Meet My Fellow Blogger Aoife of Aofie in Wonderland

Friday, January 31, 2014


If you enjoy my blog then I'm sure you will enjoy the blogs of some friends of mine!  This week I'm introducing you to my fellow blogger friend Aofie of Aofie in Wonderland. She's got a fun personality and likes a little bit of everything, just like I do!




Aoife in Wonderland was started in the Summer of 2013. It's a space for me to be creative and explore my interests on an online platform. I wanted to shy away from being labelled a generic beauty blogger, and therefore aim to keep my posts varied. I explore my own range of interests, including literature, music, charity and awareness, lifestyle and cosmetics. I think there's something to suit everyone, and I aim to put my own stamp on all that I do. It's exciting that I've been accepted into the blogging community, and that I'm building up a readership, the future for AIW looks bright! 

3 Things about myself

1. I'm a full time student in the University College of Dublin (UCD) studying English literature and German.
2. I'm also a waitress and mother to a bichon frise puppy called Rosy, who thinks she's human.
3. In my free time, I'm usually out with friends or studying, whilst trying to maintain the balance between academics, work and play. 

Two of my favorite blog posts are:  
This post contains an interview with singer songwriter, Jethro Pickett. I wanted to showcase my blog's diversity, so I've included this interview.

And this review of Katy Perry's Killer Queen perfume. 

My Links Are:








Accessorize with Rings & Tings

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

Rings & Tings is an online fashion store that has a wonderful selection of unique fashion accessories at a reasonable price.   Every detail of their jewelry and watches is important and Rings & Tings knows how important it is to add life to an outfit.  This is why the craftsmanship is important so you can ahve a beautiful piece of affordable jewelry that lasts and makes you proud to accessorize.   


What I really love about Rings & Tings is how they have such simple yet classy designs and styles that are versatile and can go with so many different outfits.   I actually received some goodies from them and I was so impressed! 
 The Minimal Bow Ring is gorgeous and is perfect for layering with other rings or just being worn by itself.  It's very classy and bows are such a huge trend lately.

The Heart Ring is so classy and looks so nice with the Bow Ring.   I love rings that come in basic shapes and designs and thats why these are my two favorite rings in my collection now!
 The Infinity Charm Bracelet is such a dainty piece of jewelry but it is perfect for layering your arms with bracelets and it can go with so many different styles and colors of clothing and jewelry!   It's super comfy and very easy to get on and off. 



And I love how Elegant the Minimal Pearl Necklace is.  It's exactly as described...minimal but it still makes a lovely statement. 
I really love how classy the jewelry at Rings & Tings is!   I honestly plan to wear these with as many outfits as possible!!!




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Outfit of the Day: Casual Hearts & Spots

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Once again, my leopard and heart love is showing in this outfit! 



Boots, Fashion, hearts, leopard boots, leopard print, ootd, Outfit Ideas, outfit of the day, Outfits, what i wore, winter fashion,


Boots, Fashion, hearts, leopard boots, leopard print, ootd, Outfit Ideas, outfit of the day, Outfits, what i wore, winter fashion,


So What I Wore:
Boots - Impo (here); Jeans - Paris Blues (similar); Bag - Melie Bianco; Sweater - Old Navy; Scarf - TJ Maxx; Bracelet - BCBGeneration; Sunglasses- Chanel. 





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Style Elixir

Lena B, Actually
That Friday Blog Hop
All Things Thursday Link Party

Why I Love Doing Laundry + Giveaway + Win $500 from Purex

Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. Read my Disclosure Policy.




So there's a reason I enjoy doing laundry and no, it's not because I'm crazy.  It's because I love things that smell amazing.  Smells always relax me and put me in a great mood.  Ever since I discovered them, I've been using Purex Crystals as fabric softener in my laundry. These crystals act as a natural softener that help eliminate odor  and they leave behind an amazing scent.  

Purex has come out with a new scent recently and I AM OBSESSED!  Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze literally reminds me of being outdoors in the spring with a fresh breeze going through the air!   It's so pleasant and it really makes all of my clothes smell refreshed and brand new!   Sometimeadfadsf









Seriously these are amazing!   Plus, it's really fun to just toss a scoop into the wash like fairy dust! 

Oh and Purex is having a really amazing sweepstakes where you can win $500!!!!  Enter over at their Facebook page here

So I am giving away a coupon for a free bottle of Purex Crystals and all you have to do is fill out the form below. It's super easy!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


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$500 Say "I Love You" In-Canvas Sweepstakes

Wednesday, January 29, 2014


PrintSmart.co Giveaway

Say “I Love You” In-Canvas Sweepstakes

Sponsored by: PrintSmart.Co ~ Organized by: Mom Powered Media


I have teamed up with some AMAZING bloggers to bring to you a fantastic giveaway!!!

You know I just LOVE getting my chihuahua's photos printed on canvas and I've even given canvas prints as gifts to others so obviously it's a great way to say I love you! 


We are excited to share with you an amazing deal:
4 – 16×20″ Canvas Prints for $79 with Free Shipping. {Only $19.75 per canvas!}
1″ thick gallery-wrapped canvases Printed at the high photographic quality of 2880dpi Image is mirror wrapped – reflected on wrapped edges, ensuring full image is displayed on face of the canvas UV fade-resistant coating is applied to all canvas prints Arrive ready for hanging on a black wooden frame Accepts all major photo file formats Free shipping!

To Redeem, visit: https://printsmart.co/shop/canvases/canvas-prints/ and use code: 4canvas
Turnaround time is 3 weeks.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card and 10 additional winners will each receive 16×20″ Canvas Prints from PrintSmart.co.

Giveaway ends February 12th at 11:59pm, open to US residents only, ages 18+. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. To enter please use the giveaway form below. Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway







Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Contact theiowamom@gmail.com if you have any additional questions or comments. 
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Why It’s Important to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone with your Wardrobe and How to Do it



For the longest time I’ve considered myself a wise spender.  When it comes to purchasing pieces to my wardrobe, I would make the most frugal decision.   If I saw several different colored pairs of flats at Target I would consider which color would be most beneficial to my wardrobe for the $20 I would spend.   When faced with choices such as Black, Brown, and Leopard print, I would choose the “safe” option and go with black.  I always justified decisions like this by assuming that I’d get the most wear out of that color since it goes with most anything.
 

But when I got my first pair of leopard print boots in the Fall, that changed everything.  You see, the leopard print boots don’t just go with 2 outfits as the statement piece, instead they go with at least 5-6 different outfits that I already own, as well as mixing with other statement pieces such as camo pants.

It turns out that I look more stylish  feel much better when I wear the leopard boots with an outfit that I normally would only wear black boots with.   Now they make every outfit stand out more and have been a huge hit on my social media pages.   

 

The key to stepping out of your comfort zone with your wardrobe is realizing that out-of-the-ordinary pieces can actually be versatile.  If you don’t believe me just google image things like “Leopard boots” “camo pants” “polka dot shirt”.

 

So how can you step out of your comfort zone when you shop for your own wardrobe? Here’s a few ways…


1.    Take Inventory to justify your purchase.I’ve blogged before about taking inventory when you organize and set up your wardrobe, but it’s super imperative when you need to justify buying the hot pink shoes instead of the brown ones.


 Say that you see a cute short sleeved shirt and you love the style and fit.  It comes in pink, polka dots, black, white, and light blue.  If you have some sort of inventory (I keep mine in my Filofax in my handbag at all times) that shows what colors and kinds of clothing you have, you may see that you already have a white short sleeve shirt, and a black one, so you should either go with pink ( a wise choice) or even a polka dot shirt that can be used as a neutral piece).
 

2.    Take note of what you go wild over in outfit photos.I never would have thought to add so much flannel and plaid print pieces to my wardrobe had it not been for the fact that 80% of the photos I favorite on social media are bloggers dressed in layered looks with plaid and flannel.  It’s not just a comfort piece, but now it’s a key to layering a good look. 
 
3.    Figure out what colors look good on you.Whenever you wear pale yellow, does anyone ever say the color looks great on you? Then consider that next time you have to choose between a color, print, or pattern.   Don’t worry about what you have in your wardrobe to go with it, because most of the time any bright color or pattern can be matched with any neutral outfit containing standard black, white, and brown pieces. 
 
So what colors, patterns, or styles have you noticed you are drawn towards? Next time trust that instinct!







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Andrew's Pet Palace Giveaway - Crocheted Doggie Sweater

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

Andrew's Pet Palace is a great place to go for your pet care needs like apparel, toys, food, and grooming.  Whether you have a dog, cat, reptile, or furry little critter, Andrew's Pet Palace has the supplies for you at a great price! 









Their crocheted doggie sweaters are a great way are a great way to keep your pet super stylish.  

And one winner will get a crocheted doggie sweater! The prize is available in up to 20 inches in length.  The black, white, and red sweaters are 19.5 inches and the pink and white is 6 inches.




a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Outfit of the Day: Lacey Leather Polka Dots

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I like to do things different especially when it comes to mixing patterns and materials in my wardrobe.  This time I decided to spice if up with some faux leather leggings, and a lacey polka dot top.  




Fashion, front row shop, leather, ootd, outfit, Outfit Ideas, outfit of the day, polka dots, what i wore,


Fashion, front row shop, leather, ootd, outfit, Outfit Ideas, outfit of the day, polka dots, what i wore,
 The Lacey Polka Dot Overlay shirt is from Front Row Shop and it was the perfect touch to make this entire outfit just a bit more classy!  This is such a comfy top as well, not itchy or scratchy at all, despite how it may look!   There are so many ways to style it and I'm so excited that I can utilize this piece year round!

I just adore this necklace, which I got from Onecklace, a great place to get personalized jewelry.  It gets lots of compliments and people are guaranteed to always remember my name! It's so dainty but it still makes a nice statement.  


So What I Wore: 
Necklace - Onecklace; Lace Shirt - Front Row Shop; Faux Leather Leggings - Zara; Blazer - Guess; Cami - Express; Heels - JustFab; Clutch - Guess.




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Perfectly Coutured
Living in Color Style

My Kate Spade 2 Park Avenue Beau Bag

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Since I am such a handbag addict I figured I'd give you an up close look at some of my favorite bags.   So this post is dedicated to my Kate Spade 2 Park Avenue Beau Bag

This bag retails at $998 but I had a special Cyber Monday 30% discount so I did get it on sale!  I was in heaven! The other colors it comes in bring the bag to $498. 
You may have noticed her in some outfit pics I've posted recently but here's an inside out look at all the details.  

The Beau Bag is made out of cowhide and the leopard trim  is gorgeous!!   It has 14 karat light gold plated hardware!
It has a nice smooth top zip closure and a large pocket in the front, which is what you see as the giant black bow. 



It's a larger sized bag at 10.5" high, 18" wide and 6" deep.  And the handles are 4.5" which normally I don't like because I rarely carry my bags by the handle, but this one I LOVE TO SHOW OFF!  



The interior is gorgeous and is lined with little gold polka dots.  It has 2 cell phone pockets and a large zip pocket on the other side.  



I really love the unique texture of the leopard print calf hair and I just love the color combination of the entire bag.  It's a great neutral bag that still has a pop of style with the leopard print detail. 


It's large enough to fit everything I carry (which is a lot) and it's still easy to find everything.  I love how structured it is! 

I honestly love the simplicity of the exterior of this bag but I love the spacious interior and I love the attention to detail! 

I am so so so in love with  my Kate Spade Beau Bag.




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