Sunday Style & A Cheerfully Charmed Giveaway!

Dress: JUNIEblake, Necklace: c/o Cheerfully Charmed, Boots: Kohls (old)

Once again I am late getting Sunday Style up, I'm so sorry! This weekend was super busy. I helped out with my friend Catherine's baby shower (I baked and frosted over 100 cupcakes!) and I've been preparing for my sister's upcoming wedding (which is only 2 weeks away!). I keep thinking things will calm down, but they never really do...which is alright, because I actually prefer to stay busy! 

This week I have another exciting giveaway to share with you. The lovely people over at Cheerfully Charmed are giving away one of the super popular bubble necklaces that you see me wearing in these pictures.  I refer to these as the "Blogger Necklace", because every blogger and their dog seems to have one, haha.  I can see why though, they are really cute and spice up any outfit!  The giveaway is open to readers with a U.S. shipping address and will be open until October 5th.  You must be a follower of Modern Modest Beauty.  Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now on to Sunday Style! I'm excited to see what everyone has been wearing lately, so I would love if you would share your cute and dressy outfits! The rules are simple:

1. Link up to a specific outfit post, not your main blog page.

2. Grab a button and add it to your post (a text link is also fine).

3. Comment on this post and at least one other post...the whole point is to visit each other!

<a href="http://www.modernmodestbeauty.com/search/label/sunday%20style"><img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k223/jennyjellybean02/sunday-style.jpg"/></a>

Meet Carol from Chariot Designs

Today I want to introduce you all to one of my September sponsors, Carol from Chariot Designs.  I wanted us to learn a little more about her, so I had her answer a few questions for me:

1. How long have you been making jewelry? Why did you decide to open a shop?

I started making jewelry in November of 2011 as a way to relax and I wore them and people started commenting that I should sell them. So in February 2012 I opened up a shop but have only sold one necklace so far.

2. What is your favorite part of having a jewelry business? What is the biggest challenge?
My favorite part of the business is creating different pieces of jewelry. I get a good feeling looking at a finished piece of jewelry. My biggest challenge is advertising. I don't currently have a job so my funds are limited to how much I can spend.

Orange Shell Necklace | Purple Square Necklace

3. Where do you get your inspiration? 

I get my inspiration from going to the craft store and looking at all the beads. I can then picture myself making a necklace with certain beads and I buy those.

4. What can you be found doing when you aren't making jewelry? 

I really consider jewelry making to be a hobby. I am currently working as an extern at a medical billing office, but I am going to be hired when my externship is up in the next couple of weeks. 

Purple Key Necklace | Red Bead Necklace

5. What are your goals for the next year? 

My goals for the next year are to continue working at the medical billing office and make jewelry in my spare time. 

I hope you will take a moment to go check out Carol's shop and see more of her jewelry creations.  You can also find Chariot Designs on Facebook.  Go say hello and wish her luck on her new medical billing career!

Also, I wanted everyone to know that I'm sharing my favorite time-saving beauty tip over at Blissful and Domestic today, so go check it out! 

ElisabethSpace Jewelry: Guest Post & Giveaway!

ElisabethSpace Jewelry was born out of a desire to create with the stones, rocks, and minerals I've loved since I was a child. After coming home from an impromptu visit to my first bead show back in 2005, I found myself with a heap of beautiful stones, but no knowledge of what to do with them - buying stones for their inherent beauty seemed like a perfectly reasonable thing to me. After staring at the beads and rocks for 3 months, I decided to try to cobble something together, hoping it wouldn't fall apart while wearing it. As luck would have it, that first necklace was a success (one that I still wear to this day, pictured above) and I was hooked.

Aquamarine Earrings / Amethyst Pendant / Beaded Quartz Earrings

Even though I never assumed this would be my life's path, I've been fortunate enough to be my own boss since 2010, focusing on jewelry and the inner-workings of a small business, day in and day out.

Aquamarine Earrings / Brass Fringe Earrings / Green Statement Earrings

  The metal tumbler & soldering pickle pot (yes, that's a thing!) might get left out on the kitchen counter and what was once a dining room is now my chaotic studio. I feel fortunate that my home life and work life are so visibly, deeply intertwined, allowing me to never forget how grateful I am for being able to do what I do on a daily basis.

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Don't you think Elisabeth is extremely talented?!  I personally love to make jewelry (just for fun), but I don't have the skill or patience necessary to create these gorgeous pieces.  You can tell that she pays attention to every little detail and really cares about her customers being happy with their purchases!

Elisabeth wanted to give you the chance to win something from her shop and she thought you all would love these pretty star earrings, so one of you will be winning a pair of these cuties!  The giveaway will be open until September 30th and is only open to those with a U.S. shipping address.  Make sure to use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Also, make sure you check out the Jennifer Leigh Blog Giveaway, the DownEast Basics Giveaway, and the Julep Maven Giveaway! If you haven't noticed, I like giveaways!  I get all excited when someone wins :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Jennifer Leigh & a Giveaway!

Meet Jennifer.  We share a name, so that alone makes me think she is pretty great!  You can find her over at Jennifer Leigh's Blog, where she writes about her latest fashion finds, beauty products (she is really making me want to sign up for all of those monthly beauty/accessory boxes), her career and her life in general. 

This is Jennifer's cute husband.  They live in New York City, where she works in media planning and he is preparing for medical school.  I'm pretty jealous...I would love to live in New York City!  So much great food and shopping, plus there is always something fun to do there.  However, my husband is from the country, so the chances of that happening are slim to none.

We better not forget this little cutie...their Yorkie named Suki!

I hope you guys will all go check out Jennifer's blog.  You can also find her on Facebook, Bloglovin', and Twitter.  Jennifer has offered to give away one month of her "Park Avenue" 200x400 ad spaces to one of you lovely readers.  The giveaway will run through September 29th and is open to anyone (You must be a follower of Modern Modest Beauty to be eligible)!  Make sure you enter using the Rafflecopter widget below...good luck and make sure to go say hi to Jennifer and follow along! Oh, and make sure to also enter the DownEast Basics Giveaway and the Julep Maven Giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Manicure Monday: Leopard Nails & Julep Maven Review/Giveaway!

I am SO excited for Manicure Monday today, because I have a super fun tutorial for you! I'm guessing you've seen all of the amazing leopard print nails on Pinterest.  Well, guess what? They are actually pretty easy to do...just slightly time consuming! I received a Julep Maven box to review (I will tell you more about this great program at the end of the tutorial), so I wanted to come up with a fun way to showcase the nail polish they sent me.  I have been too scared to attempt leopard-print before, but I'm so glad I finally did! Here is how to get the look:

Start by painting a base coat.  I used Julep's hot-pink "Eva" on all my nails, except the accent nail.  For my ring finger I chose Julep "Sienna", a gorgeous and shimmery gold (looks silver in some lighting).

Next, paint on some irregular-shaped spots in a contrasting color. You don't want them to be perfect.  As you can tell, I used too much polish on the accent nail spots...it's ok though, I just had to wait a bit longer for those to dry.

Now, you want to paint around the spots with a dark color.  Just place the polish around two or three edges of the spots, don't paint a full circle around them.  Add a couple random dark spots to fill in  some empty space.  

When I was at Walgreens the other day, I found a great black nail polish from Sinful Colors, called "Time Off". It was in a Halloween display and it's specifically made for nail art (it has a skinny brush built-in). This makes it SO much easier.  There are also nail art pens, which I haven't tried yet, but I imagine they would be even better.  If you don't have a skinny brush or nail art pen, you could just use a toothpick. 

Now, just add a clear top coat and you are done.  Mine didn't turn out perfect, but I love the fun leopard-print look and I will definitely be doing this again!  

Ok, let me tell you more about the Julep Maven program.  First, you take a little quiz to determine your style.  Each month there is a different box to choose from in 5 categories: Boho Glam, American Beauty, Bombshell, Classic With a Twist, and It Girl.  I love dark, vampy, sparkly nail colors...so I went with the Bombshell box.  The nice thing is that you can choose one style to start off with, then change it the next month if you want.  You also have the option of skipping the month, or you could even have it sent to a friend at no extra charge.  Here is what came in my September Bombshell box:

There was a hot pink nail polish ("Eva") and a shimmery gold foil ("Sienna").  The gold really looks silver to me in most lighting, but either way it is beautiful.  Also included was a moisturizing Pedi Creme, which I haven't yet tried (I can't wait to test it out though, because my feet need a pedicure...bad).  Each box has over $40 worth of product included, but only costs $19.99 each month (including shipping).  I think this is a great deal for what you receive.  I would say the quality is comparable to my Butter London nail polishes (which are my current favorites). 

Well, guess what?  You all have the opportunity to try out a Julep Maven box for only 1 cent!  Yes, you read correct...one penny.  You can cancel at any time too, so I honestly don't see why you wouldn't give it a try!  Just visit Julep.com, enter promo code MODERNMODESTBEAUTY at checkout and all you will have to pay is 1¢.  Also, Julep Maven is giving away a free box to one of you lucky readers!  The giveaway will run through October 8th and is only open to those with a U.S. or Canadian address.  Make sure to enter using the Rafflecopter widget below and good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Style & DownEast Basics Giveaway

Skirt: c/o DownEast Basics, Lace Top: Kohls (similar), Cardigan: Target, Shoes: Kohls

Oh, you don't walk down deserted country streets in painful high heels?  Weird, I thought that was normal.  Hmmm...either way, how adorable is this skirt?!  I love the combination of polka dots and bows.  It makes me feel so girly!  DownEast Basics is one of my absolute favorite places to shop, because of their great selection of modest clothing.  I love that I can feel comfortable in what I am wearing and still feel cute! 

Since all of you lovely readers are already here to check out (and hopefully link up to) Sunday Style, I thought it would be super fun to also have a giveaway.  And this one is GOOD.  One of you lucky ducks is going to win an item of your choice from DownEast Basics!  The giveaway is only open to those with a U.S. address and will be open until September 29th.  Just make sure to enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, on to the party! Let's see those cute, dressy outfits of yours! Here are the 3 simple rules:

1. Link up to a specific outfit post, not your main blog page.

2. Grab a button and add it to your post (a text link is also fine).

3. Comment on this post and at least one other post...the whole point is to visit each other!

<a href="http://www.modernmodestbeauty.com/search/label/sunday%20style"><img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k223/jennyjellybean02/sunday-style.jpg"/></a>

The Flu, a Style Crush and New Sponsor Spots

I apologize for my lack of posts this week.  I was hit with a bad case of the flu (a huge thanks to my sponsors for providing you guys with some great reading material while I was out of commission!).  Being sick is the worst.  Throw in two little kids running around the house and a husband that has been working 18-20 hour days...yeah, it was fantastic.  The good news is that the flu has passed and I'm pretty much back to normal.  In other news, I am SO EXCITED that today I am being featured as the "Style Crush" over at GBO Fashion!

  

I absolutely LOVE Shannon's blog...not only is she super stylish, but she is also hilarious! Seriously, how could you not adore someone who posts awesome blooper pics all the time?

Yep, she is the best.  Go check it out.  Also, I have revamped my sponsor system and I am now accepting ads for October.  All sponsor spaces will be the same size (200x200) and rotated for equal exposure.  Oh...and there will only be 8 spots each month, so I can actually have time to promote all of my lovely sponsors!  You can see all the details on my Advertising page, or you can buy a space below!

GroopDealz Target Gift Card Giveaway!

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that I love a good deal.  I am so excited to tell you about an amazing "deal of the day" type of website, www.GroopDealz.com.  Maybe you have already heard of it, because it has become pretty popular...and for good reason!  Here is how it works:

GroopDealz has all kind of adorable items: jewelry, accessories, baby products, craft supplies, cute home decor and more! The thing I love about this site it that it features smaller boutique shops! Here are some of my favorite items they are currently selling (note: by the time you read this they may have already sold out):

Shine Project Threads Bracelet

Vintage-Inspired Coin Purse

Teardrop Necklace

Today the lovely people over at GroopDealz are giving away a $25 gift card to Target!  Ummm...who doesn't love Target?  It's probably my favorite store, so if you happen to win (and for some crazy reason hate Target) feel free to send it my way, haha.  

The giveaway will be open until September 25th and anyone can enter!  Make sure to use the Rafflecopter widget below...good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wardrobe building tips from Fashion Utah

Hello Modern Modest Beauty fashionistas! September is such a great month. The weather is changing, we’re pulling out fall gear and for me it marks the anniversary of a special experience I had while working in Hollywood.

You see, I was styling a celebrity client who was undergoing some scrutiny in the tabloids. The woman was beautiful, posed and a dear – but her self-esteem had taken a dive due to one bad publicized shot. As a tear streamed down the woman’s face, her make-up artist turned to her and said, “girl, don’t let them get you down. You wore one bad thing. Throw it out and be done with it all.”

Fashion can change us, but before it does, we have to learn how to work with it, so today I want to cover some basic tips for building a wardrobe. I’m not talking fit and color here (we’ll save that for another day). Instead, these tricks will teach you how to fill your closet with items that both work for you and save you money in the long run.

So here goes:

Spend your money on the classics.
We all love to get great deals, but there are a few items you shouldn’t cheap out on (unless of course you find it on an amazing sale). This principle is applied to what we call “classic” clothing, which includes that perfect pair of jeans, a great blazer and that LBD. These items have timeless cuts that fit your body well. They are usually less ornate and are the staples to your wardrobe. Don’t think that this means you can’t buy colored jeans or trendy items though. Just spend less on the trends; after all, you only get a season or two to wear them.

Live by the rule of three.
It is a rule you’ve probably never heard of, but if you are truly interested in building a wardrobe - not just outfits - make sure that everything you buy can be worn with three other items in your closet. Some stylists will suggest you only need it to match two items, but I prefer three as it gives you flexibility and really makes you think about your closet. Case in point: Who here hasn’t bought a super cheap item and never worn it? *Raising Hand* At least I know someone at Goodwill is appreciating my brand new shirt (tag still attached). If you are on a budget this is the quickest scheme to make you throw your cash down the drain. If you live by the rule of three, you’ll buy less clothing and it will be wearable with what you have. Plus, it expands your creativity! Who doesn’t like figuring out new ways to mix and match?

Accessories are your quickest update.
Confession: I have a jewelry problem. I could buy a new piece of jewelry daily and it wouldn’t be enough. While I’ve always loved accessories, my true addiction began when I started to understand this rule: if you need a quick, cheap way to rock a trend – go with jewelry and accessories. Since we build our wardrobe around classics, we need a cheaper way to work in new trends, seasons and color. If you’re afraid to try a new trend (for example my battle with neon this summer), accessories will help you ease in. They also create great focal points for your wardrobe and are a cheap way to change an outfit’s look.

No matter your style, consider taking your fashion from outfits to wardrobes. Hopefully these beginning tips will give you a great place to start as you try to refine your look and your closet. Just remember, if you get home after a long day and your shirt just didn’t work, girl, don’t let them get you down. You wore one bad thing. Throw it out and be done with it all!

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I think these tips are fantastic!  I know I'm guilty of buying things that seemed like a great idea at the time, but then I later found out they went with nothing else in my closet.  Finding a great deal on something is going to be a complete waste of money if I am never going to wear it!  Thank you so much Fashion Utah for this great lesson on building your wardrobe.  Make sure to check out the Fashion Utah website, as well as their Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

P.S. Make sure to enter the Cents of Style giveaway and the Nest Building 101 giveaway!

Guest Post & Giveaway: Nest Building 101

First off, thank you so much to Jenny for letting me invade her space today! ;)

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

My name is Carlia and I'm the voice behind Nest Building 101. What started out as a way to journal and vent my frustrations about dealing with infertility (after 9 years, we finally have our baby boy!) has since turned into my creative outlet and sanctuary.  I blog about thrifting, DIYs, photography, tutorials, my continued battle against infertility (trying for #2 very soon), my family, and random things here and there.  One of my favorite things on my blog is the great 100 day challenge, in which you set a goal of something to work on for 100 days (anything from fitness to reading - whatever you want to work on) to better yourself.  The first challenge is ending this month and the next is starting october 1st.  Be sure to join us!

Anyway, today i'm going to share one of my favorite thrifty transformations. I bought this sad guy for $30. needless to say, he needed some major work.

Over just one weekend, i brought him back to life!

It was really simple, too! here's what i did...

I painted the body black then painted the drawers white.

Then i used my Silhouette SD (similar to a cricut) to cut out several stencils using a really heavy cardstock. (you can also purchase stencils at your local craft store.)

Next, i used a spray adhesive, just on one side of the stencils, let it air-dry for a few seconds to make it tacky (not too sticky, so that it would work as a temporary adhesive), and lined them up on the drawers, being sure to press down firmly.

After that, I spray painted the drawers black.  The outline left by the stencils was great, but needed some touching up, so I decided to go ahead and go over all of it with some white paint and a very small brush. (Sounds worse than it was.  It actually didn't take that long and was something I could do while sitting in front of the TV.)

I replaced the old handles with knobs that I bought at lowe's for only $2 each.  I wanted to go with something simple, but that would also accentuate the retro feel of the pattern.  I think these accomplish that perfectly!

The whole thing came together so well and i spent less than $50 from start to finish!

Be sure to check out my DIY series called cheap tricks!  There are several more that I'll be adding soon, too!

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Isn't that dresser gorgeous?!  I need Carlia to come over to my house and decorate for me...I am seriously lacking in the cute house department!  I'm so glad to have Nest Building 101 as my featured sponsor this month...I know you will love this blog as much as I do, so make sure to go say hello and follow along!  Plus, today Carlia is giving away 2 beautiful handmade necklaces, which means there will be 2 winners!  Make sure to enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  The giveaway will be open until September 22nd and is only open to those with a U.S. shipping address.  You must be a follower of Modern Modest Beauty to be eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Manicure Monday: Pretty Serious "Nightmaren"

I very rarely wear red nail polish. I'm not really sure why, because it is such a classic color and looks great with everything! Today I am wearing a gorgeous red polish from Pretty Serious, called "Nightmaren". This color is a part of the new "In the Night" collection, which Pretty Serious launched just a couple weeks ago.  It has a golden shimmer that looks stunning in the sunlight.  Because of the gold tint, I think that this is the perfect shade of red for Fall!  

There are 5 other lovely colors in the new collection.  I think the gray color "Dream Delight" looks really fun (of course I would think that...I love glitter!).  Pretty Serious nail polishes retail for $9.95 AUD and they ship internationally.  You can purchase them directly from pretty-serious.com.

What color is on your nails this week? Oh, and be sure to enter the Cents of Style Giveaway!

(Product was sent for review)