Style Archives - Page 11 of 12

Spring Ahead and Weekend Links

March 8, 2013

Levi and I had an hour to kill by ourselves yesterday, so we hit up the mall and wandered around Nordstrom for a bit. When in Jersey, right?

Although he seemed content to munch on goldfish crackers and be pushed in his stroller, I didn’t want to test Levi’s patience by popping in and out of the dressing room, so our trip was strictly a browsing mission. It may have been chilly and damp outside, but Nordstrom was bright and spring-like inside. Pretty pastels and polka dots caught my eye from all corners of the department store, including:

DV by Dolce Vita ‘Jentry’ Boot | Kate Spade New York ‘Carmine Street Stacy’ Wallet | Michael Kors ‘Slim Runway’ Watch | Kate Spade New York ‘Cobble Hill Ellen’ Crossbody Bag | Calson Long-Sleeve Shirt in Stonewashed Blue Combo | Bobbi Brown ‘Lilac Rose’ Eye Palette | Mural Polka Dot Sweatshirt

While I debate whether to return to the mall and buy myself a few early birthday presents, why don’t you check out these links?

Free printable babysitter cheat sheet in two color options

This cartoon-illustrated post made me laugh out loud: What you want to do as a parent versus what you really do (via Courtney)

An on-the-go breakfast that looks easy and delicious

A third Bridget Jones novel is in the works (I loved the first Bridget Jones movie, didn’t you?)

Pick a side: Golden Girls vs Friends

My friend Melanie wrote a book about blogging! (Psst… It’s on sale until 3/13)

Pictures of people taking pictures of food (via Ari)

PS: Don’t forget to spring ahead this weekend! Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10th, so move your clocks one hour ahead before you go to sleep Saturday night.

My everyday essentials (and a giveaway!)

February 22, 2013

View Entire Collection >>

Let’s talk about everyday essentials. We all have go-to products that are part of our daily routines, from skincare and wardrobe staples to gear and technology.

Some of my everyday essentials include easy-to-wear lace underwear, a gentle face cleanser that even removes eye makeup, and skin-softening argan oil for dry patches. I swear by this hair dryer and practically live in my chunky Michael Kors watch. These cowboy-style booties are comfortable and versatile, and I love my MZ Wallace bag because it doesn’t look like a traditional diaper bag. When I’m sitting at my computer, I wear fingerless gloves to keep my always-cold hands warm, and I never leave the house without my favorite sunglasses.

You can learn more about my go-to products (including six more favorites) by checking out my Beso “Everyday Essentials” collection. If you don’t know, Beso is this amazing one-stop shopping site featuring millions of products from your favorite stores and brands. It doesn’t actually sell anything; it’s more like a curated search engine that allows you to compare prices. You can then use Beso’s collections feature to organize your finds or to create visual wishlists to share with potential gift-givers. Cool, right?

To get you started, Beso is giving away $100 to spend on your everyday essentials — or something from my collection! Simply sign up for Beso, create a collection of your go-to products (or dream products), and then share a link to you collection in the comments section below. It may seem complicated, but I promise you it’s easy! I made mine while watching “Cougar Town.”

One winner will be chosen using Random.org on Friday, March 1st, so you have a week to create your Everyday Essentials collection. Good luck!

What’s in my bag: Alt Summit edition

February 15, 2013

Here’s a tip for anybody planning to attend Alt Summit or a big networking conference: Carry a small pouch* inside your tote bag or purse filled with the essentials you’ll want to find quickly and frequently. I’m talking about a small notebook and a pen to jot down reminders, lip gloss and a small mirror, mints, and your business cards.

When choosing a daytime bag, I’d recommend something large but structured. I alternated between two canvas totes that were big but seemingly bottomless, making it awkward and challenging for me find anything not secured in my smaller pouch.

There were some unbelievably creative business cards at Alt. To see what I mean, check out the round-up posts on A Ruffled Life, Donuts Dresses and Dirt, Ciera Design, and Creature Comforts. My two-sided business cards were designed by the always awesome Joy Laforme and featured a photograph of Levi and me taken by Alyson Sword. I had the cards printed by Moo and was thrilled by their high quality, thick card stock, and smooth finish. The thing I regret was waiting too long to order my business cards and paying extra for faster shipping.

PS: The photos on Bunny & Dolly’s About, As Seen On, and Sponsor pages were also taken by Alyson. We won a free session with Alyson, a fellow military spouse, at JB’s squadron holiday party last year and sat down for family photos in early December.

*You win bonus points if your daytime pouch can double as a night time clutch! I actually packed two small bags for Alt Summit’s evening parties that I never ended up using. Silly, PJ.

So, you wanna know what was in my bag?

Marc Jacobs pouch in Rose Gold | pen | C. Wonder ikat notebook (similar — on sale!) | J.Crew magic wallet (My pink one was circa 2001) | Muji plastic card case (similar) | business cards | NARS lip gloss in Easy Lover | Altoids Smalls | pocket mirror | not picture: my iPhone (oops!)

Moorea Seal Giveaway!

February 13, 2013

One of my favorite things about Alt Summit was being introduced to new blog and brands. Bing gifted attendees bracelets from artist and blogger Moorea Seal’s eponymous line of jewelry, and I want you to have one, too!

Today’s giveaway winner will receive a Katrina bracelet in Shimmer Gold from Moorea Seal. Punctuated by 11 silver-plated studs, this leather bracelet is an edgy take on bohemian chic style that will easily pair with your everyday accessories. Arm party, anybody?

Want to win this gold leather studded bracelet?

To enter today’s giveaway, simply leave a comment below describing your style. Are you preppy? Do you gravitate towards feminine and romantic looks, or do you have more eclectic tastes?

Entries must be posted by Sunday, February 17th at 5pm CST.

Good luck!

I used random.org to pick the winner. Congratulations to Marigold! This giveaway is now closed.

One entry per person. Open to US readers only. $25 USD total value. Winner will be chosen randomly, contacted by email, and announced at the bottom of this post.

Festive Thanksgiving Day Fashion

November 16, 2012

Wondering what to wear to your Thanksgiving Day feast? I’m over at Lifetime Moms today sharing two outfit ideas, one for a casual Thanksgiving meal and one for a more formal celebration.

Personal Style // A New Fall ‘Do

October 17, 2012

I have a haircut appointment scheduled for Saturday, and I’m contemplating getting a new ‘do for fall. While it was fun rocking long, straight hair with thick bangs these past couple of months, my hair’s been harder to style that way since the Brazilian Blowout started fading out. Plus, I’m not really sure that that severe look was really me, ya know? I never really felt like I was hipster enough to pull off straight across bangs!

However, a friend’s son recently pointed to an advertisement of Zooey Deschanel shilling for Pantene and said, “PG? PG?” (that’s what he calls me) Seriously, I die.

I’m debating between two new hairstyles. The first is a more easy, breezy version of my current style — slightly less perfect with messy bangs. I’m kind of obsessed with the idea of wavy bangs, but I have no idea how to create them. My hair is naturally ~~frizzy~~ wavy, and blow drying it straight and then smoothing it with a flat iron every day is kind of a drag. This ‘do could potentially make my morning routine a lot easier.

The second look I’m really into is the wavy lob, possibly even without bangs. But… JB really likes my long hair, and I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t throw it up in a big ol’ ballerina bun when it hasn’t been washed in three days. My hair has never in my life been as long as it is now, which is why I’m reluctant to cut. But I know, I know — hair always grows back. (Unless it doesn’t. But that’s another issue all together.)

Long hair offers versatility, but shorter hair can be chic.

So tell me, which hairstyle do you like best?

{See these images and more on my Pinterest “Hairstyles” board}

Shop pink

October 13, 2012

My Lifetime Moms post this week featured some of my favorite “pink” products that give back to breast cancer awareness charities. Check them out here.

Seriously cute baby clothing from Mini Boden

October 4, 2012

I don’t remember ever signing up to receive the Mini Boden catalog, but every couple of weeks a new one shows up in my mailbox anyway. I flipped through the new Mini Boden Winter 2012 catalog yesterday, wishing I had a bigger shopping budget so that I could buy Levi some of their seriously adorable baby clothing. Erm, I mean toddler clothing.

I’m pretty picky about what Levi wears. I have an affinity for stripes and appliques and an aversion to cartoon characters and silly slogans. Mini Boden’s collection of baby boy clothing meets my criteria: simple yet playful.

For those of you with daughters, Mini Boden has some pretty lovely outfits for little ladies, too.

Mom uniform: colored skinny jeans

September 20, 2012

Chasing after a toddler all day, I’m most comfortable wearing a pair of jeans, but I still like my “mom uniform” to look current and stylish. That’s why I’m loving the colored skinny jean trend this fall. In an unexpected hue like teal or plum, they can add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise simple (ahem, boring) outfit, and their slim silhouette is effortlessly chic.

I recently tried on a pair of great-fitting colored jeans at one of my favorite stores but couldn’t justify spending way over $100 on them. What if they’re no longer in style next year? Heck, what if they’re not in style next season?

Luckily, there are affordable options out there, including Old Navy Rockstar Jeans. I was actually slightly overwhelmed when I first saw Old Navy’s in-store display of their Rockstar skinny jeans. They must have had at least twenty colors from which to choose, and some were even offered as cords.

Here’s how I’d wear colored skinny jeans:

During the day, I’d pair them with a short-sleeved or long-sleeved t-shirt in a stripe or polka dot print, my two favorite patterns. (Since I spend my waking hours with a messy 14 month old, my only requirement is that my top must be machine washable.) I’ve been into ankle-length jeans lately; I love how they look with ballet flats or loafers.

At night, if JB and I could ever find a babysitter and have a proper date, I’d swap my cotton shirt for something a bit more flowy and drapey. I don’t ever wear super high heels because I’m already 5′ 8″ tall, but I’d trade in my flats for something a little bit sexier.

So what do you think? Will you try colored skinny jeans this fall?

PS: And if you think only certain body types can wear skinny jeans, check out this video.

{top image: Old Navy, bottom images: 1, 2}

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.