Browsing Category: Series

GIVEAWAY : $200 of East Dane giftcards

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I visit Shopbop.com everyday to see their latest offerings, because they add new items almost everyday. So, I already know that Shopbop recently introduced East Dane, their men’s counterpart that specializes in menswear and accessories for the stylish and fashionable man.

East Dane carries everything from sophisticated pieces such as briefcases and blazers all the way to fun and trendy socks and shorts. Not to mention, they have a great and frequently updated sales section with up to 50% off mens clothes and accessories.

So, to help you introduce yourself to this awesome site, I’ve teamed up East Dane to giveaway 4 giftcards valued at $50 each. All you have to do is the following 2 steps:

  1. ‘Like’ the Stained Couture Facebook fan page, which you can conveniently do in the right sidebar AND
  2. Comment below about your favorite item from East Dane that you would love to use the giftcard towards.

You can enter as many times as you like until the contest ends on Saturday, June 28, 2014. East Dane ships internationally, everyone can enter. Once the giveaway ends, I randomly select 4 winners. So….GOOD LUCK!

Stay Stylish!

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Weekend At Home: Flower Power

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Give me any time or occasion to buy flowers for my home, I will do it! Actually, I’m one of those people that will buy flowers just because I’m having a bad day and/or Kroger has a very beautiful and affordable bouquet of bright flowers. I’m supposed to buy them…right? Well, I usually do and I’m totally fine with that. However, keeping “fresh” flowers can become a little to tedious and pricey.

Well, I have some quick tips (some you might already know or don’t) that will help you preserve the your flowers a little longer and stretch your floral budget. I can’t wait until I get to the financial point in my life where I have a “floral budget”! Is that even real? I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out. Tip time!

  • Aspirin – This is an old tried and true tip. It is known and practiced of dropping one aspirin in your flower water to help expand the life span of your flowers by even up to 3-5 extra days, because they help kill the bacteria.
  • Prune the leaves – Before you place the stem in the water, remove the leaves. The leaves makes the water dirty and at times, can carry bacteria into the water that cuts the life span of your flowers dramatically.
  • Change The Water – This is kind of carrying on from the previous tip. Just like most living things, flowers need water, to flourish and sustain, and preferably clean water. So every other day or when you notice the water is getting dirty, empty the dirty water, rinse the vase, and add some fresh water (don’t forget the first tip above.)
  • Warm Water – Water is very important and not only does the water need to be clean, but also warm as the room temperature.
  • Trim – Every time you change your water, trim the stem a bit to help the flower to get more water.
  • Chill – Keep your flowers fresh by keep them out of heat and direct sunlight. Also, place them in the fridge overnight to keep them nice and cool.

These were just a few tips that I’ve heard about, tried, and found to be true. So, reference this list next time you have some fresh flowers to spruce up your home.

Stay Stylish!

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WEEKEND AT HOME: Raised Bed Gardens

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The previous renter of the house I live had quite the green thumb and even had an entire garden in the backyard. Unfortunately, my sister and I don’t, but have aspirations to have some kind of garden. However, since it’s just the 2 of us and we both have full-time jobs, we don’t really have the time nor need for a large garden. So, a raised bed garden is the perfect option for us.

A raised bed garden is basically garden beds raised off of the ground… duh. They usually have wooden borders but can be made with brick, stones, or any other material that can traditional garden beds are formed. You can build one, however, I’m looking to buy a pre-made one like the one by EMSCO GROUP above from Lowe’s.

So, if you want a garden, but not sure if you want a traditional garden, then a raised garden might be for you. Here are some reasons to get a raised garden.

  • More Manageable – You can choose the size of your garden, which is perfect for single living and small families. No need for a huge garden for a small amount of people…unless you’re in a giving or selling mood.
  • Portable – If you’re renting a home or apartment, planting a large and traditional garden might not be feasible. So, a raised garden bed is easy to pick up in go, in the case that you move residents occasionally.
  • Easy to Control – Having a raised garden bed allows you to put various barriers to help prevent pest and weeds.
  • Visually Pleasing – Depending on the style you choose, it can add a nice decorative look to your outdoor area, especially if your garden is full of colorful flowers or produce.

 

So, if you are looking for a small project to do this weekend, look into creating or buying a raised garden.

Stay Stylish!

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LUST-HAVE LIST: June 2014

long prom dresses UK

Congrats on making it to the halfway mark of 2014! Can you believe summer is practically here? Well, I can because I’ve had too many hot mess days thanks to the heat. Eh. So, I’ve been on this dress, simple shoes, and random casual bag kick with minimal makeup and jewelry. So, why not keep that going into June? Yeah. Here are some things that I’m lusting for this month.

  • Hamilton Beach Java Blender, $69, Target – A machine that brews hot AND iced coffee?! However, not just coffee, but also teas and smoothies!
  • Fallon Infinity Bent Ring, $175, Shopbop – I love this 2-fer ring that can be worn as a regular and midi ring in one.
  • Premium Leather Backpack, $200, TopShop – A white leather backpack seems so right for the summer. Shouldn’t we all have one?
  • MAKE UP FOREVER Aqua Matic in Iridescent Turquoise, $21, Sephora – A simple bright eyeliner and mascara can go a long way without the need for much more. Fun, flirty, and fast!
  • Garden Party Skater Dress, $22.80, Forever 21 – When I saw this party dress, I instantly came up with so many scenarios that I could see myself reaching for this dress this summer. Weddings, parties, BBQ, and even just running errands on the weekend. Countless…
  • Vince Niven Cutout Flats, $325, ShopBop – I’ve been contemplating buying a pair of Vince’s d’Orsay flats for the past month. However, that energy and contemplation went out the window as soon as I saw these hybrid of their d’Orsay with a wide strap. These shoes will look amazing paired with everything from shorts to dresses, to fun cropped trousers for work.

Stay Stylish!

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LUST-HAVE LIST: May 2014

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I’m feeling very adventurous or at least yearning to be a little adventurous, which I like to think is the same thing. Anyway, I’ve been embracing more colors and thoughts of more adventures and hobbies.

So, here are a few things that I’m lurking and lusting for this month. Dig in!

  • Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil, $18, Sephora – When the weather warms up, in regards to make-up, less is more. Less time and less product is my go-to motto and this creamy lip and cheek oil is the perfect product that will give you that naturally dewy look that every one tries to create.
  • Michael Kors Padlock Charm Necklace, $125, ShopBop.com – It’s pretty and would look great layered with other small necklaces.
  • Samsung Galaxy s5 – I have the Galaxy s3, which I really love, but it has ran its course and all the upgrades and new additions to this phone have me in awe and lust.
  • Dolce Vita Fiji Flat Sandals, $139, ShopBop.com – These sandals would look fab when dressed down and cute for a hot night on the town.
  • Suede Snake Embossed Luggage Bag, $160, TopShop – I plan to go on a girls weekend with my sister this month and my goal is to only pack one bag and this one from TopShop is super cute.
  • Crepe Woven Shift Dress, $32.80, Forever 21 – I want this dress! The versatility in this dress is all over the place. Perfect for day and night and would chic paired with strappy sandals or a classic pair of pumps.

Stay Stylish!

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