Broken Roads & Hope

I was listening to a certain Rascal Flatts song this past week. Its a song I've heard so much that I tune it out automatically, but for some reason a phrase caught my attention and got me thinking...this song really does speak volumes to the truth.

Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern Stars, leading me on my way into your loving arms. God blessed the broken road, that led me straight to you.

Each time we fall, we get back up, we keep hoping. Why is that? Are we all just habitual masochists? Maybe. Or maybe we know its worth the journey. With every heartbreak we are one heartbreak closer to being done. With every guy who doesn't call, we need'nt worry, we've just narrowed it down one more. Stood up, overlooked, moved on...out, out, out. 

{merci weheartit}

Although it may hurt (and you should never deny that), we heal ourselves, brush ourselves off and keep on swimming. Because we have to, because that one fish is out there, swimming in circles, just as lost as we are.

Here's to broken roads...cheers.

Kick Up Your Heels!

Kick up those Louboutins and get ready to let down those locks my dears because its finally the weekend!

{thanks weheartit}

Go classic with a bold red lip and fitted pencil dress tonight...really knock him off his feet!

New York has been snowing like crazy and amongst all my layered, snow boot based outfits... I am sooo ready to feel like a woman again. The days of sexy dresses and strappy stilettos could not come soon enough!

Hurry, Last day to enter the Brazilian Giveaway! Good Luck!

Holy Mixed Media Batman!

Darlings, I love art. Art Studio was my minor in college and I logged many hours happy, albeit caffeine induced, in my university's studio building drawing, sculpting, and processing film. So when I come along an artist whom I really admire I love to showcase them to my loves...you!

Sandhi Schimmel Gold recently came across my inbox and I was tres triste to find I had missed her showing in NYC! I would love to see her work at a gallery event! Maybe she will be back soon...

{Merci Schimmel Art for the pics}

Mixed media normally grabs my attention, but the way Gold has mixed Fashion Pop Art with it has resulted in a stunning collection. Edgy, unique and utterly demure I am officially smitten. If only one could be hanging on my exposed brick wall I do believe my Manhattan Bachelorette Pad would be complete! For her works in process and her inspirations you can also check out her blog here.

Take on Lady Luck in the latest giveaway!

Undercover Super Model

Spotted. Upper West Side girl trekking out to Brooklyn to play Super Model! From make up, to hair, to the studio it was definitely a fun day. Helping out a friend that needs you to model isn't half bad a way to spend a Sunday after all. 

At The Forever Young Agency's studio, photographers Mars Sayo of Winter Sky Studio and AJ Santos of Kineyas Photography worked their magic. Enjoy the sneak preview with these behind the scenes shots! The real shoot will be coming soon...so stay tuned!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for some fabulous earrings!

Brazilian Chic & Giveaway

I personally have yet to travel to South America. This land of food, fun, and innate sexiness is definitely on my list of places to visit though. While venturing the Christmas markets in NYC this past holiday, I stumbled upon a wonderful artisan in Bryant Park whose collection swept me away to the wild alluring culture of Brazil...and I couldn't wait to tell you about her my darlings.

In 2010, Daniela launched her eponymous accessories collection featuring beautifully designed pieces that are handmade in Brazil and in the United States. She utilizes leather, gold-plated brass, and faux fur in her cutting-edge accessory designs.  This rosette cut cuff bracelet was what blew me away! The back clasp is magnetic and the inside of the leather is vibrant red! Its details like that, that make me drool!

Founded in 2008 by Daniela Zagnolli, BrazilianDecor.com is the ultimate destination for all things Brazilian to beautify your home and body.  

We are dedicated to bringing the beauty of Brazil to you.  Our mission is to create a unique shopping experience for our customers by offering creative, distinctive, and eco-friendly Brazilian home products and fashion to enhance your lifestyle. Our exquisite products celebrate the vibrant colors, textures, and shapes that characterize the Brazilian culture and yet meet today’s style. Our established partnerships with many of Brazil's leading brand-name companies and local artisans enable us to offer our customers high-end imported products and beautiful works of art at affordable prices.

Many of our products are handcrafted from the finest natural materials, and each item is individually inspected to ensure the highest quality. The artisans we work with use only the natural materials available in the Brazilian environment to produce their unique pieces. Our corporate objective is to offer online shoppers with a "taste of Brazil" by offering certain products that are a representation of the Brazilian lifestyle and culture.

And good news for you Embellishers! Daniela is offering a giveaway for these fabulous earrings!

These Golden Grass Earrings have quite a background, and you know how I can't pass up things that are unique...

{this photo thanks to Brazilian Decor}

The grass that these lovelies are comprised of is only found in a few areas in Brazil and can only be harvested once a year! This grass is coveted for its uncanny ability to imitate gold thread... who needs Rumpelstiltskin when you have Brazil mes cheries! And the best part is since these pieces are hand crafted, no two pieces are exactly the same! LOVE IT!


So to win a pair of these for yourself simply...


1) Visit Brazilian Decor and tell me your favorite piece. (comment below)
2) Tweet or Facebook this Giveaway {@EmbellishedBlog @BrazilianDecor} (leave URL in comment) 
3) Become a fan of Embellished and Brazilian Decor on Facebook (comment below)
4) Be a follower of The Embellished Life! (comment below)

Giveaway ends Friday at Midnight EST

Boa Sorte My Darlings! 

{Good Luck in Portugese}

Je Suis Malade

I feel my recent head cold took a week's vacation and then decided to come back. Mixed with the 9 degree weather outside and living on the Hudson River...I can confidently say I have felt better. I foresee something very similar to this picture in my near future.

Nothing says soothing like hot tea and a good book when you're under the weather!

{merci weheartit}

Bon Journee Mes Cheries!

Things That Inspire Me...

On a not-so-great yesterday, I needed to go in search of things to give me a little inspiration when I was at a total loss for any of my own. These things cheered me up and I hope they lift your spirits and creative energy as well.

 Sometimes, even if you are strong, you need to be reminded of it.

 The endless tangent your mind can take with memories is amazing.

 Everything, no matter what, comes back around.

 Well done hair will always make you look elegant.

 Never underestimate the power in the details.

Flowy, light, and ethereal, evening gowns will always be breathtaking.

Fashionspiration: Working Girl

Here's an outfit post for those needing some inspration in the office for these frigid winter months. It can be daunting to put together a look that is professional...and warm. 

 Try a feminine touch on menswear with a scarf knotted like a necktie. Pinning it to the side with an antique brooch gives you some sass and paired with biker gloves gives you just enough power to be the woman in charge. 

Long Sleeve Tee...Camaieu (France)

Suit Vest...Express

Scarf...Dolce & Gabbana

Brooch...Grandma's :)

Pleated long skirt... Express

Scrunch boots... Steve Madden

Half Gloves... Bag Shop (Sweden)

Studded Watch... Betsey Johnson

Pourquoi Pas? & Giveaway Winner

Why not brighten someone's day today mes cheries? Yesterday my day was brightened and I hoped to motivate you to do the same. After a long day at work I was surprised by a special package in my mailbox from a contest I had won on Twitter by Hana Pestle. This talented chica is definitely worthy of your ears my darlings, just take a listen to her moving rendition of Hallelujah here!

So to pass on the smiles... it's time to announce the first winner of 2011 for The Embellished Life!


And the KT Collection Ring is going to...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:12Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Pin at Sensorimotor!! Congratulations!

Be sure to check out the KT Collection for amazing jewelry to complete your wardrobe and follow them on Twitter!

Snow Angels in NYC

After the Christmas blizzard and then recent snow storm part deux, I couldn't help but get out to Central Park and grab some shots of the magical snow. As a Southerner, I'm not sure I'll ever adjust to thinking snow is passe. Its just too fresh and beautiful to not fully appreciate.

I spy luxury on forced vacay...

Covered lakes of ice and snow...

Bethesda Fountain is literally my favorite place in New York City!

Best snow angel in The City.

New York has everything... even a fairy tale castle.

...and fairy tale love.

Have you grabbed some snow magic my dears?

Blogger Award!

I received a very lovely Blogger Award last week from the fabulous Kori over at Blonde Episodes! Thank you very much Kori, it was so sweet of you to bestow this fab award. As per Kori's request, here are my answers to the blogger award questions...

1. What inspires you?
Everything under the sun. People watching. Old Hollywood Movies. Wrought Iron Fences. European Architecture. Snow. Sunshine. Dance. And the never ending inspiration from my home...New York City.

{merci weheartit}

2. What is your favorite season and why?
Autumn. (Although not far behind is Summer) Because the gorgeous rich oranges, reds, and yellows are intoxicating, the weather is just perfect for strolling. And I get to start wearing my favorite ensembles with my fabulous boots before it gets to cold to cover them up with coats everyday. 

3. What are you most looking forward to this year?
New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center...Less than 10 blocks from my apartment!

4. If you could write a book about anything, what would you write about?
Funny you should ask...I actually am beginning to conceptualize the book I DO want to write! I want to write a fiction book about a modern day twenty something woman, and I'd also like to publish a travel/photography coffee table book with my work in it.

{merci weheartit}

5. What is your greatest passion?
Traveling!! I can't ever get enough adventure! I feed off of new places to see, and document through my camera lens. As I'm on a trip I'm already taking notes on where I can go next. Travel fuels the inspiration for every aspect of my life, I just love learning new cultures.

6. If you could change one thing about your life or yourself what would it be and why?
Hmm. My life is getting pretty close to what I want as of now already which is a nice feeling. I would say landing my dream job in marketing in the Fashion industry. 

7. Lastly, what is your favorite novel?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I could read about Mr.Darcy over and over and over again!

So now I will be passing the torch on to some other deserving bloggers myself! These are all some new finds of mine that I loved discovering and hope you will too!

Valentine at Valentine 

*This is in French so test your la langue de l'amour mes cheries!*

Aneta at Bobbin Talk

Cameron at Stardust and Sequins

Eleonor at Le Blog de La Mechante 

*Aussi en Francais*

Nubia at Nubia's Nonsense

Erin, Lani, and Jeffrey at Sugar Rock Catwalk

Rachel at The Greyest Ghost

Alix at The Cherry Blossom Girl

Also DON'T FORGET the KT Collection Giveaway ends tonight so get to entering for your fabulous ring!

Links a la Mode

Reflections, Realizations, and Resolve

Edited by: The Curvy Fashionista


After  we blazed into the new year with resolutions, ideals, paired with moxie  and gusto, we also came into the new year with questions, self  realizations, and new inspirations. This week's round up features some  of the most though provoking, feel-good, and reason to re-examine your  closet!

Links à la Mode: January 13th

• 365 Fashion Rehab: New Year, New You. You don't need a whole new wardrobe to be on trend
• Beautifully Invisible: Children and the Fashion Industry: When are they TOO young?
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor: What makes a blogger?
• Dress With Courage: A fashion survey forces a closer look at my love affair with denim.
• Fashion Limbo: A woman's right to (pretty) shoes - why you should never stop celebrating yourself
• Fashion Writes:  What influences, motivates, drives, and empowers women's decisions on  buying certain trends (or not buying!): popularity vs. the struggle and  desire to stand out and remain original.
• Freeda Style:  The clichés "Everyone's a critic" and "I don't know art, I just know  what I like" apply every single day. Are you just getting dressed, or  are you a wardrobe artist?
• Grit and Glamour: Friend Friday: Goals, Imperfection, and Finding Your Voice
• Holier Than Now: Closet Full of Money: My System for Recycling Clothes for Cash (or Karma)
• I’m Freestyling: I love clothes, wearing them, buying them, feeling them—but all love has its limitations...
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Three Easy Ways to Improve Your Blog in 2011
• Mischief My Dear: Gilt vs. Ideeli (Members Only Shopping: A Review)
• Mode Stylist: push the boundaries of style with who you are.
• Modern Day Damsel: Sprucing up my wardrobe - 10 items I absolutely have to buy this year
• Pretty Shiny Sparkly: The Secrets to Successful Fashion Blogging
• Revas Rags to Roses: What I look for in the Blog-O-Sphere
• Satoriography: A how-to post for surviving winter without sacrificing your style (or any limbs to frostbite).
• Sugar and Spice: MORE Cash Than Dash - have fashion magazines lost touch with their readership? Do fashion blogs do it better?
• Taxonomy of My Wardrobe: Ever feel like you can't relate to the snooty editorials in fashion glossies like Vogue? Well you're not alone.
• The Curvy Fashionista: This hair of Mines- A love story
• The Demoiselles: Is fashion-sharking just as bad as body-snarking?

SPONSOR:


Shopbop Jewelry: Gorjana, LaMer, Nixon, KORS, Freelook, BINNS, Juicy, Noir, KJL, Alkemie, Alexis Bittar

NYC Digs: KT Collection Jewelry & Giveaway!

Its a new year and its time to kick it off with a true bang by having a great giveaway, right? Well I do not dare disappoint! While shopping the many Christmas markets in NYC this past holiday season I found a plethora of wonderful NY artists, designers, and foodies... Katie Thompson of the KT Collection was no exception.

Initially impressed by her well designed booth, I had high expectations even before walking in! And her jewelry line definitely did not disappoint. I could see any of her pieces complimenting my wardrobe quite nicely... or any celebrity on a glossy spread for that matter.

Jewelry making from the age of 10 and dabbling in everything from European politics to a glamorous New York magazine, Katie never lost touch with her first love and it is clear why. 

Katie's designs are sleek and stunning. With prevalent Eastern influences from her vast background as a fellow traveler to her unending supply of inspiration from the never disappointing New York City streets, the KT Collection has the perfect blend of style and culture.

And GREAT NEWS mes cheries! Katie is giving away one of her signature Adjustable Rings to one of you lucky Embellishers! Oh la la! What will you wear it with? Well first things first, you have to win it...here's how:

 {Thank you KTCollection for product pics}

1. Visit the KT Collection and comment below, sharing your favorite piece (for 1 entry)
2. Tweet this giveaway! (@embellishedblog and @KTCollection) Leaving the URL below (for 2 entries)
3. Become a fan on Facebook! KTCollection here and Embellished here and comment below (for 3 entries)
4. Be an follower of The Embellished Life! and comment below (for 4 entries)

Giveaway ends Monday night January 17th at Midnight NYC Time, so HURRY!

Bon Chance my loves!