DWTS: All-Stars...the Champion!

Last night Melissa Rycroft was crowned the winner of Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars! I could not be happier! She was my favorite on her previous season and for this All Star season, she and Tony Dovolani had my vote from the get-go. She just has such a personality and matched up with her technical skill, I didn't see how she could lose. She may have missed out on the win her first time around on this show, but I am thinking this mirror ball trophy matters just a little bit more. :)

 

 

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My Forever 21 Finds

I'm usually a fan of braving the crowds for Black Friday but for some reason, I could not motivate myself to leave the house. I decided there wasn't anything major on my list that couldn't wait till the madness died down. I did however venture out Saturday morning and wander into my local Forever 21 store. I was browsing the website the day before and had a mental list of items that grabbed my eye. Since their sizing can be a bit off for me (and since you can't return anything for a refund), I wanted to actually see these items in person before dishing out my debit card.

 

 

 

The Items I Left Behind:

 

 

High-Low Satin Pocket Top

 

This top looked like it would be a cute top to throw on and the fit was alright, but I wasn't sure I liked having a black satin square on my lady parts.

 

 

Glittered Cross Tee

 

I really loved this top - it looks much better in person than in this photo. I had it in my hands all the way to checkout but decided to pass because it was bigger than I would have preferred (it was from the Forever 21+ line). But for $12, I may just have it taken in.

 

 

Bejeweled Collar Necklace

 

I have NO idea why I left this behind. It was so gorgeous and the quality was much nicer than you would expect from Forever 21. And how perfect would this be for the holidays!?

 

 

 

The Items I Brought Home:

 

 

Buckle Tab Utility Jacket

 

I have been on the hunt for a utility/military style jacket like a crazy person! But because it's not something classic like a blazer, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it. I happened to see this on a random rack and immediately tried it on. I loved it! It's a tad bigger than my normal size but I think it will work out great with whatever I wear underneath.

 

 

Heart & O Rings (not seen online)

Round Rhinestone Ring (black)

 

 

Black Triangle Earrings (not seen online)

 

 

 

It had been some time since my last Forever 21 visit, but I was pleasantly surprised by some of the finds within the store. I think it's a great place to find some current trends at such an affordable price point!

 

 

*Not a sponsored post - just my own opinions!

OOTD // Thanksgiving

Can you believe that Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone? I swear this holiday season is just sneaking on by - this is the first year since the Hubs and I got married that I failed to bring out the fall decor. I totally skipped Halloween and then skipped on Thanksgiving as well! I don't even know how that happened. And it's not me - I LOVE decorating for the holidays. Anyways, back on today's post - what I wore for Thanksgiving dinner. My entire family got together at my aunt & uncle's home for a big feast and lots of photo ops. Thanksgiving tends to lean on the less dressy side of the style spectrum for our family, but I still like to add some sparkle and dress up just a bit.

 

 

 

Express Sweater (out of stock online, but similar option) / Old Navy Cords / Steve Madden Heels (old, but similar option) / BaubleBar Necklace (no longer available online, but a nice alternative) / Guess Watch / Express Bangle Bracelets / J. Crew Bracelet

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We hope you & your loved ones had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Who's taking part of Cyber Monday?! Some of the deals I shared on Friday's post are still active for today, so be sure to check them out. Let me know what deals you score!

 

 

Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2012

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your nearest and dearest. I spent some great time with my family centered around yummy eats & the Monopoly board (more on that next week), but today is just as important! I have gone out for Black Friday for quite a number of years, but today I decided to stay in.

 

I put together a list of some great sales that you can take advantage from the coziness of your home.

 

ASOS:

11/23 use code BLACKFRIDAYBONUS for 20% off

11/25 use code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL for 30% off

 

BAUBLEBAR:

11/23 only - use code FRIDAY15 for 15% off two baubles, code FRIDAY25 for 25% off three baubles, code FRIDAY35 for 35% off four baubles

 

C. WONDER:

30% off on orders $100+

 

GAP:

Up to 60% off

 

J. CREW:

Use code COLOR25 for 25% off plus free shipping on orders $150+

 

J. CREW FACTORY:

Use code GIVEANDGET for 40% off plus extra 15% on orders $100+

 

PIPERLIME:

Use code ME for 20% off site-wide

 

SHOPBOP:

Use code BIGEVENT12 for 35% off

 

STEVE MADDEN:

Use code HOLIDAYS30 for 30% off plus free shipping

 

T+J DESIGNS:

use code TDAY35 for 35% off site-wide

use code BLACK50 for 50% off on select items

 

VINCE CAMUTO:

Use code HOLIDAY for 30% off site-wide

 

 

 

 

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MAC Grey Friday for Black Friday

MAC Cosmetics is releasing a steely grey lipstick and nail polish in honor of the biggest shopping day of the year. The limited edition duo (lipstick - $15 and nail polish - $16) will be available online (or at the NYC Times Square location) this Friday, November 23rd.

 

 

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I Got a New Ride!

This weekend culminated endless wandering around car dealerships. We have been on the hunt for a new vehicle and the search ended with our new Ford Edge SEL!

 

 

The hubs likes it too :)

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't she pretty?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearly my weekend ended well....how was yours?

 

Eats: Paula Deen's Basic Meatloaf

I am such a fan of Paula Deen and her cooking. I love her Southern drawl ('olive awwl', anyone?), her need to add large amounts of butter to anything everything and her perfectly coiffed hair. I even paid a visit to her resturant "The Lady & Sons" during a visit to Savannah. Their 'Sunday Buffet' might be the best meal I have ever had in my entire life. During that visit, I snatched up one of her cookbooks so I could recreate some of those delicious dishes back at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Deen's Basic Meatloaf

Ingredients:

 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 chopped bell pepper
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 8 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix all meat loaf ingredients well and place into baking dish. Shape into a loaf.

 

 

 

Topping

Ingredients:

 

 

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard

 

Mix ingredients for topping and spread on loaf. Bake for one hour.

 

 

 

I paired my meatloaf with freshly made mashed potatoes.

 

It was a hot, rib sticking, belly filling type of a meal. Delish!

 

 

I'm Hosting a Posh Party!

Meet me on Poshmark this Thursday, November 15th for a Posh Party!

 

 

I will be hosting "The Pretty Factor" (aptly named, dontcha think?) and sharing all my favorite listings...including some from my own Poshmark closet!

 

I am super excited about this because I just love Poshmark. I love the chance to sell items that I have been holding onto (here are some sneak peeks of my Poshmark closet) and I also get to check out some other things that are up for sale!

 

 

The Posh Party starts at 7pm PST tomorrow - you can find my closet @theprettyfactor

 
 

So join in on the fun and I will see you there!




Today I am linked up with...


and



 

 

 

*Poshmark images via.

Luxe for Less - J. Crew Pave Link Bracelet

Today's "Luxe for Less" post is dedicated to the J. Crew Pave Link Bracelet.

 

 

 

 

This gorgeous blinged out bracelet has been on the wrists of fashion bloggers everywhere (well except this one...she's been waiting for the price to go down a bit!). The bold links feature two shades of glass crystals and retails for $125.

 

 

You can find a really nice dupe of this bracelet at Hello Fab for $65.

 

 

 

 

Same sparkly style for about half the price!

 

OOTD // Blogger Inspired: Bows & Sequins

As an avid reader of fashion blogs, I come across outfits often that make me want to recreate them from within my own closet. Sometimes it doesn't always work out - I may not have similar items or the outfits may not be realistic for my daily life - but other times they are just perfect! I saw this look over at Bows & Sequins and immediately fell in love. I knew I had to make it my own.

 

 

 

The combination of the striped tee + boyfriend jeans + leopard flats made for an easygoing, practical look for the workday and luckily enough, I had every single piece!

 

 

 

J. Crew Top / Target Boyfriend Jeans (similar option) / Target Leopard Flats (similar option) / Kristin Hassan Necklace (similar option) / Guess Watch / JewelMint Gold Bracelets / BaubleBar Coral Bracelet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what do you think? How did I do in remaking Jessica's look?

 

 

Should I do more 'Blogger Inspired' outfit posts?

 

If Julia Says So...

Who doesn't love food?

 

I love so many different types and I love to try new things.

Some are my regular-no-fail-go-to's (Mexican, Italian, Latin) while others strike my fancy at the most random moments if at all (Chinese, BBQ).

 

Here are some shots of the most recent treats!

 

 

(cinnamon rolls)

 

 

(homemade pumpkin bread - get my recipe here)

 

 

(homemade sliders)

 

 

(The Cheesecake Factory's Hot Caramel Apple Cider)

 

 

(Italian panini - last night's dinner & today's leftover lunch)

 

 

 

All photos via Instagram - @theprettyfactor

Handy Dandy: How to Make Lip Color Last

 

 

Here are some tips to make that pout last throughout the day...

 

 

#1 - Prime lips (this primer is my go-to).

 

#2 - Trace & fill in your lips with lipliner that matches your lipstick.

 

#3 - Apply lipstick straight from the tube or use a lip brush (like this one).

 

#4 - Blot lips with tissue & set color with a dust of translucent powder (I have been using this one but any one will do).

 

#5 - Reapply a second coat of lipstick and you're good to go!

 

 

Image via.

Election Day 2012

 

The time has come for us to cast our votes.

 

Republican. Democrat.

 

Romney. Obama.

 

 

I hate the negativity that surrounds election time. All the backstabbing and slander takes precedence over the issues that should really be at center stage.

 

I hope today that you exercise your right as an American citizen to cast your vote. Don't let the media sway you or the commentary of those among you. Educate yourself and vote for the one whom you believe is the best person to be the Commander in Chief.

 

And whether or not your vote wins or loses, be respectful of the man who becomes our nation's next leader. He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders!

 

 

Image via @shopedropoff on Instagram

Style Crush: Katie Holmes

We knew her first as sweet Joey Potter from Dawson's Creek and then later on as Mrs. Tom Cruise (aka TomKat). Now she is back to being just Katie Holmes - mother to Suri, best friend to Victoria Beckham and more stylish than ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite...

 

 

 

 

 

And one for memory's sake...

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Friday's Five

 

My five favorites this week in celeb Halloween style...

 

 

 

#1 - Jessica Simpson and family as a milkmaid, Scottish Braveheart & chicken

 

#2 - Matthew Morrison & Renee Puente as Justin Timberlake & Britney Spears. Love!

 

 

 

#3 - Ellen DeGeneres as Sofia Vergara

 

 

 

#4 - Miranda Lambert as Honey Boo Boo

 

 

 

#5 - Jessica Alba and family as The Incredibles

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Friday lovelies! xo

 

 

*Photos via here and here.

Halloween at Work

Remember when I gave you a sneak peek of my Halloween costume for work? Well if you guessed something along the lines of a masquerade ball, then you were correct!

The theme for my department was a Haunted Masquerade Ball - lots of masks, gowns and feathers!

 

 

(my work bestie & I)

 

 

I was a candy/cigarette girl for this ball, yet I completely forgot to take any solo pictures of myself - especially with my candy/cigarette props! In any case, you can enjoy the other photos I managed to snap throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And some other non-masquerade costumes from other departments...

 

 

Yep - that's Lil Wayne aka Weezy F Baby

 

 

Deadmau5

 

 

WWE star Goldust

 

 

SNL's Da Bears Superfans

 

 

Hellboy

 

 

 

Overall it was a really fun day at work. Everyone really goes all out with their themes and costumes, so it was great to wander around the office and see what everyone came up with. Some teams were super creative (MTV Awards celebs, Candy Land...)!! Awards were given out for individual and team categories - our Haunted Masquerade Ball won second place in the team category!

 

 

How did you celebrate Halloween? Did you dress up?