Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks!

The best sale of the year has come along, get some of these great items while you can! And remember, Nordstrom has free shipping with no minimum.

My favorite purchase this year was this gorgeous leather jacket for $229.90, worth every penny. Looks like it is only available in pink now, I got the black, but I can tell you it was a hard choice to make. If you are looking for a softer color, this is truly stunning.

I also fell in love with these polka dot jeans, a steal on sale for $39.90. They run big, I ended up with a size 2.

Can we talk about how cute this jacket with faux fur collar is? Would be goreous over a silk blouse and skinny jeans with boots. $79.90

You all have seen me wear my leather pencil skirt quite a few times, and Halogen has a slightly different version out this year that is stunning. Almost $100 savings at $149.90.

Want something to snuggle up in this Fall? How about this adorable tunic. I like this with a more relaxed fit, the Medium worked best on me. $45.90

Love this gorgeous floaty blouse that comes in a ton of colors for $37.90.

I can’t wait to pull out last year’s Tahari cape for the Fall, and this year’s version is just as beautiful. $119.90

I love a knit blazer, all the comfort of a sweater, but a more p0lished look. This one comes in a number of great colors for just $38.90.

What did I miss? Any great finds you want to share?

Amazingly Easy Updo

Unfortunately I was not born with gorgeous wash and go hair. I mean, those of you with naturally curly hair who straighten it daily (I’m somewhat obsessed with curly hair, the grass is always greener right?) might think I was, but my hair is stick straight and just sort of hangs there with no heat styling – my curling iron has been my best friend since I was about 7 years old. Even ponytails are sort of unattractive without a decent amount of effort. My hair also does not recurl well when not freshly washed and dried, so having a good hair day on a no wash day is not an easy feat either.  

Alright enough whining, the good news is I’ve officially found my new, super easy, no washing required hairstyle, thanks to Pinterest. When I saw this picture with a caption saying it could be done in 3 minutes, I was thinking “sure it can” sarcastically in my head.  I assure you, as long as you have shoulderish length or longer hair, that is the truth. Just click here for the video with instructions! Only bobby pins are required. Why didn’t I think of this myself?!

Note: I washed my hair yesterday afternoon, but didn’t wash today and simply used my curling iron to curl the ends under in large chunks (only takes a minute) to help all the ends tuck into the twist more easily. 

Here are my results (sorry for the less than great iPhone mirror pics). If you give this a try, let me know how it turns out!

1 Item, 5 Ways: White Blazer

As promised, I’ve gotten my act together this month and have put together 5 different outfits using the same white H&M blazer. I got mine last year, but I believe this same one is still in stores. Let’s get started!

First off, a white blazer is always a great topper to a blouse and dark skinny jeans. So I started with my polka dot tie neck blouse, and then added hot pink shoes for a pop of color. (Just picked these up at the Ann Taylor family & friends sale while I was in NY, the perfect heel height)

Jeans – JBrand, Blouse – Piperlime, Shoes – Ann Taylor

I love blazers with a polished pair of shorts, so cute! I pulled out my hot pink shorts, paired with a navy and white striped shirt, and then added a floral shoe. I would dress this up by switching out these shoes for a nude sandal.

Shorts – Express, Blouse – Ann Taylor (similar), Shoes – Payless

A white blazer is perfect for a nautical look. Just throw over a navy and white striped tank with jeans, accessorize with some gold jewelry, and you are all set.

Jeans – JBrand, Tank – Target, Shoes – Nine West via Ross, Necklace – Premier Designs, Earrings – Old Navy

I wanted to do a look with a skirt as well and this black and white polka dot one seemed like the perfect match. Just paired with a simple black tank and some cork t-strap heels.

Skirt – Loft via ebay, Tank – H&M, Shoes – Franco Sarto via Marshall’s

And lastly, my mother in law generously bought me this fun striped maxi dress while I was in NY and I thought a blazer would be the perfect way to add a little structure to a floaty dress. Went with low heeled sandals and silver accents to keep the vibe casual.

Dress – Calvin Klein,  Shoes – Nine West, Necklace – Premier Designs

What’s your favorite way to wear a white blazer?

A White Blazer

One of my wonderful readers, Jana, told me she had a white blazer that she wasn’t sure what to do with. Enough so that she was thinking about returning it. I said NOOOO!!! A white blazer is one of my favorite Spring/Summer pieces, so fortunately she hung onto it and put together a gorgeous outfit for Easter. She asked that I come up with some ideas to share on how to wear it so off I went to Polyvore to create some outfits. I’ve also decided that I am going to get a 1 item, 5 ways done for May and am planning on using my own white blazer for that item. If any bloggers out there want to join me, just let me know!

So here we go!

I always love a blazer with dark skinny jeans. You can dress that combo up or down in a million different ways. Try switching out blouses, changing up the shoes from heels to flats or wedges, adding a statement necklace, the list goes on.

Mint is a big color this season so I chose a top in that color, then just added a printed shoe and chunky gold accessories.

A white blazer is also always great with navy, roll up the sleeves and get a little nautical! Throw over a casual summer dress, and add gold flat sandals and a few fun accessories for a great Summer day look. I love the idea of adding a pop of coral or orange in the jewelry!

How about we dress it up a little?  I love the idea of using white to tone down a bright color, or a colorblocked dress. Just add nude accessories, a fun cocktail ring, and vintage gold studs and you are ready to party!

And last but not least, I love the look of a blazer, sleeves rolled up, over a floaty blouse and shorts. Perfect for a happy hour sipping margaritas!

Hope that gives you some ideas Jana! Happy Thursday to you all, if I don’t get around to a post tomorrow, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

$500 Shopping Spree for Spring

One of my sorority sisters left me a comment with an idea for a post about what I would buy if I had $500 for Spring and I loved it! Plus I am wearing a repeat outfit today so it gives me something to blog about : )

I tried to make all of my suggestions things you could get online. I’d love to use H&M but I know they don’t have one everywhere.

So here is what I would get for Spring if I had $500 burning a hole in my pocket

This colorblocked sweater from Old Navy is adorable. I ordered in a small. Great deal at $24.94

These white jeans are a little pricey at $164, but white jeans are a must have for Spring and I think good denim is worth it as it will get a ton of use. I love this Ava cut from Citizen’s of Humanity, you see mine in regular denim on me about 3 days a week. I think the leg on these is actually slimmer than it looks on the model, but maybe it is just my athletic calves.

I haven’t seen this dress in person, but I am definitely considering ordering it. You could dress it up with heels, or down with flat sandals and a cardi. A great deal at $40 from JCPenney

I’ve always been a sucker for seersucker. Nothing better than a lightweight blazer to pull your look together for Spring and you can get this adorable one from F21 for $32.80. I would wear with jeans or navy pants, a white blouse, and red shoes.

And if you are lucky enough to be somewhere it is hot during the Spring, I would definitely pick up these hot pink shorts from Express for $49.90. I have a few pairs of these shorts and I find them to be the perfect length and a great fit. You could wear with just a t-shirt and flat sandals with a cute belt for day, and take them up a notch at night with a blouse, shrunken blazer and a hot pair of heels.

Here in the PNW, Spring sweaters are a must and this sweater will provide a little warmth while screaming Spring with a punch of yellow and fun stripes. $78 at Ann Taylor.

Of course a cute pair of wedges is a must for Spring and I tried these Target wedges on and they are adorable in person and very comfy. $24.99. I’m thinking these will be perfect to dress down my white or yellow pencil skirt.

A flat jeweled sandal is a go to Spring item for me as well (if it gets warm enough here!). Just as comfy as flip flops but so much more chic. Another Target buy at $19.99

I have few more favorite items than my red blazer, if you are looking for a great deal on one, try this one from Kmart for $29.99. Might want to pick the white up too! I have been very happy with previous blazer purchases from Kmart, though I have not seen this one in person.

It is still chilly here in the Spring so a great trench coat to cover up is essential. Loving this purple one at NY&Co for $63 (includes current 30% 0ff discount).

Ok, so I went over my budget by $27, but I probably would make use of some coupons on some of things things to get better deals so we’ll call it a wash : )

What is your Spring must have?

Thanks for the idea Carrie, this was fun! Anyone want to send me $500??

Picture Tour

Happy Monday, hope you all had a great weekend!

Saturday night my cousin and I took the Amtrak train down to Tacoma for a friend’s going away party. Tacoma is about a 45min-1 hour drive from Seattle and to be honest, I am one of those people who thinks a 20 minute drive to get somewhere is a little far now that I don’t commute anymore. The driving distance is really the only thing that stands between me and daily visits to Target. So when my cousin said we could get to Tacoma on a train with cocktails I was in. They even had adorable little half bottles of wine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday I did some grocery shopping, watched a little Dexter with the hubby (which then made me scared when I had to go by the storage unit by myself later of course), and did some cooking. (Chicken Francesa recipe to follow)

But of course the most exciting part of the weekend was the couch delivery so I have pictures as promised! (I decided today was the perfect day for a repeat outfit since I had something else to share, so I’m wearing this again)

My inspiration for the decor came from Big and Carrie’s apartment in SATC2. The first time I saw that movie I fell in love with their place. I’m particularly happy with how everything came together in the end because we ordered it all seperately before we had even offically closed on the new place. My biggest thing was finding a navy blue couch, and Michael wasn’t hard to convince when we came across this one at Crate and Barrel available in Ink Blue. One of the next things on my to do list is to find something like that kitchen backsplash to do ours with, I think it is so gorgeous!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s a tour of my version!

Couch – Crate and Barrel, Side Chairs – West Elm, Coffee Table – Crate and Barrel (similar), Area Rug – Overstock, Bar Cabinet – Crate and Barrel, Side Table – West Elm, Chandelier – West Elm, Dining Room Table – Spacify (similar), Dining Room Chairs – Overstock, Accent Pillows – West Elm here, here, and here 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bargain Picks for Spring!

Tonight’s outfit post won’t get done until this evening so despite my disappointing shopping trip on Monday, I have found some good deals online I thought I would share.

I want this Old Navy sweater in each adorably colorblocked color, a great deal at $25 plus %15 off through tomorrow

Loving the neon stripes in this casual tee for $22

I really, really want these Lela Rose for Payless wedges, the stripes are so cute! $54.99

I wouldn’t turn down these Christian Siriano peep toes either, the pop of color is so fun! $32.99

And for more easy colorblocking, this tank at the Limited for just $24.90 is a great deal. Comes in multiple colors.

If you are looking for a punch of color, check out this yellow sweater jacket at JCPenney for $20

 

Bargain Picks!

Well today it turns out, is a snow day! We got lots of if here in the PNW, including downtown so I am working from home instead of braving the outdoors (we are cold weather whimps). Perfect day for a bargain picks post since my lounge clothes aren’t that exciting : )

Here we go!

Color blocking is a huge trend into Spring, and this blouse is an easy way to do it. Old Navy $29.94 but 30% off today

 

I’m also loving it in this fun print, would be adorable with white jeans

Check out this fun ponte knit jacket at Target for just $19.99. Would be a great layering piece into Spring.

How about this Missoniesque tunic for $29.99? Could be very cute over leggings.

I’ve recommended a Soprano dress from the Nordstrom junior’s department before. Now they have one in a different style that looks like it would be equally as flattering and I am loving this blue color – just $48. Any parties coming up?

Now we of course need shoes too right?

How about this adorable pair of 2 toned flats from Old Navy for $22.94 (30% off today). Very Chanel I think!

Loafers are definitely trendy right now, I think I might just have to pick these fun aqua ones up from Target for $19.99

Everyone needs a gorgeous nude pump. Check out these from Christian Siriano at Payless for just $32.99

 

Hope you are all staying warm, wherever you are!

1 Faux Fur Vest, 5 Ways (plus a bonus)

December’s 1 item, 5 ways series is finally ready! I’ve been having a lot of fun with my faux fur vest this month, a few of these outfits you’ve already seen, but I put together some new ones too, and last night when I was finishing this up the lighting allowed me to take pics with a slightly more festive background.

So here we go!

1. This was the first time you saw the vest on my blog. Layered over a silky blouse with jeans and boots that pick up the soft brown color.

2. An all black base let’s the vest stand out. Thanks to Pink Peonies for the inspiration!

3. I did this outfit awhile back and noted at the time a faux fur vest would be the perfect completer piece so here it is again with the finishing touch!

4. I’m always looking for ways to remix a dress and adding a faux fur vest is a perfect way to change it up. Here I just added to my brown striped sweater dress – I love the monochromatic palate with different textures to provide interest.

5. For some reason I loved the idea of popping a green blouse under this vest. Paired with black pants and deep red tassle shoes, I find this to be very festive.

And just for fun, here is a 6th, an idea that I mentioned Sarah from the Daily Sophisticate gave me on Friday when I wore my royal blue turtleneck.

So there you have it, a faux fur vest, not 5 ways, but 6! Do you have a favorite? How are you wearing your faux fur vest this season?

If you are still on the lookout for the perfect vest, you might check these out.

Loft, Jessica Simpson, Ralph Lauren , CeCe, Loft (clearance), Calvin Klein, Express (mine), Loft

Mishmash

No outfit picture today, so going to be a bit of a random post. First a few links that I have found especially fascinating, and then some bargain fashion picks!

Read here about how LDL (a lipoprotein often referred to as “bad cholesterol”) is “calculated”, not measured, and the formula used actually rewards you for having high triglycerides, and can very easily provide inaccurate results. LDL (the small, dense kind) builds up not because of cholesterol, but because of inflammation – check out this article for some great info regarding what you should and shouldn’t be worried about. And run screaming if the doctor tries to put you on a statin.

Looking forward to watching this movie, hoping it comes out on Netflix, called Farmageddon – click on link for synopsis. Also just ordered the book “Everything I Want to do is Illegal” from Amazon because it wasn’t available on Kindle and am looking forward to reading. (click here for article by author that is a more comprehensive summary) Basically this movie and book discuss how the government organizations like the USDA and FDA are making it more and more difficult for small farmers raising animals and farming in sustainable ways to be successful. It scares me to think that it may get even harder to find things not fed GMO corn and grains, or covered in pesticides, in the future.  According to this new study, “contrary to conventional wisdom, organic farming outperformed conventional farming in every measure.” Definitely looking forward to the grass fed cow we are sharing with some friends and picking up a few weekends from now at the 3 Sisters Farm. If you have a big freezer available (our friends our letting us keep our part in theirs) this is a great way to get very affordable sustainable and humanely treated beef, pork, etc.

And for those of you who are only here for the fashion, thank you for humoring me (or just completely ignoring the first half of this blog) : ) Here is another round of bargain picks!

Love the sharpness of this Old Navy blazer, but the softness of a jersey fleece knit – $ 39.94

Searching for an affordable mustard cardigan? Check out this one for $ 36.94

Loving the color and print on this blouse for $32.94

Chiffon in the front, knit in the back – yes please! $26.94

This is the faux fur vest I ended up getting from Express, not super cheap at $98, but a lot less than others I’ve seen and not “too furry”

Looking for an relatively affordable pair of skinny jeans that look great with heels, flats, or tucked into boots? And also tend to look great on a number of different body shapes? Give the Gap Always Skinny a try for $69.95, or as I would highly recommend, use a coupon and get them for less! I had a little Shopping Hiatus slip up and picked these up for $40 – I needed another pair that tucked into boots – I know, I am bad! Right now online only there is a 35% off coupon – not a bad deal.

And what would a bargain picks post be without the Target shoes I am currently lusting after. These cap toe leopard print almost flats are so cute – buy them Mom! $24.99

Happy Hump Day everyone!