Friday, May 31, 2013

Casually Colorblocking!

Hip Hip Hooray, it's Friday!!

I have had the busiest week and have slacked off a bit on my blogging game.  With the weather getting warmer and school nearing an end, I've been getting back into a serious exercise routine, which has left me scrambling to pick up the pieces late at night.
I'm a creature of habit and when my my 10 pm bedtime routine gets thrown off, I temporarily go a tad crazy until I feel that I'm balancing everything well enough.  

 
Outfit Details
Colorblocked Dress J.Crew Factory (sold out) | Necklace | Chain Bracelet | Green Bracelet J.Crew (old) | Crystal Bracelet TJMaxx (old) | Shoes Steve Madden (old) | Bag Coach (old) but loving many of these



I think as life goes on, my to-do list gets longer and longer and it feels almost impossible to balance everything out.  I'm the type of person who loves to stay busy, so I'm not complaining...just airing it out :)

...but thank goodness the weekend is finally here!

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER TO WIN THIS GORGEOUS BRACELET FROM GLAMOUR ME JEWELS!


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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Make a Statement + Giveaway! (closed)

There is something so spectacular about a statement necklace dazzling up an understated outfit.  It creates that extra special POP that a simple outfit needs. Now, if you know my love of pink and navy then you know that when I spotted this necklace, it was love at first sight!  This J.Crew inspired piece was impeccably recreated by Glamour Me Jewels, an online boutique that shares my belief in having pretty jewels without the guilt! 






 Outfit Details
Necklace | Purse | Skirt | Blouse (similar) | Sandals | Bangles 


I found Glamour Me Jewels through Instagram and have adored their lovely pieces ever since! I have been eyeing several gorgeously made pieces and dying to get my hands on all of them!  Glamour Me Jewels has decided to give the Sabrina Bracelet  away to one lucky Style with a Story reader!  I have obsessed over this mint enamel bracelet for months!  Not only is the color so perfect for summer, but it's sleek design will lend itself to just about any outfit!  Enter the giveaway by clicking on the Rafflecopter below!  The winner will be announced next week!


Don't forget to head on over to Glamour Me Jewels and check out her amazing line of jewelry!


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xoxo
 
Linking up with Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins, Face it Catalog, Trending Pretty, My Thrifty Chic, I Feel PrettyThree-fer Thursday

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Look For Less: Shoes!

I admit to being a total bargain shopper. 

Of course I love a good investment piece, but nothing gives me a thrill quite like finding the look for less.  I think this comes from years of seeing my mom get good bargains from estate sales, flea markets, and discount stores such as Marshalls or TJMaxx.  

My husband always teases me and says just because it was a good price doesn't mean you have to buy it...yes I do.  It's a no brainer! #shopaholic
look for less: shoes


Kate Spade ankle strap sandals / Colorful shoes / J.Crew boat shoes / Lands' End shoes / Lands' End shoes / Embellished flip flops



I have been eyeing these shoes for summer, but I'm less inclined to buy them considering the hefty price tag they hold.  I'm loving the Land's End Gingham wedges and boat shoes!  Who would've thought that Land's End carries anything but school uniforms!? Majorly impressed!

Any of these shoes catching your eye this summer?  Would you choose to buy the original or the bargain?

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Chambray All Day!

chambray shoes

Tory Burch wedge espadrille / Charles Philip Shanghai flat shoes / J.Crew shoes / Coach flat sandals / J.Crew ankle strap sandals / Lands' End espadrille shoes / Charlotte Russe flat / Charlotte Russe flat sandals / Slip on shoes


Chambray has become one of my all time favorite materials over the last year.  It's so versatile. I find myself reaching for my chambray button down shirt time and time again (yes, I have several shades and prints!).  It is effortlessly chic and pairs with any and every color of the rainbow.  

 I've been looking into getting a pair of chambray sandals, wedges, or flats as an everyday staple in my wardrobe, just like the chambray shirt.  I'm looking for something I can dress up or dress down, and wear everyday if I so desired.  

If you're not planning to splurge on a pair of chambray shoes, look for something that consists of the double A's Rule: Adorable & Affordable!   Chambray is very available at the moment and you are likely to see it in just about any store you peek in to.  Charlotte Russe offers several options to choose from that are adorable and affordable.

I'm currently coveting the Martina Mini Wedge from J.Crew.  It's a mediocre splurge, but a worth while investment because of how often I'd wear them.

Which pair would you love to own?
xoxo

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

What to Wear: Wedding Season!

It's that time of year again, when church bells are ringing and love is in the air! Yup, that's right- it's wedding season!  I've teamed up with Bethany from Perfectly Coutured and Meghan from Everyday Fashion and Finance to bring you What to Wear: Wedding Season!

You've received the invitation for your friend's wedding in the mail, and happily started shopping for the perfect gift, when all of a sudden it hits you...what on earth are you going to wear?!

We've come up with some helpful tips to guide you as you plan for the big event!

Looking at the invitation will of course help you in knowing where to start in terms of what kind of wedding it is.  Does the intricacy of the invitation point to formal wedding, or does the simplicity of the invitation point to a casual wedding?  Commonly, if it's a black tie affair, the bride will include that on the invitation.

The setting of the wedding will likely determine your attire.  If it's outdoors, avoid anything too flowy in case you get caught in a bad wind storm.  If it's a beach wedding, avoid stilettos that will sink into the sand.

Daytime Wedding/ Casual Wedding
Casual usually means anything goes, but to be on the safe side, dressing business casual is a wise choice!
For her
  • a floral dress
  • a skirt and a sweater set with heels
  • a light colored suit
  • a pretty hat that coordinates with your outfit
  • light makeup and natural hair
  • minimal jewelry- dangly earrings would be the perfect touch
For him
  • a light colored suit, especially linen or seersucker in the summertime
  • a dress shirt, tie and dress pants (dress this look up with a blazer)
Semi-formal Evening Wedding
Semi-formal wedding attire varies depending on the time of the wedding, however it is wise to lean more towards a formal look.
For her
  • a cocktail dress 
  • a dressy suit
  • a dressy skirt and top
  • light makeup with a dramatic eye, sleek or curled hair, moderate jewelry
For him
  • a dark suit
  • a blazer with slacks and a nice tie
Evening Wedding

Dress  | Heels | Bag | Earrings | Bracelet

Black Tie Wedding
This is the most formal of all wedding dress codes and generally means the wedding is an evening affair.
For her
  • a formal dress, sometimes floor length
  • a fancy cocktail dress
  • beaded or sequins clutches or purses and fancy wraps
  • glamorous jewelry and dramatic makeup and hair
For him
  • a tuxedo is the only way to go.  If you don't have one, you should rent one.
What NOT to Wear
1.) Do not wear white.  
Although this rule may be seem old-fashioned and outdated, don't test it...unless of course you want various scowls thrown your way! :) It's the bride's big day and you wouldn't want it to look like you're trying to upstage her.

2.) Do not wear black to a daytime wedding
 Black is too dark and drab for a daytime wedding. Chose something with a lighter, airy feel. 

3.) Jeans
 Jeans are never acceptable to wear to a wedding, no matter how casual the wedding seems.

4.) Anything sexy or too revealing.
If you wouldn't want your friend's grandma to see you in the dress, it's likely you shouldn't wear it!

5.) Anything with holes, rips, stains, or something too big/small for you.
Keep it classy and elegant.  You'll be in tons of pictures and you should want to look your best!

6.) Anything sleeveless or strapless to a religious wedding.  
Be respectful and bring a wrap or jacket to cover your shoulders.

Do you have any weddings lined up for the summer?
Don't forget to hop on over to Meghan and Bethany's Blogs and say hello!

xoxo

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Friday, May 17, 2013

Girls Weekend!

Happy Friday friends!
I am so excited for the weekend!  I'm packing my bags and heading to Atlantic City in NJ for my friend's bachelorette party!  Woo hoo!! For those of you who aren't familiar with AC, it's a mini Las Vegas on the east coast and a ton of fun!  

I'll let you in on a little secret of mine.
I'm the type that will stress about what to wear while I'm away, yet never fully plan out my outfits.  In my weird, stressed out way, I'll throw a bunch of stuff into my suitcase hoping to wing it, but always end up at my destination with nothing to wear.  

Hmmm...as I'm typing this it's occurring to me that I may or may not do this so that I have an excuse to shop while I'm on vacay! Haha!

Although I do intend to hit up the J.Crew Factory store while I'm out there, I'm also intending on fully planning out my outfits for this trip...and trying them on is a huge part of the mix!  
So often an outfit looks great in my head or on Polyvore, and then looks absolutely awful on me! Sigh!

The plans for the weekend look alil' something like this:
Friday
  • Arrive in AC in the early afternoon, eat lunch, hit up the beach/pool, do some shopping/ gambling, low-key dinner and out to a bar afterwards.
Saturday
  • Wake up leisurely, head to the boardwalk for some browsing, possibly go to beach/pool, male revue show (don't judge!), dinner at Carmines, dance night away at Harrah's Pool Party or other clubs.
Sunday
  • Breakfast and head home.
After taking a look at our tentative schedule, here's a peek at what I'll be packing:
packing a bag
Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?
xoxo
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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Gingham Style

Shoes // Purse // Tray (on sale!) // Accent Wall // Pouf


What's not to love about gingham print...in just about anything!! From shoes to wallpaper, this print has me tickled blue pink.  How fantastic is that Serena and Lily Pouf?! I adore it! MUST GET POUF! :) 

You bet your bottom dollar that you can find these pretties pinned on my Pinterest boards!

XOXO
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Mint & Navy

Hi darlings! 
The color mint and I have always been friends, but lately we've been best friends.  I know mint is the "hot color" of the season, so it hasn't been too challenging to find in stores.  The color is exploding in stores all over and I've seen it styled a variety of fun ways.  
I especially love mint paired with navy.  It's classic!  Add a pop of coral or pink and I'm in Heaven!






Outfit Details
Jeans // Target Lace Top (sold out) similar style here // Blazer Valerie Bertinelli via TJMaxx similar style here // Flats // Kate Spade Bracelet  // J.Crew Beaded Rose Necklace (sold out) similar style here // J.Crew Clutch (last season) similar style here 




 Shout out to my mom for taking these lovely pictures of me!

Are you as obsessed with mint as I am?  Tell me your favorite colors to pair it with!

Linking up with:
Coffee Beans and Bobby PinsFace It CatalogBecause Shanna Said SoFashion and Beauty FindsStyle ElixirReal Girl GlamThe Pleated Poppy
Sorry the list is so long!  I'm catching up on my link parties!

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xoxo

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Topic Tuesday!

Good morning dears!  
I hope you all had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend, and that all the moms out there feel super duper loved and appreciated! 

Hi Mom! Love you!


Hubs and I had a wonderful weekend, filled with family and friends.  We went to the movies because I had been dying to see The Great Gatsby.  I must admit, I wasn't one for the book when we were forced to read it in high school.  I think I squeaked by with the help of my friend Cliff :)


Daisy Buchanan Photo by Autumn Whitehurst // Kohl's 20's Inspired Hat // Photo of 20's Ladies // Carey Mulligan in Vogue // Parties Quote // Repeat the Past Quote


Anywho, the movie was pretty good, however, I felt that some of the story's values were lost in the movie.  I think it's safe to say it came across as a fairly loose interpretation of the book the minute I heard Jay-z's H to the Izzo rap song start playing.....
....say whaaa?

For those of you who are huge Gatsby fans, and hold the traditional version near and dear to your heart, you might not be too keen on this interpretation of the book.  It's displayed as a very modern interpretation of the 20's.  
 I was looking forward to losing myself in the roaring 20's for a couple of hours, where everything is filled with glitz and glamour.
I definitely got the glitz and glamour, just not the way I was expecting to see it.
I'll admit, I'm a little bit of an old soul and have a strange fascination with the roaring 20's and the 50's Doo Wop eras.  
I just think it'd be so much fun to spend a day in one of these time periods and experience everything it offers. 

Have you gone to see the movie yet?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the modern interpretation!
xoxo

Friday, May 10, 2013

Friday Finds : C.Wonder

c.wonder friday finds
Details

I don't know what it is about nautical attire, flare, decor, and bling, but I'm totally smitten every time I see nautical newbies.  I suppose it reminds me of summer, the beach and sand in my toes...oh yea, and a drink in my hand (with one of those little umbrella thingy s!)

C.Wonder is one of those stores that I ADORE every time I enter, and yet find myself forgetting to go in there to take a peek. 

Why is that?
...Hmmm

Note to self- pop into C.Wonder this weekend!

What are your weekend plans? Will you be popping into C.Wonder as well?



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xoxo

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Head to Toe Target



 Outfit Details
Navy Lace Dress Target (sold out) Similar Style Here // Target Blazer // Target Wedges // Anchor necklace // Bracelet from Groopdealz Similar Style Here //J.Crew Factory Clutch // Navy Bangle- Kate Spade (old) // Yellow Bangle -J.Crew (old)




As I was putting together this outfit, I realized that every piece of clothing I had on, including my shoes were from Target!  

I'm not ashamed to say it...

...I love Target!

I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it ;)



(quoting this movie never gets old)

The best part about this whole outfit being from Target is the price...duh! :)
This whole look cost me under $100 (excluding the leather clutch).
Wowzers...what a steal!


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xoxo

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Classically Colorful

dress colorfully

Outfit Details



I'm really loving color lately...and lots of it!
 I usually would never pair this many bright colors into one outfit, but somehow this just works for me!  Something about it says classically preppy, but yet young and fresh!

How do you feel about mixing this many colors into one outfit?
Is this out of your comfort zone?
xoxo


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