Thursday, January 31, 2013

Pinspiration: Winter Hats

I don't know about you, but I can't stop thinking about Winter Hats. Wide brims, ribbon/leather trims and an oversized fit literally make me giddy with glee. Hats are perfect to either to finish off a casual ensemble or dress down a fancy look in an unexpected way. And ever since I stole borrowed this hat from my Dad, I've been racking my brain on how to wear it. Enter Pinterest! So here are some of the fabulous photos I found to inspire me - I hope they encourage you to create some outfit magic with a fun topper too!


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Try a printed cardigan, ankle boots & dark skinnies
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Love the idea of dressing up distressed jeans & a baseball tee with pointy pumps & a white fedora


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A two-toned bright option is perfect with a bold dress, toggle coat & leather booties


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When is a chambray shirt ever not a good idea with leggings & a floppy hat??


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A cocoon sweater, ballet flats & wrists full of bracelets are the pefect "off duty" companions to this wide brim choice


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A leather trim & wool hat won't give your denim on denim look the blues - I guarantee it!


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Try to dress down leather leggings & neon pumps with an black floppy version

What are you wearing with your hats? Tell me so I can get even more inspiration! :) xoxo

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Outfit Post: Ode to the Jacky






 
Shirt: Zara (sold out - similar here)
Army Green Anorak: Old Navy
Neon Belt: Gap
Studded Booties: Zara
Bracelets: J. Crew Pave Link Bracelet, Swarovski Crystal Wrap c/o

If you follow me on instagram then you know just how excited I was to stumble across this shirt while shopping Zara's sale a few weeks ago. I posted about it back in October and have been hunting for it since summer! Plus it means a little bit more now then it did then :)
 
I've been wearing it non stop and with our fickle LA weather it's been great for both cold and warm temps. So has my hooded anorak that Bill gave me for Christmas. It keeps me surprisingly warm even without the removable lining. I added pops of color with a neon belt, statement necklace and red nails & lips. My braided bun and studded booties are the finishing touches on this casual but cool ensemble. Sometimes you just need the extra details! It's perfect for an "off duty" outfit and has been my weekend wear as of late.
 
February is going to be an extremely busy month for BAD! I'm so excited about all the projects I'm currently working on. Make sure you stay tuned for some upcoming giveaways - I've got a fav lined up for mid February :) And I need your help.. I'm trying to up my Facebook fans & Instagram followers... can you help me out? I would really appreciate it!!
 
the pleated poppy blog
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Monday, January 28, 2013

Red Carpet Fashion: Screen Actors Guild Awards 2013

Did anyone find last night's SAG Awards kind of a giant snoozefest? And the red carpet was even more boring. Compared to the Golden Globes a few weeks ago, this was such a major letdown. By the end of the night I wasn't even tired because I felt like I had just taken an extremely long nap. Although it was an overall less than impressed evening, I do have a short but sweet roundup of my favorite looks. But I will warn you - it's not many!

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It's kind of hard to pick Marchesa and then not end up on the best dressed list. Naomi Watts did exactly the opposite and shot up to my #1 in this gorgeous gray lace gown by the design house. I love her old Hollywood waves and crimson lips. Totally glam. But actually one of my favorite parts is her jewelry/manicure combo:
 
 
Check out that massive Fabergé emerald cabochon ring & her nails! The pop of green against the grey is too fabulous!
 
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I love a good fashion risk and Marion Cotillard's totally paid off. Her white and navy two-toned Dior Haute Couture gown is spectacular. The length in the front, the pockets, the bow detail, the pleating. I literally love every single thing about it! Black pumps and Chopard diamonds kept the rest simple, basic and elegant. Love!
 
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Wait a minute - you mean to tell me this woman is 50? As in 5-0? I mean.. I don't even know what to say! Only that I hope I can look half as good as Helen Hunt when I get there. Isn't she absolutely lovely? Her slinky gunmetal Romona Keveza column gown is devine! Matching Neil Lane jewels (plus a friendship bracelet made by her daughter!) and easy curls top off an overall very pretty look.
 
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 We all know just how beautiful Amanda Seyfried is. But I think this may be one of her best red carpet moments to date. This tiered, mermaid, navy gown fits her body like a glove. A very fashionable one at that. Amanda stepped out of the box with accessories and added a gorgeous lavender and jade Lorraine Schwartz pendant necklace - I love that it's so different to what we usually see.
 

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 I don't hate this. But I'm not gaga over it either. I am, however, gaga over Jessica Chastain which is why I'm adding her to the list. Her red Alexander McQueen gown is a teensy bit too tight but she still looks amazeballs. Very Jessica Rabbit - which I must admit I love. Her hair and makeup is flawless - SO much better than the GG and what I have been hoping for all awards season. Thank you Jessica! Let's just hope you keep it up for the Oscars!
 
So what did you guys think about the SAG Awards? Were you as bored with it as I was? Did you like anyone's dress that I didn't include? Let me know!
 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Video: Justin Timberlake "Suit & Tie"

Still from Justin Timberlake's new music video "Suit & Tie"
Black & White does a body good.. and I've got just the thing to perk up your weekend! Justin Timberlake finally revealed the video to his smash hit single "Suit & Tie" and it doesn't disappoint. If you like hot men, in tailored-to-a-T suits, with a slight nod to old school Frank Sinatra or Michael Jackson, then this is a video you MUST watch.
 
An extremely dapper J.T. is shown driving around in L.A., playing the piano and enjoying a bit of gambling with the guys as he stuns us in a variety of gorgeous suits and ties. To top it off the lyrics from the song splash onto the screen to the beat of the music. Sigh.. it's perfection!
 
Oh and J.T. also gives us a hint that his new album "The 20/20 Experience" is dropping soon.... I can't wait! Check out the video below!
 
 
 

image - screen shot via Suit & Tie video

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Outfit Post: Neon Lemonade II






Sweater: H&M
Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick (on MAJ sale!)
Shoes: Target
Bag: Vintage
Pave Link Bracelet: J. Crew


Who says you can't wear 2 bright colors together? Not me! I kind of like the way I look like a double tip highlighter. I wore this to my women's bible study yesterday morning and they loved it! I don't think people are used to seeing neon on top of neon. But it's too much fun not to. Plus since I scooped up these toothpick jeans from J.Crew I can't stop wearing them! I kept the rest of my look basic with nude flats, air-dryed locks and 2 armfuls of bangles/bracelets. Is it summer yet? Oh & p.s. make sure you follow me on Instagram for more sneak peeks of my outfits - I posted this one yesterday:

Felt like dressing bright today! #nofilter #ootd

Looks like you guys really liked the first post in my "Blog Crush" series! I am so excited to launch this & I can't wait to share more awesome ladies with you. Look for the next one coming up sometime in February!!

the Grant life

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Blog Crush: Love By Lynn


I'm SUPER pumped to bring you my latest series - BAD Blog Crush. I'll be sharing some of my favorite blogs and the ladies who write them! And I'm particularly jazzed about my first crush because she's seriously too fabulous! So let's get started!


Meet Sara - The gorgeous gal behind the style blog Love By Lynn. Sara has an absolutely amazing wardrobe, totally enviable hair & a knack for styling outfits to perfection. I found her on Instagram over the summer (before she created her blog) Now, I visit her site everyday for an up close & personal look at her fabulous ensembles. Trust me when I say she'll get you to up your fashion game. Read on below to get to know Sara and find out her secrets to gorgeous hair, her kick ass bod & what products she can't live without!


Hello Ladies! My name Is Sara Lynn Wardell. I am from Payson, Utah and live just 20 minutes from there in a town called Springville. I am 24 & got married September, 24th 2011. I also have two amazing step kids. Tyson is 12 and Halle is 10. They are my best friends and love hanging out with them! 

What's your Day Job?
I manage a tanning salon where I do Airbrush Spray tans and love it! My employees have become my really good friends. My sister also works with me and it is the best! Managing all girls sounds like it would be tough, but these girls are just awesome! I am grateful to have them.

How did you come up with your blog name?
It took me a few weeks to decide my blog name, but when I said it I knew it was the right one! I didn't want it to sound tacky or like I was trying to hard. I just wanted it to sound like me. So I decided to go with lovebylynn. My middle name is Lynn and I want my readers to love reading my blog because I love all of you!


Favorite local restaurant & boutique?
The closest local boutique that I love is still an hour away from me -  It's called Koo De Kerr in Salt Lake City. It is so cute! My favorite local restaurant is Guru's in Provo, Utah.

What blogs do you visit for inspiration?
I have so many blogs I look at for inspiration, but my favorites are Wendy's Lookbook, Atlantic-Pacific, Peace Love Shea, Pink Peonies, & Cara Loren Blog.

Three beauty products you can't live without
1. My endless glow airbrush spray. It's the company I do spray tans for and I use that on my face for a little glow. You can buy it here 
2. My Clarisonic scrubber for my face. I cannot go anywhere without this thing. I use it once a day before bedtime and it gets all that makeup out deep in your pores.
3. My enjoy hair care oil. It leaves my hair shiny and soft! I love it!


What's the secret to your gorgeous curls?
First, I section my hair off into three sections and do it bits at a time using a curling iron. I wrap the hair around the curling iron and I don't use the clamp. It is SO easy. I do hair tutorials on my blog as well and will be doing a tutorial on that soon.

Fill in the blank "I could spend hours  ____"
Reading other fashion blogs and shopping of course!

Favorite stores to visit for budget buys
My favorite stores to visit for budget buys are TJMaxx and Forever 21! You can find some amazing stuff in there!


Who's behind the lens?
My husband is the main photographer for my page! We use a really good camera and he takes my pictures for me.

1 thing on your bucket list you've yet to check off 
Well... I am SO afraid of the water.. I'm kind of a wimp haha. But I will overcome it! So I am going to go scuba diving to do that.

Favorite Cocktail?
I would have to say a Margarita! You can never go wrong with that.


How do you stay in such amazing shape?
I could go on for days about this. There is so much I want to say. To make it simple I say always be realistic about your diet. 80% diet 20% indulgence. I work out 5-6 days a week for an hour to an hour and a half. I eat six healthy meals & snacks a day every 2-3 hours. My cheat meals I save for the weekends because my husband and I love to go out to eat and have some drinks. And yes you can cheat every once in a while ladies!


Fall/Winter trend you can't live without
There are so many! I can't live without peplum tops! They are amazing. Also anything oxblood, leather or cheetah print is fab. So hot for now!

One piece of fashion advice
Always, always be yourself! Fashion is just another accessory for your style, so fit it to what you like and what makes you feel good! That's the most important part. Wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful!

She's totally gorg right? I wish I could get my curls to look as amazing as hers - and aren't her outfits bomb? I love the way she styled her jean jacket above. Make sure you follow Sara via all her social media below!!


all images via Sara

Friday, January 18, 2013

New Obsession: Swarovski Elements iPad App


Today I've got some glittery goodness to share with you! Perfect for a Friday right? Swarovski Elements has over 100 years of experience making absolutely gorgeous and striking pieces with crystals that are cut to perfection. Anytime you see a Swarovski piece - you know it because it won't stop shining! Every light stroke is captured within the crystal and lends a luxurious and exquisite element to every design.
 
Now, Swarovski Elements has created an iPad magazine app focused on fashion, beauty and of course Swarovski crystals. It's full of inspiration with behind-the-scene articles, rich and beautiful photos, makeup tips, fashion advice, and more! I love that it's interactive too so articles are complete with videos{sometimes from celebs} and links to products so purchasing something you like is super simple. Each month is like a step into a fantasy world that just keeps get better.. all within the palm of your hand (or computer screen)
 
The best part about this app? It's free! But don't take my word for it.. take a look at these pictures then hurry over to itunes and download your version today!



For more sparkling content make sure you follow Swarovski on Twitter and "Like" on Facebook!


Disclosure: Compensation was not provided for this post. A sample product was gifted from Swarovski Elements. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of  Swarovski.

all images provided by Swarovski

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Outfit Post: Leopard & Bows & Coral - Oh My!








Sequin Sweater: Old Navy
Bow Print Pants: J. Crew (on sale!)
Coral Bag: c/o GiGi New York - New Spring 2013 Collection
Metallic Pom Pin: c/o ban.do
Sunnies: Vintage

I wore this outfit last week when Bill & I caught an early morning showing of "Gangster Squad" It was the perfect casual ensemble with a touch of playfulness. I'm know I'm no stranger to mixing prints (here & here) but I really wanted to challenge myself with this J. Crew bow pattern. I was a bit perplexed on what I could mix with it at first - the green is such a stand out shade. But since one of leopard's main colors is black, I figured it was good match to the little black bows.

If you're not a fashion blogger or are timid about wearing stripes, florals, leopard & polka dots at the same time, this is a perfect way to mix prints within your everyday wardrobe. It helps if your prints have a color in common, but I don't think that always has to be the case. And if you want to start small try my idea above like your shoes with pants or a top and patterned heels. I do recommend keeping the rest of your look simple - you want your prints to take center stage, right? Really, your possibilities are endless and as long as you're feeling confident, people will dig your look. 

I'm also trying to beat the cold L.A. weather with this bright coral clutch that I just received from GiGi New York. They're about to launch their spring collection FULL of colors like mint and sunshine yellow. This pinkish-orange hue is my favorite of the bunch. A bold bag is my idea of the perfect accessory. It's super easy & something anyone can do. Make sure you check out the full line when GiGi launches it in mid-February.

So what do you think? Have you tried mixing prints lately? I want some more ideas for these pants so I'm open to suggestions! Oh and if you want to see who my inspiration is for mixed patterns, check out Bethany from B Soup. She's not afraid of a challenge that one. ;) Happy Wednesday! xo

the Grant lifeWatchOutForTheWoestmans
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