Monday, March 31, 2014

Spring Shoe Picks



As we move further into Spring and the weather gets consistently warmer,
we transition out of our boots and into more colorful, strappy and open-toed shoe options.

Naturally, I've been eying a few styles that I'm looking to add to my collection this Spring, but there are also a few pairs I already own that are going to get tons of use this season.

Here are a few of my essential Spring shoes by style:


Spring Shoe Picks



1. Stacked heel, peep-toe Bootie/Sandal:
Steve Madden 'Nonstp' Bootie // Honorable Mention: here
Peep toed booties are the perfect Spring transition shoe. The cognac leather color and design give these Steve Madden booties a classic, sophisticated look- and the stacked heel means added stability and comfort- Hello, perfect work heel.

2. Dressy Sandal:
A classic sandal you'll wear all Spring and Summer.

3. Two-Piece Flats:
 These Target flats are impossibly practical and stylish. Perfect for work and casual wear.
These are my go-to flats right now!

4. Fun, Casual Shoe:
 -Keds: are the perfect casual tennies. They're great when comfort is a top priority but regular tennis-shoes aren't an option- like casual Fridays or in a classroom. They also come in a million styles. Ps- The Target version of Keds are on sale for just $12 this week! (here)

 - Jelly flats: Comfortable and stylish. I wasn't in to the 'jelly' shoe trend at first because they reminded me of baby's shoes (who knows) but my bow jelly flats are becoming a favorite. They're size and shape also make them great for traveling!

5. Understated Wedge:
A simple, understated wedge is perfect for Spring.



What shoes are you dying to get into this season?

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I hope y'all had a great weekend! Mine looked a little bit like this:


So, no complaints here ;)

My next outfit post will be coming soon! In the meantime stay tuned to Instagram for new purchases and daily outfit details! 

Thanks for reading! 






Thursday, March 27, 2014

Sites to Know [PT. 1.5: Boutique Deals]


I thought I would do a quick post today to let y'all know about a REALLY good deal going on. 

I had a LOT of people ask about my tortoise flower necklace in my "Spring Pink" post. 
I linked an eBay listing to a similar necklace on the post but today the version I have is back on Simple Addiction... for only $10! (I'll put the direct link to the necklace below)

Then I realized... Part 1 of sites to know covered my favorite flash sale websites that carry designer brands. BUT- I forgot about my trusty BOUTIQUE flash sale sites. These sites are similar to Rue and Gilt in the way that sales change daily and only last a for a limited time. However, the deals feature things you'd find in boutiques like clothes, jewelry, accessories, baby stuff, etc.

You know the genius/random things that you see on Pinterest [like polka dot wall decals, monogrammed dog bowls and little crotchet baby sock monkey hats] and you wonder 'where on earth can I buy that?' Well here you go.

A few of my favorite boutique deal sites:
Mainly women's clothes and accessories:

A little bit of everything:

DISCLAIMER: These can be a little dangerous. So please don't hate me later when you're buying things you never thought you needed like a personalized dog art, key chain lip balm holders and baby flower headbands. ;)

As promised- Here's the necklace. Such a good deal!

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Life Updates:
Kevin will be home tonight and we've got a weekend filled with 
Crawfish eating, friend seeing and wedding showers ahead of us!
Next up: My Spring shoe obsessions


I hope y'all have had a good week!


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The Essential Tunic





Tunic // Jeans // Flats // Clutch: Old (eBay) // Watch // Bracelet
 A few other tunics worth mentioning: 1. 2. 3. 4.
PS- Please excuse my four-legged shadow.

Nothing says Spring or Summer like a good tunic! Their slightly over-sized fit and light fabric make them extremely comfortable and effortless. They also make THE BEST coverups.

So, until I can walk down the beach wearing this mint tunic (over a swimsuit) with a messy top-knot and sunnies- I'll just be (sadly) pairing it with pointy, two-piece flats, pearls and distressed denim, to add a just a little flare.

Bottom line: 
A classic tunic is a wardrobe essential.   



Hope you're all surviving the bipolar Spring weather. :)



Thursday, March 20, 2014

Pops of Color

Happy first day of Spring!

 As we transition out of dull winter colors and into lighter layers and Spring-y hues, 
I thought I'd share one of my favorite ways (also one of the easiest) to transition your wardrobe into Spring:  
Adding pops of color to simple outfits, in the form of accessories.

Here are a few ways to brighten up your wardrobe with accessories:

 1. Vibrant statement Jewelry

Statement Jewelry



2. Light, patterned Scarves

Scarves



3. Colorful Shoes

Colorful shoes




4. Bright Bags

Bright bags



Adding one or even a few of these to a basic outfit is a perfect way to ease yourself into Spring! 

It may only be the first day of the season, but my brain (and wardrobe) have already been in transition mode for awhile. I always try to jump into Spring as soon as possible, because it never seems to last long here. Pretty soon it will be 100 degrees out and the idea of a scarf, even a light one, will be hysterical.

Though it always feels short, this is probably my favorite time of year, because Spring means (tolerable) warm weather, more daylight, Crawfish season, Easter, and the blooming of Texas wildflowers!

A few things to keep your eyes out for:
-New outfit post coming soon!
-PT. 2 of Sites to know

Hope y'all are having a great week!


Sunday, March 16, 2014

Spring Pink


     


 Top: Red Dress Boutique  // Skirt: J. Crew Factory //
Necklace: Simple Addiction // Flats: Old Navy


I had a few questions on the shirt that I wore to the Rodeo last week- so here it is! This hot pink, fringe top is actually a tunic/dress. I've been obsessing over this color lately so as soon as I saw it, it was a done deal. The fact that it's fringe and off-the-shoulder just make it that much better. I can't wait until Summer, when I can wear it with white pants and sandals! 

 This A-line skirt is also one of my favorites right now. Besides its versatility, I love that it is casual enough for everyday things but can also be dressed up enough to wear to work. Definitely a smart buy! Oh and by the way- the flats I'm wearing are on sale for $12 at ON right now. Score.

We had a little setback with the yellow dress I was supposed to show today so that will be up soon.

Hope y'all had a great weekend!



Thursday, March 13, 2014

Splurge vs. Save: Handbags

I'm kind of a bag collector.
Just ask Kevin, I have WAY too many, but that's the way I like it.

& while I love a good designer bag, sometimes an imitation is just a better choice.

In other words- If you're ballin' on a budget (yeah I just said that) and still want options, then sometimes you have to opt out of that $400 designer bag and find a look-alike with a better price tag.

Here are some ridiculous steals on bags that are just as stylish as the designer brands but have a MUCH more reasonable price.


Splurge vs. Save: Handbags 

(From top to bottom)
Set 1: Splurge // Save 
Set 2: Splurge // Save 
Set 3: Splurge // Save 
Set 4: Splurge // Save 
Set 5: Splurge // Save

If you were wondering-- You could buy every bag on the right side and spend only $240, which (in case you're bad at math) is less than most of the designer options listed. Just let that sink in.

If I let myself splurge on a bag, it's usually one that I've researched (read reviews on) and know I'll use daily for quite a while, but if you like mixing it up often or just don't care much about brands- the beauties on the right are perfect options for you!
  
PS-Three of the five bags on the right side are from ASOS.
So it's safe to say the next time I want a bag-I'll be looking there first.

 PPS- I think I see a 'Splurge vs. Save: Shoe' edition in the near future.

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A lonnngg overdue outfit post will be heading your way this weekend so be on the look out! [Now that I finally have a little bit of downtime during the next few weekends, I can finally catch up on outfit posts] PS- Don't think I forgot about PT. 2 of Sites to know, that will be coming up soon too!

Life Updates:
Verdict on Midland trip: So much fun!
Lately: I've been thinking about a major cut on my mermaid locks.
And speaking of hair- I got to see Jake Owen at the Rodeo this past Wednesday. What a ham that guy is.
Other news: -My best friend, Emily, is ENGAGED!! :) :) :) Congrats again to you and John!
 -I also want to congratulate my good friend, Hannah, who is getting married this weekend! I'm SO sorry that I can't make it but I'm extremely happy for you & James!Have a few drinks for me, Chanda
Coming up: Hudson's turns 4, a few more bridal showers and SPRING

Happy Friday


Friday, March 7, 2014

Sites to Know [PT. 1: Flash Sales]

 I'm guilty of loving designer name brands.
However, like most people, I don't like paying for them.

Every once and a while I find myself splurging on a full-priced item but let's be real- 
it's allllllways better when it's on sale!  (less gilt involved)

 Fortunately (for my wallet's sake), I'm subscribed to a few sites that 
offer amazing flash sales on TONS of top designers and other great brands. 

A few of my favorites that I definitely recommend checking out:

Others:
Bluefly

How it works: When you subscribe to one of these sites, you're going to get daily emails on the deals they're offering that day. Each sale is only offered for a limited time.

You'll see brands like: Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers, Ray-Ban, Hunter, Ann Klein, Kendra Scott, Asics, Cole Haan, Under Armour, Columbia, Tom Ford, Ted Baker, Valentino, Prada, Fendi, the list goes on and on. They also feature lots of housewares, men's and kid's deals too. 

*Beginner tip: If you see something you like: Get it- don't wait. Most of these are FLASH sales so they're only available for a limited amount of time and things can sell out fast.

A few of my favorite buys from Rue/Gilt/Ideeli:
Jacks- $60 (regularly $150)
 Lilly Pulitzer dress- $40 (Regularly $140)
Lilly Pulitzer Shoreline Tote- $35 (Regularly $78)
and many others.

It may be annoying to receive daily e-mails but trust me... these are worth it.
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Coming soon: PT. 2- A list of online boutiques that you're going to flip for!

P.S- I apologize for the lack of outfit posts. They're coming, I promise! 
Check IG for daily outfit details though.

Life Updates:
 This past weekend, I got to tag along and play mobile cheerleader 
for my good friend, Becca, as she ran her very first half marathon. 
 Verdict on the half marathon: Hot.
Next up on my weekend adventures: Flying to Midland to see the boy!  


           [Please note the mile 6 selfie]


TGIF, Y'all!