Ask Bedazzles: How To Style This Red Dress

Today's post is one of my absolute favorite things to write about. Answering your questions!

Hey Nikki!
I love reading your blog and am in need of some fashion advice. I'm going to a wedding in August and I bought this dress that is super cute but kind of flowy. I'm excited to wear it but I want it to flatter my shape. Can you give me some tips on how to accessorize it and make it look slimming? Thanks!!
Corrine, Texas

After a few emails back and forth with Corrine, I discovered she bought the gorgeous ASOS Skater Dress in red. So here are a few of my suggestions on how to style this frock:

Dress: ASOS Red Skater Dress with Lace Back $68 / 1. ASOS Leopard Print Skinny Belt $14 / 2. Schutz Delta Nude Pump $160 / 3. Nordstrom Rolling Bracelets $32 / French Connection Gold Pyramid Studs $20 / Liz Palacios "Arco Iris" Swarovski Cocktail Ring $70 / 4. GiGi New York All In One Clutch

So now that Corrine has got a gorgeous canvas, let's focus on creating a feminine and sleek shape. First, cinch that waist and show off your figure! I picked a fun leopard print that will sass up the red tones in the dress. But, if you're not ready to walk on the wild side, try a gold metallic one instead. Using the belt breaks up your figure while adding a fun element to your look. {Double Bonus!} Another key element for a slimming look is great undergarments. Make sure your bra is supportive and comfortable - like this Maidenform Long Line Bra.

Next, we're going to want to show off those gorgeous legs while you're spinning around on the dance floor. I chose a nude pump that will elongate and flatter your legs. Pick a pair that's close to your skin tone and a heel as high as you can go. The color creates the illusion of long, long legs and the height will help accentuate the muscles in your gams. Plus, a neutral toned shoe keeps the focus on the dress, keeping your ensemble elegant and not overstated.

Since there's so much detail on this lacy number, I suggest keeping your jewelry basic. But that doesn't mean boring! A few gold bangles, some unique studs and a single cocktail ring will compliment your outfit perfectly. Add a neutral clutch (like my favorite GiGi!) and you're good to go!

I hope you like my suggestions Corrine! Either way, you're going to look absolutely smashing! Be sure to send in a picture of you dancing the night away! xoxo Happy Friday Lovelies!! {Friday the 13th! eeek!}

Ask Bedazzles: Holiday Outfit - Sequins & Sweaters

I get a lot of questions about what to wear to special occasions, especially around this time of year. Chances are you've got one or two if not several parties to go to, including the biggest bash of the year - New Year's! So I wanted to put together a mini series with my suggestions for stylish and sophisticated Holiday Outfit attire. Here you can find the perfection option whether you're headed to a glamorous celebration or just sharing some champagne with close friends. No matter your plans, we'll make sure you have the perfect ensemble. First up is one of my personal favorites - sequins & sweaters!

In my life, I consider sequins a basic - a necessity if you will. But for others, this time of year is when the sparkles come out to play. For your next holiday house party or casual get together, why not trying pairing a sequined bottom and cozy cashmere sweater together? The two different items balance each other out, creating a sharp, smart and sophisticated style. Keep your look fun and fresh with glistening beaded details that offer a brilliant accent to an everyday staple. Here, I've highlighted two different color tones that come together for a monochromatic palette. While wearing such a bright and bedazzled piece, you'll want to keep everything clean and minimal. And if you're worried about bare legs with the shorts, look to pair of thick tights to keep your gams covered and warm. As for shoes, I love black pointy pumps with sequin leggings or a feminine yet utilitarian wedge boot with a shimmering skirt. Paint your nails with an eye-catching cherry polish and reach for a glittering stud set to top off your look. I promise it's all the accessorizing you'll need. Happy Glittering! xoxo

Ask Bedazzles: Guest Post

This past Friday we got to attend my good friend Whitney's wedding! Whit and I became close a few years ago when we bonded over our love for champagne, frozen yogurt and home-grown Kentucky boys. :) I got to see her journey with her new husband from the beginning so it was really special to attend their wedding. While she's away, she asked me to guest post for her blog [again!] This time I decided to tackle a wedding fashion related question - What To Wear On Your Honeymoon

Head over here to read the full post. Let me know what you think!

Ask Bedazzles: Packing For European Vacation

Happy Friday Loveys!!! It's time for one of my favorite sections that hasn't gotten very much attention lately. Ask Bedazzles! I got an amazing question from a reader a while ago but I've just been too swamped to answer it. So finally I carved out some time and here it is!

Hi Nikki!
I saw that you went on an Italy trip recently. We are going to Sicily in mid-September! Do have any recommendations for me concerning staple clothing pieces to mix and match so I can pack light? Muahh!
Katie, North Carolina

Yay! A perfect question. I've covered what to wear when you're at the airport but packing is a whole other subject!! Katie, you've already picked up on one of the most important parts of packing. Basics! The key is to pick pieces that can double up with another item or be worn again. Mixing and matching is exactly the way to get pieces to go further. Let's see what I've come up with:

Ask Bedazzles: My First Guest Post!

With summer rapidly approaching it's time to start pulling out the suitcases and figuring out what to take on your next vacation! But there's another part of your trip you shouldn't neglect... What to wear to the airport? This is a question I get all the time which is why I am so excited to share with you my first Guest Blog! It's for my good friend [AKA Queen of Travel] over at Witty Whit's Words to give you readers some tips and ideas on Airport Fashion that doesn't include sweatpants! (I promise you will still be comfy!!)

Head over here to read the full post! Let me know what you think!

Ask Bedazzles: Fall Staples

Hi Readers! I've been putting off this questions since the weather in LA has been so hot! But since it's already November let's go ahead and dive right into Fall Fashion. I'm so excited to start this section off with such a fabulous request:

Hi Nikki! I absolutely love your blog! I was wondering if you could give me some wardrobe ideas. I recently just moved from Florida to North Carolina and I am really excited about getting a change in seasons and cooler weather. I could use some new trendy and wearable clothes to add to my closet for Fall. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Ashley, North Carolina

This is a fantastic question. Every girl should have a few key fall staples that they can rotate in and out of their Fall/Winter wardrobe. I also have scoped out some great trendy (and affordable!) finds that you can add to clothes you already have to shake it up a bit.

A Long Sleeve Tee
Seen everywhere from BCBG Max Azria to Proenza Schouler (above) on the Fall 2010 runway this is sure to be one staple you already have hiding in your dresser. The new way to wear your LST this year? Pair it with your cutest dress, throw on some opaque tights or thigh highs and you've transformed a fun summery outfit into a perfect fall look. My favorite is the Mossimo long sleeve tees from Target. I like them because they are just thick enough without being too heavy. You can try the Tissue Tees if you need something lighter.

Opaque Tights
This is another key item for the cooler (or freezing!) months ahead. A good black pair is great under dresses and skirts but I love them under dressed up shorts. The above photo are pairs of Hue tights from Macy's - a fabulous brand that you can grab for under $15.00. But my go to tights brand? Simply Vera from Kohl's. I can usually grab them for 6 bucks a pair and they last me at least a few seasons (the purple ones are my fav!) Plus they really stay opaque and not see through like some brands. Try a brighter choice with a black dress for a burst of color and staying on trend.

Any Kind of Boot
Boots, Boots, Boots! I cannot say enough about how much I have fallen in love with them recently. I wasn't always a boot lover - but now I am hooked. I don't care what kind or what height you buy (my personal fav - the ankle boot) - just make sure you have a few pairs in your closet. Boots are also another item that you can splurge a little extra on because most are made to last. But if you are searching for a great option check out Target's newest riding boot - the Kaden. It comes in three basic colors (tan, gray, black) and goes perfect with just about anything from tucked in skinny jeans to dresses. Plus I love zipper detail on the back.

Hope that answered your question Ashley! Basics are always key to any wardrobe Winter or Summer. But these pieces can help make Spring pieces last further into the Fall months. Happy shopping!

1st image via Fashion Gone Rogue, 2nd image via Style.com, 3rd image via Macys, 4th image via DSW

Things Are Fall-ing Into Place

Hi loveys! Sorry that it has been few and far blog posts lately... I went on a mini vacay and then had a week full of exciting things going on which was amazing and distracting all at the same time! Does it always seem to you that with the change of seasons also comes changes within our lives? It may sound silly but I can't help making this connection. I noticed that with the start of summer I got a new job, starting remembering why I love to write and honestly felt a shift in my universe. These past few weeks leading up to the beginning of fall I have been amazingly exposed - to myself. I think each person has issues or things in our lives that we are aware of but that we don't deal with. We just push it aside, refile to the back of our brains or just pretend that we have forgotten about it all together. All the while it's bubbling up inside us just dying to get to the surface.

Over the past 30 days I have really been struggling with several of these issues and finally decided to lay them all out on the table. I holed myself up in our apartment, stopped returning phone calls or venturing out to spend times with friends. I really needed this time to re-evaluate my life, the direction I was going and what was best for my family (although only consisting of the hubs and Jacky - our dog - they're still the two most important things in my life!) I can't tell you how satisfying it is to work through something and come out on the other side. What began as a huge struggle for me - ended so perfectly with a mini-vacay to visit relatives in Georgia. I was able to solidify so many of those issues and get a grasp on them rather than letting them float aimlessly around my world. I finally have wrestled these inner beasts and come out of the darkness with a clear head and much better attitude. Making these major decisions are never easy - but it was what I felt was necessary for my life. I now know that I can venture back into my marriage, my work, friendships and everyday life knowing that I'm at peace with where I am and in a better state of mind.

In light of this awareness there have been so many things unfolding in my life and I can't wait to share all the goodness that has been happening.. but I can't let you know all the details just yet. I can tell you that I am so excited about the direction my path and this blog is going! I have been flooded with emails and messages lately from users both On Sugar and from Facebook who have been so amazingly supportive and I cannot thank you enough for your words! It's so encouraging to hear the comments you give and ideas you have as well! One of these messages has actually turned into an exciting part of the blog that I can now launch! :)

I have always been interested in styling and as of late it's just been family members, friends and a few photo shoots here and there. Recently I received a message a few weeks ago from someone who was asking me for some clothing options for the upcoming cooler months. I always get requests or messages like this and I thought - Why not start an "Ask Bedazzles" section. So ta-da! A brilliant idea is born. I have inserted a page above with an email address where you can send any and all questions to me that can be featured on this blog! Have an amazing date night dress but need some killer accessories? Send me the photo and I'll throw some ideas your way. Do you need help packing for an upcoming trip? Let me know and I will be sure to pick out some travel essentials for you. The possibilities are endless! I am so excited to have yet another connection with my readers and to share some of my ideas! So be on the lookout for an upcoming post where I will answer my first question!

Have a wonderful day! xoxo

image via Sarah.Wandering