June 2014 Shopping

I tried to keep my shopping to a minimum in June after spending a good bit on awesome work basics in May.  (Click here to see last month's budget.)  

So top row:

1.  J. Crew Factory Blue Pleated Skirt from Plato's Closet, $12.60 - I realized that I do not have many skirts, so I ran into Plato's Closet and found this cute skirt, plus a fun printed silk skirt that I don't have a picture of, but the details are down below.  (Not available, but similar-ish from F21)

2.  Open Lace Surf Tank, Aeropostale, $8.80 - cute lace top that could work as a cover up on the beach or paired with a bright racerback tank.  Oh and it's even more on sale now! 

3.  Bethany Mota Butterfly Palazzo Pants, Aeropostale, $12 - I saw these pants on another fun blogger, Oh So Glam, and when I saw what a steal they were, I scooped them up!  I am looking forward to wearing them on my beach vacation later this week! Unfortunately, they are all sold out now.  But the fun print is available in a skort version here!

Bottom Row:

All from J. Crew.  I actually just ordered these all the other day when there was an awesome discount going on - extra 50% off sale.  It looks like it ended but they do have 30% off select summer styles, including lots of comfy tees.

4.  Vintage Cotton Cap-Sleeve Tee in Blue, J. Crew, $10 - I have this tee in white and I love it because it is soft and comfortable, so I stocked up on the blue and black colors. 

5.  Vintage Cotton Cap-Sleeve Tee in Black, J. Crew, $10

6.  Seersucker Baseball Cap, J. Crew, $12.80 - I've been wanting a cute baseball cap for a while and this one has stripes and was a great price!

Not pictured:

7.  TJ Maxx Floppy Hat, $15 - love the neutral color, see it in action here

8.  Michael Kors Printed Silk Skirt, Plato's Closet, $10.80 - I am looking forward to wearing it soon to work and will make sure to feature it on the blog!  I couldn't find it online but this one is kind of similar.

June Budget: $250.00

June Total:  $91.69

Under budget :-)

Linking up with Fran and the Budgeting Bloggers!

Lace Peplum & Gold Details

It has been such a hectic but exciting week, which led to me being quieter around here than usual.  I expect to be getting back to normal posting now.  (And I look forward to sharing some exciting house news once it's official!)  The summer food drive started at work this week.  You can wear jeans each day you donate a food item.  My mom got me these Banana Republic jeans for Christmas a few years ago and they have held up really well.  They are perfect for work because of the straight, not too fitted leg.  I wore them with an ivory peplum top and navy cardigan that I had last paired together in the wintertime (see it here).  This time I wanted to bring out the gold accents on the sweater, bag, and shoes, so I wore my gold bib necklace and drop earrings.  The sweater was perfect for the strong AC at work, but I quickly took it off when I was outside because it has been warm here lately! (Although I am not complaining, I love it!)

Outfit Details:

Top:  H&M (similar)

Sweater:  Lilly Pulitzer Jocelyn Cardigan

Necklace:  Forever 21

Earrings:  Stella & Dot Isla Drops

Jeans:  Banana Republic (similar)

Shoes:  Lilly Pulitzer Resort Chic Wedges (similar, similar)

Sunglasses:  TOMS

Tote:  Michael Kors, Macy's

Linking up with Vodka Infused Lemonade and Penniless Socialite.

#MyVegasStyle: Day to Night

The fun people at Vegas.com contacted me to participate in their #MyVegasStyle challenge.  I love visiting Las Vegas so I definitely wanted to join in!  The challenge was to style outfits for a day at Aria Resort, a sophisticated and chic destination in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.  I decided to style three looks for how I would spend my day at Aria: daytime by the pool, evening dinner, and a night out at the club.

DAY: By the Pool (from left to right):  Sisters of LA - Las Vegas Tote, Tory Burch M Round Sunglasses, Mary Kay Day Solution SPF 35 & Sunscreen, Becca Bikini, Nordstrom Drama Floppy Hat, Becca Crochet Tunic, DV by Dolce Vita Tabby Sandal

For the daytime, I imagined laying out by the pool.  Aria has three pools surrounded by palm trees and lush landscaping.  I'd wear a bright bathing suit, like this coral bikini, with a white cover-up and white and gold wedges.  I always make sure to use sunscreen; I use the Mary Kay Day Cream as my face spf and their sunscreen for my body.  I also like wearing a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun out of my face and eyes. I'd carry my favorite magazine in this fun Las Vegas tote bag.  At lunchtime, I'd throw on my crochet coverup and wedges and visit Liquid Pool Lounge, Aria's adults-only daytime playground, for a fun drink and a light lunch!

DINNERTIME (left to right): Mary Kay Berry Tart Lipgloss, Berry Beaded Sequin Envelope Clutch, Ivanka Trump Delfino Sandals, Frenchi Lace-Up Black Midi, Kenda Scott Elle Drop Earrings

Aria has a number of different dining options.  After spending the day relaxing by the pool (and maybe doing a little shopping), I'd change to play a little blackjack on the exciting casino floor and then have dinner at either American Fish or Bar Masa.  I picked a black midi dress with a lace up back.  I would wear it with tie up nude shoes, a fun beaded clutch, and bright earrings.

NIGHT OUT: Berry Beaded Sequin Envelope Clutch, Steve Madden Stecy Sandals, Argento Vivo Gold Drop Earrings, Mary Kay Firecracker Red Lipstick, ASTR Black Lace Romper

For a night out dancing at Aria's nightclub, Haze, I would change into a black lace romper.  I'd wear the beaded clutch again, with strappy black sandals and gold earrings this time.  I think rompers and jumpsuits are such fun and easy pieces to have in your wardrobe.  I would go with a bold red lip (MK Firecracker Red) for this nighttime look!

Linking up with I Would So Rock This.

White & Black with Florals

The weather has been all over the place this week.  I wore this outfit to work the other day when it was super hot, so I quickly snapped these pics out on the balcony.  Ignore the watering can.  Jon has been working hard this spring and summer on growing some herbs and plants in pots on our balcony.  Our herbs are doing really well and so are the peppers, but it looks like our tomatoes may have drowned in some super heavy rain we had last week.  I'm looking forward to all the fresh veggies we'll have in the future when we get a house and have a real garden! So back to the outfit.  I felt like wearing these slouchy pants from Loft.  It's hard to tell in the pictures but they have a little bit of shine to them because they're satin crepe, which combined with the pleating makes them dressier despite the loose fit.  I paired the, with this floaty floral top and my trusty ivory blazer.  Side note:  Blogging has helped me recognize some holes in my closet lately - need to get another light or bright colored blazer and a few new knee-length skirts.

Outfit Details:

Top:  Forever 21, old (similar, similar)

Blazer:  H&M (similar at Forever 21)

Pants:  Loft Straight Leg Pants in Drapey Satin Crepe

Shoes:  Nine West Flax Pumps, Macy's

Necklace:  Forever 21, old (similar, similar)

Sunglasses:  TOMS

Tote:  Michael Kors, Macy's

Linking up with Vodka Infused Lemonade, Penniless Socialite, and The Pleated Poppy.

Summer Stripes for Graduation Outfit #2

I wore this dress for Jenny's actual graduation and lunch on Monday.  I blogged this dress previously in the winter with tights and layers, so it was nice to wear it with bare legs and open toe shoes this time!  I paired it with an ivory floral necklace and straw scroll bag.  Beautiful day for a graduation!  Check out the pic of Jenny and my Mom below!  Congratulations again, Jenn!!

I love Jenny's white lace dress and my mom's pretty coral, tan and white printed dress!

Outfit Details:

Dress:  Lilly Pulitzer Evelyn Dress (exact in M on Poshmark or XS on eBay) 

Bag:  Bosom Body Bags, The Flag Lady (similar)

Necklace:  Bauble Bar (similar)

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Heels:  Adrienne Vittadini, DSW (similar)

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So and Walking in Memphis in High Heels.

What to Wear to a Graduation (or Graduation Party)

My sister Jenny graduated from high school today!  She worked so hard and I am so proud of her many accomplishments!  We celebrated both her graduation and Father's Day yesterday.  It was a gorgeous day for a party, so I wore this pretty floral dress that eShakti sent me to review.  This lightweight cotton dress was perfect for the party.  If I hadn't worn it yesterday it would have been perfect for the actual graduation today too.  I am so glad that I found out about eShakti!  It is an awesome online company offering both style and fit customization for women size 0 through 36.  I picked this floral dress in a sleeveless style with a boat-neck line and just above the knee length.  I sent eShakti my measurements and a few weeks later they sent me this custom made dress!  The pictures below illustrate the idea.

One dress - you pick the style options that work best for you!

The dress fit me almost perfectly, which is pretty great for not having tried it on at all.  eShakti only charges $7.50 for the customization option, which I highly recommend.  Almost all of eShakti's items are under $100, with most of the dresses around $60 or so.  For the graduation party, I skipped a necklace and instead wore statement earrings and my mini pink purse.  The sun was pretty strong so I also put on my Tory Burch shades and threw on this big neutral hat I found at T.J. Maxx.  It was perfect for keeping the sun out of eyes while playing some intense yard games (washers and cornhole) with my siblings and cousins!

Outfit Details:

Dress:  eShakti, c/o

Bag:  Mossimo, Target

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Hat:  Magid Hats, TJ Maxx (almost the same, similar)

Shoes:  Adrienne Vittadini, DSW (similar) (worn in lots of recent summer looks!)

Earrings:  Target (similar)

Linking up with Cha Cha & Pink Sole, Fizz and Frosting, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss & Crayons, On the Daily Express & More Pieces of Me, Confessions of the Perfect Mom, Whitney Nic James, I Would So Rock This, Life's a Party Dress Like It, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas.

Pink and Navy for Work

It has been such a cloudy, rainy week, so indoors photos were a necessity.  I hadn't worn this skirt in a while, so I pulled it out for a workday and paired it with a loose, hot pink top and my favorite gray heels.  I also put on a long beaded necklace and my Mary Kay lipstick in Rosette.  It was cooler this week so I wore my quilted faux-leather moto jacket.  Hope everyone had a nice week!  I don't mind the rainy weeks when the weekends have been so nice.  Forecasting 80s and sunny - perfect weather for barbecuing!

Outfit Details:

Top:  Express, old (similar, similar)

Midi Skirt:  Choies (similar, similar)

Jacket:  Catherine Malandrino, Kohl's (similar, similar)

Heels:  Rebecca Minkoff Brooke Sandal, Gilt (similar)

Tote:  Michael Kors, Macy's

Jewelry:  Premier Designs (similar)

Make-Up:  Mary Kay Rosette Lipstick and Lash Love Mascara

Linking up with Perfectly Coutured, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Penniless Socialite, and Lovely Thursday with Rekita, Amy, and Alisha.

Flowers & Caterpillars Dress

I wore this fit and flare dress for my cousins' graduation party this past weekend.  I found this dress at the first Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale I went to a few years ago.  Lilly Pulitzer is headquartered in King of Prussia, PA and the warehouse sales are held in the KOP convention center nearby.  It's a fun experience and a way to get some awesome pieces at great prices.  I probably should have put this post together last week, since that's when this year's warehouse sale was held.  But anyway, back to this dress!  I thought the green lines were vines or leaves initially but then eventually realized that there are caterpillars crawling all over this dress. I like the whimsical feel it gives the dress.

Outfit Details:
Dress:  Lilly Pulitzer Lottie Dress in Bright Navy Yum Yum (exact on eBay)
Bag:  Bosom Buddy Bags, The Flag Lady (similar)
Sandals:  Michael Kors (similar)
Jewelry:  Pearl necklace & earrings, gift (similar, steal)
Sunglasses:  TOMS

Linking up with My Girlish Whims, Get Your Pretty On, Transatlantic Blonde, Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy, Elegance and Mommyhood and The Real Arnolds.

Casual Basics

I went with all neutrals for running around on a beautiful day.  I paired this lightweight gray sweatshirt with white jean shorts and my hot pink mini clutch.  I let my black tank break up the light colors and wore comfortable tan smoking slippers.  I ended up throwing on a long pendant necklace before I headed out for the day!

Outfit Details:

Sweatshirt:  HM, old (similar, similar)

Tank top:  Old Navy

Shorts:  J. Crew Factory Denim Shorts

Flats:  OVS, Italy (similar)

Clutch:  BCBG Max Azria (exact, similar)

Sunglasses:  TOMS

Linking up with Life's a Party Dress Like It, Style Elixir, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas.

Pineapple Pants

So I am kind of obsessed with these pineapple print pants!  I got them a few months ago when the Peter Som for Kohl's line first came out.  I wore them for the first time this weekend and loved wearing them!  I definitely anticipate wearing them a ton this summer because they are super comfortable and the print is so fun.  I like that it has a solid base (black) so it keeps them from being too loud.  I got a ton of compliments from friends and random strangers, which was fun! It got very warm so I ended up wearing this outfit mainly without the jacket and with the shirt untucked.  It was perfect for a casual housewarming party we attended for friends in Baltimore!

Outfit Details:

Top:  Hayden Blouse in Joey White, Elie Tahari (last seen here in a business formal look)

Pants:  Peter Som, Kohl's

Jacket:  Old Navy

Heels:  Adrienne Vittadini, DSW (similar)

Necklace:  Forever 21, old (similar, similar)

Bag:  Mossimo, Target

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with Cha Cha & Pink Sole, Fizz and Frosting, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss and Crayons, On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me, Confessions of the Perfect Mom, Whitney Nic James, and I Would So Rock This.

Glitter Tee for Dinner Out

I love this gold shimmery top because it works for all year round.  It's a comfortable, lightweight material so it's good for layering, like this winter look or this spring one.  This time I wore it on its own with some bootcut jeans, a sparkly necklace, and new heels for a really fun dinner and night out with my sisters and cousins.  If you're in Center City Philly this summer, I highly recommend sitting outside and enjoying a blood orange margarita at El Vez!  So good!

Outfit Details:

Top:  The Limited (similar, similar)

Jeans:  Sebastian McCall, Charlie's Jeans (similar, similar)

Heels:  Rebecca Minkoff Brooke Sandal, Gilt (similar-ish)

Necklace:  J. Crew Factory Thorn and Crystal Necklace (on sale!)

Bag:  BCBG Max Azria (exact, similar) - Christmas gift from Jon a couple years ago

Such a stylish and fun bunch!!  Love my fam!

Linking up with Life's a Party Dress Like It,  Rekita, Amy, and Alisha, and Sincerely, Paula.

Print and Pumps

I wore this outfit for a warm work day.  I need to start playing around with more ways to wear this top.  I decided to wear it untucked with my pencil skirt and basic pumps for a business casual work look.  I like how the ivory blazer balances out the busy print.  I've had a bunch of stuff going on this week, so sorry to be slacking a little on the blog!

Outfit Details:

Blazer:  H&M (similar at F21)

Silk top:  J. Crew (totally diff but cool print)

Pencil Skirt:  Ann Taylor

Shoes:  Nine West Flax Pumps, Macy's

Tote:  Michael Kors, Macy's

Sunglasses:  TOMS

Linking up with Transatlantic Blonde, Get Your Pretty On, My Girlish Whims, Penniless Socialite, Vodka Infused Lemonade, and Perfectly Coutured.

May Shopping Budget

Casual May Purchases: (from left to right)
Hudson Collin Curtis Skinny Leg Jeans, Rue La La, $49.90 (similar)
J. Crew Factory Thorn and Crystal Necklace, $11.89
J. Crew Factory Denim Roll-Up Short in Faded Indigo, $31.15
Catherine Catherine Malandrino Black Embroidered Shift Dress, Rue La La, $27.90 (similar, similar)
J. Crew Factory Denim Roll-Up Short in White, $20.65
Elie Tahari Nina Dress in Joey White, $56.40
Casual May Purchases Total:  $197.89

May Purchases for Work:
Elie Tahari Kree Blouse in Laser Pink, $58.21
Elie Tahari Hayden Blouse in Joey White, $55.27
Elie Tahari Judith Blouse in Navy Yard, $52.33
Ann Taylor Factory Pants, $24 (similar)
Elie Tahari Darcy Jacket in Sahara, $117.01 (similar in linen)
Elie Tahari Theora Pant in Sahara, $58.21 (similar in linen)
T Tahari 'Carina' Faux Leather Collar Jacket, $44.40 (similar)
T Tahari 'Dessa' Pants, $29.40 (same in black)
Ann Taylor Factory Pumps, $34.99 (similar)
Total May Purchases for Work: $473.83

May Monthly Shopping Budget: $250.00
Regular May Purchases: $256.88
Extra May Purchases (3 silk blouses & 2 suits): $414.84

One of my goals for the year was to purchase some new quality pieces for work.  I really made out well at the Elie Tahari Outlet this month!  I found two suits - one I wore here - and three silk blouses.  I totaled these separately since they were sort of different than my normal monthly purchases.  If you have an Elie Tahari outlet near you, I definitely recommend checking it out!  The clothes are all from their regular store lines, so the quality is what you expect for the brand at a great price.

I did get some great casual pieces this month too!  I love the denim shorts from J. Crew Factory.  I lost my old pair on my honeymoon last year, so I got a new pair plus white jean shorts too.  I also really like the fit on these Hudson jeans.  And I am looking forward to wearing the dresses, especially the white dress which is a scuba type of material with a zipper down the top of the front.  My two purchases from Rue La La last month were final sale, which can be a bit of a gamble.  I really like the jeans, but I'm not as crazy about the fit of the dress.  I'll have to play around with maybe a belt or blazer or a long necklace like the photo above.

Linking up with Fran and the other Budgeting Bloggers!