Here's To a Happy New Year - 2015!

Normally, I try to avoid doing this when a new year rolls around but I figured this year would be the one and only exception.

For the past few years, I've been going through this transition with myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially (have I used every -ly word that I can to describe this change?). What I'm trying to say is that it took me a long time to find myself and basically what really made me happy as a person. Just me. Not anybody else. Not my boyfriend, not my parents, not my family, not my friends, not my boss. Just me.

While I'm sure I haven't fully figured that out 100% yet and I'm still trying to find a balance for myself in the real world, I am excited about the progress that I've made so far and everything that I have planned for myself, my career and for you all!

So with that said, here's looking at 2015!

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xoxo1

Shoedazzle Durant Crossbody Bag - Izabella Rue

Dazzle your family this holiday season with the Durant crossbody bag by Izabella Rue! Personally I'm a big fan of the color and the braided stitching.

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Available for $39.95 VIP / $59.95 Regular

xoxo1

How to: Score a $150 bag for $10

Yes, you read the title correctly.

This week's how to is dedicated to all of my shopping habits. More specifically, my "I may look like I'm balling with all of my clothes and accessories but in reality Sallie Mae owns me". Sigh, the struggle of being a college graduate. Needless to say because my monthly shopping budget for clothes is very tight, I have learned how to stretch a little a long way...a very looooooooong way. Take this Audrey Brooke Leather bag for example:

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This spacious bag is crafted from beautiful genuine leather that would normally retail for $149.95. However, I was able to snag a brand new one for just $9.94.

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Ok, fine. So it was $10.80 after taxes.

And that's my big secret as to how I was able to grow quite an extensive collection of items in my closet. Find the same items but just spend less o f my money on them. Now how do we do that?

How to shop better? Step 1: Don't sleep...ever. I'm not sure if it is a computer generated process or a person updating a website anywhere from 2:00 to 7:00 AM EST but the best deals that I have ever purchased have usually come about because I'm having a case of insomnia and awake window shopping on websites. Step 2: Don't leave your computer to get food or go to the rest room. Seriously, $10 for $150 satchel? I think I'll hold it. Step 3: If you have to waiver away from step 1 or 2 for any reason, have a dedicated partner that will pick up your shift. Our Bae's and BFF's have to be good for something, right? Step 4: Have your credit card numbers memorized. You really shouldn't have to be fumbling around with your wallet at 3:00 AM. Step 5: Make sure you shop around all of the different categories on the website. You never know when something good maybe getting added. Step 6: Make friends with me. In case you see anything in a size 10 pop up, you can call my cell or better yet just buy it for me. ;-)

In all honesty though, I usually get a lot of deals by just being lucky and having an amazing circle of shopping addicts that like to share their recent steals as well. So make sure to follow me on social media. Check the links below!

xoxo1

Shoedazzle + Barbie Giveaway Winner(s)

Congratulations to the grand prize winner of the Shoedazzle + Barbie giveaway - Instagram follower @Smizod! You have just won a $50 Forever21 giftcard, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle.com and a MAC Cosmetics Pleasurebomb lipstick. It's the perfect prize pack to style yourself as the Barbie girl!

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I also decided to give away two $5 Amazon.com giftcards to followers Roxanne Oudie and Melissa Shoelover just for participating so congratulations as well ladies!

Don't forget to stay tuned to my social platforms for more updates!

xoxo1

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JustFab Annual Brand Ambassador Event

I hope you all had a beautiful start to the new week! You might be able to feel the happiness that is seeping through my keyboard and onto your screen as you read this. Yes, happiness waves!

I had an amazing weekend and I couldn't wait to come back and share with you guys. So prepare yourself for a picture heavy post.

As a brand ambassador, I have the opportunity to work exclusively with brands on their social media and marketing teams in an effort to reinvigorate the brand and make it relevant and exciting to targeted consumers. In order to do that effectively, it is a necessity that you have a thorough knowledge and passion for the brands that you're representing. So it should come as no surprise that I represent some of the best shoe companies and shoe clubs in the world.

This weekend, JustFab held it's annual Brand Ambassador event in New York City. Ambassador's from all over the world traveled to the city that never sleeps and it was nothing short of amazing. The event started Friday night with a Meet & Greet at La Biblioteca. There were cocktails, appetizers, tons of laughs and of course great fashion shoes.

The next day, everyone met up in Soho for a fun afternoon of team building activities. The Ambassadors were given a challenge to go out in the city and style an outfit for a mystery shoe. However, the catch was that each team was only given $40 to spend to create a stylish outfit with as many pieces as possible. That may sound like a challenge to some but being in New York, my team was able to put together two outfits with tons of accessories and still have change left over!

Once the challenge was completed, we all headed over to Dashing Divas for manicures and pedicures with a catered lunch by Cosi and drinks from Skinny Girl Cocktails!

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I wish you were all there to join me but I did manage to bring some goodies back for a few special readers...

xoxo1

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Shoedazzle + Barbie Giveaway Ends Tonight!

Tonight's the night! Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win a $50 giftcard to Forever21, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle and one Riri Hearts MAC Pleasurebomb lipstick!

These prizes were specifically chosen so you can style yourself to be a Barbie girl! So here’s how this giveaway will work…

Rules: 1. Follow me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets [Mandatory] 2. Repost the above giveaway picture and use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW – [Mandatory] One entry 3. Create an outfit – [Optional] One entry – You can use Polyvore or whatever other program you like. Make sure you use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see it. Of course, I’d love to see an outfit with any Shoedazzle shoes! 4. You can earn two entries once a day until the close of the contest. Meaning you can enter everyday – once by reposting the giveaway photo and again by posting your styled outfit. Again, use #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see your entries. 5. Your profile must be set to public. I can’t stress this enough. If your profile is set to private, then I can’t see your entries and well you can’t win! 6. Open to the United States and Internationally. 7. Participants must be 18 or older. 8. If you’re entering you must have an account at Shoedazzle so that I can order your credit. If you don’t, then you can choose one item for $39.95 and I will have it shipped to you. 9. Contest ends Monday, September 15th at 7:00pm EST. At that time I will verify entries and a winner will be chosen randomly. 10. Have fun, stay stylish and remember to dream big!

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xoxo1

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The Week in a Recap

Well, this has been a very eventful week. My head is still spinning from trying to navigate my schedule around work, fashion week and all of the events, parties and deadlines that surrounds one of the biggest weeks in New York. Despite the long hours, no sleep and the humongous pile of clothes, accessories and make up scattered throughout my room, one thing remains the same... this week has been awesome and I can't wait to bring you more news on the fashion and beauty trends during Spring 2015 Fashion week!

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xoxo1

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ShoeDazzle's Stiletto Society at the Barbie & CFDA Fashion Lounge for NYFW

Happy Monday Loves! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and are thoroughly enjoying New York Fashion Week!

This past weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Barbie & CFDA Fashion Lounge for New York Fashion Week as an Ambassador for Shoedazzle along with a fellow Socialite Marsha from Marshbarscloset. Celebrities like Bree McLaughlin, Perez Hilton, Ruthie Davis and more stopped by the Barbie Inspired Lounge to see the ultimate glam girl herself!

The event was held to celebrate designs by Whit, Cynthia Vincent, Charlotte Ronson, Tess Giberson and Rebecca Taylor for Barbie. For two days, Fashionistas from all over traveled to the center of the meat packing district in New York City to celebrate fashion and get a glimpse into Barbie's world and inspirational style.

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I'll admit it - Barbie has the closet that every fashionista dreams of, however, the one part of it that I wish we would see more of is her shoes! Maybe one day during another fashion week show...

But until then I have a surprise for you all! After attending such an inspirational show and speaking to a ton of shoe fanatics, I've decided to host a special giveaway in honor of Shoedazzle and Barbie!

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I'm giving one lucky Fashionista a $50 giftcard to Forever21, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle and one Riri Hearts MAC Pleasurebomb lipstick! These prizes were specifically chosen so you can style yourself to be a Barbie girl! So here's how this giveaway will work...

Rules: 1. Follow me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets [Mandatory] 2. Repost the above giveaway picture and use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW - [Mandatory] One entry 3. Create an outfit - [Optional] One entry - You can use Polyvore or whatever other program you like. Make sure you use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see it. Of course, I'd love to see an outfit with any Shoedazzle shoes! 4. You can earn two entries once a day until the close of the contest. Meaning you can enter everyday - once by reposting the giveaway photo and again by posting your styled outfit. Again, use #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see your entries. 5. Your profile must be set to public. I can't stress this enough. If your profile is set to private, then I can't see your entries and well you can't win! 6. Open to the United States and Internationally. 7. Participants must be 18 or older. 8. If you're entering you must have an account at Shoedazzle so that I can order your credit. If you don't, then you can choose one item for $39.95 and I will have it shipped to you. 9. Contest ends Monday, September 15th at 7:00pm EST. At that time I will verify entries and a winner will be chosen randomly. 10. Have fun, stay stylish and remember to dream big!

xoxo1

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Lost Your Inspiration?

Lately, I've been feeling a bit torn on which direction I should take when it comes to my career in publishing and media. Should I focus more on the writing and editing aspect of the industry or should I channel my efforts into the creative side of styling and photography?

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"Life's full of tough choices, ain't it?" - Yes, I mock myself in Disney character voices!

Anyway, until I figure my next move out, I'm doing what any working, fashion conscious, soon-to-be 28 year old would do....spend money! :-) At least this time it's money that is being well spent on research.

xoxo1

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Happy Labor Day Weekend!

I hope you all have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

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Outfit Details:

Pants: Elissa - Nevermind by #Paperfox exclusively on ShoeDazzle Shoes: Kavia on Shoedazzle Shirt: Obey Sleeveless t-shirt Bag: Bnora by Shoedazzle Blazer: Forever new lindsay double zip blazer Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics Riri glam I Earrings: Wild Wing by Shoedazzle Nail Polish: Christian Louboutin

xoxo1

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JustFab's Royal Treatment

It's Wednesday and even though I feel socially obligated to post/wear pink (ode to Mean Girls) I had to break with that to show you a picture of my new handbag and shoes from JustFab.com!2014-08-19-07-35-22_deco

I love the color and it's perfect for my transition into fall!

Shoes: JustFab Charella Bag: Justfab Champion

xoxo1

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Let the posts resume!

-Door knocking- Oh hello opportunity! It’s nice to meet you.

Ok I know that was kind of cheesy but that one line pretty much explains the reason for my absence. I told you all that I had to take a little break from my writing duties, reviews and posting pictures because I had to adjust to a few new things happening in my life.

Of course one can never fully adjust and I’m realizing there just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything that I need to do along with the things that I want to do (and sleep right?) but I’m figuring it all out day by day.

With all of that said, I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things, so it’s time to catch you all up on the pretty little things happening in Candy Coated Closets! Yes, my shoe pictures may have dwindled but that didn’t mean I would stop shopping! I mean, honestly!

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets Since I’m on the go so much now, I’ll be able to engage and interact with a lot more of you on there!

xoxo1

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Dune London Lockies Satchel

So I got caught up on DSW again (no surprise there) and saw this beautiful mini satchel from Dune Lockies!

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Bag Details: - Faux leather mini satchel - Top foldover with a clasp closure - 3 inch drop handle strap - 11in x 6in x 10in - Fabric lining with a zip pocket and slip open pocket

I'll admit when I got it I was a little bit surprised at how small it was. I thought it would be as big as my normal satchels but it is more of a tea cup mini size bag. Despite that...I absolutely love it! The color is more of green-mint green as opposed to the blue-mint green hue you see in the pictures online. The mint green color sold out very quickly, so I gathered a few bags that I think maybe good substitutes.

JustFab Taj Mahal 1 Botkier Valentina Mini Convertible Bag 2 Betsey Johnson Racey Lacey Laser Cut Satchel

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 xoxo1

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The Colors of Winter: Monochromatic Views

Good morning my beautiful fashionistas! Before I run off for a busy day I wanted to show you all this outfit I took pictures of last week. I wanted to go for a simple and clean look since I was running out the door in a flash and anytime I need to do that, I always find myself reaching for my over the knee boots.

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Very quick and easy to put on a simple black dress and accessorize it up with big earrings and a stunning handbag!

What I’m wearing:

Coat: Bryan by Guess  /  Shoes: Luichiny Kapti Vate Over The Knee Boot   /   Bag: Audrey Brooke Rachel Leather Satchel   /   Sunglasses:  Monica Heart and Script Logo Aviatar Sunglasses

Xoxo,

CCC

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Fall/Winter Outfit Ideas

I have this dream of going into Sak's or Neiman's and being able to enjoy this major shopping spree. Unfortunately, real life tends to creep in and I remember I have good ol' Sallie Mae knocking on my door every month!

Until I'm able to live my labels or love dream, I've been designing tons of outfits on Polyvore! It has become such a great outlet for me to online window shop and create beautiful outfits without spending any money.

Here's a few of my favorite outfits that will be great for the cold weather...

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Anything caught your eye?

Xoxo,

CCC

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Long Island Bridal Show & Expo

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Long Island Bridal Expo at the Marriott Hotel. It was one of those events that sounded great on paper but something fell through during the execution phase of it.

The expo advertised about 40 different displays from varying vendors to showcase photography, china, gowns, jewelry, dj's, invitations and more! You know the kind of thing every bride and her party is excited to spend a girls night out at. Unfortunately, this one dropped the ball and it's sad to say that one of the best things at the show was the flower display.

Normally, I would adjust my expectations because hey not every event is going to have high fashion, new trends, and tons of giveaways. However, this one completely missed the mark. The fashion show was a complete waste of time - the dresses were falling off of the models and most of the models looked way too nervous to be on stage showcasing a collection. It just was not a good look.

I was also disappointed with the "free dinner buffet". This buffet consisted of 5 noodles with sauce and no drinks (not even water). Again, I may have needed to adjust my expectations but I've gotten used to event planners making sure to keep the women attending their event very fat and happy because that's when they (we - me included) tend to spend the most money and that's what these events are normally about.

On a scale of 1-10, I give this event a 3 and that's only because I really liked the flower display.

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Xoxo,

CCC

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Bluefly's Fly Spotting - Fashion Week Contest

The beginning of September marks one of the biggest moments in fashion history in New York as it is New York Fashion Week. It's a week filled with serious arm candy, gorgeous outfits, fab color combos and everything stylish in between.

To celebrate the iconic event, Bluefly sponsored a Fly Spotting competition where followers could post their favorite outfits (anything with the color blue being worn in it) to win a designer handbag! First prize was a Givenchy Nightingale Zanzi tote (retails for $2,200) and second prize was a Pour la Victoire Provence Convertible Satchel (retails for $495).

I was lucky enough to be the first prize winner so I wanted to share a few pictures of the prize!

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#BlueflySpotting

What I'm wearing:

Coat: Guess     Shoes: Gywnnie from Shoedazzle      Pants: Dots     Bag: Givenchy    Sunglasses: Alexander McQueen from Bluefly

Xoxo,

CCC

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Roosevelt Field - Simon Fashion Now 2013

Welcome to Fashion - Long Island style!

Last week, I was so excited to attend the Simon Fashion Now event hosted at Roosevelt Field. This was a fantastic event that showcased the latest and hottest fall fashion trends for two days through runway fashion shows, product demonstrations, freebies and some great giveaways. The event was free to the public so it was definitely the place to be with your friends.

This was my first time attending a fashion event this big and it was an amazing experience to see all of the planning, marketing, and design that went into such a big event. The clothes were of course just as fabulous!

When I arrived there, I promptly signed up for my free exclusive Simon Fashion Now swag bag that was filled with all sorts of goodies from varying stores inside the mall. Then I took a walk around the stage to check out all of the different vendors there. If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend going to events like these because it's a great way to find out about different stores in your area as well as receive some freebies and coupons.

At 1:00 the fashion shows started and of course I took a front row seat! The shows ran every hour and brands like JcPenney, Macy's, Guess, Marciano by Guess, Aerosoles, Call it Spring had some fabulous pieces working the runway (see some pictures below). In between the shows, Simon Fashion Now hosted different games to keep the audience involved. They hosted a game called Ready, Set, Style where they picked stylish fashionistas from the audience to join them on stage for an interactive styling competition to win a SImon giftcard. Go ahead and think about it...a styling competition...fashionistas....win a giftcard? Um yeah I was so going up there (lol).

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Who's that on stage? She, me, her! She did that!

Myself and a partner had two minutes to style a model from head to toe and the crowd had to pick their favorite look and yes I won! My model is the one with the cream jacket and emerald necklace and handbag. So me right?!

After that, Simon Fashion now had these different texting games to win giftcards to stores in the mall and I won a $50 to Bobby Burger Palace as well!

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Overall, the fashion show was a huge success and a great night out. Here's a quick list of a few things I learned:

1. Have your outfit picked out a few days before the event. No matter how many times I say I'm going to pick out my outfit early, I never learn and I wake up rushing trying to go through everything. I hate all of my clothes and of course that's the day you get pulled on stage.

2. Do not use a brand new flat iron days before the event. I just used a brand new Izunami Flat Iron that I ordered (review coming up) and my hair was absolutely pin straight. I had absolutely no body or bounce to it and then I had to stare at the beautiful models with their curls and bounce...hated them (lol).

3. Don't attend the show unless you plan on spending money very soon! The new styles I saw made me want to change my entire wardrobe!

Here's a few pictures from the event (courtesy of the Roosevelt Field Facebook page)

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Were you at the show? What'd you think of it? Sound off in the comments!

Xoxo,

CCC

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Time flies....

The last week of September was super busy! I finally finished celebrating my birthday (September babies wooo) and now I need to catch up on everything thing else that I've been neglecting. So stay tuned for tons of updates on my latest hauls on make up, jewelry and of course fashion!

Yesterday, I walked into my glam room and decided I wanted to style an outfit that was dedicated to my favorite colors for fall: burgundy, emerald and cobalt blue. I love these colors because they are so rich and can easily be paired with some of your favorite neutrals that you already have in your closet.

I kept this look very classic and light on the accessories because I wanted the colors to do all of the work so let's take a look!

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What I’m wearing:

Shirt: XSRE      Shoes: Vince Camuto      Skirt: 2cuute     Ring: XSRE     Handbag: Audrey Brooke   Sunglasses: Gucci   Lipcolor: MAC Cosmetics Magenta lipliner with Lust for life lipgloss       Nailpolish: Anise Nailpolish

Xoxo,

CCC

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From One Fashion Lover to Another...

Fall is happening and if your closet is anything like mines, it's in need of a major makeover. So let's cut to the chase shall we?

One of the biggest trends I saw during Fashion week was the bold hues that designers used to highlight the overall theme and look of their collection. One of my favorite colors that I'm now adding a lot of to my closet is Cobalt blue.

Cobalt blue is one of those bold, rich colors that complements every complexion and works to create a bold but yet classic and relaxed fall look. I think it's the perfect pop of color to wear so try adding a silky blouse, a pair of high heels or even a new handbag in your favorite shade of blue.

Here, I quickly paired a pair of leather pants and a jacket with a bright blue top and blue high heels. It's a quick and easy look to put together if it's for a night out with the girls or even a date night. Just remember if you're going to go for a bold look, try wearing a natural lipstick color and define your lips with a darker lipliner. Hey, if you're wearing it for date night throw on some lipgloss on and a smoky shadow and you're set for the night!IMG_7424

 

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What I’m wearing:

Jacket: Jou Jou  Shoes: Mojo Moxy  Pants: Rainbow   Clutch: XSRE

Xoxo,

CCC

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