Valentine's Day - How I style it! #Fashion #Polyvore #Curvy #handbags #shoes with @IGIGI @NicoleMillerNYC @EarthiesUSA

IGIGI Ambrosia Dress - How I styled it

IGIGI 'Ambrosia' Plus size black dress
Available for Purchase at www.igigi.com

Earthies platform wedge
Available for Purchase at http://www.earthbrands.com/earthies

Nicole Miller Clutch
Available for Purchase at www.nicolemiller.com

Van Cleef Arpels pins jewelry

As we start to approach Valentine's Day I thought I'd share some buying recommendations from what to wear, jewelry, accessories and more!

 

I got so inspired by my first finds that I thought I'd create a cute polyvore set to highlight them all! The folks at IGIGI sent me the Ambrosia Dress, and that started a chain reaction! I already had the great clutch (which you may recall from our last Nicole Miller Giveaway HERE), and I also already had the shoes), I think together these make a killer combo and are perfect for a night on the town no matter where your town may be. As for me, I'm in New York City, the City that Never Sleeps, and which favors the color black! It's been New York Fashion Week Insanity all week.

 

The seductive Ambrosia Dress is cut from all-season stretch jersey and hugs, smoothes, & enhances the contour of your curves. Whether in rich blue or black add some bright gems, a colorful clutch and strappy pumps for head turning style.

 

The Ambrosia Dress couldn't be more perfect for Love Day, not just because of the perfect for Valentine's Day name, but it's made to flatter your curves, accentuate what you want to accentuate and helps you hide what you need to hide because of the fantastic ruching!

 

And because despite Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of an early Spring this year, it's still FREEZING in the Northeast, but there is no way I was going to put this super cute dress under my puffer jacket, I was so happy when IGIGI sent over their Hanna Coat! It's a perfect compliment to the dress, and a stylish outwear option for us curvy girls!

 

 

I of course went with Black again, but this coat literally goes with everything, and I couldn't love it more! I have to add some photos of myself wearing everything (model photos are above)!

 

My Take:

 

Both the Ambrosia Dress and Hanna Coat are not just 'figure-friendly' but 'figure-flattering', as they are cut for curvy girls, their sizes tend to run bigger, so if you are ordering for the first time, refer to their size charts to ensure the best fit! (Although you should really do that anyway if you are ordering via internet or mail order for the first time with any brand!)

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like IGIGI on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @IGIGI on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow IGIGI's Boards on Pinterest too!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And don't forget to subscribe to their channel on YouTube

In fact you'll be super happy you are following them across their channels, as they are hosting a giveaway via their facebook page and pinterest page right NOW! What you are waiting for butterfly, get in on the fun and a chance to win an IGIGI gift card of your own!

Butterfly, What are YOU wearing for Valentine's Day this year?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

 

FTC Disclosure: The Ambrosia Dress and Hanna Coat were sent to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration, however all opinions are 100% my own.

Tell your Santa Baby you want @EMUAustralia Taroona Gloves in your stocking NOW!

I already shared this year's boot obsession from EMU Australia, they were the boots I was wearing in my popular 'Wordless Wednesday: Focus on #Fashion All things Green' post in October! Every time I wear these boots I get nothing but compliments, and the stud detailing on the boots were picked up perfectly by the Linea Pelle 'Dylan' handbag in that fresh Kelly Green color, and I can't get enough of that Green Scuba Jacket from Wilson's Leather that I paired it with. But what didn't show in that picture are the gloves I was wearing, I took them off to take some outdoor shots and they were in my bag when those pictures of me were taken.

I wanted to post about them as it is starting to get nippy out, and these are by far one one of the most awesome pair of gloves I've ever owned! I'm not going to lie to you, they are a bit pricey ($129 USD), but in my opinion, they are quite frankly worth every penny, they fit like they were molded to your very hand. They are comfortable, super warm and totally high fashion!

About Taroona Gloves:

Made with the finest Nappa finish double face sheepskin the EMU Australia women's Taroona Glove is the unique winter accessory piece that has been inspired by Norwegian styling.

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Classic Sheepskin gloves with nappa finish

•  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  -  Features roll down cuff with snow top fleece finish
•  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Presented on EMU hanger card
•  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Made from the finest Merino Sheepskin available
•  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Naturally “wicks away moisture” meaning they are odorless
•  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Natural antimicrobial properties
•  Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - EMU metal badge
• 
  
• My Take:
• 
  
• The gloves no pun intended 'fit like a glove', look 'like a million bucks', and always turn heads. For me, I love the practiciality, I'm a daily commuter that commutes more by Express Bus than I do by train for my daily commute, which means in winter a lot of standing outside in the cold waiting, so for me they are a very much a worthwhile investment that allows form to meet function. I keep my hands warm with a fashionable winter flair and I LOVE that!
• 
  
• Unfortunately the company was in the midst of changing out their corporate headquarters which was a major move for them and because of that I was unable to nab an extra pair for a reader giveaway, but I highly encourage you to get social with EMU Australia as they often host their own promotions on their Social Media pages. In fact, I won my first pair of Fashion Week passes to see their show directly from EMU Australia's Facebook page, 3 years ago! And they have been super amazing to me since then! Being a brand's biggest longtime fan doesn't always come with the opportunity to partner with them, but when it does, it makes it that much sweeter!
• 
  
• I have always had a love of Leather, Sheepskin, and what I call 'Comfort Fashion', it's what I wear having lived in the super cold Northeast all of my life, so when I write about it, that genuine passion I feel for it comes through.
• 
  
• If your 'Santa Baby' has been asking you for suggestions, print out the picture of these gloves and tape it to your holiday stocking, I'm sure he'll get the hint! But if he does miss the mark, these are a pair you won't regret picking up for yourself. If they offer additional colors in these, I will snatch them up. I'd LOVE to see these in a dark red and a dark grey as well as camel/tan!
• 
  
• Get Social:
• 
  
• Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Follow @EMUAustralia on Twitter
• Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Like EMU Australia on Facebook
• 
  
• What are you hoping Santa Slips into your stocking this year butterfly? Have you been a good butterfly this year?
• 
  

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for this post. A pair of Taroona Gloves were sent to us for editorial consideration, however all opinions are 100% my own. These Gloves are seriously awesome!

Find out what The Official #TwitterPartyDJ is recommending this Christmas for the #Music Lover in your life! Seriously, @Bassbuds are like a concert in your ears!

Last year I had the chance to review a pair of earphones that were the closest to 'accessory nirvana' as I even imagined possible, I reviewed the Monster® Butterfly™ by Vivienne Tam with ControlTalk™ High Performance In-Ear Headphones and while I loved them, they died on me in one ear during a very long commute. Not Cool. I will tell you that Monster did make it right and replace them, but I was a bit surprised to have those die before their 1 year anniversary of commuting with me during my daily commute. I've had some cheapos last me way longer.

Because of my status as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' I get a wide variety of pitches, directly from musicians (alas I wish I had the influence with the studios to help them more), labels, or music accessories. I'm often a bit leery when it comes to music accessories reviews, I am very picky/selective, I have a great ear, and I will be honest when it comes to my assessments, not all tech or tech gear are alike.

I'm also not ashamed to say the fashionista in me still wants a little form with all that function, but when it comes to music, at the end of the day, sound is and always will be King. Most of my DJ pals will only work with Over-the-Ear Headphones, and while I get that, my strong preference is in-ear earphones. No matter how well padded, I have yet to meet the headphone that doesn't press down on my ears and make them red. With earphones I'm able to adjust the size better and wear them longer.

I've been enjoying happy listening with a new pair of earphones that literally feel like it's a concert in my ear, and I mean that in a GOOD way. A very good way!

Bassbuds Classics in ear Earphones

 About Bassbuds:

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Ultra distortion-free bass and crisp treble

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Noise Isolation: Immerse in the music

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - 9mm Dynamic Speakers with Neodynium Magnet

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Earphone Housing is made with high grade aluminium

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Swarovski Crystals are embedded in the back of the aluminium sound chamber

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Sound waves emitted in the sound chamber are specifically tuned and directed towards the front chamber housing entering the ear canal with optimal bass and balance in treble

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Speaker diaphragm is composed of PET materials and the diaphragm patterns are uniquely designed to maximize the performance of the micro speaker with minimal distortion

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Micro Filter for extra audio purity

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Wide Frequency Response

Close Up Image of Bassbuds in ear Earphones with Advanced Crystaltronics Sound Technology

My Take:

When they say 'Noise Immersion' they really mean it! When I evaluate new earphones I take time to listen to music across as many genres/styles of music as possible, from Classical, to Jazz, to Rap, to Metal, Latin Music and more, and these literally bring out the sound in ways other earphones hadn't for me. I will warn you to put DOWN the volume on your device before putting these in your ears. And for me that is one of the perks to quality earphones, I can listen to my music on much lower settings, meaning I don't have to charge my portable devices as often when using these! I love the packaging, super sleek and sexy, and when you open it not only are the additional size tips for the earphones included on top, there are also extras right below them inside a carrying pouch you can use to store them while on the go. All packaged with a Certificate of Authenticity. And with their genuine SWAROVSKI Elements, they put the fashion and form into what is already an amazingly functional pair of earphones with amazing sound! They are hands down a perfect holiday gift for any audiophile/music lover in your life. Although I am sure you are going to be pretty hard pressed when it comes time to wrap them because you are NOT going to want to give these away! I will tell you they have a super light weight feel to them, but don't let the good looks fool you, there is serious sound under that 'pretty face'.

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Bassbuds on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BassBuds on Twitter

Discount:

I wasn't able to nab a pair at this time for a giveaway, but I did score you an amazing discount! Use this code to get $30.00 off! - BB59809

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: No Monetary Compensation has been received in exchange for this post, however a pair of Bassbuds were sent to us for editorial consideration and to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. I am participating in this campaign via Fuelmyblog.com.

Nicole Miller Addison Crossbody Handbag Giveaway!

Nicole Miller Logo

Monthly Featured Handbag In The Spotlight Is Back! 

Butterflies my apologies, this is one of our longest standing regular Features (monthly since 2009) and because of my back-to-back hospitalizations the feature took a hiatus during the summer this year and this is the longest time that has ever elapsed without us featuring a new Handbag of the Month. I am super excited to be bringing this feature back! A HUGE Thank You to Nicole Miller, the bags sent to me for review arrived quite awhile ago, but with me being in the hospital I had to push back the Feature, so I thank them AND YOU so much for your respective patience.

I can tell you that it is going to be so worth the wait! Nicole Miller's team totally surprised me, when they sent me not one, but 5 bags! And because I made you guys wait so long, I'm giving you the Featured Bag which you will see after the review bags. Here is what I received:

Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch:

Top Left: Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Black closed, Top Right: Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Black Open to show organizational components and strap. Above: Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Teal - Don't you just love the rouching detail?

As a public transportation commuter here in New York City, I have always featured crossbody handbags and owned no clutches. I normally carry so much with me that clutches have never been truly practical for my lifestyle. But now as a blogger with many event invites and many of them cocktail evening events, I had been needing a clutch and was in the market for one when the amazing package arrived from Nicole Miller. The Lexi Techno Metal Clutches are fantastic, they have the chain strap which allows me to have my hands free when I need to, and they have a sophisticated styling that allows them to be paired with almost any evening outfit in your closet. A good clutch really is an Accessories Wardrobe Staple. Oddly enough my Grandmother and Mom both have an assortment of great clutches, and it's one thing I didn't have in my wardrobe until now. And I think Nicole Miller may have created a Monster, because now I find myself seriously looking at clutches!

The Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch is a Structured techno metal box clutch with rouching detail and an 18” drop down chain shoulder strap, distressed nickel hardware finish and a Clasp Closure.

Product Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.6" x 4" x 1.8"

Strap Drop Length: 18"

Weight: 13 oz

Material: Fabric/Polyester/Metallic Nylon/Elastane

Warranty: This manufacturer does not have a warranty

Linear Inches: 12.40"

SKU: NM200T

Catalog Number: CT38-208519

Nicole Miller Lexi Sting Ray Clutch

Lexi Stingray Clutch in Black and bronze, Top: Inner Organizational Lining

Black Stingray with Black Lamb Leather, It is a structured Box Clutch with Optional Drop Down Jewelry Shoulder Strap, this super snazzy clutch is all blinged out for evening! It’s the one you wear when you are making a statement with not only your Fashion Tastes but your Fashion Accessories as well. If any clutch can call itself ‘A Statement Clutch’, Nicole Miller’s Lexi Sting Ray Clutch certainly can.

And if you think it’s pretty in Black, check her out in Bronze!

Isn't  she a total chic showoff? ;)

The girl with no clutches, now has 4, and not just any four, four amazing wardrobe boosters in the Nicole Miller Lexi! Both the Lexi Techno Metal Clutch and the Lexi Stingray have received numerous compliments when I’ve worn them out on the town. I’m partial to the Techno Metal Clutch in the Teal, and while I love the Stingray in both colors, the Bronze really does stand out a bit more. And since my wardrobe does have a lot of dark colors, having the clutch in black is almost an essential.

Nicole Miller Handbags Addison Mini Crossbody 

Collage of Nicole Miller Addison Mini Crossbody bag with Bicycle Chain

  

And now, it’s time for YOU, I am giving you the bag that when Nicole Miller was asked about what are the hottest accessories shoes and bags of the season, she answered ‘My bicycle chain bags. I love them and they look really new.”

I have to admit I highly agree, there is something so punk and unexpected about the Addison Mini Crossbody bicycle chain handbag, it's that detail on the mixed strap, part bike chain, part leather, and it an almost silver and bronze color to the bag, it’s tough meets city chic in a way that totally works, it literally just ups the cool factor of your outfit 100%

Product Features:

• 25" shoulder drop.
• Bike chain crossbody strap.
• Magnetic closure.
• Distressed nickel hardware finish.
• Interior lining
• Inside features multipurpose slide pocket, slide cell phone pocket, and large zip pocket
• Mini embossed hamovey leather crossbody with bike chain strap detail

Product Specifications

Dimensions:

9" x 5.63" x 1"

Strap Drop Length:

25"

Weight:

1 lb, 3 oz

Material:

Leather Hamovey Embossed

Warranty:

This manufacturer does not have a warranty

Linear Inches:

15.6250"

SKU:

NM104B

Catalog Number:

CT38-208514

She asked us to share the Addison Bag with our readers which leaves me with the clutch bags. The ones way out of my comfort zone. But I have been rocking them at events lately and getting tons of compliments about them! This has totally re-shaped my attitude on the clutch style! I think 2013 will be me with more clutch style bags! (even if I have to carry a little less to pull it off!)

My Take:

I have greatly enjoyed being able to try out a wide variety of Nicole Miller handbag styles, they are fashion forward, well-designed and super stylish! I know you are going to love your bag as much as I do mine! You can check out all the photos in full size on our pinterest page HERE (and feel free to re-forward the giveaway graphic by pinning it to your wall for another extra credit by leaving us the link to your pin here as a comment, see pinterest board for full details on how to get a Pinterest method of extra credit for this giveaway)

You Can Win the Addison Bicycle Chain Crossbody by Nicole Miller in the Center!

Win It:

Follow the directions carefully in the Rafflecopter Widget below to gain entry. The main entry is super simple, make sure you are following via Google Friends Direct on the upper right hand side of the page and leave your Google Friends name and your email in the widget, easy peasy! That's the only mandatory entry, then we provide some fun and simple extra credits as a way of gaining more entries! You can actually tweet twice a day, but the widget will only let you write one tweet, so you can leave the second tweet as a comment entry! For those doing the vote extra credit, in case you have trouble clicking over to the page where you need to go vote, press HERE, then come back and leave the name you commented under and how much the vote went up to after you voted.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored giveaway, the sponsor, Nicole Miller, has provided handbags for review as well as providing a handbag for the giveaway. However, all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own!

Kardashian Kollection for @searsStyle during New York Fashion Week! #NYFW12

TGIF Butterflies! How did you all make out during Fashion Night Out last night? What are your highlights, best deals, and favorite scores?

I survived Fashion Night Out and got the chance to attend a special Bloggers Brunch today hosted by SearsStyle at Bagatelle Bistro in New York City!

For the most part I have always had a love/hate relationship with Fashion week, it's a non-stop event marathon, which on a good day can be exhausting, (the tired feet is the HATE part), but I love getting sneak peeks of Fashion Trends (definitely the LOVE part). I really love events where the Fashion that is presented is actually feasible and wearable, and I don't just mean budget wise. While some Fashions are very beautiful, not many are actually 'do-able' for most people in their day-to-day lives straight off the runway. I like Fashion that's approachable, I want to add pieces to my collection that I can wear to work, that make sense for events, and then even on weekends when I can be more casual, I still want style!

So when I received the event invite from SearsStyle I was definitely excited, I can't think of any city I have visited that I couldn't find a Sears, and I have one very close to home as well. While Sears is probably  the first name in mind when you are appliance shopping, or you may even think of them for your Automotive needs, they might not have been the first name that came to mind when clothes fashion shopping, but hopefully they will be now!

Much like Missoni for Target, where snagging exclusive pieces had them selling out in stores and on-line, Sears Style is hoping to achieve similar results with the Kardashian Kollection for Sears. Like the Missoni for Target collection, the Kardashian Kollection will also offer exclusive pieces that can only be found at Sears! The collection was designed by the Kardashian Sisters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney in conjunction with Jupi Corporation.

In fact the keynote speaker at the Brunch was Fashion Designer and Jupi Corporation President, Bruno Schiavi!

Here are some pictures of the Fashions:

I am totally digging the zig zag dress paired with that eye catching red handbag, how about you? Not sure if you can read the signs, the left side are Kardashian Kollection and the right side is Covington!

Had to get a closer shot of the dress and red handbag, under sunlight I see this dress truly requires a good slip! :)

If you are getting the strong feeling that Black, White and RED are my favorite color combos, you are RIGHT!

One of the event highlights? The Denim Bar, we got to go home with the Jeans of OUR choice from a very wide assortment!

The Jeans on the very left are fully REVERSIBLE, with animal print on one side and an indigo denim on the other side. BRILLIANT! If you love to travel but hate carrying tons of stuff, these are a lifesaver!

Don't you just love the denim in COLOR? I wish the red had been available in my size, I would have JUMPED on them for sure!

This shot of my Bloody Mary Cocktail taken at Bagatelle Restaurant was shot with my iPod, the ones above with my Kodak Camera!

I was awesomely surprised to finally find a great Bloody Mary Cocktail in the City as the best one I've tasted so far was at The Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, this one is just as good and WAY closer to home. By the way, the food, cocktails and service were wonderful at Bagatelle!

My Take:

The Kardashian Sisters understand how to design for Women with Curves, and the fact that they put this collection in Sears Stores makes it super affordable and accessible, it's a stylish collection that is well designed and works well no matter what your style, they also have a collection of handbags and accessories as well as bedding and items for home.

I may not be able to take you all to events with me, but hopefully via photos you can see the great events I get to attend through my eyes! Once Fashion Week is over, I'm really going to need a NAP! :)

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @searsStyle on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BagatelleNYC on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Kardashianpedia on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Kardashian Kollection on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like SearsStyle on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like BagatelleNYC on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Fashion Designer and Jupi Corporation President Bruno Schiavi on Facebook too!

**Don't forget to let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly!**

Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies, and Happy Fashion Week New York City too!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for my event recap! I will admit to being well fed and taking home a pair of jeans! (What's New York Fashion Week without Swag right?) ;)