BOW TIE SKIRT & SUEDE WEDGES

SKIRT | CAMISOLE | BRALETTE | WEDGES

X STATION | BUCKLE | TWO TONE CABLE

When I saw this adorable bow tie skirt, I knew I had to have it. For less than $50, it's a steal. I brought it home, styled it, and shot it all within 24 hours because, honestly, it's so cute! I would wear this to synagogue (or church, if I went,) to the office, or even for a luncheon.

This skirt can easily be paired with so many shirts in different patterns, fabrics, and colors, but, I'm a sucker for keeping it simple, so I pulled out my favorite silky cami. This cami is super affordable, but looks expensive. It can be thrown in the washer and dryer, without a second thought.

I have paired it with this bralette. It's one of the more affordable ones I've found and I've owned several of this brand since discovering them in college. They're adjustable, and come in a ton of different styles and colors. I'm not busty, so I can get away with only wearing a bralette under a loose fitting shirt. For those of you who are more well endowed, I would recommend wearing a strapless bra under the bralette.

Now, let's talk about these wedges. Fortunately, they are still being sold, even though they're over a year old! They are at an amazing price point, and I can wear them all day and not have sore feet. They have never left blisters, and do not need to "broken in," to be comfortable.

I believe that certain jewelry items are worth the investment, especially if it's pieces that you love and know you'll wear for years to come. That's how I feel about these bracelets. I've been blessed enough to have been gifted several of these for birthdays and anniversaries, but have also saved and purchased some on my own when I feel like I "deserve" it.

Do you have a different way that you'd style this skirt? If so, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below! As always, thanks for stopping by :)

OFF THE SHOULDER BOW TIE TOP AND PEEP TOE BOOTIES

TOP BLVD, SIMILAR | DENIM JOE'S JEANS | BOOTIES STEVE MADDEN

BRACELETS DAVID YURMAN X & CABLE | RING DAVID YURMAN

Seeing as it's not quite autumn weather yet, I'm squeezing extra wear out of as much of my "summer wardrobe" as possible - this outfit is a perfect example of that and better yet, it's super transitional as the days cool off.

It's no secret that I have broad shoulders. Growing up, people used to say, "with shoulders like that, you must be a swimmer..." I was. I never really paid much attention to it until I took my senior portrait in college and realized that there were certain clothing styles that were not flattering. I have met plenty of people who are not self conscious about their shoulders....I say, hats off to you! Anyway, the "OTS" (off-the-shoulder) trend is one that I have been weary about. I used to think about how cute every other girl looked wearing these summery tops until my mom told me, "just try one on, and see how it goes." So, I did. And, I loved it! I've linked a few different styles above and below for you. I've also linked the bra that I wear with this top. 

Oh Paige Denim, how I adore thee. This specific pair is called the Legacy. Stretchy, comfortable for all day wear, and definitely worth the money because they are durable through the washing machine without fading instantly! Y'all know I loved a good pair of distressed denim. 

These Steve Madden peep toe booties have been on constant repeat since I purchased them. I wear them with jeans, shorts, and dresses. I am always getting compliments on them and I highly recommend them for two reasons. 1. Booties are a trend that will not be fading any time soon - they're a great transitional piece. 2. I can wear them all day and my feet do not hate me after. I work in a corporate buying office which means I am running around ten to twelve hours a day, every day. I only wear shoes that I am comfortable in (okay, and that are cute, too!) These fit the bill and right now, they are....drum roll please....ON SALE! 

Is there a fashion trend that you were skeptical to try? Did you end up trying it and loving it?  Let me know! I'd love to hear about it in an email or in the comments, below. As always, thank you for stopping by!

Neutral Blazer, Maroon Top, Round-Toe Pumps - What I Wore Wednesday

Blazer HERE || Maroon Shirt HERE || Distressed Jeans HERE, HERE and HERE

Round Toe Pumps HERE || Watch HERE || Make Up HERE

It's funny how sometimes, I'll wake up in the middle of the night with an outfit idea that I immediately need to put together before I fall back asleep and forget. This outfit is the perfect example of that occurrence. The top portion screams business casual, while the distressed jeans give it an edgier feel. Overall, the palette is rather neutral so you could switch out the shirt to almost any color you wish. These shoes are a must have. I was never a fan of round toe pumps until I stumbled upon these beauties. (Linked above and below.) I have worn them to weddings, girls' night out, and to business dinners. Whether I'm sitting at a table, standing at a bar, or dancing the night away, they do not give me blisters or cramp my toes. 

Valentine's Day - Gifts for Her

BODY CREAM Jo Malone | HEART SOCKS Kate Spade | LOVE SHIRT Color Bear | ROCKSTUD BAG Valentino | HEART BANGLE Kate Spade | OVAL EARRINGS Kendra Scott | CANDLE Diptyque | PERFUME SET Tory Burch | HEART JUMPER Ily Couture | LIP SCRUB Sarah Happ | STUD EARRINGS Baublebar | STUDDED CUFF Alex Bittar

Getting your significant other something for Valentine's Day shouldn't be difficult, but ever year, my brother seems to stress over the perfect gift. His girlfriend never asks for anything specific, but he likes to add a little something special to already gorgeous bouquet of flowers that he buys. Based on my own experiences, and the input of some of my girlfriends, I came up with twelve items, products and accessories, all at different price points to take some of the guess work out of the perfect way to say, "I love you" to that special lady in your life (even if it's your best friend or your mother!) 

There's no need to have a significant other to get some of these goodies...who says a single girl can't gift herself on Valentine's Day? You better believe that this chick has added some of these pieces to my own list. It's equally if not more important to love yourself, too!

Is there something specific that is on your wishlist for Valentine's Day this year? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for stopping by....come back soon! Happy Valentine's Day! 

Skimlinks Test

Camo Tank, Open Cardigan, Riding Boots - What I Wore Wednesday

'Versatile' is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this waffle knit sweater. I purchased it last year and have been able to wear it to work, to lunch with my girlfriends and even with my athleisure. It's thick, comfy, and warm. I've said before that I love neutrals because you can mix and match them in so many ways; that's especially true for this outfit.

This tank top was bought as a joke over the summer to tease someone I know, but I ended up really liking it! Target is my "go-to" for layering pieces like this tank top. Their women's section is full of options and they're super affordable, which we all know is very important to me!

I have invested in another pair of Free People jeans because I love my first pair so much! The dark wash of these skinnies is super slimming and the stretch that they have makes them comfortable enough for all day wear.

This Gucci belt was listed as part of my 2016 Favorite Purchases and that holds true into the new year.  My Sam Edelman Penny riding boots were mentioned previously in this post. I purchased my first pair of riding boots in college and I am so happy that it is a trend that has come to stay! There are so many colors and styles but this pair I'm wearing is currently on sale and linked above.

As far as accessories, it's the same old tried and true jewelry (My watch and Dogeared necklace are on major SALE!) with one new designer inspired cable bracelet that I "borrowed" from my dear mother....thanks, Mom!  This one was purchased through our family jeweler but my favorite David Yurman one is linked, as always!

Do you have a favorite staple piece in your closet? Do tell! Comment below :) 

Everyday Affordable Make Up Routine

I have received several emails asking about my every day make up regimen.  As a teacher, money was usually tight, and over the years, I tried to find the best “bang for my buck” with drugstore make-up and other non-essentials. I watched tutorials, read blogs, and did my own trial and error at home. There are constantly new formulas being advertised, but I’ve found some great tried and true products that I am consistently repurchasing. The best part, is that my face takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

 

I start with either this NYC Primer or this NYC BB Cream as a base. When I feel like my skin is behaving, I only use the primer, however, if I want extra coverage, but don’t want to use too much foundation, I use the BB cream. I suppose you could even use both, it’s solely personal preference. 

This Maybelline Fit Me foundation stays all day and doesn’t feel caked onto my face. CoverGirl offers a ton of great concealers, and I have found that this one is light, doesn't crease, and does wonders for tired under-eyes. 

I stumbled upon these NYX matte eye shadows a couple months ago, and have been using them daily since. I use the shade "Lap Dance," as a base and then cover my lid with "Blame it On Midnight." These shades, and several others can be found at ULTA, as well as Bed, Bath, and Beyond. For both of these steps, I am using the e.l.f eyeshadow brushes, pictured below. I got mine at Target.  I use the blending side of the MODA EZGlam brush, to add more of "Blame it On Midnight" into my crease.

I am a big fan of NYC make-up products, including this translucent face powder. I use a nice fluffy kabuki brush like this one, and apply the powder.  

When it comes to eyelashes, I have thought for years what it would be like to get falsies; who am I kidding? I don't have the money for that upkeep! A good ol' fashioned eye lash curler, and some great mascara like these Maybelline ones are all you need! The eye lash curler is super affordable (less than $5.00)  and has lasted me years. Maybelline mascara has had my heart since high school. This one, I tried on a whim, and really love it! 

Another beauty luxury I wish I had money for is microblading; it is the newest technique for filling in over plucked and/or under grown brows. There is an article written by Elle Magazine, here.  Since I don't have the money for this procedure, I searched high and low for a brow powder or gel that would do my brows justice without making them look drawn on. The Ardell Brow Pomade in Blonde is by far my favorite. 

The last thing I do to finish my face, is use this Lancome Subtil Oil Free Blush, in the color 128 Blushing Tresor. It is the most expensive of my makeup products, but I've had it for months and haven't hit pan yet. I was given a sample of this in Nordstrom a couple of years ago, and loved it so much that I keep repurchasing it. My skin tone changes during the colder months, as I am not getting any sun. This is a shade that I love in the winter because it compliments my rather pale complexion. 

What are some of your favorite money saving make-up brands?

xoxo

-E