The Magic of the Holidays

Hi all. I've been on the internet browsing through websites for the past 2 hours and since I am bored out of my mind, I've decided to write a little post about The Magic of the Holidays. I am completely in love with the thought of the holiday season and so I kind of poured my heart out about every little thing that makes it magical. So read on....

There's something about the month of December that gives me a tingly feeling and really does open up my mind. Of course it's the holiday season and Christmas is one of my highlights of the year but aside from all the gifts and candy canes, I truly feel that there is some sort of magic in the air. That may sound very cliché because Christmas is all about magic, but I get so happy and cheery around Christmastime, I tend to worry less and enjoy things more. Yes, gifts are great to receive, however, I think that spending quality time with family, going around town looking at the raddest Christmas decorated houses, listening to Christmas music and all the yummy food and baked goods around the house give the greatest pleasure. The reassurance that I am so blessed to be alive and make it around to this time of year, to create special memories with my friends and family that will create a lifetime of laughs, to see the little kiddo's run up to the lighted tree with presents galore all googly-eyed with widest grin, to be able to just sit back in the moment and take in all the happiness and laughs filled in the air; this is magic. Of course I'm not saying that if you don't celebrate Christmas, you don't get to experience this amazing magic; I believe that its not the certain holiday that creates all of these magical feelings, but the tradition that you carry with your friends and family, or maybe you just ride it solo. However you celebrate the holidays, I think that the crazy infatuation that we all have throughout the year and the excitement that we carry really does pay off. There are always going to be holiday scrooge's, well bah humbug to them. The holiday season is all about giving and love, that's what makes people so happy, and maybe the plethora of smiles people carry around this time and the random acts of kindness are what makes all the magic happen. Why can't we all be this happy all the time?

One of the many Christmas trees around my house-sorry for the bad quality.

Comment below your favorite thing about the holidays.

Xoxo, Bianca

Designer to Watch

 With a No. 1 Album on the Billboard 200 chart, an AMA for  New Artist Of The Year and a lovable character on Nickelodeons "Sam & Cat", Ariana Grande has become a style icon for many young girls out there. Appearing on "13", a broadway musical, at the age of 15, Ariana has maintained a look of class, innocence and dedication starting at a very young age. Her amazing personality and thoughtfulness towards her fans has many girls idolizing her. Ariana's style is very 1950's-retro, classy, girly and always seems to look put together thanks to the amazing designer, Kenley Collins!

 Kenley Collins has a very big 1950's vibe-no wonder Ariana has a soft spot for this designer- and is taking people back in time. She released a new collection this month inspired by Hollywood icon, Marilyn Monroe. While Kenley Collins is just a small little online shop, this designer is budding by the minute, her designs are eye catching and chic and make you want to twirl around in those long 50's inspired skirts.

 While this style is not just adorable, 50's inspired looks are popping up everywhere this fall. This will become a major trend for those girls that like to feel extra flirty.

 What do you think about this look? Check out some of Kenley Collins designs' worn by Ariana Grande below!

                                                                                                  

Sources: 

Tom and Lorenzo

Hollywood Take

Ariana's Instagram

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving (for those who celebrate)!

Xoxo, Bianca

AMA 2013 Best and Worst Looks

 The 2013 AMAs was filled with a magical adventure around the world, a tribute to singer Celia Cruz, and a singing cat. Yes. A singing cat. However, the show isn't the only thing that was filled with glamour and surprise. Stars fiercely walked the Red Carpet showing off their flawless looks. Err some were flaw-full...should I say. Despite some of the wackiest looks, or craziest-Lady Gaga arriving on a white horse driven by people- there are some you're sure to love. 

BEST
1. I absolutely adore Ke$has look. Her two-toned hair looks perfect on her skin and the black dress is definitely gorgeous. Ke$ha hit this one out of the ball-park, it comes in number 1 in my opinion. 

 Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

2. Judging from Mileys latest looks, we thought she would do something crazy for the carpet. However, she stayed simple and clean in this nice blazer and saved the crazy for the show.

 Jason Merritt/Getty Images

3. Katy Perry looked magical in this dress; her hair to her dress to her accessories were perfectly styled. I think she looks like a goth princess and she rocked it! 

 Jason Merritt/Getty Images

WORST

1. Although Christina Aguilera amazed during her performance, her red carpet look was a thumbs down. I personally think that her dress looks cheap and made out of the same material that Halloween costumes are. Did she get the wrong memo? It's not an "Old-Hollywood" costume party.

  Jason Merritt/Getty Images

2. I have to say Sarah Silverman just looked plain awkward in this dress... From her mishap on her arrival at the red carpet to the uncomfortable time in the show when she presented the award to JT, she just missed this one.

  Jason Kempin/Getty Images

3. Heidi Klum is a supermodel for Gods sake!!! And she chose this dress? From all of her other choices? It's still hard to believe that she choose this dress. The fringe everywhere mixed with lace and florals...just no.

  Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Sources: E! Online

Now that you've seen our best/worst, comment what yours are. Do you think Heidi Klum stunned in her dress? Tell me in the comments below!

Xoxo, Bianca

Put Some Pep in Your Step

Hey readers,

 I think it's important to have one perfect shoe that you can wear with everything and that is also super comfortable. Personally, I think flats do just the trick. Flats are a staple to every wardrobe because of their ability to be worn with virtually everything and unlike heels, most flats don't leave your feet throbbing for hours after wearing them. Of course, there are many different styles of flats and my rave of this moment are D'Orsay flats because they can be edgy and classy. I'm a big fan of pieces that can be worn with different styles and this shoe definitely can. Here is a collage of the 6 most wanted D'Orsay styles:

Special Delivery: 6 Darling D'Orsay Flats by polyvore-editorial on polyvore.com

So what do you think? Are these shoes to 'out-there' for your liking, or are you liking them as much as I am?!

Xoxo, Bianca

Is Punk your Funk?

Hey guys,

Now that school is less than a month away, yikes!, I decided to get some back-to-school inspiration. One of my favorite sites to visit is Teen Vogue because not only do they have up to date fashion, culture and beauty news but they also have a very great back-to-school section. Personally, going back to school hasn't been a nerve-wracking experience for me. But right now, as I'm sitting in front of my 20-something inch computer screen writing about going back to school, I'm kind of getting the heebie-jeebies.. I'm not one to dwell over the start of a new school year but I think it just hit me that I am actually starting high school. Crazy, right? It feels like yesterday I was in the fifth grade passing notes in class about this curly blonde dude that I thought I was in love with and what I was doing that weekend, and now, I'm almost fifteen, starting high school, thinking about college, money and traveling- time really does fly by fast. Enough of my elementary memories, the thought of high school kind of scares me. I guess I'm just overwhelmed that I will be going to a large school with 2500 or so students and the thought of most likely having to make new friends frightens me. I'm sort of shy, which I hate because I have so much to say, so I'm not exactly an expert at making friends. Hey, I'm fine with staying on my tablet or computer all day, who needs friends, pshh. No, I just need a reality check! All this thought has got me thinking of reinventing myself, lately I've been digging the punk look that has been seen all over runways and the fact that I stumbled upon an article on Teen Vogue today about being a punk prodigy gave me some more reassurance that I should try out this new trend. I have never really been one that was into punk until recently and of course I'm not going to change my wardrobe to the worlds newest Punk Superstar but I think it would be fun to experiment with a few rock-star pieces. I actually have been thriving to get my hands on a pair of Doc Martens which I think are a true punkalicious staple. I also saw the new Forever 21 'Declare Your Style' Campaign on Teen Vogue today and took a look at it, I have to say that I am really excited for this year. I love everything that is featured in the look-book from leather mini-skirts, to fun sunnies and chic blazers; check out some of my favorite looks from the campaign!

Source: Teen Vogue

Is Punk your funk, or just plain funky? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Xoxo, Bianca

Technical Difficulty & Independence Day Post

Hello all,

I am very sorry to all of you that were looking forward to my festive 4th of July post, I had actually spent a great deal of time working on that post because I wanted it to be special. However, for some reason, the post had not gone up and I would really not like to waste the time I spent on it so I will be posting it...about a month late! 

Without further ado...


 Happy Independence day to all of us proud Americans. In honor of this special holiday, I decided to write a post inspired by all the festivities around the world. There is a lot going on today from BBQ's with your friends & family, festivals around town and firework celebration fun! Have nothing to do today? Throw a quick Independence Party, take your family out to see fireworks, or just hang out and eat 4th of July inspired treats! There is plenty to do this 4th of July so look at these fun ideas for a fun patriotic Independence Day.

In New York for the holiday? Go watch fireworks at the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks event.

Want to spend the day indoors? Watch America's 4th of July Concert in Washington, D.C., LIVE on PBS from 8-9:30.

Thriving to host a July 4th BBQ? Get all your ideas on food, decorating and fun, here!

Cake pops make for an easy, patriotic treat!

Healthy eating is possible on all holidays! Recreate the flag with this fruit salad tray!

Try this super fab decorating idea on your lawn for your outdoor BBQ!

Your guests will leave happy with this treat! 

Get some colorful popcorn and put it in mason jars to give your guests a yummy take-home.

4th of July popcorn is available at select Target stores.

Sources: Popcorn, Lawn Stars, Flag Fruit Tray, Cake Pops, PBS, Macy's Image

Xoxo, Bianca

Summer Lovin'!

Hey guys,

I have just been so busy this summer its ridiculous, but I found some time to post for you all today! I hope all of your summers are going well, I know mine definitely is. Now that its summer and I am no longer in school, I have some more free time which means some time to watch YouTube beauty/fashion videos, I know, laaaame; I just have an obsession with YouTube, especially Akaydoll, who I very much recommend if you're in that YouTube mood. I love to watch videos to get some inspiration on what people are buying as far as makeup and the trends for this season. I've been doing a lot of thinking money-wise and I have come up with a great plan! I am going to be saving money, so I can't really spend too much, because I want to be able to pick up the newest and latest right before school starts! I am starting high-school this upcoming school year and I am going to make sure I look my best. I want to get into the "college-lifestyle" dressing mood if that makes any sense. So enough of that. Recently I went shopping and I got a few things for summer and I actually visited Macy's. I am so INLOVE with Macy's right now from their American Rag, Teen Vogue, and their NEW Ked's collections they have super duper cute things! Their new Ked's collection features items that are summery and laid-back, a lot of summer dresses, flowy shorts, and out doorsy things. I wanted to give you guys a peek at some of the items from Ked's, unfortuantely they aren't showing up here! So heres the link to their collection : Ked's

Xoxo, Bianca

Banana Berry Smoothie

 Lately I've been on a health kick, it's weird considering I love my junk food. But I've learned that eating healthy can taste just as good as that fattening meal & it's better for you! Smoothies are a great healthy snack, or even light meal substitute (if you add the right things), and they are very yummy! Today I made a delicious Banana Berry Smoothie, read on for the recipe.

Banana Berry Smoothie
1 cup of whole milk
3/4 cups of frozen or fresh blueberries & strawberries
1 whole banana
a couple pinches of brown sugar
now blend all together until the smoothie is smooth, no chunks present

& wala!

You've created a scrumptious healthy delight!

Xoxo, Bianca

Trending for Spring

Sorry, I have been consumed by my school work for the past two weeks with projects, homework and testing. Ahhhhg!!!! Well you most likely don't want to hear about school, although I'm sure you're happy to hear me say that there are about 17 days left of school which means more blogging time! Woohoo! Anyhow, I was on Polyvore today and I decided to make a collage on the trending items. I really adore the pink dress, cutouts and maxi's are definitely in this Spring. I also love the midi skirt, it is airy and chic, it would look stunning with the green strappy sandals and a white button-down. Have a wonderful Monday and get some beauty rest!!!

Trending for Spring by biabu featuring cross watches

Xoxo, Bianca

Fabulous Fashion Photography

I just wanted to share some cool fashion photographs that I stumbled over today!

Alessandro Dal Buoni, Walter Schupfer, Georges Antoni, Ben Hassett, Jan Welters

Xoxo, Bianca

I would love to hear from YOU!

Hey guys!

 I feel that it's time to change things up a little bit. I came up with the idea to have readers email me ideas on the type of posts that they would like to see here on Sweet La Mode. If you would like to give me an idea on a post, video, etc., then here are the rules:

Email the best description of the idea you are trying to give me.
No pranks will be allowed.
If you would like you can leave your name and a link to your blog/website (if you have one) and I will put it at the end of the post for a shout out to you!
Real inquiries only, please.
Email me at sweetlamodeblog@gmail.com

Xoxo, Bianca

Top 5 Blogs

Hi guys!

I usually write about trends, beauty and fashion but this time I wanted to try something different. Many of the blogs I look at are actually inspirations for my posts and they usually have a certain vibe that I can connect to. I wanted to share with you all the top five bloggers on my reading list. So have at it!

1. Oops I made it Again
 Eline really does a great job with her blog and keeping her readers. The thing I like most about her blog is the posts about her creations. I think it's really cool when people share their creations because some of the things they make have never been seen before. She is very good at what she does and you should check her blog out!
2. The Quarter-life Tales of Annie Bean
 I really admire this blog. It is so chic; after reading her blog you want to hop in your car and go shop. My favorite posts on her blog are the collages. I think it's really cool when you get to see some examples of the seasons trends, it really gives you inspiration. Take a look at her blog!
3. FashionEdible
 To me personally, I think it's awesome when a blogger incorporates 2 or 3 or more topics to write about. It's really fun going to a blog not knowing what to expect; a trend alert, a new delicious recipe, a new band, etc. FashionEdible is a great blog filled with stylish fashion posts as well as yummy recipes; it's a win-win situation! Visit her blog!
4. FASHION and FILLES
 Many readers of the blogger world are teenagers, and although it's not a bad thing to be an older blogger, it's kind of a better thing to be a teenage blogger. I feel that readers can connect better with the younger bloggers because they are all peers. Sophie, the genius behind FASHION and FILLES, happens to be a teenager, at 16. She has a very original blog and she also has a YouTube channel! Her look-books are great and a must see; I urge you to explore!
5. Salty and Sweet
 The situation for FASHION and FILLES blogger, Sophie, is actually the same for Alexis, the mastermind behind Salty and Sweet. Alexis is a teenage blogger that loves to write, so don't be surprised to see a few random creative writing posts. My favorite posts from Salty and Sweet are the "Weekly Wishlist" posts. Alexis has actually just started the series this week and I hope she continues on with it. It's really interesting seeing items that others are interested in. Oh, and, Alexis happens to be my sister, just putting that out there; so be adventurous!

              If you liked this post be sure to follow me on GFC (on the sidebar).

Xoxo, Bianca

Spring

             
         Lace ballet flats are totally spring, as well as light-weight denim. I personally love chambray because it is perfect for spring. Denim colorblocking has been showing up on my fashion radar and I found this super cute tank from Acne, which seemed great for this spring look. Printed denim is also a must because it shows colorful, flirty style. Sorry, the set is really small on here, if you click on it and go to my polyvore it will appear larger.

Follow me on GFC if you like my posts!!

Spring by biabu featuring h&m flats

 Xoxo, Bianca

TOTD #19

You wake up one day and sure enough, the "pizza face" is back. Pimples can be hard to get rid of and they seem to come just at the 'perfect time', right (sarcasm)? We've all heard that a dab of toothpaste on a pimple will help it go away, but many of us don't necessarily know if its true. Well, guess what, it is. Studies show a dab of toothpaste on a pimple will help to dry it up, thus making the clearing process faster. 

If you liked this post, follow me on GFC (on the sidebar).

Xoxo, Bianca

Natural Bod Essentials

 As we all know, makeup is bad for our skin. All the chemicals, formaldehyde for one, that we put onto our bod is making us sick-literally. So why not go for a product that is natural and Eco-friendly, they may cost more but in the long run you wont have to suffer health problems from the cheap, chemically stuff. I've rounded up 5 Eco/natural beauty products that you must have, after all, it's Earth Day!

1. Burt's Bees has a wonderful line of all-natural and Eco-friendly skin care products. I personally love their facial cleansing towelettes because they take off makeup in a quickie and are just so refreshing.

2. Nail polishes can be really harmful to your nails and butter London has found just the way to make your nails look fab with polish while also looking polished without polish (if that makes sense!).

.

3. I've heard of Dr. Bronner's as a really good line for natural products. Although I've never used this lotion, I know that it is a very good skin moisturizer that will keep your bod looking smooth for summer!

4. Eos is all the rave! But hey, I'm not complaining. This great company developed a fab lip balm and a unique container. Eos has really good balms that keep your lips moisturized for a long while, pucker up!

5. Organic wear is phenomenal. Who would have thought of an organic mascara? It even comes in a chic applicator. This mascara keeps your lashes long and full.

Photos from company sites.

Follow me on GFC (on the sidebar).

Xoxo, Bianca

TOTD #18

 Hey all!
 As I was thinking of a blog post I remembered about my good ol' TOTD's (Tip of the Day's)! I haven't posted a TOTD since January which is kind of sad since it is such a great post, I think. So today I decided to post a TOTD, and a very helpful one, carry on!

 TOTD #18
 Many girls out there will make the mistake of wearing a dress that doesn't fit their shape...at all! Look in your closet and determine if you have the right style of dress for your body; for instance if you are short and petite (like me) you normally shouldn't go for long maxi's or tall gowns, this will just make you look like a midget (not that that's a bad thing..). You should try a nice dress that's just above the knees with a higher waistline to create a longer-leg look.

Photo from: RCFA

                     If you liked this post please follow on Google Friend Connect (on the right sidebar just under the widgets)!

Xoxo, Bianca

Cute Headbands!

 I've never really been the type of girl that owns a bunch of head bands but once I heard about these I was all over them. My long time friend, Brady, let me in on these new hair accessories, Infinity Bands, about a year ago; but I really wasn't into hair then. This cool idea actually was invented by her little sister, Brylee. I just recently saw a post on Instagram and remembered about these cool accessories. So what makes these Infinity Bands so special? Well they are interchangeable! You will never wear the same headband again-well, I mean, you could since they're so darling. All the different swatches and embellishments that you can purchase makes it so easy to have just one headband. Headbands can take up a lot of room, having an interchangeable one will save some serious space. Plus, flower hair accessories are totally in for Spring; go ahead and splurge!

 Links:
  Visit Ambrosia Designs (Infinity Bands Website)
  About Infinity Bands
  Shop Infinity Bands

Photo from http://www.ambrosiadesigns.com/collections

If you like this blog be sure to follow it on Google Friend Connect (On the sidebar just under the widgets)!

Xoxo, Bianca

My Fave Spring Picks

This Spring is all about being bold. I personally think a chic floral skirt can add that "wow" to a simple outfit with out wearing a neon piece.

My Fave Spring Picks by biabu featuring a floral print skirt

Xoxo, Bianca

Spring 2013 Must-have!

 This Spring bright and bold colors are the look of fashion but you don't want to overdo it. Adding a bright pump to a simple outfit will make the outfit pop. Right now, I'm obsessing over "nala pump" from Coach. This chic heel comes in several colors including, but not limited to, Bright coral, Mint, Cappuccino, and Bright Chambray. These selections are guaranteed to add style to your look with the choice of either a bright or neutral tone.

This heel is available at Coach. Coach is in with all the trends for Spring 2013.

Xoxo, Bianca