Recent Charity Event: Cocktails for a Cure

Recently this past Tuesday I was invited to join a charity event called "Cocktails for a Cure" at a local (and one of my favorites) pub named The Sea Shell. Normally I don't do stories on things of this nature, but when I got to the quaint little place and seen the out poor of support I just thought that it is totally something worth writing about.  Especially because there are so many women and families (mine included) fighting this disease every year.

Firstly what is "Cocktails for a Cure"?

Cocktails for a Cure is an annual fundraiser for breast cancer that has been running since October 2012.  This charity event was started by Sara Wafa, the owner of the Element Day Spa, located in Moon Township. She was inspired to start this event because her aunt died of breast cancer a few years prior, and wanted to make a fundraiser that would raise money as well as awareness for those who are fighting or have a family member that is fighting this horrible disease. This even is every second Tuesday in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

What Events Take Place Each Year at Cocktails for a Cure?

Each year at this event The Sea Shell offers $5.00 Mini Massages compliments of Element Day Spa, pink martinis (which are delicious by the way!), a 50/50 raffle which you can win gifts such as Pinktober tees,  cure themed treats such as pink ribbon cookies, all topped off with a DJ! 

How does the donation process work? And what can you do to donate?

That past two years, Sara has chosen a member in the community who is currently undergoing radiation to donate the money raised by the fundraiser to to help with medical expenses. But don't worry, if you missed Cocktails for a Cure you can still donate by stopping by the Shell and purchase a Pinktober tee for $20 dollars which these proceeds go to the Sara G. Komen Foundation.

In case you missed the event, here are a few fun snapshots I took of the nights events:

Snacks & 50/50 Prizes

Masseuses, Sara Wafa and Stephanie Fiedler, of the Element Day Spa

A great turn out for the cure!

Last but not least, the women who make this event happen each year:

From Left to Right: Ludetta Regan, Tiffiney Banks, Justine Bazzo, Syephanie Fielder, Sara Wafa, and Lea Guarina

Interested in other charity events coming up from these lovely ladies? All through the months of November and December Element Day Spa and The Sea Shell team up and collect donations for Animal Friends located on Camp Horne Road. 

#OOTD: Snuggled Up in a Sweater: A SheIn Review (Feat. Rocksbox Jenny Bird Frida Collar)

In my opinion, there is no better fall item to have in your wardrobe other than a sweater. I mean they're comfy, cozy, and can be worn with just about damn near anything. Hence, why with my latest collaboration with SheIn I decided why not add yet another sweater to my closet, like I stated earlier, you can't go wrong with it!

First things first: What is "SheIn"?

Okay, puns aside, SheIn is an online boutique based in Hong Kong, China, specializing in trendy women's clothing. Though their products are sold at wholesale prices, their clothes are made exceptionally well, lets just say I was pleasantly surprised. Also just think wholesale prices for awesome clothing? What's not to love!?

I also have to say that the shipping was incredibly speedy (only took a week!) and also a special thanks to their marketing agent, Ms. Merry Evans,  who reached out to me for this collaboration, SheIn was kind enough to give me this product for free just to give them some coverage, and needless to say I will now be shopping there for quite a bit of my wardrobe. 

Sweater Weather

Firstly I have to say this knit charcoal sweater is gorgeous and comfy! The silk and cashmere blend of this piece is just so soft and smooth to the touch as well as keeping you warm and cozy.

This piece is perfect for an autumn stroll through the park or a nice evening bonfire filled with s'mores and fun.

Jenny Bird Frida Collar in Gold & Lapis

Just to dress my sweater up a bit I decided to use one of my  freshly received pieces from my first ever Rocksbox set! I chose this necklace because the muted gold blends so nicely with the charcoal color of the sweater and the blue detailing gives this look just the right amount of color to make it pop (also it matches my mermaid hair, duh)!

Black Denim

I chose to pair my sweater with my black Juicy Couture skinnies  for a darker and more muted look. Lately I've been loving monochromatic outfits, simply because it leaves me more room to play with different colors in jewelry, make-up, or even my hair for instance. 

I Love My Chucks

One of my favorite shoe choices to wear in the fall are my classic black and white Converse. I don't know if it's because I miss the comfort of slipping on a nice pair of worn in sneakers after a summer full of open toed pumps and sandals, or if it's just the nostalgia of back when I was in high school and they were my one solid shoe choice to wear with everything (yes, even dresses--cringe). Either way I'm happy to have them on my feet once again.

One Last Look

Want to get a look similar to the one in this post? Just click the photo above for that exact sweater or if you want something different just click over to SheIn. 

Wanna tell me about your foolproof fall item? Either sound off in the comment section below, tweet me at @StarkRavingChic , or like my Facebook page Stark Raving Chic and even post to my wall. Until next time, keep it chic!

Xx,

-Bree

Wardrobe Versatility, The Real Reason I Love Fall

Ah, Fall. Blissful walks in the park, the sound of crunching leaves under our feet, jack-o’-lanterns, and pumpkin spice everything (the nonfat latte with a shot of espresso being my favorite) you know, 'tis the season. Like every other 20 something girl I can sit here and list all the things I love about fall, but instead I'm going to tell you my absolute favorite thing about fall, which is, wardrobe versatility.

If you are anything like me, your closet is undoubtedly overflowing with summer clothing that is getting ready to be packed away so you can bring out your fall and winter wardrobe. Well, while doing just this I realized I had entirely too many clothes and after neatly folding what seemed to be an endless pile of floral, linen, and camisoles, it hit me: Instead of buying all those new clothes and hardly ever wearing them (I mean seriously, an Urban Outfitters paisley kimono?) why didn’t I use some of my favorite fall pieces to dress up one of my summer outfits?  And not only can these great fall staple pieces be worn year round, they are also versatile and can give you a bunch of different looks, with the same basic pieces, which are: a white fitted cotton blouse, black high waisted skirt, cardigan, and of course a tailored blazer.

Fit For Any Situation

Okay I know these two are similar in color scheme but what can I say, I’m a sucker for monotone. So why do you need a white fitted blouse in your fall wardrobe? Simply because this piece looks good in any situation, ranging from the office or fun filled night out on the town. Also the reason I suggest a fitted blouse is simply because it will get more wear, it looks great out, and also neat and tidy tucked in!

Love a Little Black Dress? Try A Little Black Skirt

The reason I love this piece opposed to a LBD is because it can be down played for a fun daytime date or dressed up for a special occasion, not to mention the extra fullness of the skirt really gives it some flirty flare. The other reason I’m loving this piece is that, this season two piece dress sets have been huge as well as all year (even celebrities like Taylor Swift have jumped on the band wagon), whether they match or are miss-matched. So though this isn’t quite a two piece dress, it can still totally give you the same affect. Much like how I styled it in my second photo.  

Cable Knit & Comfy

I have to admit, this one is my favorite on this list and that’s because it can literally be worn with anything, and that is why you need a cardigan in your wardrobe. I would suggest picking a neutral color such as black, brown, navy or cream, or be like me and have all four colors so you have a fully stocked arsenal of them!

Not Blustery Enough For a Peacoat? Grab a Blazer 

The best thing about a blazer is it can be all business or add a fun edgy look to your weekend outfit. I mean with the perfect blazer you can make your favorite jeans dressy, party dresses polished, and when tailored and fitted just right, it makes any woman of any shape just look downright fabulous.

Care to share how you keep your wardrobe versatile? Please tell me all about it! Either comment or drop me tweet (retweet included!) at @StarkRavingChic