A Helping Hand...

Morning lovies! I have entered Refinery 29's Next Big Style Blogger Competition and would really appreciate a little bit o' love! Blogging has been so surreal and given me so many opportunities, new friends and a new appreciation for fashion. It would mean the world to me to win something so humbling. All you have to do is head over here to Refinery29 and click on my heart - you must be on a laptop/desktop computer (phone's don't work). You must also sign up for an account (I promise you won't regret this!) This means the world- thank you so much for your support! :)

Polka Dot Neon

{Outfit Details} H&M Trench Coat, Gap Crew Neck Sweater- old (but, I love this one!), Blouse, Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jeans, Valentino Studded Heels (my style is sold out- try these animal printed ones or flats), Forever 21 necklace and scarf
Couldn't be more in love with my Valentino studded heels. There are no words...
{Winner of the Oia Jules Bracelet is .... Emily from moda + medialunas!}

My Fashion Week Packing Story (GIVEAWAY!)

{Outfit} Milly Sweater Coat (via Lucky Shops), Gap Turtleneck, Kasil Workshop Denim, MIA Karat flats (c/o), Forever 21 Necklace, Target Belt

I dread packing just as much as the next gal, which is why I cannot stress this enough- PACK LIGHT. You will never regret it. It took me 10+ trips to realize that the struggle with 2 suitcases, 3 purses and 3 layers of clothing on, always goes to waste. I try to pack outfits that are interchangeable throughout the week. After all, this makes us better fashion bloggers, don't you think? Get creative with those outfits! 

Tip #one: In the winter, it's all about the layers. Pack neutral colored shirts to layer underneath sweaters and jackets. I even layer my Elizabeth and James leather jacket and fur vest if it's below 25 degrees. If you get really cold, like me, pack tights to go underneath your pants. NYC can be brutally cold in the winter!

Tip #two: I place my shoes in the bottom of my suitcase in one layer. Next, roll all of your shirts, sweaters, pants and skirts and place them on the next layer. Your third layer will be an extra jacket or large sweater. Accessories can be stored in smaller bags in the front pocket of your Lipault suitcase.

Tip #three: I know you want to bring your largest suitcase to NYFW. You want to make sure you have everything. DON'T do it. It's a hassle to wheel it all over New York City in the slushy streets. Stick to a small, cute brightly colored suitcase. The Lipault comes in orange, purple, grey or black. You'll be able to pick it out of a crowd if it's orange or purple! It can also collapse into the clear storage bag when your done and voila- it's gone! 

Tip #four: Travel in style, but not in heels. I always spot that one girl with her 5.5 inch heels and her huge suitcase and 3 purses. You don't look stylish, you look foolish. Grab your comfy pants, cute flats, and oversized sweater and hit the road ;)

Now for the fun part

Refinery 29 is offering one lucky lady her own Lipault suitcase in orange for NYFW (and every other trip you ever venture out on..)

How to enter:

1.) Make sure your following on Google Connect or Bloglovin'

2.) Tell us one of your favorite packing tips. 


For an extra entry, tweet about this giveaway using @Refinery29 and @sparklingsteps!

I will choose a winner on Feb. 2nd!

Don't forget to grab your collapsible Lipault suitcase from the Reserve sale on Refinery 29 before it's over on Feb. 2nd! 

Strong is the New Skinny: Part 3

Head out today and try a new workout with these kicks and some motivation.Get your workout on today!

Slivers of Color (& an amazing giveaway)!

{Outfit Details} J. Crew Coat, Forever 21 Dress - similar(borrowed from Sarah!), Forever 21 tank, Old Navy sweater (belted), Vintage belt, Karen Walker Sunnies, Gap hat, Coach Willis Handbag, Old Navy Neon Capped Flats, Necklace by Oia Jules, Ettika Bracelet (gift from Caroline!)
I can't get over this amazing necklace. I love the chunky gold chain and the gorgeous mint agate stone that is set off just to the side. The best news of the day is that Elizabeth (the owner of Oia Jules) is offering one of my readers their own bracelet (just like the one below). 

Giveaway Rulesone: Head over to Oia Jules shop and let me know what your favorite item is!two: Become a fan of Oia Jules and Sparkling Footsteps on FB 
Extra Entries:one: "favorite" Oia Jules shop on Etsy :)two: Become a follower on Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'
The winner will be announced this Friday, January 27th! Get Free Shipping on all items with the code: FREESHIP

Wedding: Bits & Pieces

Gorgeous dress in a rustic barn <3

Vintage Card Catalog for seating arrangements

Polaroid Guest Book Table

Mason Jars with wheat as centerpieces

Thinking about these pomanders for the church pews. I didn't realize how difficult it was to "decorate" a church. These are totally a DIY project in the making...

My fiance will not be wearing the "normal" wedding attire, but rather a charming tweed suit and bow tie with splashes of color!

I have been following along with Sarah on her blog, Fairy Tales are True for quite awhile now and I have always loved her charming personality and love for weddings. When I found out that she started her own career as a wedding planner, I knew that she had to be involved in mine! She is ridiculously sweet and I love having her there whenever I need anything or have any questions. I highly recommend her if your in the market for a wedding planner!

Our venue has only one choice of china so we will have to rent ours and we want all white with a gold rim around the outside, it's absolutely gorgeous! Love this simple setup on a wood table.

one/two/three/four/five/six/seven/eight

Over the Mountain

{Outfit Details} Vintage Coat, H&M Blouse, Forever 21 Scarf, Ralph Lauren Leather Gloves, J. Crew Pants, Modcloth Boots, Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Bag
A few pictures from our trip to Vermont a few weeks ago. These past few days have been consumed with big life decisions. In March we will find out where my fiance goes for his residency, which may mean BOSTON or somewhere closer to NYC. We will see what is in store for us soon!

The Perfect Match: Suits

one: ASOS Scenic Print Blazer and Minitwo: ASOS Boyfriend Blazer and Skirt in Fluro Trimthree: Preen Hutchinson Wool-Blend Blazer and Pantsfour: Elin Klingfive: Orange Suit

Strong is the New Skinny: Part Two

This video always inspires me and when I need motivation for the gym, I always watch it. Below I have compiled a list of my favorite workouts and tips. Conquer the new year! Bring it on 2012

• 15 minute kettlebell workout - I absolutely love working out with kettlebells!
• Motivational Calendar for 2012- save and print them out individually for motivation all year long
• The Dirty Dozen Workout - Switch it up with this heart pumping workout
• Book: Run Faster- from the 5K to the Marathon 
• 2012 Baseline Record - Keep a record of all your baseline achievements and at the end, compare your results! :)
• Join Crossfit or start taking Bodypump classes (available at most gyms)
• Buy Workout DVDs - Total Body Toning or Rapid results Pilates

Black & White Prep

{Outfit Details} Alice Yim Blazer (c/0), Vintage Blouse, Kasil Workshop Denim in Minx | After Dark, Banana Republic Necklace, BCBG Heels (Love these as well!), Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Bag
Sometimes you just can't go wrong with a simple black and white outfit! This Alice Yim blazer is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I own. I wish I could wear it every.single.day. How was your weekend?!

Neon Party

*Picture in the  middle via pinterestone: Old Navy mini messenger bagtwo: Topshop lemon oversized sunglassesthree: La Mer neon wrap watchfour: Forever 21 scalloped bib necklace
There is nothing like an extra pop of neon to immediately enhance any outfit. I am loving neon yellow at the moment and these are pieces that I have in my shopping charts via the interwebs.

Pops of Color

{Outfit Details} J. Crew Coat, Old Navy Cardigan, Old Navy Blouse, J. Crew Pants, Forever 21 Socks, H&M Brogues, Forever 21 Scarf, Quilted Marc Jacobs Stam Bag

My fingers are crossed for some snow soon. Crazy how we are so used to snow around this time of year and we still have yet to get some flurries (except for our huge October storm). For now, I am just adding pops of color to my outfits here and there to brighten up the long, cold days! :)

Strong is the new Skinny: Part One

One: Puma Fitness Lux Workout Bag- a bag to throw a change of clothes in!

Two: Valeo Women's Lifting Gloves - I always wear these, they keep my hands from forming calluses!

Three: Protein Powder - Protein powder is not just for men! Adding a scoop to a smoothie in the morning will build definition in those muscles! :)

Four: Nike Pro Core Women's Capris - the perfect fit capri, great for running

Five: Nike Luxe Layer Tank Top - I love tank tops in this style. It gives me air to breathe in and I love the looseness of it!

Six: Nike Element Women's Thermal Hoodie - For before and after your workout

Seven: Nike Air max Tailwind Sneakers - to pound the pavement with....

Eight: Puma Sportbands - pull back those flyaway's!

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on some of my favorite workouts and tips!

Mountain Escape

{Outfit Details} Free People Sweater, Forever 21 Leggings, Target Socks, Forever 21 Moto Boots, Vintage Coat, Eloquii Scarf (c/o), Ann Taylor and Forever 21 Necklace, Marc Jacobs Handbag
A few views from a little village in Vermont when we were up in the mountains a few weeks back! I really love it up there but I don't know how people drive 30 minutes to get to a grocery store! What are some of your favorite places to visit?

Hello Lover

I want to welcome spring with open arms and these lil cropped cuties. How adorable are these J. Crew gingham cropped pants?? On sale for $22 and then 20% off?!? WHAT?
Run and grab them before they are gone!

Spaces: Guest Bedroom

Carly Pillow in Teal, Z Gallerie Pillow, Abstract Art Print via Etsy, Eddie Accent Chair, Mirrored Chest, Caprise Floor Lamp, Indochine Rug in peacock, Mirrored Tray, Image 1, Image 2 


I am looking forward to redecorating our guest bedroom/office this year! Here is some of the inspiration I have been raking through! :)

An Outfit for an Overcast Day

{Outfit Details} ApartStyle Matte City Anorak Jacket (c/o), Old Navy Sweater, H&M Blouse, DL1961 Denim in Kate cropped (c/o), BCBG Heels, Eloquii Colorblock Envelope Clutch (c/o), Forever 21 NecklaceThese jeans could  be the most comfortable denim I own. They are made with Invista's Lycra fabric, which makes them, OH so soft! I could probably run a few miles in them, although I would rather not :)There is something about snapping photos on a dreary/rainy day that makes me love the photograph more then when it's sunny out. I don't know exactly what it is, but it's amazing not to have the sun gleaming in your eyes! Overcast is definitely my favorite weather to snap outfit photos in. What is yours?

Happy 2012

Hello 2012! I am finally getting into the groove of things after having such a busy December. I always get depressed this time of year because there isn't much to look forward to besides my birthday in Feb! January is such a dreary (and cold) month! My fiance and I decided to write down our resolutions and frame them next to the bed so that we see them every day when we awake. A good little reminder when we get up every morning. My resolutions for this year (in case you can't read them above):one: eat healthiertwo: wardrobe resolution, quality not quantitythree: learn to snowboardfour: be more positivefive: learn more medical spanishsix: build more muscleseven: read moreeight: focus on: love is everything
I am looking forward to a BIG year. Turning 27. Our wedding! Fiance graduates medical school. And SO much more that I don't even know about yet. What are some of your new years' resolutions?