I Like it A Latte

Nail Gelish in Medieval Madness

An adorable display at JCrew.

Seems to suit A Cup of Blonde quite nicely.

I can't help but love this new kind of neutral.  It's kind of a grey/latte/khaki color.  I currently have it on my nails and I have been seeing the trend in almost every store and magazine.  It's a subtle grey tone, but pieced with different shades of neutrals,  you will see it's undertones can change to a beige or khaki.  So lovely, so feminine, and I adore it.

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Business and Pleasure

Zara Blouse, American Eagle Belt, Urban Outfitters Trousers, Schutz Booties.

Lots going on today, and lots to look forward to.

Hair class in the afternoon with Jon Reyman, prepping for my Fashion Trends Class, Editorial Hair Class tonight, and perhaps squeeze in some business/pleasure at Wondrous Asian Kitchen. I know, it all sounds really rough. To make it even better, I'm leaving the jacket at home for the first time this year! Let's just hope these heels are ready for all the action.

*Enter the Giveaway, if you haven't yet!*

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Addicted To:

TopShop sleeveless dress
$85 - topshop.com

H M coral top
$24.95 hm.com

Chinti and Parker sheer top
$70 - net-a-porter.com

TopShop elastic waist skirt
$56 - topshop.com

Jil Sander fold over skirt
$695 - net-a-porter.com

Goodies

 Chandelier at Barrio Tequila Bar

 

Celebrating with old friends.

Vintage inspired ring, BCBG Maxazria

Fun prints for Spring/Summer

 {from Covered, Uptown Minneapolis}

Sunflowers add a Summer feel to my kitchen.

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Spring Fever

JCrew Shirt, Very J Skirt {Len}, JCrew Necklace and Bracelets, Zara Booties, Armitron Men's Watch.

I know what you're thinking, "Bare legs, Ally? Really?"  

Don't worry...I only went to the grocery store, then Target, then...walked Frank.

The high was 32 Degrees and it felt amazing!

JK, I'm kidding! Sorry, just needed a little humor to amuse myself.  Did I fool you a little?  It's just a little thing called Spring Fever, and I'm going CRAZY!  I have all these cute skirts/dresses and if I have to wear tights one more time, I just may scream! So, I decided to play dress up and create some cute Spring/Summer looks.  Stay tuned for more, and I will be sure to let you {as in, anyone who doesn't live in the Midwest} know when the temperature is above 50 Degrees.

*Don't forget about the amazing GIVEAWAY*



Newest Addition

Schutz Booties @ shopbop.com

I originally wanted the Elizabeth and James Booties {Seen here @cupcakesandcashmere}, but my size quickly sold out. It seems this trend is happening to me alot, but I take that as a sign that there's something better out there.  Turns out there is, better and cheaper!  I love the versatility and the leather is like butter. 

SO DELICIOUS.

*Don't forget about the GIVEAWAY*

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One of Those Days

Collective Concepts Poncho, Forever21 Skinny Pants, Sam Edelman Wedge Booties, BCBG Maxazria Necklace, JCrew Bracelets.

Feeling a little down today.

On days like today, I usually try to shift my mood with loud music in the car {Britney}, or indulge in some goodies {chocolate, ice cream, cookies, etc.}.  Today,  I did both...at the same time. I really struggled to come up with a fun post for you all, but then I thought, what the heck. We all have crappy days and sometimes it's nice to know that someone else out there is also having "One of those days". If that's you, I hope there was someone who made your day a little bit brighter.  If not, I'll let you borrow Britney. :)

*Don't forget about the giveaway, seen in yesterday's post!*
Check it out!

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GIVEAWAY: Jessica Matrasko Necklace

The Gift:

Jessica Matrasko's Karina Necklace

I am extremely excited to have such an amazing piece as my first giveaway. Jessica is so awesome that not only is she offering one lucky follower this necklace, but she is also giving all of my followers 30% off until April 5th! Simply type in the promo code at check out. You guys are going to die when you see all these incredible pieces! Go check it out and Good luck!

jessicamrocks.com Promo Code: Blonde

Giveaway Guidelines:

• Become a follower of A Cup of Blonde through Google Friend Connect and/or Bloglovin. {Find the links along the right hand side or towards the bottom}.
• Comment on this post letting me know you did so and leave your email. Also,feel free to tell me any friends you have referred as well!
• April 5th: The WINNER will be announced {chosen at random} and contacted by email. This is also the final day for the 30% off @ jessicamrocks.com.

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How to: Easy Knotted Updo

Create two sections.

 {does not need to be perfect}

 Twist the two sections and tie into a knot.

 {literally}

 Bobby pin your knot into place.

 {be sure that every pin is secure}

 

Side Note

• Prep the hair with curls and back comb the crown for a more formal updo.
• Each bobby pin serves a purpose. If it isn't secure, remove the pin and try again.

It's Always Sunny...

Loving these bold hues of yellow on Shopnastygal.com.

 Nasty Gal is an amazing website that sells unique trends and also shows great examples on how to create the look. These four looks are to die for and there's not one detail I dislike. I am currently craving some Daffodil Yellow in my wardrobe. What a perfect way to add sunshine to your day!

I Die...

Still Love, Still Want, Still Need...

I've been needing glasses for quite a while now, and have procrastinated like no other. These are the bold frames I have kept going back to, but I really want them in tortoise. My girlfriend came to work wearing these exact ones and now I'm kicking myself for not getting them. I think the tortoise frames would look best on me, so I just may have to make the leap. I'm sure my eyes will thank me.

IS IT A SIN?

  Cupcake for breakfast?

Vintage Christian Dior Sunglasses?

Yes, and YES!

Sometimes indulgences are a necessary way to fulfill your life. Some may beg to differ...but if we don't have those little thrills every now and then...well, then what do we have? Now I'm not sayin, go open a credit card and blow it all on that $2,000 handbag! What I'm saying is, if you work hard, then you get to play hard. Buy those amazing sunnies, because you feel FAB every time you put them on.  Have that cupcake in the morning, because you have the whole day to burn it off!

HAPPY FRIDAY! xo

*Sunglasses from Ladyslipper, 50th & France.
*Trench Coat is Jessica Simpson.
*Cupcakes from Sweet Retreat, 50th & France.

Haute Mama

I absolutely love Rachel Zoe pregnant. She looks healthier than ever and isn't letting the baby bump cramp her style. From big coats to high wasted pants, she completely owns it! The accessories are also such a treat: giant scarves, giant heels, giant shades, giant Birkin. LOVE it!

Prepping For Spring

Abercrombie & Fitch Tweed Coat, JCrew Sweater, JCrew Necklace, JCrew Toothpick Jeans, Steve Madden Pumps, Anthropologie Earrings, H&M Sunglasses.

These pics were taken the other day {same day as the Knotted Bun, hence the same sweater}. The sun was warm, there were actually birds chirping, and that fresh smell of Spring was in the air. Those of us who live in the Mid-West get overly excited about this stuff. Honestly, you probably could have seen people in shorts and tshirts...and it was just a mild 45 degrees. Seeing that I just got rid of a sore throat that hung around for about a month, I chose to go the more sensible route, rolled up the jeans and threw on some light layers {rather than the parka}. So refreshing! Today is supposed to be even warmer, so here's to hoping that Spring is just around the corner!

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