Monday, March 31, 2014

J. Crew, I Love You... - #39 - Tortoise & Stone Earrings

{Available here}

J. Crew jewelry... I don't need you, but oh how I want you...  These tortoiseshell earrings would be the perfect compliment to my newest glasses - just sayin'...

Music Mondays - #39 - Banks

{Available here}

I found Banks after hearing one of her songs on the Divergent soundtrack (mentioned here).  I love her sound!  So far just a few tracks on her EP, but definitely one to look out for!  Here's "Waiting Game"...



Friday, March 28, 2014

Hey Sunshine!

{Top- (old, but similar style here) J. Crew, Pants- (old) Gap, Shoes- (old) Nine West, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

TGIF!  Ending this week on a sunny note! 

Fashion Fridays - #38 - 16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City' 
{Article via}

Has there ever been a television character that taught us more than Carrie Bradshaw?  Sex & The City wasn’t merely an HBO show - it was our bible on love, life, and the pursuit of shoes.  And in honor of the birthday of the woman who brought the fictional icon to life, Sarah Jessica Parker, here's a trip down memory lane to review the greatest style lessons Bradshaw taught us all.

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

1. The right bag can make an outfit.

“Balls are to men, what purses are to women.  It’s just a little bag, but we’d feel naked in public without it.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

2. Never compromise your taste.  (If you want to dress up to go to McDonalds, by all means do it)

“I’d like a cheeseburger, large fries, and a Cosmopolitan.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

3. Your wardrobe counts as a liquid asset.

“I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

4. Shoes can make you just as happy as a man.

“It’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes—that’s why you sometimes need really special shoes!” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

5. Running to a sale counts as exercise.

“Shopping is my cardio.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

6. The higher the heel, the closer to heaven.

“I’m not afraid of heights…have you seen my shoes?” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

7. Trends are fleeting; friends are forever.

“They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

8. Head scarves: okay.  Scrunchies: not okay.

“I loved it…Except for one huge problem.  You have your leading lady running all over town wearing a scrunchie.  A scrunchie!” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

9. Never apologize for unconventional outfit choices.

“You shouldn’t have to sacrifice who you are just because somebody else has a problem with it.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

10. The perfect fit is worth waiting for.

“A relationship is like couture—if it doesn’t fit perfectly, it’s a disaster.” – Juliette B. from Sex & The City

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City' 

11. Designer labels?  Yes.  Judgmental labels?  No.

“Some labels are best left in the closet.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

12. Never be too busy to dress up.

“No matter how fast paced the city is, I always manage to get my clothes on before I leave the apartment.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

13. A drop necklace is a great way to emphasize your décolletage.

“Maybe the best any of us can do is not to quit, play the hand we’ve been given, and accessorize the outfit we've got.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

14. Take your lingerie to the streets—where it can be better appreciated.

“I’ve never understood sexy lingerie.  I mean, what’s the point?  The guy’s only going to take it off.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

15. A Tide pen can be a girl’s best friend.

“I will never be the woman with the perfect hair who can wear white and not spill on it.” – Carrie Bradshaw

16 Style Lessons Learned From 'Sex & The City'

16. A classic stripe is always in style.

“This isn’t about stripping, it’s about striping.” – Carrie Bradshaw





Thursday, March 27, 2014

Bright White!

{Top- (old) J.C. Penney, Pants- Gap, Shoes- (old) Seychelles, Necklaces- (old) Michael Kors}

With a 40% off code and some rewards $, I finally caved and bought these distressed boyfriend jeans in white (first mentioned here).  White jeans can be tricky - too heavy and they don't feel seasonally appropriate, too thin and they can be sheer.  These feel juuuuust right! 

Splurge {vs} Save - #38 - Gladiator

{Left- Sam Edelman, Right- Candie's}

I love a gladiator sandal!  I've never tried the knee high style, but I'm intrigued.  With a high heel - it borders on dominatrix, but in a flat sandal style - with the right outfit - it can be super cute!  The style on the left is from Sam Edelman and costs $190.  The one on the right is from Candie's and is on sale for $47.99.  What will you do?  Splurge - or save...?

{Image via}

Thrifty Thursdays - #38 - H&M Patterned Scuba Top

{Available here}

Tropical prints seem to be a major trend for Spring.  Whenever I'm not sure of a style's staying power I tend to play it safe by scouring the fast fashion sites.  I love H&M's take on the trend with this scuba material sweatshirt.  At $34.95 - dive in!  :)

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Wannabe Artist...

{Top- (old) Forever 21, Pants- American Eagle, Shoes- (old) Jessica Simpson, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

So clearly I have a thing for painted pants - (seen here & here).  What can I say?  I must be a wannabe artist!

Wellness Wednesdays - #38 - 8 Simple Ways To Detox Your Body

8 simple ways to detox your body - Cut your sugar intake 
 {Article via}

1: Cut your sugar intake

Cutting back on sugar and drinking more water are smart strategies for a healthier spring.  A seasonal detox is an effective way to clear your body of toxins, which will also speed up your metabolism and enhance your overall health.  Start by decreasing the amount of sugar you consume - and that includes honey, molasses and artificial sweeteners.  If you eat more sugar, you ask your body for more insulin, straining your pancreas and wearing yourself out.  In the long term, this kind of habit can cause you to become chronically fatigued, diabetic, develop cancer and pack on excess weight.
 
8 simple ways to detox your body - Start with water

2: Start with water

Drink a tall glass of water with juice from half of a lemon in the morning.  Lemon helps re-hydrate the system and promotes digestion, which will help the flow of waste out of your body.

8 simple ways to detox your body - Move your body

3: Move your body

Regular exercise encourages circulation in the blood and lymph system.  Doing so will also enhance digestion, reduce tension, lubricate joints and strengthen your body.  It's a proven fact.  People who exercise regularly have far fewer total toxins in their systems.

8 simple ways to detox your body - Drink a lot of tea

4: Drink a lot of tea

Not only is tea full of antioxidants, it hydrates you (especially if it's herbal) and fills you up.  This means you will be less likely to overeat or eat the wrong things!  Keep in mind, the caffeine in tea is different than the caffeine in coffee - it's gentler on your system.  It'll also give you a pick-me-up minus the jitters.

8 simple ways to detox your body - Eat organic

5: Eat organic

A colorful variety of fruits and veggies should be the main focus of your diet, along with whole grains, beans and legumes, and small amounts of nuts and seeds.  You should eat whole plant foods because processed foods lack the nutrients your body needs.  Dark green vegetables, for instance, are full of micronutrients and are very low in calories, so you can eat a lot of them.

8 simple ways to detox your body - Combat environmental pollutions

6: Combat environmental pollutions

Don't forget that pollution and allergens are all around you.  They're in the air and can trigger allergy symptoms (such as yucky, puffy, red eyes).  Flush your nasal passages regularly with a Neti pot.  Doing so can eliminate the side effects of air pollutants and lead to better breathing naturally.  If you use the Neti pot before bed, even better - it will enhance your sleep.

8 simple ways to detox your body - Sweat it out

7: Sweat it out

Use a sauna regularly.  There's nothing more detoxing than sweating it out.

8 simple ways to detox your body - Exfoliate

8: Exfoliate

Skin brushing and oil massages will help exfoliate the toxins from your skin and refresh circulation.


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Free Bird...

{Top- (old) Gap, Pants- Gap, Shoes- (old) Zara, Bracelets- (old) J. Crew}

Time to start re-incorporating the lightweight button downs!  The full sleeve still feels appropriate for the cooler mornings, but a quick cuff keeps things airy for the afternoons!

Tasty Tuesdays - #38 - Pancake Muffins

{Recipe via}

What a great idea!  Pancake Muffins!  Not only are they cute and portable - but think of all the different options: chocolate chips, raisins and cinnamon, dried berries, crumbled bacon or sausage...and the list goes on...  Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Favorite Pancake Mix- prepared according to package directions (not the baking part- obviously)
Toppings of your choice

Directions: 
Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes in a mini muffin tin 


Monday, March 24, 2014

J. Crew, I Love You... - #38 - Pink Floral Embroidered Top

{Available here}

I love the vintage embroidery on this neon top!  This is Spring in a shirt - makes me want to go someplace warm for a vacation (since it's obviously not Spring yet in the Midwest!)  Any day now?...


Music Mondays - #38 - Divergent

{Available here}

I'll admit it - I'm a sucker for a teen trilogy.  :)  I went to see the first installment of Divergent in theatres this weekend.  The movie was very Hunger Games-esque - time to start reading the books to see what's to come in the 2nd and 3rd editions.  A happy surprise was the soundtrack.  The deluxe edition on iTunes has 4 songs from Ellie Goulding - and we already know how I feel about her - love!  Here's a lyric video of "Beating Heart"...


Friday, March 21, 2014

Fashion Fridays - #37 - Denim Dresses

{Images via}

Nothing beats a denim dress in terms of comfort and versatility!  Dress it up - dress it down - wear to work - wear on weekends - wear it year round with or without layers!  Here are a few that are currently available - if you don't yet have one in your closet (or if you need another)!

Image 1 of ASOS Denim Smock Dress in Mid Wash 
{Asos}

 
{Gap

Image 1 of ASOS Sleeveless Denim Smock Dress in Dark Wash
{Asos}

Indigo Linen Long-Sleeve Tunic Dress in Ultramarine 

 

Image 1 of The WhitePepper Denim T-Shirt Dress 
{Asos}

Lightweight washed chambray dress 


Thursday, March 20, 2014

Birds Of A Feather...

{Top- (old) Loft, Pants- (old) Gap, Shoes- (old) Zara, Belt- (old) Loft}

It may only be Thursday, but I'm off work tomorrow - TGIT!  :) 

Splurge {vs} Save - #37 - Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

{Left- Anthropologie, Right- World Market}

I love mixing old and new.  These vintage-y mirrors are both super cute.  Anthropologie's is $198, while World Market's comes in at $79.99.  What would you do...splurge or save?...

Thrifty Thursdays - #37 - Hedgehog

{Available here}

I'm such a sucker for a cute little coffee table addition.  In the scheme of quirky critters - I've fallen for birds, owls, etc, but never a hedgehog - until now...  At $5.99 - how can you not?

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Little Bit 'O Lace...

{Top- (old) Asos, Pants- (old) Gap, Shoes- (old) Talbots, Necklace- (old) Express}

A little bit 'o lace will do ya!  Love the flouncy silhouette of this swing top!