Pretty in Peplum

one: ASOS top with 40's peplumtwo: Dorothy Perkins Stone Lace Peplum Dressthree: Lipsy Simple Peplum Dressfour: Alice & Olivia Short Peplum Skirtfive: Forever 21 Peplum Dress (Best deal!)six: Dorothy Perkins Peplum Top

Fit & Fashionable: Falling Off The Exercise Wagon… And How To Climb Back On

{This is the new Fit & Fashionable Series. A series that will display fashion hotties and their workout routines. If you would like to be featured please send me an email!  Enjoy!}


Hi all, Christine from court + hudson here. When Lynzy asked me if I would contribute to her weekly fitness column I jumped at the chance. I've put together a little guide to getting motivated... and a little story to go with it!

New job. New apartment. Loads of stress. Self-Doubt. All sound like the reasons excuses to stop exercising right? This was the situation I found myself in approximately 5 months ago. Before that? I worked out 5-6 days a week, trained for a half-marathon and indulged in moderation - knowing that by staying active it was okay to enjoy something whole-heartedly once in a while. But I felt comfortable in my skin.

Then I fell, figuratively. I started making excuses as to why I couldn't/wouldn't/shouldn't go to the gym. I ate what I wanted - and it was rarely consistently healthy. I'm sure many of you can relate to being in this place - whether for the first time or as a repeat offender. 

So how does one bounce back from this place? Let's talk about some motivators that have helped me (slowly) get back to where I want to be and stay.

So can you get to the gym/outside/in front of your workout DVD at least 5 days this week? Even if it's to walk on the treadmill/track/around the block, get yourself used to getting up and going. As Nike says, you can do it! 

Neon/Neutral Palette (DailyBuzz Style 9 x 9)

{Outfit Details} Old Navy Sweater, ASOS Dress (similar), Zara Handbag & Heels, ASOS Sunnies, gifted Neon Earrings from the Colorblock Shop
I took on the Daily Buzz Style Challenge that would incorporate both neon and neutrals. I have always been a huge fan of neon and was thrilled to see it making it's way back into the fashion world. I scored this Old Navy neon sweater during the winter season for 60% (yup, it was $17). This neon piped dress from ASOS was also scored on sale for $30 and sadly, is no longer available. I do love these versions as well: one, two, three.  Oh, and this Zara shopper bag? I have used it pretty much daily since I purchased it. I use it for small two day weekend trips, as a work bag, and so much more. I love a BIG purse, but then again- doesn't every gal?
Excuse the extreme paleness of my stems. I have yet to see some sun. :)

Blog Better Boston

Allie, Me, and DianaOh ya know, the hotties from Reward Style ;)In case you ever wanted to know what my face looked like while I was giving a speech ^^ that's it. HA nice face, right?I had the pleasure of being asked to speak on the Blogging Basics Panel at Blog Better Boston on Saturday and I had SO much fun. Unfortunately, it was a very brief stop for me and I wish I could have stayed much longer. Amy and Alana did such a great job planning the conference - it was so well put together. I also have to be completely honest with you all when I say I was SO nervous to speak on this panel. I even passed out COLD during public speaking once. This panel made me very much at ease and my nerves were gone the second it started. I absolutely adored my fellow panel speakers (and moderator) Kate, Charlene and Kate. It was so nice to briefly stop and meet you all. If you are reading this and have any more questions, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask. I am always willing to help! :)

"If You're Ready, We Can Shake the World"

{Outfit Details} Zara Fur Vest, J.Crew Shirt (Boys Section),  Loveappella Maxi Dress (love this one in black for $50!), Jeffrey Campbell Boots (or these in blush suede), Vintage Pearl NecklaceThere is nothing better than wearing a comfortable maxi dress and feeling like your hanging out in your pajamas. I got this dress a few months back and I absolutely love how versatile it is. I love the cut out sleeves (see how I wore it here). 
Lyrics in the post title are from a favorite song of mine by John Legend called "If You're Out There".

Strong is the New Skinny: Motivation

Every once in awhile I need that little bit of motivation to push me over the edge to work out to the best of my ability. I tend to be more motivated at night than in the morning, but this video could motivate me any time of day. This video teaches you to follow your dreams and even though there are bumps in the road- you need to PURSUE your every thought and dream. get out there and get it done!What motivates you to work out? What time of day do you tend to work out?

Picnic Prep (& Big News)!

{Outfit Details} H&M Sweater, Old Navy Checkered Shirt, gifted Big Star Denim, Urban Outfitters sneakers, Coach Willis Bag, American Eagle Hat, 80's Purple Sunnies, Forever 21 Polka Dot Scarf
Big News!It is official! My fiance matched for a residency at Yale and we will be moving closer to NYC and closer to some of our friends. We could not be more excited to start this new stage in our lives! Today is my weekend (since I worked Sat/Sun) and I will be spending it laying out in this gorgeous weather.
How was your weekend?

Business Affair

{Outfit Details} H&M Jacket, Polka Dot Blouse from a Boutique (?name), Club Monaco Trousers, BaubleBar Necklace, ASOS Sunglasses, Linea Pelle Handbag, Ann Taylor Heels
I rarely have to dress in "business attire" since my job requires scrubs (which makes life so much easier, but much less glamorous). I have to admit that there are definitely days that I wish I could get ready in the AM and throw on a cute outfit for work- it makes you feel so much more refreshed!What's your work attire? The winner of the Breil Watch Giveaway is....Vanisha from Vanisha's Life in Australia! Congrats!

Craving: The Naiomii

Look One: Tie Top with Frayed ShortsLook Two: Dress and Straw Hat
Sandals: Steve Madden "The Naiomii"   Obsessed. Enough said. 

Essential Wear

{Outfit Details} H&M Coat, H&M Blouse, Current/Elliot Boyfriend Denim, Miu Miu D'Orsay Heels (similar), ASOS Belt, gifted Blair Ritchey Clutch, Vintage Necklace, gifted Breil Watch
There are certain items in my closet that are my go-to items if I can't seem to figure out what to wear. These items are my Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans, a simple top and jacket. This Blair Ritchey clutch is the perfect size to fit everything I need for the day, and it's cute to boot! What is your go-to outfit?

Makeover with Jeffrey Lyle Salon

I was SO overdue for a day at the salon that it was embarrassing. I haven't had a haircut/highlights in approx 4 months. My hair was scraggly (is that a word)? and breaking everywhere. I definitely love when my roots grow in but since Spring is right around the corner, I wanted to make sure my highlights were redone. The lovely people at Jeffrey Lyle Salon on Newbury Street in Boston were so nice and took great care of my hair. I highly recommend Heather or Tim if you book an appointment there!How often do you get your ends trimmed? Are you a right on time - 6-8 week trim kind of gal or do you break the rules like me?

Breil Watch Giveaway

As promised to you yesterday (in this post), I have an amazing giveaway for you all! You can enter to win your own Breil watch of your choice. Uhm, can you say amazing? 
To enter:1.) Follow along with Breil on twitter2.) Follow along with me on GFC or Bloglovin' below :)

For extra entries (leave an extra comment for each):1.) Like "Sparkling Footsteps" on Facebook2.) Follow along with me on twitter3.) Share this contest on twitter: "I entered to win a @BreilJewelryUSA watch from @sparklingsteps. Enter here: http://goo.gl/l0ZxZ"
The contest will end one week from today- March 13th! Good Luck!

Floral & Gingham

{Outfit Details} J. Crew Coat, J. Crew Gingham Shirt (for $35!), J. Crew Floral City Pants, Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch, Zara Heels, Vintage Pearl Necklace, gifted Breil watch, Bracelets: Jewelmint, Ettika
Monday's List1.) I have recently discovered a new love for mixing patterns. I used to think it looked messy and disorganized, but it's really growing on me. 2.) As you can tell by the snow in the background, winter has finally arrived (in MARCH). I was really hoping spring was on it's way...3.) There will be an amazing giveaway involving this post Tuesday morning - stay tuned! :)

Denim Style File

One of my favorite looks right now is the simple denim look. A pair of bell bottoms with a screen tee and a blazer or a pair of ripped shorts with a loose tee and sweater. I cannot get enough! What is your favorite "look" right now?Reference 1/2/3/4/5

Shop My Closet!

Shop the items here! Shop will be updated periodically!