Winner NEXT Giveaway

Thank you to all who entered the NEXT Giveaway.
I wish you could all be winners!

My apologies for the delayed winner announcement,
I meant to do this earlier today...

This girl is probably the luckiest girl I know. But she's also one of the kindest, sweetest girls I know.
Making her super deserving of all the giveaways out there.

Congratulations, KS! 

Random.org certainly LOVES you :)

xo

Ela

p.s. Be back in a few days!

Hope you're all having a great week!

NEXT Giveaway - CLOSED

"NEXT please"...words I absolutely love to hear when I've been waiting in a queue for an extended period of time, but it's also something I've been saying since my fabulous Black and White Stripe Jacket, courtesy of the stylish and generous folks at NEXT, arrived in the mail a little while ago. I LOVE it! And am already thinking about the next NEXT item I want.

um...the vent gave me a bit of an unchoreographed Marilyn Monroe moment there...

For over 25 years, NEXT has been one of Britain’s most popular brands – acclaimed for its mastery of classic contemporary style evidenced in the combination of outstanding design, great quality and true value. When NEXT contacted me and asked if I'd like to receive one of their Classic 5 I said, "heck yeah!!!" "Yes, please!!!"

{Classic 5}

I love all five pieces but was so drawn to the Black and White Stripe Jacket. Isn't it fabulous??? What's even more fabulous is that NEXT wants to give one of my readers a chance to win one of the Classic 5 pieces. And the best part, you get to choose which one you want!

For ONE entry:
i) Be or become a follower of this blog
and
ii) Tell me which of the Classic 5 you'd like to win. And how you'd wear it.

For an EXTRA entry:
i) In addition to above, post this giveaway on your blog, add it to your sidebar, or tweet about it, just make sure to leave me another comment telling me you've done so, with the link.

For ANOTHER EXTRA entry:
i) On a separate comment, visit NEXT online and tell me what your favourite item is. FYI, I am in love with their dresses!

Giveaway will be open till May 9th.
Winner will be picked via random.org and announced May 10th.

Open to US residents only.

Good luck, everyone!

xo

Ela

p.s. Canadian and International readers, stay tuned for a little something-something next week!
p.p.s. Thank you, sweet KS. I heart you.

Time Flies...Automatic Watch Giveaway (CLOSED)

As you know, I've recently published my 100th post. I started this blog just 7 months ago, in a way it seems like more time has passed because I've met some amazing people {yes you} that I feel like I've known for much longer. Yet in some ways, time has just flown by. But I suppose it's only because time flies when you're having fun!

I've loved reading each and every comment you've left me and I've loved visiting your blogs, seeing what y'all are up to and sharing in the going ons of your lives; the good, bad and notsomuch. Celebrating blogiversaries, milestones and birthdays...speaking of which, today Feb 15th is Mayra's special day, Happy Happy Birthday, love!!! Enjoy your day and show us how it's done banana style!

So, in celebration of the fabulous time I've had with you all, I've teamed up with the lovely folks at  Orient Watches Japan and am looking to give some fabulous arm candy to one lucky reader! I love the versatility men's watches offer because they look just as good {if not better :)} on a woman's wrist as they do on a man's. Trust me on this. So, I thought the Orient BEM5L003D Men's watch would be perfect. It's fully automatic, has a stainless steel case, is water resistant up to 50m and has day-date functionality. Plus, it'll look fabulous on you. 

YES YOU!!!

To Enter: Be or become a follower of my blog and tell me about a time you'll never forget.
For a 2nd Entry: Post this giveaway on your blog. Leave a comment telling me you've done so.
For a 3rd Entry: Tweet about this giveaway and leave me a comment with the link. 
Easy Peasy!
Open to US residents only.
Entries will be accepted until Feb 28 at 11:59pm EST. 
Winner will be selected randomly and will be announced on Monday, March 1st.

And if you can't wait to get your hands on one, check out Orient Watches Japan and see what else you'd love to don on your wrist.  One of my personal favourites is the Racing CFT0004B Model...the faces come in so many different colours, it's hard to choose which one I love most.

Good luck, everyone! And thank you for making these past few months so much fun.

xo Ela

p.s. To my International and Canadian readers, I promise I haven't forgotten about you. Something's in the works :)

Face It...

When I was little my mom always told me I'd be tall. Now, I'm taller. Than a hobbit. And toddlers. But that's about it. I had dreams of being a dentist. Surprised? I have an obsession with people having nice clean teeth. Now I find myself getting lazy about flossing once twice a day. It's time I face it, I will never be a tall dentist life knows what I need more than I do.

That said, I've also recently had to face that I:

• No longer, and doubt I will ever, have anything close to a six-pack again.
• The more I hit the gym, the more junk I need want to eat.
• Always seem to have the car on empty on the coldest of days.
• It will always rain or snow. The day after we get a carwash.
• Cannot sing. Even if SingStar tells me that I can. But at least I have fun trying.

Speaking of *faces*, a few weeks ago the gorgeous Clare asked if I would do a makeup post. "Sure," I said, "I'd love to!" Silly, silly me. Um, taking pictures with your eyes closed...a little harder than I thought. Never mind that I had no idea how to put this post together. Clare, here goes...

I start with moisturizer and M.A.C Studio Fix in C4, applied with a kabuki brush. 

I prefer it to a sponge.

Isn't math fun?
My brows aren't thin, the hair is just very fine so I fill them in with 

an angle brush and Brun eyeshadow.

 

Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion is seriously the best thing ever. Gives oomph to colours and great longevity - eye shadow lasts all day without creasing.

With the M.A.C. 224 brush, I apply Shroom from below my brow to my lash line, 

well into the inner corners of my eyes.

I apply Yogurt to my eyelids.

I apply GO the outer crease towards the middle of my eyelids, 

then use the 219 brush to line my lower lashes.

Apply Glamour Check! with the 219 brush to the outer corner of my eyes in a small V and take a wet angled brush to draw the shadow on as a liner at my upper and lower lash lines.

My super straight lashes get a boost from a curler followed by mascara. I've been a DiorShow girl but I'm loving Maybelline's Pulse Perfection mascara in Very Black.

Making a fish face and brushing M.A.C. Highligthing Powder in Golden Nectar below the cheekbones.

Smiling to apply the Gentle Mineralize Blush to just the apples of my cheeks.

Line lips with Rimmel Eastend Snob, add Blistex to moisturize, M.A.C. lipstick in Chatterbox and M.A.C. Dazzleglass creme gloss in My Favourite Pink.

That's it, got my face on!

To finish this post off, I am so excited to announce the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway is the one and only...

KS of While We're Waiting!!! I can't wait to see you in that dress!

Once again, thank you Shabby Apple! And thank you to all who entered! Don't forget, you can still get 10% off at Shabby Apple, simply use the code ExtraDots10OFF till Feb 27th. The discount is valid for International readers as well!

Happy weekend!

xo Ela
p.s. Anything you had to face recently?

Shabby Apple Giveaway (CLOSED)

Valentine's Day often sparks my need to wear red. Most years I resist...but then again, most years I cave. But whether Valentine's means a night out with the girls, or dinner with a S, I've always tended to wear a dress. This year, I'm thinking black. Perhaps with a touch of white. Right now, I'm crazy for Shabby Apple's 1943 collection, these in particular: 

Casablanca

 
I'm in love with the wide wrap-around collar and dramatic oversized bow 

that'll frame your neckline perfectly.

Paired with earrings and cuff via Forever 21, Valentino Clutch 

and Stuart Weitzman Platforms.

Bugle Boy

A gorgeous rossette blossom paired with a tweed skirt gives just the right amount of flirtiness. And I love a dress with pockets!

Paired with earrings and bangles via Forever 21, Tylie Malibu Clutch 
and YSL Divine Platforms.

Ingrid

 

The perfect mix of creamy ruffles and black sateen.

If V-Day fell on a weeknight, it'd make the perfect work-to-night-out outfit.
Paired with bracelet and necklace via Forever 21, Elie Tahari Platforms 
and Marc Jacobs clutch.

Another reason why I love these dresses is that I can throw them on without having to find that perfect tank top or cardi ~ I've got all my bases covered so to speak. Shabby Apple is a return to what dresses were always meant to be — a one-piece outfit. It's dressing made simple. I love this concept!
One more reason to love Shabby Apple? Shabby Apple is generously giving a dress to one lucky follower of Extra Dressing On The Side!!! This crisp cotton poplin Duck Beach

dress in Cherry Red can be yours, just in time for Valentine's Day! Contest closes February 4th. The winner will be announced on February 5th.

To Enter:

1. Be or become a follower. Leave a comment telling me if you follow via Google Friend Connect or via bloglovin'.

2. Tell me your favourite Valentine's Day treat.

3. Post on your blog or tweet about it for an 2nd entry. Leave a comment with the link.
4. Blog and tweet for a 3rd entry. Leave a comment with the link.
5. If you're not a regular commenter, please leave me your email so I know how to get in touch with you.

6. Open to US residents only.

And if that's not enough, Shabby Apple is offering my US/Canada/International readers 10% off until February 27th. Simply use the code ExtraDots10OFF, it's that easy! Happy shopping and good luck!!!

xo Ela

{dress images via Shabby Apple,  
jewellery images via Forever21, shoes and clutches via Shopstyle}

Cinched

Full Skirt Trench and Skirt Underneath - Winners, Belt - Versace (via eBay)

Boots - Diba/Bronx 

Whoever invelted the belt was a genius. It was probably invented to hold up pants, or wait is that suspenders? Regardless, I love belts because they add some definition to my straight figure, which by the way, Wiki defines as "Banana". Mmmmkay. Never quite thought I was built like a banana but then I found this [via Google Images]...

Yeah...I kinda see the resemblance. Besides, a certain banana I know is pretty cool so I'll take it ;)
I rarely leave home without a belt, especially when wearing flowy dresses or tops. I need to draw in that waist because there's nothing I despise more than hearing the words, "Oh my gosh!!! Are you pregnant?" 
Seriously, seriously??? 
Seriously, when I'm preggo, everyone and their grandmother will know. I'll be shouting it from the rooftops so puh-lease, get your hands off my belly and save your question for someone with an actual bun in the oven.

Awk...ward...moving on, the winner of my recent giveaway is Elaine from Clothed Much! Congrats, missy! I'll be sending you an email to get your info.
Thanks to everyone who entered. And I'll be having another giveaway  soon so stay tuned!

And I've also added some Gucci, Prada and Leather Goods to my online shop MyDesignerFinds.com so do take a peek! See something you like that's out of your budget? Make me your best offer and I may just take you up on it!

Happy Midweek Everyone!
xx Ela
p.s. Special Thank You to Clare at Clarabelle for the sweet shout out! BAH, forgive me for seeing this 6 days late. Thanks, hon :) And for those of you who haven't *met* Clare, you must! Get!

Hat Head

 

Fedora - Item (Boston)

 

Blazer - Vero Moda, Cotton Shirt - F21, Trousers - French Connection,  

Heels - Marc Jacobs, Bracelet - Vintage (via eBay), Faux Pearls - Thrifted

I'm pretty sure that one of the first times I ever tried on a hat, and considered buying it, was when I was 11 yrs. old. It was a big floppy purple one a la Blossom, do y'all remember that show?

I loved that show! Blossom was nerdy but cool and she was a good girl. I liked her. But I LOVED her best friend Six. I had never heard of numbers being names before, I thought she was soooo cool. Pretty much wanted to be her. Oh...and I also dug Joey, Blossom's brother. I'd actually let out an audible sigh at the very sight of him. And blushed just a little. Every time.

I remember watching the show and thinking how cool and "old" they were. How I couldn't wait to be as "grown-up" as they were. LOL, wtheck? Looking back, they were babies! Funny how things appear when they seem so far away...then you get there and realize, it's not at all how it appeared to be...

Anyway, I never did buy that purple floppy hat. Didn't think I could pull it off as well as Blossom. And knew I couldn't pull it off like Six could. I still think she's a cutie :)

Happy Weekend, loves!

xx Ela

If you haven't entered my giveaway, you still can till Sunday, November 15th!

Also, Friday the 13th is the last day to enter my SFAM's stachetastic contest! Go, go, GO! And it's our other SFAM's 29th+1 birthday this weekend! Harlot Johansson, please send Ryan over...NOW!

DIY - Bib Necklace and Giveaway (CLOSED)

My DIY skills are nowhere close to Maegan's. She's amazingly creative and talented. I'm pretty sure the crafts she brought home from Kindergarten are more astounding than what I can do now as a grown adult, but last weekend I gave some thought as to what would be easy enough for me to do. And came up with this...

 Cropped Velvet Blazer - Zara(ages ago), Belt - Vintage, Bib Necklace - DIY

Ring - Thrifted, Black 3/4 Sleeve Tee - Down East Basics

Tweed Trousers - Aritzia, Shoes - Coach

If you want to give this simple DIY a try... 

Get Yourself Some:

Ribbon, Scissors, Tweezers(for picking up small beads or flat embellishments), Glue, Glue Gun, Needle and Thread (if sewing on buttons or beading), Felt (for Front), Felt with Adhesive Backing (for Back), Buttons, Old Jewellery and Beads

You Need To:

1. Draw a bib outline or use an existing bib necklace to trace outline.

2. Cut out shape.

3. Play around with placement of beads, buttons, etc.

4. Once you're satisfied with placement, glue and/or sew beads, buttons, etc.

5. Cut two pieces of ribbon  to be used to tie around your neck. Give allowance to tie the bow.
6. Glue ribbon onto the back using glue gun.

7. Cut the adhesive felt so it's the same height as your bib necklace front felt, but wider.

8. Peel off the adhesive and place the necklace front onto the sticky side of the adhesive felt. You can move it around about but it's pretty sticky so be careful with the positioning. Once the top and bottom line up, pat down to secure.

9. Cut around adhesive felt.

Ta-dah!

 

[added more studs to fill the gaps]

I showed it to S as soon as I was done. His response: "pretty bib". And was beyond amused to learn I referred to this "craft" as a *bib necklace*. In his mind it's more *bib* than necklace. I know it's not perfect but it's made with LOVE! I made two so I wanted to pass one onto YOU, along with these stackable rings from H&M (approx. size 6/7)

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. For 2 entries, be or become a follower and let me know in your comment.
3. For 3 entries, spread the word on your blog and provide me with the link on separate comment.
4. International readers welcome.
5. Open till Nov 15th. Winner will be announced that week.
Also, NEW ITEMS available at My Designer Finds! 
Men's 7 for all Mankind Jeans, Metallic Sweater Tank and CK Jacket!
Plus FALL MARKDOWNS so do check it out!
Happy Weekend!

xx Ela

Feeling Savvy and Glamarous

I'm kind of in love with this Tolani scarf...

And have to admit it was love at first sight when I first saw it over at Savvy Mode when the savvy and stylish Savvy Girl (SG) and the lovely people at Chickdowntown were hosting a giveaway to win it. SG picked it for its Missoni-esque print, which is actually what it reminded me of too. Figuring it was too amazing to win, I was hesitant to enter but I couldn't pass it up. It's not often givewaways are open to us Canadians and I was enamored with this scarf. How incredibly excited was I to learn I had won?!? Thank you so much SG and Chickdowntown!!! I love it!!!

This is what awaited me when I came home Thursday night. Eek!!! It was like Christmas came early. Packaging is everything and well, that just hyped me up even more. I wanted to tear it open a la Tasmanian Devil but constrained myself and took a picture first. I ripped through gently unwrapped the tissue paper, and squealed like pig smiled like a kid that had just been given a second helping of ice cream knowing full well they didn't finish their dinner. Not that I pulled any strings to win this - only that I don't win giveways (HA, I can't say that anymore) so I felt a little guilty. Aside from the beautiful print, this scarf is soft, warm and perfect to nuzzle in on a chilly or windy day. Yet at the same time it's lightweight enough to wear in the Spring or on a chilly Summer night. And the best part, I knew exactly what I would wear it with first. SG had asked entrants to describe how they would wear it. I immediately envisioned one of my black leather motorcycle jackets, my eggplant maxi dress and tan boots. But make no mistake, I will be wearing it with everything.

Scarf - All Mine Tolani, Leather Moto Jacket - Ralph Lauren, 

Eggplant Maxi - Romeo & Juliet Couture, Boots - Seychelles

I've had this jacket for 8 years. I bought it the year I got my first FT job at an Ad Agency. Where I was paid with Monopoly money less than what minimum wage is now and splurged one day after work. People look at me like I'm lying whenever I tell them it's 8 years old when they ask, "Um, can you please tell me where you got your jacket?" But I'm all for sharing where to get the goods.
And this dress, since getting it in March, I've worn it twice a month every month. I figure I'll keep it up till the snow makes it impossible to do so.

Also, just before our trip to Arizona, this came in the mail. The lovely Nubia at Nubia's Nonesense hosted a giveaway. Little did I know that her idea of a "giveaway" meant she would give this super cute zipper headband away to every single person who entered. Yup, believe it. She works freelance for gla.Mar.ous and together they gave away this fabulous sequined number. They sell a number of amazing headpieces, buy yours here. Thank you, Nubia and gla.Mar.ous!!!

If you don't hate me already that's not enough, I also won a fabulous giveaway at I Know, Right? It's a lovely necklace Jennifer made herself and I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I'll be sure to devote a post to it because there are a multitude of reasons why I'm so happy I won it. Thank you, Jen!

Needless to say, I feel incredibly lucky and undeserving of all the goodies that came my way. Almost as blessed as I feel to have met some truly amazing people since starting my blog in June. Thank you to all my readers and followers ~ thank you, friends :)

Hope you all have a savvy, glamorous and lucky week ahead!

xx Ela

P.S. Giveway coming very soon...stay tuned!

Heat & It's Ugly Effects

[EDIT: Had to scale down the pics, they were massive]
I need you to take a look at this picture and tell me what's wrong with it.

Alright, I totally set myself up for that. I mean, you're probably thinking, "where do I begin?" So, I'm not talking about my head looking about 5 sizes too big for my body - they don't call me *lollipop* for nothing. I doubt you missed that...I'm wearing....only one earring?!?
WTHeck???
So basically my cousin J called me on my Bberry, I've got a terrible habit of cradling the phone between my ear and my neck. So, 40 minutes into the convo I realize, this isn't going to be a short call. I tell her *hold a sec* and remove the earring from my right ear. I get back on the phone and another 40 minutes later, hang up. And walk out the door. I didn't realize I pulled this *gem* until we got home.
While we were out S snapped some shots. I'm not quite sure if a) he noticed or b) he thought I was trying to make a statement {I'm a dork???}...either way, at least he documented my bonehead move.

Apparently, I'm on a roll with mishaps this week, I blame the incredible heat, here's what else I did:

• Drove to Goodwill. Parked. Popped the trunk. Realized the bag of clothes I was donating....still at home.
  

• Almost bought an "Encouragement" card instead of an "Engagement" card.

Good thing I decided to read it over before rushing to pay or I would've handed the bride & groom-to-be a card that said,
"May you remember the Lord is with you at this difficult time."

My cousin and her fiance would have been utterly confused. I know I was.
"What kind of an engagement card is this???" I thought.
Oh, and they probably would've been *slightly* offended.

{OK, I have a slight obsession with this tee from Zara, in stores now. I'd wear it everyday if I could. It's so nice and loose. Bangles & necklace, H&M}

{Excuse the funky toes. I loved the horizontal pleating on this thrifted purple skirt. Shoes are from Brown's, bought online here}

Oh and I didn’t forget, the winner of the Love Hangover Tee is the lovely Clare at Clarabelle! Congratulations, gorgeous!

Happy weekend everyone!

xx Ela

p.s. Does the heat have any ugly effects on you, or am I all alone here?