Sunday, March 30, 2014

Sunday Fun-Day in Green and Purple

Pumps: Michael Kors (similar here)
Belt: old from JCrew (similar here)
Top: old from Banana Republic (similar here)
Sunglasses: Cole Haan from TJMaxx
Bag: old from Coach (similar here)

Twist Bracelet: Old form JCrew (not that similar, but I like this one)
Stone bracelet: Stella&Dot SEE BELOW TO WIN $$$ FOR ONE!!
Watch: Fossil (bigger version)


Today was a green and purple day!  I can't get enough of these Michael Kors pumps.  I want to wear them all the time! They are such a fun shoe to have that will brighten up any outfit (and my closet, as most of my shoes are neutrals!)  They're very comfortable, which is always important to me.  I don't mess around with uncomfortable shoes.  Not ever!  

If you've been reading the blog, you may already know that the Sloan Fit pant from Banana Republic is my very favorite, and today I wore them in black.

This green silk blouse is also from Banana Republic.  It was originally $89, but I got it on sale for only $19 in February some time.  I always love a good sale!

I bought this neon-purple belt at JCrew some time ago and was so excited when my pumps got home and matched almost perfectly!  The pair will make for some fun outfits in the future.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $25 Stella&Dot gift!



Saturday, March 29, 2014

Stella&Dot Giveaway!!

I'd say that Damsel in Des Moines is about due for a giveaway.  Therefore Addie Rasmusson, a Stella&Dot stylist in Des Moines has been gracious enough to collaborate with me and do a giveaway!!  Woohoo!  
Complete all of the steps below to get as many entries as possible.  Tweet and share every day for maximum entries!
The winner will be announced on Monday, April 7, so get your entries in now! See below for some of my favorite Stella&Dot items. :)


Please be aware that we will verify that you are following, have shared, etc. as required for your entries if you win - so don't cheat! ;)
Visit Addie's page here.
 I already own this "Amelie Bracelet" and I love it!  If you follow me on instagram, you can see that I've pretty much worn it every day since I got it!!  It's $39 of beautiful!
These "Nancy Stud" earrings would go swimmingly with the "Amelie Bracelet" that I already have.

This "Sutton Necklace" is just straight awesome!  All the layers are so fabulous and edgy and it would be such a fun necklace to own - it's on my Birthday wish-list!  ;) $128

A necklace from necklace-stacking-heaven!  The "Somervell" necklace is so versatile and I can't wait to add it to my jewelry collection.  Every time I see someone wearing it, I get jealous.  $59
Check it out on Addie's instagram page @MySDinDSM. (Even though you're probably already following her if you've entered the drawing!)


 The colors of this "Union Square Scarf" are beautiful!  The butterflies are so springy and perfect!  And this scarf is on sale for only $29.50!
I adore the look of the "Renegade Cluster Bracelet."  This piece that is also perfect for stacking is $59.

This chic little iPhone 5 case is so colorful!  I love the gold dots as well.  Stripes and spots are one of my favorite combinations, so I'd say S&D nailed in on this $29 "Crazy Stripe" case.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Black & Gold Peplum and Purple Pumps


Pumps: Michael Kors (here in tealdune and logo flats)
Jeans: Levi's
Top: Old from JCrew (similar color here)
Jacket: Tea n Rose
Necklace: Accessory Mercado
Bracelet: Stella and Dot Amelie Bracelet
Earrings: Kenneth Cole (similar here)


I have had this gold and black, houndstooth, peplum blazer for quite some time now and have only worn it once!  I purchased it to work at Aldo for Black Friday 2012, and it was the only time I wore this piece.  Luckily, I found it hiding in my closet this week and thought it was the perfect blazer to wear with these amazing Michael Kors Delphine pumps!


I tried to pair these pumps and this silk JCrew top with this JCrew skirt that I have in bright blue from last year, but it wasn't working today.  Perhaps when it warms up more!  (As you can tell, it was gray and wet today.)


Don't you just love the bows on these pumps?  I couldn't resist.


One of my favorite necklaces from Accessory Mercado.  They always have popular styles for reasonable prices.  I just love them!  However, if you're in Des Moines, run over to Dornink in East Village.  Don't be intimidated by the wedding gowns - they also have tons amazing accessories, including this necklace!  I love supporting local businesses and go there often for new statement necklaces.


I've been coveting this bracelet for quite some time, and was so excited when I got it from a friend at work!  (And I'm pretty sure I've worn it every day since I got it.)


I love how edgy these golden, diamond-drop earrings from Kenneth Cole are.
(My hair got very frizzy after my outdoor adventures today.  Oh, stormy weather...)


But really - aren't they fabulous!!



Avoiding puddles - they're suede!


Playing up the peplum in this jacket and the 4" on these pumps.


Trying to laugh off how cold the wind was!  Luckily, it's going to be (hopefully) 70 degrees here on Sunday! I am so looking forward to it. 
I hope everybody has a fantastic Friday!  And thanks for reading.



Monday, March 24, 2014

Dressed with Daffodils


I'm loving these daffodils I got at Trader Joe's: $1.49 for a bundle of 10!

Flats: Aldo (None similar at Aldo right now, but loving these!)
Top: Old from Nordstrom (similar: floral or scalloped)
Cardigan: Gap from the beginning of this winter, but they don't have it anymore! (similar style: here)



Scalloped edging seems to be very popular this year.  Dresses, skirts and tops from Banana Republic, JCrew, and elsewhere with scalloped edging are popping up on many fashion blogs and on Instagram.  I think scalloped edging is a fun and different detail that you don't see every day.  It gives articles of clothing a fresh and springing twist.


Earring from TJMaxx.  Brand: Bella.Jack 
Only $14.99!


Offering to share some Spring!


This morning, I walked out my door to my vehicle and had no idea it had begun to snow (which was clearly melted by this afternoon).  If you follow me on Instagram (link at the top right side of my home-page), you may have seen my photo this morning.  I bought these daffodils yesterday, when it was nice out, and this morning it was snowing, so I took a picture of the snow and flowers together.  It was quite the contradiction! 



Link Bracelet: Aldo (similar here)
Pink Venus Fly Trap Bracelet: Stella & Dot


I'm hoping not to see snow again until Christmas.  What is the likelihood of that?  Slim to none... 
But I am excited for warm weather for the rest of the week!




Thursday, March 20, 2014

Springing for Skater Dresses


Happy first day of Spring!
And this Spring, I'm loving skater-style dresses and skirts (duh!)
I adore this dress that I purchased at Banana Republic.  It's on sale now for $70, but I got it for less during an "extra 40% sale," so if you're pinching pennies (like me), be sure to wait for another sale!  If your store doesn't have it in stock, they'll order it in for you.  
It also comes in a cute black and white striped print and also a sleeveless tweed.
I originally wanted this dress, but after the poor review on the Stylish Petite blog, I chose not to get it and began my mission for a different pink dress.  I knew this Banana one was the one when I tried it on and it was on sale!


Pumps: Coach
Belt: Old from Loft (similar here or here and for dreamers: here)
Necklace: Old from JCrew (can sometimes be found on eBay or similar here)
Knot Bracelet (see below): Banana Republic (gold only now) or similar here.
Ring: Pink Topaz -gift from my mommy. :)


The gold zipper on the back is a sophisticated accent.



Being a damsel!


Possibly the best part about this dress is it is so much fun to spin in!  It really felt like Spring when I was twirling in this pretty pink piece.

 The tutorial for this awesome top-knot is here.



This bow and bling belt (that's a tongue twister!) is an older one in my closet that I got on super-sale at Loft.  I think I purchased it for about $5 during one of their end-of-season sales.


 Still twirling...


I love this beautiful Pink Topaz ring that was a gift from my mom several years ago.




Old JCrew necklace.




Banana Republic knot bracelet



I hope that everyone was able to enjoy some nice Spring weather today and, again, Happy First Day of Spring!