Q&A: from Headbands and Bagels

Happy Monday Y'all! 

One of the perks of blogging is getting to meet fabulous ladies who you probably wouldn't have met otherwise. The fabulous Elisabeth from Headbands and Bagels is another So Cal Blogger and found me through a mutual group we're in: So Cal Blogger Society. She noticed I like to do collab's and asked if I'd be interested in teaming up with her -- done and done!

We exchanged the same questionnaire and got to work. I completely agree with all of her answers (except the reading because my life has been to chaotic for that ... tsk tsk I know!) So grab your coffee/cocktail (depending what time you read this) and get to know the beautiful, funny and oh so glam Elisabeth!

Describe your personal style in three words:

1. Classic
2. Preppy
3. Casual

You can’t leave home without:
My Dior Addict Lip Glow - just amazing

If you were any accessory, you would be:
Shoes! I have a weekly post dedicated to shoes. No matter how your weight may fluctuate your shoe size stays the same. 

What are your three favorite places to shop?

1. J.Crew
2. Tuckernuck - obsessed right now
3. Nordstrom 

What is your favorite travel outfit?
My long black Theory maxi dress with a big scarf and fedora and Sam Edelman gladiators. Maxi dresses are amazing for flights because they cover your legs but still are really comfy and easy to sleep in. I also always fly with a big scarf that can double as a wrap or a blanket. The more versatile your pieces the easier the flight

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?
I base it all on the shoes for that day. I think strength is reflected in how you carry yourself and that all starts with a great fitting pair of shoes. If I had to pick an outfit thought I would go with my black Sloan sheath dress from Banana Republic with any of my blazers and a great pair of Kate Spade Karolina pumps is my go to for a big event at the office. 

What is your go-to handbag right now?
I am between this awesome Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Luciana. I shared it in Wednesday Wishes last week and am in love. It is the perfect size and the color is amazing!

What are you reading right now?
I'm currently reading two books: Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccostumed Earth and Carol Radizawill's The Widow's Guide to Sex and Dating. I share my reads every month on the blog.

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Cheese. I could probably survive just on cheese, bread and some good red wine.

What company milestone are you most proud of?
Being able to meet and collaborate with such amazing other bloggers out there. While I started my blog as a creative outlet from my daily engineering job, I am amazed at all the wonderful people I have been able to meet 

What blogs have you visited recently?
I am on bloglovin' everyday with my blogroll. I have recently added all my amazing fellow SoCal bloggers from SoCal Blogger Society. Some of my favorite daily reads are Blush & Blonde, The College Prepster, Penny Pincher Fashion, Southern Curls and Pearls, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and of course Life's A Party Dress Like It.

 

 

East vs West Coast Style: Pastels

Happy Thursday Loves!

I'm so excited for today's post because it's Round 2 of the East vs. West Coast Style Remix! The gorgeous Floridian Pamela and I are back and this time around we're talking Spring Pastels!

I shamefully have to admit that I completely spaced to take my photos ahead of time and literally bribed my beloved Dana to rush over to my house to take these. I've never taken night shots, she had never shot at night ... but needless to say I think they turned out great for what we had to work with!

I love any and every chance to wear pastels. The pale colors automatically make you look tanner and maybe it's just me, but they generally put me in a better mood. I wear SO much black and navy for work so it's nice to switch it up a bit!

When Pamela and I had initially decided to do pastels I immediately had 3-4 outfits run through my head. Fast forward to the night I took these photos and my mind went BLANK. I had a mint skirt paired with a hot pink tank but that seemed too much and a white short with a baby blue tank seemed too Summer-like. I was thrilled when I stumbled across this paisley pencil skirt because it's one of those items you completely forget about until you see it. Don't worry folks, this beauty will be in FULL rotation for Spring!

Isn't the little cut out in this top fun?!

Top: White House Black Market // Skirt: Ann Taylor // Heels: Nine West // Necklace: Etsy // Earrings: Francescas Collection // Bangles: Forever 21 & Zinia // Ring: David Yurman

Movin' on over to the East coast, Pamela looks like a straight up bombshell in her all mint ensemble with a pop of black in her gorgeous ankle strap heels!

Get Pamela's outfit details here 

If y'all haven't headed over to Sequins and Seabreezes then seriously what are you waiting for?! I kid, but in all seriousness Pamela's blog is one of my favorites! Her photos are always stunning, but her writing is what sucks me in -- whether she's talking about the changes in Florida's weather, vacation plans or just a random fashion tip you truly feel like you're having a conversation with one of your best girlfriends. 

 Just for shits and gigs I had to share this candid photo Dana caught last night: Hope your Thursday just got a little brighter!

xo, Paige

Total Betty Society

Happy Wednesday Dolls! 

As you saw in last Wednesday's post, I'm clearly addicted to statement jewelry! I started out buying it at high end boutiques in Charleston then came down to reality and realized there are plenty of other places to buy fun jewelry that will jazz up your outfit without breaking the bank! 

Versona and Charming Charlie are my absolute favorite stores because they display the jewelry by color making it that much easier to find exactly what you're looking for. Sadly I've only seen these stores in the South so if someone knows where I can find one out West ... hook a sister up!

image via

I mean look at that perfection y'all ... it's like I've gone to jewelry heaven!

Since I can't always hit up my favorite stores, I do more online jewelry shopping than I should admit! Groopdealz always has amazing stuff for a fraction of the price, but my absolute go to store is Total Betty Society! They're logo alone, (I'm a sucker for the infinity sign and even have a tattoo of it) had me sold and from that moment I knew this brand and I were going to click like college sorority sisters at a frat mixer. They have an array of product - over 500 items - which ranges from $20-$50! Here's a few of my favorites:

Tribal Necklace // Rose Gold Chains // Flower bomb necklace // Beaded Long Necklace

Penny For Your Thoughts // Haywire Cable // Jumprope // Cute As A Button

 Jackie O // Garden Party // All That Glitters is Gold // April Showers

Bad Romance // Birds of a Feather // Champagne Supernova // Melon Ball // Rosalinda

Total Betty Society's founder Jessica was a young girl working the typical desk job after college in a drab wardrobe. She incorporated fun accessory pieces to make her professional attire still fit her bubbly personality and soon after realized that was her calling and ta-da TBS was born! Check out their blog and Youtube page for more fun facts and great tutorials about this insanely adorable and affordable line! 

As if this brand couldn't get any better, it seriously does. When you sign up you instantly get a $10 credit, but if that's not enough just refer a friend to become a member and you earn another $10 credit PER FRIEND! Y'all I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried! 

Because my infinity logo-brand is now one of my absolute faves I want it to become one of yours as well I'm offering a coupon code to get this party started. Simply enter PARTY25 at checkout and score 25% off! 

I deeply apologize to your bank accounts because they're about to be pretty darn angry with you; however, your closet will be SUPER happy!

 

Stylish Tuesday: Mint + Gray

Happy Tuesday Dolls!

Over the weekend I attended my first blog event and literally had the most incredible time! Keep a look out for an event recap post next Wednesday :)

In other news, my apartment hunt is still on-going. I've viewed a couple of places thus far, but nothing is seeming to really "click." Why is it that finding a place to live which you can afford and you love is so darn difficult? Oh LA (Shaking my fist) sometimes I truly loathe you. 

My fabulous friend Dana is back to show off her handy work. She took these photos at LACMA as well and I truly love them. I also adore this gray, mint and sparkle combo I have going on. Yes, I just tooted my own horn -- toot toot!

Fashion Tip: If you're short like I am you have the luxury of buying capris and wearing them as pants. Add a little roll and you have the perfect cuffed pant!

Sweater: Forever 21 // Pants: Target // Flats: Nordstrom Rack // Earrings: Francescas Collection // Bracelets: Penelope & Zinia // Watch: Juicy Couture // Sunglasses: RayBan

This week's featured blogger is Debbie from Fashion Fairy Dust!

I absolutely LOVE Debbie's multi-colored maxi skirt! It's so flattering and the pattern reminds me of a water color painting. The fact that she paired it with a neon cardigan and fun statement necklace really pulled it all together. You rocked it love! 

If you'd like to be featured on next week's Stylish Tuesday, then simply follow the rules below: 

1. Please follow me via Bloglovin' or GFC

2. Link up your favorite recent style post
3. Please link this post back to your blog or post my button below on your blog (this way other bloggers can link up too)
4. Have fun meeting/interacting with new bloggers, you may just make some new friends!

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<a href="http://lifesapartydli.blogspot.com/" title="Life's A Party Dress Like It" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a630/lifesapartydli/STButton_zps13ac7808.jpg" alt="Life's A Party Dress Like It" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Linking up with: DC In Style, On The Daily Express, More Pieces of Me, So Cal Blogger Society, Style Elixir,

Jewelry Organization 101

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 

I know the holidays are well over but over my Christmas vacation I had a whooping 2 weeks off of work. Oh to have those glory days back! I'm all about lazy days watching Sex and the City marathons, but one day I decided to jump on Pinterest. As every girl knows once you log on there's no going back for a good 2-4 hours ... or is this just me?

 Hello my name is Paige (raises hand) and I'm addicted to Pinterest.

The first (and only) thing I searched for was a proper way to organize jewelry. Every girl has their own unique and cute way of doing it, but I couldn't figure mine out. My necklaces were hanging on a key hook from Bed Bath and Beyond, I had earrings in small dishes and my dresser was constantly looking like a hot mess with bracelets, rings and earring backs all over the place.

I immediately found some great ideas on my beloved Pinterest but wanted to make them Paige-esque.
Yes I just made up my own word and I'm sticking with it.

images via and via the other two weren't linked on Pinterest please let me know if it's yours!

I loved the white bowl and candlestick look but I'd lose everything in those bowls lets be real. The frame idea is great, I just don't have the wall space. I like the rod to hang necklaces on but think it would be a pain to actually get the one piece I wanted easily and lastly, this bracelet stack is serious eye candy but again would be a pain to get the bangle I'm after in a pinch.

After seeing these ideas and contemplating what I actually wanted to do I grabbed my handyman Dr. D and make a quick trip to the holy grail of organization: IKEA. We got our supplies and went to work. Take a look at the before and after shots of my chaotic mess turning into an organized dream.

Let's start with my handbags ... before they were on a hook I bought at Marshall's but the weight was overwhelming causing my bags to fall on the floor -- and one of the ends to fall off!

I bought a shelf at Ikea (details below) and it instantly made a huge difference!

My necklaces were on a key hook purchased from Bed Bath and Beyond. I loved the way they were displayed but since it only had 5 hooks I had at least 6-7 necklaces per hook.

These Ikea hooks (details below) made everything nice and neat with 2-3 necklaces per hook

I think displayed jewelry is a great substitution for art so I keep it on my dresser like this:

 I lost the cap to my favorite two sided lip stick so please excuse the ziploc bag!

Dresser Details:

Bracelet Bar: The Container Store // Earring Tree: Bed Bath & Beyond

Felt Divider Trays: Marshall's // Lipstick Acrylic Tray: The Container Store

Ikea Shelf Tutorial:

I bought the middle length shelf and the triangular wall mounts for additional weight support

In the upstairs kids playroom section were these hooks. The package didn't state what they were for but with them being double sided and featuring wide and narrow ends it was a great option for my handbags.

Ta Da, the finished look! All it took was screwing the hook plates into the shelf but man what a difference! I also love having the shelf to put my hats and clutches on

Necklace Hooks:

These hooks were in the window treatment section. Normally the hook would face the front but I turned it to the side to have easier access to my statement pieces

The wall mount could be put on the short side (as shown) or the long side (holding the hooks) I chose the short side to give more room for the hooks. As shown on the right side the hooks are facing outwards in a rotating fashion to make it easier to find the necklace I want to wear

What ways do you store your jewelry? I'd love to hear them!

Month In Instagram: February

The work week is officially at the half way point y'all!

I just want to say how much I appreciated all of the emails and comments after yesterday's post. It's crazy to think that people you've never even met can make you feel so good about yourself. One of the MANY perks of blog land which I'm honored to share with you ladies!

February was a pretty blah month for me. Work was busier than usual; however, I've always thought that January and February tend to fly by as I adjust into the new year. This past month I realized how genuine a lot of my friendships are, how desert can cure anything and that being 25 is actually kinda fun. I can't wait to see what happens in March and for St. Patty's day this weekend!

1. Wearing a skirt that twirls makes any day fun
2. Indulged in my favorite, chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake

3. Finally got chilly enough to wear my new Everly sweater
4. Received flowers from my sweet Dr. D on Valentine's Day

5. Spent an afternoon catching up on US Weekly in the Coy Pond garden by work
6. Came home to a homemade Italian feast from Dr. D -- man is too good to me

7. Spent my 2 year Friend-iversary with my first CA friend and partner in crime
8.  Received my amazing goodies for the Academy Awards from 1 Dress Co UK

9. Received the Oscar wine at work .... always a phenomenal day
10. Went on a night hike in Pacific Palisades - one of the coolest things I've ever experienced

11. Took the plunge and went blonder than I normally ever do
12. Celebrated Margo's birthday in Culver City

13. Tried Zevia for the first time and am now obsessed!
14. Had my first photo shoot ever at LACMA - thanks again Dana!

15. Had Chips Ahoy send me back the most hysterical tweet I've ever gotten.
Make sure to eat cookies in moderation folks!

I hope everyone has a phenomenal Wednesday. I know I can't wait to enjoy the afternoon with a little more sunshine thank to Daylight Savings!