Link Swap!

Today I am blogging over at Ashley's blog, A Little Dash of Ash, sharing some of my current favorite Etsy shops, blog reads and DIY's! And in return, she is over here today sharing some of her current loves! Hopefully you will find some new faves too!

Hello!  I am Ashley from the blog a {little} dash of ash.  I have been blogging for almost a year now about fashion, home decor, photography... and well, pretty much anything that I find and love! Currently, I am completely in love obsessed with color and these lovely outfits from {madewell}...

My favorite things in life incude: family, friends, my amazing boyfriend, beaches,wine, photos, papery, my iPhone, instagram and reading blogs!  I am absolutely addicted to pinterest and etsy and truly believe that it is the women's verision of fantasy football! ;)

Today, Hayley and I are swapping blogs to share with you some of our favorite blogs, etsy shops and other links around the web!  Hope you enjoy browsing my links...

a {little} dash of ash links:

{blog}  {facebook}  {twitter}  {instagram}  {pinterest}

 There isn't a day that goes by that I don't swoon over BEE's fabulous wardrobe - she has the ability to mix and match prints in a way no other women can pull off... and her jewelry collection is to die for! Check out her fabulous style at {Atlantic-Pacific}

Every Friday {AV} hosts Friday's Fancies - a link up where you get to create your dream outfits! Check out her blog at {Long Distance Loving} or my own {Friday's Fancies Posts}

{Made by Girl} is another favorite blog and her painting collection is so fresh! This little {painting} has been on my wish list for sometime now...

There is never an item on {Luella and June}'s "What I ♥ Right Now" post that I do not want to immediately purchase!  Her collages are always perfect... and dreamy to shop!

I would love to own my very own {Lily Gene} print for my apartment one day!  I think I would want to start with a PA one since it holds a special place in my heart... but I have lived in so many different states, that it would be so cool to have one from each!

I just received my first {birch box} and absolutely loved it!  It is a surprise box of cosmetics that you can sign up for monthly!  I signed up for the surprise, but I actually loved every item in the box!

 xxoo, ashley

It's my Birthday!!!

     I don't usually make a big deal out of my birthday but I think that is why I feel like this one is actually a big one. If that makes any sense. Usually I am disappointed and bummed I don't have a surprise party to attend, or someone going crazy trying to make my day wonderful. But this year, I am just very content and happy to have a dinner with my closest friend, my boy, and my family. I think this means I am finally getting older and growing up. But... I am still totally excited for a pizookie and birthday presents! Because lets face it... presents are the best! I want to thank you guys for the last awesome eight months and thank you so, so, much for following my life and all of the kind words you guys send me! It really does mean a ton! Smoooooch!  

Oh yeah, and Lewis got all cleaned up and pretty smelling for me this past weekend... doesn't he look dapper? I love him!

Oh yeah! And yesterday I guest posted on Kendra's blog. It is a little post about how the boy and I met. Head on over and check it out! 

Summer Essentials under $100

Today I have a lovely little post from our winner for the April ad space. Meet Kendra from Piece of Cake, Piece of Mind. She is a sweet girl with a lovely blog and wanted to show you guys her favorite picks for this summer. I have to say that bikini is to die for!! Remember if you want full reign of my blog for a day... enter the giveaway for May!

     Hello guys and gals! My name is Kendra and I run a little fashion and lifestyle blog called Piece of Cake. Peace of Mind. See my picture over on the side there under Sponsors? That’s me! I was lucky enough to win Hayley’s giveaway for some free advertising and the chance to chat with you lovely people! I’ve decided to share with all of you what I have deemed this year’s summer essentials. But there’s a twist! Not one of the gorgeous items you see above rings in anywhere above $100. So shop away without guilt my pretties.

1. This retro bikini would be adorable and flattering! Plus the stripes would add style and flare to any day at the beach (or afternoon in the backyard!)

2. A tie-front blouse would look incredibly fetching with a pair of cutoff denim shorts or some chic cigarette pants and flats. Not to mention it’s a great cover up for that bikini!

3. What a bright and cheery dress! The nipped waist and flowing bottom would look and feel great even after one two many burgers at the neighborhood BBQ.

4. This lovely little scallop edged top would look charming in a Mad Men kind of way. Pair it with pearls and you are sure to be the bell of the ball (or your local farmer’s market.)

5. A floral beauty like this high waist skirt would take a simple white T-shirt up a notch on the style spectrum.

6. Throw these wedges on with some denim cutoffs and a white button down and you’ve got yourself an outfit fit for a night on the town!

7. Dainty little earrings like this will add grace and charm to just about anything.

8. The stripes on this weekender are fun and nowhere close to your average, boring duffel.

9. These easy peasy sandals will keep your tootsies stylish and happy.

10. Trust J.Crew to make even a plain canvas tote glamorous.

11. THE. PERFECT. RED. LIPSTICK.

12. Throw these glasses on and you’ll be instantly transformed into the chic ladies of yester-years.

13. Lace shorts like these are equal parts sweet and sexy. The perfect combination if you ask me (or your sweetie!)

There you have it! It was very nice to meet all of you! Come stop by my blog and we’ll have some hot chocolate with whipped cream. Things get a little crazy over in my hood.

BFF's Forever!

Is it just me or do any of you guys have impromptu, late night, photo shoots with your dog? He really gets a kick out of Photobooth, I promise! Actually, he wanted to show off his new big boy teeth and tell you all that he is now 6 months old! And Friday... well, he will be getting his little "man" operation, and I am a nervous wreck!

See those chompers?

Excuse my smudged eyeliner... it was like midnight when I got this brilliant idea...

Now Lewis is getting the hang of it...

Yeah, thats the best dog ever.

Heart melting at this point. He is waving hi! <3

Have you checked out my giveaway for free ad space for a whole entire month? If not, there is only 2 days left to enter!

I am guest posting over here today with my favorite fashion picks for the Spring, and I love it so please go check it out!

Take a Peek.... With Shellsea!

Here is Shellsea with her guest post on accessories. She has a fairly new blog with a bunch of cute posts that everyone should go check out. There are also some really good, and by good I mean silly and cringe worthy!, awkward and awesome moments as well!

Hello there! My name is Shellsea from Love, Shellsea. When Hayley invited me to do a guest post, I must say I was a little more than excited. So let’s get to it…Today is all about accessories. A girl’s best friend (at least on a tight budget).

I tried to keep it simple and stuck to two of my fav categories: jewelry & scarves. I know. Totally different ends of the spectrum. But besides a belt (saving that collection for another time), I feel either of these can really add a lot to an outfit. Here’s a little peek at what I’m working with.

This DIY jewelry wall is my pride and joy. I love having all of my necklaces, earrings, and bracelets laid out - making it easy to pick the winner for that day. That picture doesn't really do it justice, so I picked out some of my favs to show you.

Going clockwise:

• Asian fan earrings from my best friend. These are great because they go with just about any

outfit.

• Necklace with detailed beads. I love the colors! It also makes a soft jingling sound when I move

around. Puts me in a good mood all day.

• A pair of amazing diamond earrings my boyfriend Lou bought me. Do these babies sparkle!

Simply the best.

• Owl pendant. Lou bought this from a vendor that was visiting FIU (Florida International

University) while we were still in school. I love the intricate feathers on the body.

I like pieces with lots of detail and prefer silver tones when possible (I’m sure you can tell), although a cute owl will win every time.

Moving on to scarves… I came upon a sad realization. I have a problem. Don’t laugh. I have a scarf obsession. Now, this wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t live in Florida, where it's cold all of 2 months out of the year and the rest of the time it’s crazy hot. Exhibit A of said problem:

17 scarves. 17! I wasn’t lying, was I? But they are versatile little things. You can wear them so many ways:

-traditional around the neck style (you know what I’m talking about)

-secure it with a belt for a nice finished look

-make a tight loop that can go around your neck (no flying scarf arms for us)

-over the shoulder, granny style. Okay, maybe not.

-as a socially acceptable blanket while in the office. Bonus!

Looks like I need to dedicate a post to the versatility of scarfs soon.

For more posts on my personal style, day-to-day life, and a few things I find amusing, come visit me at Love, Shellsea. Oh yeah, and there's a giveaway! Anyhow, hope you enjoyed looking at some of my lovelies. And thanks for reading.

Take a Peek.... With Erin!

I was so excited when Erin offered up her time to do a guest post. Her blog is a recent find of mine and I totally love it! I see her clothes and I am like "I have that!" "I want that!". Anyways check her out, she has a scarf collection that will  make anyone envious!!

Hello new friends!  I'm Erin from Hey, Reckless Mind and I'm so excited to be over here today.  I just recently found Hayley over here at the Weekend File and I was so happy she asked me to work on a post.  Basically, I'm gonna show you all my go to accessories.  Not too long ago, I never wore any accessories.  I was most definitely a minimalist and never even thought about putting effort into accessorizing.  However, now that I'm rollin' in the blogger world, I want to wear all of the accessories that I can get my hands on.  Unfortunately, I tend to go to the same accessories over and over.  But hey, we just met, so you won't hold that against me, right?  Ok, phew.

So you wanna see the things I usually grab as the finishing touches?  Well, first I have some pretty earrings.  They are simple, but elegant.  If I have on a plain outfit I feel like these can spruce it right up.

As for my rings, those are just the two I love the most, and I wear them probably daily.  The thick silver one I usually wear on my thumb, and that kinda makes me feel cool.  The bracelets I usually stack, and change up from time to time.  I think it's interesting to wear a whole bunch of bracelets on one wrist.
  

Honestly, my jewelry type accessories are kinda boring.  Nothing really pops out, so I don't rely on that to add a whole lot of depth to my outfit.  

If I really feel like my outfit needs something, I'll grab a scarf.  Scarves are such an easy effortless way to add pop to an outfit.  You can change one look many different ways just with some scarves.  They come in all different sizes and materials which make the possibilities endless.  And who doesn't love endless possibilities?  It's like bottomless chips at Chili's,  you just can't get enough.  Clearly, I can't get enough of scarves.  Every time I see one I like, I must convince myself not to buy it because I have about 20 million at home.  

Hope you all liked my little guest appearance and I hope you stop by to say hello soon!

Take A Peek.... With Alessandra!

Today we have Alessandra filling in and sharing some of her favorite accessories from her personal closet. This girl is the epitome of european chic and I have loved watching her 30 for 30. Not to mention, she totally reminds me of Sophia Copolla, which is totally a good thing!

Hi!  My name is Alessandra and I have a little blog called Mode Moods.  I've been following Hayley for some time now so I jumped at the chance to guest post on The Weekend File. 

The focus of my outfit photos tends to be on the clothes and moods (and OK, shoes too) so it's a nice change to talk accessories, which I actually love although I don't give them much time in the spotlight.

First, a recently rediscovered passion of mine: belts!  You couldn't get me to a wear a belt in my twenties, even if my pants were falling down.  Now these little babies have long surpassed their original functional use and are a stable in my closet.  I rarely run them through any actual belt hoops, instead I use them as if they were necklaces...for my waist.  I've bought them here and there: H&M, vintage stores, even in a maternity boutique (nice and stretchy!).

Next, a classic: jewelry.  Here it gets kind of crazy.  The most important pieces for me are those the BF gave me and little family treasures: my grandmother's ring, my mom's necklace.  Of course, I love the things they gave me over the years, but there's nothing like the items someone in my family actually wore and handed down to me.  That's what I call true vintage.

Depending on my mood, I'll go from classic pieces like my gold and pearl ring (grandmother's) and delicate gold necklace (my mom's from the 70s) to funky mainstream jewelry that I pick up at a place like Accessorize.  Lately I've also been making my own crochet necklaces that are necklace meets scarf, perfect warm and cozy accessories for the winter season.

Basically when it comes down to it, I really believe in the saying "Clothes are just accessories."

Take A Peek.... With Kathryn!

Hey everyone! I am most likely sitting in front of a slot machine trying to make millions or wasting my money shopping in Vegas right now but either way you guys have Kathryn to keep you company! She takes incredible photos, her blog is quirky, and she is always leaving charming comments here and everywhere around the internet! Please give her some love!

Hey everyone! My name is Kathryn and I’m the girl behind The Fashionography.

When Hayley first asked for guest posters, I was beyond excited. Then, when she mentioned posting about our personal accessories, I got even more excited. {If that’s at all possible.} Of course, I could probably ramble about accessories all day. Shoes, bags, scarves, oh my! What’s a girl to write about?! Well, my friends, I chose jewelry.

For me, jewelry is essential to add an instant spark to an outfit. Especially in the winter months, when outfits can start to seem repetitive {“Is this the fifth time I’ve worn this sweater already??”}, you can use a statement necklace or a stack of bracelets to totally change your look. My favorite jewelry pieces include rings, bracelets, and statement necklaces.

1. Rings

There are so many quirky rings out there that can make accessorizing so much fun {although I’ll admit, the owl is slightly creepy looking}! The best part? You don’t have to break the bank for jewelry. I got all these rings from Forever 21.

This is the one ring I always wear, no matter my outfit. It’s from my Mom, which makes it all the more special {Aww}. 

2. Bracelets

One of the best things about bracelets is that you can find them pretty much anywhere, and they make for great travel souvenirs. The third bracelet from the right is from Africa, and the fourth from the right was a gift from a friend who went to Spain. {And yes, the second bracelet from the left is a charm one. From like, 5th grade. Whatevs.}

3. Statement Necklaces

Necklaces can add so much detail to the most basic of outfits. And that’s pretty much the end of the story when it comes to these necklaces. They help me look fabulous when I’m, well, not feeling fabulous. {read: Monday mornings.}

And anything that helps me feel good when I'm not is a win in my book, wouldn't ya say?

Take a Peek.... With Jessica!

Today we have Jessica sharing her favorite accessory that is a must have in her closet! Her blog is one of my daily reads and she has an incredible since of unique style! Not to mention it is her birthday today (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) and she used to work at Starbucks too, so that pretty much makes us distant cousins or something!

     Hello new friends! My name is Jessica, and I'm stepping in for Hayley while she's away on vacation. I am so excited to meet all of Hayley's wonderful readers because we share a mutual love of this adorable gal. And because this is an oh-so-splendid day to meet new friends. You see, today is my birthday (squeal!), so I feel like I'm getting a double celebration by spending it with you guys too. You can usually find me over at Monster Cakes, my personal life and style blog where I share my fashion escapades and snippets of life with the husband and our pups. Today, however, you will find me gallivanting around my small town in a tutu and a crown, stuffing my face with cupcakes. It is my birthday, after all. And since it's my birthday and I'm bubbling over with love, I'm going to share the accessory that really fills my love tank right now--skinny belts!

     I've had an addiction to waist belts for quite some time, but I've recently caught wind that skinny belts are going to be huge this Spring. Well hot dog! I love waist belts, but SKINNY waist belts make my heart melt. My favorite thing about skinny belts is their subtle ability to give an outfit pizazz. My favorite way to wear them is over a cardigan, as that single pop of color, over a classic white shirt, or layered together with a heavy dose of attitude. The best part? I've found my favorite skinny belts at thrift stores. I also find these gems at Target and Gap at reasonable prices. And really, ladies, is there anything better than accentuating your waist? I think not. A skinny belt around the waist makes curvy girls look smokin' hot, and boyish figures (ahem. me.) look like they actually have a waist for once. High fives for everyone!

     While I've accrued quite the collection of skinny belts, don't fret if this is new to any of you. Skinny belts are usually subtle enough that you can transform dozens of outfits with a modest collection. Seriously. I slap those puppies on everything to trick my mind into thinking I have more clothes and outfits than I really do. Here are a few ways I incorporate skinny belts into my day-to-day wardrobe.

Well thanks for letting me hog Hayley's blog for the day. Feel free to stop by Monster Cakes and say hello again! I'd love to hear how you guys rock the skinny belt. Ok, I'm off to eat more cupcakes!

Take a Peek.... With Vida!

So I asked the ladies to show off their favorite accessories right now, however they see fit. So we have a nice combination of posts from some great bloggers the next few days! Hopefully I will come back having won some money and the boy having won his race! Fingers crossed! To kick off our week of posts we have Vida. She is a bundle of energy and pulls off some great combinations when she gets dressed, and have you seen where she takes photos? I am jealous of the outfit AND were she is at! 

Hello there, all you The Weekend File Philes {everyone loves a little Latin suffix pun, right...?}! Hayley is taking a much-deserved break by heading to Vegas with her man. But fret not, she is graciously hosting some guest bloggers in the meantime so you all still have some reading material, which you may have already been told by one of my fellow posters but I can't be sure. So just in case! And for all the people who start reading a guest post and immediately wonder what the person must look like since you've never seen 'em before, this is me, Vida Crystal from Call Me Life.

Now that you know what I look like, the next logical step would be a big confession. Sadly, I must admit that this is my FIRST guest blogging experience ever! I had apparently been avoiding it for a while. It just seems a little unnerving. Or maybe that's just me? Have any of you guest posted before and thought it was a breeze and I'm just a wee bit paranoid? Please do tell. I put that all aside though when I saw that one of my fave bloggers was looking for some guests to host while she was gone. I e-mailed Hayley right away hoping there was still a spot for me. As soon as I found out I made the list, I panicked. What would I write about?! Especially in maybe keeping with the theme of accessories?! I'm a newbie when it comes to pulling them off! But then I realized there is a first time for everything. For guest blogging, for making breakfast while you write up a post, and for letting your boyfriend prove he can handle that tricky DIY tutorial on how to make a woven bracelet. Wait, What? Yes, that's right. My boyfriend somehow managed to make this cute bracelet for me all because of a matter of pride. and I didn't even have to ask. Glorious!

Before:

After:

So, like I mentioned earlier. I'm not too big into accessories. Or at least, I wasn't before I was doing the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge. Then it became: hurry, cut some bangs! wear that scarf even if it's 70 degrees! Who says that ring and bracelet don't "go" together?! And since then, I haven't looked back. I think accessories are my new favorite way to enhance any outfit. Take for example this dress I adore. It's silk, French Connection, has a sweet pattern, and was originally $158 but I paid $30. I know this because it still had the tags attached! It's true, I practically screamed with delight right there in the store. The only problem is, it's a little frumpy when it hangs loose. And since wearing a cardigan, because it's not warm enough to omit it, covers up the cool twisted and crossed "straps", I knew I had to give it some oomph. That's where the skinny leather belt always does the trick to cinch a shapeless dress.

To break up the white/gray/red-orange, I added a tiny {literally} pop of color with the mint rose ring. 

Sometimes I like to add bigger splashes of color. Like stripes straight outta a Who's closet. You know, a Who, from Dr. Seuss. I know, not exactly a style icon, but hey neither am I. And whether you're doing a 30 articles for 30 days challenge, or you just can't seem to spruce up a boring outfit, sometimes you've gotta "go big or go home". Which is why I wore these bad boys, err, girls.

And my fancy ring, of course! 

So yes, this was a big step for me, but what I've come to love about blogging, and the subcategory of fashion blogging specifically, is that you can take bigger risks than you ever would have thought possible! And chances are, it'll be okay. Actually, better than okay. You'll find the confidence to wear those pieces that have been sitting in the back {or in boxes on the floor} of your closet. And although taking pictures of yourself often and posting them for the world to see is no easy task, it often helps me figure out what works and what doesn't. The ladies and gentlemen in the blogosphere are some of the nicest people I have ever {sorta} met. They will give you praise, tips, inspiration, and share with you so many aspects of themselves. Sure, taking pictures can get awkward in public and you may not have time for it as often as you like, but for me, there was no other way to put aside all my doubts about wearing such bold tights. 

In case you missed it, you can find me at Call Me Life. I hope you drop by and say hello! I'd love to have you!

Guest Post: Get the Look!

     

     My dear friend and amazing Make-Up Artist, Rachel Rose offered up her time and expertise to write a little guest post on how to get one of her current favorite looks for the Spring. She is the beauty editor over at ELIZA Magazine, works for Make Up For Ever, and is a great friend to have around when you are feeling ugly... two seconds in her bathroom and your better then ever! Anyways, enjoy her post while I take the day off and enjoy some homemade spaghetti courtesy of my favorite guy!

     Michael Kors had one of my favorite beauty looks on his Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear runway. The hair is tousled and non-fussy with that orbit of fuzz that just screams casual luxury. There are a few designers who have a hair and make-up aesthetic that just hit it out of the park regularly, Kors is definitely one of them. The make-up on his Spring 2011 RTW runway is both wearable and fresh. It’s a great look to start the transition from winter to spring. 

     Start with a sheer base such as Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Make Up ($38) and apply with your fingers focusing on the areas of the face that might require a little extra lovin’. The great thing about this foundation is that it sets itself and doesn’t require powder... oh yeah, and it’s also sweat-resistant, waterproof and consists of 80% rosewater, so it’s gel texture really wakes up the skin. Apply concealer as usual over the foundation and set with a bit of translucent powder if you need a bit more coverage. 

     The key ingredient in this look is the coral blush, I am a huge fan of Benefit Cosmetic’s Coralista powder ($28), it’s a bright coral that has exceptional buildability and a teeny-tiny hint of sheen to give the apples of the cheeks a healthy pop. Bright blushes tend to incite fear in a lot of women, but I am telling you, fear not- they are super awesome and give a beautiful (and most times natural) glow. It’s always better (and easier) to build up to your desired color than to try to tone down a very saturated product. So, dip your brush lightly, tap off the excess powder and then build your color, one stroke at a time- be sure to check it out in natural light too. Smile big and start applying the color at the apples of your cheeks and then move toward the side of the face. 

     The eyes are simple and rich. Using a brown instead of black creates a soft, dramatic and fresh look. Opt out of the black liner and go with a glowy cool brown cream shadow such as Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream #15 ($22) followed by a rich brown liner such as Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Bourbon ($17). Apply the cream shadow with your finger, gently dabbing on the eyelid and blending out, keep it lightweight here- a little goes a long way. Blend until the desired shape and shade intensity is achieved. After the cream shadow is applied, gently line and smudge the liner on the top and bottom of the eye avoiding the inner corner tear duct area. After the shadow and liner are placed, use a sheer luminizer such as Yves St. Laurent Touche D’Or in the inner corners of the eyes and above the cupid’s bow of the lip to add a radiance to the look. Finish the look with a quick sweep of your favorite mascara- I love Maybelline Falsies ($5). 

 

     The lips in this look are an interesting combination of bright and mute, opt for a less glossy tinted balm such as Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter, the color is sheer and the product will keep your lips hydrated and soft all day. This stuff is paraben-free, sulfate-free and infused with shea butter. Simply dab on with your finger, throw in your bag and go!