Sunday, May 29, 2011

little loves

If I had a honeymoon or vacation to wear this perfect playsuit on I would snatch it up right this minute! Paired with a floppy hat, I could see Katy Perry rocking this in the tabloids.



I found this lovely little simple bodycon tank dress in black from Target. I can't wait to pair it with a skinny belt, fedora, and gladiators. Also available in leopard, gray, and with roses (shown).





Two words, Hello Giggles. An amazing entertainment site that prides itself on being lady-friendly. Oh and the trio behind it? Perfection! (You might see some articles from yours truly popping up there too).



I stumbled across this idea on Pinterest and am totally smitten! What a great idea to liven up old utensils. Possibly even color themed for special occasions or parties?



Loving what Emily from Cupcakes + Cashmere did with these vintage suitcases and antique mirror.




Friday, May 27, 2011

reader request


I am loving all the reader requests that are pouring in! This one is from Mary who is looking for a lovely little bohemian dress. Her requirements are white, lightweight for summer, casual, and around $50. I really enjoyed looking for this request because the little white dress has become as coveted as the little black dress. Every woman should have one in their wardrobe. Also like the LBD, the LWD would be an amazing item to search for at vintage or thrift stores, which are overflowing with amazing options for both.



While searching for Mary I stumbled across the most adorable dress that fit all of her requirements expect the price range. I personally will spend a little above my ideal price if it is something I have been searching for and love. While I didn't include this dress in her results I still had to share it in case it happens to be the perfect one (for her or someone else).



Isn't it beautiful?! 
And ladies don't forget the slip!

If you would like my help on finding a special item please email me at allblogfeature@gmail.com 
Subject- Reader Request

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

may beauty love list

Although last month I did two completely separate posts, one for make-up and one for beauty, this month I combined them. Depending on how many new products I have tried and loved enough to pass on it will vary. As I mentioned in my previous beauty and make-up love list posts, I strongly believe that word of mouth is the best way to try new products. I would like to mention I have not been paid to endorse a certain product. I have really bought all the products myself, really love them and delight in sharing great products with others. Enjoy!


I have very thick hair but it tends to lay pretty flat on my head. I recently purchased this mousse after seeing it featured in my go to magazine Glamour. It literally feels like silk in your hands, and is incredibly lightweight due to the consistency. The mousse makes my hair incredibly bouncy and full. I would recommend this product to anyone in need of a little pick me up.

Another discovery due to my beauty bible Glamour. I have a serious issue with split ends. I am constantly trying new products to prevent them and heal them. I  decided to give this product a shot and I am so glad I did. If you have split ends you must try this right now! Seriously go to CVS and get it right now. I can not say enough good this about it. I saw improvement within one use. I am not exaggerating.

I know what you're thinking, Suave really? Yes really. As if you don't know all of my hair issues by now, lets add another! My hair is very oily, and working in the food industry doesn't help the problem. I go from working in a restaurant to working at an office in the same day and one spray of this makes me feel like a whole new woman. Also great for boosting your roots up a little. It doesn't break the bank and oh it smells amazing too!

I can not believe I forgot to feature this in my first love list post. I know the price tag seems steep but believe me when I say it is well worth it. I treated myself to this lip stain after I tried countless drug store brands that could hardly color my lips let alone stain them. I use a soft deep natural pink called Enchanted. Since I am not a big fan of lipstick or gloss this is perfect for me, long lasting color with no fuss. And you don't have to take my word for it this stain has all kinds of awards.

This lovely little palette is perfect in every way. Use a large brush to get a combination of pink, gold, and bronze shades to dust over cheeks and chest. Or use individual shades for eyes. Perfect for adding that sun-kissed glow just in time for summer.

With warmer weather approaching I tend to go even lighter with my foundation. This moisturizer is lightly tinted to give coverage perfect for summer days by the pool.

I have been wanting to try a lash booster for quite some time now so when I saw all the buzz surrounding this one I had to try it. I was lucky enough to get a mail in rebate, and you can too! Most drugstores offer a mail in rebate when you buy this product, just look for the sticker on the box. I have only been using this for about a week, and I swear I can see a difference. 

As I mentioned before I used to be quite the tanning addict. Now I get air brushed when I'm feeling a little pale, but that adds up quickly and doesn't last very long. I have to admit I have never tried an at home self tanner and was pretty nervous. This gradual lotion is a cinch to use and adds the perfect sun kissed color to my skin. I use the one for fair to medium skin tones, directly out of the shower and making sure I apply evenly.

If you saw my little loves feature last week you already know how happy I am with these strips. They aren't quite the "peel and press" that they claim but they are fairly easy to apply and they last 2 weeks. Follow me on Facebook to see how mine held up. Although they did not instruct me to apply top coat I couldn't resist.

If you a polish freak like me there should be no other top coat on your list. It is a little pricy but well worth it. Super glossy and thick this stuff dries in record time. Some polish addicts even apply between coats of color to speed up drying time. This is a must have for all.


And if you have yet to hear or enroll in the CVS Beauty Club, do so now. For every $50 spent you earn $5 back, and beauty adds up fast. Any of these items would qualify towards that $50. Plus receive coupons, discounts, deals, and other incentives just for signing up. 


Sunday, May 22, 2011

little loves

 LOVING this braid/weave I stumbled upon on Pinterest!
Tutorial to follow.



 I always dreamed of having a porch swing, but this is on a whole other level. 
Could you imagine the naps on this?!



One of my stunning readers, Tricia sent me this picture of herself rocking a 
dress from Figleaf I featured on my first post. Thanks Tricia!




 I have literally become obsessed with this salad the past week. Baby spinach, pineapple, 
strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, and shaved almonds. So juicy I don't even need dressing!




I have wanted a pair of Ray Ban's since I saw one of my style icons Lauren Conrad wearing 
them years ago. So after working 20 days in a row I treated myself to my 
first pair of the classic wayfarer style sunnies.




Wednesday, May 18, 2011

what to wear




Some of my readers might already know about my love for all things wedding. Most of my favorite blogs surround weddings, I am a loyal subscriber to Martha Stewart Weddings, and I work with one of the best wedding planners in Cleveland. People often ask me what is appropriate to wear to a wedding, and I recently received an e-mail from a reader inquiring about that very thing. So naturally I decided to dedicate an entire post to it! 

There are many different dress codes to follow for weddings, and many different ways of finding this information. Although it is not very common, some invitations will say right on them or you can usually indicate by the wording how formal or casual the wedding itself will be. If you have no luck there check the couples wedding website. If they don't have a website or the dress code isn't listed contact a bridal party member. 


WHITE TIE
most formal of all dress codes
Women- Full length formal gown.
Men- Tailcoats + Tuxedo's only, bow tie.


Black Tie
Women- Full length gown is best choice but can wear formal cocktail dress.
Men- Tuxedo and conservative tie


Creative Black Tie
Same as black tie but with colorful accessories
Women- Add colorful or glitzy headpieces, shoes, jewelry, and bags.
Men- Add colorful ties, shoes, and shirts.


Black Tie Optional 
Most popular
Women- Formal cocktail dress, full length or even dressy separates.
Men- Dark suit and conservative tie.


Semi-Formal
2nd Most Popular
Women- Slightly more casual dress, shoes, and separates.
Men- Darker suits for evening, lighter suits for day. Add a fun tie or shoes.


Dressy Casual
Women- Sun dress, flats, and even sandals are appropriate.
Men- Khaki suit or nice button down shirt and khaki pants.


Casual

Women- Sun dress, skirts, blouse, sandals, even dressy jeans.
Men- Khaki shorts, polo's, sandals, dressy jeans, and even t-shirts (no slogans).



Basic Rules of Wedding Attire Etiquette
NO white unless the couple requests it, and just to be I safe stay away from ivory, cream, nude, etc.

Classy not trashy, meaning although you may be dying for a occasion to wear your new dress keep it in the closet if it is backless, low cut, super short, or exceptionally glitzy (glittery or sequined).

REMEMBER you are a guest. While the couple wants you to look and feel your best it is their day
Leave the standing out to the bride, groom, bridal party, and close family.

If it is a day wedding (before 5 pm) lean toward the more casual side. 
If it is a evening wedding (after 5 pm) lean towards the more formal side.

I personally always lean towards the dressier side. I would rather be slightly over dressed than under.


CLICK ANY BOLD PURPLE LINK FOR ITEM SHOWN



Sunday, May 15, 2011

little loves

One of my favorite things to do with my mom is going garage sale-ing. Found this adorable over sized pale purple tea cup and saucer for only 50 cents! The perfect place to store my chunky rings on my dresser.



 Pinterest is on the brink of big time! This website installs a quick link in your browsers tool bar that allows you to choose any image of the web page you are on then "PINS" it to various inspiration boards you create. I have inspiration boards for nail ideas, interior design, food, even a friends upcoming baby shower. You can even "follow" friends, companies, or celebrities to see what they are "pinning".



 Are you seeing these?! I have been wanting to try these nail strips from Sally Hansen for a while now and finally got them this week. Incredibly easy to apply and meant to last for 2 weeks! 
They turned out better than I could have imagined.




 LOVE LOVE LOVING these beautiful Calvin Klein pumps found on Piperlime via Rachel Zoe's picks. 
A girl can dream.




A good friend of mine introduced me to the Love + Olive Oil food blog and it has quickly become one of my daily reads. She also made these chocolate chip cookie dough truffles from the blog and believe me when I say they are as amazing as they look and sound. Try this recipe and you wont be disappointed!





And don't miss the lovely feature that Missy from Pearls + Personality did on this blogger! 
Thanks Missy 

Friday, May 13, 2011

reader request

 Reader Request

Loving all the reader requests that are coming in! This one is from Heather who is looking for a boyfriend blazer. Her requirements were Navy or Black, casual, lightweight, and sizes medium or large. I personally love a good blazer, the perfect way to pull an outfit together. I have 2 black blazers, one dressy and one casual and I have gotten more than my moneys worth out of them. A good blazer is something I believe you should splurge on (like a good LBD).

 * (This blazer is also available at NOTO in XS - $95)

* = Local to Akron



While shopping for Heather I came across a few blazers that I would love to add to my wardrobe. Especially numbers 3 and 4 for the summer!


If you would like my help on finding a special item please email me at allblogfeature@gmail.com 
Subject- Reader Request

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

lovely little find


With summer quickly approaching most of us can't count the number of weddings, baby showers, graduations, and birthdays we have on two hands. That's why this lovely little find is your one stop shop for all unique and thoughtful gifts (even if some are for yourself). 

Declaration Boutique and Events is a small boutique located in the heart of historic downtown Saint Augustine, run by the lovely little Lara (I had to).



DBE carries everything from the cutest onesies I have ever seen and sweet stuffed creatures, to hipster high-top slippers. Perfect baby shower gifts for moms who long for something different.



You might remember this bag I lusted after from DBE until finally snatching it up. Well my lusting didn't stop there, I have many of their items on my lust list. Jewelry, clutches, neck ties, headbands, hand towels, and cupcake kits are just a few of the items Lara hand picks. Perfect for birthdays, graduations, weddings, or yourself.



Of course my readers can save 10% off their order from Declaration's online store! Just enter promo code HugsandKisses upon checkout! 
Don't let this deal pass you by.



And if you happen to be planning a wedding, shower, or any event then DBE has you covered there too! Lara designs and hand assembles custom invitations, escort cards, menus, programs, and favors. 
Check out more of her portfolio HERE.


Don't forget to enter HugsandKisses when you SHOP!





Tuesday, May 10, 2011

fashion week cleveland recap


On Saturday night I had the amazing opportunity to attend Cleveland Fashion Week thanks to fellow Akron blogger Sarah from Sarah's Laundry. The night started with hundreds of fashionistas and fashion lovers sipping cocktails and mingling in the Crawford Auto Museum at the Western Reserve Historical Society. 


I was lucky enough to make it backstage just in time to see the founder of Fashion Week Cleveland himself, Donald Shingler announce that the first week in May is now officially Fashion Week Cleveland. An amazing step for fashion in Cleveland!


Fellow Akron bloggers Sarah from Sarah's Laundry and Jessica and Anna from Dresses for Dinner, and myself.

Over all the event was an amazing experience and was filled with beautiful fashions from local designers, my favorites include the scalloped white lace shorts and the sheer black maxi dress. If you have the chance to volunteer or attend fashion week next year don't pass it up. I will be there, will you?


All Photo Credits: Sarah Stannard unless otherwise noted.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

little loves

 Loving this hook wall for jewelry, especially this heart key hook.




 I already love pancakes so when I saw these Lemon-Blueberry ones from Pioneer Woman I knew I had to try them immediately!




 How sweet are these Momiji message dolls? 
No bigger than a tennis ball, each has a special message inside.





 Picked up "smooth sailing" and "absolutely shore" this week from Essie's new line. Used "absolutely shore" for newsprint nails via Jessica from Dresses for Dinner.




Anthropologie's wedding line BHLDN launched their wedding decor collection this week. Everything from beautiful linens, vases, favors, to gifts. Every piece is unique and bohemian. 



I mentioned earlier that I am trying to do outfit posts, but until then check out my Chictopia!