I'm sure I'll be the only one blogging about the Oscars

I feel like I just wasted 3 hours of my life watching the Oscars. And to erase that mess from my memory, I am now watching another mess of a show: Mob Wives. But gosh darn it, I love me some Mob Wives. That, and I have no shame when it comes to reality TV trash.

The majority of the Oscars were a total snooze fest, but I do have a few highlights:

1. Jen Lawrence winning then tripping on the stairs (bless her heart). I've been a fan of her since Hunger Games and to be quite honest, Silver Linings Playbook was THE only movie I saw that was nominated. I'm just bummed my boo, B Coop didn't win.
2. Ben Affleck's acceptance speech. I totes teared up when his wife was choking up as he thanked her. Presh.
3. Realizing Adele is the same age as Tay Swift. Let that sink in.
4. K Stew's arm bruise. I just don't understand how she can give so little of a care. No one forced you to be at the Oscars sweetie.

Legit, that's about all I took away from the Oscars. Oh yah, and these ladies, who are my top 5 best dressed:

 

Stacy Keibler giving us a flapper vibe in this Naeem Kahn dress (styled by the fabulous Brad Goreski #major)

J Law in Dior Haute Couture. Even though she tripped in this dress, I still love it. I loved her dainty necklace even more.

Naomi Watts in Armani. That cut out is fierce.

 

Sandy in a fully embroidered Elie Saab. She's fabulous and lives in Texas. Love her.

Jessica Chastain's Old Hollywood glamour Armani beaded gown. Not a color I'd think someone with fair skin could pulll off, but she totes did.

That's all folks. And that's 3 hours of my life I'll never get back. Who were your best (and worst) dressed??

Pretending it's FALL

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

While it doesn't exactly feel like Fall here in Las Vegas yet, I can pretend it is 70 degrees, the trees are losing their leaves and light jackets and scarves are required, right?

Unfortunately, my reality is that it's going to be in the upper 80s most of the week, the only trees I see are of the palm variety and a light jacket and scarf would have me breaking out in a sweat in a few minutes flat.

Regardless of my reality, I still had chili for dinner last night. See what I mean by pretending?

Kristina whipped this up last night. It was delicious.

I can live in denial all I want, but the truth is that I have been very jealous seeing all of you northerners Instagraming photos of your boots, leggings, sweaters and scarves. While I certainly don't envy your bitter winters, I do envy the fact that you get a legit Fall and its happening already.

Since life isn't fair and I can't actually wear all those sweaters, scarves and boots like some of you, I have done the next best thing and pinned Fall clothes like crazy. These outfits need to get in my closet right now:

All photos via my fashion pin board

I want all of those looks. Fall, please get here quickly so I can stop pretending. I like reality better.

Is it Fall where you are? Do you love this season as much as me? I, for one, live for it.

 

Friday Faves: The Resurrection!

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Guess who's back? Back again. Friday Faves is back. Tell a friend.

... Too much? I know.

The day has finally arrived. Friday Faves has been resurrected from its temporary blogger death. Its been too long so I'm just going to get right down to business. Here is what I've been loving lately:

McCafe Vanilla Iced Coffee

I hate trying something that's been around forever, loving it and then knowing I have missed out on it for that long. That's exactly the case with the deliciousness that is McDonald's McCafe Vanilla Iced Coffee. The best part? It's only $2.50 for a Large coffee and 270 calories. Not too shabby.

 

Francesca's tops for work

I love this top but mine is light blue

This was $34 but on sale for 30% off in the store.

The shirts above are two tops I got this weekend using my winnings from craps (a perk of living in Vegas). I was lusting all of their tops for the office and all of their full price tops and dresses are now buy one, get one 50% off in the store. If you don't have a Francesca's by you, check out their merchandise online here. Love this store.

Parenthood and Glee

Parenthood and Glee are back on the telly! I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you aren't watching Parenthood then you are seriously missing out. Best. Show. On. TV. Period. I have yet to watch an episode without crying. The characters are so relatable and I need Adam Braverman to be my husband in a bad way. He's perfection. And Glee, well, how can you not love Glee? It's unconstitutional not to.

And last, but not least, this shirt:

During the transition from Dallas to Vegas, I went a month without a paycheck. An entire month y'all. Needless to say, I was checking the couch cushions for pennies until last Friday when I finallllllly got paid. Hallelu-yer. My most favorite thing of all: this bish has money in the bank again.
What are your Friday Faves? Join the revival!

GIVEAWAY: G Wear by Carly Patterson tee!

As an ex-gymnast, I'm so excited about today's giveaway made possible because of my fellow Stella and Dot stylist Crystal!  Meet Crystal:

Crystal recently on the  WFAA Good Morning Texas set promoting the G Wear line!

Crystal and I are on the same Stella and Dot team, but she is also a sales rep for the Dallas/Ft. Worth based clothing line called G Wear and today we're giving away a "G Wear by Carly" USA shirt!

What's "G Wear"?
I'm so glad you asked!

The "G" stand for green because G Wear shirts are all-American, recycled couture! All G Wear shirts are 100% cotton and incorporate appliqués cut from recycled t-shirts purchased at local thrift stores. 

All G Wear shirts are cut, glued and sewn by hand making each shirt truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

What does former Olympic gymnast (and Texan) Carly Patterson have to with this?

Again, I'm so glad you asked!

This custom gymnastics fashion line has been inspired and created by Carly Patterson, World and Olympic champion. 

Carly, who serves as the National Director for the G Wear Gymnastics line, says it best:

“G Wear fashion shirts have become an enormous hit in the gymnastics community. Our shirts are being showcased in premier gymnastic events around the country and themed to support the U.S team.”

Speaking of premier gymnastic events, does it get any more premiere than the current Olympics?  Carly has been wearing G Wear tees (and Stella and Dot I might add) in London and on NBC's Today Show.  

Former Olympic gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Carly Patterson holding their G Wear Today Show shirts during 2012 Olympic press.  Do you spy the Stella and Dot Medina bib on Carly?  I do! 

Carly meeting fans at The Today Show

Carly in her G Wear hugging the current Olympic Gold Medal Women's Gymnastics Team!!

Carly and Dallas-based Kidd Kraddick in the Morning radio co-hosts wearing their USA G Wear tees!

Are you ready for your chance to win your own "G Wear by Carly" or G Wear tee of your choice?  There are tons to choose from, not just Olympic and gymnastics tees.  They have a fashion, sorority and sports line even!

To enter this giveaway, you MUST like G Wear on Facebook and the Bargain Blonde on Facebook.  

Once you've liked BOTH pages, leave only ONE comment with your Facebook user name below to enter to win the G Wear shirt!

Giveaway closes next Thursday, August 16 at midnight.  

Friday Faves!!!!!!!!!! [link-up bargainistas!]

Didn't we just have a lovely little health kick on The Bargain Blonde this week?  I've been loving all the feedback and support.  We can do this ladies!


In other news, it's Friday Faves timeeeeee!  I was out of town last week so there was no FFs ... sad face.  If you posted anyway, grab the button bellow and link your post from last week up in this post!  

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It pretty much goes without saying that the first thing on my list today is the fact that the movie Magic mother freaking Mike opens today!  Yes, I purchased tickets earlier this week and at 10:20 p.m. tonight, I will be in Channing Tatum ab-a-licious heaven.  I have not been this excited for a movie .... ever.  No shame in my game girls.  Bring on the thrusting!

Next up we have TV shows.  Anyone that knows me in real life knows that my obsession with gypsies runs deep.  I won't get into how bad my obsession is because quite frankly, you'd think I was a complete whack job.  So I will just tell you that after Magic Mike premiering today, the thing I'm looking forward to most this weekend is the premiere of The Stanley Sisters on TLC. 

If you've caught an episode of My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, then I'm sure you've seen Mellie Stanley (the wild one of the fam & my personal fave) and the gang.  Mellie and her sisters got their own spin-off show and there is a 2 hour premiere this Sunday.  Can. Not. Wait.

I don't remember how I stumbled across the blog "Moment Junkie", but it's a new favorite of mine.  The blogger posts pictures of you guessed it, moments caught at weddings.  They will melt your heart or make you laugh!  You have to check his blog out.

Photo credit: Sara K Byrne via Moment Junkie

Photo credit: J Wiley Photography via Moment Junkie

Below are 12 of my favorite Stella and Dot bargains from the week.  Right now we have a 4th of July sale and some of our jewels are an extra 20% off!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

This is my favorite nail art from the week c/o Pinterest. Do you not love the coral and gold together?  It's my mission to attempt this look.  Wish me luck.

Someecards make my life and I can't get enough of them. I wanted to put all my faves in this post, but I narrowed it down to two that were appropriate for this week considering I've blogged all about health and fitness.

True story 

True Story #2

That's alllll folks!  Every one better see Magic Mike this weekend so we can discuss on Monday!  Please and thank you.  Link-up below.

CupCase: A mini suitcase for your bras!

If you follow me on Instagram (@thebargainblonde), then you may have seen me post this picture last week with the caption, "My CupCase arrived today!"

Many of you were curious and asked what a CupCase was, so today I'm dishing because every cute, stylish bargainista needs one for when you globe-trot.  Or "state-trot" (I made that word up).  Mine arrived last week just in time for me to pack before heading off to Charleston, SC for the weekend and I'm sad it took me so long to discover this girly creation because my suitcase has been missing out.

First, let me show you the CupCase up close and personal.

via

So freaking cute, right?  Do you spy the diamond studded zipper pull?  DIE!

The aforementioned CupCase is exactly what the title of this post states: a mini suitcase for your bras!   And its purpose is to protect your delicate brassieres them from crimping, crushing and creasing in your suitcase. I mean, what will they think of next?

They come in several fun satin color shades (even leopard, rawrrr!) and you can order different sizes to fit your boobie size specifications: A/B or C/D. Pink is my favorite color, so naturally I went with the hot pink.

Here is my CupCase mid-pack:

You just unzip the CupCase, place your bra in with the straps hanging out, then place your second bra the opposite direction with straps hanging out too.  Once you've finished stacking, you tuck the straps in and zip up.

So I was packing and Reese (my precious 4-year-old nephew) came in my room after his bath to say good night.  He was VERY intrigued with the CupCase and insisted he help me pack.  He decided all off my swimsuit tops needed to go in the CupCase, so I let him pack away.  Be still my heart.

Now you ladies know if I'm loving it, then you know it's got to be a bargain.  They are only $24.95, holl-er!  And if you buy 5 or more, you get 20% off, so they are only $19.95.  I think a CupCase would be perfecto as Bridesmaid gifts or Christmas presents for your besties.  Here are some of the color options if pink isn't your thing.

Shop the collection!

There you have it! Now you all know what a CupCase is.  I love mine and I loved traveling with it.  I have to be super organized when I travel so this just made my life a lot easier. You can even put hair accessories, jewelry (Stella and Dot jewelry *wink wink*), thongs, etc. in your CupCase, so it's multi-functional.

If you're now dying to have your own, just go to the CupCase Web site, pick your color/size and it ships directly to you in a cute CupCase box. Now go get your CupCase on!

Do you live in the Charlotte area?! Boutique Grand Opening PARTY tonight!

Calling all of my Charlotte, North Carolina (& surrounding area) readers!!!!  Am I jealous of you!


The sassy and AFFORDABLE (all items under $100) women's boutique Vestique is having their grand opening party TONIGHT at their new Charlotte location and you, my rad readers, are cordially invited.


Be there or be lame.  Party starts at 5:30 p.m. and there will be cocktails to sip while you get to shop Vestique's fab selection of insanely affordable clothes - like we're talking $35 for pretty summer maxi's!


It will be an awesome night with a chance for all you fun, young women of Charlotte to mingle.


On hand will be the beautiful and stylish Bethany from the blog BSoup (Follow her if you don't already because she a fellow bargainista) to act as stylist/personal shopper and will be giving inspiration on how to style Vestique's amazing selection of clothes and accessories.  I mean, just look at some of the Vestique looks she's blogged this week. I die.

photo credit

To celebrate the grand opening, Bethany is giving away this gorgeous Vestique turquoise and gold necklace so be sure to check her giveaway out if you can't make the event.

 CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

But wait, there's more.  Professional make-up artist Lauren of "Flawless by Lauren" will also be in attendance to give mini makeovers to all guests at the party!  Yes, please.  

If you check out Vestique's Facebook page, you can find pics of the new store location, pics of the cute sales girls, and their newest inventory.  

I hope all of you Charlotte ladies can make it and if you do, take pics and give hugs to all the girls from Bargain Blonde.  I so wish I could be there! 

Vestique Charlotte

1532 East Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 910-6426

Five Friday Faves!

Oh, you fancy, huh?  Y'all like the new little logo I made for Friday Faves?  Would any one be interested in me making this series a link-up on Fridays?  Let this bargain blonde know and I'll make it happen.  We can spread our faves to all.

Bello Bangle /  Devi Bangles

Duh, I'm including Stella & Dot because guess what bargainistas?  I'm accepting outside orders on my trunk show until June 5 (just enter Lindsey Riggs as your hostess), which means there is still time to get your hands on some of our celeb-coveted jewels and be entered to win the serenity small stone drops for free.

I literally just ordered these bangles this morning and I cannot wait to get them on my wrists.  Is that Bello Bangle not to die?  Genuine leather, gold plated metal, Czech crystal and pyramid studs. I can't take it.  And I can't wait to pair those devi bangles with the renegade like so:

Gorge, right? 

e.l.f. studio blush brush and e.l.f. studio complexion brush

Last week I did a Lauren Conrad Look for Less for e.l.f.'s beauty blog (click here if you missed it).  To create the look, they sent me oodles of e.l.f. goodies and I have been using these two brushes every day since.  They are so freaking soft. If anyone uses anything but e.l.f. studio brushes, you're cray.  Since they are so cheap too, I cannot recommend them enough.

Right now e.l.f. has an amazing e.l.f. studio brush special online. On orders of $20 or more, you can get the 11-piece Studio Brush Set for only $3. Regularly $30, so you're saving 90%. NINETY PERCENT. Ridic.

Ariana Maxi Black (pictured) / Ariana Maxi Hot Pink

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen apparel from the boutique Kiki La' Rue all over our favorite blogs.  Rebecca, my friend and owner of the online boutique (based right here in Dallas) sent me this amazing Ariana Maxi to wear on the boat for Memorial Day.  I may have to wear it this weekend to a pool party, though, because I'm not sure I can wait.  I love it's sweetheart neckline and cinching detail under the boobs to slim your waist.  Yep, I'm pretty sure it's getting a trial run this weekend.

Old Navy Women's Sandals

Before I went to Hawaii, I picked up a few pair of sandals from Old Navy for the trip.  I had to list them in Friday Faves because they are so stylish and cheap and I've been wearing them every day.  I love pairing them with maxi's like the Ariana mentioned above and I am definitely getting some more to wear this summer because they are so CHEAP!  Most are around $15.  Style steal, y'all.

Pour one out for our Good Christian Bitches. Why ABC, WHY?  I almost shed a tear when I heard the devastating news that my new favorite comedy, GCB, was cancelled.  Say whhhhaaaaa???  I literally just blogged about GCB a few weeks ago in a Friday Fave post.   So many of you said you loved the show too, so I encourage you to go to www.savegcb.com to sign the petition to bring our favorite bitches back.  This is serious biz-nas.

What are you loving this week?  

Don't forget to let me know in the comments if you want me to make Friday Faves a link-up! TGIF.