Style Series: Broadway Lights The Night

I am so excited to share that I will be styling Leigh Emery, Founder and Owner of Broadway Lights The Night (BLTN), for her upcoming black-tie gala in Morristown, NJ. Leigh and I met in High School and I always admired her for her passion and drive for music. She has a big, soulful voice that sends the good-feeling chills up your spine. I knew one day she would put her talents to use in a beautiful way. 

The Story Behind BLTN:
Leigh was inspired by her father's journey and diagnosis with leukemia. Doctors anticipated the disease would progress quickly, but because of organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, he and countless others live full and healthy lives every day. Leigh wanted to continue to spread this positive lifestyle and communal support in honor of her father. It was while chatting over coffee that Leigh said "I love the Light the Night walks. Wouldn't it be nice if some friends sang to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?" to which her friend Ashley (co-founder/co-owner) replied "think bigger."...And Broadway Lights The Night was born. Since that day, they have raised close to $45,000 for charities around the country!!

This year, Leigh will be hosting the 2nd annual Broadway Lights The Night gala on July 21st. Over the past few weeks, I have been working with Leigh to help her find the perfect dress for her big night. Leigh has a very girly/feminine style, with a beautiful hourglass shape. Her blonde hair and blue eyes pair well with just about...anything. I wanted to make sure she stood out on stage while at the same time comfortable enough to remain in one dress the entire evening. We will also be using a very special accessory from Karma For A Cure (a stylish and charitable fashion line) to complete the outfit. I can't wait to share her final look with you!

If you are located in the tri-state area we would love to see you on July 21st. Here are more details on the event:

• Location: Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum
• Time: Doors open at 6pm & silent auction begins. 7pm, Performance featuring some of Broadway's finest stars from Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and more!
• Tickets can be purchased at BroadwayLightsTheNight.com
• Can't attend but want to donate? Click here! Any bit helps :)

Don't forget to give BLTN a "like" on Facebook and a "follow" on twitter (@broadwayLTN). We hope to see you there, and stay tuned for the final look!

XO,

Ethereal Romance Featuring Free People

Ethereal style doesn't just mean ruffles, lace and soft drappery. It goes beyond that. To embrace the free-spirited look you must approach it with a creative persona. Romantic dressers are typically youthful, flirtatious and enchanting with their style choices. They express their personality through layering and delicate accessories. The look should channel your inner goddess. For this feature, the Coast to Coast style girls, Johnnalynn of StushiGal Style, Alina of Style By Alina, and myself, have teamed up with Free People to put together one-of-a-kind whimsical outfits to illustrate our version of ethereal style.

I have always been a romantic dresser at heart. I love the softness and femininity behind the look. My closet is filled with skirts, dresses, florals, oversized prints, and flowing fabrics. It's clear my eye drifts towards the feminine factor. When searching for the perfect maxi dress for this look, I did not want to shy away from lace and ruffles. I fell in love with this beautiful French Courtship Dress, double layered with ruffles and completed with lace from head-to-toe. The deep plum color is alluring and unique. I truly felt luxurious. I can't wait to restyle this dress for a cocktail party or date night with the bf! For more romantic looks be sure to stop by Free People and checkout their endless selection of dresses and rompers.

Styling tips for your romantic side:

1- Stay away from perfectly matched outfits. The romantic dresser pulls inspiration from the earth and dresses in fun variations of the "non-color"- ivory, eggshell, vanilla, snow...etc.

2-Lace, crochet and tulle should become your best friend.

3-Flowers in your hair or used as an accessory is always a must.

4-Keep your shoewear simple. The romantic look should be easy on the eye.

5-Your jewelry should be light, antique or vintage-looking.

Outfit details: Dress: Free People ℅, Sandals: Steve Madden (similar here), Body Chain: So Good located in Soho, Headband: Aldo Accessories, Nail Color: Cajun Shrimp by OPI

This post contains a product gifted for review. All opinions are my own.

XO,

Double Trouble: One Dress, Two Ways

I am all about versatile dresses in my wardrobe. I like to reinvent each piece over and over to get the most use out of it. When I saw this dress on Karen Kane's site I instantly visualized all of the unique outfits I could put together. Transforming a look is one of my favorite parts about style. It allows us to play with our creative side. You don't have to dye your hair or lose 20 pounds to reinvent your image. All it takes is a few smaller changes to help update your appearance. To help you draw inspiration, I put together two looks with the same printed tank dress. Which style is your favorite?

Simple daytime look:

What I'm Wearing: Karen Kane Blue Reflection Dress (c/o), JCrew Metallic Sandals, Anthropologie Sunglasses (similar here), Express Clutch (also loving this clutch), Isabel Marant for H&M Bracelet, Aaraa of Hoboken Wrap Bracelet, Madewell Rings (adore this stack)

Downtown babe:

What I'm Wearing: Karen Kane Blue Reflection Dress (c/o), JCrew Chambray Top, Steve Madden Heels, Urban Outfitters Pebbled Tiered Necklace, Express Clutch, Anthropologie Sunglasses (similar here)

XO,

How To Wear: Palazzo Pants

What I'm Wearing: Top: Brandy Melville, Pants: Urban Outfitters (another favorite look here), Shoes: Nine West, Necklace & Bracelet: Elena Fomina Design, Bag: H&M

Style is all about having fun and embracing your personality. Each new look that you create should be refreshing. Since skinny jeans have ruled our closets for decades, I've decided to rotate some palazzo pants into my wardrobe. These pants are not only super feminine, but they are comfy too! When I tried them on in the store I felt like I was in my pajamas. And if I can get away with feeling like I'm in my PJ's, but not actually wearing them...then it's a pretty good day in my book. 

How to style:

• Palazzo pants make a huge statement. They are wide-legged and extremely flowy. It's best to pair these pants with a fitted top, otherwise you will look too baggy.
• If you are worried about looking bottom-heavy, try reaching for a solid print. Black palazzo pants are super chic and eye-catching. Pair with a bright hued t-shirt to help visually slim the look.
• Keep the shoe neutral. If you are petite, try slipping on a pair of heels or wedges for added height. The palazzo pants are supposed to look baggy so don't be afraid if they feel too long. If you're still nervous about the length when you pair it with a wedge you can get them tailored, or just ask me for my opinion ;).

Most importantly, don't forget to load on some fun jewels! I love how elegant this magenta toned Celine necklace by Elena Fomina Design looks when paired against a white tee. The pearls help to dress up the look. Plus....who doesn't love a necklace comprised of Swarovski crystals?! To accompany the Celine necklace, I added Elena Fomina's Diego statement bracelet made with tiger eye beads and multi-colored crystals. This bracelet is truly versatile and can be worn with a multitude of outfits. To view more pieces from Elena Fomina Design click here. Elena carries super unique necklaces and bracelets that will help you give off the image of a well seasoned stylista!

To shop more fun palazzo pants, click on the below Mavatar button!

XO,

Shop Collection

All American Girls Featuring Deb Shops + A Giveaway

Red, white, and chic all over. The July 4th holiday calls for easy fashion. I'm so excited to share that I've teamed up with Johnnalynn Lynch of the Atlanta based blog StushiGal Style, and Alina Dinh of the San Francisco based blog, Style by Alina, to bring you guys a fashionable "Coast to Coast" street style series. We will be sharing our personal take on trends and our first feature is highlighting our favorite looks for Independence Day from Deb Shops. Whether your weekend will consist of BBQs, fireworks, spicy cocktails (yes, red hot pepper spicy), or day trips to the beach, the Coast to Coast Style girls have got you covered! We want to make sure your looking stylish while celebrating ;). I like to dress patriotic, but not overboard. I think a hint of "USA" does the trick. Channel your inner Uncle Sam. 

The two requirements for my holiday look? Comfy and classic. I reach for denim when looking to edge up my outfit. How cute are these bleached out denim shorts from Deb Shops? I love how American they look because of the cloud wash. The spots of blue all over truly draw attention. I also adore these destroyed denim shorts with flag-printed exposed pockets. Pair with an off the shoulder sweatshirt and your ready for the fireworks!

This year, after celebrating with friends, the BF and I plan to drive to the beach and watch the fireworks over the ocean from all the neighboring towns. It involves some serious walking since parking is hard to find down by the water. These American Flag inspired low top sneakers from Deb Shops are perfect for the occasion! They are not only festive and fun, but super comfy.

I urge you to be unique with your 4^th of July style and have fun with it! For more inspiration, be sure to stop by Style by Alina and StushiGal Style. From stars, to stripes, to solids, we've got you covered for your Independence day outfit. Follow along the hashtag #C2CStreetStyle on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more yankee doodle fun. Keep scrolling for the giveaway details!

Shop the look: Top: Guess (another fun look here), Shorts: Deb Shops (c/o), Shoes: Deb Shops (c/o)- under $15!, Necklace: H&M (also love this necklace), Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

GIVEAWAY:

To help you stay chic all summer long, we have teamed up with Deb Shops to offer one lucky reader a $75 gift card! Entering is super easy. Just follow the below instructions and enter via the Rafflecopter.

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter daily. Besides liking Deb Shops on Facebook and commenting below, all other entries are optional. The giveaway ends on July 14th and is open to U.S, Alaska, and Hawaii residents only. Must be 18+ to enter.

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a sponsored post by Deb Shops. All opinions are my own.

XO,

Summer Statement Piece

The ingredients for easy summer style? Maxi dresses + an eye-catching statement accessory. If there's one piece of advice that I could offer for an effortless summer look, it's to wear all black and one statement piece. Let the accessory pop against a black background. You can turn this adorable black maxi (Charlotte Russe), into a look worth lusting over by adding one statement piece (bright shoes, oversized earrings, necklaces...etc). 

A style staple that will really take your look to the next level is the statement necklace. Celebrate your individuality and don't be afraid to wear bold pieces. This gorgeous necklace from Elena Fomina Design certainly adds the wow factor to this outfit. It features natural jasper stones and a serious jaw dropping 40mm Swarovski crystal. All jewelry is completely handmade in NYC with semi-precious stones and Swarovski elements. The power of this necklace is a lot more that just a stereotypical statement piece. It has a spirit of its own and is truly one-of-a-kind. The main concept behind the line is that the opulent aesthetic of custom jewelry is expressed via natural stones.

Featured design: The ROMA tan necklace. A true high-fashion statement piece. To shop this look along with other statement pieces from the collection visit Elena Fomina Design. Roma retails for $460. For additional inquiries you can click here to contact.

Can we talk about how dashing this black maxi dress is with a subtle slit on the side? I love the ruffle detailing along the bust. For a more dressed down look, try pairing with a denim jacket and white converse sneakers. You can snatch this look from Charlotte Russe by clicking here.

XO,