Laid Back

{Outfit Details}H&M Sweater, Gap Tee, Three Dots Pants (c/o), Forever 21 Headband and Necklaces, Steve Madden Flats

Words cannot even describe the weekend we had. There are cars and homes destroyed by trees, 15+ inches of snow and no heat, hot water or electricity. It was below 20 degrees last night and we woke up to a house that was 42 degrees. This is the case for upwards of 2 million people. What is going on with the world?

Jewelmint Giveaway

What: Jewelmint is offering a reader their choice of one item from their site. Why: Because they're awesome, duh.When: Giveaway runs from today, Oct. 28th until Nov. 4thHow to enter: 1.) Visit Jewelmint (sign up if you haven't already) and pick out your favorite item- the item you would choose if you won!2.) Be sure your a follower on Google Connect or bloglovin' to check back to see if you won
You can also sign up at 50% OFF right now with the code: BOCT50 THAT'S IT! :){The winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway via random.org is CALLI! Congrats!}

Hinted Yellow

{Outfit Details} Gap sweater, Vintage Blouse, Denim (from a boutique in LA), Aldo Heels, Forever 21 Beanie, Spike the Punch NecklaceYou can snag this Gap sweater (and many other comfy ones) for 25% off today PLUS 10% cash BACK from Ebates. You don't have an account? Sign up here.
The NYC Marathon is just a mere 10 days away! I have to admit that I am starting to get a bit nervous. I had  a lot of issues with the training with my left IT band. I started to contemplate running the first 18 miles then playing a game with myself and run/walking the last 8. I guess it will all depend on how I am feeling! If you want to send me words of encouragement (I NEED THEM!), I would be so grateful. You can send messages to me HERE.

Best Drugstore Finds: Purple Lipstick

Revlon Renewist LipColor in Full Bodied Wine

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Plum Perfect

L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Milla's Plum

Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick in Amethyst Smoke


Loving this hue lately. What's your favorite drugstore buy?

A quick whirlwind

A new favorite pair of sparkly flats (that are totally affordable)Old Navy military jacket, Lace Forever 21 top, Banana Republic Necklace

Shabby Apple Giveaway

I just love the sophisticated looks from Shabby Apple. Their dresses always catch my eye and they have such a big collection to choose from. You will have the opportunity to win....

How to Enter:1.) Make sure you are a follower with either Bloglovin' or Google Connect to see if you won!2.) "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook
Extra Entries (leave separate comment for each)1.) Please Vote for me in the TJ Maxx contest. First photo on the left :)2.) Follow Shabby Apple on twitter
Contest ends one week from today on October 28th! Only open to US readers!

A Pocket is No Place for a Smile

{Outfit Details} gifted Novica sweater, J. Crew blouse, H&M Skirt, Forever 21 Hat, gifted Jewelmint necklace "Astoria", Sonia Rykiel tassel wedges (for sale-size 39/8.5 email me if interested, they are a bit too snug on me!)Today's Lineup1.) Loving this in between 60 degree weather. It's too chilly to go without a sweater, but you can leave without a coat. By far my favorite weather all year.2.) Looking forward to a pizza and movie date tomorrow. Simple things. 3.) I am becoming more and more obsessed with Jewelmint. If you don't know what the rave is all about- you best get started! 4.) Pinterest has been taking up loads of my time lately. You can check out my boards here5.) LOVE LOVE LOVE this song.6.) Loving Novica, especially their accessories and women's scarves!7.) I made it to the last round of the TJ Maxx Contest. I would love it if you took the time to vote for me here. You can vote once per day! Thank you!*Song quote by Blues Traveler

What to Wear for an Engagement Session

Our engagement photo session is coming up soon and I wanted to compile a lookbook of sorts to inspire me. You will have to wait and see which one I go with in a few weeks! :) Vote on your favorite look!

{Comfy with a Side of Glitz and Glam} Current/Elliot Denim Leggings, Vince Sweater, Equipment Cheetah Blouse, Lulu Frost Vintage Necklace, Sam Edelman Adena 
{Prim and Proper} American Retro Giovanna Leather Trim Jacket, Proenza Schouler Skirt, Ruffle Front Chiffon Blouse, Fendi Booties, Blue and Gold Earrings
{Girl next Door} Modcloth Couture Coat, Lollerskating Dress, Proenza Schouler Lace Up Boots
{Prepster} DKNY Sweater, McQ Wide Collar Shirt, Burnt Orange Corduroy Trousers, Navy Blue Cowl Scarf, Modcloth Trekkin' Boots


Daily Plug: Please vote for me in the TJ Maxx Contest. You can vote up to once per day! THANK YOU! 

TJ Maxx Contest

I particpated in the Mix and Match contest with TJ Maxx and fellow blogger Lindsey Calla from Saucie Glossie ( a fav of mine) ! I cannot believe that I have made it to the final round and would really appreciate your votes to get me to NYC on Nov. 4th! You can vote ONCE per day! :) Thank you so much for your support and I appreciate each and every one of you!
Vote HERE  
(the link will only work from your computer and not from a mobile phone)
THANK YOU BUNCHES!

Autumn has Arrived

{Outfit Details} J.Crew Sweater, Banana Republic Shirt, H&M Riding Pants, gifted Wanted Boots, LV Bag, Forever 21 Necklace
Autumn is by far my favorite season. The brisk breeze, crisp apples, layered clothing, and apple spice donuts. We wandered around at a town fair last weekend and made sure we ate more than we could handle. What is your favorite season?

Saving for that Coveted Item

{See By Chloe Dress - and other "designer dresses", 3.1 Phillip Lim Bag, Rupert Sanderson Booties, Isabel Marant Feather Print Pants, Helmut Lang Pullover Sweater}


One of my favorite pastimes is clipping and saving images of pieces I want to save for. In hopes that one day I can save enough mula to purchase a big ticket item. Certain items I lam saving for right now include: 
Designer Dress - perfect for that special event
Shoes- who doesn't love a  great pair of heels? A pair of Louboutins on the feet does a body good
The Perfect Black Bag
Fall Oversized Sweaters
One pair of trendy pants

**This post brought to you by farfetch.com

Links of Love

•  Whipping up these in the kitchen ASAP

• A {DIY TDF} aka A Do It Yourself project to die for.

•  A themed party is in the works for the holidays

• Hope this goes through. Planned Japan trip in 2012 

•  My favorite of the week by Alicia

1940's Glamour

{Outfit Details} Faux Fur Stole: H&M//Black Lace Cardigan: Marshalls//Dress: ASOS//Booties: Urban Outfitters//Bag: Kate Spade
Attended a beautiful wedding this weekend on Friday when it was a bit chilly. I just adore seeing a couple tie the knot and enjoying every second of each others' company. 

Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Campaign

I jumped at the opportunity to discuss powerful woman and inspirational people in our lives with the Pretty Powerful Bobbi Brown Campaign. There are those woman that drift in and out of our lives that affect is a  powerful way- give us courage, inspiration and makes us feel like we can conquer the world. Then there are women who stay in our lives forever and continue to inspire us on a daily basis and that person for me is my mother. I do not wish to post pictures of her up on a public blog because I know that she would not want to be displayed that way, however all you need to know is that she is a powerful woman who continues to inspire me every.single.day. She makes the best out of any cards that she is dealt and it has encouraged me to make the best out of every situation. 
GIVEAWAY: I would love to hear who you find to be most powerful and Influential in your life. Tweet at me- @sparklingsteps and use the hashtag #prettypowerful. The one with the most creative answer will win a Pretty Powerful Palette! 

A Date With a Pair of Boots

*Post hosted by My-Wardrobe

There is something so versatile about a pair of flat studded boots. First of all, comfort. I don't think there is any better way to spice up your feet than a pair of fabulous rugged boots. I am now investing for a great pair of studded boots that will literally go with every outfit. I played around with some "designer fashion" over on My-Wardrobe to recreate a few looks that included these Ash Cowboy Ankle Boots. It's official: I am in love and need a pair ASAP.

To the Races

{Outfit Details}Cardigan: Banana Republic//Blouse: Vintage//Skirt: H&M//Shoes: gifted Me too "Odelia"//Pearl necklace: VintageMonday's Lineup1.) I could have literally bought out H&M last week. So many cute items, this horse printed skirt being one of my favorites2.) What's better than a pair of neutral tassel booties? Uhm, nothing.3.) I've made it to 16 miles without seriously hurting myself. I cannot tell you how much I want to run this marathon and be done with it. Will become a practicing yogi for the rest of my life.4.) Have you created your own shops via OpenSky yet? You can pick from 75 of the top people in design, food, style and health and create your own personal shopping experience. Love? Yes. Join? Now.5.) My day will consist of earlier episodes of PanAm, pre-blogging posts and a short run. What are you up to on this holiday Monday?