Winner Announced: Ali Grace Fashions and Trends

Thanks to everyone who entered! And the winner of the $20 credit to the Ali Grace Fashions and Trends is:

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Congrats to Christy Arrajj!

Here is a message from Ali: Hey girls! update on the Ali Grace giveaway. I am on vacation till Tuesday! I will not be here for when the winner is announced, but do not despair! I will be back Tuesday and ready to ship out your gift card or item!!! Also,tutu's are no longer on sale, they are back to the normal price 22.50. However, I will still be honoring the sale price 17.50 for this giveaway. Thanks all!!! XOXO! And thanks LISA!


Hope everyone has an amazing weekend! xo

Floral and Lace

Top:Free People
Shorts: Old Navy
Shoes: Target
Lace Bandeau: Target
Sunnys: Modcloth
Bracelet: Express
Heart Ring: Jewelmint
Gold Ring: Kohls
Leaf Necklace: Forever 21
Charm necklace: Self made

I just love this top! The floral print, the lace around the neck, the uneven bottom, the razor back...what's not to love?! ;) I decided since it was about 90 degrees out that I would just wear a lace bandeau under it and not a tank. I was very glad I made this choice as we were outside all afternoon. I love the pairing of the top with a simple black short, some layered necklaces, and a few simple rings. I can't wait to wear it with skinny jeans, and layer it up in the fall! Thanks for shopping my closet everyone! You guys got me this great top! ;)

Outfit post/New Hair

Top: H&M
Shorts: H&M
Tank: JC Penny
Shoes: Forever 21
Ring: Free People
Sunnys: Modcloth

It was time for a new look so I went to Mario Tricoci and let my favorite boy/girl (dye/cut) duo do their magic on me! Here is me before:


And here is me after:



I had them take 3 inches off, frame my face up a bit, and add some carmel color under! I'm probably going to go back in the next few months and add some more color and take another inch or 2 off, but this is all my neck could stand! lol It was seriously painful to get this done so soon after surgery!
What do you think? I feel like a new person! I hadn't had anything done cut wise since November 2010 and the last time I had foils was 3 years ago. It was for sure time for an update. Hope you love it as much as I do!

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Kristin Hassan! I am loving this top and cuff!

Top: $40 Nordstrom
Cuff: $13 Kristin Hassan

You are one hot mama Kristin! I love this top with it's amazing back detail. I am also GUSHING over this cuff! I wish I would have taken a picture of it when I tried it on because the opening is on the top (not the traditional side opening cuff!). I LOVE that idea! Less opportunities to clip your skin! Beautiful design Kristin, and great find on that top!

To see more of Kristin's new jewelry line, click here. All pieces are between $10.00 and $22.00!!! Nothing better then unique jewelry at affordable prices! LOVE them all and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2 pieces I ordered! ;)

Carnival Chic

Top: Forever 21
Shorts: Forever21
Sandals: Target
Ring: Jewelmint
Earrings: Self made (part of the Marie Marie line)
Purse: Coach
Hat: Las Vegas shop in the Venetian
Sunnys: Target

This is my first post surgery outfit post! Yay, I'm back! ;)
I'm not wearing any makeup, and I have to wear hats to keep the sun off my scar, but the family wanted to go to our local carnival so I rallied and threw this look together. My son went on a few rides, won a few games, and we ate great food. After 2 hours of that I went home and napped, followed by a 11 hour night of sleep! I'm getting better, but I'm just not ready for out all days yet! ;)
Okay, lets talk about my outfit. I LOVE these shorts! I feel like such a hypocrite!!
Kristin Hassasn asked me how I felt about printed pants (about 4 months ago) and I told her "not for me!". I thought if you're not a size 0 print would just make your butt look bigger then it is. Now, these are shorts, but I find myself liking some of the looser fitting printed pant styles I'm seeing as well. (sorry Kristin, I had no idea I'd like it! That's why you're a designer and I'm a shopper!)
Okay, back to the shorts. I love the retro feel to them and I decided to pair it with a loose fitting tank with lace detail, simple sandals, cross body bag, and a turquoise ring.

Guest Post: Nadia Aboulhosn

rebellious rainbow.

“I find that the very things that I get criticized for, which is usually being different and just doing my own thing and just being original, is the very thing that's making me successful” -Shania Twain

There shorts were a DIY of mine. I was super determined while making these. They use to be pants, I cut them to shorts, tore up the bottom, bleached them, and then dip dyed the colors. The process was pretty long but worth the end result. The shorts were orginally a thrift item of mine I got bored with, the corset top is thrifted as well. My mesh peep toe heels are Chinese Laundry



You can check out my blog here! 

You can also shop-Nadia here!

This Weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Kaitlyn Fergus. I am just gushing over this dress and the color combination!

Dress: $24.99 Target

Okay, I love Target. They always surprise me and I love that! This dress is beautiful and I will for sure be swapping it with Katie during our next closet swap. Great find Kaitlyn, you look stunning as always!

What's happening in my world....

I had spinal surgery on June 27 (cervical fusion C4-C6). They went in through the front of my neck and I was put on a breathing tube for the 2 hour procedure. I had a titanium plate put in with 6 screws and 2 spacers. This is my second spinal surgery in two years and it was by far the worse of the two! The first week was very hard. The day after I came home from the hospital my incision got infected. I was put on an antibiotic and 2 days into that I had every side effect possible (hard to breath, headache, nausea, and a few others I'll keep to myself). I was quickly taken off that antibiotic and felt better within a day. Here are pictures of just after surgery and 2 days later when my incision got infected:


Here are my 2 best friends. The first is my neck brace and I wear it in the car (which I've only been in twice!) and every night when my kids are around. My son gave me a good elbow jab in the neck the first week and I learned early on to wear my brace when he's around! ;) I also wear it when I try to help around the house (ie. folding laundry, picking up rattles and toys, etc.). The second picture is my bone growth stimulator. It looks like a steering wheel with a cord and remote. Everyday for 8 weeks I have to prop myself up against this bad boy (on the back of my neck) and turn it on for 30 minutes. It doesn't feel like anything when it's on, but after I'm done using it, I feel like I've just worked out and need a nap! lol Seriously!


At this point it's been 3 weeks since the surgery. I am feeling better and healing more every day. The recovery time is between 6-8 weeks, but I'm only getting help for 5 weeks because I want my family life back to normal already!!

I was going to wear scarves every post for the next 6 months and hide my scar from everyone including myself, but FUCK IT! ;) This is a part of me and I'm making scars the new black! lol
Just thought I should warn people because I can't put cover up on it (no way chancing getting infected again) and it will for sure be showing in my new outfit posts!



I hope everyone is enjoying all the guest posts and giveaways, I will be back up and running in no time! And thank you all again for all the positive comments and sweet remarks and FB and Twitter! My readers are the best! xo

Guest Post: Becks from [oomph.]

hi everyone! i'm becks, the blogger behind [oomph.]...just
filling in for the day. lisa and i share a love for maxi
dreses and skirts, so i thought it would be fitting to wear
one here. this skirt has all the qualities i look for in a
maxi...super long, lightweight, and comfy. not to mention,
it's leopard. bonus! the last time i wore this skirt, i
dressed it down with a denim shirt. this time, i dressed it
up with a simple, long-sleeved black shirt and boots. then,
i topped it off with even more leopard with my belt.

sending lisa tons of well wishes for a speedy recovery.
thanks for having me!






(top, express; skirt, f21; boots, asos)

A walk in the park

Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Urbanog (sold out)
Sandals: Target
Sunnys: Target
Hat: Charming Charlie
Bracelet: Express
Ring: Baublebar

These photos were taken 2 days before surgery.  The hubby and I decided to take the kids to the park. It was so beautiful out this day. Upper 70's with a bit of wind, just perfect. It helped to keep my mind off of things to see the kiddos laughing and playing in the park and sandbox. Just what I needed to relax! I love this look. Cozy, fashionable, and best of all I didn't have to do my hair! lol I love hats!

Guest Post: Natalie from Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers

Hi! I am Natalie from Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers and I am thrilled to be guest posting for Lisa today!

I hope she is feeling well, resting, and recovering from her back surgery. On my blog every week I blog about things I am obsessed with. So, that is what I thought I would share with ya'll today! Some of my current loves!

Monogrammed Bedding

I simply adore this picture of Aerin Lauder's bed. I love everything about it!

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
I love nothing more than a Reese's cup for a sweet treat, so when I saw this recipe I was in hog heaven. How scrumptious do these look? You can get the recipe HERE

Peonies
These are by far my favorite flowers. They smell delicious and look even prettier.

Tibi
Tibi is hands down my favorite brand of clothing. Here are two outfits I am currently obsessing over hoping they go on sale soon:)

via

Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner
Lisa is actually the one who introduced me to this shampoo and conditioner and I am hooked. It smells heavenly and really makes my hair less frizzy and smooth. I love this stuff!

Thanks for having me Lisa! xoxo

Giveaway: Ali Grace Fashions and Trends

Ali Grace Fashions and Trends Etsy shop is giving one lucky winner a $20 credit to her store! Here are a few of the products Ali makes:



How adorable are her tutu's?! I love them! The flower detail is so unique and beautiful. I can't wait for my daughter to get older so I can play dress up with her!! ;)
If tutu's are not your thing she has some beautiful jewelry for sale as well! I put up a few of my favorites, but you'll have to visit her etsy shop to see the rest!

To enter simply follow her blog and leave a comment below saying you did so.
For extra entries "Like" her on FB and follow on Twitter. Leave one comment for each you do. Good luck! Winner will be announced July 29th at 7:00am.

Winner Announced: Sunshine Design

And the winner is: (sorry guys, I can't figure out how to get the widget on my page, so I copied and pasted the results!)

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Result:
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Congrats Cassi, you are the proud winner of the (you are my) Sunshine Design giveaway! Lindsay will notify you latter today via email or twitter and get your shipping information.

Thanks to everyone who entered and donated! And Good luck to Lindsay with her upcoming race this Saturday! xo

Guest Post: (you are my) Sunshine Design

Good morning! I am so excited to be here on Stilettos & Diaper Bags; one of my favorite blogs! As an interior decorator, I like to find inspiration in the most unlikely of places and I like to translate that into fantastic spaces! For my guest post, I'm looking to Lisa for inspiration :]

 

Here's one of my favorite looks from my pretty friend! I love her in this gorgeous orange Kristin Hassan number. It looks so amazing with her hazel eyes!

 



 

and here's the room I based around it:

 

 

 

SADB Orange Inspiration by linz1433 on Polyvore.com

 

Bold bedding grounded by neutral colored pieces. A little ethnic touch with the rug and lots of shiny surfaces. Masculine dark browns and solid furniture pieces are set off with feminine curves, arches and a stunning starburst mirror :]

 

Let's look at another one!

 

I LOVE this dress on Lisa! The head to toe black is elegant & dramatic, but the cutouts are young & fun! And as a mama of two (or anyone for that matter) she looks fantastic in it! Anchored with a neutral shoe and accessorized with some boho jewels, this look is begging to be transformed into a room! [maybe that's just me hearing the begging?] ;]

 



 

I'm thinking a dining room:

 

 

 

SADB Black Inspiration by linz1433 on Polyvore.com

 

Grounded by a neutral rug, the big black dining room table is the statement piece of the room. The chairs at the head & end of the table are elegant and sophisticated, the flanking chairs have whimsical & light cutouts. The chandelier is the jewel in the crown and lights up the accessories around the room, including the oh-so-necessary bar cart! :]

 

I'm feeling inspired to do one more, how about you? My last inspiration picture is from way back when aka the second month of Lisa's blog, February 2010, because I love this outfit! She looks adorable, but it also provides a great color palette to build off of and the young, hip style is perfect for a living room, don't you think so?! Me too! :]

 



 

And in room form:

 

 

SADB Yellow&Gray Inspiration by linz1433 on Polyvore.com

 

I love this one! There is pattern & texture. It is light & bright, but sophisticated and balanced. I love that the 2 sofas aren't identical. It all works because the color palette is simple but refined. I think I could relax and hang out in this room, no problem!

 

Hope you enjoyed my little project! "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" - Pablo Picasso. Inspiration is all around; never stop looking for it, no matter where you are or what you are looking at :]

 




[you are my]
Sunshine Design
[Sunshine Design Online][Sunshine Run Club]

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Megan Posch. I love her rocker edge style and this ring is amazing!

Ring: $9.99 Forever 21

I wish I would have gotten a full picture of Megan from this night because she was smoking hot! (Well, she always is for that matter!)
Point being, great find Megan. Love you style, LOVE this ring!!

Last date night before surgery

Dress: Mango
Shoes: Colin Stuart
Necklace and Bracelet: Jewelmint
Earrings: Erin Gallagher Jewelry
Cami: Victoria's Secret

I bought my first ever Groupon. Thanks to my sister-in-law passing over the information to me, I was able to get 2 pieces of jewelmint jewelry for the price of 1. I love my new necklace and bracelet!
I also loved my dinner out with the hubs. He took me to a swanky restaurant and then out for some retail therapy. Yes, my husband loves to shop as much as I do! Okay, maybe not as much, but he's smart enough to know happy wife happy life! lol

Update: Sadly (but good for you), this dress no longer fits (i'm down some more weight, and plan to keep it off ;) and it is for sale in my "shop my closet" section!