Shop Now: Lust vs. Must

Lust: Alice + Olivia Pleated Leather Skirt $396. Must: Karl Faux Leather Skirt $175. Lust: Alexander McQueen Skull Tassel Key Chain $285. Must: Made By Girl Leather Tassel Key Chain $32. Lust: J.Crew Heart Sweater $90. Must: Old Navy Heart Sweater $25. Lust: Vince Fox Fur Vest $1795. Must: BB Dakota Faux Fur Vest $108.

It's the last day of July and as you might have noticed I've been on a Fall kick lately! I'm really looking forward to the rich colors and textures that the season has to offer. My favorite places to browse the new collections are Shopbop, Net-A-Porter, TopShop and Barneys. I have a few gift cards from my bday to these stores and would love suggestions on what to get and what your fall essentials are! XOXO

This Week...

{photos from my last visit in 2010}

This week I'm relaxing and enjoying good company in Wisconsin.  New Shop Now: Lust vs. Must post up tomorrow! XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Birthday roses, orchids and hydrangeas from Matt.

Glamorous Rooms and Tom Ford Lydia Sunglasses.

Nala Riggins turned 1 this month!

An orchid from Mom.

Some Birthday cards from family and friends.

It's the last Fabulous Friday of July, the summer is really flying by! I'm headed to Hayward, WI this weekend to visit with my husband's family on the lake. Hope you're doing something fun and relaxing! XOXO

Recent Outfits

Outfit 1 Dress: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent {old but similar here and here}. Sweater: J.Crew. Shoes: Tory Burch Emmy Sandals. Jewelry: Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings, Jennifer Meyer Necklace, Jacquie Aiche Ring. Outfit 2 Dress: Rebecca Taylor {on sale here and here too!}. Shoes: Tory Burch Emmy Sandals. Jewelry: Anita Ko Spike Earrings, Jennifer Meyer Necklace, Jacquie Aiche Ring. Nails {in both}: Essie Baby's Breath and Essie Coral Reef.

Two outfits from this past weekend while out celebrating! The outfit on the left is from Saturday's date night to Ivy at The Shore and the other photo is from Sunday when I attended a bridal shower and causal family dinner. XOXO

Shop Now: Lust vs. Must

Lust: Equipment Silk Top $280. Must: Dorothy Perkins Top $27. Lust: Vince Fox Fur Vest $1675 . Must: BB Dakota Faux Fur Vest $75. Lust: Christian Louboutin Calf Hair Booties $1295. Must: Shoemint Esther Booties $79.95. Lust: Rag & Bone Harrow Booties $495. Must:  Ash Nikita Booties $295.

Everyone likes comparing a good splurge vs. steal and these were worth sharing! All of these lust pieces are gorgeous and would be great wardrobe builders but the prices are a big investment. This is where the must items come in... much more wallet friendly and just as cute! 

If I could choose just one piece I'd go with the Vince Fox Fur Vest. It's a great way to transition a spring or summer top or dress in to an appropriate look for the cooler months. I have a similar piece and have worn it to death the past few years.  A close second would go to the Rag & Bone Harrow Booties since they can be worn year round with pants, skirts, shorts, dresses... you name it!

If you guys like these type of posts let me know and I'll try to make them a part of the normal line up! Also, a bunch of giveaways and a closet clean out sale coming up soon. XOXO

26th Birthday

Sorry for the delayed and short post today, I was busy celebrating my birthday yesterday and fell asleep before I was able to get this up. Saturday I went to Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica with my husband for dinner and then Sunday we had a family dinner at my favorite mexican restaurant. For my actual bday, I went to The Ivy for lunch with my mom {they had the lovely roses pictured above on every table}, did a little shopping at Saks and Barneys and had dinner at Lemonade in Pasadena with my girlfriends before watching Bachelor Pad while eating homemade rice krispie treats.  It was a great way to start off my 26th year! Shop Now: Lust vs. Must post coming up at midnight. XOXO

Sales & Steals: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Voluspa Candle Trio sale price $29. Nike Free TR Fit 2 Sneakers sale price $59.90. La Mer The Collection Set sale price $270. L'Agence Star Shirt sale price $169. Nars Cheek Palette sale price $65. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong sale price 4 for $52.

It's that time of year: the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Unfortunately, I wasn't overly impressed with the selection this year but there are a few star pieces in the bunch like the Nike sneakers pictured above.  Also, if you're a Hanky Panky lover than this is the perfect time to stock up.  The sale started July 20th so start shopping here before it ends August 8th. XOXO

Fabulous Friday

A new pair of J.Crew earrings + a pretty card from Mara-Mi.

Pink + white tulips from Trader Joe's.

My July pick from Shoemint {seen on Rachel Bilson here}. 

Our anniversary gift on display above our cocktail bar.

 Tory Burch makeup case, Kate Somerville lotion + a Fresh birthday gift from Sephora.

It's my last weekend as a 25 year old! On the agenda for Saturday and Sunday: a Bar Method class, birthday dinner with the hubby, a bridal shower, dinner with the family at my childhood favorite restaurant, a co-ed softball game and the finale of The Bachelorette.  Hope you have a great one! 

P.S. If missed, check out my guest post on Shopbop's blog here. XOXO

Featured On... Shopbop's Blog

The Dress: Alice + Olivia Chiffon One Shoulder Dress. Bold & Dramatic Bride: Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Clutch. Dara Ettingner Lillian Earrings. Charles Albert Quartz Cuff. Jacquie Aiche Hand Chain. Boutique 9 Justine Pumps. Elegant & Sweet Bride: Whiting & Davis Crystal Clutch. Shashi Pave Earrings. Maison Martin Margiela Ring. Jennifer Zeuner Love Bracelet. Alejandro Ingelmo Grace Pumps. 

I'm guest posting on Shopbop's blog today, ShopTalk, starting at 11am est. I'd love for you to check out my post here! Also, Shopbop has so many amazing markdowns right now so head on over to their sale section to shop final clearance items. XOXO

Current Obsessions: Birthday Edition

1. Carine Roitfeld Irreverent Book. 2. Glamorous Rooms Book. 3. Valentino Book. 4. Los Angeles Book. 5. Jennifer Meyer Stackable Rings. 6. Tom Ford Bronzer. 7. Oscar de la Renta Tassel Earrings. 8. Diptyque Candle. 9. Sydney Evans Bracelet. 10. Rag & Bone Harrow Booties. 11. Miu Miu Crystal Smoking Slippers. 12. Charlotte Olympia Pumps. 13. Proenza Schouler PS11 Bag. 

My 26th birthday is next Monday the 23rd and these are some of the items on my current dream list! All of these are definitely lust pieces and fun to drool over but they are also things that would be home/beauty/closet staples for many years to come.  

P.S. I'm so excited to be collaborating with Shopbop on their blog tomorrow, ShopTalk!  I'll link up to my post tomorrow once it's live at 11am est.  XOXO

Recent Outfits

Outfit 1 Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim. Shoes: Jimmy Choo Private Sandals. Jewelry: Anita Ko Spike Earrings and Jacquie Aiche "S" Ring. Outfit 2 Dress: J.Crew {old}. Shoes: Tory Burch Emmy Sandals. Jewelry: Anita Ko Spike Earrings and West Avenue Jewelry Monogram Necklace. Nails: Essie Baby's Breath and Essie Coral Reef.

These looks are both from this past weekend which was filled with fun festivites. On Saturday we had my best friend's engagement party and on Sunday another bf's baptism! Coming up this week on the blog: Current Obsession: Birthday Edition, a collaboration with Shopbop and a Fabulous Friday.  Stay tuned! XOXO

P.S. The winner of The Bar Method Pasadena giveaway was announced on Twitter and Facebook on Friday. Congrats to Erin of PeaceLoveDecor! Please email me asap at nicole.guidetostyle@gmail.com to claim your prize. XOXO

Fabulous Friday

My souvenir from Westport, CT: a crystal candle holder from Dovecote {loved this store!}. 

Obsessed with these Bvlgari for Pellegrino bottles from my local Whole Foods.

A gorgeous arrangement from Brad Larsen Florals c/o my Mom.

Nala cat taking in the view of Pasadena.

A new white orchid sprinkled with pink, Voluspa candle in Saijo Persimmon, D.L. Rhein geode bookends and coffee table books including Kate Moss Style, Chanel, Vogue Model, Christian Louboutin and 100 Unforgettable Dresses.

Happy Friday the 13th! Only a few hours left before the winner of The Bar Method Pasadena giveaway is announced so be sure to enter here before 12pm pst today. I'll announce the winner on my Twitter and Facebook pages this afternoon so be sure to check back. Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO

Current Obsessions

1. Zoe Karssen Sweatshirt $160. 2 Equipment Colorblock Blouse $210 {cute dress version here}. 3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Sleeved Top $725. 4. Missoni Knit Kaftan $915. 5. Alice & Olivia Shirtdress $396. 6. YSL Chyc Leather Belt $295. 7. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel $875. 8. Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Jacket $495. 9. Dara Ettinger Earrings $297. 10. Madison Harding Iris Booties $273. 11. Vince Leather Pencil Skirt $1050. 

There are so many great summer clearance sales happening right now {check out Barneys, Saks, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman for great deals} and that means one thing... fall clothes are on the way! I've noticed a lot of cozy pieces popping up online the past few days and I'm so excited with what I see. I love the great textures {fur, leather, silk, velvet...} and the rich color palette that the later months offer. The above are just a few things on my dream wish list for the upcoming season. 

One more day to enter my giveaway with The Bar Method Pasadena.  Enter here! XOXO

Etc.

Special delivery from Kirna Zabete in NYC. 

What's inside?

Of course Nala had to get in on the action.

Celine Mini Luggage Pebbled Leather Bag in Coquelicot. 

A better picture of the color and style number {ask for Everest at Kirna Zabete}.

As one that usually sticks to nude or black purses, this is my first bag in a bold color and I thought red was classic but still fun. Celine is one of my favorite accessory brands and this beauty goes with so many things in my closet. A big thanks to the hubby for my wedding anniversary slash early birthday {I'll be 26 on July 23rd} present... SO obsessed! What handbag are you carrying right now? 

Sign up to enter The Bar Method Pasadena giveaway if you haven't already here. XOXO

How I Spent My... Weekend

 

I spent last Saturday through the 4th of July in Westport, Connecticut for a bachelorette party {see what I packed here} and had the most amazing time with my girlfriends! We went boating, walked around the shops, had lunch at Splash and at the Westport location of my NYC favorite, Shake Shack, had a clam bake and went to the beach where we watched an incredible firework show.  We even saw Martha Stewart's old house while on a walk {it was amazing}!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway with The Bar Method Pasadena before Friday the 13th at 12pm pst here for your chance to win a $100 gift card, tank and socks! XOXO

Giveaway: The Bar Method Pasadena

I'n so excited to announce my next giveaway: Liz and Kate, the awesome owners of The Bar Method Pasadena, are offering one lucky winner a $100 gift card to be applied towards the package or class series of your choice, a The Bar Method tank top and a pair of their grip socks! FYI, this gift card can only be used at the Pasadena location.

I've been taking The Bar Method classes multiple times a week for over 2 years in Brentwood and Pasadena for strengthening and toning and absolutely love it. New to the concept of The Bar Method? 

"The Bar Method integrates the fat-burning format of interval training with muscle-shaping isometrics to quickly and safely reshape the entire body. Its non-impact, one-hour workout targets all major muscle groups and improves posture. The result is a recognizable “Bar Method body” featuring sculpted arms, flat abs, a lifted seat, and elongated thighs."

Celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Denise Richards, Anna Paquin and Kelly Osbourne are all fans. Check out the "What It Is" and "How It Works" on their website for more information. 

The Pasadena studio is located in Old Town at 32 Mills Place, Pasadena, California 91105 in the alley right next to Burke Williams Spa and Bellacures. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online {here} or by calling the studio at (626) 844-7888.

To enter please do the following:

- Become a follower of Bar Method Pasadena {here} and Nicole's Guide To Style {here} on Facebook.
- Please leave me a comment letting me know you've done the above.

Extra Entries: 

- Follow @barmethodpas on Twitter {here}.

- Tweet about the giveaway {be sure to include @barmethodpas and @nsguidetostyle in your tweet}.

- Follow The Bar Method Pasadena on Pinterest {here}.  

If you do the mandatory option plus these extra entries then you'll have four chances to win this amazing prize!

This giveaway will run from Friday, July 6th until Friday, July 13th at 12pm pst and the winner will be announced later that day. Best of luck! XOXO