Easter Sunday Style Guide

Though I am not a religious person in a very least, every year I do get excited for Easter because it it one of the only holidays my entire family gets together to celebrate, aside from Christmas and Thanksgiving. Each year we have a darling brunch and watch my younger cousins hunt for Easter eggs, however the uniqueness about Easter morning for my family is that this is the one holiday the everybody dresses up. Though I tend to dress up any chance I get, primping for Easter brunch has always been one of my favorite things about the holiday, just something about it makes me very giddy. So, in case any of you are like me, and are not entirely sure what you want to wear yet for the holiday, I've put together this style guide with my top picks for Easter!

 

Chic for the Occasion

For this first outfit, the core piece I chose is this classic sheath dress. The reason I chose this dress is because it's classy, simple, and pretty. The reason I like this dress so much is due to its unique neckline and cool toned, floral pattern which is perfect, yet different for spring. This dress would also be a nice choice for my readers who do attend Sunday mass for the holiday, because even though it is dressy, it is a nice and modest choice for spring.

To add a bit of flare to this outfit, I decided to pair it with this lovely set of jewelry. First I paired this dress with these Kate earrings by Kendra Scott, because I liked the subtle hint of pink that they added to this look. Next, I chose this necklace by Perry Street, because I felt the cool tones of the opal played well off the dress' floral pattern. And lastly, to pull this shimmering trio together, I added this Misha bracelet by SLATE because the stones on this cuff matched the stones of the necklace, and the gold of the bracelet, played off of the gold in the earrings.

To complete this first outfit, I decided to stay true to its cooler tones, and decided to pair it with these adorable, lilac sandals. The reason I chose these sandals is because I felt that their color added balance to the outfit, opposed to if you were to pair the dress with white heels, it would look a bit disproportional color wise.

 

 

Playfully Polished

This next outfit choice is perfect for the girl whose family has a casual get together for Easter. I chose this darling two piece set because I felt the colors were fun and festive for spring! I really loved the tie detailing of the blouse and I also felt the wide legs of the pants made for a chic but fun look. The reason this set is great for a casual Easter get together, is because though it is a playful look, it is also quite classic. 

To accessorize this look, I decided to pair it with these Maxwell earrings by Kendra Scott, this gorgeous drop pendant necklace, and lastly this House of Harlow 1960 moon stone cuff. The reason I chose these pieces is because I liked the pop of color that the earrings and bracelet added to this look, and I also felt the necklace would add a bit of flare to the top half of the outfit, without being too over the top due to its minimalistic look.

To further accessorize this look, I chose to style it with this pretty, studded, forest green purse. The reason I chose this bag for the look, is because I felt that it paired nicely with the two piece set, and also added a nice contrast to the over all look, making it visually interesting.

To complete this playful outfit, I chose these adorable, coral colored pumps. The reason why I thought these pumps were simply perfect for this look, is due to their low heel and cute little bows. I also liked this color compared to the pants of this ensemble as well as how these pumps play off the color of the jewelry in this look as well.

 

Brighten Up Brunch

Since yellow is still a huge color trend this season, as well as monochromatic styling, for this next look I decided to go with this bright yellow ensemble. To kick off this look, the main piece I chose is this gorgeous, empire waist maxi dress. Not only does the color of this dress really fit the spirit of the holiday, it is also cut modestly making it a good choice for various Easter activities. I also really love how soft and pretty this dress looks, with a touch of Grecian femininity. 

Of course such an elegant dress calls for just as elegant accessories! So to add a bit of shimmer to this bright outfit, I chose to pair it with these Sophie Harper drop earrings plus this dainty gold bracelet by Gorjana. The reason I chose these pieces is because my like the style of the dress, they have a feminine and Grecian feel, which I felt complemented this look as a whole, and made the perfect match!

To put the finishing touches on this outfit, I chose to pair this gorgeous maxi dress with these cute, yellow pumps. The reason why I chose these heels is because I loved their angular design and because of their color. Even though these heels are yellow, unlike that dress which is more of a pastel color, these heels are almost neon, adding a nice contrast to the dress and also adding a fourth shade of yellow by tying in the jewelry.

 

 

Garden Party

This  last outfit is for the girl who loves a classic style with some artsy flare. This dress is actually my favorite out of all of the items in this guide, and I'm actually debating on purchasing it. The reason I love this dress so much is because of its twist on the classic a-line dress. I love its fit and flare cut paired with the mesh overlay and embroidered flowers. This piece isn't only perfect for an Easter Sunday Brunch, but also for a classic spring look.

Since this dress makes a statement all on its own, I did not want to clutter it with over the top accessories. So, I chose to pair it with these simple, but stunning, lever back earrings by Kate Spade. I just liked that these gems match some of the flowers so well and that they are a great color for spring.

To finish off this artistic and sophisticated look, I chose to pair it with these simple white pumps. The reason I chose white pumps opposed to colored ones, is because I felt that a pair of colored heels would distract from the beauty of the dress and make it look a bit sloppy. So, I chose to keep this look's shoe choice simple, sweet, and classic.

How are you spending Easter Sunday this year if you celebrate the holiday, and how are you styling for it? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a cute Easter Sunday look that you'd just love to show off? Feel free to snap a picture and tag me in your post or Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I featured in this post, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Also, In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

rewardStyle + LIKEtoKNOW.it : How To Use It

For those of you who have been reading my blog since at least last month, I'm sure you have noticed that in my little post script notes, I mention two of my affiliates rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it. I'm sure you've also been wondering what's up with the little heart emblems that have been showing up in the corners of my more recent Instagram posts:

So, even though I generally leave you guys little links that takes you to each party's respective page, I've never actually went over what each of them are and how to use them, and due to some recent changes to LIKEtoKNOW.it (like, they have an app now!) I figured I would do a quick little post about this topic today, just to clear some things up!

First of all, what is LIKEtoKNOW.it?

For you non-blogging readers, LIKEtoKNOW.it is an awesome service that is here solely to make your life easier (or your shopping addiction worse--but I promise, I'm not judging!). The thing that makes LIKEtoKNOW.it so nifty is that if you see a photo of mine on Instagram that you just absolutely adore, whether it be an outfit or lifestyle post, all you need to do is "like" my photo and you will have my whole outfit/post content delivered to your email inbox complete with shoppable links! How does this magic work you ask? It's easy! Just follow these steps below:

1. Head on over to www.liketoknow.it and watch the little tutorial video that pops up when you first enter the website, just so you can get a quick feel for how to use the service.
2. Next, if you decide that this awesome shopping tool is for you, simply register and set up an account--this is 100% free, by the way.
3. Next, you can start liking mine as well as other blogger's Instagram posts who are sponsored by LIKEtoKNOW.it and get the shopping deets delivered right to your inbox within five minutes!
4. You can also shop directly from LIKEtoKNOW.it via your "my likes" or "my screenshots" (I'll get to that exciting news next!) tab, or if you want to shop a specific bloggers feed, all you need to do is add their handle after LIKEtoKNOW.it's website (E.G. to shop mine you would go to www.liketoknow.it/starkravingchic, or you can just click here!)
5. Lastly, LIKEtoKNOW.it also has an app now with new screenshot technology that allows you to shop your screenshots! All you need to do is screenshot photos that you like on social media (As well as all over the mobile web!), and  the app will send a push notification to your phone with all of the shoppable links in one place — no matter what platform or site your screenshot comes from. Pretty rad, right?

So now that I gave my non-blogging dolls all the details that they need to use LIKEtoKNOW.it, I'm sure my fellow blogger babes want to know how they can become a member and utilize it as well, and here's how!

LIKEtoKNOW.it For Bloggers

So I gotta admit that utilizing LIKEtoKNOW.it as a blogger isn't quite as simple as it is for our audience. In order to make your own posts shoppable through LIKEtoKNOW.it, you first have to apply as an influencer through the company rewardStyle. And though I can't tell you the exact steps as to how to get accepted in to the program, here are a few tips of my own:

1. Quality not quantity: Though this is something that I covered in my blogiversary post last month, I have to stress that quality writing is more important than the quantity of your posts. Sure, you can write 5 posts a week, but if they are riddled with grammar and spelling errors, or have little depth, they won't be attention grabbing, thus making them unimpressive to brands and/or potential sponsors. Which leads me to my next point...
2. Consistency: This is a topic I actually covered last week in my editorial calendar post, and much like providing your readers with a consistent schedule, brands like to see that as well. Like I said last week, don't post non stop for seven days and then go silent for three months without warning or explanation, simply because it can make you lose readers and make potential sponsors/brands question your ability to stay on schedule.
3. Quality Photos: Another point I covered in my blogiversary post, but still is just every bit as important here and that is quality photography! If your photos look sloppy and poorly put together, chances are brands will think that is how all of your work is and will not want you representing them.
4. Professionalism: Lastly, one thing I have noticed about rewardStyle is they seem to consistently work with blogs that are clearly treated like a business. Sure, sure, I slip up and have an occasional curse word in my writing, but never to the extent of throwing them around in every post. This also goes hand in hand with yet another point I made in my last blogiversary post, and that is be kind to your fellow bloggers and radiate positivity. Nobody wants to work with a grump.

So everybody, do you use LIKEtoKNOW.it or are you a member of rewardStyle? Let's chat about it in the comment section below, or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

#OOTD: Delightfully Detailed (Feat. StyleWe)

Ever since I was a small child, I always enjoyed going to the theater. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood involve a "girls day out" with my mum, grandmother, and cousin Kelly, where they would take me downtown so see a ballet or play. Much like when I was little, I still have such an admiration for thespians and dancers, and also like when I was kid, no matter how many times I attend a show at the Benedum Center or Heinz Hall, I am always in awe of each of these historic play houses baroque architecture and all over charm.

Fit For the Theater 

Though this past weekend I did not attend any shows at either theater, I did have the opportunity to attend a lovely brunch/question and answer session at the Carnegie Museum of Art in order to cover a story on the Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion exhibit. So, though most of my morning was spent in Oakland at the museum, I decided to head to the heart of downtown for the afternoon to enjoy the warm weather (though it was a bit grey), and take a stroll down Penn Avenue and have a quick drink at Six Penn. And while I was walking around the cultural district, I also too the time to admire the familiar and gorgeous Heinz Hall.

Due to my brunch event at the museum earlier that day, I decided to finally wear this gorgeous dress I received from my sponsor StyleWe mid last month. The reason I had not worn it yet was due to the fact that it is on the more formal side, and I simply did not have an event to wear it to until my CMOA brunch, and I have to say, this dress was quite the hit at both the museum and downtown! The first reason why I love this dress so much, is due to its style which is reminiscent of the 1920s. I also just adored the delicate yet detailed embroidering on the dress' bodice, neckline, and sleeves.

To style this pretty, feminine piece, I decided to keep it classic and went ahead and paired this dress with some simple white opal earrings, my black chained clutch from SheIn, along with some simple black pumps with minimal gold detailing. The reason I chose these accessories to go with this outfit is because though they are simple and do not take away from the dress itself, they also add a touch of shine and sparkle, giving the demure and classic look a bit of a more modern feel.

One Last Look

What are some of your favorite outfits for more formal occasions? Let's chat about it in the comments below of you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a pretty outfit that you've been dying to show off? Feel free to tag me in a post or on your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here! Or you can wait and check out my post about LIKEtoKNOW.it and rewardStyle tomorrow.