For The Love of Design

If you love beautiful stationary, planners, notebooks and note cards.....look no further. I stumbled upon May Designs' gorgeous products and fell in love. My favorite items are their personalized notebooks and agendas (also referred to as "May Books"). They have so many gorgeous patterns to chose from, it's SO HARD to decide!


Here is my new agenda for this year :)

I'm a sucker for cute packaging as well. May Designs #nailedit.

Last year I designed and ordered one of their Kids Handwriting Books for my daughter. It has pages for letter and number practice. She LOVES it!

May Designs has so many great gift ideas as well. Personalized note cards, Bump Books, a "Doodling" book for kids.....something for everyone!

May Designs is kindly giving YOU the chance to win a Maybook!!

Enter the Rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

InVESTed

One of my favorite clothing layers is a (military) vest. It helps add a little something to an outfit and when it's colder, it adds a layer of warmth (unless you live in Florida, then they're really just for looks, haha). There are also so many ways you can style them!

The best way to get comfortable with a new-to-you style is to keep to the basics. Below are three different "settings" I chose in which you could wear a vest.

(Let me just say that I am NOT a "fashion photographer" by ANY means, lol)

 1. Casual Chic

 Dress: GAP outlet

Necklace: Forever 21

Vest: American Eagle 

Shoes: Converse

2. Out and About

Collared Shirt: American Eagle 

Jeans: American Eagle ("high wasted" jeggings)

Booties: Lucky

3. Date Night

 

 Top: JCrew via consignment store

Necklace: Anthro 

Skirt: JCrew via thrift store 

Shoes: Steve Madden

Here are a few links to some cute miltary jackets:
Charlotte Russe
Buckle
Closet Essentials

How to Shop: Thrift Stores

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I seriously LOVE to go thrifting! To me, it's like a treasure hunt. However, I know thrift stores can also be rather overwhelming. If you can muster up some patience, you can find some great things! Some of my favorite pieces of clothing were found there. Here are some tips to help make the most of your trip to the thrift store.....

1. Have a set list of items you're looking for and STICK TO IT

2. Allow yourself time to comb through the racks

3. Keep an eye out for original tags/nice fabric/material (I find that nicer things tend to pop out amongst the worn down pieces)

4. Don't allow yourself to buy something just because of the label (if it doesn't fit well or just doesn't flatter you, don't get it)

5. Look for pieces that could be altered (the price is already a steal!)

6. Don't get discouraged if you can't find anything or walk out empty handed. In my experience, I strike out more than anything, but the few times I do find something, I REALLY hit the jackpot! 

7. Visit the stores often. They are constantly getting items and putting them out on the floor.


Shopping a thrift store is not meant to be a quick "in and out" trip. As long as you've prepared yourself to spend some time, you'll have fun! Now put these tips to use and see how it works for you!!

A Quick Favor!!

I FINALLY found the old Blogger "Follower" option and have added it to my sidebar!!! PRETTY PLEASE add yourself so that I can know who my lovely readers are!! :)

 

Thank you SO much!!!

New Year, New Color

I did not plan to be away from the blog so long!! Well, Happy 2015 everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas season!

A new year can mean many things: new jobs, new resolutions (what's that?? ha), new health habits...just to name a few. In the fashion industry, it means a new COLOR. Last year's color was "Radiant Orchid" and while it was quite bright, I really liked it! I didn't manage to buy any pieces of clothing in that color, but I did find a FAB lipstick :) 

This year's color, according to Pantone, is "Marsala"

They describe it as "a naturally robust and earthy wine red". It's a nice, bold neutral. I feel like this color can look good on anyone! Below are some ways that you can incorporate this color into your everyday style ;) 

Lace Blocked tee   Cable Knit Sweater

Statement Necklace   Earrings

Essie Polish  Lipstick 

What do you think of this color? Will you be wearing it?? 

FALL IS HERE!!

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL!! My absolute favorite time of the year. If only it felt like fall right away....Florida doesn't like to let go of it's heat.

Thought this would be a perfect time to share some of the things I'm looking forward to wearing once the temps fall a bit....


1. Scarves

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There are so many styles of scarves and with each comes it's own look. These are such an easy way to add a little something to your outfit.


2. Boots/Booties

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I was late to the "bootie" trend last year. But I am FULLY onboard this season. I love the higher boots, but maybe because I'm short and I don't have much leg, I find the booties suit me better.


3. Sweaters

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I can't wait to wear warm and comfy sweaters! Ones with detail, big and oversized with leggings, and structured. I WANT THEM ALL!!




What are you looking forward to wearing most once the temps drop??

Comfy Not Stuffy

Why is it that so many think in order to look "put together", it means:

A. Expensive clothing
B. Too much effort
C. Uncomfortable outfits

Well, I'm saying none of the above have to be true. You can look cute AND be comfortable at the same time. And while nothing really replaces our favorite pair of sweats or yoga pants, these next few outfit combos are a close second ;)

<< I've pointed out a few details with each outfit that I think make all the difference >>


1. Colored Denim

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Colored denim with a tee shirt. EASY PEASY. Throw on a denim jacket if it's a little chilly and VOILA!

2. Blazers

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Blazers were once only associated with suits and "fancier" outfits but not anymore! Pair them with jeans or shorts and it takes your look to an entirely new level.

3. Cute Flats (or any detailed shoe)

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Shoes really do make a difference. It helped take "just a white tee and jeans" to a simple, put-together look. 

4. Scarves

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Just like a necklace. Wear them with pants OR shorts! Pattern mixing is also a plus! 

What are some of YOUR favorite, comfortable looks??