New Obsession: dress Raleigh Resale Boutique

After we made the move to Raleigh, I have to admit I was kind of nervous about shopping. I know that sounds silly and I don't mean to sound snobbish, but there were so many cute boutiques in LA that I frequented. I knew I'd be able to find items that were unique, different and pieces that not everyone would have.

Well, I've been pleasantly surprised by several stores here in Raleigh. One of them being dress, an upscale resale boutique. And ladies, let me just tell you... the owner, Pam Mullaney, has some of the best taste I've ever seen. dress is a fabulous concept - born from both Pam's love for fashion, and a desire to give women the option of dressing not only well, but at an affordable price point. Something I think we can all appreciate, am I right? In other words, it's the perfect mix of new and like-new. You can even buy straight from her social media pages. Yes, really! Read on to find out how...

New merchandise

Initially starting out on eBay, Pam's business has now evolved to a gorgeous space on Wade Avenue in Ridgewood Shopping Center (I mean check out those lights!) The front section of the store consists of new merchandise. Items that are on trend, unique and at super budget friendly prices.

Articles of Society is a new brand that dress Raleigh is a big fan of

The rest of the store is pre-owned designer clothing. And let me just tell you... Pam knows what she's doing. She doesn't just buy anything that comes through her door. She's crafted an amazing inventory, which to be honest, doesn't stay on the racks too long before it gets snatched up. Her everyday brands include J.Crew, DVF, Zara, Calypso St. Barts, Tory Burch, Rag & Bone, Tibi, Missoni, Vince... the list goes on! (follow them on instagram and Facebook for up-to-the-minute new arrivals!)

Some of dress Raleigh's most popular brands include Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch

Just one of the many Designer Consignment sections of dress Raleigh.

Her newest venture of the store has been dress Luxe. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Oscar de la Renta, Chloe, Christian Dior, Matthew Williamson, Christian Louboutin... basically name a dreamable designer, and

House of Landor Vintage Finds

One of my favorite parts of moving back to Raleigh was befriending Mary Beth over at House of Landor. MB & I instantly connected over our love and appreciation for fabulous food, delicious drinks & vintage clothing. She's got the most amazing eye and finds the most gorgeous pieces you've ever seen. I sported this blazer from her collection and I bought the most amazing Lanvin dress from her a few months ago.

This past Saturday I got to play in her new arrivals (like grown up dress up!) I was so excited about her new pieces that I asked her to send me the photos she took so I could share them with you! Here's a few of the ah-mazing dresses she's currently got for sale (either in person at Finds or on her Etsy page!)

At first glance this looks like a dress - but surprise! It's a gorgeous PANTSUIT. And one of the comfiest things I've EVER worn.

This dress made me feel like a celebrity... Hands down one of the most beautiful pieces I've EVER seen.

My favorite part about vintage is that there's always a story to tell. This dress is so impeccably well made it's insane. The beadwork alone is worth it!

Words can't even describe how obsessed with this piece I am. Embroidery on the top, bottom, sleeves and back means there's no area left undone. SO gorg!

Sometimes a gal just needs an ostrich feather cuffed dress. How amazing would this look as a mini/mod-inspired dress?!

This mint brocade number is everything!!! The prettiest color you ever did see!

Whatever you do, don't buy this dress. I want it all for myself! How STUNNING is the skirt?! My favorite part is the top - such a beautifully cut V-neck that shows curves in all the right (instead of wrong) places

A fab hemline, bedazzled appliques and perfect pockets. What more does a gal need?

Goddess in Gold is what I like to call this number. SO pretty!

If you love any of these dresses - they're for sale! Just contact Mary Beth and you too can fall in love with her vintage finds!

New Obsession: Erin Dana Belt Bag

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Ever since I caught a glimpse of Erin Dana's belt bag I've been having mah-jor lusting after thoughts. We're talking actual dreams about a fanny pack (which is totally not weird by the way) I've been on the hunt for a vintage option for a while now, but I think I might have to take the plunge and nab this baby in champagne. I mean hands free = more time to instagram people! It's just too good to pass up. And with a bachelorette trip to New Orleans coming up, a night (or 2 or 3) of double fisting is definitely on the horizon which means I need be as hands free as possible...

 

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I'm full on obsessed!! Love this neon option & you can never go wrong with black! What do you guys think? Are you feeling it?

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

New Obsession: LASH Clothing {and promo code!}

I'm beyond excited to share with you guys about my newest sponsors and my latest obsession - LASH Clothing! When they wanted to work with BAD I was beyond thrilled - you guys are going to LOVE them!

LASH is an online boutique that best friends Lauren & Ashley launched this past September. *Okay wait, I just have to point out how awesome the name is - it's a combo of Lauren & Ashley.... soooo cute, right? Love it!* As 2 fashion obsessed friends working together at a boutique, they discovered just how passionate they were about not only clothing, but running a business. And after years of online shopping they started to make a list of what their favorite sites were missing. It soon became clear that they needed to create an online shopping experience that could fill in those gaps. And voilà! LASH Clothing was born!

Blonde Ambition: L-R Ashley and Lauren

You guys, as you know I've been craving cooler weather like no other so I'm so happy they've got tons of Fall trends like fringe bags and suede booties. Statement pieces like these are perfect for updating your classic options like jeans and a tee.

But I have to tell you one of the coolest parts about their site - the option of working with LASH's own personal stylist! Whether it's discussing fit and sizing or finding that perfect piece for an upcoming event, their personal stylist is available and ready to help you with any questions you might have! I mean, who doesn't love their own stylist?! Lauren & Ashley are also incredibly excited about all the designers they've started to carry, but are especially proud to have a few local artists, like Hyla Dewitt Jewelry on the site (LASH is based in Raleigh, NC)

Plus, they've tons of budget options like these neon earrings (umm at that price, I'll take all 3!) or this fabulous structured blazer (shoulder pads? I'm sold). I've also already picked out my splurge piece and it's now on my wish list (are you listening Billly?)

Now something super exciting! LASH has been so gracious to offer BAD readers a 20% off coupon code!! Make sure you enter "BAD20" at checkout and start shopping!!! Hope you guys love it as much as I do! Don't forget to follow them on Twitter for additional savings and they're always posting new arrivals on their Facebook page!!

**Disclosure: The opinions expressed herein are mine and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of LASH clothing**

New Obsession: Floral Pants

Trendspotting time! Lately I've been spotting these floral print pants and I can't stop thinking about them! Everyone from bloggers to celebrities are testing the waters which tells me these babies won't be fading anytime soon. I've got some helpful tips to keep you more Gorgeous than Grandma. I guarantee you that you'll want to add them into your wardrobe rotation!

The best thing about this look is that the pieces you'll want incorporate are probably already hanging in your closet! Since the print is the main focus stick to solid tops when building your ensemble. Never hesitate with a black or white shirt. But if you're feeling adventuresome, like the ladies pictured above, reach for a brightly colored tee. Pick one that complements the hues in your floral pattern without being too matchy-matchy. Next layer on a clean cut and tailored blazer (extra points for color!!) For shoes you could go one of 2 ways. The first is a basic pump. Olivia is sporting a leopard pair that plays on the mixed print trend, while Krystal at This Time Tomorrow stuck to classic black. This style adds to the ladylike charm. However, it doesn't hurt to show a little skin either. After all we want this look to be not so old fashioned! I adore those bright green sandals that Jessica Alba chose - just a hint of ankle vamps up the whole outfit. See how easy that was?

As usual, I've chosen some fabulous look for less options including a pair from H&M - $15! What do you guys think - will you be sporting this flower power trend anytime soon! I sure hope so - I can't wait to grab my own pair! Happy Tuesday!

New Obsession: Pinterest

Ok - so this post may be a little late to the game - but better late than never right?! I joined Pinterest about 6 months ago when Katie couldn't stop telling me how amazing it was. I told her I didn't really "get it" What is this? I asked. Is this worth all the time people spent on it? Why are so many people talking about this site? She convinced me to join and well... let's just say I have been pretty much hooked ever since. In fact, it's totally taken up most of my blog research time as of late! (though I think it technically could be research!) I find myself sitting on my couch pinning and then I look up and 2 or 3 hours have gone by... Yes it's that addicting.

If you still aren't sure exactly what Pinterest is - here's the breakdown. It's an online inspiration board. The site let's you collect all the things from the internet that you love, want to cook, want to DIY, want to make, want to decorate [this list goes on... and on.. and on] It's kind of like when you read a magazine and tear out pages of inspiration or recipes that you intend on trying. Only 6 months rolls around and you're combing your house up and down for that tiny piece of paper that you ultimately never find? Yeah, I know you know that feeling! This eliminates stacks of papers, cut outs, recipe cards and just the general mess and craziness that comes with making a inspiration board.

You can create as many inspiration boards as you want with just about anything you can think of. The boards that are getting the most action from me right now are my Style Inspiration, Style Crushes, Tattoo Ideas, Braided Hairstyles and of course... my Ryan Gosling board (sigh) But I've got so many other ones too!

My favorite part is probably the fashion posts. I love seeing what real girls are wearing and then trying out their ideas with my own twist. I guess I've been totally inspired. And with that sentence, we've come full circle in the world of Pinterest....

So if you haven't joined start! Follow me here and I can't wait to see what you start pinning! Happy Tuesday everyone!!

xoxo

New Obsession: The Beauty Department by Lauren Conrad

So I've been ohhhhhb-sessed with Lauren Conrad's new venture - a website called The Beauty Department. For years I've stalked every site out there with how-to's on Lauren's hair and makeup - I swear her hair is always perfect. Thankfully all of that information has ended up in one place where her make up artist Amy Nadine and hair stylist Kristin Ess [aka magic makers] provide tips, examples and even step by step instructions on how to re-create popular looks. The site is updated several times a day so there is always a new hair trick or makeup style to try. I for one will be constantly refreshing the Tutorial and the Hair section as I always love LC's look. Here's one of the first hair tutorials they've shown:

Click here for the step by step written instructions

Tell me loves - will you be checking out this site?! I hope you are as excited as I am! :)

images via The Beauty Department