Pom Poms + Circumstance

Don't you just love a good mail day?  I just scored these AWESOME pom pom flats from ASOS for next to nothing (on sale right now for $21!!!)!!

Even though these shoes are more trendy than classic, you can't say no to a great pair of shoes that are only $21.  Typically my rule for buying new shoes is, classic styles that are also great quality, is a splurge item, and I don't mind paying extra for.  But certain trendy items, that might not be on trend for more than a season or two (or maybe three), I'd rather not pay the big bucks for.  What I usually do is try and have some patience and wait for my favorite trendy pieces to go on sale before I buy them; which isn't hard to do considering many stores send their new items to sale after only a few weeks, which will save you the big bucks in the long run and you won't feel so guilty getting rid of them when the trend passes.

I'm totally into the pom pom craze right now!  They're such a fun detail, and depending on how they're styled, can also be super chic and stylish without being silly.

I've already gotten so many compliments on them on my first wear!

These are the perfect flats for a casual outfit like today's because they add some edginess and sophisticated whimsy to an otherwise plain outfit.

SHOP MY LOOK:

Pom Pom flats: ASOS (on sale! $21!) || Jeggings: American Eagle Outfitters || Hi-Lo Mock Turtleneck: Aerie || Moto Jacket: GAP (old sales find) || Tassel Bucket Bag: American Eagle Outfitters || Necklace: American Eagle Outfitters (old, in store only) || Sunnies: Wish app

From Happy Hour to 9-5 Chic

Today I took an oldie-but-goodie, faux-leather "going out" top and totally turned it into office chic!

I got this peplum a long time ago (okay, less than six years ago), when I was in college, and from then on it was pretty much only for going out.  But now that I'm out of college, and I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do, and money's tight, I've started to get creative with how I style my clothes and accessories so that I can stretch the wardrobe I have and cut back on buying so many new things.

I paired the peplum with a pair of Old Navy pixie pants (they're extremely comfortable, and totally office worthy; I also own about five pairs, haha) that I've easily worn double what I paid for them, and a plain white button up.  I've come to love layering this simple button up (funny story, this was a hand me down from my little sister--so, hand me up?--but my chest is much bigger than hers, so I can't wear it by itself, so I've taken to layering it with everything!  Check out this Insta, where I layered it with my J. Crew scallop dress--perfect for fall!)

I LOVE my ombré, and this winter, I'm sticking with it... but going in a totally different direction color wise (this gray ombre or this icy blue ombre)!

And the half bun-half down look is easily one of my favorite 'do's.  Depending on how you style your hair (or don't, like I did today #teamnatural), can make your half bun look casual or chic!  Total game changer (and it only takes a few seconds to throw up!).

Berry lips are my favorite for fall (and winter), and I'm in love with this Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in 'Parisian Passion" (what a name!).  It goes on super easy and doesn't dry out your lips at all; and the color is a bold and rich, jewel tone.

Cecil gold watch, c/o Fossil

But it's still summer, and one of my favorite summer shades is Essie's 'Butler Please'.  It's the epitome of summertime, and looks like a beautiful ocean blue that makes me wanna go hang out on a beach all day!  And these little Ciatè pearls totally step up my already awesome (and DIY'ed--pat pat on the back, lol) mani.

These metallic oxfords from J. Crew (an awesome find from a few months ago), are an awesome nod to the past, but still look fresh and not stuffy.

What do you guys think of making your night pieces, office-ready?  :)

Shop my look (and similar pieces) here:

join the fun and link up!

Check out the fabulous hosts:

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

Layers on Layers

Even though it's still summer it doesn't mean that you can't layer (I layered clothes and accessories today)!  Which also means, it's back to basics.  If you layer your accessories, I would say to keep your clothing layers more on the simple side, otherwise your outfit could become a circus (I love me some basics!).

Layering necklaces adds a lot of interest to an outfit; especially if you're keeping it simple like I did today.  A plain white tank is like a blank canvas, and adding a couple of special necklaces takes the outfit from plain and blah, to ooh-la-la sparkly.

If you haven't noticed yet, I'm obsessed with these cat eye sunnies (from Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, which I talked about here)!

P.S. My Princess Leia buns are a throwback to my 90s childhood (although one of the older librarians at work told me I look like a little Dutch girl, haha), a.k.a my Spice Girls phase (which I pretty sure any 90s girl went through and rocked this hairstyle at least once!).

I'm seriously in love with these druzy dainties (mentioned in this post last week) sent to me by the lovely Angel, of August Jewelry Chicago.  She was so lovely to work with, and I can't say enough good things about my new necklaces.  Plus, they go perfectly with my long J. Crew tassel necklaces (they were obviously made for each other!)!

Check out Angel's Insta, @augustjewelrychicago, and make sure to snag your own druzy necklaces before they're all gone!  (You can order through: augustjewelrychicago@gmail.com).

Layering tanks and sweaters is perfect for where I work; I do a lot of running around so sometimes I get really hot, and then other times if I'm in one spot for a while, I cool down in the AC and start to freeze.  A cute and simple tank under a simple sweater is the solution to the constant temperature change.

And, bonus!, throwing on a sweater gives you a whole other look!  It's basically two outfits in one (#score!).

And don't forget your Sperry's!  These white canvas ones make any outfit more summery (especially since my entire wardrobe consists of winter colors, lol).

Shop my look (and similar pieces) here!

How do you guys feel about summer layers?  :)

Twinkle Toes

This summer I'm loving metallic shoes!  They add some sparkle and pop of color to an outfit; it's a really special touch that can jazz up any ol' OOTD. Metallic shoes are bright and shiny, reflect lots of light on sunny days and sparkle when it's cloudy. You seriously can't go wrong. 

So I've rounded up some faves...and they're under $50! 

What do you guys think of metallic shoes for summer?

WIWW: Jumping for Joy

...for my new metallic oxfords from J. Crew Factory!  As soon as I spotted them amongst the other goodies in the clearance section (which is my fave part of any store!), I knew I needed these in my life. ASAP. I think the best finds are the ones that are totally unexpected; it's like finding buried treasure!

I love the idea of a black and white outfit (or all black or all white) and then BAM!  A pop of color ( or in this case, metallic).  It really helps show off a really cool aspect of the outfit.

This whole outfit was found in the clearance section. Old Navy always has great sales, so especially when I find a pair of pixie pants on the sales rack, I pick up a pair or two (they're ridiculously comfortable and you can wear them to work!).  This sheer top was found in the Kohl's sales racks a while back for only $10!  And of course course the metallic J. Crew oxfords that were originally $118, and this weekend I snagged them for $20!  The fact that this whole outfit was under $50 makes me feel oddly accomplished (lol).  Does anyone else feel that way when they snag a really good deal?

Even though this picture is blurry, I still kinda love it!  It's almost like one of those awkward model poses (think flamingo!)...plus, I will not apologize for my ponytail looking so fierce in all this, lol.

I plan on rocking these bad boys all summer long!

Shop my look here!

What do you guys think of metallic shoes?

P.S.: It's What I Wore Wednesday, so don't forget to join the link-up!

Check out the fabulous hosts:

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

Trends I Love: Spring Booties

Say bye bye to snow boots and hello to spring booties!

Booties are my new favorite shoe trend.  I love them with boyfriend jeans for a casual vibe, or paired with a spring dress for a fun and flirty look!  Best of all, you can have them with heels, or flat, and typically they're more comfortable than a pair of high heels.

I love the desert color in particular (if you couldn't tell by my picks, lol) because they're so versatile and can be paired with pretty much any outfit.  They're a great neutral that can still add a lot of flair to whatever you're wearing.

What are your favorite spring booties?

April Faves

April was a pretty good month for me. I turned 24 (guess that means I'm kind of an adult now, lol)!  

I'm starting to become more confident as a blogger and really getting into the swing of things (posting more regularly, getting/taking more quality photos).  My personal style has also come a long way since I started blogging; I like how I look and feel good in the things I wear, which has definitely helped with my self-confidence and overall made me happier with myself! :)

I'm positive May is going to be a great month and I'm confident I'm going to improve my blogging even more!

Unfortunately, I'm still pretty sick, but I still wanted to share my roundup with you guys anyways (I promise I'll try and get the rest of the links up as soon as I'm feeling better!) :*

Old Navy | Eyelet dress | $44.94

Savers | Ralph Lauren belt | thrifted

Marshalls | Lace-up Booties | old purchase

Marshalls | BCBGeneration Moto Jacket | old purchase  

Marshalls | BCBGeneration Moto Jacket | old purchase 

Call It Spring | 'Hey You' flats | sale find

Target | Striped Skirt | purchase from 2 summers ago

Ann Taylor | Faux Leather sleeve striped top | old purchase

Savers | Ralph Lauren belt | thrifted

Fossil | Cecil watch | c/o Fossil

Kate Spade | Glasses bangle | $78

Lokai | Lokai bracelet | gift from Richie

Old Navy | White tunic top | on sale, $22

Forever21 | Abstract Frond Print Skirt | $23

Michael Kors | Selma bag | gift from Richie (not available online in navy, but they have some other color options, here, or this gorgeous color block option, here)

Old Navy | Classic Blazer | on sale, $35

Old Navy | Graphic tee | (an old purchase, but Old Navy has a ton of graphic tee options, here!)

GAP | GAP 1969 Authentic Boyfriend Jeans 

Target | Leopard print flats | purchase from last year

Old Navy | Striped tunic top | on sale, $14.99

Old Navy | jeggings

Nine West | Riding boots | gift from mama

Fossil | Cecil watch | c/o Fossil

Forever21 | Pearl & Bow bracelet | old purchase 

Lokai | Lokai bracelet | gift from Richie 

Fossil | Cecil watch | c/o Fossil

Forever21 | Bow bracelet | old purchase 

Lokai | Lokai bracelet | gift from Richie

Marshalls | Sperry boat shoes | (similar here)

Old Navy | Magenta Pixie Pants | (the magenta was a clearance find, but there's a ton more prints and colors, here!)

Old Navy | Striped tunic top | on sale, $14.99

Michael Kors | Selma bag | gift from Richie (not available online in navy, but they have some other color options, here, or this gorgeous color block option, here)

Etsy | Monogram necklace | $36

Etsy | Love Initials necklace | gift from Richie

What were your April favorites?

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?!