Leap Year and Blanket Scarves.

Good morning and Happy Leap Day! It is a Monday and how awesome to start a new week with a leap day. We only get these leap days every four years so they are special. So, did you watch the Oscars? As I am typing this, I am currently watching the Oscars and loving all the gowns of course. I will have a thorough recap of them on the weekend but a few stand-outs for me: Charlize Theron, Naomi Watts, Alicia Vikander, Jennifer Garner and Cate Blanchet. For now, check out my thorough recap of the SAG Awards.

As I mentioned yesterday, this week I will show different ways and different outfits I have styled with a Blanket Scarf. My collection has gotten huge this year, since I got in the States. Previously I had some other pretty ones I had purchased in Europe, but I left all mine in Albania. Needless to say, this year I added that Infamous Tan/Red/Green Plaid Blanket Scarf that every blogger has (lol), several ones from Nordstrom, one from Target, one from Banana Republic, one from Old Navy and even one from Wal Mart. Since February was the month of Love where the color Pink reigns, and since today is the last day of February is only fitting that I start this week with all this Hot Pink. So my Fuchsia+Orange Blanket Scarf and Matching Fuchsia Opaque Tights make a return!

I wore this Outfit to work the week before Valentine's day (and it just now made it to the blog, I know - I am suuuuuper behind). Anyhow, I am wearing my latest, newest Striped Dress with my Bold+Bright Blanket Scarf from Target. I styled the Scarf as a Poncho and belted it with a Simple and Classic Black Leather Belt with Silver Buckle. The dress itself has neutral colors - navy and gray stripes - so all the pops of bright colors though a little much, still worked. I did get a couple of weird glances at work but then one of those people also complimented me by saying "I look girly and cheerful". Most day I took off my scarf at work too, so this outfit didn't look as bright. The dress and my new metallic Flats were recently purchased (on the same day) from Gap and I love them. Also, I had a hard time deciding which purse to carry, the purple one or the orange on so I photographed them both here with the outfit. I ultimately went with the orange because I had enough purple+pink in my outfit. The orange one brought out the orange from the scarf too and Vivian was saying "Orange, Orange" once she saw the orange bag. Orange is her third favorite color after pink and red, of course lol. What do you think of this outfit with pattern-mixing and bold colors? Too much or would you wear it? Do you like wearing a Blanket Scarf belted as a Poncho Over a Dress?

Heather Gray+Navy Striped Jersey Knit Dress, 3/4-Sleeve Dress: Gap (New) (similar bodycon midi option, Splurge, love this), (similar, Great Deal), (similar, Steal).

Fuchsia/Purple/Orange Buffalo Plaid Blanket Scarf w/ Fringe: Target (similar, small Splurge, love this), (identical, Great Deal), (similar, Steal).

Black Leather Belt w/ Silver Rectangle Buckle: New York & Company (NY&Co.) (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal), (similar, Steal).

Pearl+Crystal, White/Clear/Baby Blue Bauble Statement Necklace: White House Black Market (similar w/ earrings, Great Deal ), (similar, Steal, love this), (similar, Steal).

Pearl, Double-sided, Bobble Earrings w/ Black Eiffel Tour Painting (on each side): An Accessories Boutique (similar, Splurge, love these), (similar, Great Deal), (similar, Steal).

Fuchsia Opaque Tights: Old Navy (New) (very similar, Steal), (patterned option, Great Deal, love these).

Bright Purple Faux Leather Large Satchel Bag w/ Crossbody Strap: Target (New) (similar, Splurge), (similar, small Splurge, love this), (similar, Huge Steal).

Orange Faux Leather Bag w/ Asymmetric Locket Pocket on the front: The Limited (similar, Splurge), (similar, small Splurge, love this), (similar, Huge Steal).

Bronze Metallic Patent Leather Pointy Ballet Flats w/ Ankle Strap: Gap (New) (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal, love these), (identical, Steal).

Update: Leonardo DiCaprio won his Academy Award FINALLY and I couldn't be happier. Fantastic acceptance speech, also.

P.S. Linking up with Angie, Anna Maria with Michelle, Betsy + Katey, Biana, Brooke + Erica, Caryl with Jenna Marie, Carrie with Whitney,

Cherie, Confident Twosday, Debonita, Erin, Erin with Laura, Grace, Good Random Fun, Jen, Jess, Kristen, Laura, 

Lauren, Leanne, Linda, Lindsey, Liz, Mollie, Patti, Rachel, Sandy with Kileen, Saumya, Taylor, Whitney and Zaz.

I am also linking up with Sheela's New Linkup. She is beautifully styling red this week and I am glad to join it since my scarf has a little red, too.

I will continue Blanket Scarves Week, all week long and Wednesday thru Friday, I will be paired with Emily from Darling Dearest Blog to show both of our Blanket Scarves' Styles.

The SAG Awards 2016.

Happy Oscar Sunday to everyone! I have had such a busy weekend. I haven't had time to do anything blog-related at all. Today is the big day: the Academy Awards or what we love calling them - Oscars - are on and I will be glued to my TV watching the red carper arrivals on E. Today, in anticipation to all the gorgeous red carpet gowns and in anticipation to Leo finally winning that Best Actor Oscar (yes he will win and I will be so happy for him), since I haven't recapped the SAG Awards (I actually only watched a small part of them because I forgot), I bring you my most favorite, least favorite and so-so red carpet looks from the SAG Awards 2016. I loved that this year at the SAG's, the stars were bold and were not afraid to try lots of bright colors and even patterns+prints especially floral. The red carpet was a beautiful rainbow of gorgeous colored dresses, for sure. Look at my best and worst picks below and let me know what you think!

The Best Dressed:

Laura Prepon in Carmen Marc Valvo

For #1 Best Dressed I had a hard time choosing between this gown by Laura Prepon and the one by Rachel McAdams. "Orange is the New Black" star Laura has never looked more stunning. With her alabaster skin and dark ravishing wavy hair, this Off-White Ethereal Gown looked amazing on her. I love that the top part looks like a fish skin. Her makeup was on point and she chose the perfect Dark Metallic Clutch and Statement Earrings to accessorize with.

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saub Haute Couture

This Black+Tan Floral Aplique Gown was stunning on petite Rachel. I love the long beautiful train and how it is so demure and modest with the crew neckline and short sleeves. Despite Rachel being all covered up, she is VERY sexy in this stunner. Her bob haircut is perfect for the dress' neckline, too.

Rounding up My Top 5 Looks:

Kiernan Shipka in Erdem

Almost every award show has a showstopper strapless gown and during these SAG Awards, Kiernan's was that gown. The Navy+Baby Blue Brocade Floral Pattern and the perfectly-fitted rounded cups on the Sweetheart Neckline, plus those pockets, make this gown stunning. Kiernan is only a teenager but always beautifully dressed and poised and quite an amazing actress too. If you haven't watched her on VC Andrews' "Flowers in the Attic" please do. She shines in that movie.

Viola Davis in Zac Posen

Viola who won Best Actress in a drama for the fantastic, nail-biting show (which I love) "How to Get Away with Murder", proved that Dusty Lilac was her Color. This Off-the-Shoulder Couture Gown is amazing on her with the mermaid hourglass shape. Actually, during this year's award season she has been best-dressed on the red carpet, each time. Bravo!

Kristen Wiig in Rouland Mouret

I loved that on the award shows this year, there have been at least one or two Gorgeous Jumpsuits each time. Kristen's is beautiful, elegant and feminine. The asymmetry, floral applique and color-blocking of the always classic black+white make it super chic. The silver clutch and silver stilettos bring out the silver on the bustier and I loved that she put her hair in a little updo so that you can see the amazing shoulder style of the jumpsuit, even better.

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton

Alicia was a red carpet newcomer this year but a winner style-wise. This Color-blocked Sequined (all over) Long-Sleeve Gown was so unique and beautiful. I love that the colors are in neutral tones and that thigh-high slit. Keeping her hair down and slicked back was a good choice.

The rest of the Best:

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Naomi Watts in Burberry

Rooney Mara in Valentino

Lily Rabe in Lela Rose

Saoirse Ronan in Michael Kors Collection

Ellie Kemper in Peter Pilotto

Anna Faris in Naeem Khan

Marisa Tomei in Zuhair Muraid

Emilia Clarke in Dior Haute Couture

Julie Bowen in Kaufman Franco

Tina Fey in Prabal Gurung

Sophie Turner in Carolina Herrera

Kate Winslet in Georgio Armani

On the Fence:

January Jones in Schiaparelli Haute Couture

So, this gown is pretty and I love the Spring Seafoam Color and also the Luscious Chiffon material, but the color though quite soft and pretty it looks sort of washed out on January (with her very light skin and light blonde hair) and that train looks dangerous.

Claire Danes in Stella McCartney

Nothing special about this dress at all. Neither the color-blocking of the two different shades of blue helps to make it look special. Claire keeps wearing these kind of dresses and they do nothing for her.

Brie Larson in Atelier Versace

I was on the fence about this gown because though I do like the beautiful and sexy cut-out and asymmetric neckline and I don't mind the thigh-high slit, I think those lace-up tie things are kind of weird and cheapen the dress a little bit. Brie has an amazing figure though and she still pulls it off beautifully. Plus this Gorgeous Light Periwinkle Color is gorgeous on her.

The Worst Dressed:

Lori Pety

I don't even know who "Orange is the New Black" Star Lori is wearing but who cares. This Bubblegum Pink 2-piece ensemble looks like a Fancy Prison Jumpsuit. No one should ever wear it, let alone walk the red carpet wearing it. It is hideous and by far the worst look of the night.

Eva Longoria in Julien Macdonald

Eva's gown had a very low-cut cleavage on the front and was completely open in the back. Plus it had a slit on the back and it was see-through here and there. She didn't leave much to the imagination for sure. Also her hair looks super greasy and not well-styled for the red carpet. This is one of her worst looks ever.

Juliane Moore in Givenchy

I do not care if this gown is Givenchy. It is not a good look at all on Julianne Moore. And I am someone who loves green on red-heads usually. This green is not pretty though. Neither is that shiny, cheap material. It looks old and the style of the dress looks a little maternity, too.

Sarah Paulson in Armani Prive

Velvet is a hard fabric to pull off and combined with a feathery Big Bird mockery of a top makes it even worse. I hated the dress but I do like her slick, sharp bob and that clutch.

Nicole Kidman in Gucci

Though I do not find this dress ugly or offensive, I think it is more suited for a cruise dinner or an outdoor Summer Wedding than the Red Carpet SAG Awards. It is a Maxi Dress in my opinion, not a Fancy Gown. Not a good look on Nicole.

P.S. Linking up with Ann, Carrie, Claire, Doranda, Erin, Good Random Fun, Janet, 

Katherine, Laura with Stephanie and Whitney et al, Mollie, Patti, Rachel, Rebecca and Zaz.

Stay tuned for an entire week of Blanket Scarves and how I style them. It will be a very special week on Elegance and Mommyhood, actually. I have good things in store, for you all.

Thanks for reading and have fun watching the Oscars tonight!

LBD and Zebra Coat.

Remember how in my last OOTD post I mentioned I was having much better luck getting clear, prettier pictures indoor than outdoors? Well, today is proof of that. The drizzling, fluffy stuff in the air (over me) didn't help things either. Anyhow it is the same Floral Black Tights like last time. This time I went a lot more Monochromatic and wore them with a LBD (this one is also from White House Black Market), also a Quilted little Purse from White House Black Market, my Pointy Heeled Leather Booties and some pops of pink via my Lipstick and Jewelry. I did wear a Fabulous Zebra Trench Coat on top though and to keep warm (not pictured) I wore an Infinity Sweater Scarf. I love the little Chiffon Ruffles on this Jersey Cotton Dress. They dress it up a little. Do you own a Ruffled LBD that you could wear to work? How do you style it for work?

When I put my hair half-way up in the back I like clipping it with a pretty barrette, hair pin or bow. I am wearing a Skinny Lucite Bow Barrette this time. It is Navy with Baby Pink (Serenity) right in the middle. My hair is automatically dressed up a little just with a simple but pretty hair accessory like this which makes a statement. Plus this skinny lucite bow barrette is elegant and perfect to wear to work.

The Accessories:

Black, Pointy Toe Booties w/ Kitten Heels: Kenneth Cole (Borrowed from Mom) (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal, love these), (similar, Steal).

Long Necklace w/ Ivory Wood Beads, Glass White Bead & Hot Pink Tassel: Hand-made & Gifted (by Carrie) (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal), (similar in rose quartz, Steal, love this).

Pink Pave Flower+Leaf Stud Earrings: NY&Co (similar, Splurge, love these), (set of 3 in sterling silver, great Deal), (similar, Steal).

Black Quilted, Shiny Envelope Purse w/ Silver Studs & Silver Chain Strap: White House Black Market (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal, my favorite), (sporty style, Steal).

Beaded Bracelets in Burnt Orange and Turquoise Stones w/ Pink Tassel: Pumps & Pushups (similar in Serenity, small Splurge), (similar in Royal Blue, Great Deal), (similar, triple-stranded, Steal, my favorite).

Dusty Pink/Blush Elastic Bracelet w/ Crystals & Faux Pearls: The Limited (similar, set of 7, small Splurge, love this), (similar w/ heart charm, Great Deal), (similar in white, Steal).

Black Cotton Jersey Mini Dress w/ Chiffon Asymmetric Ruffles: White House Black Market (cocktail option, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal), (similar, Steal, love this).

Elegant, Belted, B+W Zebra Trench Coat: Express (similar, Splurge, love this), (similar, small Splurge), (very similar, Steal).

Navy w/ Blush Lucite Skinny Bow Barrette: An Accessories Boutique in Albania.

Long Necklace w/ Ivory Wood Beads, Glass White Bead & Hot Pink Tassel: Hand-made & Gifted (by Carrie) (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal), (similar in rose quartz, Steal, love this).

Pink Pave Flower+Leaf Stud Earrings: NY&Co (similar, Splurge, love these), (set of 3 in sterling silver, great Deal), (similar, Steal).

Beaded Bracelets in Burnt Orange and Turquoise Stones w/ Pink Tassel: Pumps & Pushups (similar in Serenity, small Splurge), (similar in Royal Blue, Great Deal), (similar, triple-stranded, Steal, my favorite).

Dusty Pink/Blush Elastic Bracelet w/ Crystals & Faux Pearls: The Limited (similar, set of 7, small Splurge, love this), (similar w/ heart charm, Great Deal), (similar in white, Steal).

Black Quilted, Shiny Envelope Purse w/ Silver Studs & Silver Chain Strap: White House Black Market (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal, my favorite), (sporty style, Steal).

Black Paisley Patterned Semi-Sheer Tights: The Limited (similar in burgundy, Great Deal, love these), (very similar, Steal).

Black, Pointy Toe Booties w/ Kitten Heels: Kenneth Cole (Borrowed from Mom) (similar, Splurge), (similar, Great Deal, love these), (similar, Steal).

P.S. Linking with Adri + Jessica, Alice,  Birdie, Carrie, Christie, Claire, 

Dawn, Doranda, Grace, Heather, Jacqueline, Jaymie, Jennie, 

Jill, Jolynne, Lauren, Lauryn, Linda, Lisa, Lizzie, Megan, 

Melissa with Rachel, Mix+Match, Nicole, Osy, Rachel, Tara, Vicki and Whitney.