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!

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

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

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!

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! 

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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Outfit Post: Christmas Sequins

Red and Black Plaid Shirt (similar option) || Mindy Mae's Market Gold Sequin Skirt (now on sale!) || Zara Shoes (similar option) || GiGi New York Leather Clutch c/o || Caravelle New York Watch (gifted) || J.Crew Bracelet || Rocksbox Necklace || Chanel Allure Gloss in Seduction c/o PeopleStyleWatch

I can't believe Christmas is already over! It really snuck up on me this year. I've been so pre-occupied with work, that I hardly got to enjoy or plan for the season. But it was still a great couple of days none the less!

I ordered this Sequin Swing skirt back in November and it arrived just in time for Christmas Eve service. I'm absolutely in love with it! Sequins can really be so versatile. They're perfect for dressing up and casual outfits. Yes, casual! I can't wait to pair it with a crop top once the weather warms up. But for a December night, a red and black plaid shirt was the perfect, subtle Christmas touch. 

I've been on a bit of a hiatus, but don't worry! My major project at work finally launched (yay!) so I'm hoping I can make it home early a few days to shoot outfits. This 4:45 PM sunset thing is really cramping my blog photo style! Until then, make sure you're following me on instagram for behind-the-scenes outfits! Hope you and yours had a Merry Christmas! xo

linking up with Trend Spin & Style Sessions

Casual Holiday Outfit + NC Blogger Holiday Giveaway

Corbin of Classy South Blog || Courtney of The Dainty Darling || Taylor-Rae of Style Soufflé || Laura of Louella Reese || Shelby of Pretty In The Pines

 

 

Boy, have I got a big treat for you today. It might make up for my 3 week absence. Today I'm teaming up with 5 other NC Bloggers to bring you a very special giveaway (Eeeeek!).

 

But before I give you the details of that - let's talk about Holiday outfits. I don't know about you, but I've got about a bazillion different Christmas parties and winter events to go to. Weddings, Holiday Gatherings and just general spirited festivities. And not every occasion calls for glittering skirts and the highest of heels (but really, why not?)

 

If you're looking for a more casual holiday outfits, here's an outfit you might want to try. My lacy shorts are still dressy and festive. But it's perfect for those occasions where flat boots and an oversize sweater are a more comfy selection.

 

 

Metallic Sweater from Anat B. (super old)

Twelve Saturdays Garnet Lace Crochet Shorts c/o

Ava & Aiden "Rylan" Riding Boot via Gilt
GiGi New York "Madison" Crossbody Bag in Stone

JV Hantres Gold Triangle Necklace (use promo code BADxFSU for 10% off) || Caravelle New York Gold Tone Watch (gifted) || Simply Vera Vera Wang Opaque Tights

 

Of course, you could always throw on a pair of high heels and glittering top to make it more dressy. Either way you'll look amazing and be Holiday Party ready.

 

Now on to the giveaway! It's chock full of amazing NC business and we've got 6 prizes for you to potentially win! Which means... 6 winners of this giveaway.  Want to know what's up for grabs?

- $50 Gift Card to Moon & Lola (yes, please!)
- 3 Pack Honest Hazel Eye Gels (these things are ahhhhmazing!)
- Early August "Little Leaf" Necklace (choice of gold or silver)
- Sugarlips Charming Velvet Jumpsuit via Lililu On King
- Tartan Scarf and Red Kendra Scott inspired Earrings from Boone Belles
- Tealhouse Dark Silver Tassel Necklace

So check out the rafflecopter below, discover some amazing NC bloggers and get introduced to these fabulous local businesses. This is our gift to you! xoxo
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Outfit Post: Plaid & Leather

 

Target Purple Plaid Shirt

ASOS Faux Leather Skater Skirt (this version is sold out but almost identical here at ASOS)

Zara Booties (old - SUPER similar from Jessica Simpson &  Zappos style)

Simply Vera Opaque Tights (best ever!!!)

Daisy Gem Crystal Necklace c/o || Love Culture Transparent Box Clutch in Rose Gold (love this identical option too) || Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Watch || Blu Bijoux Hammered Pearl Bangles c/o Max & Chloe || Graphic Image Personalized Mini Envelope Card Case in White Gold

Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in "Vivid Rose" || Sally Hansen "Gunmetal" Nail Polish with Pure Ice "Sleigh Ride" Nail Polish layered on top

 

Holiday Party season is in full effect and if you're not sure of what to wear - don't worry! I'm sharing an easy and super simple outfit idea today!

 

Somehow I went from owning zero plaid items to over 3 in less than 2 weeks! I guess that's what happens when you realize there's a big ol' hole in your wardrobe! I wore this plaid and leather combo to our building's holiday party last week. I knew it wouldn't be super fancy but I still wanted to look chic and festive! My recently acquired Target purple plaid button down was just the piece I needed to pair with my leather mini skater skirt. I could have gotten the red option to be more "Christmasy" but I figured I'd get more wear out of the purple (I also got this black and white one too.. oops!)

 

Next I just layered on some super fun bangles, a crystal statement necklace (that you can score for $15 by using code BEDAZN or BEDA15 for 15% off your order!) and a cheeky transparent clutch. Normally, my credit cards and ID are just floating around in there but I got the brilliant idea to use my Business Card holder from Graphic Image as a pseudo-wallet for the night! Everyone loved that you could see inside my bag as well as a peak at my card case's personalization stamp :)

 

And BOOM! I was comfy, covered, cozy and totally Christmas party worthy. You could rock this look at your work's party or even a neighborhood get-together that's not going to be extremely dressy. It's been an mix of extremely busy days and terrible weather the last couple of weeks so I apologize for being slightly MIA. Hopefully I can get some more outfits up this week! Happy Monday everyone! xox

Holiday Outfit Post: Turkey Day Sequin Sweatpants

 

Sequin Sweatpants and Baseball Sweater c/o LuLu's

ShoeDazzle "Lisa" Metallic Wedge Pump (sold out - SUPER similar at J.Crew on sale!)

DaisyGem Crystal Flower Necklace c/o (Use code BEDAZN to score it for just $15!!!)

Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Rose Gold Watch || Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Wild Orchid"

 

I promise I wasn't lying when I told you about my 2 ideal Thanksgiving Day outfits... here is what I wore yesterday. When I found out LuLu's carried these sequin sweatpants.. I couldn't have been more thrilled. I tweeted about them, blogged about them and finally got them just in time for the holiday season! They're actually going to be 1 of my favorite things to wear well past Christmas & New Year's because they're so damn comfy! I mean my fancy sequin pants had an elastic waistband for Thanksgiving dinner. What more could you need?

 

Let's talk jewels for a second.. this Daisy Gem statement necklace is going to get some serious rotation for the holidays. I have lots of statement pieces but none that are just regular crystal colored. DaisyGem has also been so kind to offer BAD readers the chance to scoop up this exact necklace for only $15!! Just use promo code BEDAZN when you check out. And if you spy something else on their site that you like.. no worries! You can use code BEDA15 for 15% off your entire order!! Talk about a holiday score!

 

What did you end up wearing for T-Day? We're going to visit my husband's family this weekend and I might have to pack these pants. 2 Thanksgiving dinners in 1 weekend? How lucky am I?

 

Don't forget to enter this giveaway still happening! Happy Friday! xo

 

linking up with Because Shanna Said So

Outfit Post: Royal Purple Maxi

 

 

MM Couture Royal Maxi Dress borrowed & now available at Apricot Lane North Hills (white version here)

GiGi New York All In One Clutch in Sand c/o (use coupon code BAD for 15% off until 10/23)

Steve Madden "Hunnie" Block Heel Sandal

ILY Couture Sweet Candy Color Necklace || Blu Bijoux Hammered Pearl Bracelets c/o Max & Chloe || ILY Couture Arrow Ring c/o || Revlon "Fire & Ice" Red Lipstick

 

Now that we're almost half way through October (craaaaaaazy!) that means the holiday season is coming up soon. Don't worry, I'm not going to start talking about turkey legs or mistletoe just quite yet but I am starting to think about what I'm going to wear to holiday parties and events. I know it sounds crazy but no one was ever punished for planning ahead, right?

 

I am so in love with backless dresses but sometimes they just seem a bit impractical for certain occasions. That's why the cut out back on this dress from MM Couture's holiday line (and now available at Apricot Lane's North Hills location) is the best of both worlds . It hits at just the right place, allowing you to show a hint of skin yet keeps the overall look modest and appropriate for almost any juncture. I added gold jewelry with a neon statement (when do gold and purple not go together) and my most fabulous go-to clutch from GiGi. Don't forget that you can get a discount when you use code BAD at checkout.

 

Stay on the lookout for more holiday/seasonal party outfit ideas throughout the next few months! Happy Monday everyone! xo (P.S. don't forget to enter this giveaway!)

 

linking up with My Greatest Hits

Outfit Post: Curls & Sequins

 

Dress worn as top: Rubber Ducky via Anat B. (Love THIS one)

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Vintage

Spike Bracelet: c/o T+J Designs

 

Okay - my hats off to you bloggers posting outfit pics in the SNOW. It was about 48 degree when we took these pictures.. but with the high winds the temp was about 42. I swear I thought my toes were going to fall off! I know I'm being a baby but here in Southern California that is pretty damn cold!

 

Here's another Holiday Party outfit for you! This one involves one of my all time favorite dresses that was a Christmas gift last year. It's backless and a tad on the short side (Let's just say it's perfect for Vegas.. haha) so tucking it into a maxi skirt kept it totally party time appropriate, don't you think?

 

I can't believe how much use I'm getting out of this sheer skirt (seen here & here) It was purchase made on a whim & I'm so glad I did!!

 

Have you guys been to any holiday parties yet? I need some more ideas on what to wear - let me know what outfits you've donned for the festive time of year!!

 

*Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for the chance to treat yourself to 100 bucks!!*