Orange Blossom

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Forever 21

Dress: c/o Tilly Boutique

OTK Socks: Target

Heels: Urban Outfitters

FBFF: Blog Awards

There are so many wonderful and well written blogs that I read each and every day. I don't always comment on every post or every blog, however make it noted that I love each of them as much as the last. I wish that we could give an award to every.single.blogger out there, because you are all working your butts off to maintain your blogs- or we should all go out for a huge sundae and treat ourselves :)

Anyway, if you are not listed here, please do not be offended. I wanted to list EVERY blog I read-however I would never get to sleep! Without further ado, here are my nominations for the blog awards.

((If I used a picture of you and you would like it removed, just send me a quick email))

1. Creative Juices - most creative

Christina from Profresh Style has my vote for most creative for shoooo. Between her rapping to Nicki Minaj and her ALWAYS creative sense of style-she keeps my eyes peeled and loving her blog over and over again.

Profresh Style

Spring Fever

Adventures at Alhambra Pillow in Ruby, Modcloth, $20

Adam Applique silk chiffon blouse, The Outnet, $148

High Polish 5 Bangle Set, Forever 21, $7

Mika, Aldo Flats, $50

Turquoise Vintage Floral Bikini, Topshop, $55

New York Essex Natural Scout, Kate Spade, $395

Trinidad, Steve Madden, $90

American Apparel Walker Sunglasses, $35

Adam High-waisted paper-bag shorts, The Outnet, $118

Creme Lipcolor in Daze, Topshop, $15

Pink Dip Dye Flower Wing Dress, Topshop, $118

Giveaway with Egokitten!

Today's giveaway is brought to you by: Egokitten on Etsy

If I could enter my own giveaway today, I would be all over it! I am over the top in love with this octopus ring...and it's up for grabs! ($100 value)

Recontrer: A Short Film

Recontrer in French means to bring together. I fell in love with this short film that was shot in La Marais in Paris and just had to share it with you. Enjoy!

Blogger Meetup at The Ace Hotel

Amy From Stylish Year, Michelle from The Mish Dish (you have a drink coming your way the next time I see you!), Nina from The Style Glossary

"Laughter is an Instant Vacation"

Warning: This is a feel good post and will instantly change your mood (for the better).

Christine from View from 5 foot 2, Kendall from Kendall Donaldson

Laughter is the corrective force which prevents us from becoming cranks. ~Henri Bergson

Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life.
-- Author Unknown

The person who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused.
-- Shirley MacLaine

A sense of humor is good for you. Have you ever heard of a laughing hyena with heart burn?
Bob Hope

Humor can alter any situation and help us cope at the very instant we are laughing.
Allen Klein

Title Post Quote: by Milton Berle

Giveaway with Mademoiselle Mermaid

Hey, it's that lovely time again! A giveaway for my ahhhmazing followers! The gorgeous owner of the Mademoiselle Mermaid Etsy boutique is offering my readers a $30 credit to her shop!

If I was browsing her shop with a $30 credit, I would go straight to her hats section.

So, just follow the little D's (details) below to enter to win :) Good Luck!

RULES:

1.) Visit Mademoiselle Mermaid and tell me what your favorite item is

2.) You must be a follower of this blog with bloglovin and/or google friend connect to find out if you won!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.) "Like" Mademoiselle Mermaid on Facebook

2.) Follow Mademoiselle Mermaid on Twitter

3.) "Like" Sparkling Footsteps on Facebook

Good Luck and giveaway will end on Feb. 24th!

IFB Conference

We were famished before the conference and decided to grab some grub from The Standard (highly recommended). Present at breakfast was the adorable Francesca from Le Kiss Kiss, the wonderful and ridiculously talented Lee Olivera (who captured my photograph here) and the ever so gorgeous Vahni from Grit and Glamour (who is one hell of a moderator, by the way).

Overall I thought that the IFB conference had amazing content that is useful for us "bloggies". Take home points that I enjoyed:

*If you don't want anyone "stealing" your ideas, blog name, or blog content - then copyright and/or brand your creative thoughts. Don't let anyone walk away with your goods!--I should take some of my own advice.

*You CAN make a business of blogging and it does NOT happen overnight. If you follow your passion, the answers will come.

*Be smart with monetization. Know your worth. Would you pay a penny for a pair of Christian Louboutins? No, I didn't think so.

Brands are looking for a blogger with influence more than STATS. If you have 100 dedicated followers that comment on your post and love what you do VS. 1000 followers that never even visit your blog.

*Build a relationship with the brands you chose to work with.

*Put together a Media Kit. This will make working with brands easier. You can find a how-to here on IFB.

Check out your twitter influence with Klout

Francesca of Le Kiss Kiss, Christine of View from 5 Foot 2

Caitlin from Style Within Reach, Kendall from Kendall Donaldson

Meredith from Cubicle Chic Blog

Laura from On The Racks

Outfit Details:

Coat: F21

Shirt: Thrifted

Pants: Theory

Shoes: Sam Endelman

Handbag: Linea Pelle

What I Wore for the Ann Yee Presentation

Jacket: Vintage (Etsy shop Bottle Blonde Vintage), Shirt borrowed via See Anna Jane, Skirt: F21, Shoes: Franco Sarto

These photographs were taken by the lovely Kiley from A Sequin Dress at Breakfast. We were helping out with the Ann Yee Collection and took a break to snap some pictures overlooking Manhattan.

The gorgeous Anna from See Anna Jane and I decided to do a swap for Valentine's Day. She sent me this gorgeous top which has a beautiful V cut in the back. I am in love!

Ann Yee Collection F/W 11

I had the opportunity to help out behind the scenes for the Ann Yee Collection that was held at the Skyroom (which overlooks a beautiful view of Manhattan as seen above).

I must first say that Ann Yee is so adorable and extremely down to earth. She was wearing a gorgeous black jumpsuit and charming pink lips.

Her collection was full of drama, detail, chunky knits, and bold colors. The draping of the gowns was elegant and effortless. Colors were bold in dark blues, purple and gray.

These trousers were one of my favorite pieces in the collection. The perfect high waist and tapered bottom.

Ann Yee describing her inspiration for her collection with Women's Wear Daily

Valentine's Day Inspiration Board

1.) Shop Bando Heart Pin

2.) Blush In Flush, Topshop

3.) 2 Row Coin Necklace, Topshop

4.) Wildfox Big Love Oversized Sweatshirt

5.) Spade Notebooks, Kate Spade

6.) Essie Knockout Pout

7.) Valentine's Day Heart Measuring Cups

Giveaway With Roots Jewelry

My newest sponsor- Etsy seller: Roots Jewelry is offering my readers a $30 credit to her jewelry shop. She hand designs each piece and will even custom design if you have something specific in mind. Personally, I am a fan of her stackable rings, I want them all.

RULES:

1.) Visit Roots Jewelry and tell me what your favorite item is

2.) You must be a follower of this blog with bloglovin and/or google friend connect to find out if you won!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.) "Like" Roots Jewelry on Facebook

2.) "Like" Sparkling Footsteps on Facebook

3.) Follow on twitter

Good Luck and giveaway will end on Feb. 16th!

Red Volcano (...and a Happy Birthday to me)!

Vintage Red Faux Fur Collar Coat: Bottle Blonde Vintage (Etsy shop), Vintage Blouse, Hat: H&M, Shorts: F21, Booties: H&M

In two days I am off to New York City for a few days for NYFW. For some crazy reason, I forgot to take the week off from work so I only have three days off- total bummer. If you are planning on being there and want to meet up - email me! Erika (from the Style Activist) and I put together a blogger meetup on Wednesday night (Feb. 9th) if you want to join here.

Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you that today is my BIRTHDAY. I won't tell you how old I am because honestly I am having trouble embracing "getting older". I know...it's ridiculous. I miss when I was 7 and 8 years old without a care in the world. I was without a mortgage, leaking roof, an unreliable vehicle, a job.... It was a beautiful thing. Anyway, I am learning day by day to embrace getting older. You know a heck of a lot more about yourself and you become much wiser. At least I have that going for me ;)

We celebrated this weekend with some good friends and some great laughs at a comedy show in the city. Something about laughing for a straight 1 hour and 40 minutes makes me feel like a million dollars. I am stress free without a care in the world.

Let's keep it that way ;)

Oneof my ridiculous facesagain.Sorry guys :)

Meetup

Calling all Fashion Bloggers (or ANY Bloggers)
Wine Down Blogger Meetup during NYFW
When: February 9th 2011 8pm Where: Ace Hotel Ace Hotel, 20 West 29th Street, NYC
Release your stress from New York Fashion Week and join us!Click Here to RSVP

Magic Carpet Ride

Kimono Wrap: c/o Shock Boutique, Dress: H&M, Boots: BCBG, Watch: Michael Kors

Another winter storm has left us with collapsing roofs (is that the plural form??), death in the form of icicles, snow drifts up to 20 feet and a multitude of other issues. I spent my day driving around for almost 90 minutes trying to buy a SNOW SHOVEL and ice melter. There were no shovels and no ice melter to be found anywhere. Unbelievable... I ended up shoveling my back deck with the metal (use me and break your back) shovel; for fear that my deck would collapse if I didn't shovel fast.

At least it was a good workout...

Shameless Self Promotion: Please vote for me to walk on the Boy Meets Girl Runway for NYFW. You can vote once per day. Thank you :)Vote Here

A NYFW Guide: What to Wear in Cold Weather

Accessories

Kenneth Cole Reaction Lace Up Boots, Piperlime, $70

Nine West 'Sitcom' Boots, Piperlime, $60

Abra Black Lace Up Wedges, Topshop, $150

Blush Cobweb Snood, Topshop, $32

The Beanie, Rag and Bone, $80

Naples Fur-Cuffed Leather Glove, Last Call Neiman Marcus, $35

Adventurous Floppy Hat, Forever 21, $14

Auto Walker Umbrella, Topshop, $36

Sequin Faux Fur Earmuffs, Juicy Couture, $55

Jewel Box Snood, Kate Spade, $87

Hunter Wellies, $125

Wellie Cable Knit Socks, $40

As New York Fashion Week draws near, the winter weather pushes forward...with vengeance. Seeing as how I have endured the cold winter months in New England my whole life, I 'd like to think I have the cold weather attire down to a science. In New York City the streets tend to get slushy, muddy, and extremely uneven; this makes wearing heels treacherous. If you don't want to make a complete (fill in the black here) of yourself then I would stick with flat boots or wedge heels, they give you more stability.

A scarf and/or hat is necessary with the frigid temperatures. Your ears and nose freeze first so I usually wrap a scarf up and around my face and throw a hat on top. If you are worried about your hair, Make sure to part your hair all the way to one side before putting on your hat. When you take it off, go to your original part and you should have some lift.

The infamous Hunter Wellie Boots are great for running a quick errand during fashion week. While you may not want to wear them out to a show or meetup, you will want them when you find out you forgot your underpants and need to sprint to the store to buy some :)

Always, and I repeat always, bring an umbrella to the city. The weather is sometimes unpredictable and you don't want to be that person running to the nearest store to buy a $30 umbrella (that would cost you $5 outside of the city).

The Main Outfit

Patterson J. Kincaid, Chunky Cocoon Cardigan, Piperlime, $99

Knitted Navajo Cardigan, Topshop, $125

Black Basic Tank, Topshop, $12

Clemens En August, The Outnet, $155

Pale Pink Chiffon Blazer, Topshop, $80

Mocler 'Lucy' Down Jacket with Fur Trimmed Hood, Domezio, $440

Acne Friend Silk Chiffon Trench Coat, Net-a-Porter, $860

See By Chloe Wool Blend Pants, The Outnet, $81

Fleece Lined Tights, Otte, $34

3.1 Phillip Lim Satin twill cropped pants, Net-a-Porter, $350

The key to your outfit in the cold weather is...LAYERS. I try to wear as many I can without ruining the outfit's appearance. If you are travelling to a show in midday I would wear a blazer underneath your jacket. Cardigans are a women's best friend, wear them whenever you can, they add significant warmth.

Pants will be your best bet in the cold weather, however if you insist on s skirt/dress, wear fleece lined tights. I only just discovered these are they are ridiculously warm. Wool blend trousers are a great choice. Make sure your pants are 'skinny' or 'pegleg'. You don't want your pants dragging on the streets, you will ruin your outfit.

The warmest coats (in my experience) are down jackets and fur trimmed jackets. The fur helps to warm your chest/face area. Although down jackets may not be the most fashionable, they are most certainly (without a doubt) the warmest.

Most of all fashionistas, enjoy your time in the city!

A Bow on Top/Giveaway

How adorable is this vintage octopus locket necklace? And do you want to hear the good news?

Uhm...

You could win it! (Even though I would really like to keep it all to myself...)

My favorite items from Chloe's vintage jewelry shop are:

Take me to Paris Locket Necklace

Love knot necklace

Postcard Love Note Necklace

Green with Envy Earrings

RULES:

1.) Visit Chloe's Vintage Jewelry and tell me what your favorite item is

2.) Follow this blog with bloglovin and/or google friend connect

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.)Vote for me to walk the runway for Boy Meets Girl in NYFW! Vote here

2.) "Like" Sparkling Footsteps" on Facebook

3.) Follow on twitter

Good Luck and giveaway will end on Feb. 8th!