Colored Easter Legs

This was my first Easter that I spent in Manhattan, so I took the opportunity to walk down to see the Easter Bonnet Parade. I wasn't 100% sure that we were going to stay in town today, so I didn't get a chance to make my own bonnet. Let me tell you, some of them were absolutely amazing! Stay tuned tomorrow as I plan on posting pictures of some of the creative bonnets I saw while walking down Fifth Avenue.

dress- Coincidence & Chance 

jacket- H&M

tights- H&M

shoes- c/o SO Central available at Yeswalker

I was so happy my friends at Yeswalker sent over these amazing lace-up wedges. I literally walked about 50 blocks in these shoes (no lie!)...and this was my first time wearing them! No blisters, no pain. Can you say comfortable??? If you haven't checked out their website yet, I definitely recommend it. There you will find all sorts of unique shoes, handbags, and accessories.

I was really surprised that the city was as bustling as it was considering it was a holiday weekend. I haven't seen that many tourists in quite some time. Needless to say, I was rather embarrassed taking these photos today. So many tourists just staring at me! Were me and my dog that cute that it was necessary to gawk at us? Geesh! Didn't anyone ever tell them it is rude to just stare at someone?

Albion Fit Go Long Crew + Giveaway

As many of you are aware, I'm not a very sporty kind of gal. I wear jeans time to time, save my yoga pants for bedtime, and do not belong to a gym. Even though I tend to dress up 90% off the time, I like to do so comfortably. Albion Fit, a leader of women's fitness and swimwear, sent over this crew for me to check out and it has become an instant favorite of mine. It is so unbelievably soft and cozy! This top has a great deal of stretch to it, and the light weight material is perfect for cool springtime weather. Although Albion Fit is known for their workout clothing, I like to venture outside the box and try something different with their activewear...like pairing this top with hot pink tights. Nothing wrong with that...right???

top- c/o Albion Fit

skirt- Forever 21

necklace- Spotted Moth

tights- Urban Outfitters

shoes- BDG available at Urban Outfitters

sunglasses- Michael Stars

I have some good news for my readers...you too can win this top! 

Here are the rules to enter this giveaway:

1) You must have a US mailing address.

2) Please "like" Albion Fit and Snapshot Fashion on Facebook.

3) You must pin your favorite item from the Albion Fit website onto one of your Pinterest boards and leave a comment here with the link of your specific pin.

4) Include your name and email address.

This giveaway will be running until Friday, April 5th at 3pm eastern time. Good luck to everyone that enters!

Albion Fit was kind enough to provide Snapshot Fashion's readers with an exclusive discount. Use the promo code snapshot15 at checkout to receive $15 off of your purchase of $50 or more. This discount is valid until April 5, 2013.

LuLu's Discount For Snapshot Fashion Readers

Don't you just love a good discount? Snapshot Fashion's friends at LuLu's are hooking up our readers from the US and Canada with a special coupon. From today through March 30th at midnight you can save 15% off of your total purchase site wide. Please use the code SNAPSHOT at checkout. This code is case sensitive and is a one use per customer coupon, so please take note. 

Here are some of the items I'm currently obsessed with on LuLu's website-

Pack Your Zigzags Black Chevron Print Dress- $41

Pass the Pep-er Light Blue Peplum Dress- $47.50

Penny for Your Dots Yellow Polka Dot Jeggings- $53

Luichiny Vic Toria Mint Floral Print Platform Sandals- $87

Big Budda Laila Yellow and Brown Woven Purse- $75

What do you think on my picks? Which items on LuLu's site do you plan on using your 15% discount on?

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

The 100 Best Vintage Shops Online

If you are anything like me you have this adoration for vintage items, but find that actually shopping for them can be overwhelming. I was really excited when I heard that my friend Sammy Davis was writing an e-book about vintage shopping online. In this book she talks about where to get everything from jewelry to hats to bridal (and everything in between).

Why did you write this e-book?

Sammy Davis: One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Which vintage shops should I check out?” I realized that this question was twofold. They wanted to know 1. Who can I trust? and also 2. How can I not be so overwhelmed by all of the different eras, styles and types of clothing that vintage fashion encompasses?

So my e-book helps sort through all of that by breaking down the best shops into various categories by decade, clothing type and price while also sprinkling in historical nuggets and information about how the vintage world works. My hopes are that after reading the book, you’ll get a better feel for what type of vintage shops you prefer most, since there are even more amazing shops that just didn’t make it into the top 100 for the book. 

Why do you believe every woman should wear vintage? 

Sammy Davis: Every woman should wear vintage because it’s guaranteed to make her feel great thanks to fabulous style, quality and feel-good benefits.

Not only is vintage trendy and affordable, but it’s sustainable since you’re reducing your carbon footprint by substituting secondhand for a new garment. Also, vintage shops are like mom-and-pop stores, so you can feel great knowing that every purchase from a vintage store helps these small business support their families and succeed in today’s tough economy. 

Plus, we can’t forget that vintage fashion is a special sisterhood different from mainstream fashion. Reason being that women love connecting over stories of where to find vintage, its history and how to wear in a modern way. Whenever someone compliments a vintage garment I’m wearing, I almost immediately launch into a story about it that becomes an icebreaker in our conversation. Wearing vintage helps me make new friends! 

Why is vintage fashion becoming so popular?

Sammy Davis: Vintage fashion is so popular because it offers benefits that fast fashion retailers (H&M, Forever 21, Zara) can’t. Vintage is stylish (often inspiring current trends), affordable (especially for designer aficionados) and sustainable, too, considering you’re investing in a second hand garment that if produced in the ‘70s or earlier, was typically made in the United States. 

Plus, buying vintage supports small business owners since most sellers are set up like mom-and-pop businesses offering more personalized shopping experiences than a contemporary retailer can. While you’ll probably never speak to the designer of a typical mall store, vintage sellers are more than happy to connect with customers about the styles they’ve curated, answering emails and staying in touch via social media. 

I have had the opportunity to accompany Sammy on a Salvation Army shopping trip in the past and can I just say, the girl really knows what she is doing. I'm so proud of her for writing "The 100 Best Vintage Shops Online"! I look forward to readers discovering love for vintage, as well as Sammy's savvy secondhand knowledge!

Look of the Day- Classic Comfort

1) Pacey Necklace available at DANNIJO- $695

2) Ana Peplum Short-Sleeve available at Delia's- $19.50

3) Contrast Denim Tote available at Forever 21- $29.80

4) Lario Coral Flats available at Wanted- $39.99

5) Skinny Khaki available at American Eagle Outfitters- $44.95 $39.99

Rocking Color Blocking

Such a fun filled weekend I have going on right now! This morning I got to go out to brunch with two of my favorite girls, Kristen & Tara. We ate some amazing food and had too many margaritas (I'm sure some of you saw the photos on Instagram).

With my belly full and tequila running through my veins I thought it would be fun to walk with my husband and pup through Central Park today...even though it was beyond cold outside. Bright idea? Maybe not. But when the wind wan't blowing it was actually quite lovely.

Tonight we're planning to stay in. My husband is going to try his hand at replicating Momofuku's fried chicken recipe again. Last time he made it I have to say it was pretty much a dead ringer for the real thing. I'm already salivating just thinking about dinner! Yum!

I'm super excited for tomorrow. My husband is taking me to see Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on Broadway! It's starring Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce (we are obsessed with the show Frasier!!!). Needless to say, I cannot wait! Plus it's been forever since we've seen a show...so it should be a blast!

I have to say, I absolutely adore this dress. I have worn it number of times on this blog in the past (here and here). But of all the times that I have ever worn it, this was the first time I decided to be bold and wear it with some super bright tights! Hey, it's spring after all! Time to break out some color. Don't you agree???

dress- Ali Ro

tights- c/o We Love Colors

coat- Silence + Noise

scarf- The Limited

hat- Urban Outfitters

shoes- BDG available at Urban Outfitters

What are your weekend plans? Anything fun and exciting??? Hopefully the weather isn't too cold by you and you can get out there and enjoy it!

P.S. So I just noticed that my dress got a little caught up in my coat and you can totally see the lining...argh!

Shopping Roundup

~Please stop wearing your pajamas to class (that look is never cute). College students can get 25% off at ASOS now through Friday at 1pm eastern time.

~Fancy is now 30% off at BCBGeneration. This offer is available online and in the store.

~Ann Taylor has all full price dresses marked 30% off. Be sure to use this promo code at checkout: GETDRESSED.

~All denim is now $39 at Urban Outfitters! This sale will be going on from now through Sunday.


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Happy Birthday To Me...

Today isn't only the first day of spring...it's also my 32nd birthday. Nothing much planned. Seems like the older I get the less interested I am in celebrating. But this weekend I'm meeting up with a couple of my girlfriends for brunch. So that will be fun!

Originally I was thinking about maybe doing a party...or going out for drinks. But parties are usually a let down (especially when thrown together last minute), and my place is tiny...so that probably won't work. And I feel like I'm under 21 considering the fact that I don't currently have my ID. I went to the DMV last week to renew my license and they kept my ID that expires on Thursday. They then told me I'll get a new one in the mail in 2-3 weeks! I never had to deal with NYC's DMV before. I literally had to wait in line for an hour and a half. Ridiculous. I've always just kept my Pennsylvania license because it was less of a hassle. They literally just give you the ID there on the spot (and if you don't like your photo they retake it!).

I think today I'll treat myself to a relaxing day. Maybe I will even throw a nap into my afternoon? And how about some cake??? Yes, I want need cake!

P.S. If you're still looking for a birthday present for me how about some actual spring time weather!!! If you could make that happen it would totally make my day.

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Look of the Day- Love Letters From Paris

1) Feel the Love Gold Heart Bangle available at LuLu's- $12

2) Scalloped Peaches Top available at ModCloth- $34.99

3) Long Cardigan available at Banana Republic- $69.50

4) MiH Marrakesh Wide-Legs available at Anthropologie- $209

5) Deflex by Dexter Women's Claire Scrunch Flat available at Payless- $24.99 $19.99

6) Eiffel Tower Canvas Tote available at Forever 21- $3.50

Victory Rolls

Today I'm feeling a little retro. Over the last few days I have been obsessed with vintage hair and makeup tutorials via YouTube (mainly by The Cherry Dollface). Now like I have said in my last post, I almost never do anything extreme (AKA complicated) with my hair. I'm just not all that talented when it comes to hair, or makeup for that matter. But I will say that The Cherry Dollface was very clear in her tutorials. So I thought, why not give it a shot. 

So I thought it would be fun to start out by trying some victory rolls in my hair and practicing my eyeliner the way she suggested to do it. Well, I think I got the one roll pretty good...and one eye pretty good! HAHA! I guess practice makes perfect. Also, I will say that the hair is a look I love on others...but was very nervous about wearing on myself. It just seemed so "big". I didn't make this hairstyle as tight as she suggested, mainly because I didn't have all the tools needed. But I wanted to give it a shot anyway.

dress- ASOS

over the knee socks- Urban Outfitters

shoes- Kimchi Blue available at Urban Outfitters

tights- ?

What do you think of this retro/vintage/pin up girl hairstyle? Can I pull it off...or should I just let this to the pros???

Look of the Day- Color Explosion

1) Pima Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan available at LOFT- $44.50

2) Aline Dress available at BB Dakota- $75 $37.50

3) Polka Dolly Sunglasses available at Fred Flare- $12

4) The Friday Clutch available at Madewell- $128

5) C Label Luxe 4 Black and Gold D'Orsay Pointed Pumps available at LuLu's- $35

6) 60 Denier Tights available at Forever 21- $4.50

*Invite Only*

I know I have mentioned this before, but I am obsessed with invite only sale websites. Unique finds, tremendous deals, and designer quality...if you aren't taking advantage of these websites yet, what are you waiting for? They are free to join. All you need is an invitation...and I'm providing all my readers with one! Just follow the links below and start shopping!

Check out these amazing sales that are going on now or in the near future-

Gilt- BCBGMAXAZRIA, Ali Ro, Seychelles, Free People, Flight 001, Kate Spade New York Bedding

Hautelook- Ben Sherman Footwear, Jessica Simpson Girls' Shoes, Cam & Zooey (blowout sale), PINKOWL, Honeydew Intimates

ideeli- w118 by Walter Baker, Badgley Mischka, Joyous & Free, Angie, Jules Smith

Rue La La- Missoni, Chanel, Samsonite, Amrita Singh, Grecian Getaway

Three things to keep in mind:
1) The boutiques are up for a limited time.
2) They often sell out quickly.
3) You can earn credits when you get your friends to buy items.

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Vanderpump Fools

Some say it's my dirty little secret. But I'm not ashamed of it. I, Diane of Snapshot Fashion, am obsessed with reality television...particularly the shows on Bravo. I know, I know...some of you are probably rolling your eyes at me. And I have to admit, that is pretty much all I do when I watch these shows is just roll my eyes at the ridiculous "stars" on them.

One of my new favorite shows that I love to hate has to be Vanderpump Rules. I absolutely adore Lisa Vanderpump (she has to be one of my favorite housewives). Her cheeky humor, amazing wardrobe, strong work ethic, and co-star Giggy makes the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills all worth it. But her recent spin-off, Vanderpump Rules, is a bit annoying...mainly the mean girl star Stassi.

This aspiring fashion writer recently went off on the show about fashion bloggers. This is what she said to her boyfriend of the time about the column she writes on The Divine Addiction-

“It’s not a blog. I am so over you calling it a blog. Like, seriously. People who blog literally just go on a little website and just upload whatever they write and don’t even re-read what they write.”

Please cue the EYEROLL...

Yes, I know really anyone can have a blog. But not everyone can have a successful blog. I have had my blog for over four and a half years now. From it I have met some amazing people in the fashion industry, networked with other inspiring fashion bloggers, gained a following of dedicated readers, and have even had the opportunity to have some amazing product partnerships. To say that us bloggers are just typing off the cuff without thinking anything through just shows me that she never really spent any time in the fashion blogging community. Personally, I'm proud to be a fashion blogger.

My issue is really with Stassi's negative attitude toward a community of amazing writers, creative storytellers, and funky fashionistas. I really do wish Stassi and the site The Divine Addiction the best of luck. I have checked out her column, and I honestly don't see any difference from things that are posted on my favorite fashion blogs. She often talks about trends and shows outfit posts of how to wear her favorite items.

I want to know, what do you think of what she said? Did it offend you as much as it offended me? Do you think blogging is a bad word???


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Springing Into Spring With Pastels & Florals

One thing I love about springtime is the warmer weather. I don't do well with cold, at all. Often when I'm complaining about how cold winter can be people often think I must be from the south or out west. But nope! I've been living in the northeast all my life. I guess I'm just a wimp!!!

When the warmer weather comes around so do the pretty spring dresses! This year I'm loving the floral prints that are out there. What is surprising is that I'm actually loving pastel floral prints. When I look through the sea of black that is my wardrobe, I'll find colors and prints here and there...but they are always bright and bold. I can honestly say that I don't think I own anything in a pastel shade.

But my wardrobe might have to start to change, as I am head over heels for these super cute and feminine pastel dresses! Don't you just love them???

Tea Cupcake Dress available at ModCloth- $67.99

Painting The Roses Dress available at Nasty Gal- $68

Oasis Dress In Floral Postcard Print available at ASOS- $135.64 $94.95

Field of Poppies Floral Print Dress available at LuLu's- $47

Lucca Couture Floral Dress available at Nordstrom- $58

Lookin' Fab

Zoe Saldana was recently seen in this amazing Carven dress while at the celebration for The Hollywood Reporter's 25 Most Powerful Stylists List. I'm dying over the side cutouts and the neckline of this dress. Typically I don't think that cutouts really work because they often just look so trashy. But this frock looks fabulous because of the modest length and the feminine print. So perfect for summer!!!

What do you think of Zoe's look?


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Behind The Scenes

Zooey Deschanel is not only one of my favorite actresses (who doesn't love (500) Days of Summer?) and style icon (what I would do to raid her wardrobe!), but she is also April's InStyle cover girl. Check out this 60 second behind the scenes clip of Zooey talking about everything from her personal style, nail art obsession, and SNL.

What do you think of Zooey? Do you love her style as much as I do?


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Look of the Day- Pops of Purple

1) Wednesday I'm in Love Top available at ModCloth- $39.99

2) Enchanted Crystal Bracelet available at Urban Outfitters- $16

3) Stitched Pleat Flare Skirt available at The Limited- $59.90

4) Emma by Jean-Michel Cazabat available at Piperlime- $295

5) Church Street Envelope Bag available at Anthropologie- $98

In A New York Minute

You would never know that yesterday in NYC we got a few inches of snow. Today it was in the mid-50's and the sun was shining on anything that would sit still. It was the perfect day for a walk in Central Park. What I just love about the park is that even though it was beyond full you can always find a few spots where you feel like you have the entire park to yourself.

Earlier today I stopped by Urban Outfitters to pick up these adorable oxfords that I have had my eye on for some time. I didn't buy them in previous visits because I wasn't sure I'd wear them or not...but I couldn't stop thinking about them. So buy them I did!!!

I adore this polka-dot dress that I got a few months back thanks to winning a contest on the blog We Wear Things. It combined three of my favorite things: black & white, a peplum, and polka-dots. In my eyes these three things are a winning combination!

One thing I never really do is experiment with my hair. I usually curl it every day...but that's about it. Today I was feeling creative and thought I should jazz it up a little. So I opted to make myself a braided headband hairstyle. What do you think? I kind of like it!

dress- Shabby Apple

coat- Brooklyn Industries

shoes- Kimchi Blue available at Urban Outfitters

tights- ?

Hopefully you are all enjoying some lovely weather where you live too. I think tomorrow I'll be doing more of the same...long walks, picture taking, and hanging out with my husband and pup. Hey, I gotta enjoy this amazing weather while it lasts!

Look of the Day- Tropical Sunset

1) Coco Jacket by MM Couture available at Piperlime- $99

2) The Glow of the Garden Dress available at ModCloth- $121.99

3) Two-Tone Leather Clutch available at Gap- $39.95 $31.99

4) Lace-Up Platform Booties available at Forever 21- $34.80

5) Sheer Shimmer Tights available at Urban Outfitters- $14

Happy Birthday Rocko!!!

Today is a special day. It's my lhasa-poo Rocko's 6th birthday! I cannot believe he is six years old already...how time flies! My husband and I are so happy to have the little guy in our lives. He brings us so much joy and love and comfort. So far today he's celebrated by sleeping a lot (as usual), went with me to the bank and made the women working there laugh, and played with his puppy friends on the sidewalk.

Here is a little look back at the life of Rocko...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!