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date night ideas Date Night Outfit Ideas 45 Date IdeasDate Night Outfits

Jacket: Forever 21 // Dress: Amazon // Bag: Calvin Klein (similar) // Shoes: DSW // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Lipstick: MAC “Ruby Woo”

Photography by Laura Ersoy

Happy Thursday!!  After four years, I can honestly say that Craig and I hardly ever run out of things to do together.  We are always looking for something new to try, whether it’s venturing to a new place, binge watching a new show or finding a way to make something simple at home seem new.  When it comes to date night it can be way too easy to fall into a rut sometimes.  That’s why i’ve rounded up 45 of my favorite date night ideas ever so you’ll never run out of things to do again!

1. Go wine or beer tasting.

2. Have a movie night – build a blanket fort and turn your phone into a projector.

3. Find a lantern festival in your area.  None nearby?  Buy your own and release them in a local park (just make sure you are permitted to do so).

4.  Have a game night.  Invite another couple over and grab the nearest Card Against Humanity, Monopoly or Clue.

5. Camp out in the backyard.

6. Take a dance class together.

7. Find a Groupon for the nearest Wine and Paint class.

8. Spend the night at an arcade.

9. Go ice skating.

10. Race around at a Go-Karting facility.

11. Bake cookies.

12. Go to a sporting event.

13. Get tickets for an Escape Room.

14. Buy a bunch of different wines and cheeses and create your own tasting.

15. Assemble a grocery list and have a “Chopped” style cook-off.

16. See a double feature at the Drive-In movies.

17. Go rollerblading.

18. Drive to a scenic look-out spot and watch the stars.

19. Make DIY ice cream sundaes.

20. Bounce around at a trampoline park.  Sky Zone is my personal favorite!

21. Battle each other in laser tag.

22. Have an at-home spa night.

23. Make chocolate covered strawberries.

24. Learn how to make Sushi.

25. Get a couples massage.

26. See a comedy show.

27. Take a workout class.

28. Try a new restaurant.

29. Go to a karaoke bar.

30. Make homemade donuts.

31. Have a fondue night.

32. Grab some popcorn and watch funny YouTube videos.

33. Have a movie marathon of bad movies.  Craig and I do this all the time and we crack up all night long.

34. Make your own pizza.  Tip: Many pizza places will actually sell you their dough for just a few dollars.

35. Take a cooking class.

36. Explore a local downtown.

37. Do a volunteer activity together.

38. Watch each other’s favorite movie.

39. Go bowling.

40. Play a round of mini-golf.

41. Go rock climbing.

42. Visit a museum.

43. Play video games.

44. Complete a giant puzzle.

45. Go to a concert.

Love,

Nicole ♡

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formal dress

Whether you are a wedding guest, attending an event or just want to look super dressed up for a night out, I’ve rounded up some of the best sites for inexpensive formal clothing and accessories!

1.) For Dresses: MUEE.com

To say that I am obsessed with formal dresses is the understatement of the year.  I have close to 20 hanging in my closet and honestly no where to wear them other than to weddings since I am no longer the age to attend prom or homecomings.  That being said, I continue to buy more because (let’s be real) I have a problem.  When I came across this site I was instantly in love.  MUEE is a global retailer that offers dresses for a variety of different occasions including evening dresses, wedding dresses, prom dresses, communion dresses, cocktail dresses, bridesmaid dresses and more.  The site features over 1,200 different styles, all which are customizable and incredibly affordable.  What I love about this company in particular, is that each dress is offered in almost any color imaginable.  I often find that when I’m looking for a dress elsewhere I always see cute ones that aren’t in the color that I want.  That is definitely not the case here!

Formal Dress

formal dress

Photos via MUEE.com

2.) For Shoes: DSW

I’ve gotten so many gorgeous pairs of shoes for weddings and events at DSW.  You can check out their selection of evening and wedding shoes here.  If the dress is simple I like to add some sparkle on my feet, but if my dress has a lot of embellishments I’ll choose a simpler shoe.

3.) For Jewelry: 16KT Beauty

Whether you are looking for something dainty or bold sparkling pieces, 16KT Beauty has you covered!  With prices as low as $5 it’s hard to resist buying everything.

Jewelry Collage

Photo via 16KT Instagram

4.) For Red Carpet Make-up: Camera Ready Cosmetics

This site has everything you need for a full night of glam!  Camerareadycosmetics.com carries makeup for use in professional makeup artist kits.  A.K.A. it’s likely that your favorite stars wear some of the brands that are featured here.  Some of my personal recommendations include RCMA (Ariana Grande has mentioned wearing this before on the set of Nickelodeon), Ben Nye and Cinema Secrets.  *Tip* this site also offers samples of many of the products, so you can try before you buy, which is especially helpful for getting the correct foundation color.

5.) For Hair Pieces: Etsy

This Etsy shop makes the cutest and most affordable hair pieces.  I’m particularly obsessed with this Gold Leaf Headband.

headband

Love,

Nicole ♡

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winter-coatdate-outfitdate-night-outfitred-dresspeacoat

Coat: Old Navy // Dress: Forever 21 (similar) // Pearls: Vintage (similar) // Tights: Target (similar) // Bag: Target //  Heels: ALDO (similar)

In the winter, it’s tempting to throw on a pair of sweatpants and order takeout, but sometimes a night out is exactly what you really need.  Make your favorite dress cold-weather ready with a pair of tights and a wool coat.  You can also take any coat from blah to fashion forward by draping it over your shoulders instead of wearing it the traditional way.

Love,

Nicole ♡

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valentine's-day-outfit-ideavday-outfitvalentine's-outfitvday-flowersvalentine's-daysequin-dress

Blazer: Zara (similar) // Dress: Forever 21 // Purse: Charming Charlie (alternative) // Shoes: ALDO // Sunglasses: Target // Lipstick: MAC “Please Me” 

If I had to choose a favorite holiday solely based on colors, Valentine’s Day would definitely come out on top.  It doesn’t get any better than pink, pink, and more pink.  I took it up a notch for this look and added a sparkly sequin dress, which I think just screams romantic and flirty when paired with a fitted blazer.  Also, how beautiful are these roses that Craig picked up for me?  I was on the phone with him and mentioned that I should’ve gone out to get some flowers to go with the shoot.  Next thing I know he’s at my door with a bouquet of pink roses right before I left to take pictures.  What a guy right?

I’d love to see some of your Valentine’s Day looks!  Tag me on Instagram (@theinspirationcloset​) so we can be insta-friends!

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holiday-party-outfitfaux-furholiday-dresswinter-outfitlace-holiday-dress

Dress: H&M (similar style) // Stole: Dress Gal (under $10!) // Necklace: Forever 21 (similar) // Bag: H&M // Shoes: ALDO (similar)  // Hair clip: vintage (similar)

The only thing I love more than a holiday party is a formal holiday party.  This white faux fur stole is the perfect accessory to add a little extra glam to any dress in your closet.  I also love tucking it into my coats and wearing it like a collar.  Accessories can make all the difference!  I also like to add a touch of sparkle whenever I go to a party, so I incorporated a shiny hair barrette and bold statement necklace.  What’s your favorite holiday party accessory?

P.s. I linked a few other long lace dresses that I think would be really cute for formal holiday parties!

Love,

Nicole ♡

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