Splurge or Save

So like any girl I love designer stuff! BUT...it's not always in the budget. 

No worries though because I'm going to show you some

awesome ways to get the designer look but for

much less!!!

Here's a list of some of my current favorite dupes ;)

SUNGLASSES

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PURSE

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TASSEL SANDAL

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BLOUSE

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SUN HAT

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WEDGE SANDAL

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EARRINGS

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How to Tie a Blanket Scarf

Tying a blanket scarf can seem a little intimidating due to how large they are, but I'm here to show you how in 4 easy steps!

1. First you fold over the scarf to make a large triangle.

2. Once you have a large triangle shape, you then roll down the top of the scarf
until you have a smaller triangle shape.

There's no right or wrong size scarf, some like a smaller
triangle shape, some prefer bigger.

3. You then take the two ends and wrap them around your neck bringing
each piece to the opposite side.

4. Then simply tuck the ends under the front of the scarf and VOILA!
You're now a pro and are totally rocking your blanket scarf!😘

NYX Makeup Haul

On my recent trip to Washington DC I discovered that NYX Cosmetics has a store...an actual store people! {insert happy dance} I soon discovered this was not a new thing and I was just totally behind on the times {not a surprise lol} 😂 But! I was still totally stoked and had to buy up a bunch of their gorgeous and affordable beauty products. 

Can I just say I'm in love with their products! I'm so excited to share with you guys what I bought and loved, so you too can purchase and hopefully love it as well.

- WHAT I PURCHASED -

Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

Ombre Blush

BB Cream

Eyebrow Marker

Beauty School Dropout 101 Eyeshadow Palette

Love Contours All Palette

High Definition Blush

LOTD Liquid Lip Liner

My top 3 favorite items were the Love Contours All Palette, Eyebrow Marker,

and the Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick. UH-Mazing!!!

My least favorite and the only thing I wouldn't buy again is the LOTD Liquid Lip Liner. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful color, it just doesn't really stand out with a lipstick in my opinion and it's to shimmery to use alone. Oh! and here's the best part...all of the above comes out to less than $85 which is great compared to the higher end brands. But don't let the prices fool you, these items are high quality and last all day! 👍👍👍

Beginners Guide To Mixing Patterns

I'm so excited to write this post because when it comes to mixing patterns it can be a little {okay...a LOT} intimidating. There's always so many different opinions of what you can or can't do and honestly I think a lot of it comes down to what you yourself are comfortable with. But I'm here with a list of tips to help you the next time you're feeling like mixing things up. 

{ T I P S }

1. Start small this way you can find what you are 

    comfortable with and don't get overwhelmed.

2. Polka dots and stripes are the easiest to mix.

3. Black and white stripes are basically a neutral 

and can be mixed with various patterns 

(try with plaid, leopard, bold florals.)

4. Choose pieces with 1 or 2 common colors.

5. Match colors not prints.

6. Keep one pattern smaller than the other.

7. Use a belt to break up bold patterns.

8. Break up your look with solid pieces.

9. Pair neutral prints with colorful prints.

10. Add a patterned shoe with a top or skirt.

{ Patterns That Go Well Together }

Polka Dots/Stripes

Gingham/Floral

Leopard/Stripes

Leopard/Floral

Plaid/Stripes

Houndstooth/Floral

NOW GET TO MIXING!!! 

-Outfit Details-

Leopard Flats / Long Sleeve Crew Tee / Blazer / Distressed Denim

Try It On Anyways

Are you ever shopping and find something that you kinda love but don't think it's something that would look good on you?! This happens to me ALL the time. Before I would just move on but I started thinking what if I tried it on and....it ACTUALLY looks good? Stepping out of my comfort zone I started trying on things that weren't typically something I'd buy but I was drawn to anyways. Now sometimes these items are still major fails, but about 75% of the time I actually really end up loving the piece. So ladies next time your shopping and find you're drawn to something but have doubts about it, I say "Try It On Anyways!" 

Here's my latest purchase that I was at first hesitant about but ended up absolutely loving!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {Fab Finds Under $50}

Have you shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yet??

If you haven't I'm here to help you find some great affordable pieces that won't 

break the bank. Sounds good right!? I've put together a list of 

17 items that I'm in love with and think you will be too.

ENJOY!

Vigoss Distressed Skinny Jeans // BP Sleeveless Woven Shirtdress//BaubleBar 'Lookinglass' Drop Earrings // BP Zip Detail Faux Leather Tote // kate spade new york 'forever' crystal wrist cuff // BP Faux Leather Drawstring Tote // LORAC 'Refined Romance' Eye & Cheek Palette  // BP Plaid Tunic Shirt // Lush 'Whitney' Bell Sleeve Woven Shift Dress // Lush V-Neck Crepe Blouse // Bobbi Brown 'Bobbi on Trend - Cheek' Set // BP Long Sleeve Tunic Tee // Honeydew Intimates 'Camellia' Lace Bralette // Thread & Supply Double Breasted Peacoat // STS Blue 'Piper' Skinny Jeans (Royal Beach) // BP. Round Faux Leather Strap Watch, 37mm

Denim Shirts I Love

So I have a little secret...I used to be terrified to wear anything denim other than jeans! I wasn't sure how to properly wear denim that wasn't on my legs, therefore I just stayed away from it completely. But I've recently gotten over this fear and stepped out of my comfort zone and started embracing anything denim or chambray. Today I'm sharing with you a recent favorite denim buy and where you can get the same shirt AND for less than $25!!!
I'll also be linking a few similar items. :) Also be on the lookout for a post soon on how to wear your favorite denim shirt for both a casual and dressy look.

Okay, so I was recently shopping for an upcoming trip and came across the perfect denim shirt. It's not too thick, it's the perfect length (it's long enough to tuck in if you like or perfect to leave untucked, also it's super AFFORDABLE {which in my opinion is the best part!!!} So you may ask, where can I find this amazing shirt?!? Well look no further because here it is >>>>> Classic Denim Shirt <<<<<

Here's some similar looks and other great denim/chambray options I've put together for you to check out...

Favorite Tencel Tunic {I also have this shirt and LOVE it! It's on sale 
                for just $20}

Chambray Button Down Dark Wash

Sleeveless Chambray Tunic

High Neck Chambray Crop Top

Oversized Denim Shirt

Healthy Pink Smoothie Recipe

Hello Lovies! So if you're anything like me eating healthy can be a chore... I have a tendency to go to the store and buy all the green stuff I can find. I might do good for a day or two but then I'm so desperate for something that doesn't taste like grass that I end up stuffing my face with donuts...LOTS AND LOTS OF DONUTS {with sprinkles because ya know, sprinkles make everything better!} But today I'm sharing with you guys a super yummy smoothie recipe AND it's healthy. You can thank me later! ;) 

So here's the recipe. Enjoy! And if you try it out,be sure to let me know what you think.

{Pink Smoothie Recipe}

* 12 oz of water

* 4-5 Strawberries

*1 Small Banana

* 3-4 Spoonfuls of Plain Greek Yogurt {Whatever brand you prefer, I use Fage}

* Half a Scoop of Vanilla Whey Protein Powder {Again whatever brander you prefer. You could use a full scoop if you want the extra protein but I personally prefer half a scoop.} 

And that's it! Blend up and pour into your favorite cup and go!

My Carry On Essentials

So as of tomorrow I will be on vacation for the next 13 days!! Eeeeeeek! I'm so excited BUT when it comes to vacation I always stress a bit on what to pack, what to wear, etc... So I started thinking about some of my must haves when traveling, especially when its international. Today I'm sharing some of those items with all of you guys in hopes that it can make your next trip just a little bit easier. ;)

Today's post is focusing on what I like to have in my carry on bag. I plan on making a few other travel posts, so stay tuned for those as well. Enjoy!!!

Camera - Must have for me since I'm a photographer. You would't want to miss the perfect shot.

Eyeglasses - For when your on long flights and sleeping in your contacts just isn't going to happen (dry eyes...OUCH!)

Hand Lotion - Because flying tends to always fry your skin out

Lip Balm - Again because dry skin/lips go hand in hand with flying, so come prepared.

Pen & Paper - I always like to have a notebook on hand, whether its for list making or an important idea comes to mind.

Headphones - These are a must, especially if flying alone. You never know who you will be sitting by (it will probably be someone who snores lol) or how loud the plane noise will be.

Magazine (or book) - For when you can't sleep and need something to pass the time.

Water Bottle - Sometimes things get hectic or your in turbulence and the staff can't serve drinks. It always help to have water on hand with you so you can stay properly hydrated.

Phone - This is just obvious. Games, music, movies, basically your whole life right at your fingertips. 

Lipstick - Just because you're flying doesn't mean you can't look fabulous.

Facial Wipes - Being on a plane always makes you feel icky, so its nice to be able to wash off your makeup at the end of the day.

Dry Shampoo - My hair always looks greasy by the end of a flight (I will never know why but it does) Thank goodness for dry shampoo to give your hair an instant boost.

Laptop - It's nice to be able to knock out some work when your flying for several hours.

Scarf (or blanket) - I always freeze on airplanes and I hate using their blankets. Having a nice blanket scarf on hand is great for when it gets chilly plus its a great accessory to rock with your outfit. 

Passport - You won't get very far without it ;)

And in order to carry all your must haves....the perfect carry on bag of course!!!

{Here's the links to all these great items listed above}

Passport Holder - Hand Lotion - Magazine - Water Bottle

Camera - Laptop - Phone - Notebook & Pen - Carry On Bag

Lip Balm - Eyeglasses - Facial Wipes - Lipstick -  

Headphones - Dry Shampoo - Scarf

*I can't find the scarf pictured but I linked another fave*

Get The Look

Hey loves! Sorry it's been quiet around here lately. Having off two weeks over the holidays made it hard  to get back into a normal routine. But I'm back and here with a cute fun casual look you can rock anytime, day or night. Hope you love it and I promise to be better at posting regularly for you guys :)

*Shop Similar Look Here*

Shrug Sweater - Blouse - Jean Leggings

Leopard Clutch - Statement Necklace - Ankle Booties 

Monday Must Haves

So today I thought it'd be fun to share some of my favorite must haves during this time of the year. I love all of these products and hope you will too! :)

The moisturizer is so affordable and works wonders for dry skin. I also love that its oil free. For anyone who has acne problems like myself, then you will love this product.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE all things blush and this nail polish and lipstick are no exception! Seriously amazing products and colors. This lipstick is currently in my purse and won't be leaving anytime soon. It's the perfect shade for a light and natural wintery look.

Lets talk OTK boots for a second. I recently ordered 3 fairly expensive OTK boots from a higher end retailer. I have been on the search for a pair all season and when I found these 3 I got so excited. So when they came in I tried them all on to compare and see which one I liked best. Unfortunately I was highly disappointed and took them ALL back. Not only was the fit awful but not one of them was comfortable and for the prices I paid I expected comfort. With that said I came across these Unisa OTK boots last year in suede. I loved them then and I love them now. This year I happened to find them in the faux leather version and for the same price! So I knew I had finally found what I was looking for. For the price you cannot go wrong with these boots.

Starbucks hot cocoa....this is just an obvious choice! Add a pump of peppermint or cinnamon dulce if you're feeling adventurous ;)

I don't know about you guys but I hate walking on floors with my bare feet. Also during the winter my feet freeze. I got these moccasin slippers for a steal on Black Friday and I absolutely love them. They are super comfy and keeps my tosies (I'm pretty sure that's not a "real" word but oh well...lol) nice and warm. They come in a cute plaid pattern too!

These gloves are just too cute and a great deal. They come in burgundy color that is to die for.

face moisturizer | OTK boot | nail polish | lipstick

hot cocoa | moccasin slippers | gloves

Date Night Look

Hey lovelies! So if you're anything like me and my husband then your date nights are pretty low key. We do occasionally get really dressed up and do something fancy but for the most part that's not really us. BUT! That doesn't mean I don't like to look my best or feel pretty when we go out. So this week we just did some shopping and then dinner and a movie (like I said low key lol) Btw, I don't know if any of you have seen the movie The Martian...but it's FANTASTIC!!! So you should totally watch it like immediately ;) Anyways, back to the fashion. So recently while at the Gap I saw this vest and just knew I had to have it. The color is what I fell in love with. I hadn't seen any other vest quite like the coloring this one had. After about 30 minutes perusing the store and grabbing like everything, I finally try all my stuff on. (Side note: My sweet hubby was with me and was so patient even though I was being super slow and indecisive about everything. He's a trooper and I love him for it!) I saved the vest for last and a cute little shift dress that I thought would go great with it...turns out it did! I just had this picture in my mind of wearing it with some black tights and booties.  Date night rolled around and I decided to wear this. I really love how it turned out too! It was super comfy and totally adorable at the same time, which in my book is what matters. So if your looking for a cute and easy look for date night try something like this. I promise you'll love it! :)

Dress {similar} | Vest {similar} | Booties {similar}

Tights {similar}