Spring Trends & Must Haves

It's day two of Cook-off and Go Texan day here in Houston...
 you know what that means- it's almost rodeo time!

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has always and will probably always be one of my most favorite things. Ever. I've been going since I was young, interned there in college, have seen countless performances there over the years, and need I even mention rodeo food?! I could go on about it for days but I won't because today we're talking about Spring.

We're less than one month away from the first official day of Spring. Heck. Yes.

Among of the craziness of throwing a bachelorette bash in Lake Charles last weekend and getting ready for some of my other upcoming events, I've already started doing some Spring shopping (BIG surprise) and adding pops of mint and pastels to my wardrobe. 

To ease into the warmer weather and Spring, I thought I'd share some of the trends that I am most looking forward to this season- both new and old. 

  

Tortoise: Tortoise accessories. Everywhere.

Metallic: Metallics were a HUGE staple in so many of the new designer lines during NY Fashion Week. I've already found a few metallic accessories that I'm craving (see below).

Scallops: There's just something so dainty & light about a scalloped hem.

Florals: A classic Spring print.

Colors: That bright pink? Come on now. Obsessed. The others are a given- Whether it's skinnies, peplums or A-line skirts- you can't go wrong with Lilac, Mint or a light Coral. 

Based on that list, here's a few Spring items I've got my eyes on:

Spring Must Haves by searlesml featuring:

 It took a lot of willpower to refrain from adding stripes, navy and neon (the dress above is a paler yellow in person) to this list but I'll try to save those for Summer!

I was going to apologize for the J. Crew overload on this list but I'm not really sorry ;). Most of the J. Crew items pictured are actually from the factory store, so everything is very reasonable priced when bought during a sale. So with that I'll say: I NEVER pay full price for anything at J. Crew or J. Crew Factory. EVER. They almost alllways have a sale going on, so if you see something you like that's full price- just wait a few days. Make sure you join their e-mail list to get updates on when the sales are!

I have a few outfit posts planned in the upcoming weeks, but I also have some other ideas of posts that may be coming your way, including- a look inside my obnoxious jewelry collection filled with dupes, and a list of the best websites and stores to be subscribed to. [Both of which are two of my biggest money saving secrets]

Pleassse let me know if you have any post ideas or things you'd like to see on here!

 Life updates:

The bachelorette weekend was a huge success.

The verdict on L'Auberge in Lake Charles: ...Can I go back now?

Next up on my busy weekend list: The Woodlands Half Marathon.

Also: Today is Hudson's adoption anniversary!

 I can't believe it's already been a year with my sweet boy.

*To keep up with my daily happenings, new buys and all that jazz: Follow me on Instagram. Also, if you liked this list and want to see other items I'm eying: Follow me on Pinterest*

Happy Cook-off! 

See y'all next week

Winter Favorites: Outfit Post

  Somewhere amidst a crazy weekend, I was able to snap a few shots to

 show y'all how I styled some of the items from my Winter Favorites list :)

P.S- In case you need a good laugh: It was about 77 degrees out when I took these pictures.   

Also, please bear with me as I figure out my photography situation. Once I get the camera and locale logistics sorted out, these outfit posts should be lot more.. professional. Until then, please forgive my silly backdrop, mediocre picture quality and nappy hair.

Without further adieu,

 Here are a few of the ways I styled some of the items from my Winter Favorites list:

Shirt: Etsy (See post below) // Vest: Stein Mart (Sold out) // Jeans: Target // Boots: Bandolino // Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target // Necklace: Francesca's

Now, when I say that I wore this oversized flannel shirt a lot this winter- I meant it. I even dressed it up a few times and wore it to the office. Once with a tan cardigan, black pencil skirt, tights and black booties (same ones as the outfit below), and on another occasion with the same tan cardigan, black cigarette pants and black bow flats (J. Crew Emery flats).  

Sweater: Kohl's // Skirt: Banana Republic // Shoes: Naturalizer

Plaid skirts and tights were my winter work uniform- so effortless and classic. And It only gets better when styled with sweaters like this one. I LOVE this embellished sweater. It rivals a similar one from J. Crew but had a much friendlier price tag. Stores like Kohl's, Target and Old Navy are getting SO good at coming out with designer dupes- this sweater is a perfect example! (You can also dress this look down for a more casual feel by changing out the tights and heels for a pair of tall riding boots.)

Sweater: Old Navy // Jeans: Target // Boots: Hunter (See post below) //

Necklace: eBay (link in shop tab)

A perfect outfit for errand running on cold, rainy days. 

(To me- nothing is better than an outfit that is both comfy AND stylish)

 I searched for what felt like a lifetime for the perfect oversized cable knit sweater with no luck-

So I ended up finding a sweater I liked and just bought it two sizes too big. *cue evil genius laugh*

As for the boots- I would wear these silly things everyday if it were socially acceptable.

Another plus about this outfit- The neutral sweater makes it so versatile. Wear it plain, with a statement necklace, a scarf, vest or even with a chambray or flannel underneath. Endless possibilities.

I hope it was helpful to see how I wore some of my favorite cold weather items!

Maybe at the very least- you got a good laugh out of my modeling skills... or lack thereof. ;)

 _______________________________________

 My next few weekends will be filled to the brim with bachelorette parties, (bridal) showers, a half marathon and even a trip to Midland! I'm going to try to keep the posts coming at least once a week but just in case- the best way to stay updated on the little things is to make sure you're following me on Instagram- @shellsearles.

Can't wait to fill y'all in on new purchases and stories from recent happenings very soon :)

Winter Fashion Favorites

Though the past few mornings haven't made it feel so, Spring will be here soon!

I go against most of the state of Texas when I say that I genuinely love the colder months. So, to honor them- I have decided to touch on my favorite fashion items from this winter.

DISCLAIMER: All items on this list are either purchases from this winter specifically, or trends that I found myself newly sporting. With that said- this list does not include my usual winter go to's like riding boots, pikos, cable knits and fleece-lined leggings. Wearing those during the colder months are a given for me :)

1. Flannels: I got VERY into over-sized flannels this year. Pair with a statement necklace, vest and riding boots and you can do no wrong in my book. Oh, also wear pants. (Play flannel roulette here)

2. Polka Dot Sweater: Wear by itself or over a chambray/any other collared shirts. Cute option here and here.
3. Plaid Skirt: Plaid skirts and tights became a go-to work outfit for me this winter. Plus I scored that Target skirt (in store) for $8! Boom. (Buy it here)

4. Quilted Vests: Quilted vests add a perfect touch to almost every winter outfit. J. Crew version here, Dupes: Old Navy (Sold out)
5. Fur Vest: Options here and here.

6. Blanket Coat: J. Crew Version here. Dupes: Old Navy (here)

7. Bean Boots: Never thought I'd buy Bean boots because I didn't think I needed them (See Dad- I DO know the difference between want and need). That is, until I saw the new wool bean boots. I fell in love. Then somehow they ended up on my doorstep ;) Whoops? (Buy here)

8. Hunter Boots: Same story as the Bean boots- Didn't think I needed them but the color convinced me otherwise. I'm SO glad I got these. It's been rainy this winter so I've gotten plenty of use out of them already. (Buy here)

9. Crotchet Ear Warmer: Tons of options on Etsy. Cute option here.

10. Kate Spade Satchel: I stood in line with all the crazies on Black Friday just to step inside the Kate Spade outlet in Houston. This beauty was worth the wait. Seriously. When I die, bury me with this bag.

 

I'm going to try to take some pictures this weekend of how I styled and wore some of this stuff, so be checking for those early next week.

I hope y'all stayed warm this winter and have a very happy Valentine's Day tomorrow. Before you know it we'll be sporting bright spring colors and various floral patterns. I. CANNOT. WAIT.

Until next time,

The first of many...

Welcome!

First things first...
Q: Why have I all of the sudden decided to start blogging?

A: (Cheesy version) After years of reading fashion and beauty blogs, 

I've finally decided to create my own- as an outlet to explore and share my love for style.

(Non-cheesy version) I love shopping. Bottom line. This blog is a way to share my favorite products/recent purchases, where I got them and how I style them. :) 

Designing this page has been a blast and I have learned A LOT in the process. Let me just tell y'all- 

It was my first time working with HTML code and at times...it really tested my patience.

Though choosing the particulars has been fun, I cannot wait to get started on 

posting outfits and sharing some of my style secrets with y'all.

If you want to know a little more about me or how to contact me- please see the tabs above! I also managed  (I think I got a few premature gray hairs in the process) to create a "Shop" tab in the bar as well, 

to give you links to some of my favorite products and also a few things i'm currently craving. 

I'll be updating that as often as I can! 

I'll be posting my "Winter Fashion Favorites" soon, so be on the look out!

Happy Friday!