Out with the Cold, In with the Sunshine: Winter to Spring Fashion

Even though I'm a December baby, I've never been too fond of winter. Yes, Christmas is my favorite holiday and ringing in the new year with champagne and friends can be fun, but I hate having to wait 20 years (#dramatic) for my car's heater to get me warm enough to stop shivering, and I hate having to bundle up just to take my dogs outside, and I hate that my electricity bill shoots through the roof because I don't like being cold. It's just all so inconvenient.
Spring, however, I can get down with (most days - minus the bugs and the pollen and my hair's frizziness from the rain and...). I love when the sun is shining, and I can ride in the car with the windows down with it being that perfect temperature between freezing cold and unbelievably hot. Fall will always be my favorite season, but for now, I'll take spring. 
One upside to winter is that when I do take the time to put together an outfit, I get to have fun and experiment with layering. You can take different pieces and pair them with something else to create a variety of combinations for outfits. In the spring, it's obviously warmer, so you don't always have the luxury to put together so many combinations, but I love when some of my winter pieces can be transformed into something I can wear for spring, which is why I'm collaborating with my friend, Erica from Coming Up Roses, to bring you a couple pieces that you can easily transform from winter to spring. Erica lives in Philadelphia, which I've only gone to once, but if I got to go again, you can only imagine the havoc the two of us would wreak on the city together. She's a Philly fashionista, and she's also a newbie YouTuber like me! Check out her channel here. 
During winter, I wore the mess out of all my leggings (not literally; I just mean that I wore leggings a lot because I love them). Because Louisiana doesn't always get uncomfortably cold (minus a few weeks, give or take, that are usually randomly scattered throughout the winter months), I didn't have to wear a heavy jacket every day. Some days, I could just wear a long-sleeved top or a sweater and get away with it (especially because I work in an office eight hours a day, and the temperature in my office is always the opposite of what it is outside). 

Sweater | thrifted, originally from Forever 21 Skater Skirt | H&M Leggings | Wal-Mart Booties | Burlington Coat Factory Scarf | Target
For spring, I, of course, lose the leggings (unfortunately, because that means I actually have to shave my legs - another upside to winter). While I wear leggings a lot in winter, I wear flower crowns all the time during spring. I think it's appropriate with the flowers blooming and all. I also love sporting string bracelets and bringing out my inner bohemian. 

Sheer Blouse | Forever 21 Skater Skirt | H&M Flower Crown | Icing Bracelets | Children's Cup, Threads of Hope, Taylor Swift,  homemade from camp counselor days, etc.
Check out Erica's blog to see how she transforms a beautiful pair of booties from winter to spring!
What are your favorite winter to spring pieces?

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Did someone say partayyyyy??? Celebrate 3 Years with The Grand Adventures of Me and her friends with a Giveaway! With this giveaway you'll enter for a chance to win $50 to Target (just in time for the Lily Pulitzer collection to come out!), a DIY mug design of YOUR choice, and fresh Appalachian Morning Coffee from Nina's favorite and local coffee shop. 

the grand adventures of me || the new wifestyle ||
emily finta || endless bliss || reckless

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Gift Guide for Her featuring Boden.

I know girls always say that guys are hard to shop for, but I think (actually, I know) that guys think shopping for girls can be equally, if not more, difficult. I've always been one of those people that gets excited about anything anyone gets me. I think it's so nice that people even think of me, and I like to think that I'm easy to please when it comes to gifts (though Jon would probably disagree). 
I recently discovered this awesome company called Boden. It's a British brand of fashion full of amazing pieces for everyone on your gift list. Browsing the site is fueling my love of London and is making me want to hop on a plane back to one of my favorite cities. 
I'm obsessing over this little black dress I found on the Boden site. It's perfect for a date night or even for the office. They have a new petite line, and I spent hours pouring over their petite sizes. I was nervous about whether or not this dress would fit me, but it ended up being perfect, and it's easily my new favorite LBD.

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect gift idea for the women in your life, check out some of my favorite picks from the Boden site. 

COZY BLANKET // BOOT SOCKS // CUTE GLOVES // SPARKLY BELT // LACE DRESS SUEDE BOOTS // DEER TEE // BOHO BOOTIES // POLKA DOT TOTE // CARD HOLDER KNIT SLIPPERS // PLAID SCARF
See something you like? Click here or use the code 9E3A at checkout to receive up to 50% off of EVERYTHING from Sunday, December 14, 2014 to Sunday, January 4, 2015. 
Thank you to Boden for sponsoring today's post. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

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Refinery29: Style Stalking (Book Review).

I'll be the first to tell you that I know absolutely nothing about fashion. It's kind of pathetic actually. I have to be in a certain mindset to have a successful shopping trip, and I've never been hung up on brand names. My wardrobe is pretty plain, and I'm okay with that. 
That's not to say that I don't enjoy fashion. I love looking at style books and fashion blogs and my fashion Pinterest board is out of control. This is why I was so excited to pick up Refinery29: Style Stalking by Christene Barberich and Piera Gelardi. 
Not only are the pages filled with gorgeous pictures, there's also lots of good tips and tricks for someone like me who has little to no fashion knowledge and for the people who already consider themselves fashionistas. Look at this gorgeous first page:

The book is divided into several sections, including denim, black, metallics, mixed prints, brights, and many more. My personal favorites were brights and mixed prints. I love wearing bright colors, no matter the season. Also, I've never been good at mixing prints, but I love looking at how others do it. Maybe this book will help me with that. 

Probably my favorite page in the whole book. I love that pink purse!

Each section is also divided even further into different sections:
BASIC TRAINING: Each section starts with five simple tips on how you can master each form of style

STYLE MOVES: Tips for how to take on the style
1 PIECE, 3 WAYS: Pretty self-explanatory. It takes one piece and styles it in three different ways. 

RULE BREAKERS: Tips on how to step outside of the box 

YEAR-ROUND: Tips on how to wear it for every season

Q&A: A question and answer session with a fashionista 

ZOOM LENS: Spotlight on pieces that bring the style to the next level

I give this book a 4 out of 5. I'm excited to add it to my coffee table book collection.

I received this book complimentary from Blogging for Books for an honest review.

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Photoshoot with Southern Aire Photography.

When I was freshman at Louisiana Tech, I met a super fun girl named Hannah who lived on the same floor as me in Adams. Flash forward five years later, and Hannah invites me to like the Facebook page for her new photography business, Southern Aire Photography. Hannah is working on her portfolio, and I'm working on revamping my blog, so I was super excited to team up with her to get some photos taken!
Outfit one:

Shirt | Forever 21 Skirt | Forever 21, similar Bracelet cuff | Forever 21, similar Long necklace | Body Central, similar Louisiana necklace | Krush the Runway Boutique
Outfit two:

Shirt | Forever 21 Jeans | Forever 21 Kimono | Charlotte Russe, similar
Check out the rest of the photos on Facebook!
If you aren't convinced of her amazingness by the photos above, then you should definitely check out Hannah's portfolio. She's super talented and fun and easy to work with. If you're ever in north Louisiana and in the market for a photographer (hello fall photos!), then Hannah is your girl!
I also want to give a shoutout to my friend, Jenny, who prettied me up by doing my hair and make-up. And of course thanks to Hannah for being so wonderful and making me look so beautiful through her lens. 
For more information about Southern Aire Photography, check out her Facebook page or contact her by email at southernairephotography@gmail.com.

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Transcendence Designs + Giveaway {CLOSED}.

This past weekend, one of my best friends was in town. His name is Tra, and he was visiting from California. We went to high school together here in Bossier, and then he got a big boy job in LA. That was two years ago, and tragically I've still never been to visit. I need to change that soon.
Anyway, while he was in town, we caught up over several plates of Chinese food, reminiscing about old times and sharing bits of our lives that we've only seen on social media. It was so great to spend four whole hours together just the two of us!
I wore this little number to meet him. I'm obsessed with these high-waisted blue shorts that my friend, Katherine, gave to me. They're so adorable, and went so perfect with these earrings and bracelet that I got from Transcendence Designs.

These earrings were so lightweight and comfortable to wear and look absolutely adorable. I'm in love with the design and the color of the bead she chose. It's also hard for me to find bracelets that fit my wrist without slipping off, and this bracelet was the perfect size. And how adorable is the heart-shaped clasp? 

Want some beautiful jewelry of your own? You could win one of these beautiful pieces by entering using the Rafflecopter below:

If you're too impatient to wait, you can visit the Transcendence Designs shop on Etsy and use the code BIGSUMMERBLOWOUT2014 for 50% off at check-out! 
For even bigger savings, you can visit her store on eBay to bid on items (some starting as low as 99 cents!) or take advantage of the Buy It Now sale prices! There are even some items that aren't available in her Etsy shop. Here are a few items up for bid right now:

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Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary for review. All opinions are 100% mine. 

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Meet the lovely ladies behind Three Samosas!

Two friends blogging together as a way to stay connected across the seas and have fun while at it.

What's your favorite thing about fall?

Lala says: The colors! The beautiful shades of orange and yellow and the crisp wind that creates such a magic in the nature. 

Zoya says: Something about the wind just feel's different.The only visible sign around here of the seasons changing.lol

What song are you currently obsessed with?

Lala says: The one song I am really obsessed with these days (once again) is a song by Sara Ramirez, yes, the very girl who plays Dr. Torres in Grey's Anatomy. The song is called "The story" and I love it ever since I came across it. There is an original version but this is the one I love. I can so relate to it and these days, I am listening to this song on auto-repeat mode. 

Zoya says: Lana Del Ray: Young and Beautiful. I really need to stop though, it's depressing me!

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?

Lala says: I am huge fan of humor! These days an Indian comedian is on my mind ;-) He is cute, funny and ambitious as it seems from his progress in last few years only. Definitely a dinner with him, a dinner with Kapil Sharma (The host of "Comedy nights with Kapil on Colors TV, India) 

Zoya says: My dad.

Name 5 things that make you happy

Lala says: 
1.My cat, Pixel, is such a precious bundle of joys. He makes me laugh even when a normal person must get a bit angry (pushing glasses off the table, accidental scratched and pressing just the right (shut down) button on my laptop when I am working)

2. Mojitos - I am new to these minty potions but I am already in love with these. Me and my friends, once a month, one best mojito place in Bordeaux and one glass each, that's how we roll. 

3. Accessories - Coming across accessories which are one of their kind makes me jump in joy right there in the shops. I end up buying things I will never be able to wear publicly or professionally that often but as long as I own them, life is beautifully accessorized.

4. Long lasting manicures - A manicure which remains intact (read: Chip free) even after one week makes me thank the universe with all my heart.

5. Indian food - I may be a weight watching/fitness freak of a person (6 days a week in Gym for me it is!) my guilty pleasure lies in my traditional, oily and heavy food. Of course, that's not every day, more like once a month. Just an image of hot  "Chicken Malai Boti" in my head can bring a grin on my face and water in my mouth.

Zoya says: 

1. Smell of rain on dusty roads

2. When people smile back

3. long hugs

4. Rediscovering an old favorite (song, movie, book)

5. When I do a good job

For more from Three Samosas, click the links below:

Bloglovin | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Living Truly Radiant with Arm & Hammer.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant.  All opinions are 100% mine. When people talk about the legend they want to leave behind, I always know that the one I want to leave is happiness. I want people to remember me as someone who lived life positively from day to day and let my true radiance shine through all of my actions. So when I heard about the Truly Radiant movement with actress, author and TV host, Alison Sweeney, I knew I had to get in on it!

I was thrilled to try these three Arm & Hammer products. Arm & Hammer is a brand that most people know and trust, and I am no exception. While I have used Arm & Hammer toothpaste before, I can't say that I really saw any visible improvement to my teeth, so I wasn't expecting anything special from their Truly Radiant line. Of course, they had to go and prove me wrong. These are the three products I was able to try from Arm & Hammer: Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant toothpaste, Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Whitening Booster and the Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Extra White Spinbrush.   For some reason, I've always liked to walk around and do other things while I brush my teeth. Brushing my teeth and completing other tasks can be impossible! I always have toothpaste running down my face (yea, get that cute visual). With this toothpaste, you definitely have to brush above the sink. It was truly a discipline. Other than that, it was great. Within a week, my teeth looked so much whiter! My boyfriend can back me up on that.  What are some of the benefits of this toothpaste (besides cleaning, strengthening and whitening my teeth, of course)?: 
-- Studies show that it removes 100% more surface stains than ordinary toothpaste (I definitely believe this. My teeth weren't the whitest before I used this toothpaste.). -- It smooths surface imperfections while restoring shine. -- It's the only toothpaste with baking soda, peroxide and active calcium (that's triple the whitening power!)   I wasn't sure what to do with the Whitening Booster at first. I'm not normally one to read (or follow) written directions, namely for electronics and especially not for anything toothpaste related. But I digress. I had to read the directions. You use the Whitening Booster and toothpaste together. When I first used it, it slid right off of the toothbrush when I put it under the water, so after that, I learned that you should put the Whitening Booster on before putting the toothpaste to prevent this little problem. Fun fact: the Whitening Booster is clinically proven to whiten teeth in just one week (and it really did whiten my teeth!) and contains 3x more whitening agent than a leading white strip.  I've always been a fan of electric toothbrushes. They just seem to get the job done better, and they leave your teeth feeling so smooth. The Truly Radiant Spinbrush is by far the best toothbrush I've ever used. The orange part at the top is elevated just slightly, and I feel like that little bit of extension helps to reach places that I would have missed with a manual toothbrush. They're also proven to remove 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush. I love running my tongue over my teeth when I'm done brushing with the Spinbrush, because they're so smooth. It reminds me of what my teeth felt like after I first got my braces off.    Whitening my teeth is something I have always wanted to do, but there's no way I could justify buying a $50 pack of whitening strips. I've tried tons of different whitening toothpastes, and none of them seemed to do the job like Arm & Hammer's Truly Radiant line did.   Now that my teeth are finally radiantly, I can focus on bringing radiance into other parts of my life.  Here are a few ways that I like to live radiantly: -- Singing at the top of my lungs (even though I'm an awful singer) -- Complimenting people on their outfits (and secretly wishing I could spend more money on clothes) -- Telling the people I love that I love them -- Reading (that counts, right?) -- Dancing like no one's watching -- Going on unforgettable adventures -- Expressing myself through words (blogging, writing, journaling) -- Figuring out my passion (I'm only 24. I'm still trying to figure things out) -- Smiling more often -- Slowly getting out of my comfort zone -- Living life on purpose Click for more tips to bring out your inner radiance! Join the movement! How do you live radiantly?

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