Rainy Day Blues

H&M Trench (similar from Gap)   Forever 21 Cardigan   Ralph Lauren Shirt   Big Star Denim   Hunter Boots   Melie Bianco Purse   
Wore this outfit during a weekend excursion looking for houses to live recently. We found our dream home (at least for the next few years), which we are totally excited about. The only thing that I hate the most?Packing everything and moving = the worst! At least it's a great workout!

We Need Your Help! (Traveling to Austin, TX)

This photo of Austin is courtesy of TripAdvisor
My fiance and I are leaving this week for Austin, TX! We would love any recommendations your have for must-sees, places for grub, stores to explore or anything else!
Thanks! :)

Up & Coming Boston Designer: Acid Tongued Angel

Now that is one bad ass shoe. Get yours at Acid Tongued Angel

Beetle Juice

{Outfit Details} Pim & Larkin Blouse via Piperlime, ASOS Orion Bug Print Skirt, Zara Heels. Karen Walker Sunnies
Dying over this Orion Bug Skirt from ASOS. You can buy it now for 15% off as well with the code: EXTRA15
Happy Weekend everyone!! :)

Fit & Fashionable: featuring Tieka from Selective Potential

Hi Sparkling Footsteps readers! My name is Tieka and I run the blog Selective Potential. When Lynzy asked me to write a post on being Fit & Fashionable, I jumped at the chance! I've gone through a pretty incredible journey to get to where I am right now with my style and body image, so sharing my story is one of my favorite things to do. I love being an inspiration to girls out there who are struggling with the same things I went through.

Three years ago, I made it a personal New Year's Resolution to lose 30 pounds. I never truly felt comfortable in my own skin. I never felt like I could wear what I wanted to. I was always covering up in jeans and hoodies and wrapping myself in beach towels on the beach instead of swimming in the lake. I started my diet with Weight Watchers and spent the next eight months following the plan strictly and running 4-5 times a week. By the end of summer, I had lost 35 pounds. I felt like a brand new person. I started my fashion blog… and I feel like my life started when my weight loss journey ended.

It was never truly about being thin. It was about finding a way to finally feel comfortable in my own skin. I pushed myself to do something I've always wanted to do and when I finished, I felt like I could do anything I wanted to! I'm not sure where I'd be or WHO I'd be without going through that personal experience.

Fancy Summer Frocks

As summer descends upon us, I cannot help thinking that I will be living in dresses. There is nothing more comfortable and fun than an amazing summer dress. These are my top picks:one: Ted Baker Floral Dress (my favorite)two: Indah Beyti Long Dressthree: 6 Shore Road Bustier Mini Dressfour: Peter Pan Color Block Minifive: Floral Maxi Dresssix: Floral Dress ($25 and 30% off!)seven: Flower Print Maxieight: Fluro Dip Hem Dress

Five Bloggers, Five Ways

I have teamed up with four other amazing bloggers to bring to you what we call "Five Bloggers, Five Ways". We all style up one item and showcase all the different looks into one post. This time around we choose a blue peplum top from Lulu's. I decided to pair mine with a knee length skirt because I have always loved a peplum top with a knee length skirt!
Use code: FIVELOOKS for 15% off your Lulu's order!

Bloggers include:

(from left to right, top to bottom)

Me ;)

Julia from Gal Meets Glam

Francesca from Le Kiss Kiss

Jacie from Damsel in Dior
Shae from Vanilla Fringe

Here are a few more pictures of the way I styled it....

Lulu's Peplum Top     Anthropologie Skirt     Rebecca Minkoff Bag     Due Farina Heels     Sunnies via Amazon    Jewelmint Necklace

How would you wear this adorable top?

The Warmth of Spring

{Outfit Details} H&M Denim Jacket, J. Crew Gingham Shirt, J. Crew City Pants, Ann Taylor Heels, J. Crew Bubble Necklace, Karen Walker Sunnies, Ettika Bracelets, gifted DKNY Watch
I am absolutely smitten with my new DKNY watch. I have been in the market for a gold watch for quite some time. I was finding it hard to find a watch that is as amazing as my silver Michael Kors watch that I have adored forever. There is nothing like a fabulous watch to finish off your arm party and this one is where the party's at ;)

Insta-Wrap Up

We will be moving in a few weeks to this beautiful town....

Our Honeymoon will consist of this amazing hotel room...and yes those are real fish.

I love a good hot dog/hamburger stand

Target Practice

New Steve Madden Boots- LOVE

New addition to my skirt collection
Follow me on Instagram: Sparklingfootsteps

Fit & Fashionable: Taylor from Sterling Style

Taylor from Sterling Style: on Working Out & Crossfit
I've always enjoyed working out and playing sports. In high school I was a swimmer and played water polo. It was such a fun and competitive sport. Since then I've done everything from marathons to yoga, triathlons, spinning, etc. Now, I do CrossFit and I totally love it. I've been doing it for three years and it's the most fit I've ever been in my life. I love it because of the community and it's fun! Working out is such a release for me. When I have a long day, getting to the gym makes me feel invigorated and happy. When I can't go for a few days I always feel a little depressed. However, as I get older I'm a lot more relaxed about working out and my diet. When I was in college I obsessed over what I ate and how often I worked out. Now, I still focus on being healthy, but sometimes I can't control if I can eat right or get to the gym and I can't beat myself up over it. I just make sure to get back on track as soon as I can. I think being fit is super fashionable. Seeing a woman who's confident and healthy is beautiful to me. 

Currently Coveting

I just LOVE when Shopbop has their friends and family sale. These are some items I have been eyeing and have finally been able to pull the trigger on with the 20% off! CODE: INTHEFAMILY20
BB Dakota Monique DressSam Edelman Yelena HeelsJules Smith Skull CuffC&C California Zigzag Dress

Matchy Matchy

{Outfit Details} H & M Top & Shorts (loving this paisley short suit), Zara Necklace, gifted Bucco sandals
I fell in love with this pattern at H&M the second I saw it. I loved the printed suit trend ever since it became popular and knew this was going to be my summer version of it. Oh, I am also obsessing over these fringed sandals by Bucco. I have boots that are similar and my fiance calls them my "hairy" boots. Love fringe in the summer....

How to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment

My fiance and I will be moving to a cute little town by the beach (as I mentioned in yesterday's post). We were originally going to move into a 700 sq ft apartment. This got my wheels turning....
We are currently living in a place that is 1400 sq feet, I couldn't even imagine splitting that in half. We ended up going with a much bigger space, but it got me thinking how I would have arranged everything...

Create a desk/office space in the living room behind the couch....Add shelving vertically to create more storage space...Add ladders to each side of the bed- add a lamp, books, alarm clock, etc. Use molding to hang your shoes on a wallMake the most of a small bathroom with multiple storage areasExtra storage
Credit for images: one/two/three/four/five/six

*Sponsored Post* Featuring Converse

Athletic aesthetic: look forward to a sporty summer

Sportswear has been pushing its way up through the fringes of fashion for a few years, but with the Olympics coming up this summer, it’s evolved into a key trend. Taking inspiration from ideas of minimalism, sportswear has hit the high street in a big way, with plenty of looks for men and women. Read on to find out what to expect, and to get some inspiration for your own wardrobe.

We’ve seen elements of sporty chic over the last few years, with tomboy trends and fashion-forward gym gear. Now top designers are giving it a fresh spin, using the upcoming Olympics as a big inspiration. The new trend is not about putting together an outfit that you’d actually wear to the gym, but about tapping into the functionality of sportswear to create a low-key feminine style with plenty of Olympic attitude.

Let’s take a look at some specific looks and how you can achieve them at home:

The street dancer

The street dancer look combines iconic 80’s style with some tough modern urbanism. Try adding a little of the unexpected by combining an elegant bodysuit with a pair of Converse basketball shoes. Or go the other way, by adding some striking heels to a rough-and-tumble body and tousled hair. Remember, 2012 is all about downplaying sportswear by combining it with androgynous and feminine elements.

The tomboy

The tomboy is a trend that has always flirted with sportswear. Think cropped tops and low-slung waistlines to expose the midriff, mixed with wide football-style shoulders – youthful, sexy and cool. If you’d like some more ideas, Alexander Wang’s spring 2010 collection was a big starting point for this look.  Combine a tomboy aesthetic with some feminine touches like heels or sheer fabrics to bring it bang up to date for 2012. 

Glammed up track star

Think upper class track pants mixed with stylish sports jackets. Go for bold prints to give you an edge or throw some bright colours into the mix. Add a hint of femininity to compete the look – a statement chain or a pair of earrings would work well. 

It’s all about the detail

Try throwing some sporty hints into other outfits to reference the trend:

·         Tank tops and sports bras

·         Utility buckles, elastic straps and exposed zippers

·         Cutaway details, racer backs and hoods combined with luxe fabrics

Fit & Fashionable: featuring Erika of Style Activist

Hi everyone, I'm Erika of Style Activist. I workout! I was over the moon when Lynzy asked me to guest post. While I am a stylish gal with questionable shopping addictions, I'm a fitness fanatic too. Health nut. Workout-a-holic. Call me what you want. This whole workout daily, live healthy thing is my way of life and I am so excited to share some of my tips with you.

I workout 6-7 days a week. Some of you may think this is cah-ray-zee, but I am 50% Latina so my genes tend to work against me. Plus, working out is like my cup of coffee. The pep in my step, if you will. It gets me going for the day and ready to tackle my busy schedule. Working out puts me in the best of moods, especially when paired with a healthy diet. I know this may sound annoyingly fanatical but since changing my diet and getting into a weekly fitness routine 2 years ago, my life has changed dramatically. I do this to feel strong, not skinny. 

Regardless of whether you work on your fitness on the reg or on a rare occasion, I have some tips for you that will improve your workouts and your overall lifestyle. Tips to make you feel strong! I do these in addition to my fitness regimen - which includes a combination of weight training, high intensity training and running. 

Step away from the sports drinks, the flavored waters, the sugary juices. Sorry to be a joy-kill, but I have to be honest and tell you that water is really the best thing you can be drinking. As Americans we have this problem with wanting everything to taste and look incredibly decadent and delicious. It's costing us a lot of health issues. So fill 'em up with some old school H2O. Water keeps you strong, clear-minded and flushes out toxins in the body. Tip: If you're bored with regular old water, make your own flavored waters by adding fresh lemon, berries, mint or cucumber. No sugar allowed, please.

Even if you don't workout everyday, you should stretch everyday. Stretching helps elongate the muscles, prevents injury and promotes a strong body and mind. 

These three stretches are some of my favorite -- each focus on stretching out different muscles. Make sure to do these in good form, with steady breathing and smooth movements. 

Make sure to replenish your body after a good workout or long day. I love to make fresh fruit and veggie juices that are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, but my schedule doesn't allow for it as much as I'd like. You can buy fresh smoothies and juices from local health shops but they can get pricey. I'm going to get weird on you and tell you that my secret fruit and veggie fix comes from a little packet of baby food. When I'm on the run and I need to replenish my body, I'll snag a package of HappyTot. Imagine the faces I get when I tell the cashier it's for me! Make sure to look for organic options that are free of soy, wheat and dairy. It's a whole new kind of fruit cup.

So that's it! Just a few of my secrets for a strong body. It's not about being skinny or a size 2. It's about feeling great in the body you have and being healthy. Strong is the new skinny!

Print Party

{Outfit Details} H&M Blazer (last year, but this one is only $25!), Paisley shirt via TJ Maxx, Striped Forever 21 Tee, Zara Pants, Coach Willis Bag, Topshop Bow Heels (Similar and only $80!), Vintage Chain Necklaces, Scorpion Bangle- Baublebar(sadly, sold out), J.Crew Bracelet
This is the outfit I had worn to Blog Better Boston a few weeks back. There are so many beautiful places in Boston to take pictures and we couldn't pass up the opportunity. A lot of these were taken on my fiance's old college campus- Tuft's. It is ridiculously gorgeous there! 
How was your weekend?!