1 Crewneck Tee: 2 Sightseeing Looks.

Vacation season is officially upon us, dolls! When packing for a trip I tend to pack versatile lightweight pieces that can be worn numerous ways, like this J.Crew perfect crewneck tee. I would pair it with a dark navy skirt, fedora, and t-strap sandals for a scenic stroll or for souvenir shopping.

(tee, skirt, fedora, bag, sandals)

Then I would pair it with crisp white shorts, a bright gauzy scarf and flat metallic sandals for exploring and picture taking.

(tee, shorts, scarf, aviators, sandals)

How would you wear it?

This Would Scare The Bejeezus Out Of Me.

I know that the designer would like us to focus on how chic & swanky this crib is--but all I can think about is how freaked out I would be if this were my kid! Oh. My. Word. I would not feel safe leaving my child dangling from the ceiling like this, would you?!

Those strings just seem so flimsy and would give way at any second! Not to mention I don't know how you would secure it to the ceiling. I don't know--this is just bizarre to me. I couldn't find much information on this crib except that it's called the Knoppa Hanging Crib and that's it from a Swedish designer. But what do you think?

Baby Chic or an Accident-Waiting-To-Happen?

Creating Home Galleries.

I ♥ home galleries.

They add such warmth and personality to a home, don't they? They're also a very inexpensive solution to filling up a large and lonely wall. You can add almost anything to a gallery--even mix and match frames and still have a beautiful display on the wall.

I personally like to use photographs. In fact when you first walk-in to my home I have a large wall that I placed a series of black and white photos flanked by a silver antique mirror.

(I've been meaning to add more pictures but I haven't gotten around to it yet.)

My daughter's room also has a small gallery of all her favorite Disney characters alongside an adorable vintage purse.

My home office (aka my mom cave) displays the streets of Paris.
Trés chic, oui?

I think creating galleries around the house are a fun way to give your home a little character, don't you think?

Chanel's New 'Boy' Handbags.{Love it or Leave it?}

Take a look at Chanel's new 'Boy' handbags arriving in stores in the fall. Karl Lagerfeld, the house creative director said that the inspiration came from a hunter's cartridge that Coco Chanel herself use to wear. "She had this boyish attitude" he said that she got from the love of her life, Boy Capel--whom the collection is named after.

The bags will be available in red, grey and ivory glazed calfskin with the brands logo stamped in relief on the bottom.

What do you think of Chanel's new line? It's a bit of a departure from their signature diamond-patterned quilting style, but I'm totally swooning over this new crisp clean look! How about you?

source: via

Shoe Fetish Of The Week:

In honor of the impending Memorial Day holiday coming up, I chose these William Red Stripe Espadrille Wedges by Topshop as the Shoe Fetish of The Week! I mean how super cute and patriotic, right? Love 'em! They're 100% leather and made with cool blue and white EVA stripes. Aprox 5.5 inches

$130-Topshop

10 Ways To Wear A White Dress By FabSugar

I found this cute video from Fabsugar that shows how you can style a simple white dress 10 different ways! Move over LBD--this summer it's all about the white dress!



So many great looks! Although I think my favorites are "Add a sharp shoulder" and "Cinch your knits" and "Go Tribal"--Those are more "my look". Which ones did you like?

UPDATE: In case you're having problems seeing the video--I provided a screencap of all the looks.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

My Fav Lip Balm.

If there is one beauty product that I use every. single. day. it would have to be Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm and Moisturizer. Regardless if I'm wearing any other make-up or not, I'll slather on some of this lip balm to smooth and soften my lips. It-works-awesome! Not only does it smell deliciously sweet, but it practically works miracles on dry lips.

My daughter used to get really chapped lips before, and ever since I started using this lip balm on her a few months back, her lips stay completely soft and moisturized. We've almost become a bit obsessed with it--I have one on my nightstand and carry one in my purse at all times, just in case either one of us needs a little touch up. It's very lightweight and sheer and is not at all sticky like some other lip balms. I absolutely ♥ it!

($7 at Sephora)

What's your favorite lip balm?

Cool Finds: Simple Shoes {Eco-Shoes For The Family.}

I just came across Simple Shoes which caught my eye because not only are they offer cool-looking shoes for the entire family but are also made out of recycled or sustainable materials such as old car tires, used carpet padding, recycled wool and more. Check out some of their selections:

MEN

WOMEN

TODDLERS
KIDS

Personally I think they have a better selection for men and boys than women and girls, but they do have a few standouts here and there for you eco-friendly families. Check out Simple shoes entire collection which also includes cool messenger bags @ www.simpleshoes.com

The Perfect Getaway Outfit.

I don't know about you but I'm soooo ready for a little vacay. Sand. Beach. Pina Coladas--that's what I'm talkin' bout! Unfortunately, we can't go anywhere until my daughter gets out of school next month, so until then I can only fantasize what my perfect getaway outfit would be.

A maxi is always a must for me when packing for a vacation--so easy breezy chic, not too mention super comfortable for lounging around or doing a little holiday shopping. This one from Quicksilver stood out to me because not only is the print bright, bold, and fun, but I also love the length and back.

(maxi, straw hat, bangles, sunglasses, tote, wedges )

Doesn't this outfit just scream island vacation or perhaps get you in the mood to sing a little Rupert Holmes-Escape? :)

What would your perfect getaway outfit be?

Chili's: Kids Eat FREE Today. (5/24)

Gather your kids and head over to Chili's. Today only you get a free kid's meal with a purchase of an adult entree. All you need to do is go here to print out coupon.

Enjoy!

BBW's Wants You To Go Nuts For Their Coconuts.

Bath and Body Works newly released Coconut Collection hit the shelves yesterday--ready to sweeten up our summer with 3 tropical blends of Passionfruit, Mango, and Pineapple! I was big fan of last year's Summer Vanilla's and it looks like this Coconut Collection is along the same lines so hopefully they'll be just as good. Ahhh..Don't you just love the smell of Summer? :)

Our Signature Collection Coconuts Body Lotion, fortified with powerful ingredients like super conditioning Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture that lasts all day. Our non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer.

You can get 3 fragrances online or in stores and don't forget BBW has the Buy 3 Get 2 Free deal!

www.bathandbodyworks.com

Have you tried the Coconut Collection yet?
What did you think?

Perfect Pops Of Color From Kate Spade.

No one does color like Kate Spade. Check out these fun accessories to add the perfect pop of color to your wardrobe!

1. Loop de Loop Necklace
2. Date Night Solid Ring
3. Stripe Straw Hat
4. Lever Back Earrings
5. Flutter Floral Scarf
6. Verandah Place Henrietta
7. Soliel Sunglasses
8. Bungalow Scarf
9. Elephant Belt
10. Pop Art Safari Bangle

Pretty Litl Swimsuits For Your Mini Fashionistas.

It's that time of the year again--swimsuit shopping season! Although I personally avoid this event like the plague, swimsuit shopping for my daughter is a much more pleasurable experience because it doesn't drive me to a total meltdown in a fitting room while being consoled by a complete stranger. (hmm, does that just happen to me? Just wondering..)

Anyway, there's a ton a cute options out there this season, like the Little Marc Jacobs 'Lace Garden' pictured above I'm dying over or these other adorable options.....

Which ones your favorite?

Corsage Floral Swimsuit/ Butterfly Bikini -Janie and Jack

Splendid Lola Dot-Splendid /Stripe Skirted Bikini-Janie and Jack

Flower Trim Swimsuit/ Butterfly-Applique-Old Navy

Floral Print One Piece-Gap/ Aloha Rose Swimsuit-Kate Mack


Where else do you like to buy your little ones swimsuits?

Hair Week: KQC Red Devil Flat Iron & Thermal Shine Spray.

Hey Lovlies! I'm finishing off Hair Week on Babblings by sharing my thoughts on Flat Iron Experts, KQC Red Devil Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron and Shine Spray!

I can't tell you how ecstatic I was one this little devil came in the mail. My previous flat iron was starting to give and everything I liked about it before was starting to irritate me, (especially the smell) so I was ready to move on and this KQC flat iron is just what I was looking for!

What It Does:
KQC introduces Red Devil, a fun and easy to use iron to straighten, flip or curl your hair. Red Devil comes with a special blend of tourmaline + ceramic. This unique combination leads to natural properties that result in the powerful natural emission of ions and far-infrared heat upon being crushed and heated. It helps seal the hair cuticle as the hair is styled – repelling humidity and static for incredible lasting frizz-free shine.

Why I Like It:
I know this may sound weird, but I use my flat iron more to curl my hair than I do to straighten it. The plates on this flat iron are specifically designed to straighten, flip, or curl your hair--so I couldn't be happier! It's lightweight so my arms don't get tired of using it even when curling, and the 1'' floating plate keeps my hair from getting stuck (as it does on most flat irons.) It leaves my hair smooth and frizz free when straightening and gives me nice loose curls when used for curling.


Cons:
There are some things I do miss from my other flat iron like a digital reader and locking mechanism which the Red Devil doesn't have, but it does have a red light that starts blinking when temperature is reached, so I maybe being a little spoiled on this one.

Also, when you purchase any KQC Flat Irons from Flat Iron Experts you'll receive KQC's Thermal Shine Spray, which I tried out and loved. loved. loved!!! Not only is a heat protectant which you know is super important when using any type of heating element, but is also a finishing spray! You can spray it on before and after styling and it leaves your hair ridiculously shiny and non-greasy. It's very lightweight and won't way down your hair at all. I was super impressed with it!

Cons:
It does have a slight odor. Not too overpowering but if you have a thing for smells, this may turn you off. I would love it to pieces if KQC could just change this small detail. The good news is that you control how much you can spray on, so if you don't like the smell--just a little touch up here and there will work.

Overall I was very pleased with the results from both the Red Devil flat iron and Thermal Shine spray and I would absolutely recommend them both if you're on the market for hair products.

Flat Iron
Overall Rating: 4 out 5
Price: $109.95

Shine Spray
Overall Rating: 4.5 our 5
Price: $13.99

www.flatironexperts.com

*Products were provided for review purposes. See disclaimer/disclosure for more info.

Who Wore Gucci Better: Jennifer Lopez or Salma Hayek?

These two Latin bombshells were caught wearing the same Gucci flower shrug at 2 different events recently. JLO wore hers first at the Met Gala paired with a long daring Gucci number, and Salma wore hers a week later at the Cannes Film Festival, also paired with a red hot Gucci dress. Question is: Who wore Gucci better? Personally, I think JLO takes this one--what do you think?

The Cutest Personalized Plates For The Kiddies!

How adorable are these Sarah + Abraham personalized plates?! You can customize everything from skin tone, hair, eye shape and color to look like your little kiddo. They have 2 different styles to choose from and are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. $24.

www.sarahandabraham.com

(Video) I Pledge of Allegiance To The Flag.....

My daughter was in charge of saying the pledge of allegiance and singing America the Beautiful all week at her school and she did AWESOME! I'm so proud of her!! :)

Hair Week: Fredric Fekkai Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner.

In my endless search for the perfect shampoo and conditioner I stumbled upon Frederic Fekkai's Shea Butter Moisturizing collection. This shampoo and conditioner stood out far more than the others I've tried over the past few months because it leaves my hair so incredibly soft and moisturized!! It really is ah-mazing.

What it does:
Soft. Supple. Run your fingers through the difference. New Moisturizing Renewal Complex and Shea Butter moisturize from root to tip, protecting against dryness and brittleness.

Why I love it:
It works miracles on my thick frizzy color treated hair. I mean, it's crazy how good it is! It makes my hair look and feel super moisturized and hydrated. I don't think my hair has ever looked better. In fact, I even got compliments for my hairdresser last week and she told me to keep using whatever I was using because my hair looked great! Plus the smell is absolutely delicious.

Cons:
It's pricey. ($23 for each to be exact.) But well worth the money, if you ask me. I bought mine @ Ulta and was lucky enough to have been able to use a coupon, otherwise it would have been pretty steep bill. The good news is that little bit goes a long way so you won't have to worry about buying a replacement soon.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Price: 3 out of 5
Packaging: 3.5 out of 5

Alessandra Ambrosio: Get The Look & The Look 4 Less.

The gorgeous Alessandra Ambrosio was seen strolling around in this cute chambray shirt dress, (a perfect staple for the summer!) To get the real deal you could spend $231.00 @ Genetic Denim, or you can get a similar look and spend a little over $100 for the entire look! Check it out...

(sylvia braided denim shirt dress)

(dress, sunglasses, scarf, purse, sandals)

Bargain Shopping For The Kiddos.

Thank you Old Navy for sponsoring my post today about baby and toddler styles. Old Navy is giving you 30% off everything in their baby and toddler summer collection, plus get an additional 15% off in-store.

I’m a firm believer that fashion doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when it comes to kids clothes. I was one of those moms that thought it was cute to buy my daughter a pair of $80 shoes when she was 2 months old, even though I knew she would never walk in them and only put them on for a millisecond.

Honey, those days are long gone, and now it’s all about affordable fashion!

I love that my daughter is a girly girl and loves shopping as much as me, but when I have to constantly keep updating her wardrobe because she’s outgrown all her clothes--those $80 pair of shoes don’t seem so ‘cute’ anymore. What I do instead is try to stick to brands that I know still bring the fashion but also offer parents a reasonable price tag. Some of my favorites are: Old Navy, Gap, Gymboree, Carter’s & Osh Kosh.

(gymboree dress)

Buying clothes that not only can your kids grow into but also use over and over again is a must on my list. When buying my daughter something, I think about how many ways I can style it, (just like I would for my own wardrobe.) If I can use it more than once, it’s definitely a keeper! Take these Old Navy Boots I got for her last fall. I got them for under $20 bucks and I can’t tell you how much use she got out of them! They were the kind of thing I knew would go with just about anything, so I scooped them up quick and boy did it pay off!

(old navy boots)

When buying my daughter’s clothes I also keep in mind that department stores have some awesome sales. We often go to specialty stores for kids clothes and often forget that department stores not only carry those same brands but also have sales and coupons on top of their already discounted prices! I live in Kohl’s. (I mean like, I would literally camp inside the store if I could.) Not only do they have awesome prices and offer brands like Carter’s and Osh Kosh at an even bigger discounted rate, but you’ll run into some great finds that will get you the compliments and get people thinking you spent way more money than you actually did. Isn’t bargain shopping great? :)

Where do you like to bargain shop for your kids?

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Nicole Richie Hooked On Shorts & Stockings. {Yay or Nay?}

Nicole Richie is ob-sessed with wearing cut-off denim shorts with black opaque stockings. Most recently she wore the far left outfit to promote her Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 Collections.

I know I would never personally wear this look, and not because I think it looks bad--because I think it looks kinda cute, (especially the first one) but I just know I would never be able to pull it off! But if there's someone who can--it's Nicole Richie, right? What do you think?

Would you rock this look? Let me know!

Hair Week: {Beauty Tip Of The Day} Avoid UV Rays On Colored Hair.

It's almost summer and most of us plan on spending more time outside, but celebrity colorist, Marie Robinson, warns us to be careful with those UV rays, especially if you have colored hair! "Just like our skin, hair pigment changes with the sun so we need to use protection to keep it from burning."

Why?

Well, she explains that "the color molecules in our hair can lighten and oxidize when exposed to the sun." So, what should we do? "Just like on our skin, try using SPF formulas for the hair to help reduce fading." (--Marie Robinson owner of Marie Robinson Salon in NYC.)

Other solutions that I've learned over the years is to avoid the sun at it's peak hours (10am-3pm) and if you must be outside, trying wearing a stylish hat or scarf to shield your hair from those darn rays!

What do you do to keep your hair protected in the summer?

Shoe Fetish Of The Week: Michael Antonio (And They're Under $60!!)

Oh la la. These Michael Antonio Kairu platforms are so sexy they deserve a little shout-out on my Shoe Fetish of The Week! They're super versatile and can be used dressed down with some jeans or dressed-up with a sexy little number. But I think the best part is that they're super affordable at only $59!

Now that's what I'm talkin 'bout! :)

Hair Week: YUKO Repair Through Leave-In Conditioner.

It's Hair Week on Babblings! Over the past few weeks I've been trying out all kinds of hair products for you lovelies. After testing them all out, and separating the good from the evil --I'm ready share the best of the best with you ladies! Some were given to me to review and others were bought by me, but either way you'll love 'em! First up--YUKO Repair Through.


I must admit I had never heard of YUKO, but they're were the original Japanese Hair Straightening company here in the US. They sent me over a bottle of their Repair Through Leave-In Conditioner to try out and I gotta say I love it!

What it does:
Deeply revitalizes, smoothens, and detangles the hair before styling, preventing split ends and breakage that can be caused by using blow dryer or flat iron.


Why I love it:
This leave-in conditioner is light and misty, has no odor, and leaves my hair so smooth! I've used it religiously for weeks now and firmly believe it's improved my hair. As most of you know my hair is dry and frizzy, but now it looks and feels so much more healthier! It contains Aqua-Gold which is a water-soluble ingredient that delivers nutrients into the hair faster, smoother, and more evenly. Use this spray after you towel dry your hair, and before you style. I promise you, you'll start seeing and feeling a difference.


Cons:
It is a little pricey at $24 and it can only be bought online or in a salon. If you're in the Orlando area they're a few salons that carry it here. If you're elsewhere you can use their salon finder to find the closest one to you.

Overall I think that if you're tired of your dry/damaged hair and want to see results, I would recommend you try it and see if it works as great as it did on me.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out 5
Price: 3 out of 5

www.yuko-usa.com

*Product was provided for review purposes. See disclaimer/disclosure for more info.