Gretchen Christine: The Must-Have Bag for Fall

Hi lovelies,

My go-to bag for Fall has to be the Gretchen Christine Devin Vegan Leather Dome Satchel in Nude. The iconic color goes with every outfit and I love that her whole collection is cruelty-free, so I can shop and be stylish without any guilt. 

The silhouette of the bag gives it a high-end, luxurious look like bags that retails for thousands of dollars, but I can get a luxuriously made, high-quality handbag, without spending a fortune. Gretchen Christine's philosophy is all about accessible luxury and everyday glamour. 

What was even more impressive than the collection of super stylish and cruelty-free handbags, purses, and accessories, is how kind and down-to-earth, the founder, Gretchen Rossi, is in-person. I had the pleasure of meeting her and her sweet disposition was in complete alignment with her brand's mission to add value to the lives of others while honoring people and animals.

Shop the entire collection, here. 

 Accessible luxury.
Gretchen Christine exists as a result of the conviction that fashion and quality should be a standard– not an aspiration. Any product bearing the Gretchen Christine logo will always have an elevated sense of style, glamour, and quality—all while balancing a timeless and simple aesthetic. Every decision we make is based on the core principle that designer fashion and quality should be accessible to anyone and everyone. 

Everyday glamour.
Gretchen Christine exists for every girl who believes in always presenting her best self– no matter what the occasion. This "everyday glamour" is what drives us to create pieces that are both strikingly beautiful and inventively functional—because that’s what you deserve.

Staying true to our values.
The team at Gretchen Christine strives to uphold our core values of accessibility, style, kindness, and simplicity. As a result, we've worked tirelessly to develop a vegan leather formulation that is indistinguishable from animal leather, that also aims to make a positive environmental impact.

Quickshoelace x Fall Fashion

Hi lovelies,

Nothing says back-to-school, back-to-working-out, and fall into Fall fashion, than a new pair of shoes. So whether you're rocking a new pair of sneakers, Converse, combat boots, and everything in-between, the essential shoe accessory of the season is the Quickshoelace.

Quickshoelace are elastic laces that you simply stretch, clip, and go. You place a ring on one of the ends of the laces and then easily clip it to a metal piece to effortlessly lace your shoes.

Each pair comes with a set of 4 metal clips and my favorite colors are the solid black and the solid pink, but they come in over a dozen Basic colors that you can check out here, and even more Neon colors are available here.

But if you're like me and you're looking for statement laces with a fashion flair and metallic finish, then check out their Prestige lace collection here. These laces are so stylish that they are coated with 24-karat gold.

What I love most about the Quickshoelace is that you can quickly and easily update your look by simply switching up the color of your laces. You can revamp and upgrade any outfit by making a statement with your shoes.

Another style tip is to mix-and-match the color of your shoelaces for an added fashion twist. I love mixing a metallic color with a neon color or a basic color with a neon color, but the options for mixing and matching are endless.

Let me know how you wear your laces below!

See how easy it is to wear Quickshoelace Laces

Summer Style with Banana Republic at the Connector L.A.'s Summer Soirée

Hi lovelies,

Just because it's finally summer time that doesn't mean that it's all work and no play. But luckily for me, as a fashion and lifestyle blogger and social media influencer, I usually get to play at work. However, that means creating outfits that reflect both my personal style and professional demeanor. So when I was invited to attend The Connector L.A.'s Summer Soirée for Influencers at The Penthouse on Sunset Blvd., I turned to Banana Republic for the ultimate summer style outfit the would be both fashion-forward yet timeless and chic.

The event was hosted by Diana Madison, Elaine Daneshrad of Fashionlane, and Caroline Baudino, nd during the soirée we enjoyed a light and lovely sustainable lunch by Kore Kitchen while previewing the works and designs of Isabella Huffington, Making Art and Breaking Hearts, Tara Hirshberg, Retrospecs, Art Department, J/Hadley, George Esquivel, Paolita Beach, and Karma el Khalil.

Since I was among such a fashionable and influential group, I needed to make sure that I was Insta-ready at all times, thus I choose a head-to-toe outfit all styled in Banana Republic pieces that were perfectly on-trend for summer style with a touch of professional polish.

Summer Trends:

Heavy Metals:
Since metallics is such a huge trend this summer and will be sure to continue into the fall. I choose a pair of strappy silver metallic high-heeled sandals for my look. The Bev Cutout Heel gave me just enough lift to elongate my legs but was comfortable enough to be on my feet all day going from event to event and meeting to meeting.

Make a Statement:
I always love a good statement piece. Whether it's a pop of color with a bold clutch or a sequined jacket over a little black dress, the statement piece is by far my most favorite piece to shop for and wear. I'm officially obsessed with feathered and jeweled statement necklace that I can mix-and-match with dressier outfits or play it cool and casual with jeans and a vintage tee. My new Feathered Fringe Necklace is my new everyday statement piece.

Be Flirty in Florals:
othing makes me feel more girly than wearing florals and I love it. The Long-Sleeved Floral Print Dress features a more sophisticated take on florals that perfect for my love of the pattern while being professionally appropriate for events, meetings, and even grabbing happy hour with my besties.

*Although this is a sponsored post by Banana Republic, all opinions expressed are my own.

The Ultimate Spring Fashion Trend Guide: Accessorize Your Look

Hi lovelies,

Spring is in full swing and what I love the most about this season is having fun with my wardrobe - cleaning out my closet with clothes that I haven't worn lately and updating it with key pieces, signature looks, and the latest accessories, all without breaking the bank. 

I'm so excited to share with you all a few fun ways to update your look this Spring and Summer with must-have accessories and the hottest fashion trends. Luckily for us, Ontario Mills is hosting its premiere month-long, "Accessorize Your Spring Sale." 

The insider-scoop on the not-to-be-missed sale is that from Saturday, May 7th - Tuesday, May 31st, we can take advantage of up to 70% off at select Concord Mill retailers. I loved perusing all of the bags, shoes, belts, earrings, necklaces, rings, hats, vests, and more from some of the most fashionable brands today including J. Crew, Steve Madden, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. I picked up some accessories to dress-up and accessorize my outfits and add a bit of bling to my new chambray shirt from Ann Taylor Loft. 

THE LATEST SPRING FASHION TRENDS:

Add Shimmer with Metallics:
"The spring style forecast is shining bright with glitzy metallics. Shoppers can add excitement to an understated outfit with   sparkly and embellished accessories, including vivid silver sunglasses, bold backpacks and dazzling purses."

Focus on Florals:
"With pretty perennials and buds in bloom, floral prints are a natural spring fashion trend. Flaunt   pastel or deep-colored blossoms on a headband, tie, phone case or   statement shoe. However it’s worn, a little petal power will freshen up any ensemble."

Say it with Stripes:
"Stripes in a spectrum of colors and sizes dominated the season’s catwalks. Style setters can incorporate this graphic trend into their wardrobe by pairing outfits with lined shoes, ties, bags in subtle or bold patterns."

Color with Cobalt:
"With spring comes brilliant hues of color to brighten up a wardrobe. Cobalt, in particular, is a vibrant must-have for the season’s palette and pairs perfectly with spring and summer staples. Contrast a cobalt necklace or shoe with black for an instant pop or even couple it with bright corals and yellows for a vibrant mixture of color."

Don't forget to follow @CandyWashington and @ShopOntario on Instagram for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card!

Follow and then like & comment on this photo to be entered to win!

Let me know, how are you rocking your new Spring looks and accessories?

The Skinny on Sudio Sweden Designer Headphones and Get 15% off

Hi lovelies,

In the digital and on-the-go world that we live in, I'm always on the constant hunt for the perfect pair of headphones to accompany me while I'm blogging from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, going for my morning run, posting my latest vid to SnapChat, or walking along the lovely streets of L.A. 

Luckily for me, I discovered Sudio Sweden Designer Headphones and I'm excited to share why they are my new go-to digital and wireless companions. The Bluetooth capable headphones come in a cute high-quality leather case and they provide consistent studio quality sound with a super long battery life that is ideal for being on-the-go. What's even more impressive is that you receive personalized in-ear sleeves along with four varying sizes of earbuds with each pair of headphones.  

According to Sudio's CEO, Johan Gawell, their "goal is to create a premium quality earphones combined with great Scandinavian design," and I must agree that have succeeded in doing so. My personal favorite from the collection are the Vasa Blå is Rose Gold White, more info on these are below.  

**Get 15% off when you use discount code Candy_Washington15 at checkout. **

Vasa Blå: Achieve Wireless Freedom

Studio quality sound, elegant design and 8 hours of freedom, that is what Vasa Blå is all about. Pair up with your phone and take calls with the built in microphone and control your phone with the remote. The Vasa Blå is compatible with all Bluetooth devices and its has 4 pairs of extra sleeves. It weights only 14grams and it is lightest on the market so far. Battery time is up to 8 hours (active) and 10 days (standby). And of course, one of our distinguishing features is that all of our earphones have flat cable, so they don’t tangle! 

STIL Fashion iPhone 6/6s Phone Cases: Your must-have style accessory

*Compensation was provided for this post by STIL Case (Newvit) via StudioD

Hi lovelies,

Like many of you, I put a lot of thought into my outfits, from the shoes: flats, heels, boots, or sneakers, bottoms: skirt, jeggings, or jeans, top: vest, tank top, sweater, or vintage tee, and of course, the handbag: satchel, cross-body, clutch, or bucket-bag.

And also like many of you, my cell phone is like my digital best friend, with me at all times, is trusted to carry all of my secrets through photos, texts, emails and apps, and I never leave home without it.

Since I'm a fashion blogger and I'm always on the hunt for the latest fashion find to complement my looks and outfits, it would only make sense to make sure that my digital best friend and social sidekick, my cell phone, was just as fashionable and fierce as I am.

That's why I turn to STIL iPhone 6/6s cell phone cases to make sure that my digital bestie and I go out and about in style. The fashion phone case is the perfect accessory to add to any outfit and is a stylish companion to add in my Instagram pics to make sure that they are polished and post-worthy.

Since the design of the STIL phone cases are inspired by the fashion industry, it's no surprise that its sleek look-and-feel is always on point when I want to make a fashion statement. I even sometimes double my Peacock Waltz phone case as a necklace when I want to add an element of innovative fashion flair to my outfits.

The case features a smooth and matte material with a solid color design that includes add-on options with patterns and styles ranging from a braided piece, a butterfly-inspired icon, and multi-colored tassels, that you can wear all at once or one-at-a-time. 

The stylish cell phone cases come in cool fashion designs ranging from London Fog, Sneaker, Gentleman, Ange Gardien, Bohemian Chic, Cosmo, Horizon, Atelier, Masquerade, Free Run, Evasion, Jewel Edge, Jet Set, Cyclone, Chivalry, Urban Knight, Sierra, Liberta, Pandora, Love Triangle, LPGA, Premium Tempered Glass, and my personal favorite, the Peacock Waltz.

You can shop the full fashion case collection here. Comment below and share on social media to let me know which stylish case if your favorite using @stil_mind and #stilphotowall2015. Looking forward to your favs!

Have a bright future with Nectar Sunglasses

Hi lovelies,

I've had a busy and whirlwind last few days, with three back-to-back auditions! The first one came down to me and one other girl, the second one I booked (we film tomorrow), and I'm still waiting to hear back from the third.

I'm very grateful for these opportunities, and I'm also super grateful for finding my new favorite sunglass brand, Nectar. 

Since my future's so bright, I just had to rock Nectar Sunglasses in Baltic.

Whether I'm in the car driving in the LA sun from audition-to-audition, relaxing on the beach in Santa Monica, or just being silly and playing dress-up at home, Nectar Sunglasses are the perfect accessory to protect my eyes while adding a stylish flair to any outfit. 

Check them out here and let me know which pair is your fav! Also, let me know, what's looking bright in your future? 

Let's celebrate together and comment below or hit me up on Twitter here. 

Garrett Leight California Optical Runway Show with Ruffian

Hi lovelies,

One of my favorite ways to accessorize any look and make a fashion statement about our personal style is with a unique pair of sunglasses. Luckily for us, Garrett Leight California Optical just created an optical accessories design collaboration with the fashion label Ruffian. I received the insider's information and a front-row seat at their runway show. Read below for the behind-the-scenes fashion scoop on the show and the latest designs from their Spring/Summer 2015 collection.

Garrett Leight California Optical is pleased to introduce its newest collaboration with New York lifestyle brand Ruffian.

The capsule, which includes limited-edition custom frames, successfully debuted last week at Ruffian's Spring/Summer 2015 runway show during Los Angeles Fashion Week.

Hosted at the Sarah Gavlak Gallery, Ruffian’s exquisite ready-to-wear collection was unveiled alongside a mix of classic frames exclusively created in custom bright and neutral hues for the brand.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Garrett Leight California Optical," says Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, Ruffian's creative directors, in a joint statement. "American made luxury and the spirit of entrepreneurialism is a cornerstone of the Ruffian brand, much like it is for Garrett Leight, which makes this original collaboration particularly exhilarating for all of us."

The Garrett Leight California Optical x Ruffian collection frames will include the following styles: pink crystal Dillon 50 with rosé mirror lens, black Dillon 50 with black solid mirror lens, ivory Pacific 48 with pink flash on clear lens and black Pacific 48 with pink flash on clear lens.

A selection of the capsule collection is currently available for purchase on www.garrettleight.com.

Give the gift of Bulova Watches this holiday season

Hi lovelies,

I've been looking high and low for the perfect holiday gift this season and I'm excited to say, it's a watch by Bulova.

However, I have to admit that although I use my cell phone to tell the time, I definitely use my watch to make a fashionable statement because it completes any look with a touch of sophistication. Watches are making a major comeback as the must-have accessory for this season and beyond, especially those designed with facets.

My favorite way to create some lust-worthy arm-candy is by layering my stainless steel Bulova watch, style #96L203 that features 100 faceted crystal stones individually hand-set on case with a faceted bracelet and white mother-of-pearl dial, with my coveted charm bracelet given to me by my best friend, and a black hair tie that I never leave home without. The watch also features an E-Z link adjustable clasp, a second hand, and is water resistant for up to 30 meters with a 28.0mm diameter and 6.2mm thickness and retails for $325.

From casual looks running around West Hollywood, to dressing up for fashion events, to being on-set and behind-the-scenes at Fox Studios, what makes my outfit complete is my Bulova watch from the Facets Collection. It's the ideal gift for your best friend, sister, or mom, and now they will have no excuse for being late to meet you for coffee, a shopping trip, or just a fun hang-out session.

Another way I like to rock my Bulova watch is by combining my favorite fashion trends with what's currently on-trend for the new season.

For my personal fashion style, I always love the boyfriend and oversized look but since femininity and softness are two big trends this season, I wanted to combine both of them.

I achieved this by wearing my Bulova watch, which has a feminine and soft face and design, with a few extra clasps so it rests mid-arm rather than snugly around my wrist, so it's both on-trend while mastering the oversized look. 

*Sponsored by Bulova

Gas Bijoux & Swarovski: A fashion collaboration made in heaven

Hi lovelies,

If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that every girl deserves a little shine in her life. That's why I was so excited when Gas Bijoux, a luxury French jewelry line, collaborated with Swarovski to create some must-have pieces for this season.

Check out the below for the insider's scoop: 

GAS BIJOUX IS DONNING SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

For their 45th anniversary, Gas Bijoux is inspiring itself with the world of Swarovski Elements, the industry standard in the domain of crystal.

The two Houses are associating their savoir-faire and talent to launch a sunny, luminous line.
The creativity of Gas Bijoux’s Marseille workshop and Swarovski’s excellence in crystal making have been combined to re-imagine three emblematic Gas Bijoux pieces: the single and double Massaï bracelets and the Iroquoise earrings.

The pieces will be adorned with python, shagreen, or alligator skin. The designs will also feature Crystal Fine Rocks and Crystal Rocks inlay. The collection comes in varying colors. You can shop the collection during the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 season.

Sales start in mid-November 2014, exclusively in the Gas Bijoux boutique, fine partner department stores, and on gasbijoux.com.