Monday, February 29, 2016

Lady in Pink





Photos by: Tess Ware
{Outfit details below}

Black Jumpsuit: ASOS {similar here and love here} | Pink Shaggy Coat: Sold out {no similar, bummer}! | Necklace: BaubleBar "Showgirl Fringe Strand Necklace" | Bag: Similar here | Heels: here | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Lips: Sephora "Perfect Nude" 

If there's one thing in my closet that I'm drawn to...it's this amazing shaggy pink coat. It gives any look a city chic vibe and it adds the right amount of sass! 

I paired this simple black jumper {love} from Lulu's and added a pair of leopard heels. I've been searching what feels like a trillion years {#alwaysexaggerating}...and I found these beauties on sale! 

FYI: If you haven't noticed...the temperatures were amazing this weekend, but the wind and no sun have this girl bumming! 

Friday when Tess and I were getting some shots in {photos, not liquor ;p} the sun decided to make an appearance 10 minutes after wrapping up...{insert eye roll}.

The positive... {no more negative nancy} I learned some new "lango" ....so out of the loop curiosity of Tess's new assistant who did a phenomenal job shooting...you go girl! I will spare the embarrassment of it coming from my mouth...because lets be honest. I'm not so cool ;P. 

I hope y'all had a fabulous weekend and got a chance to watch some of the stunning looks from the 2016 Ocscars. I absolutely was swoon by Cate Blanchett. How classy....and that seafoam floral embellishment gown was stunning! 

thanks for stopping by!

xoxo | Mandy Nicole



Monday, February 22, 2016

10 Fun Facts






Photos by: Tess Ware
Outfit details below 

Wifey Tee: Ily Couture {A must} | Blazer: Similar here | Flannel: Similar here | Denim: BLANKNYC {so comfortable} | Booties: Similar here and here | Necklace: love this here | Specs: Burberry {super affordable} 

I want to apologize in advance for not always being on top of my A game. For those who read my blog posts religiously, thank you. I've said it before and girl, I'll say it again, thank you. 

I started Smitten By You back in September of 2014. My goal was to create an outlet for those interested in fashion. Since day 1 it has become so much more. I've made so many awesome connections, started to develop more of a passion for writing, and have become more confident.

So with that being said, I wanted to share 10 fun facts about the girl behind Smitten By You. Enjoy!

1. I'm a complete goof

Yes, a goof. Definition: A silly person. This side of me usually doesn't come out until I get to know a person a little more. I'm not afraid of looking silly, making unattractive faces, singing out loud/pretending I'm an opera singer, and showing off some pretty hideous dance moves.  My childhood friends can attest to this...Jenni? Jac? I make it a goal to not take situations too seriously, but I do have a serious side. However my goofy side tends to outshine me serious side. #Igetitfromdad

2. I'm a hopeless romantic 

I give credit to my devoted, loving, and romantic parents for raising us in such a caring environment. My mother continues to show such grace and gratitude after losing my father in a tragic car accident two years ago. I will always admire and strive to build a loving foundation such as theirs. I am beyond blessed to have been loved and witnessed such great affection between two people. My favorite romanic gesture? Holding hands and being kissed on my forehead {D has these two down ;p} #marriagegoals. 

3. I crave anything spicy 

Hot Cheetos, spicy queso, bloody mary {extra spicy}, sign me up. I live for spicy. D also enjoys things that are on the spicier side so it makes cooking {when I do} and ordering out easy. My new favorite thing is putting hot sauce on popcorn...I mean, it's not that unusual according to some of my favorite bloggers! If pregnancy cravings are anything like everyday cravings...I might need the hottest spices off the shelf. FYI: I'm not hinting towards anything ;) 

4.  I live for a great book or a Nicholas Sparks flick

I love sitting down to a great read. I recently just purchased "You before me" on my iPad. So far the book has been easy to get into. My favorite author hands down, in which I've mentioned on the blog a few times or 100, is Nicholas Sparks. Some may think his writing/storytelling is overrated, predictable, and or unrealistic..but I think of his writing as brilliant, creative, and hopeful. Many of his books are easy to relate to and while they end usually happy, sometimes sad, they carry a message that is far beyond "finding love." In my free time you will find me watching a Nicholas Sparks flick. No joke, I probably watch one of his movies at least 3-4x monthly. I would have to say hands down The Notebook and Safe Haven are my two favorites. The movie Endless Love is also my top pick. 

5. I care and fight hard for things/those I love

You could say I'm a person who cares more about how I make others feel and little about what others think about me. It hasn't always been that way but with age you grow to care a little less about what everyone else thinks about you. Don't get me wrong. I strive to be a thoughtful, respectful, and well- mannered women...but sometimes trying too impress and mold exactly to others liking is exhausting. I would say I'm a natural caregiver. If I believe in things, people, situations, or life events I fight for them. I like to be honest {overly sometimes}, gentle, and encouraging when it comes to those I love. I am totally that girl who will listen, provide advice {if asked}, and give honest/real opinions. I don't much care for politician debates, daily news, and depressing economic taboos. Why? Because I love to be optimistic in every way, shape, and form. In a world that can be so depressing, brutal, and discouraging...be alive and motive others to see the good in every little situation. 

6. I'm a crime junky 

"They tried to make me go to rehab...." I'm not talking CSI and Bones. I'm addicted to the real murder mysteries. Snapped, Cold Cases, I Survived, Monster in My Family, and Making a Murderer...to name a few. I may or may not believe I'm a legit detective. Y'all these shows are so additive and it's high priority right next to The Bachelor and Fixer Upper of course. #alwaysteamben #teamchipandjoanna

7. I fail miserably at spelling and math {till this day} 

In case you haven't noticed...{eye roll, lol} I wasn't the kid winning school spelling bees and I certainly wasn't invited to join TAG. So, spelling and math aren't my thing? I know the basics and it gets me by. Besides, auto correct can be a girls best friend {well sometimes}. If you correct me...I'll most likely laugh it off because it's bound to happen. 

8. I get legit "hangry" 

This term deserves a spot in the worlds dictionary...if it doesn't already exist. For now this definition is spot on. Hangry: a state of anger caused by lack of food; hunger causing a negative change in emotional state. Raise your hands in the air! D always jokes there are 3 things that can keep me happy. 1. Food 2. Sleep. 3. Food. So not true...well maybe a little. 

9. I'm slightly OCD: Slightly 

I enjoy cleaning, organizing, and keeping things picked up. However, there's a side of me that you could call complete organized chaos. When it comes to work, everything is fast pace. It's not always easy keeping things organized so I have notes laying everywhere. Thank the lord for a good memory and fast fingers..or this girl would be in some serious trouble. A lot like my office space...sometimes my house goes through similar situations. We have what is called the "wedding/packages/miscellaneous" room in our house. I try to show that room some loving at least once a week to make sure it doesn't get too out of hand. #itsnotaproblemuntilyoucan'tfindanything #right?

10. My mother is my best friend 

Hands down this is 100% accurate. My mom has and will always be my biggest fan/best friend. My mama and I live about 45 minutes away from each other and always plan weekly shopping, eating, wine/movie nights as often as possible. If someone would've asked me who my best friend would be at the age of 5 I probably wouldn't have guessed my mama, but boy was I wrong. Fun fact: my mom joined me and some of my closes friends for my bachelorette party and was an absolute blast. I can only hope one day I will be as loving, kind, selfless, and cool as my mom! 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed todays post!

xoxo | Mandy Nicole 



Sunday, February 21, 2016

Spring Fling

Spring Fling




1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6.| 

This weekends temps had this girl excited for spring. While I was stuck inside most of the weekend, watching state wrestling, without a phone...{not going to lie it was actually nice} I was able to sneak off to the mall with my sister-in-law.

I think it's safe to say we both did some {reasonable} damage. I mean we deserve it! I can't wait to share a blog post on some of the new beauty products I recently purchased.

I've been obsessing over this Bobbi Brown Blush {pastel pink} and decided to give it a try. I also adore this Mac lip shade in "Candy Yum Yum."

I can't wait to pack away all my winter sweaters and pull out all my spring clothing. I'm looking forward to wearing pastels, printed ankle pants, and fun sandals like these Elina Linardaki {currently on my wish list}.

I'm dying over how cute and versatile this Phlox Collar necklace is. I couldn't resist. This necklace can be worn with a plain white Tee for a more casual look or pairs nicely with this Vince Camuto "Off the Shoulder" blouse.

Hope you got out and enjoyed your favorite actives this weekend! I'm hoping this weather is here to stay {for awhile at least} ;)

xoxo | Mandy Nicole 






Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Cozy Valentines Day Look







Pictures by: Tess Ware
{Outfit details linked below}

White Tunic: Nordstrom {similar, comes in 7 colors} | Faux Leather Leggings: Express | Scarf: Express {on sale} | Fringe Booties: Shoedazzle {similar} | Tote: Tory Burch "Robinson Pebbled" here  {this is the site I went through, great experience} | Lip: Nordstrom Stila "Bella" {obsessed and long-wearing} | Watch: MK | Bracelet: Stella & Dot | Earrings: BaubleBar {obsessed} | Sunnies: Karen Walker "Super Duper Strength" 

February is the month of love. I feel like wearing an overabundance of pink is mandatory and so is eating all the candy your heart desires {that's right up there}. 

For me every month should be an excuse to get out of the house, enjoy a movie, and spoil that special someone in your life. If I were being honest {which I always enjoy keeping it real} my kind of Valentine's Day is either catching a quick bite {before the rush} and coming home to PJs, popcorn, and a movie. Preferably Nicholas Sparks, but I don't think Dustin would be all to impressed.  

So, whether your dream V-DAY plans consist of a night out or a date with the couch...this look is effortless and has the perfect touch of pink. I think we all know my obsession(s) {too many to count} are these Express leather leggings here and a fabulous blanket scarf, also from Express here

FYI: If you've been following the Bachelor this season...a show airing on Valentine's Day I'm dying to watch {no shame} is The Bachelor 20: A Celebration of Love all in one setting. EEK, I can't wait. 

Have a fabulous Tuesday loves! 

xoxo | Mandy Nicole 



Friday, February 5, 2016

#ArendstaketheAisle Part I





When I think about my dream life, I think about being with Dustin, holding his hand, talking, laughing at the silliest of things, and making future plans... {Whoops that rhymed}. 

While I was most definitely the little girl in her mothers heels, bright red lipstick, dancing to Shania Twain...I wasn't one to ever really talk about my dream wedding nor had a notebook full of juicy wedding must haves {the then pinterest, who knew)? 

I was the little girl who looked up to her parents, craved a love so deep, deeper than the ocean, and always wore her heart on her sleeve. 

Now..fast forward/rewind to 7 years ago {our 7th year anniversary was last month, insert heart emoji}. I had been in a few serious relationships, but none greater than when I met Dustin. I felt a bound so deep, a love so deep, and understanding so deep. Talk about terrifying. I had never in my life met someone who challenged me more {good or bad}. Who looked at me with passion and intrigue. Who talked about future plans and who stuck by my side when times were unbearably hard. 

I respect this man. I honor this man. I adore this man with every ounce of my soul. All of these admirations were developed, worked at, fought for, and overtime aligned to our satisfaction. 

Time rolled around, planning began, ideas developed, and decisions were set. I had such an overwhelming feeling of ease, excitement, and a heart full of love. I couldn't wait to marry my best friend. 

To say our day was beyond all expectations is a complete understatement. We had so many family, friends, vendors, and people rooting for us. We finally were united as one. 


Thank you for all the love, thoughtful comments, and joining us in this journey of our love. 

Stay tuned for part II of #ArendstaketheAisle :)

xoxo | Mandy Nicole 

Vendor Details: 


                         Videographer: {Tom Haggas} with Wedding Day Rewind 
       
                                                  Wedding Gown: {Weddings by DesignEssense of Australia 

                                                   Pearl Necklace: Family keepsake "Something borrowed" 

                                                  Wedding Shoes: Vince Camuto Ellen Flat

                                                        Floral/Design: {Connie Cizek} Petal Pusher Designs 

                                                        Hair: {Jacqueline Elacqua} Hair Biz 

                                                        Airbrush Tanning: {Traci Noll} Tanique

                                                        Makeup: Beau Monde Salon 

                                                        Wedding Bouquet/garters: My talented grandma Daisy 

                                                        Venue/Coordinator: Sunnyside Country Club {Ana} 

                                                        Dj: {Shawn} Ultimate Entertainment 

                                                        Photo Booth: Z Photo Booth

                                                        Bridesmaids Dresses: {Finery} Morilee Blush 

                                                        Pastor: Laura Renault 

                                                        Violinist: Genevieve Salamone

                                                        Bridesmaids Robes: Link

                                                        Bridesmaids Gifts: Link 

                                                        Groomsmen Gifts: Link and link

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