Fashion Archives - Embracing Beauty

Mystery Costume – Who am I?

March 22, 2014 by Ashley 15 Comments

This is a photo of my family’s Halloween costume. My husband had shingles last Halloween so we had to postpone our dress up day. Today, we went to a birthday party where costumes were encouraged so we pulled out our outfits.

Can any of you guess who we were? $5 Amazon gift card to the first person to guess all three characters correctly. No cheating (don’t Google for help) and none of my friends who were at the party today are eligible! If ya’ll like it I’ll share more of the costume details with you later.

Filed Under: Fashion, Life Lately Tagged With: Halloween Costumes

Sol Republic Headphones Review #VZWBuzz

March 21, 2014 by Ashley 27 Comments

A little while ago, as part of the Verizon #VZWBuzz Bloggers group, I received a pair of Sol Republic Relays Headphones to review. Having never worn earbuds regularly I was hesitant. I’ve always wanted to be one of those who enjoyed music while going for a walk {or the occasional jog} but I couldn’t find earbuds that both stayed in and didn’t hurt my ears.

I have sensitive ears. Very sensitive ears. Talking a walk on a windy day hurts my ears and leaves me with an awful headache. On my first trip to Ireland I spent the last leg laying on my side {Yay for an empty plane!} holding my ears and trying to fight off the tears. I’ve since learned they have ear plugs to help with this but even the kid’s sized plugs are uncomfortable in my ears. Much better than without them but still uncomfortable.

Back to the Sol Republic earbuds, they. are. amazing! Not only do they have multiple sizes for you to slip on, like most well-made earbuds do, but they also have a teeny tiny size. I could show you pictures of four other name brand headphones in my house right now that don’t have a tiny option like the Sol Republic headphones do…but I won’t!

Not only do they have a tiny ear tip {I need to learn what the correct word is for those rubber ends!} but they also stay put. They don’t fall out like every other pair I’ve ever owned! Maybe it’s because of the tiny end or because of the unique tilted shape. I’m not sure why they work well but I’m just here to report that they do.

If you’re not sold yet, listen to this, they’re bluetooth compatible!! What’s that mean? That means you can use them to answer your phone! How cool is that?! Not only is that a fun feature but it’s a good thing to have because they do such a good job at blocking out outside noises you might not hear your phone ring otherwise.

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones to run in, listen to music, or just watch Netflix in bed at night I highly recommend you take a look at Sol Republic’s in-ear Relays Headphones. At only $79.99 these are a great bargain.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Fashion, Fitness, VZWBuzz

Spring Styles: Gladiator Shoes, Ruffled Shirt, & More

March 19, 2014 by Ashley 4 Comments

A girl can have all sorts of reasons to get excited about spring. It means more fun, more time spent outdoors, and more reasons to dress up especially when the weather becomes a little warmer. At MakeMeChic.com, you’ll find the latest trendy fashion picks like gladiator shoes, bright and stylish bags, and a variety of statement jewelry. If you’re looking for a few new items to add in your wardrobe, here are 5 things you’ll love for spring.

1. Ruffle Down Long Sleeve Top. This flirty and feminine violet top is perfect for business or leisure. As the description on the website says, “Every girl needs a ruffled long sleeve in her closet” and I agree. ($19.70 was $24.60).

2. Bamboo Krea-23 Buckle T Strap Sandals. If you like a neutral sandal that will fit your go-with-the-flow sense of style this buckle gladiator shoe is for you. The soft leatherette T strap is decorated with jewels to brighten your day. ($21.80).

3. Rhinestone Bangle Set. Want simple elegance without the cost? Wear this rhinestone bangle set and see how it transform your look into a glamorous, show-stopping fashion statement…or at the very least adds a little bling to your outfit. ($15.30).

4. Metallic Leaf Earrings. I firmly believe that every good outfit needs an equally stunning pair of earrings. Take a look at these gorgeous gold earrings. These metallic leaf earrings are light weight, measure approximately 2.25”, and will add volumes of style to your look ($6.60).

5. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure. Every girl needs a go-to nail polish color and this is mine. Commander in Chic is the perfect combination between neutral and bold ($3.00 plus free shipping on Amazon).

6. White Jean Shorts. Something to wear on a warm day while enjoying a great time outdoors? These white shorts are perfect to wear with your relaxed loose tee or matched up with a classy blouse ($29.80).

Isn’t it fun to be a girl?!

If you like this outfit inspiration board Pin it on Pinterest so you’ll always have it. Plus, follow me on Pinterest and stop back again soon for more stylish and affordable ways to update your wardrobe!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Fashion

Charleston Fashion Week 2014

March 11, 2014 by Ashley 40 Comments

This post brought to you by Charleston Fashion Week. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you love fashion? Of course you do! Do you happen to be lucky enough to live near Charleston, SC? I hope so because if you do, I have good news for you!

Charleston’s Fashion Week is coming up soon. Very soon actually.

When: March 18-22, 2014 is going to be the date for one of the premier fashion events in the U.S.!

What: Charleston Fashion Week was named the Biggest Style Event in the South by The Daily South and profiled on CNN, this multimedia event presents high-end runway shows, interactive entertainment, chic after-parties and press events.

The 2013 fashion week featured more than 45 runway shows, Charleston Weddings Magazine’s Spring Bridal Show, Emerging Designer Competition: East presented by Benefitfocus, Rock the Runway Model Competition™, and the Mother-Daughter Night (March 19 at the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre). Accredited with launching the careers of numerous up-and-coming fashion designers and models, this true multimedia event presents high-end runway shows, interactive entertainment, chic after-parties, and press events.

Each night Charleston Fashion Week will feature runway shows by five emerging designer contestants, select local retailers, and featured designers, headlined by Timo Weiland on Saturday March 22, 2014.

The full featured designer schedule is as follows:

– Tuesday, March 18 Afriyie Poku – 2013 CFW Emerging Designer Winner
– Wednesday, March 19 David Hart
– Thursday, March 20 Hunter Bell
– Friday, March 21 Brandon Sun
– Saturday Mid-Day, March 22 (Bridal) Featured Style Icon – Mark Ingram
– Saturday, March 22 (Finale) Timo Weiland

In addition to the schedule above, twenty emerging designers will be competing throughout the week to make it to the finals on Saturday, March 22, 2014 and be crowned the Grand Prize Winner. Competing for a prize package valued at over $20,000, the Emerging Designer Winner will be judged by a VIP Fashion Panel, headlined by Fern Mallis (the Creator of New York Fashion Week, host of 92Y Fashion Icons series & SiriusXM Fashion Insiders w/Fern Mallis), and includes some of the designers above as well as designer Antonio Azzuolo.

Who:

You, of course! You can purchase your own Charleston Fashion Week tickets at CharlestonFashionWeek.com.

About Karen Lee Grybowski

Karen Lee Grybowski has discovered, coached and promoted many of the fashion industry’s top models, such as Carolyn Murphy and Oluchi, at the onset of their careers. She served as the director of scouting for Wilhelmina, Pauline and Elite Model Management and spent 15 years travelling the globe, looking for new faces and empowering young women by helping them develop a sense of health, wellness, style and confidence. In 2009, Karen went out on her own and started the Karen Lee Group (KLG), a scouting firm that places the models it discovers with major model agencies around the world. KLG also offers consultations and workshops for those who desire or need coaching in modeling or who wish to pursue other career opportunities within the modeling industry.

About Sebastian Smith

Born in Biloxi, Miss., and reared in cities throughout Europe, Sebastian Smith has continued his travels into adulthood, always with a keen eye in search of beauty. His extensive portfolio includes work for clients such as Valentino in collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue, Victoria’s Secret and Diesel for Zoot magazine out of Lisbon. He has photographed a number of celebrities, including Stephanie Szostak for Details, Kim Kardashian for Socialite Style and Yara Martinez and Gillian Jacobs for B/W/R and ID public relations firms, and shot a campaign for INGLOT cosmetics that will be featured in Times Square this spring {I just have to interject that I love INGLOT!!! If you’ve never checked them out before now you should. Here’s a picture from Instagram of one of INGLOT’s eye color palettes I own. By the way you can follow me on Instagram here and follow the Charleston Fashion Week Instagram account here.}. Sebastian recently moved to Charleston and now divides his time between Brooklyn and the Lowcountry.

About Christina Zapolski

After walking for Charleston Fashion Week® 2012 as a top-10 finalist in the Rock the Runway Model Competition™, Christina signed with Ford Models. Since then, she has worked for clients including Chloe, Lanvin, Chanel and Bluefly; walked for Mercedes-Benz Swim Week in Miami and Fashion Week in New York; and been featured on the pages of Fitness and Self magazines, among others. The Charleston resident is also a part-time student at Fordham University, continuing her studies toward a degree in communications. Last November, Christina was crowned Miss South Carolina USA 2014.

Where: Under the tents in Marion Square in Charleston, SC.

Why – Charleston Fashion Week’s Mission & Goal:

• To produce, manage, and organize a world-class annual fashion event in Charleston, SC
• Showcase emerging designer and model talent, truly becoming a “pathway to New York”
• Increase awareness and media impressions for sponsors, runway participants, and local retailers
• Increase economic development for the region’s fashion, design, and retail communities

Stay up to date on the latest CFW info by following them on Twitter! If any of you attend CFW, and I hope you do, please tag me on your photos so I can check them out. I look forward to seeing them!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Fashion Week, Local

Oscar Worthy Style

March 2, 2014 by Ashley 4 Comments

Just in time for tonight, I have put together a beautiful set that I think rivals the looks of those at the Oscars. While a handful of our favorite actresses, actors, and directors will battle it out tonight for tiny statues I thought you might be interested in doing a little shopping…or browsing or pinning. Here are the items that I have pictured above:

– Mermaid Scoop Neck Evening Dress – JenJenHouse.com ($176.99 on sale from $266)

– MAC Lipstick in New Temptation – Nordstrom ($17)

– Simulated Diamond Tennis Bracelet – Beverly Hills Silver ($59.99 on sale from $120)

– Firework Crystal Ring – Boutique 1 ($131 on sale from $329)

– Perfume Bottle – Frette ($82.50 on sale from $165)

– Clinique Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skin in Red, Red, Red – Neiman Marcus ($12.50)

– Frame Clutch Bag – Accessorize ($43)

Do you like the look I put together? Who are you pulling for tonight?

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Oscars

Pregnant and Pretty: Maternity Jeans for Moms to Be

January 9, 2014 by Ashley 5 Comments

This compensated post was written by our guest contributor, Sophie West. She has a passion for women’s fashion and enjoys blogging about great looks for every stage of life.

Designers have created a fabulous range of maternity jeans that allow you to go through your entire pregnancy in comfort and style without having to resort to baggy tracksuit bottoms during the final months. Every possible cut and style is available from skinny jeans to flares and all include an elasticated waistband that will accommodate your growing belly. There are a few different types of maternity jeans, and some are designed to stretch over your belly whilst others will sit just below it. The style you pick depends on your own personal taste, and whatever waistband you find to be the most comfortable during your pregnancy.

Do I Need Maternity Jeans?

During the first stages of pregnancy you may be able to extend the life of your regular jeans by purchasing a maternity band. This works by attaching to the waistband of your regular jeans and holds them up so you can leave the button and zip undone. This is an ideal option for the early stages of pregnancy, but as your body grows in other places such as your hips and thighs you may find that you need some extra room. Many women are tempted to purchase regular jeans in large sizes instead of maternity jeans, but these will sag around the seat and will not be able to fit comfortably around your new shape. After the first few months, maternity jeans will be the best option as they are specially cut to fit snugly through the legs and hips whilst leaving plenty of space for your bump.

What Style Is Best?

Bootcut jeans are a fabulous option as they flatter every figure and are easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Skinny jeans can be worn during the first half of pregnancy or if your bump is relatively small, but wearing them with a huge belly will make you resemble a lollipop. Three-quarter length jeans are a nice option for summer and can be worn with flip-flops and a flowing tunic for a casual look.

What Are The Different Types Of Maternity Jeans?

Maternity jeans come with many different waist bands, and it is best to try all the options to decide which is the most comfortable for you. A stretchy, elasticated band made from either jersey, lycra or spandex is attached to the top of the jeans and will stretch with your body as it grows during your pregnancy. The most popular type of band can be stretched over your entire bump providing the most coverage, and this is usually the most comfortable method. Another type of band is designed to sit underneath your belly and has a reinforced elastic rubber band built-in to stop the jeans from slipping down. The third option can be rolled over your bump or left underneath your belly depending on the level of cover you prefer. Maternity jeans feature either a button and zip or a drawstring at the front to close them.

How Do I Know Which Size to Choose?

Maternity jeans are sized in the same way as regular jeans therefore if you were a size 12 before pregnancy then chances are you will need the same size in maternity clothes. However, if you have gained a lot of weight around your hips and thighs then you may need a larger size. The elasticated bands are also available in different sizes, so it is important to measure your waist and refer to the manufacturers size chart to find your perfect fit.

Most maternity jeans are made from a lightweight denim that is blended with some form of stretchy material such as elastane for added comfort. Whilst dark colors such as navy blue and black are traditionally seen as more slimming, this does not mean that you cannot experiment with a range of different colors. Pastel shades such as baby pinks and lemons are preferable to bright neon colors, and team these with some super-comfy Uggs or tennis shoes. Whatever styles you preferred before pregnancy such as ripped or faded denim and diamante details are all available in maternity versions, and the wide range of different options allow you to dress your baby bump in style without having to sacrifice your personal comfort.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Clothes, Fashion, Maternity

Save Big with Carter’s Friends and Family Sale! #CartersFam

December 22, 2013 by Ashley 20 Comments

I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Carter’s. I received a gift card to facilitate my shopping trip and to thank me for participating.

As we enter the last days before Christmas, the pressure is mounting to find the perfect gift for everyone on our list. Teachers, babysitters, co-workers, parents, cousins, and aunts and uncles. Oh, the pressure! Well, I have an idea to help any last minute shoppers save on gifts for kids. When people asked me what I wanted my daughter to have for Christmas I told them the type of clothes she needed and the size….oh, and books! My girl loves to read. While toys and gadgets may be the thing we first think of when buying gifts it’s important to not forget some of the staples, like fuzzy fleece pjs, warm jackets, new socks, and tiny mittens.

Carter’s, has adorable and affordable gifts for all the little people on your Christmas list. I don’t know about you but I’ve had to buy for a bazillion baby showers this winter and I still have a few more to go. Carter’s is a one stop shop for any children’s clothing sizes newborn-7.

Do you love Carter’s like I do? If so, you’ll want to take advantage of Carter’s Friends & Family sale like I did this past weekend. I spent $100 and. I. racked. up!! I left with 14 pieces of clothing, one bracelet, one necklace, and 4 cute hair bows all for just under $100 plus tax.

This is only one of the many cute outfits I bought! Her velvet pants, ruffled shirt, and glitter trimmed black sweater make for a great Christmas outfit that she can wear all winter.

Here’s another view of it.

Okay, back to the sale. Carter’s Friends & Family Event is taking place from 12/19 – 12/24 and there are some HUGE markdowns taking place. Many of the sales racks were marked 70% off! Plus, to make your shopping a little sweeter I have a 25% off coupon to share with you.

Fine print: The above-mentioned coupon excludes clearance, doorbusters & Carter’s at Home. This promotion is available both in-store and online {but isn’t it so much more fun to shop in-store when it comes to babies and kids clothes?}.

Check out this adorable denim dress! I was so upset that they didn’t have it in the size I needed for my daughter. Mark my words, I will be back….it’s just too cute not to come back and get.

Not to mention that when I come back I’ll have a free $20 to spend where I “earned” it from spending $100 this visit!

Let’s sum up the sale:

-Up to 70% off
-Extra 25% off coupon
-Earn $10 for every $50 you spend
-Super cute clothes that everyone will love!

Ready to shop? You can find a Carter’s store near you with the Carter’s store locator tool or you can visit Carter’s online to check out all this seasons adorable styles. Either way, happy shopping!!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Carters, Mom Central

The Reverse Wishlist – PickURGift

December 19, 2013 by Ashley 12 Comments

This is a sponsored campaign with PickURGift and the Mums the Word Blogger Network. All opinions are my own.

I delight in picking out the perfect gift for people. The joy that comes when their face lights up like a Christmas tree is worth the months and months of shopping for the perfect gift. For some people, however, I absolutely have no clue what to buy them. I have a few ideas that I think might be a good idea but I’m really not sure. That’s why I was excited to learn about PickURGift. It’s the coolest idea!

PickURGift is a reverse wish list. The bottom line is that you make a list of possible gift ideas online through their site and they’ll contact your giftee with your suggestions. From there they will select which gift they like best, you’ll buy it, and you can be sure you’ve bought them a gift they’ll like. Novel idea, right?

The PickURGift process:

I just learned about this site today and I wish I had heard of it yesterday. I bought a gift for a family member today when I wasn’t totally sure they would love it. I was debating back and forth between three gifts when I just gave up and picked one. I would have much rather had him take a look at my three choices and have him tell me which gift he would prefer. Next time I’ll be prepared!

It’s super easy to get started. I have Chrome and I followed the simple prompts to add PickURGift to my bookmarks. I then added my husband as a contact so I could start making a wish list for him. With his birthday and our anniversary coming up this is going to be very helpful! Once on a website that has a good gift idea {I first went to Pottery Barn to add an iPad recipe holder that I think he would find useful} I went to my bookmarks and chose PickURGift. From there a little pop up appeared where I chose which picture I wanted him to see and I had the option to write a little note to him about the product. Check below for a screenshot of the pop up that appears.

Below is a screenshot of what my PickURGift dashboard looks like for Michael’s Birthday.

I’m just getting started with ideas but that’s the great thing about this…it keeps your ideas for you so you don’t have to remember them and you can add to your list at any time. You can even add clothing sizes, which I definitely need to do because I’m always forgetting!

Check out this cool feature! You can email your list to a friend or family member to get their opinion before you send it off to your giftee. What a clever idea.

Last but not least, you can also share your gift ideas with others by making your list public or you can choose to keep it private if you want to keep your list to yourself. I’ve had a lot of fun looking at what others are considering for gifts and it’s actually given me a new idea or two for my husband {which I can’t put here because he’ll see them!}.

If you have last minute gifts to buy, this is for you! You’ve only procrastinated because you didn’t know what to buy, right? Well, now you can know!

If you’ve already bought all your gifts, then this is for you! You’re clearly an organized person so you’ll want to get a jump start on next year right away, right? Well, maybe not right away but you get the idea.

This is an awesome gift giving tool and I hope someone reading this will enjoy this new concept as much as I do!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Christmas, shopping

Shop My Style with ShopStyle by POPSUGAR

November 30, 2013 by Ashley 25 Comments

Being a POPSUGAR Select blogger, I have been selected to be a part of this new sponsored ShopStyle campaign where I was asked to create an original lay down using a few of my favorite fashion items that showed off my personal style. I was also sent a ‘We Shop Style’ t-shirt and a HUGE backdrop. This was a fun campaign to work on, check out my style board below! Shop my style…and your style with ShopStyle!

ShopStyle by POPSUGAR has had a makeover. This is the ultimate social shopping website for anyone who loves fashion and beauty products! By using ShopStyle you can shop at all of your favorite stores in one place. You can search for clothes, shoes, bags, beauty products, accessories, and so much more.

My winter favorites from left to right {Keep in mind that I’m pregnant}:

-Mineral nail polish
-We ShopStyle tee c/o ShopStyle
-Premier Jewelry necklace
-Steve Madden boots
-Motherhood Maternity striped tee
-Grey sweater
-Nine West bag
-B.Moss jeans {this company has closed and I missed them dearly!}
-Navy Shabby Apple dress
-NY & Co. jeans
-Clarks shoes
-Ann Taylor sweater
-Chunky black necklace

We Search. We Find. We ShopStyle. Do you shop style? Check out the new ShopStyle commercial to learn more!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Clothes, POPSUGAR, ShopStyle

Cute OshKosh B’gosh Holiday Styles

November 25, 2013 by Ashley 12 Comments

Disclosure: I am participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for OshKosh B’gosh. I received a gift card to facilitate my shopping trip and to thank me for participating.

I don’t know about you but I love to see kiddos in cute clothes. It makes me happy! Another thing that makes me happy though is having money in my bank account so how do I find adorable clothes at an affordable price?

Here’s my checklist to save on kid’s clothes:

I know which stores have styles that I like, that fit my daughter well, and {this is important} are made well.
I learn the coupon policies of these stores and sign up to be on their coupon mailing and email list.
I shop sales, I gravitate towards the clearance rack, and I use coupons to save on the newest styles.
Also, if I shop online I shop through Ebates to earn cash back {OshKosh B’gosh will earn you 3% back!}.

My husband and little one went shopping with me to OshKosh B’gosh and to my surprise they had a lot of fun. My husband enjoyed trying out their measuring tape although I couldn’t believe how big my girl is getting! He also kept a running total for me of the items I was holding, taking into account the different discounts throughout the store. He’s a math guy so this was fun for him. Go figure!

While I didn’t snag any overalls this visit {because we already have some} I was a bit jealous of the price – 50% off!! I almost bought another pair just because it was such a great sale but I held back.

The staff was very friendly but not the kind that follow you around and bug you to pieces {I avoid those type of stores like the plague!}. I was kicking myself for forgetting my 25% off coupon at home but our lovely cashier went above and beyond and gave me the discount anyway since I’m a preferred customer. See, it pays to be signed up for coupons even if you forget them!!

Here’s my little sweetie sporting her brand new sparkly shoes and sweet rose shirt.

This outfit cracks me up – I think it makes her look so mature! This was a summer dress on clearance {around $10 I believe} and I paired it with a sale priced cardigan, red beaded necklace {which she’s carrying in the picture}, glittery gold tights, a blue hair bow, and sparkly red shoes. I think this will be a great outfit for the holidays!

Forgive me for going a little overboard here but she was having such a good time drawing inside her box that I took several pictures and I just couldn’t decide on one. Check out this fleece jacket though – $7 – unbelievable, right? There were many different styles to choose from but I loved this polka dot one.

All in all, we had a wonderful shopping trip to OshKosh and walked away with some gorgeous pieces! We scored all that you see above plus a skirt, shirt, bracelet, and dress that’s not pictured, for only $106. I’ll have to post more pictures later but my two year old could only be cooperative for so many outfits at a time.

For those wondering, my husband predicted a higher total than we owed but that was before he knew the cashier would give us a coupon for additional savings. I won’t do the math to figure it out but I assume he was spot on!

Did I get you in the mood to shop? Well, don’t leave home or shop online without this 25% off your purchase of $30+ {Fine print, Not valid on doorbuster specials, amazing values, and clearance items. Expires 12/31/13.}

For the latest updates follow OshKosh B’gosh on Facebook.

Filed Under: Fashion, Life Lately Tagged With: Clothing, Mom Central, OshKosh