Grandiose shopping in Toronto

VIA «Multicultural shopping centre in Toronto»

Mad Dolls

I was thrilled to open up the newspaper today and see an article about the new Mad Men-inspired collection that is going to be launching at Banana Republic on August 11th! My boyfriend got me into watching Mad Men this year, and I quickly caught up on everything I missed. I adore the show and I can't wait for the next season in 2014. I'm drawn to the show for so many reasons (cough-Don Draper-cough), but the main reason: the fashion! The 1960s style is fabulous. Whether you're a Betty, a Peggy, or a Joan - the clothes are drool-worthy.

This summer, Banana Republic has teamed up with Janie Bryant, the costume designer for the show, to offer fans classic pieces with modern-day twists. In the newspaper article I read, it was said that the collection wouldn't focus on classic sixties colors, like mustard yellow and bright green, but would work more with black, navy, and red for a sophisticated edge. The boyfriend and I are certainly excited to scope out the pieces when they hit stores.

I was lucky enough to win an amazing giveaway over at A Life in the Fashion Lane. This blog has become one of my favorite reads; the blogger, Alexa, has a great sense of style and writes really sweet posts. I was so excited to find out I had won this beautiful romper by Lucca Couture! This is the first romper I've ever owned, and I love the way it fits. I'd love to add a few more to my collection! Thanks for offering this great prize, Alexa! Everyone should go check out A Life in the Fashion Lane. You won't be disappointed!

Dear readers, I cannot believe that this is the first time I'm introducing my family's awesome little Puggle (pug/beagle mix) to you! This is Abby, and she's the funniest, sweetest, cutest dog you will ever meet. I promise you we normally do not dress her up, but she started nosing her way into a shirt I had left on my bed and... we couldn't resist. She actually didn't seem to mind too much about the scarf or hat that we put on her, once she was told that there was a cookie waiting for her. So here's my little fashionista, always playing it up for the camera!

VIA Get "Mad" at Banana Republic

Kiss Nail Dress

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've posted - I've been keeping busy! Today I want to talk about my experience with the Kiss Nail Dress kit that I received in my Love VoxBox from Influenster! I received this product complimentary, for testing and review purposes, and I'm absolutely thrilled to share with you!

Kiss Nail Dress kits equal "ultimate fashion for tips and toes!" I adored the sparkly, animal-print pattern I received, called Bodysuit. Applying these nail stickers could NOT be easier:

1. Peel the sticker off the backing
2. Line up the sticker on your nail
3. Smooth down, watching for bumps or air bubbles
4. Fold over the excess
5. File!

I had so much fun applying these nails one night when my friends were hanging out in my apartment. They laughed at my exclamations of "Wow!" and "This is so easy!" Sure, the pattern was not something I would normally gravitate to, but I ended up loving it!

According to Kiss: With 28 strips in each package, you can cut up your extras to create designs that can be used on top of polished or artificial nails. Nail Dress doesn’t dry out the way other polish strips can, so you can save them to use on your next DIY mani. A nail design booklet is included in each package, just in case you need a little inspiration.

I kept my nails dressed for over a week - that means multiple showers, hand-washings, etc. They stayed perfect the whole time! I'm looking forward to trying other Kiss Nail Dress styles (with 18 different patterns, the possibilities are endless!). They can be purchased in major chain drugstores and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS, and Walgreens, and they cost around $6.99.

Thanks to Influenster and Kiss for sending this wonderful product my way! I was lucky enough to be able to attend NYFW for the first time this year (eek), and my experience was definitely incredible. From the street style photographers everywhere outside Lincoln Center ready to shoot you when you walk out, to the crazy amazing designs inside the shows, I had a blast. For those of you who didn't get the opportunity to attend, here's a recap of some of my favorite shows.

VIA Kiss Nail Dress from Influenster

Nicole Richie | Marie Claire

Ever since a Free People opened in NYC, I've become the overbearing girlfriend and/or crazy ex-girlfriend of the shopping world. Luckily, I'm pretty sure that if I keep spending money every time I go in, I won't have to worry about a restraining order. But, honestly, can you even blame me with accessories like these? I think not.

Cuffed

So, it looks like I'm going to be held hostage at my job for the rest of the week. Now, if only figurative handcuffs looked like this, being chained to my desk would probably suck a little less.

Walking in White

There is really no reason for this other than me just thinking that she looks very pretty all dressed in white. Then again, she is Bambi Girl. It's kinda hard not to look pretty when you have that going for ya. On the bright side, at least I'll never have to buy tissue paper again. Just thinking of all the pennies I'll save in future gift wrapping costs is probably enough to convince myself that I walked away with quite the bargain.

The damage really isn't as bad as it looks though. If you happened to check out the book, you'll know that there is a lot of emphasis on finding 'your esstentials' and the key pieces you want to build your wardrobe around. For me, that translated into finding the right accessories and basics to fill the gaps in my style. (aka me seriously stocking up on layering tees, belts, and light-weight scarves.)

Richie Getting Lucky

Nicole Richie has not come a long way since her days living the simple life. Nicole Richie has become a completely different person. In fact, I wouldn't rule out a brain transplant or brief alien abduction in between all those dramatic confrontations with Paris.

I may not fully understand how or when she went from being famous for no reason to a super-styled, career mom, but as long as she keeps the kimono dresses and costume jewelry coming, I won't question the process.

VIA I'm Kinda Stalking Free People

My Evening Dresses of Dream

In my collection of evening dresses, there is one dress...

VIA Evening Dress for Barbie