My $0.02 on Personal Style.

January 29, 2017

Hello loves!  January flew by really quickly, didn't it?  I've had something to do every single weekend this month and that means my home has suffered, my blog has suffered and my energy has suffered.  To top all of that off, college applications and all of the little pieces that come with it are due on February 1st and my son and I are 97% done!  Seriously can't wait for February 1st to come and go.  

So back to this post.  I am very active on Instagram and I give the blogger community a lot of love, cause women should support each other but I am very selective with who I follow and here is why.  Some of the posts I see are very heavy on trends and I don't know if it is the companies pushing their clothes and sending bloggers the same freebies to style and post but when you are as active as I am its becomes quite repetitive and uninspiring.  I don't really see the bloggers personal style shinning through on those paid for/sponsored ads.  Here is my point.  Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it, personal style lives outside of trends, at least mine does.  I fancy myself a "classics" girl, if you follow me on Instagram you would see why.  When I first started this blog a million years ago or (really) 3 months ago, I thought I would have to buy new outfits to post every week and at first I did.  But then I realized that was going to be expensive, lol, and not what I really set out to do.  Understanding where it all began helps to keep you on task. I started out wanting to share my style, not the trends and hope to inspire you to pull some things you already own in your closet and rock it like a boss. 😎 I want to promote self acceptance and self love, not emptiness, insecurity and consumerism.  Yes, you need to invest in some pieces but buying endless amounts of trendy clothes will never create your unique personal style. You don't have to have a lot of money to have personal style, you can start with a great pair of jeans, a well fit blazer, a sweater, a button down shirt, a "go-with-everything" dress and some heels and create effortless, interesting looks that reflect what you are feeling that day.   

So this outfit is a perfect example, all items Ive had in my closet for over a year, I paired a pair of Old Navy boot cut jeans with my grey Asos sweater over a white button down shirt, boots, black coat, fedora and clutch and out the door to shoot!  Wanna be let in on a secret?  Throw on a pair of big hollywood style sunnies, instant DRAMA!  It is my go-to and I got these pair of sunnies for $15!  






Similar Old Navy Jeans

Similar Crew Neck Sweater



Thanks for reading!  Don't forget to comment below on what your personal style is and hit follow so you get updates on all the fun things I have planned for this blog. 

XOXO

by LifeStyledbyErica 💋

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Multiply Like Rabbits (jewelry review + promo code)

January 23, 2017

Ok you guys, I have been teasing this beautiful bracelet on Instagram for weeks now and now what you have all been waiting for..my review!  Ok so Multiply Like Rabbits is a precious "Alice in Wonderland" themed jewelry line designed by Artur Dabrowski, a New York based architect!  What makes this line stand out from anything else out there is the attention to detail, each piece is so special and whimsical in its design.  It really captures the eye and every time I have worn this piece Ive been asked, where did I get it from, it got so bad I started carrying the business cards!  You should definitely check out the website, no detail has been spared, down to the precious packaging.  Pieces include rings, bracelets, necklaces and suit wear (ladies for the man in your life) and they come in bronze, brass and silver finishes.  Pictured below is the "Chasing Rabbits Cuff" in the brass finish.  This piece is made to order and there are instructions on the website on how to measure your wrist, it's fool proof, trust me! You can tell with the attention to detail, this is a labor of love for Artur.  Over the weekend he announced new pieces were added to his collection including a "staircase" ring and stacking rings.   Check them out here and here.



Follow Multiply Like Rabbits on Instagram, like on Facebook and check out their website Mutliply Like Rabbits. It is a perfect gift for an upcoming birthday or special celebration for the special lady or man in your life or a treat for yourself, why not, you deserve it!  I promise you won't regret it! BONUS?!?!? Enter promo code "thankyou" for an extra 25% off at checkout!




Tell me what you think down below.  And don't forget to hit "follow" so you can stay in the know. :)

XOXO

By LifeStyledbyErica 💋

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Get to Know Me - 9 Questions

January 17, 2017



Hello world!  So my blog is 3 months old next week and I thought I might commemorate the special occasion by sharing some fun facts about the woman behind lifestyledbyerica!  I pieced together these questions from several sites when I googled "getting to know someone" questions. I have to say I really had to think about some of these questions, they are tough but I learned a few things about my self in the process.  I would love for you to pick a question to answer..share your response, if you dare, in the comments below.  Its fun!   Here we go.

1.What was your upbringing like?
I grew up in the Bronx with my mother, father and older sister.  My father worked for the Sanitation Department and my mom stayed home with us and worked part time while we were in school.  We had a strict, Catholic upbringing complete with private school and church on Sundays.    

2. If you had to describe yourself in five words, what would they be?  
Sensitive, strong, ambitious, headstrong and loyal.


 3. What accomplishment are you most proud of and why? 
Personal accomplishment, completing my Masters Degree last summer, in spite of the many times I felt like giving up. 


 4. What makes you wildly happy?
This feels like a loaded question..there are so many things that make me happy, my husband, our family, our pup Timmy, the work I do, girl time, this blog, reading, yoga, working out, vacationing, so many things that make me happy, how could I choose one? ❤️


 5. Which of your parents are you most like and why?

Hmm this is a tough one, I've always been told (by my mother mostly) that I am JUST like my father.  It is true, I give her that.  I am deeply sensitive and I protect that sensitive core with a sometimes impenetrable wall and a surrounding moat, just like my dad.  I also take the lead when there is a crisis, I can jump right in and be the voice of reason and then secretly fall apart later in the shower, lol.  But more and more I see a thin veiled version of my mother living within me.  I will worry myself about things that are not in my control, I will choose to yell when I feel overwhelmed and then feel terrible about it after.  I also smile at strangers, much like my mother did when I was a child, she always had a way of engaging strangers with a smile, a kind word.  I do that sometimes and it reminds me of when I was a child looking up at my mother share her smile with the lady on line at the supermarket. 



6. What are your top five favorite books of all time? 
Sheesh, only 5?!?!?!? That isn't nearly enough.  

She Came to Stay by Simone de Beauvoir

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander 

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 
The Power Broker by Robert Carr (in progress)
The History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson  

7. How would you describe unconditional love?
Unconditional love is when someone else's happiness is your happiness even if it is opposition with what you want. 


8. What are your top five personal values?
Honesty, Loyalty, Drive, Accountability and humility. 


9. How do you handle anger?

Not well, if I am my better self in that moment, a bit*ch fest rant with my hubby accompanied by a glass of wine, online shopping, and a brand new outlet...blogging!  

 Thanks for reading loves! 💋

 Dont forget to pick a question and answer below, if you please. 😘

 by LifeStyledbyErica 




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New Yawk Black w/ Pops of Burgundy

January 14, 2017


Hello loves!  Ok so straight to this look, the hubby and I shot this look on one of this beautiful weekends we had before the snow last weekend.  Although the weather was warm, the wind was wicked! Behind the scenes the wind knocked my hat off and forced me to eat my hair, the big ole bully.  ðŸ˜‡ It was pretty funny and I can be a good sport (most times). So this look, I went REAL New Yawk on this one with the all black uniform but spiced it up with a burgundy felt hat (thanks mom and dad-in law for my christmas gift and support) and my Tahari loafers.  PS this flounce sweater is so forgiving especially when you've been stuffing your face with christmas cookies and chocolate like you are going to the electric chair. Hey, don't judge me, Im pretty disciplined most of the year and go buck wild crazy the week between christmas and new year. Im like a cute little gremlin.  I promise, just pass me the cookies and nobody gets hurt! Confession, I picked up this jacket a few years ago from Ann Taylor in one of their online clearance sales so it is no longer available BUT I did link two similar jackets below, a high end and a more affordable version. 











or


Thanks for reading!  How are you doing with your eating habits after the holidays? Back to some sort of disciplined eating?  Comment below with how you cut the cravings and get back into healthy eating, Im getting there but some tips never hurt anybody. So share with me! ❤️

by LifeStyledbyErica xoxo
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O-LIVE You Faux Real

Hello loves!  I am more than a little behind schedule with my posts, the truth is I have had a lot going on.  Professionally and personally.  Dun, dun, dun. No guys, its all good stuff!  I am up for an important promotion at work (cross your fingers) AND I am married to a HUGE football fan who dragged me to Pittsburgh last weekend to see the Dolphins play the Steelers in the playoffs.  We drove out of New York in the middle of a snow storm, a challenge to say the least and spent our Sunday freezing our tushes off in the Heinz Stadium with temperatures in the teens but windchill making it feel like 2! The hubby and I layered up but nothing could have prepared us for an open stadium by the water.  It was an experience, definitely a bucket list check off! In addition to all of that good stuff, my social calendar has been on fire lately.  My weekends have been booked with catch up dates with friends, I feel so popular these days. I love girl time, there is really nothing like it.  Don't get me wrong, I love my family, my boys and my doggy Timmy but girl time is just good for the soul.  Ive been blessed to have crossed paths with some wonderfully, smart, loving and funny women and feel very lucky they count me as a friend.

Back to this look.  So I have featured this on Instagram at least twice and once to say that this gorgeous olive colored Forever21 military styled jacket is on sale for $29.99!! CARAZY right?!?!!? I love the color and fit and who can beat the price?  A great addition to my growing coat collection.  I paired it with this faux fur scarf Ive had for years.  Faux fur glams any look, definitely my go-to when the rest of my look is more simple and casual.  Scroll for links below.









Wool Blend Coat

Pants

Jewel Stone Earrings

Thanks for reading loves! Comment below on your glam go-to's AND don't forget to hit follow on my blog and on Instagram to stay in the know. :) XOXO

by LifeStyledbyErica 💋
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Collaboration Announcement

January 13, 2017

Hi!

Happy Friday everyone! I am thrilled to announce that I will be the featured fashion blogger for the NEW 92.1 Hits FM! Once a month I will have an on-air interview with DJ Kae where I will discuss my latest fashion blog post, I will also be prominently featured on their webpage AND on their Facebook Fanpage. Click here for my first feature.  It is an exciting prospect considering my blog isn't even three months old!  That being said it only motivates me to continue to not only share looks, which are always fun to create and share with you, but also more life-tips.  You may have noticed my Life-Tips page has more updates than any other page on the blog.  That is because I really enjoy sharing them with you and often times when I write it its very relevant in my life at that moment.  I might be in the middle of some conflict or obstacle that I am actively working through and that space gives me the outlet to remind myself of my core values and what I have been through and where I am going.  It is really an important component of the blog and based on the traffic, you guys enjoy it too!



Thank you for reading and commenting.  It means a great deal to me.  If you don't already follow me on instagram do it now by clicking here , like me on Facebook here and follow my blog for updates and happenings!

XOXO

by LifeStyledbyErica
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Habits of Happy People!

January 5, 2017



Hello gorgeous!  Can we talk?  Ok so this morning I was reminded of a post I shared on fb a few years ago, you know those "on this day shares"?  I love those and I share them often especially old pictures that remind me just how far my family and I have come.  So today's fb flashback was a post I shared from a blog called "PickTheBrain" called 21 Habits of Happy People.  It is an amazing read and so relevant especially for me today.

Today started on a good note but then there was at least one thing that almost took me off my path of positivity and that was a payroll screw up! (I know right? Especially after the holiday and a major car repair bill?? lol) Anyway the good news is I have some amazing friends that help me see the bright side when I can't even imagine there is one.  So bright side of a payroll screw up right after christmas? Well, that was a tough one but a silver lining is I am not alone, I have a very supportive and generous husband, bright spot number two, we have savings to help with the shortcomings.  See what I just did there? I found the bright spot, I made a choice not to dwell on something I can't change and instead focused on my blessings.  It is little things like that that contribute to your overall health and wellbeing.  If you dwell on the negative, it will seep into every aspect of your life.  Ok, so back to this "21 Habits of Happy People" post, you can read the full 21 here but below I am sharing my top 5 habits pulled straight from the article:

1. Appreciate Life
Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
2. Choose Friends Wisely
Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.
3. Learn Continuously
Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.
4. Creative Problem Solving
Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right. (this is big one for me and actually there was an instagram post I read earlier this week on thinkgrowprosper (a must follow gram) about this and he shared this quote by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.") 
5. Self Care
Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.
Narrowing down the habits to just these 5 was difficult for me, they are all such wonderful habits.  Read the full article and reread it when life gets tough and you need a reminder.  “Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

Thanks for reading! Comment below with some habits you have formed to keep you on the road to happiness down below and don't forget to subscribe! :) 
XOXO
by LifeStyledbyErica 

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Metallic is ALWAYS a good idea!

January 2, 2017

First post of the New Year!  I've enjoyed my vacation, catching up with rest, movies and old friends and being the social butterfly couple that the hubby and I truly are but work and other obligations don't afford us the opportunity to explore.  Our boys were pleasantly surprised with their christmas gifts and have spent most of their vacation time playing PS4 online together and with their friends.  The hubby and I decided instead of planning our entire vacation off with different family outings (Im a planner guys) we would just listen to what they wanted to do.  And listen we did, although privately, can I say if I had it to do it over I would have planned at least two family outings!  My son will be in college this time next year and I am having a little bit of separation anxiety, is that normal??  I did run some errands with him today and asked him if he enjoyed his vacation and he answered, yes, very much.  I guess if he is happy, I should be too. This is his last vacation as a kid with no real responsibilities.  Let him enjoy it, right?

In other news, my blog is a little over two months old! Ive got some great things lined up for lifestyledbyerica this year including some collaborations.   A DJ and producer for a radio station in PA has asked me to be their "Fashion Fridays" gal.  Once a week I will call in and chat with them about a look I am featuring on the blog. AND,  I was contacted by a publication to feature one of my looks in their street style section and I said YES, of course!  As soon as I get my hands on it I will share it, its a small victory and a sign of things to come.  I know anything worth having is worth putting the work into building.  Growing this blog will take time, work, authenticity and patience and I am ready!

So back to this look, I was on the hunt for a fun suit with lots of personality when I stumbled upon this little beauty on asos.com.  What I love most about this suit is the fit.  Cigarette pants can be tricky for some body shapes like mine, but asos seemed to work it out with the length and cut because these pants have a slimming effect.  Ive worn this suit together for my office holiday party and separately to achieve more casual looks, hmm that just gave me an idea...time for a "how to style a suit" look book for the instagram?? I think yes!  Stay tuned and don't forget to follow for updates!






Blazer

Pants

Shoes are Kate Spade, a splurge I made three years ago, I couldn't find a link on them to share with you. Sorry guys.

Thanks for reading!  I look forward to more sharing! :)

by LifstyledbyErica XOXO💋

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