Shoe Heaven!

If there was such a place as shoe heaven, I'd definitely be there right now!

After weeks of searching for my size at the right price, I finally came across these shocking pink Mari sandals from J.Crew at a major bargain price!  Originally marked at $228, these pink beauties are all mine for a mere $49! 

Hello bargain, nice to see you again.

 I've spent countless hours brainstorming ways to style these pretties tastefully, since they are after all called "shocking pink".  What better colors compliment pink than shades of blue?!

Outfit Details

Mari Sandals | Gap Jeans (sold out) similar style | TJMaxx Sailboat Top (sold out) similar style | Loft Clutch | J.Crew Gold Link Bracelet | Jeweled Bracelet TJMaxx (sold out) similar style | Pink Bracelet from Pink Pineapple Shop

Upon purchasing these shoes I did have a wee bit of buyer's remorse.  Not because I didn't LOVE the shoes, but because I wasn't sure how often I'd be able to wear shocking pink heels LOL.  I'm on a mission to make these heels work for me as often as possible!

How do you feel about neon heels?  Do you think it's the perfect pop of color, or too much color for your taste?

Happy uh, what day is it again says teacher on summer vacation Friday!

xoxo

Steal Vs. Splurge: Steal Worthy Items!

I went out browsing Forever 21 yesterday looking for the adorable elephant bangle that I posted here.  Sadly, I had no luck finding that cute bangle!  I don't know if every F21 is the same, but my store is always a mess! I mean, the jewelry section literally looks ransacked! I looked in the unkempt bins 2 to 3 times hoping that darn bracelet would jump out at me.  So sad!  I know I can just order it online, but something about paying $6 in shipping for a $5 item really bothers me!! 

Sigh!

Anyway, while I was crying over the elephant bracelet on my way out of the store I ran into a rack of these J.Crew eyelet tank lookalikes!  Yup, you guessed it...I got one in every color. Navy, white and mint by the way! I had been eyeing the white one for awhile now and almost purchased it while it was on 30% off, but something stopped me! Must have been my credit card fairy :) hehe!

It gives me so much pleasure to be able to purchase 3 of these for the price of 1 at J.Crew! 

Details

J.Crew printed tank / F21 Top / J.Crew lined jacket / J.Crew bleached shorts / Forever 21 shorts / Dressbarn Blazer

On Friday, I posted about Old Navy's fabulous deals on shorts because, let's be honest, who wants to spend a fortune on something you can only wear 2-3 months out of the year?!  Yesterday I wore my J.Crew polka dot shorts that I just adore!!  I was fortunate to find these for an amazing sale price, but these cute lookalikes at Forever 21 are definitely a close match.  

Now, this might sound a bit crazy to you...and it did to me at first too, but a good friend has told me that...get this...DRESSBARN has cute clothes!!

I don't know about you, but when I think of Dressbarn, I think of clothing my grandma would wear.  Haha, sorry Grandma!

I am going to admit this on the record now...Dressbarn does have some cute clothes!!  I am yet to go into a store and check out the goods, but I have seen numerous cute dresses on my friend! The type that you are compelled to stop and ask, "Where did you find that fabulous dress"!? It feels like a lil inside secret to awesome clothes at great prices, right?!

Well, if this blazer doesn't say it all about Dressbarn, I don't know what will!  At just $41, this steal is so worthy of my approval! :)

Have a happy Wednesday and thanks for reading!!

xoxo

The Look For Less: Jewelry!

Details

Julie Vos Elephant Bangle/ Forever 21 Elephant Bangle /Pink Pineapple Shop Bow Studs / Kate Spade Bow Studs / FOREVER 21 Dome Studs / Loren Hope Studs

I always love a good look for less post!  Let's be honest...teachers do not have it in their budget to be spending a fortune on cute jewels, especially not those that are in today and out tomorrow.

I think you all know how I feel if the piece is an investment piece that you will love and wear forever, but otherwise I love to find the more affordable option!  

I came across the adorable elephant bracelet from Julie Vos on Lemon Stripes Store, an adorable online boutique owned by blogger and fellow Instagram friend, Julia from Lemon Stripes.  It was love at first sight, but when I saw the price tag, I had a good cry.  Teachers on budgets do not buy $85 elephant bangles.  Waahhh! 

You can imagine how excited I was to see that Forever 21 had come out with a more affordable option!! $5!! Now that's something I can totally afford! I might just buy two :) #jokingimnotjoking

Somehow Forever 21 always saves the day!  

I do not own this bracelet from F21 yet, so I cannot vouch for the quality of it, but for $5 I'm willing to take the gamble!

Since summer has arrived, I've been on the hunt for a cute pair of turquoise studs.  I've eyed up Loren Hope's pair for at least a year, but never bit the bullet.  Now, in looking for a more affordable option, I've found this pair from Forever 21.  I really love the rustic look to them.  It's almost as if they look aged, which I just adore!  It brings out the antique-er in me!  What can I say, I love my antique costume jewelry.

I stumbled upon these adorable Kate Spade lookalikes from Pink Pineapple Shop while browsing around and had to include them in this post.  I currently own the Kate Spade pair and I LOVE them, but thought this more affordable option was an incredible lookalike.  I would totally snag this beauties up if I didn't have them already!  I wear them all year long, but specifically love them around the holidays.  

Have you found any good looks for less lately?

xoxo

Friday Finds! #oldnavydoesitagain

Old Navy does it again!!! This is going to be my new hashtag! I'm completely smitten with their summer collection this season.  It's colorful, fun and feminine.  I am so obsessed with their shorts, I had a hard time whittling it down to just 5!  As if being adorable wasn't enough, the price just made it even sweeter!  All except for one pair are on sale for $19!!  

Yes, I will be stopping at Old Navy on my way home from work today!  

(Don't worry, the kids are gone! I'm just finishing up paperwork...oh, the joys of working in special ed! Tons of paperwork)

Anywho, about those kittens from yesterday's post!

 Guess who rescued 5 kittens Wednesday night?!  Well, it was all thanks to my husband and brother-in-law, actually.  They ventured into the woods and spent about 3 hours collecting all the kittens, while my sister-in-law and I guarded the kitties that had been collected already.  The kittens were next to the road in the woods near our house, and we are still not clear on whether they were left there by a human, or if they were wild.  My guess is that they were left there because they were quite clean, had no fleas, and were not afraid of us....except for one little guy that just would not come to us!  He was extra shy, so he was unfortunately not able to be photographed.  

This little one was so frisky!  He kept trying to escape from the bin, and he was quite the persistent one.  Every time I made a sound he would pop his head up and begin to climb up the blanket.  

By the way, how appropriate is this old Thunder Cat's comforter that we had laying around?!! 

All of the kittens are safe and sound now at The New Rochelle Human Society and ready to be adopted by loving parents!

It feels so wonderful to have done something so special for these 5 kittens.  

As some of you may know, we rescued our dog, Cabela, 2 years ago.  Cabela brings our family so much love and joy, so it is a great feeling to be able to give that back to society.  I hope that these kittens bring their adoptive families as much love and laughter as Cabela has brought us!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Just When You Thought...

...it couldn't get any cuter, J.Crew comes out with something like this!

Details

J.Crew bandeau swimsuit / J.Crew full coverage swimwear / J.Crew high heel platform sandals / J.Crew crochet tote bag / J.Crew bag / Earrings / J.Crew j crew / J.Crew j crew / Essie nail polish

I'm obsessed!  Chartreuse, navy and pineapples, oh my!

xoxo

P.S. Sorry for the short post, but we were busy rescuing 5 kittens who were left by the side of our road tonight.  I will post pictures of them tomorrow!  Glad they are all safe and sound now!

Similar Sunnies

I recently bought these Anthropologie sunnies as I desperately awaited for my Ava Tortie Anthro sunnies to arrive.  They were on back order for almost a month, and in sunglasses world, that's an eternity!

My Ava Tortie sunnies finally got set to ship today and now I can't help but wonder if I really need two incredibly similar pairs of shades?!

My gut is telling me no, save the money, it's a waste! What's a girl to do?

 After much critical thinking and deep contemplation (lol), I've decided to wait until my Ava sunnies arrive to compare the differences.  Heck, they are only $38!  I'm thinking I'll do the hubby test...put on one pair at a time and have him tell me the differences he sees!  

We all know how this will end...

 Outfit Details

Sunnies | Leopard Cuff | Scarf | Max Studio Dress (sold in Nordstrom Rack) | Wavy Bangles | Essie Play Date

Cabela has been feeling 100 times better these days.  She is just about back to her normal, crazy, fun-loving self...and we are loving every minute of it!  She is currently taking her steroid medication 2x a week, which is a significant decrease from where she started on April 1st.  

We are very grateful to have our pup back to normal.

Psst!!

 Did I mention today is the last day of school?!?!

Yiiipppeee!

Have a stupendous day!

xoxo

Natural Glow!

Hello dear readers!! I had one heck of a busy weekend this weekend! My husband's cousin is getting married and the bride's bachelorette party was this past Saturday.  I was in desperate need to have a nice tan for the festivities...I'm sorry but me, being a pasty color while in a dress just doesn't cut it!  My best friend has always spoke so highly of St.Tropez self tanning mousse, so I decided to give it a whirl!

Steps:

1. Shower and exfoliate all rough areas of the body, especially elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists.
2. Moisturize in plentiful amounts around rough areas and near eyebrows and hair line.
3. Use applicator mitt to apply mousse in downward strokes all over your body, trying not to leave any streaks or uneven amounts.
4. Let dry for 60 seconds, dress in clothes you don't care about, preferably shorts and a tank top.
5. Let dry for about an hour and reapply.  *This step is only if you feel you haven't gotten a dark enough base.
6. Dry for another 60 seconds before getting dressed.  Dry for 4 hours and then shower gently.  Do not wash with soap, only rinse off!  If you must use soap, steer clear of Dove or Ivory because it has products within it that are known to remove self tanning products.

 Outfit Details

Dress | Clutch | Wedges (similar) | Wavy Bangles (similar) | Green Bangle | Gold Chain Bracelet

I was beyond thrilled with the final product!  I even received many compliments that night on how natural and even it looked...score!  

So, what do you think?  Have you ever used self tanner before?  I'd love to hear which self tanners are your favorites!

xoxo

Mix and Match with Neons!

Details

Navy Top j crew / J.Crew striped top / J.Crew yellow chiffon top / J.Crew ballerina pumps / J.Crew evening clutch / J.Crew feather necklace / J.Crew chevron bracelet / J.Crew 3" chino short in Roller girl

I adore the tangerine and yellow combination I see happening over at J.Crew lately! I'm dying over these patterned shorts and super bummed that they are sold out!  I think I'll be putting in a call to my personal stylist!  She can almost always find me sold out items :)  I especially love the shorts with the color combinations above, so I've put together three different looks.  The neutral tones of the shorts make for a lot of top combinations, whether you choose to go with a printed top, as shown in the first shirt, or a colored top, as shown in the last two shirts.  

I'm having the hardest time deciding which look is my favorite look because I can see myself in all three outfits, but I'm leaning towards the third, navy shirt.  

Which look is your favorite? 

Happy Friday m'dears!

xoxo

A Touch of Pink Pompoms!

 What's not to love about a touch of pink pompoms?! I have been eyeing this Linen Loft clutch for weeks now and love how Anthro it feels!  I've already had many people ask me if I purchased it at Anthropologie. It must be the pompoms that make everyone suspicious! :)  I'm loving the striped side, but the other side is a fun paisley print.  The very best part of this clutch is the price tag.  Loft had it marked down from $29.99 to $19.99 with 50% off of that! Yup, I scored this pretty for $10! This is one out of many reasons why I adore Loft! All year long they hold fabulous sales that are impossible to resist.  Of course I left the store with other goodies on super sale and spent under $80 for all my items.  Yippee!

 Outfit Details

Dress Banana Republic similar style | Necklace J.Crew Factory exact style | Clutch Loft similar style | Sandals Kenneth Cole Reaction similar style | Gigglosophy Mint Enamel Bracelet | Stella and Dot Bracelet exact style | Crystal Bracelet similar style | Sunnies Anthropologie exact style

Happy Thursday Readers!

xoxo

Desk Essentials

Item Specifics

Rifle Paper Co. Get It Done Notepad / Botanical Journal ROSE / Crate & Barrel Marimekko Tasaraita Mug / Diptyque Baies Scented Candle / kate spade new york Things We Love Eat Cake For Breakfast Paperweight / Kate Spade New York Silver Street Keep It Together Paper Weight / The Paris Collection Pencils | Waiting On Martha / Think Rollerball Ink Pens - Neiman Marcus / @ Symbol | Waiting On Martha / Mini Clock / Acrylic & Gold Tape Dispenser | Waiting On Martha / Le Pen Pink (Set of Twelve) / Jonathan Adler "Owl" Letter Opener - Neiman Marcus / Kate Spade case / Lalla Desk Lamp (Pink) / Apple ME539LL/A 64GB iPad mini with Wi-Fi Cellular White

There is something so calming about an organized desk with adorable accessories to snazz it up!  It's healing to my inner Virgo OCD tendencies...yes, organization is one of those things that makes my soul smile.  Having a well organized work space keeps me sane when the work load is driving me insane...not to mention it's appeal to the eyes! :)

The hubby and I recently spent an entire afternoon clearing up the office to make a more visually appealing space.  Now that he no longer works out of our home office, it's all mine!  I've been contemplating how I'd like to accessorize my desk, and these beauties are a few examples of what I have in mind.  

Our office is a shade of yellow called Vanilla Milkshake.  It's very pale, soft and pretty.  It would lend itself to any accent color, but I'm specifically loving the pink!

For those of you wondering if the journal matches my iPhone case, yes... I'm officially obsessed with the Botanical print from Rifle Paper Co.  I can't get enough of it!

Have a happy Monday!

7 more work days for this girl!  Summer, here I come!

xoxo  

The Wish List

Anthro Button front dress | Banana Republic pattern dress | Gap sleeveless dress | Gap Drawstring Dress | Gap flat heels | BR Clutch | Gap zippered tote bag | Anthro Sunglasses | Anthro Fleur Wood Chambray Cut-Out Dress

I am currently in the market for some new clothes...

I know, crazy! :)

1.) Anthropologie green button front dress- this dress has an effortless feel that I just love.  It is a staple summer piece and would work perfectly for a day at lunch with friends.  I'd pair this dress with my Jack Rogers Platinum Navajo flats, statement studs and a bracelet.

2.) Banana Republic Milly Collection Chartreuse Dress- Adore! This dress has such a classic shape.  I can see myself wearing it time and time again.  It's appropriate for work paired with a cardigan to a shower paired with wedges.  Have you checked out the Milly Collection yet?  I'm loving all of it!  It reminds me of a cross between J.Crew and Lilly Pulitzer, two of my favs!

3.) Anthropologie Chambray Cut-Out Dress- there are no words to describe the cuteness factor going on in this dress.  I'm obsessed with how the cut-outs mimic a bow shape.

4.) Gap Patterned Sleeveless Dress- this dress is a no-brainer in my book...fushia and navy...where do I sign up?  I especially love how this dress has a 50's retro, Mad Men feel going on.  It's structured shape would lend nicely to just about every body type.  

5.) Gap Drawstring Dress- I love a dress that has multiple uses.  I would prefer to wear this dress on the casual side for daily errands and activities, but I love how Gap paired it with wedges on the model.  It just goes to show how you can style this dress as you desire.  The stripes are always a plus too!

6.) Anthropologie Ava Sunnies- these Karen Walker look-a-likes are a must have in my book.  They are $38 compared to Karen Walker's pair, which costs over $200!  Only downside to ordering these is that they are on back order until June 23! Bummer, but worth it for the save!

7.) Banana Republic Chartreuse Clutch- did I ever tell you how much I love the color chartreuse?  Not only is it a gorgeous color, but how fun is it to say the word "chartreuse?"  :)

8.) Gap Zippered Tote Bag- the perfect bag for a teacher!  I love the pop of neon as a racer stripe going down the middle of the bag. Swoon!

9.) Gap Yellow Flats- I fell in love with the cut-out pattern on these flats.  Great for ventilation in the hot summer months, but also a super cute style and color.  Functional, fun and flashy!

By the way, I'm featured today on two of my bestie blog buddy's link up party!  Head on over to their link up and check it out!  Hey, why not join the party also!

xoxo

Chi Hairdryer

I wanted to take a second to talk about a hair product that I do not know how I ever lived without. I have naturally wavy, frizzy hair that at times can be a bit outta control.  I never quite knew the benefits of investing in an expensive hairdryer until I received one two years ago for Christmas...and it was a life changing event!

The Chi blows my hair to a silky, smooth finish without frizz or flyaways. I'd be lost without my Chi! 

Knowing how expensive these hairdryers run, I decided to save the box up in the attic in case I ever needed it.  

Boy am I glad I did!

Just the other day it shorted out on me and was only blowing ice cold air! No bueno!

I marched right up into my attic, tore the entire place apart, but finally found the original box.  I packed it up nice and headed out the door to Ulta to see if they would exchange it for a new one, sans receipt!

I was a bit skeptical that this would work out in my favor considering the hairdryer was two years old and I didn't have a receipt, but the manager was SO accommodating   Because I had the box, which had the original price tag attached, he exchanged it for me without a problem! 

Score!  I saved myself $150 buckaroos!

Lesson learned....I will always save the box! :)

xoxo

The winner of the Sabrina bracelet is LaToya S.  Congratulations!  Please email me at stylewithastory@gmail.com and send me your address where you would like the bracelet shipped.
Thank you to everyone who participated!  Stay tuned for more fun giveaways in the future!

Stripes Galore!

I might have been a wee bit stripe happy with this outfit...but I LOVE it! :) 

 I love little gifts for no reason, and I was so thrilled when my mom surprised me with the J.Crew Factory pink and navy bangle last weekend.  I had been eyeing it for quite awhile now and was waiting for the perfect outfit to pair it with.  Does my mom know me well, or what?! Thanks mom!! :)

 Outfit Details

Dress (exact) | Chain Bracelet (exact)| Crystal Bracelet (similar) |Bangle (similar) | Necklace (exact)| Purse (exact)| Shoes (similar)

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER TO WIN THE GLAMOUR ME JEWELS SABRINA BRACELET IN MINT! ENTER BELOW:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo

Instagram Lovelies!

Open Book | Rifle Paper Co. | Essie Bottle Service
If you follow me on Instagram then these pictures look really familiar to you already.  These beauties are making me smile uncontrollably! 
Elizabeth Mayville creates the sweetest topknot pictures I have ever laid eyes on!  Several IGers have asked where I bought this beautiful work of art.  She has an Etsy store with tons of adorable topknot pictures for you to find the one that best fits you and your style. I'm still trying to figure out where I want to put this adorable photo.  So far, my thoughts are either to create a gallery wall in my living room with other adorable photos like this from Rifle Paper Co and this from Sugar Paper, or frame it and style it on an end table.  Does anyone have any other thoughts on how to style it? Please share with me!
I already mentioned Rifle Paper Co above, but lets just take a minute to talk about how adorable her products are! I'll admit I have an unhealthy obsession with my new iphone case...it's just so darn cute!  I love all of her cases, so it was a serious decision trying to choose just one! I want them all!! :) You can find more adorable cases from Rifle Paper Co at Anthropologie.  I am eyeing this case too! 
Essie nail polishes are my all time favorite! Every season they come out with must-have colors, and yes, I must have them! I love this new hot pink color for the summer...I'm such a sucker for a good pink color.  I'm also loving the colors First Timer, Naughty Nautical, The More the Merrier, and Sunday Funday.  They are all the perfect shade for summer!
I am totally smitten with the blooming peonies in my yard.  Needless to say, when I was headed out to work on Friday and noticed they had finally bloomed, I had to put my excitement on Instagram.  We have a line of these beauties blooming in white, light pink and dark pink.  Adore!  Don't you just love having beautiful flowers to look at everyday? It makes me smile every time I walk past them:)
ONLY 2 MORE DAYS TO ENTER TO WIN THIS GORGEOUS BRACELET FROM GLAMOUR ME JEWELS!

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XOXO