow you to wear them even if you choose to put your hair up in a ponytail. Therefore, they can be worn whether you have your hair up or not, but allows you to still look stylish if you choose to put your hair up without an unflattering, big bump on your head from your hair.

The idea was created by Hannah Bomze while she was traveling through Italy, and her Fit to Flick line was started as a school for a class she was attending at NYU. Each hat and hair scarf has a slit at the back, which allows for different ponytail height to be worn, but also becomes invisible on the days you would prefer to keep your hair down. Making it quite versatile and different from most anything out there now.

Sporting my Fit to Flick Brianne Ponytail Hat in cream.

Next up, is the W Collection from the Wallaroo Hat Company, a popular company started in Australia, that offers a stylish, newsboy inspired, line of hats that have sun protection built into each. It was started by Stephanie Carter and Lenya Shore and is now based in Boulder, Colorado.

What I like about these is that they come in very versatile and wearable colors that will go with everything and offer that cute, fashionable touch to a hat, each with its own name. The Simone style hat I received is too big for me, but I honestly love it!

Since my sister, who has the perfect face for hats and an average size head, unlike myself, will not only look great in it, but it will fit her, so, I'm sending it her way! I also have one similar to the Miranda style Wallaroo that I have loved for years now!

Sporting my Simone Wallaroo Hat Company hat from the W Collection in brown.

What style hats do you like to wear or want to try?

Today is the last day to enter my Feather Clips by Samii Ryan Giveaway if you haven't already and would like to.

I hope you all have a Marvelous Monday and that your week goes smoothly and quickly! I'll be back on Wednesday with some more pictures from the past week and my time in NYC tomorrow, as well as some fun, different and affordable items post for Friday!

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LIFE, HAPPY THOUGHTS AND THINGS I BELIEVE

2012-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

Hope you are having a relaxing start to the weekend! The weather back east is gorgeous today, warm and sunny with clear skies, and I'm outside with my youngest nephew running remote control cars in between publishing this post on my laptop!

Anywho, here are some more inspirational quotes and thoughts about life, happy thoughts and things I believe to get you through the weekend! :)

(images via Pinterest and QuoteBites)

Yesterday, I placed my votes for the SAG Awards, which air live tomorrow evening from Los Angeles, and I'm looking forward to watching them over some fun snack foods and cocktails with others! These awards are fun to watch for me because they are awards given by actors to actors, and you also get to hear little bits about how certain actors first got their SAG cards in the business.

Have a Super Sunday ahead and check back on Monday for a fun affordable fashion post on hats...for real this time! ;)

TAG: FACTS OF LIFE

2012-01-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, Lovelies!

I realize today's post was supposed to be a fashion post all about hats, but I just got some new ones to try, and I want to include them in it, so, that will be up on Monday! Including some pictures of them modeled by my adorable nephews!

Also, a quick "thank you" to Charlotte from Social Wardrobe for e-mailing me about the Fashion Bloggers Design Contest that UnitedStyles was hosting, and encouraging me to enter. I found out last night that I won the Design of the Day! :) Had it not been for her, I would never have even known there was one, so, please stop by her blog, and say, "hi" to her...she is a sweet and supportive fellow blogger who shows, yet again, how kind this community is!

Speaking of lovely fellow bloggers, the beautiful and oh so fun Emily, over at All You Need Is Love, tagged me in the Facts of Life post going around blogland. So, if you are interested in reading more about me, complete with plenty of randomness, read on, if not, believe me, I'll understand! This is a lengthy tag, but I was up for the challenge! :)

Ready? Here we go...

HOW IT WORKS

• Post 11 Fun Facts about you.

• Answer the 11 questions that the tagger set up for you, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag.

• Tag 11 new bloggers and link them on your profile (but please know there is no need to complete it unless you want to).

• Let those 11 bloggers know you tagged them.

11 FACTS ABOUT MOI

1. I once got a Beefeater in London, standing guard outside Buckingham Palace, to break the serious mode and smile at me! :)

2. I am related to Zita Johann who starred opposite Boris Karloff in 1932 version of "The Mummy" and starred opposite Clark Gable in The Machinal on Broadway.

3. I often get mistaken for, or stopped and told I resemble, Katherine Heigl or Amanda Seyfried.

4. My nickname growing up, given to me by my extraordinary father, was Tinkerbell, and why I chose to be her for Halloween a couple years ago.

5. I think I could live on cheese and carbs alone and be quite happy! :)

6. When I was about 23, I was approached by an older gentleman on 5th Ave. who said he could, and I quote, "be my sugar daddy," and encouraged me to go into Tiffany & Co. and pick out anything I wanted and he would pay for it...however, I kindly declined in case you were wondering! ;)

7. I love taking pictures of unique things in a simple manner, that I like to refer to as unique simplicity, kind of like my recent one of raindrops on my window or my shadowed Starbuck's cup.

8. I once sported an outfit on the red carpet that I put together for under $100 from head to toe.

9. I was quite obsessed with the Backstreet Boys back in the day, and I'm not ashamed to say it...I'm even in their Fans of the Millennium book! LOL!

10. Back in 2000, I got to hold a baby koala named Gumdrop (I look so young) while vacationing on Hamilton Island after celebrating the Millennium in Australia.

11. A few years ago, while at my parent's home back east, a raccoon had fallen down the chimney, but we didn't know it until we walked into the bathroom and there was a raccoon hanging out in the bathtub, he just looked up with this "hey, what are you looking at" look on his face! :)

11 QUESTIONS ASKED BY TAGGER

1. Are you more a "chick flick" gal, or do you like "action and adventure" movies?
I am a chick flick gal, yes, 'tis true, not that I can't watch an action and adventure movie, in fact, I'm happy to if someone wants to, but I'm a girl, in case that wasn't clear, and I enjoy less violence and fewer loud noises! LOL!

2. What is your favorite city that you have traveled to?
Oh my, this question is so hard to answer because there are so many. I would have to say that NYC, San Fran, Sydney and Abu Dhabi are on it for sure, but there are so many I've loved!

3. What is your go-to weeknight dinner?
Pretty much a healthy Smart One frozen meal or else Kraft mac n' cheese because you simply can't go wrong with that! Though since being back east I've been making healthy sandwiches and eating leftovers from nights out.

4. What are you scared of?
Ooooh, what a good question, aside from heights...eeek...I think that currently it is what the future holds for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm open and excited for all that awaits, but a part of me is unsure and at a bit of a crossroads. I'm in the process of making some big changes, and I think with that always comes a little fear too. That said, everything happens for a reason, and I know everything will work out in the end...oh and getting older gets me from time to time too.

5. Who is your favorite actress/actor?
I'm a fan of Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes was the reason I became interested in TV and Film after watching her in "My so-called Life" growing up, and Ryan Gosselin whom I've seen out in LA on more than one occasion, and he is not only good looking and a talented actor, but such a kind, genuine and generous person, which quite frankly makes me love him even more, which I think the ladies out there relate to! :) Oh and Betty White, I mean how can you not LOVE her...adorable, just like Regis Philbin!

6. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
I would have to say living in Abu Dhabi growing up, which was such a great experience for a child and holds so many great memories for me. Like learning Arabic, sliding down sand dunes, camping with the camels in the desert, going to Fossil Valley and many more, as well as, being introduced to wonderful friends who are still in my life today. As well as our trip to Kenya, which had such an effect that I knew I would always return one day. It holds great memories of our guide Julius, being woken up in the middle of the night to see herds of amazing wild animals, waiting for lions to get off the runway so we could takeoff, a baboon coming into our room and taking my sister's shoe on our last day there and so many more!

7. Where would your dream vacation be?
Right now it is to see Rome, Tuscany, Positano and Florence. So, perhaps a cruise that allows me to visit each...however I'd also love to go on an Alaskan cruise and a relaxing retreat to Fiji. Then, go back to Sydney, Abu Dhabi, Thailand, Kenya, Hamilton Island and Switzerland to ski!

8. You're at the Starbucks counter - what are you ordering?
Grandé non-fat pumpkin spice latte or non-fat peppermint mocha with no whip during the holidays. Otherwise, a non-fat vanilla latte, but only for a treat, they are quite pricey so I only go every now and then if I'm with friends.

9. What's your favorite make-up or beauty product?
I tend to be an Olay girl, as my 6 year old nephew pointed out to me over the holidays while sharing the little ones bathroom and had my lotions, make-up remover and things out. He came in and pointed to each on the counter saying, "Olay! Olay! Olay! Olay! Why do yo have so much Olay!" LOL! It was too finny, and I hadn't noticed it was all that brand until he said that!

10. Is there a fashion trend right now that you are loving?
There are actually 2 trends right now that when they first started happening I didn't think I would ever wear. One is leggings, but I have to say I am loving pairing longer tunic tops and sweaters over them in the winter! The other is leg warmers, which I truly thought I could not be able to pull off without looking ridiculous! Ha! However, I found a neutral pair of cableknit fingerless gloves at Forever 21, which I thought I would try as leg warmers so that just a small bit is peeking out from the top of my boots in the winter and it quickly became a staple this season for me...so easy, comfy and warm!

11. What celeb do you wish you could trade closets with?

I would have to say Kate Middleton, without question! I am so in love with her classic, tasteful and elegant wardrobe and style! I don't think there is one thing I have not liked, and she has a way of carrying herself with such grace. Something I hope I do in my life, but either way, she is just beautiful and her style mirrors her presence so perfectly!

11 QUESTIONS FOR THOSE I TAG

1. What is one job you considered or would love to do, but have never tired?

2. If you could settle anywhere in the world and just enjoy life, where would you want it to be?

3. What affordable fashion piece in your wardrobe do you get the most use out of?

4. If given the chance, what moment in your life would you chose to go back to and relive?

5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

6. What is something that you learned from a parent or elder that has been valuable in your life?

7. Do you believe in ghosts?

8. What era in time do you think you would enjoy living in for a week?

9. What is your name and why did your parents pick it or what is its meaning?

10. What is the one thing you simply can't live without in life?

11. What is your favorite quote?

BLOGGERS WHOM I TAG

(Though any of you are welcome to join in...in fact, I'd love it!)

Pleasant Posts With p.V.e.

Can't wait to read all your answers...I just love learning more about everyone! Honestly, I think since I started blogging one of my favorite things has been all the people whom I've met from around the world and the friendships I have made that I never knew would happen when I began! Love it! :)

Have a relaxing weekend ahead, I get to spend it with my sister and nephews and can't wait! I'll be back tomorrow with more inspiring quotes!

Also, you still have time to enter my Samii Ryan Feather Clip Giveaway, if you are interested!

PICTURE SHOW: MY TRULY PERFECT WEEKEND ADVENTURE IN NYC INSTAGRAM STYLE

2012-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Midweek, Blogland!
As many of you know, I was in NYC for a couple days with one of my dear friends Jenny, whom I met while living out in LA LA Land almost 7 years ago. She recently moved to Brooklyn Heights, and we had the best time possible! :)
Our adventure began up in midtown, near Penn Station where I arrived, and took us all the way down to SoHo near the meatpacking district, which we chose to walk because there is nothing better than walking in NYC! It is something I miss more than anything living in LA where you are stuck in your car and it takes forever to get from point A to B, unlike the Big Apple.
I always knew that I loved NYC after my move there upon college graduation, but I didn't realize just how much I missed living there until this weekend. In the midst of it all, I was suddenly struck with just how much it feels like home to me, and filled me with this unexplainable energy that just inspires you to get out there and do things, meet people and truly live!
That said, here are some fun, instagram pictures from our adventures that I wanted to share with you, along with each of the restaurants and bars visited in them, in case you ever want to check them out! Hope you enjoy the journey with me...

(images via Liesl Ehardt's instagram)

...a popular chocolate bar on Broadway (b/w 13th and 14th St.) that has an indulgent selection of fondues, which you can pair with different cocktails. They make a refreshing morning mimosa, but it is a tad loud and busy.
...a trendy, sophisticated, pub style bar in SoHo that has one of the best glasses of Malbec wine I've ever had, and their bash style burger is simply divine paired with it or by itself. I definitely plan to go back for each very soon!
...a truly hidden gem in the city that combines the perfect blend of coziness and romance in a rather unique setting, with friendly, outgoing service, which made it the winner of the night and my favorite spot on our adventure! I plan to make it one of my first stops upon my return to NYC.Honestly, I was going to make this post a Wordless Wednesday, but I just couldn't post it without writing about my time there, which I think was one of the best I've ever had, as stated above, and I time that I really needed on some personal levels.
The city has so much history and the people have such fun backgrounds, that I find myself always so interested when talking to them, be it on the subway, on the sidewalk, at a restaurant or even a bar...personality, heart, drive and a lust for life is everywhere you turn, which is something I discovered near the end of last year that I need in life!
I find that so many in NYC have such lively, outgoing personalities, where you can drop them into any situation and they just shine, which makes for great conversation and possible new friendships and relationships of all sorts to form. Needless to say, my time there is almost always such an uplifting experience, and those who have the chance to be a part of the magic it holds seem to agree, which is why I think so many believe it is one of the best cities in the world! ♥
Thank you, Jenny, for a truly lovely time and such great company...as you and others who crossed our path that day and night said, "all signs point to NYC!" ;)
What do you love most about NYC or look forward to doing whenever you find yourself in Manhattan?
Feel free to leave your thoughts, restaurant and bar choices in the comments below, Pastis would also be on my list! Check back on Friday for another fun fashion post all about hats!

AFFORDABLE FASHIONS: DESIGN YOUR OWN FASHIONS WITH UNITEDSTYLES

2012-01-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, Fashionable Friends!

I was recently over on Janie's blog, The Dallas Diva Diaries, where I saw this post and was first introduced to a new online clothing site called UnitedStyles, where you can design your own fashions! It is pretty fun to try out different combinations from cut, style, sleeves, patters and colors!
As you can see in the ones I tried out on their site and posted below, each can look quite different by still be in the same city collection be it Shanghai, Miami or Paris! Other styles, not shown below, are Amsterdam, Moscow, Tokyo, Rio, Milan, Barcelona and Copenhagen. UnitedStyles Shanghai Collection
UnitedStyles Miami Collection
UnitedStyles Paris Collection

Plus, they are pretty affordable fashions falling between the price range of $59.95 - $129.95 per style, which isn't too bad considering you get to pick all the combinations and colors! I have not ordered from them and it is in a beta format at the moment, which means they are just testing it out, but still a fun idea similar to some of the customizable options over at eShakti, which I reviewed last year here.
Have any of you tried this site out before or possibly ordered from them? Feel free to leave your thoughts on a set like this, style likes, city collection favorite, etc. in the comments below!
Anywho, I just got back from one of the BEST couple days in NYC with a dear friend of mine and it could not have been more perfect...no place feels more like home to me than that city, and the people I met make me miss it even more and inspire me to move back! Check back on Wednesday for pictures from my adventures!
Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to enter my dearfoams Slipper Boots Giveaway, and I hope you have a lovely start to the week!

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LIFE IS A BALANCING ACT

2012-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday, Blogland!
This morning I woke up to this wonderland view and it has been so cozy and pretty ever since! :)
I wanted to say, "Thank you" for all the super kind messages, fun questions, nice wall posts and supportive comments I have been receiving from many of you, I love hearing from each of you and also want to welcome all my new readers! :)
Now, onto business...hehe...seeing how popular Saturday Sayings have become on my little space in blogland, I'm here with some quotes and a friendly reminder that life is a balancing act!

(images via pinterest)

Also, I watched "My Week With Marilyn," after receiving a copy of it from SAG in time for me to vote for the SAG Awards, which are next weekend, and I really enjoyed it and seeing just how much Michelle Williams resembles Marilyn at times! Next up, I'll be watching my copy of "Midnight In Paris," which I have been wanting to see since it first came out...I just love Rachel McAdams!

Have any of you seen either?

Anywho, I'm off to the Big Apple for a couple days, but will be back next week with a fun, affordable fashion post and plenty of pictures from my adventures in the city with a dear friend of mine! Yay!

AFFORDABLE FASHIONS: MARY & DYER JEWELRY

2012-01-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hello, Blogland, and Happy Friday!

Just before Christmas I was lucky enough to win a beautiful Mary & Dyer Color Me Beautiful Necklace Giveaway, hosted by the lovely Tiffany, over at Just another Shopaholic. I could not have been more excited, since I fell in love with the necklace when I first saw it!

I was so impressed when I received it, because it came in the cutest packaging, making it even more special, and it quickly fit perfectly into my wardrobe, creating a classic statement piece...I love bold jewelry, even more so when it is affordable!

I recently wore it out to dinner with some really good friends, and they loved it just as much as I did! I also wanted to feature it here because the Mary & Dyer line, created by Kat, whom many of you may know from her blog, has a unique variety of jewelry, as well as some handbags and apparel at affordable prices. Plus, I not only love a great deal, but also supporting fellow bloggers!

I highly recommend her line, the quality, and of course the price, which you can shop here if you want to find something fun, different and chic for a great price! It came with a pair of pretty gold earrings, as well, but I don't have pierced ears, so, I'm planning to share them with a friend who does and would enjoy them!
Have a relaxing weekend ahead and check back tomorrow for more inspirational quotes! I'll be in Magical Manhattan with a wonderful friend for the weekend, wandering around, taking pictures and sipping on some divine wine, while catching up back at her place in the evening...can't wait to see her and feel the energy of the city I hold close to my heart! :)
Oh, and you have until Monday to enter my dearfoams Slipper Boot Giveaway, if interested!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: FAMILY TIME, GAMES, ROAD TRIPIN', NEW YEAR AND 2012 SO FAR

2012-01-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

(image: Stop SOPA by signing the petition here)

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: FEATHER CLIPS BY SAMII RYAN

2012-01-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, Fashionable Friends!

I am sure many of you have noticed the trend of feathers in fashion these days, and I have to say I became quite the fan often sporting my beloved Forever 21 feather necklace near the end of 2011 into 2012.

Well, accessory designer Samii Ryan, who is influenced by Native American culture and spirituality, started her own line By Samii Ryan featuring statement feather clips for your hair stating that one should "be unapologetic, be bold: flaunt your feathers." Seen on celebrities like Ke$sha, Demi Lovato, Lucy Hale, Miley Cyrus, Shenae Grimes, Chloe Bridges and more.

When Samii's media relations person, the lovely Leigh, contacted me about reviewing some of her hair feathers, I was excited to give this ongoing trend a try! It really is a fun way to spice up a simple ponytail or add a little extra something to some be achy waves, which I tried.

Since she gave me a couple pairs to try, I thought I would run one as a giveaway!

I happen to have some of the best readers out there, if I do say so myself...hehe...and am always looking for ways to give back to each of you and say, "Thank you!" Yay!

HOW TO ENTER:

• Be a follower of this blog.

• Like Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style on Facebook.

• Leave a separate comment below for each entry.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Like By Samii Ryan on Facebook. (+1)

• Follow Samii Ryan's blog (+1)

• Tweet about this giveaway. (+1)

• Post this giveaway on your Blog. (+1)

• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page. (+1)

This giveaway will run for 2 weeks until Monday, January 30th and is open to everyone! Good luck if you are entering and feel free to spread the word for more entries!

You can currently buy the feather hair clips, as well as earrings, necklaces, tees and things from her closet, on her online store and she just began selling her jewelry at Nordstrom and Von Maur stores throughout the U.S.! Check here for listings.

Thank you so much to Leigh for giving me and my readers this opportunity and to Samii for creating such a beautiful, well made and super fun line! Check back on Wednesday for more fun pictures and a break from my wordy posts! ;)

Also, today is the last day to enter my $100 Shopbob Gift Card Giveaway, I'll be picking a winner first thing tomorrow! :)

SIDE NOTE: I really need a haircut, my hair has never been this long, but I have been trying to grow it long enough to then cut and donate to Locks of Love and have it go to a good cause while still having long enough hair for a style I'd like to try since my hair grows quickly...stay tuned! :)

MY TOP RED CARPET LOOKS AT THE 2012 GOLDEN GLOBES

2012-01-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday, Fashionable Friends!

Just a quick Sunday post with my picks for best dressed on the red carpet at the 2012 Golden Globe awards! There were many lovely looks, but I chose some that stood out to be as classic and that I would have worn.

Overall, it was a night for shimmering neutrals and seems that those caught my eye most when I realized the names I wrote down along with some great jewel tones. Some of my top picks are all simple, classic and elegant...

KATHARINE MCPHEE

in custom Donna Karan

(image)

JULIE BOWEN

in Reem Acra

(image)

SELMA HYACK

in Gucci

(image)

DIANE LANE

in Reem Acra

(image)

DAME HELEN MIREM

in Badgley Mischka

(image)

KATE BECKINSALE

in Roberto Cavalli

(image)

JESSICA ALBA

in Gucci

(image)

Some others I liked that suited the celebrity wearing them were Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang, Charlize Theron in Christian Dior, Nicole Kidman in Versace and Modonna in Reem Acra.

As well as the back of the dress worn by Claire Danes in J. Mendel, the color of Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Maria Lucia Hohan and Laura Dern in Andrew Gn and simplicity of Stacy Keibler in Valentino. I also think Jane Fonda looked amazing for her age, just as George Clooney pointed out backstage after winning, though the picture does not do it justice!

What were some of your favorite looks of the night?

Hope you had a lovely weekend and check back tomorrow for a super fun and trendy giveaway!

SATURDAY SAYINGS: SIMPLE, INSPIRING THOUGHTS AND A VIDEO

2012-01-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday, Everyone!
Hope you are all having a relaxing start to the weekend. As always, I am here with a few simple, shorter sayings and quotes that possibly offer a little wisdom and inspiration.
In them you will see something that I have said for years and truly believe. Since a couple people mentioned to me how they agreed with it and liked it, I turned it into a quote and posted it with this weeks sayings, along with the quote featured on my blog profile, which is my slight alteration to the classic Amelia E. Barr quote.
This week, I also included a video "Return to the Root," which resonated with me after I first discovered it a couple years ago after stumbling across the lovely Jen Gray's blog, one of the first I ever found online when I first discovered this world, and have gone back to it from time to time since because she takes some lovely pictures and always offers some wonderful inspiration through them, her words and creative videos.
Enjoy...

(image and saying by Liesl Ehardt aka moi ...and is something I have always believed, said and try to remember.)

(images via pinterest)

(image by moi and quote by Amelia E. Barr slightly altered by moi.)

(video return to the root by jen gray via Vimeo)

For all of you into football and Tim Tebow, have fun watching the big game tonight and for those of you who are into beauty patents, enjoy Miss. America! I'll be watching both, and then on Sunday I'll be watching the Golden Globes, complete with some fancy drinks and fun appetizers and snacks, and keeping a close eye on all the fashions in order to create some Looks 4 Less in the days ahead of some of the best looks!
Enjoy whatever you will be doing and/or watching and be sure to check back on Monday for a great giveaway, which I will give you a sneak peak of on my blog's Facebook page tomorrow, it has been sported by many celebrities and is quite the trend these days!

AFFORDABLE FASHIONS: ONE DRESS STYLED TWO WAYS FOR DAY AND NIGHT

2012-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday the 13th, Blogland!!!
Oh how I love Friday the 13th's for some reason, they have always been pretty good days for me in life! :) Anywho, back to fashion, I recently purchased the purple belted, cowl neck dress featured in the affordable looks below from Forever 21 and don't have much purple in my wardrobe, but simply love it though I have yet to wear it out and am looking forward to doing just that.
So, since the dress is still available online, I thought I would feature it in an affordable fashion look and add accessories, shoes and a purse to style it as a casual look as well as a dressy look with items that are all available in case you like any or all parts of either look and in plenty of time to start thinking about spring and some warmer weather!
Each of the looks below are ways I would wear the dress, and just might when I finally wear it out, minus the earrings since as some of you know I don't have pierced ears so I don't wear earrings...little fun fact about me that usually surprises people! :) I was able to pull each together for just around $100 from head to toe.

PRICE BREAKDOWN

Purple Belted Cowl Neck Dress

Forever 21 - $24.80

Peacock Feather Earrings

Amazon - $14.93

Floating Silver Layer Necklace

Forever 21 - $4.80

Silver Knotted Metallic Sandals

Charlotte Russe - $22.50

Silver Braided Hobo Bag

Bag Madness - $34.50

__________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $101.53

PRICE BREAKDOWN

Purple Belted Cowl Neck Dress

Forever 21 - $24.80

Gold Cutout Teardrop Earrings

Forever 21 - $3.80

Gold Faceted Ring

Forever 21 - $3.80

Gold & Rhinestone Bangles

Forever 21 - $10.80

Ankle Wrap Metallic Heel

Charlotte Russe - $32.50

Black & Gold Clutch

Target - $16.99

___________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $92.69

Feel free to leave ways you might style this look in the comments below, I always love to get new, different and unique ideas and so man of you have great fashion sense! Check back tomorrow for more inspiring quotes in Saturday Sayings!

Recently, I have been getting a lot more visitors to my blog and many of you have tagged along and become Fashionable Friends, so, I want to welcome each of you and thank you for your interest and support!

Also, there is still time to enter my $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway if you are interested as well as my dearforms Slipper Boots Giveaway, and a big Thank You to the dearfoams company for giving me and my blog a great shout out with a link on their page and Twitter! :)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: LUNCH WITH SOME HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS AND THEIR MINI-ME'S

2012-01-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

SIDE NOTE: "Happy, Happy Birthday" to my awesome older sister Danielle!!! :)

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: AFFORDABLE SLIPPER BOOTS BY DEARFOAMS

2012-01-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Winner is...Athena, Congratulations!!! :)

Happy Monday, Blogland!

What better way to kick off the week and your heels while giving your feet a little comfortable break than by slipping on a pair of affordable slippers that are actually fashionable too! That is music to my ears and my feet for that matter! :)

Well, you can do just that with dearfoams line of slipper boots! Their line carries all sorts of slippers from slips ons to booties and tall boots, which allows you to "make yourself comfortable!"

Mary from the company was kind enough to send me a few pairs to review and I have been living in them at the end of each day ever since, no joke! So, since she sent me more than one pair to try, I thought I would host one as a giveaway and give one of my Fashionable Friends a chance to win their very own if the shoe fits! :)

I am a size 8-8 1/2, but she sent me a variety of sizes that should fit and since it is a slipper all the sizes fit me. Therefore, if you are a size 7-10 the slipper should fit well!

I have to say that I honestly love them and am already planning to purchase this pair in either color to have an alternate option, but cut off the pom poms since they aren't really me. They have such a variety, the prices are great and they all have rubber soles, which allow them to be a bit of a shoe too!

HOW TO ENTER:

• Be a follower of this blog.

• Leave a separate comment below for each entry.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Like Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style on Facebook. (+1)

• Like dearfoams on Facebook. (+1)

• Tweet about this giveaway. (+1)

• Post this giveaway on your Blog. (+1)

• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page. (+1)

I first sported my pair on Christmas Eve, as seen below, after our dinner and formal pictures by the tree. I kicked off my red suede heels and couldn't wait to put on my pair of the black slipper boots she sent me, and even though they are slippers they looked cute with my formal, sparkle dress! They are so soft and cozy!

Sporting my dearfoams black slipper boots after kicking off my red heels on Christmas Eve.

A closer look at my comfy and chic dearfoams slipper boots.

This giveaway is open to everyone and will run for 2 weeks until Monday, January 23rd and I hope you have a marvelous start to the week!

A quick "Happy 30th Birthday" to Princess Kate Middleton, whom I've featured here on my blog from time to time since she has a fashion sense, grace and elegance I simply adore, I hope this is a lovely start to a new, beautiful decade for her filled with new adventures!

I'll be back on Wednesday with pictures from my lunch with friends from high school, whom I've known for 15 plus years, and all their adorable children that I call their mini me's and shall be prepping a fun fashion post for Friday! Stay tuned!

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LIFE INSPIRATION

2012-01-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

(images via pinterest)

DISCOUNT ALERT: WEEKEND SAVINGS

2012-01-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, Everyone!
I hope you all had a lovely week and enjoy a relaxing weekend ahead! To help you save, if you plan to do any shopping this weekend, I put together a number of discount promo codes for you in alphabetical order...enjoy!
(image altered by moi)

ASOS

10% off Order

code: SALE10

Banana Republic

30% off $100 Purchase*

(*including sale items.)

code: BRTAKE30

Bath & Body Works

$10 off $30 Purchase

code: QUACK10 or print coupon here

Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap $3*

(*save up to $2.50 on each while supplies last)

code: none needed

Wallflower Plug-ins $2*

(*save up to $4.50 on each while supplies last)

code: none needed

E.L.F.

FREE 144PC Eye Palette

code: COLORS

FREE Shipping Over $25

code: SHIP25

Forever 21

Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Select Items

code: none needed see items here

GAP

15% off Entire Order

code: GAP2012

Michael's

20% off Entire Purchase*

(*including sale items.)

code: 4 001 00 03004 2 or print coupon here

40% Off Regular Priced Item

code: 4 001 00 901 12 0 or print coupon here

Extra Savings Weekend

code: none needed see all featured deals here

Old Navy

15% off Entire Order

code: ONEEXTRA15

Shabby Apple

20% off Sale Items

code: NEWYEAR

Spotted Moth

25% Off Purchase

code: HELLO2012

Victoria's Secret

FREE Tote with $125 Swim Purchase

code: swim125

3/$50 or 2/$40 Tunics, Leggings & Skirts

code: vsmixer

FREE Shipping on $100

code: vs100

You still have time to enter my $100 Shopbob Gift Card Giveaway if you would like, but also check back on Monday for another fun giveaway opportunity that will keep your feet oh so happy!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: OUR HOLIDAY SHENANIGANS

2012-01-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

GIVEAWAY: $100 SHOPBOP GIFT CARD TOWARDS HEELED BOOTS, CLOTHES, ACCESSORIES AND MORE

2012-01-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Winner is...Cristina, Congratulations!!! :)

Happy Monday and 2012, Blogland!!!
It's time for yet another $100 Gift Card Giveaway to Shopbop!!! My last one was quite a success, and they were kind enough to offer my Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style readers another chance to win!
You can find all sorts of fun fashions on their online store including a wide variety of boots, which you know are my favorite this time of year, be it heeled boots, flat boots, Hunter boots, wedge boots, knee high boots, booties and more! Plus, top trends in clothing, bags, accessories and more!

HOW TO ENTER:

• Be a follower of this blog.

• Like Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style on Facebook.

• Leave a separate comment below for each entry.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Like Shopbop on Facebook. (+1)

• Tweet about this giveaway. (+1)

• Post this giveaway on your Blog. (+1)

• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page. (+1)

This giveaway will run for 2 weeks until Monday, January 16th and is open to everyone, including international readers! Woo Hoo! :)

Good luck to everyone entering and I hope you are all enjoying the start to 2012! Perhaps this will give you a chance to buy some more goodies for the new year!

Speaking of giveaways, today is the last chance to enter my Silver Circle Bird Necklace Giveaway from Uncommon Goods if you are interested!

HELLO, 2012

2012-01-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012, Fashionable Friends!

My older sister, brother-in-law and nephews captured this picture of themselves writing out the year 2012 using sparklers to celebrate and I thought it was too cool not to share! :)

My older sister, nephews and brother-in-law ringing in 2012!

I hope you all had a happy, safe and fun-filled new year and that the year ahead is truly magical for each and every one of you! Thank you for all the lovely memories from 2011, I'm looking forward to creating new ones in 2012!

Check back tomorrow for a super fun giveaway sponsored by the wonderful people over at Shopbop!

SATURDAY SAYINGS: NEW YEAR 2012

2011-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve, Everyone!!!

Tonight when the clock strikes midnight we will be saying goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012, a brand new year, blank canvas and fresh start! For some reason the year 2012 just looks good to me and I'm prepared to make it a fabulous one!

That said, I honestly don't have everything figured out for the year ahead and many life altering changes came with the end of 2011 that reminded me how quickly things can change and just how much can take place over the course of one single year. However, it also taught me the importance of staying true to yourself and following your heart and instincts no matter what!

As I narrow down my new direction in life and get back on the track best suited for me, I plan to take a trip out of the country to a place doing things to help others. Something I have wanted to do since I was very little and made my first trip there at the age of 6, my youngest nephew's current age. I feel it will help inspire me, recharge my life batteries and be something worthwhile to others. Something I feel is lacking as a part of my current career path, leaving me feeling like something is missing.

I will fill you all in on my plans as soon as I have them set, and I hope you will all support me in my journey, which I will of course document here on my blog and in pictures! Overall, I plan to live my life in the now, no longer looking into the past and living life in a direction that can't be changed. Something many of us who fall into the small section of people born into the Catalano Generation, as it was recently named, tend to do.

Ultimately, I want to start living for today and working towards a fulfilling future, which for me is wide open at the moment, while taking hold of all the opportunities being presented through this blog and beyond to make the most of everything I enjoy!

So, here I am with a few sayings about the New Year upon us and the new start we are all about to receive! Have a happy one, be safe and prepare for all the magical adventures and possibilities ahead!

(images via Pinterest)

With the sayings said, I shall leave you all with my little year ending letter to 2011. With the hope that reading it at the close of the new year upon us will show me just how far I've come in 366 days, not 365 because of the leap year that gives us all an extra day to make it even more special and fulfilling!

Dear 2011,

Thank you for the excitement, lessons, reminders, ups and downs you brought me. Though some were over the moon with joy moments, while others were life changing and heart breaking, each built more strength within me and provided greater life experience and knowledge than I had prior. All of which are sure to help me in my future endeavors.

To each and every person who came into and even those who left my life this past year, thank you. You helped make me who I am now, better understand my personal wants and needs, and I truly believe you were a part of my life, no matter how long or short an amount of time, for a reason. I wish nothing but the best for you and everyone I have the privilege of knowing.

I am thankful for what I do have and consistently realizing just how lucky and fortunate I already am, as well as excited to discover what the year ahead has in store for me and all the adventures upon which I can embark. I plan to continue doing my best to improve the person I already am while remaining positive and upbeat with a smile on my face!

Honestly, I don't think anything could ever shake that from who I am or my belief that everyone deserves a helping hand, patience, kindness and is worthwhile with the potential to do wonderful things in this world. Sometimes it just takes one small moment or one person to believe in them to make it happen and make a difference!

Here's to "leaning forward" in 2012!

Thank you to each and every one of you who have followed me on my journey in blogland thus far, whether you hoped on board a long time ago, like the following...

Anna from Anna Sacconne, Diana from OneCraftyFox, Kathryn from Take My Breath Away, Blair from Wild and Precious, Rhi from Hey Gorgeous, Anna from Lona de Anna, Tamara from Life and Style of Tamara Nicole, Lindsay from Pink and Fabulous, Amber from Amber's Notebook, Brandi from Blicious, Alycia from Crowley Party and Kelsey from Seattle Smiths

...or more recently like some of my newer, fashionable friends...

Debbie from Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing, Melissa from So about what I said..., Megan from What Wegan Did Next, Courtney from Eric and Courtney, Patricia from Grammy Goodwill, Sarah from Frills 4 Thrills, Katie from Love is Everywhere, Kori from Blonde Episodes, Ashley from Eisy Morgan and Kim from Sassy Uptown Chic

...I appreciate each of you listed above, those following and all who simply stop by, be it once or more than once! Honestly, there are far too many to mention each of you, but I hope you know how much your support, comments and positivity mean to me!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2012 and continued success in all you do in blogland and beyond! See you next year ready to do great things! :)

LOOK OF THE DAY: CHRISTMAS EVE 2011

2011-12-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, Fashionable Friends!

I hope you all had a Happy Holiday and are gearing up for an exciting New Year 2012 around the corner...I know I am!
Those of you who saw my Animated Lifting Liesl Fail and enjoyed a good laugh from it, saw a sneak peek from my Christmas Eve Look of the Day, but here it is in full with a price breakdown for you!
We always get dressed up for our Christmas dinner, which we enjoy on Christmas Eve and have since I was born. It is something I look forward to each year, especially when my entire family gets to be together like this year, which was spent at my older sister, brother-in-law and nephew's home outside D.C.!
I came across my dress online at Forever 21 and loved that it had sleeves that were 3/4 length, which is nice in the winter, but also with a flattering fit and younger look to it. One thing I have learned is that if you see anything at Forever 21, online or in the store, you must grab it right away because they tend to sell out instantly! The art deco looking dress I found was under $30 and fit perfectly!
I paired it with some red suede heels that I found on the clearance rack at Marshall's while visiting my younger sister and brother-in-law in Albuquerque, NM, which is pretty much how it goes at stores like that...a hit or miss! I also sported some fake lashes just for fun!
The entire look from head to toe was put together for just over $85 and is something that consists of staple items for your wardrobe, which makes them wearable for many events and occasions. Enjoy!

PRICE BREAKDOWN

Black Sequin Dress

Forever 21 - $29.80

Red Suede Heels

Marshall's - $39.99

Silver Crystal Ring

Charlotte Russe - $4.00

Silver Parisia Circle Bracelet

Poshlocket - $10.00

Red & Rhinestone Hair Flowers

Claire's - $1.00 (each x3)

___________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $86.79

That last picture was taken my by youngest nephew who we have discovered is my twin and seems to like all the things I like...we are 2 peas in a pod! Anywho, he wanted to take pictures of me for my blog after asking me, "how old do you have to be to start a blog?" He is 6 and too cute for words, just like his older brother!

I figured I would go ahead and include all the family pictures, including my sisters, brother-in-laws, uncles (my mother's brothers), nephews, parents and Pete the doggie...hehe...we took by the tree too, since it is a tradition each year for us, and fits well with the post, but I'll post all the other less formal, holiday shenanigans in a future post!

Oh how I love the golden glow of twinkle lights this time of year! I hope you all have a magical new year 2012 and have your list of resolutions ready to go! I'll post mine tomorrow in my Saturday Sayings!

I'm off to meet up with some friends I've known for about 20 years or more and love that we have all remained such great friends over the years no matter how many miles separate us and through thick and thin, which makes them friends for life! Most of them have children of their own now, which just makes the get togethers a little larger and full of even more life and energy and I love it!

Have a Wonderful Weekend and Happy New Year ahead! Be sure to check back on Monday for another generous giveaway sponsored by Shopbob.com!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: OUR WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TOUR VIA IPHONE

2011-12-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

A LIFTING LIESL FAIL FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE

2011-12-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, Blogland!

Just a little something for your viewing pleasure that makes me and my sisters laugh every time we look at the pictures! We were running through them quickly over and over and laughing so hard we were crying, so, I turned the series of them, which were captured by my brother-in-law, into an animation! LOL!
We have a tradition of taking a silly picture of the sisters together after the formal ones by the tree and so I thought they were going to lift my legs and carry me, but they dropped me instead by accident because they were only kidding about lifting me, but being the blonde I am I thought they were serious! We were laughing so hard! :)

My sisters attempting to lift me up on Christmas Eve, which was a big fat fail, but oh so funny non-the-less! :)

I think my sisters reactions make me laugh the most and the fact that I look like a dead body or manikin after I fall! Oh me, oh my! :) Don't you just love candid moments that get captured sometimes, especially when you have brother-in-laws who like to just keep snapping pictures!

I hope you all had a very Happy Holiday and that Santa was good to you! ;) I am so lucky in life in general and have had such a wonderful upbringing that almost every day is Christmas, but I was very thankful to be with my whole family this year, which is more special than any gift, and could not have asked for anything more than time with them together!
Stay tuned for a big Picture Show explosion of our Christmas celebration and Wordless Wednesday of our White House holiday tour very soon! Have a Wonderful Week recovering from food comas and gearing up for 2012!
Oh and there is still time to enter my Circle Bird Necklace Giveaway sponsored by Uncommon Goods if you are interested!

SATURDAY SAYINGS: MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAY

2011-12-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve, Everyone!
This is one of my favorite days of the year and has been since I was little! I have always enjoyed the days leading up to Christmas and the night before better than Christmas Day itself.
In the spirit of the holiday, I thought I would post a bunch of Christmas and Santa sayings this week to wish you all a very Happy Holiday! Plus, we always read "The Night Before Christmas" before bed on Christmas Eve, so, I thought I would include part of that too!

(images via Pinterest)

I hope you are all enjoying this season with your family, friends and/or loved ones! I'll be tracking Santa tonight, as we do every year, and am so thankful and happy to be with my entire family tonight and nephews...little ones always make it more magical!
Sending lots of smiles and magic your way and I'll be back sometime next week with a big picture show from our celebrations, a fun review, giveaway and more before 2012!