Nordstrom Anniversay Sale Picks

 The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is finally here! Although the sale has already been going on for card members, the sale is now officially open to the public and prices will return to normal on August 4th. It's Nordstrom's best sale of the year which means these items are at amazingly low prices and going fast, so don't wait!

 

Above are some of my favorite picks from this year's sale. Those Sam Edelman lace up heels would be PERFECT for work in the Fall and Winter and the Kendra Scott Danielle earrings pictured are marked down to $39... be still my heart.

 

 

What did y'all pick up from the anniversary sale?!

 

Summer Getaways Essentials

Now that the weather and water are both warming up fast and weekend getaways/Summer vacations are soon to be in full swing, I wanted to share some of my favorite items that will be along for all of my Summer adventures!

J. Crew Tunic // Panama Hat // Lifeproof Case // Monogrammed Bandeau Bikini Top // Ray Ban Aviators // Bikini Bag // Lilly Pulitzer Croakies // Beach Towel/Blanket (Less expensive option here) // Polo Hat // Vera Bradley Travel Jewelry Case // Sunscreen // Lilly Pulitzer Resort Tote // Kate Spade Tumbler // Columbia PFG // Kate Spade Live Colorfully Roller Ball Perfume // Tory Burch Miller Sandals

I hope y'all had an amazing holiday weekend! Memorial Day always seems to kick off the Summer for me, which is probably why I like it so much- It also never hurts to have a three day weekend ;) I happily spent my time by the river casually draped in PFGs, baseball caps and bug spray but I'm also really looking forward to the more dainty getaways where I can sport my favorite tunics and sun hats. What are some of your getaway essentials?

 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Can you believe it's almost May?! I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.

The month of May means Mother's Day- May 11th is coming up fast, which means it's time to start thinking about how you're going to show your appreciation to your amazing mother. 

Sometimes we all have trouble finding the perfect gift for mom- not because moms are hard to shop for but because they are so important to us that the gift has to be just right. Here's a few gift ideas for every type of mom and all kinds of budgets:

1. The 'Forever Busy' Mom

Perfect gifts for moms who are always on the go:

 May Books- Daily planners, journals, calorie trackers, address books and more // Lori Leigh Travel Jewelry Case // Kindle Paperwhite // Mophie Portable Phone Charger // Michael Kors Watch

Others: Gigi New York Personalized Phone Case // Gigi New York To-Do List  // Kate Spade iPad Cover // Pink Garden Tools Set

2. The 'Chef/Entertainer'

For moms who always seem to be in the kitchen or hosting get togethers with friends:

 Kitchen-aid Mixer // Griddle/Panini Press // Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible // Bar Gadget Set // Labeled Seasoning Rack 

 Others: Frigidaire 8 Bottle Wine Cellar // Margaritaville Frozen Drink Maker // Stackable Wine Rack //  Electric Wine Bottle Opener

3. The 'Healthy' Mom

 For the mother who prioritizes fitness and healthy living:

 Nutribullet // Fit Bit- Activity and sleep tracker // Nike Featherlite Dri Fit Cap // Bose Sport Headphones // Flip Belt- The best way for her to store phone/keys on a run or at the gym

Others: Perfect Portions Food Scale // Nike Running Shirt // Muscle Therapy Foam Roller // Yoga Mat

4. Classic Gifts for Mom 

Not sure what category she fits into? These classic gifts will please any mom:

Medellin Tote // Bath Caddy // Tory Burch Robinson Continental Wallet // UGG 'Nala' Slipper // Kate Spade New York Seaport Pearl Studs // Tory Burch Perfume Gift Set // James Avery Heart Knot Bracelet // Nator 'Nirvana' Robe

Most moms will agree that Mother's Day is not about how much you spend or what you get them as much as it's about the gesture of appreciation and being together. However, I highly doubt she'll complain about receiving any of the items on this list ;)

Floral Frenzy

It's no secret that floral is BIG right now and always is this time of year- it's a Spring classic.

 

 I love a good floral print and luckily I've found tons of bright, flowery options that are just calling my name this season:
 

[Click here to see the item list]

Don't be shocked if you see me in a few of these items soon. Those jeans with the light floral pattern? Need. I've also got my eye on that adorable swim suit top and may or may not already be on the waiting list for that blue maxi. It almost looks like a Lilly Pulitzer print and for that price? Yeah. Needs to be mine.

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I'm excited to announce that I will be teaming up with toADORN for my next outfit post. toADORN is an adorable boutique deals site (similar to the ones I talked about in my 'Sites to Know' post), so be on the look out for that soon! I also have a huuuge Mother's Day Gift Guide that I'll be posting soon as well.

 

 

I hope y'all had as great of an Easter weekend as I did! I'll be spending the next couple of days trying to wean myself off of chocolate bunnies and also break in the Tory Burch Reva flats that I bought during last week's SHOPBOP sale ;)

Thanks for reading!

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.


 

(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

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 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,