Bad Joan goes to Watts Towers

In 1921 a man named Simon Rodia set out to built a series of structures in his own backyard. It took him 34 years; he built them entirely on his own and without the assistance of machinery!  Simon used broken bottles, sea shells, plates and other found items to create the mosaic work that decorates the structures. The complex is made up of several towers, a gazebo, benches, birdbaths, and more (the tallest tower stands 99.5 feet)! For more information on this fascinating work of art click HERE.

Once Bad Joan heard the inspiring story behind Watts Towers she just had to go see them for herself! So she grabbed her good friend and talented photographer Dahlia Foroutan and they went to check it out...

When Bad Joan arrived at Watts Towers she immediately went to the Watts Towers Art Center and purchased a ticket for admission ...

... Once inside she took a look around ...

... Bad Joan marveled at the incredible attention to detail ...

... everything from the height of the tallest tower ...

... to the etchings in the floor ...

... were a beautiful and inspiring sight.  Even the surrounding buildings were covered with art ....

... and many of the homes in the neighborhood mimic the mosaic artwork of the towers ...

... After she had seen everything, Bad Joan took one last look around and then headed home to start creating some art of her own ...

What Bad Joan is wearing:
-Cashmere Sweater by Wilen
-Cashmere Knit Pleated Skirt by Wilen
-Bangles by Rich in Friendship
-Bag by Beth Springer

PS - Wilen was actually a clothing line that Bad Joan used to design!

Hope you are having an inspiring weekend!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Photo Credit: Dahlia Foroutan

get the look: VANESSA HUDGENS CUT OUT BACK DRESS

Vanessa Hudgens visited 2Day FM in Sydney, Australia in style!  The visit was to promote her new film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, which hits theaters on February 10th.  Vanessa wore a blue print dress that had a cut out back.  Cut outs are all the rage right now but mostly we've been seeing them as a dressier nighttime look.  But Bad Joan loves how Vanessa brought this look out in the daylight with an easy print dress!

You can also take this adorable and sexy look out during the daytime for less with a couple options from Kenny...

Keep it short and sweet like Vanessa did with the Sassy Sailor Dress by Kenny.  This dress normally retails for $312 but is on sale right now for $102!

Or take it to the floor with the My Applique Maxi Dress by Kenny.  This full length dress features a forest green background and large beige flowers; it normally retails for $287 but is on sale for only $51!

So go ahead and show off your back with this flirty daytime style!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

get the look: KATY PERRY MISSONI DRESS AND GREY STUDDED HEELS

Katy Perry took airport style to a whole other level in a Missoni mini dress, long pendant necklace, and grey pumps with studded heels!  This look is fun and flirty and can be yours for a great price, here is how you can put it together without breaking the bank...

- Sabra Mini Dress by Kenny - Retail $212 / Sale $76
- Oval Pendant Necklace by Rich in Friendship - Retail $60 / Sale $14
- Bijou Spiked Pump by Dolce Vita - Retail $189 / Sale $129.50

GTBB,
Bad Joan

And the winner is...

... Megan from The Frugalista Diaries!

Congrats you have won an Efi Necklace by Samanca Jewelry! 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway.  You can always check the Samanca Jewelry Facebook Page for updates on their products!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

get the look: MERYL STREEP BRASS BIB NECKLACE

Bottom line: Meryl Streep is awesome!  Not only did she just win the Golden Globe for best actress but she's still got fabulous style.  Meryl attended the European Premiere of her new film Iron Lady in a simple black and navy outfit, and she added some pop with a statement brass bib necklace. 

A bold but simple statement piece can add a polished feeling to any look, and is always an elegant choice.  You can get a similiar look right now with the Althena Bib Necklace by Jennifer Elizabeth Jewelry.  This piece normally retails for $208 but is on sale right now for only $68! 

GTBB,
Bad Joan

trend watch and giveaway: OLIVIA WILDE EMMA ROBERTS LONG PENDANT NECKLACE

Whether you are dressing up or dressing down, a long pendant necklace is the perfect boho chic accessory! 

Olivia Wilde stepped out in a casual jeans and sweater travel outfit.  She managed to turn this simple outfit into a polished look with a long necklace that featured a large pendant.

Emma Roberts took her long pendant necklace look to the red carpet by adding it to a stunning red strapless maxi dress!

Both actresses look gorgeous in their respective long pendant necklaces; one casual and one glam.  The Efi Necklace by Samanca Jewelry (seen here on the right) is the perfect long pendant necklace for any outfit, any time of year. 

This necklace retails for $105 and is currently sold out!  BUT right now Bad Joan is hosting a GIVEAWAY for this necklace, check it out...

Here is how to enter:

• You must post a comment here (or on the original post) indicating that you are entering the giveaway and be sure to include your contact info (required) 
• You must "like" the Samanca Jewelry Facebook Page (required)

For extra entries you can also:

• Leave a comment on the Samanca Jewelry Facebook Page (optional)
• Leave a comment on the Bad Joan Facebook Page (optional)
• Tweet about the giveaway and mention @badjoan (optional)

There is still time to enter!  You may enter up until Thursday, 1/19/11. Bad Joan will choose 1 lucky winner who will be announced here on Friday, 1/20/11.

Good luck!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

(For styling ideas click HERE to see how Bad Joan wearing this necklace!)

this just in: DONNA MIZANI

It's a new year and we've got an incredible new addition at Badjoan.com; Donna Mizani! Known for putting the cut out dress on the map, the Donna Mizani brand is a seamless blend of sophisticated and modern pieces which are sexy and tailored to perfection. Donna Mizani celebrity fans include Kristin Cavallari, Annalynne McCord, and the Kardashian sisters.

Check out just a few of the fabulous styles that are on sale right now for up to 70% off of retail...

And check out this sexy video featuring Kristin Cavallari wearing Donna Mizani (including the Studded Drape Dress which is on sale now!) ...



Click on the images and links above to get started shopping and saving!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

get the look: MANDY MOORE GREEN TOP AND PURPLE BAG

Mandy Moore brightened up a simple casual look by mixing green and purple together.  This fantastic color combo will add pop to a basic look.  She paired these stunning colors with a pair of skinny jeans, printed flats, and a long, simple necklace.

Here is how you can put together the look for less:
- Bahama Mama Top by Daddy's Favorite - $40
- Arcadia Suede Shoulder Bag by Lesa Wallace - Retail $225 / Sale $115
- Rock Star Jeggings by Old Navy - $34.94
- Lucky Me Necklace by Josefina de Alba - Retail $105 / Sale $36
- Lucas Floral Print Flat by Dollhouse - $23

GTBB,
Bad Joan

PS - Don't forget to enter Bad Joan's special Samanca Jewelry Efi Necklace GIVEAWAY!  Click here for details!

Bad Joan goes to Venice Beach

The weather has been so nice in LA that Bad Joan went down to Venice Beach to hang out with her friend Samantha Lowery; the designer behind Samanca Jewelry! Samantha lives right near the ocean which is where she draws a lot of inspiration for her eclectic and bohemian jewelry designs. Bad Joan convinced Samantha to let her borrow a bunch of jewelry AND she even convinced Samantha to do a special giveaway just for Bad Joan's readers, click HERE to find out more about the giveaway!

And check out Bad Joan's Venice Beach adventure...

When Bad Joan arrived in Venice she headed straight for the boardwalk ....

... Bad Joan showed off her hula hoop skills ...

... then she decided to see what she would like with dreadlocks ...

... she decided the dreads weren't her thing so she moved on to cowboy hats ...

... Bad Joan concluded that she likes her hair too much to cover it up! 

The sun started to go down so Bad Joan put on her coat and headed out onto the sand to watch the sunset ...

... it was one of the most beautiful sunsets she had ever seen ...

... and it just kept getting better ...

... and better ...

Hope you are having a wonderful start to 2012!

What Bad Joan is wearing:

- Racerback Tank by Donna Mizani (coming to Badjoan.com next week)

- Flowy Maxi Skirt by Lizzie Parker - Retail $104 / Sale $44

- Moccasins by Minnetonka 

- All jewelry provided by Samanca Jewelry.  

If you like the long pendant necklace that Bad Joan is wearing you could win it!  Click HERE to find out how to enter the GIVEAWAY!

GTBB,

Bad Joan

Photo Credit: Samantha Lowery

giveaway: EFI NECKLACE BY SAMANCA JEWELRY

This unique necklace by Samanca Jewelry is an incredible statement piece.  It looks fantastic alone or layer it with other chunky jewelry like Bad Joan did!  Samanca Jewelry is based out of Venice Beach, CA and each piece is inspired by the eclectic beach town lifestyle.  This boho-chic piece is a must have and now you have a chance win it!

Here is how to enter:

1. Post a comment here indicating that you are entering the giveaway and be sure to include your contact info.
2. Like the Samanca Jewelry Facebook Page.

For extra entries you can also:

• leave a comment on the Samanca Jewelry Facebook Page
• leave a comment on the Bad Joan Facebook Page
• Tweet about the giveaway and mention @badjoan

You may enter up until Thursday, 1/19/11.  Bad Joan will choose 1 lucky winner who will be announced here on Friday, 1/20/11.

Good luck!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

get the look: BETH STERN LEATHER AND GOLD STACKED BRACELETS

Beth Stern cuddled her adorable dog with lots of arm candy!  Beth kept it simple with a twist by stacking both wrists full of gold bangles and then adding in one leather bracelet to mix it up.  This look will go with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to a cocktail dress!

The best part is that you don't have to overspend to stack your wrists.  Right now on Badjoan.com you can get the Cleopatra Bracelet Set by Rich in Friendship for only $14 reduced from $45!  This set consists of 5 gold plated bracelets for one low price.  Pair them with the leather and stud Casa Bracelet by Lesa Wallace (Retail $45 / Sale $28) and you've got a great look for a fabulous price!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

get the look: VANESSA HUDGENS WHITE TOP AND FRINGE BAG

Vanessa Hudgens took a stroll in a flowy white top, flare jeans, and fringe bag.  By adding little details like a fringe bag and long necklace, you can take a simple t-shirt and jeans and turn it into a stylish and polished casual look.  This easy boho look is perfect for a casual day with friends!

You can recreate this look for less with the following items:
- Kimono Top by Lizzie Parker - Retail $116 / Sale $48
- Abigail by Karmel and Alden - Retail $185 / Sale $42
- Gate Keeper Necklace by Josefina de Alba - Retail $98 / Sale $35
- Empire Fringe Bag by Lesa Wallace - Retail $135 / Sale $59

GTBB,
Bad Joan