Tough Girl, Pretty Girl + WIWW

Today was just an overall good day. I felt super productive AND both my hair and OOTD were on point; can a girl ask for more?  I didn't really have much to do (really I just had to get my eyes checked out and re-take my passport picture), but even when I cross off the few things on a short to-do list, I still feel kinda accomplished.  I think it was mostly because I felt so good about how I looked today, that I just came up with errands to do so I could show off my outfit, lol.

I totally felt pretty, and, a little badass today; AKA, the perfect combination for getting sh*t done!  I feel like looking good and feeling good makes me more productive; I got it all done and ordered some new frames (...in red; which I'm super excited to share with you guys!)!  I feel like I totally rocked today.

Jeans are usually hit or miss for me, but GAP  has some killer jeans, that fit in all the right places, and don't make me look frumpy.  And their boyfriend jeans are my absolute fave.  These ripped pair are totally bad girl chic, and they're insanely comfy!

As always, I'm rocking my power bag, the Michael Kors Selma bag (in navy blue, because #navyornothing!), that Richie got me last year.  

Last year my sister and I discovered, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, a local vintage store on Long Island (if you can't make it out to the Island, definitely give their Etsy shop a look!).  They have the best accessories to add a little vintage glam to your outfits.

While I was out at the eye doctor, one of the women working there actually made my day and told me that I inspired her outfit for a concert she was going to tonight!  Hearing things like that are total confidence boosters, and it made me love my outfit even more!

Clearly it's no secret I now love posing with my sister's (who also happens to be my photographer!) bright red car.  While I love my 2015 Chevy Equinox (AKA, Viv; named by my sister), Rachel's car just provided a more retro and edgier backdrop.  Plus, the bright red is the best pop of color for pretty much any photoshoot.

I recently collaborated with Sakeenah over at BroBandz to share these earrings with you guys.  And just like their name, these are most certainly, "Not Your Grandma's Pearl Earrings"!  These earrings are the definition of tough girl, pretty girl chic!  Pearls in the front= classy, pretty girl; spikes in the back= edgy, tough girl.

I love the feeling of classic pearls (and I loooove me some pearls), and then BAM! silver spikes in the back add some tough girl flair.  Definitely the perfect pair of studs for taking on the day and crossing things off your to-do list!

And one of the best parts?  10% of the profits go towards Meals on Wheels and More chapter in Austin, TX.  I'm all about fashion for a cause, so for sure, check out BroBandz and help Sakeenah support Meals on Wheels and More!  <3

P.S.  This Turquoise Beaded necklace is too cute; and perfect for layering!

Don't forget to join the fun and link up!

Check out the fabulous hosts:

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

The Mini Bag

...packs a big punch in only a fraction of the size!  I just recently found one in Target, in the bag clearance section, and guys, it's love.  I hadn't even gone in looking for a bag (isn't that always the story with Target?), but I spotted it (not too hard to miss bright red-orange) and was immediately drawn (I'm also convinced I can spot a sales tag from like a mile away...lol).

And don't be thrown by the size of this pint-sized bag.  You can fit all your essentials, and then some, inside (like your friends' keys when you go out...I'm the designated holder of anything that doesn't fit in my friend's clutches when we go out, lol).

As you can see, this pint-sized bag goes with everything and can go anywhere.  I love it for running errands, hitting the mall (my bigger bag gets in the way sometimes, especially when I'm on a shopping spree), going out; it's a go-anywhere kind of a bag (it also packs great in a suitcase!)!

This bag is all you need for summer.  And it's on sale, right meow (shop it below)!

Who's ready for the mini bag?!  :)

Blazers and Boyfriend Jeans

One thing piece of clothing I can't live without is blazers.  They go with everything.  Dress 'em up or down.  Same goes for a good pair of jeans. They're wardrobe staples. 

To me blazers and boyfriend jeans were just made for each other; they're just so effortlessly cool together (plus it's one of the easiest outfits to throw together!).

Tank | Old Navy sleeveless embellished top | $21

Jeans | GAP 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jeans | $69

Blazer | Hand me down from mama | similar here, here & here

Pointed Flats | Target Sam & Libby Heidi flats | $30

Bag | Michael Kors large Selma satchel | gift from Richie

What do you guys think about the blazer and boyfriend jeans trend?  :)

Sick Day Adventures

This weekend I just had to get out of bed and get some fresh air.  Nothing's better when you're sick than some fresh air...and a bit of shopping (Old Navy has the best clearance and sales).

Here's what I found in store that's also available online:

Sleeveless Embellished Top (I got mine in 'flaming tulip')

I love the color and detail in this top!  It's bright, and the fabric is nice and light, which is perfect for layering in spring, and for the hot weather in summer.

Terry-Fleece Joggers

Bless the person who made joggers chic enough to dress up and wear anywhere (like errands or to work)--seriously, high fives, y'all deserve an award.  And who gets an award for rocking joggers so effortlessly and totally deserving of style envy?  Emma Watson.  Check out my post, here, to see how she styled her joggers (and for the broke girl's look alikes).

The clearance racks always, always have hidden gems.  Anywhere.  Whenever I go shopping I make a beeline for the sales section.  At Old Navy, for example, I got pants and dresses that normally go for around $30-$45 for only $10 a piece!  So, don't ignore the clearance section, because you definitely don't know what you'll find (same can be applied to thrifting, but that's for another post)!

While I was Old Navy, I finally found a pair of aviators that actually flatter my face!  I can't even tell you how many pairs I've tried on (the limit does not exist...because it's really been that many).  Usually they're awkwardly too small, or the shape is just weird and doesn't work with the shape of my head.

Unfortunately, Old Navy doesn't have as wide of a sunnies selection online as they do in store (*frowny face* here).  But, you can find similar ones at Forever21, here.  If aviators aren't your thing, check out my post, here, that has my different picks for summer sunnies!

Our other stop, was Trader Joe's.  Now if you don't know what that is, it's like a Whole Foods, but on a smaller scale.  They have all sorts of tasty treats there (I love the mochi ice cream bites and the mushroom truffle raviolis!).  I've only been one other time before, so I liked just seeing all the different foods they have (I love to eat, so this little outing was perfect!).

Obligatory blogger with pineapple post!

If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, go pick up the Watermelon Cucumber Cooler.  It's amazing!  It's not overly sweet and tart, it's just right.  You could drink it as is, or use as a mixer for the perfect summer drink!

And if you head over to Trader Joe's website, they even have a variety of recipes!

Fried Raviolis with Creamy Marinara (I could eat fried raviolis all day)

Leek and Bacon Egg Tottins (these look like the perfect brunch food!)

Gnocchi with Bacon & Brussel Sprouts (I love all three of these things!)

Dairy Free Maple Bacon Cheesecake (Salty and sweet?  Yes please!)

Later in the day, I also tried my hand at a fishtail braid...and then my arms got tired lol. Not too bad for a first time (plus, I can just pass it off as a messy braid look!).

I used this easy tutorial, inspired by Blake Lively's Age of Adaline movie, here, on Pinterest!  I honestly didn't think that fishtail braids were this easy, but I can proudly say I now know how to do one!

Sunday was very relaxed.
I stopped by Target, just to get out and move around a little.

I use the shopkick app, which is awesome!  You earn 'kicks' by scanning certain items (kind of like a scavenger hunt), and when you've earned enough kicks you can turn them into gift cards.  I shop at Target a lot, so I turn my kicks into Target gift cards.  Today I earned enough for a $10 gift card.  I found the best two toned flats on sale for $14.98, and then used the gift card.  So I only spent $4.98 on these super cute shoes that normally are $30!

Sam & Libby Heidi Two Piece flats $23

I would definitely download the shopkick app and give it a shot!  It only takes a few seconds, and you earn kicks while you're out doing your errands or shopping at the mall, so why not earn towards some gift cards?!  Use my link to sign up (it's compatible with Apple or Android, so everyone wins!): http://get.shopkick.com/line42278.

Oh, and how cute is this Kate Spade Maise look-alike (and at $27, it's over $200 cheaper!)?! Get it online, here!

How was everyone else's weekend?!

Lilly Pulitzer x Target

Mark your calendars ladies, because the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection arrives April 19!  For those of you who thought that Lilly Pulitzer was out of your reach, you'll now be able to enjoy the bright patterns and fun details of Lilly without putting a dent in your wallet--and just in time for summer too!  I love the bright, clean whites and colorful prints that remind me of a tropical paradise (makes me want to book an island getaway ASAP!).  And the gold details, man am I a sucker for gold details (especially the cute pineapple accents that show up on a couple of the pieces!).

We do still have a few weeks to actually be able to shop the collection, so until then you can check out the look book here!

These (Upstream) Challis PomPom shorts are definitely at the top of my wish list!  The color, pattern, and most importantly the pompoms, are just screaming my name.  They're just so fun and could most certainly become a strong summer staple!

Here's the rest of my Lilly x Target wish list (a girl can dream, right?):

 Crochet Crop Top// (Upstream) Weekend Bag

Gold Wedge Espadrilles // Gold Pineapple Sandals

"Forget Me Nots" // "First Timer" // "Borrowed & Blue"

A girl can never have too many Essie polishes, and these fresh shades are perfect for spring/summer manicures!

Outdoor Blanket // Porcelain Pineapple Serving Bowl // Woven Basket with Fabric Bands 

This collection is definitely getting me pumped for warmer weather, and I love that the collection isn't limited to just clothes!  The beauty and home goods section is just as amazing!

What I really love about this collection is that while I normally can't afford Lilly, this collection with Target is right in my price range!  The Challis shorts (shown above) are only $24, so I'm definitely scooping those up!  And their dresses?  Under $40!  You just can't beat it.  Lilly for Target lets you get the designer look, and still stay within your budget (isn't it a great feeling to find nice things that don't empty your wallet?).  And even better than that?  The collection also offers plus size pieces!  Even though I don't wear plus size myself, I think it's wonderful that collections such as this one, caters to women of all sizes.

I have a feeling things are going to go fast, so when April 19 rolls around, be ready to go go go!  Plus, some of the items should be available online, so get your mouse ready to go!

What do you guys think of the Lilly x Target collaboration?