Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide with Carolina Premium Outlets



If you're anything like me, you always procrastinate when it comes to buying Christmas and holiday gifts. I don't know why I do it every year - but I do. So when Carolina Premium Outlets asked me to help form a Holiday Gift Guide, I knew I'd be able to check off multiple gifts for everyone on my list all at once. So of course the procrastinator inside me said YES!

So here's a little peek into the gift guide I put together with all of my finds from Carolina Premium Outlets!


For the Coffee Lover: 
Whether they need caffeine to function (hello Gilmore Girls) or just love making their own Chai Tea lattes, you can never go wrong with a Keurig machine and lots (and lots) of K-Cups from The Kitchen Collection. I don't know about you, but even though I can buy myself K-Cups, there's something special about someone giving them to you. Plus, the prices at The Kitchen Collection mean K-Cups for everyone!


For the guy:

I know: underwear can some so boring. But let's face it, guys need underwear and they certainly aren't going to buy themselves fun and colorful styles like these. So why not do it for them. Jockey's quality is so great that they're bound to last him at least a few seasons if not more. Plus, any excuse to fun underwear is a good one to me! 


For the whole family:

I don't know if there is a better store to hit up everyone on your list than J.Crew. They have the trendiest styles for all ages and cute details (like elbow patches and neon fair isle) mean the whole family can be fashionable while saving big! Plus the J.Crew Factory store at CPO has a ton of cute accessories that will make perfect stocking stuffers. 


For the glamour girl (or guy)

One item I love receiving is my favorite perfume in a pretty gift set because I usually get the scent plus a special gift. I stopped into Perfumania and decided to pick up the new Rihanna perfume for a sweet friend who is definitely the epitome of glamour. But to be completely honest, it was hard to choose given the many great scents they have! Oh and I scored this gorg polka dot tote for her when I shopped and spent a specific amount. It's the perfect size to travel with - a win win for her! 


For the little cutie:

Okay, clothes were never this cool when I was young (were they?!) I kind of want that “My mom think’s she’s in charge” tee for myself right now. As soon as I walked into The Children’s Place I felt like I had instantly become part of some “cool kid” club or something. Everything is bright, fun and oh-so-cheeky. Your little mini-me will totally love getting clothes when they’re this good. Now, the real question is: does that day-of-the-week emoji tshirt come in my size? 



For the one who has everything:

Yankee Candle will never stear you wrong in the world of gift giving my friends. They’ve got candles and scents in every size, shape and form that you could imagine. My favorite way to give a candle? Pick a scent that’s inspired by a memory you share with the person you’re gifting. They’ll love the smell and appreciate the scent-iment behind it too (see what I did there?) Psssttt if anyone wants to grab that Champagne Bubbles candle for me, I won’t be mad at ya! 


For the sparkle lover:

You know my motto here at Bedazzles After Dark: Wear something sparkly everyday. If you’ve got a sparkle lover in your life, Nine West is the perfect place to score some glittering accessories. Those heels are just calling her name for New Year’s Eve and the Glitter Clutch would look perfect dressed up with a LBD or dressed down and casual with a Jeans and Tee. Versatility in anyone’s wardrobe is key and let’s be honest: there’s nothing more versatile than glitter! 


For the music lover:

Elton John once said that music has a healing power – and I think that couldn’t be more true. You know that moment when your favorite song comes on the radio and you turn it up so loud so that nothing else in the world matters for the next few minutes (yeah, I love that feeling too) Well imagine giving that feeling to someone. I’m pretty sure they’d give you all the praise hands emojis. Bose has gifts that will give those music lovers in your life just that – pure bliss. These noise canceling headphones are such a good deal, you might have to grab a pair for yourself. 


Phew! These aren't even all the gifts I got! Make sure you're following Carolina Premium Outlet's social networks: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see what else I checked off my list. Guys there were so many cute things, especially the blanket scarf (you must get that for someone on your list!) 

Whatever you're doing over the holidays, I hope you have the merriest season and an even happier New Year! Don't forget to stop by Carolina Premium Outlets for all your holiday gifting needs!

disclosure: this post was sponsored by Simon and Carolina Premium Outlets. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Simon or Premium Outlets.


Monday, December 12, 2016

Staycation at 21C Durham: Vera Bradley PJ Party


Girls Weekend in cute Pajamas
{My Vera Bradley pajama top and bottom, Angela's pajama top and bottom, Meghan's pajama bottoms received c/o}

A few weeks ago I had the best girls weekend in Downtown Durham, NC. Angela from Head To Toe Chic, Meghan from I'm Fixin' To,(you've been seeing a lot of them lately!) and myself decided we needed a little staycation. So we spent the weekend at the coolest hotel called 21C Durham Museum and Hotel. Whether you are traveling to the RDU area or are just local and looking to getaway, it is a MUST for you to cross off your list. 

21c Durham Museum and Hotel Suite Room



We arrived to a delicious cheese plate awaiting us along with an even more delicious bottle of wine. Our hotel suite was absolutely beautiful with stunning views of downtown Durham, plush pillows everywhere and of course, their signature pink penguin. The hotel itself was actually built in an old bank building that has a secret vault you can rent out for private parties (more on that later!) 


I can't wait to share more details about our room, our experience and the food (oh my goodness, the FOOD!) But for now, check out our Vera Bradley pajama party, as the 3 of us rested and had some down time before we explored Downtown Durham. Did I mention that Ang brought us a bottle of Veuve to toast to our staycation? YES PLEASE! 

Vera Bradley printed pajamas

Vera Bradley Henley Pajama Top and Bottom Lilac Tapestry Print

These pajamas are so freaking cute and cozy! I'm just waiting for the Scottie Print to come back into stock so I can get those too. Pssst the lighting in the bathroom was purple and matched my PJs perfectly! 

21C Durham hotel suite


y'all - this cheese plate was out of this WORLD


Girls Weekend Staycation ideas in Raleigh Durham



Girl in window with pajamas and coffee

Make sure to check back for more of my review of 21C Durham and all the neat experiences the hotel has to offer! 

Thank you to 21C Museum and Hotels for providing the accommodations for this post. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of  21C Museum and Hotels.


Monday, December 5, 2016

A Blogger Holiday Party + Giveaway!


If you follow me on Snapchat {nrich14} and instastories, you saw I attended an oh-so-fun holiday Christmas party with some of my local blogger babes: Angela from Head To Toe Chic, Meghan from I'm Fixin' To, Courtney from Courtney Fashioninsta and Stephanie from A Style Of Her Own  

Angela graciously hosted us at her adorable house and Glory Roze Photography snapped our pics!  We each brought some snacks to share and a gift to exchange (Pssst there's also a chance for you to win our gifts below!) while Christmas music played in the background and balsm candles were lit. Talk about getting into holiday spirit!

Christmas stockings with garland around mantle

Christmas party tablescape with snowflake table runner

How cute are Ang's decorations? I LOVE her table runner and place settings - so festive!  

champagne cocktail bar

holiday party appetizers and food

silver and gold stemless wine glasses

LOVE these wine glasses! (here in gold and silver)

Holiday Party tablescape place setting ideas

I'll have more details on our food choices later this week (and my mini apple pie recipe!) 

After getting all our food set up and drinks mixed, we sat down to have some great girl conversation. Of course the topic of guys was brought up (we are girls after all!) but we also discussed careers, blogging, our love (and sometimes hate) relationship with social media platforms, and just sharing in what's going with each other lives. Sometimes we forget in our "busy-ness" how important it is to just connect with each other! It was also great to connect with some gals who experience the same growing pains of being a blogger who also has a full time job. 




Once we had sipped some yummy champagne and Moscow mules, it was time to exchange presents! We decided that we wanted to offer our readers the chance to win our gifts - the perfect way to say "Thank You" for being such amazing fans of our blogs! Does anyone else love the feeling of unwrapping a present? It makes you feel like you're a little kid again!

A Blogger Holiday Giveaway



I chose to gift a pair of earrings from The Flourish Market (more details on those later!) but I ended up opening one of those amazing smelling Blue Capri candles from Anthropologie (Thanks Meghan!) Steph also gifted one of the gifts that currently on my wish list: Emily Lee's Grace Not Perfection book. Also a girl can never have too many coffee cups (especially gold ones!) or blanket scarves! 

Blue Capri candle, Kate Spade tumbler, Blanket Scarf, Tassel Earrings, Grace Not Perfection book

Now, here comes your chance to win! Enter the rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway ends Saturday night and we'll announce the winner next week. You should receive your gifts just in time to open them up for the holidays!


North Carolina Bloggers Raleigh NC Bedazzles After Dark Fashion Blogs

Hope you have very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us! 

Monday, November 28, 2016

Cyber Monday 2016 Promo Codes & Sales



It may be Monday, but it's time for some RETAIL THERAPY and to shop, shop, shop! Cyber Monday deals are here and you don't want to miss these promo codes. So whether you're shopping for holiday gifts or a little something for yourself, you'll save BIG! Also check out my below list of Small Businesses that are celebrating Cyber Monday too! Ready... Set.. GO!

Shop Small Businesses too! Don't forget some of my favorite small businesses are having their own Cyber Monday sales. Shop them right here:


    Friday, November 25, 2016

    Game Day Outfit: Suede Garnet Dress









    Suede long sleeve laser cutout dress c/o Trending Now 
    Etienne Aigner riding boots (so old - LOVE these)
    Erin Dana belt bag c/o (old but found it in white here)
    Moon and Lola FSU charm bracelet (30% off this weekend only! Use code MERRY30) (State charm, Football charm, base bangles)
    Feather and beaded bib necklace c/o Trending Now
    Caravelle gold tone watch (gifted - on major sale right now!)
    J.Crew Factory bracelet c/o Carolina Premium Outlets
    Maybelline vivid liquid matte in Fuchsia Ecstasy

    I can't believe we are already at the end of November! I don't know about you, but Fall just flew by for us. One minute it's Labor Day, the next we are carving Turkey! And although it makes me sad that it's the end of football season, I'm really excited about my final look with Trending Now. If you saw on instagram, I attended the FSU vs NC State 2016 football game week before last, and rocked this exact look! 

    During the cooler months, I love long sleeve dresses. They still give you the great look of a summer dress while keeping you warm. Throw on your favorite riding boots and a statement necklace and poof! Your outfit is complete. Oh and P.S.: Congratulations to Danielle who won last month's giveaway

    I am in LOVE with all the Florida State clothing that Trending Now has on their site and in their boutique in Tallahassee. It makes dressing for Game Day so much more fun when your look is cute, don't you agree? What's your favorite way to rock your school's colors for Game Day? 

    Pssst.. just a little word to the wise when attending football games. They're so strict with purses and bags, so my favorite option is a belt bag or super small cross body. Just grab your phone, ID, some cash and lipstick because let's be real - that's all you really need. Plus you'll have your hands free to enjoy some.... refreshing beverages while you tailgate. Ha! 

    I'll have some Cyber Monday posts and codes coming your way soon. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!