Thursday, December 18, 2014

Mixing Prints

 
 

Sheinside Knit (One of my favorite shirts ever!) | Red Plaid Shirt, old (similar here) | Denim | Sam Edelman Petty Boots | Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace | Pearls, gift (but love these)

I always joke that I mix prints because I'm rebellious and love breaking the rules... the joke comes from the fact that I am about as wild and rebellious as a baby bunny. However, I love mixing and matching different prints and patterns because it is fun to find those unexpected pairings, like stripes and plaid. Although the patterns are so different, they compliment each other really well. I also like mixing prints because the outfit does the talking- you don't really need any major accessories or other attention grabbers.

On another note, I have been sitting on these pictures for a few weeks now and just never got around to editing and posting them. They we're taken the morning after a wedding I was recently in and my exhaustion is easily seen in my facial expressions, messy hair and lack of makeup.

Are y'all ready for the holidays? I can't wait to get started with all the Christmas festivities, spend some time with my family and hopefully do some much needed relaxing! In the next week or so, I am going to post about a new program I recently joined called Stylinity. It's a great way to share items through pictures using a barcode scanner. You can also earn rewards when someone shares or buys the items you've linked! It's a really cool tool and I can't wait to tell y'all more about it :)

Thanks for reading!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Birthday Prep

As some of you already know, last Wednesday was my birthday! I kept it low key with a family dinner and wore one of my favorite combinations as of late, so I wanted to share! Before we go any further, let me apologize for the awwwwful quality of these pictures. It was dark out and these were snapped quickly from my phone but they'll still serve the purpose of showing the outfit and I figured no one is going to die from my bad photos (ideally) so here we go...
 
 
 
 

Old Navy Flannel Shirt | J. Crew Excursion Vest | J. Crew Linen Skirt | Tory Burch Riding Boots (Similar style with more sizes here) | Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace | Tory Burch Wrap Bracelet | Kendra Scott Drusy Bangle (The exact color is out of stock- but the others are just as perfect!)


 Still alive? Great, let's keep going- This combo is just too easy and perfect for the finicky weather we get in Texas this time of year. The flannel shirt, vest and boots send the perfect, 'I want to attempt to dress for the season...' vibe, while the skirt and rolled-up sleeves say '..but I don't want to die of heat stroke in the process'.

I also wanted to mention this skirt because I truly believe it is a "must have". I wear it at least once a week to work and it is just so dang versatile. It looks great with riding boots and even better with tights, a sweater and nice flats. It's a rare piece in the way that you can wear it ALL year long. I'm a little obsessed with it, if you can't already tell.

Thanks for reading... and dealing with these photos!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Holiday Party Shoes!


Now that we're into December (and almost mid-way through the month), holiday events are in full swing. Whether it's swanky work parties, family dinners while everyone is in town, holiday dinners with girlfriends, or parties with friends- you're going to need some pretty Holiday shoes!
 

Holiday Party Shoes

Office Party:
1 | 23 | 4
 
Family Events:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
 
Casual Gatherings:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Also, don't forget that New Years is just around the corner and many of these beauts can double as NYE shoes!
As always, I hope y'all are doing fabulous! You hear this from me all the time but I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that is it December and the year is almost over already. I've spent the majority of this year in that state actually. It's just going too fast! If anyone knows how to slow down time, shoot me an email.  ;)

 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Thanksgiving

 
 
 
 
 
Pearls, gift (but love these) | Kendra Scott Earrings, old
 
The first time I saw this Sheinside scarf, I immediately thought of Thanksgiving. Maybe the colors? The plaid? Who knows. But I instantly knew I wanted to wear it over a turtleneck with jeans and riding boots (on Thanksgiving, of course). I love that it can be worn as a scarf but also has these little buttons that allow you to easily turn it into a poncho/cape. It also doesn't hurt that it's only $12! 
 
On to these boots for a second- I have been eyeing a pair of Tory riding boots for years now and since they were majorly, majorly on sale, I finally caved and ordered a pair as a birthday present.. to myself (Am I the only one that does that?). I wanted a classic riding boot with the Tory emblem but nothing too big and flashy, so the Marlene style was exactly what I was looking for. After the Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness, most of these sale boots are gone but there are still a few styles left! (The style I have is still available in Black, just a few sizes left though)
 
I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving, I know I did! Thanksgiving is easily my favorite holiday and something I look forward to every year. I was also in my best friend's wedding this past weekend and had sooo much fun (Hi Em, love you!). Now it's December AND tomorrow is my 25th birthday. Seriously, where did this year go?!
 
Thanks for reading,
 
-Shell

Monday, December 1, 2014

Cyber Monday Sales!

Happy Cyber Monday (and December)!
 
I'll make this quick- lots of good sales going on today and it's the perfect time to wrap up (or start) your Christmas shopping without leaving the house! Here are some of my favorite deals going on right now including some of the things I've ordered and also some of my favorite items this season that are now on mega sale:
 
 
CyberMonday Steals

 
J. Crew Factory- 50% off entire site + additional 10% & free shipping w/ code YOUVEGOTSALE
I snagged this puffer vest for only $54!
 
J. Crew- 30% off full priced styles and an extra 40% off sale items with code MONDAY
Get the Field Jacket (my favorite jacket) for $103 and the infamous excursion vest for $84
 
Tory Burch- Up to 30% off with code LUCKY
 
Nordstrom- Up to 40% off and double points for cardholders
Grab these Kendra Scott earrings for $55
 
Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic- 40% site wide with code CYBER
The BEST turtleneck for layering just $9
My favorite plaid flannels- $15
The perfect poncho to throw on over a tissue turtleneck- $26
I'm also eyeing this Fair Isle Sweater- $20
 
Ann Taylor- 50% off entire purchase with code CYBER50
 
Forever 21- 20% off when you spend $60 with code CYBER20
30% off when you spend $100 with code CYBER30
 
H&M- 30% off and free shipping on all orders over $50 with code 2896
 
BaubleBar- 20% off site wide with code CYBER20
My favvvvorite pearl 360 studs (here) are only $23
Also eying this tassel necklace and this pendant!
 
Other Favorites:
Krass & Co. - 40% off with code KRASSMAS
Shop Dress Up- 25% off with code CYBER25
Shop Hopes- 50% off entire site with code SUPERSALE
 
Hope y'all have a great day, my Thanksgiving outfit will be up later this week!
 

Friday, November 21, 2014

Gifts for Him

Don't know what to get your brother, dad, husband or boyfriend this year? You're not the only one!
 
 I've seen tons of great gift guides for men recently but many of the things on the lists don't really apply to the guys in my life. They're not into things like puffer vests, scarves and leather weekend bags from Nordstrom. They want things like new boots, electronics, team jerseys, a charging cable long enough to use from space and anything involving beer. So, if the men you're buying for are anything like mine, chances are they'll enjoy any of the things below!
 
 
 
Gifts for Him

 
 
 
Boys are usually pretty easy to shop for if you just put a little thought into it.
Think of their hobbies or what they like to do, then choose something that goes with it- a range finder for the Golfer, a nice cooler for the avid hunter/fisherman, a football jersey for the sports guru, wireless headphones for the fitness fanatic, a home brewing kit or pint glasses for the beer connoisseur, etc.

Another route is thinking of what he NEEDS. Boys are famous for needing things that they will never buy for themselves. Things like new shoes, a good pair of gloves, a winter jacket, dress socks, jeans, even things like portable phone chargers. It also doesn't hurt that these items usually end up being a small win for us girls- He gets new pants and you get to stop hearing the question, "where are all of my jeans?!", he gets a new pair of running shoes and you get to stop smelling the old ones ... See? Everybody wins!
Then there's the things that he doesn't know he needs. For example, slippers. Few men will tell you they want or need slippers. If you ask them they may even laugh... then you'll catch him wearing yours around the house a few days later. The best method is to sneak these little 'needs' in with the fun things they really want so they don't realize what you're up to.  ;)

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Gifts for Her

It's never too early to start your Christmas shopping and chances are, you've got some "hard to shop for" girls on your list. Whether you're buying for your daughter, girlfriend, sister, granddaughter, mother, etc., finding them a gift they'll love is easier than you think! I've found some great items and split them up into three price points below.
 

Gifts for Her: $100+

 
 
  
Gifts For Her: Under $100

 
We also can't forget about those "little gifts" that are always needed! When you make your gift list, there's always those few people you're unsure about. Should you get them something? What would you even get? You know they deserve at least a little something from you but you have no idea what. People like- your college friend you see every once and a while for dinner, your son's new girlfriend, your boyfriend's mom, your child's teacher or babysitter or even extended family members. Those little, generic gifts are often the hardest to shop for BUT, I've found some great options they'll love- all under $25!
 
 
Gifts for Her: Under $25

 
 Get that shopping done early, people. That way you can spend your time with family instead of running around at the last minute. Ps- Gift ideas for all the men in your life will be up later this week!


Thanks for reading!
 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Nordstrom Clearance

I know, I know, ANOTHER sale post. Y'all will thank me though, because Nordstrom's clearance is SO on point right now- Lots of designer items are up to 40% off !
 
In fact, there are tons of good buys that are under $50:
 
Nordstrom Clearance Under $50


A lot of these would make great, inexpensive Christmas gifts. I always try to start my gift shopping right after Halloween so I don't end up stressed out at the last minute. Just move fast on these items because they are going quick!

Happy shopping!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Blanket Scarf Guide


Blanket scarves are a big hit now that the weather is cooling down. They're big, warm, cozy and flying off the shelves everywhere!

Essentially, a blanket scarf is just an oversized, square scarf. They are HUGE. Some really are big enough to be blankets. However, the size is what gives it versatility. Because they're so big, they can be worn and tied in multiple ways. The fact that they are huge also makes them warm, comfortable and perfect for the Winter.

Blanket Scarf Guide

Under $100: 1, 2
Under $50: 1, 2, 3, 4
Under $20:  1, 2, 3, 4

(Tip: Forever 21 also has some great, inexpensive blanket scarf options! If you're not sure which ones are blanket scarves and which aren't, check the product info. and look for the biggest dimensions. Most of the options pictured above are around 30 inches wide & 82 inches long.)

Blanket scarves are also GREAT for traveling. They can be worn as a scarf, shawl or snood to keep warm on a cold plane or car, or even used a blanket or pillow.

If you're not sure about this trend, I would recommend starting with something basic like the #3 option on the bottom row. It's just $13 and the color makes it easy to pair with any outfit. That exact option was actually the first blanket scarf I ever bought and it's still one of my favorites.

I'm hoping to get an outfit post up soon showing some of the many ways to wear a blanket scarf and even how to tie them, so be on the lookout for that! BTW- I have said and typed the word "scarf" so many times that it doesn't even sound like a real word anymore. So that's where I'll end this :)

Hope y'all are having a great week!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Sale(s) Alert!

Happy Halloween, y'all! And even better than that, happy Friday!
There are tons of great sales going on right now, some are Halloween sales that are just for today while others are going on a little longer. Details:

J. Crew Factory- An extra 31% off and free shipping with code CANDYPLS
LuLu's- 15% off everything black with code 15black
Old Navy- 25% off your order with code SAVE (ends 11/5)
Gap- 30% off regular priced styles with code JOY (ends 11/3)
Banana Republic- 30% off regular priced items with code BRTREAT (ends 11/2)
Forever 21- 20% off all regular priced items with code F21FRIEND (ends 11/2)
BooHoo- 20% off everything with code SAVE20

L'Mae Boutique- 30% off Site wide until midnight tonight with code ONLYTREATS
Red Dress Boutique: 15% off site wide until midnight tonight with code HALLOWEEN15
Benevolent Jewels: 40% off all personalized jewelry with code CANDY40
The Impeccable Pig: 20% off your order with code TREAT20

No crazy plans for me tonight and I'm totally happy about it! I can't wait to pass out candy and gawk over all the kids in their cute costumes. I even have a little costume of my own planned ;) If you follow along on Instagram, you got a sneak peak yesterday. I hope y'all have a fun and safe Halloween!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Navy or Nothing

 
 
 
  
  
 
Flannel: Old Navy | Excursion Vest: J. Crew Factory | Denim: Old Navy | Necklace: BaubleBar | Earrings: BaubleBar | Tory Burch Wrap Bracelet | Michael Kors Watch | Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman 'Phoenix' (Old Style) but also love these | Bag: Kate Spade Saturday
 
I've dubbed this combination my "Fall Uniform" because it's my go-to this season. No matter where I'm going or what I'm doing, I usually throw on an oversized flannel, a vest, destroyed denim and ankle booties. In my opinion, it's fail proof. I also can't wait to layer a cable knit sweater on to this outfit during the Winter.
 
I want to talk about this Old Navy flannel shirt for a second because it's by far the best flannel I've ever owned. I loved it so much that I even went back online as soon as it arrived and ordered the blue & green plaid version, too. Great material, good quality, the price is amazing and the fit is beyond perfect. If you are 5'7 or taller and like your flannels to be a little longer (like I do), I would definitely recommend the tall size in this shirt, if available. I will most likely be ordering more of these because I can't get enough of them and apparently I'm not the only one because sizes are going fast!
 
A quick word on these ankle boots- They're are an older style but I have seen them at two different Marshalls/Home Goods stores so if you have one near you, I'd check there. You can also search eBay. However, the Sam Edelman 'Petty' ankle boots (linked above) are a current style that I love. Speaking of love, these chandelier earrings are my new favorites. BaubleBar can do no wrong.
 
  Ps- Maybe one of these days I'll remember to take the hair tie off my wrist before taking pictures. Mayyybe. ;)
 
Thanks for reading!
 

Friday, October 24, 2014

Leather For Less

As I'm sure you've noticed, leather is majorly on trend right now. While real leather can be pricey, faux leather is a great alternative that often looks just as nice. Luckily, there are tons of faux leather options right now that allow you to sport the trend without spending the big bucks. I've found three adorable and amazingly affordable faux leather options that are perfect for Fall & I've styled them below.

Each item is styled two ways to show the versatility of each piece- One is more casual and the other more dressy.


H&M Wrap Skirt

Left: Turtleneck (25% off with code TGIFALL)| Vest | Tights | Reva Flats
Right: Chambray (25% off with code TGIFALL) | Sweater | Booties | Necklace (search 'Tassel necklace' on eBay for similar, less expensive options!)
** Shortly after I posted this, the skirt sold out! Here are  few other reasonably priced, faux brown leather skirts- here, here and here

 
F21 Leather Pants

 
F21 Pencil Skirt

 
The good thing about most of these outfits is that they are just guidelines and can easily be recreated with similar items. If any of the items listed above are sold out or if you'd prefer a less expensive version, let me know and I will gladly help you find a similar piece :)
 
 In non-fashion news, I am sooo glad it's Friday. I have constantly been on the move lately and this weekend is the first one in a while that I get to stay at home for, so I'm pretty excited to relax and finally get some things done around the house. Hope y'all have a great weekend and thanks for reading!
 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Friends & Family Sales

Y'all, there are SO many Friends and Family sales going on right now. Shopbop and Bauble Bar's just ended BUT there are still plenty of others going on. Kate Spade started theirs today which means you can get 30% off everything with the code F14FFUS. Saks Fifth Ave and the men's section of Shopbop, East Dane, is having theirs right now too (20-25% off Saks and 25% off East Dane). Not only are these sales a good time to get some of the designer items you've been wanting for yourself, but they are also the perfect time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping!
 
 
Here are some great gift ideas from both sales that are all UNDER $100:
 
 
Kate Spade Gifts

 
East Dane Men's Gifts

 25% off with code FAMILY25 - sale ends at midnight on 10/18
 
 
annnd last but not least, here are some of my favorite things that are now on sale at Saks:
 
Saks Sales Picks

25% off and 20% off Jewelry with the code FRNFAM
 
Cole Haan is also having their friends and family sale right now- 30% off everything, no code needed.
 
Happy shopping!
 

Thursday, October 9, 2014

A Field Jacket Fall

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
   
White Button Down | Maroon Skinny Jeans (Old, Similar options here and here) | J. Crew Field Jacket | Bauble Bar Chain Bib | Nine West Kenie Pumps | Tennis Bracelet | Gorjana Paso Ring | Bauble Bar 360 Pearl Studs (eBay version here)
 
As you may be able to tell from some of these pictures, the weather in Houston this past weekend was pretty much perfect- Chilly mornings, warm, clear days and then cool nights. The nice temps had me so excited to finally break out this J. Crew field jacket that I snagged on sale recently. It was so unlike me to buy this in the military green color instead of Navy but I was apparently feeling adventurous. Now that I have it, I know it will be on repeat all Fall and Winter.
 
I decided to dress this outfit up with these lace-up pumps which make it perfect for a casual Friday at work or even date night. However, for daily wear, ankle booties like these will be my go-to!
 
In other news, after years of thinking about it, I finally took the plunge and got a major haircut yesterday. If you follow along on Instagram, you may have already seen the end product. Needless to say, it's a little weird looking at these pictures as I edit them because I'm seeing just how much I really got rid of!
 
In other, other news, I am off to Philly tomorrow for my cousin's wedding. I can't wait to see my family and watch Bill & Jen tie the knot! Hope y'all have a great weekend!
 
 

Monday, October 6, 2014

Fall Color Crush: Navy

 
 
Fall Color Crush: Navy

 
The second color I seem to be obsessing over, even more than usual, is Navy. When done correctly, Navy (and similar dark blues) can we worn year round- which is probably why I love wearing and own so much of it. In fact, I gravitate to it subconsciously. As in, without even realizing it, I will return from a shopping trip and realize most of what I bought is Navy. Then I'll go into my closet and see a sea of Navy. This Fall is no different- Navy is a huge staple color for me.
 
What are some of your go-to colors this Fall?