RetailMeNot Spring Fashion Challenge

I was thrilled when RetailMeNot contacted me and asked if I would like to participate in their Spring Fashion Challenge. If you have not heard of this website, you best click here right away before you make any more purchases. This website is updated daily with coupon codes and discount alerts from some of the best online and in-store retailers. 

They were kind enough to provide me with a one hundred dollar budget for this fashion challenge and I quickly saw that I was going to have a blast. Using the coupon codes and discount alerts, I was able to save more than what I would normally save if I had been shopping without their aid.

Necklace c/o Lilac Bijoux, F21 bracelets (not included in purchases for this challenge)

I'm pretty proud of myself for scoring this outfit for under $100 with extra cash to spare:

• Gap slim cropped print pants - Regular price: $49.95, on sale for $39.99; Gap online offer for 25% off brought the total to $29.99
• JCPenney relaxed fit blouse - Regular price: $16; in-store coupon for 20% off brought the total to $12.80
• Payless Jordyn T-strap pump - Regular price: $26.99; online coupon for 20% off brought the total to $21.59
• Payless Moonbeam aviators - Regular price: $9.99, BOGO $5 off; online coupon for 20% off brought the total to $4
• Croft & Barrow tote via Kohls - Regular price: $59, on sale for $21.99; coupon for 20% off brought the total to $17.59 

Total spent - $85.97

Total saved - $75.96

If you are tech savvy, make sure you download the RetailMeNot app. I consulted the app before making any of these purchases. It is so handy to have coupon codes and sale alerts right there on your phone! I will never make an online or in-store purchase again without consulting this app.

You can also sign up for their coupon newsletter (here) if you are too busy to manually search for coupons each day. They will email you with the top weekly coupon codes, eliminating any work on your part.

Find out more about the Spring Fashion Challenge on the Real Deal (here)! Have a great day!

* Disclosure: This post is sponsored by RetailMeNot but all opinions are my own.

Top Three April (Link-up)

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Here are my top three looks for the month of April. Yes, I realize that we are still in April but I wanted to post this early because I have a different post scheduled for tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't do this all the time.

Link-up your top three looks from April below! I will leave the list open for a few days to give you adequate time to get a post ready. Please make sure that you link back to this post in your post and that you are a follower of this blog.

Have a great day!

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Cherry Limeade

F21 top and jewelry, Gap jeans, Shoedazzle heels (here), Lazaro clutch

You ladies don't know how hard it is for me to get a decent picture without sunglasses these days. If I'm lucky enough to find a super shady spot, I might be able to ditch the glasses. My eyes are so sensitive.

I tried forgoing the sunglasses for these pictures but only came away with a handful of pictures because of the crazy eyes in all of them. I guess my shutter speed was a little slow because the camera caught every expression in mid-blink. You know, that drunk look. I'd rather not share those pictures with you. 

On another note, have I already worn this outfit before? I usually remember what outfits I have worn on the blog but for some reason I just can't remember. If I have, oh well. If not, well, here's a new one for you!

* Please make a note that my Top Three link-up (see an example here) will take place on Monday. I typically do these link-ups on the very last day of the month (unless the last day falls on a Saturday or Sunday as I do not post on the weekends) but I have something different planned for Tuesday, the last day of the month. I will keep the link-up open for a few days, though, to give you time to get your posts in. Have a great weekend!

Keeping It Casual - 7 (Link Up) & A Giveaway

Forever 21 top (here), blazer, and earrings, Old Navy shorts, Topshop sandals

Remember this post where I talked about being hesitant to try the floral trend? Well, I found this floral t-shirt at Forever 21 and decided to give it a go.

You know me; I'm super dependent upon my blazers. I don't know what I'm going to do when the weather really heats up. No, wait, I do know what I will do. I'll keep wearing the blazers even though I'm burning up. I'll just crank up the A/C.

Linking up today with Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesdays. And with that said, I will leave you with a few random facts:

• I love Harry Potter and used to read the whole series every summer. I fell out of that habit and I'm itching to start back this summer.
• I tell the same stories over to the same people because I can't remember if I already told them. 
• I am probably the only person who did not like Les Mis. 
• I'm a planner. I had my outfits planned months in advance for our last vacation. I'm already planning the next vacation even though it is probably two years away. 

Brought to you by:

Katie of The Nerdy Katie

Amy of Fashion And Beauty Finds

Catherine of Small Town, Big Wardrobe

Renae of Simple Sequins

Sharon of The Tiny Heart

  

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Basic White Tee

It's such a classic American staple that has been around for many years and has remained an important piece as fashion has evolved. When it comes to the white tee, there are countless ways to wear it. There are now many versions of the basic white tee and I selected a slightly dressier version to feature in this post.

(Click here to shop)

T-shirts have come a long way from the three-packs that you can buy at Wal-Mart. While a t-shirt is to jeans like fries are to burgers, a t-shirt can also be worn to the office. If you pick the right fabric (think silk or another luxe-type fabric) and add a pretty pencil skirt, your outfit will be 9-to-5 appropriate.

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If pencil skirts aren't your thing, maybe you could go for a laid-back, all-white ensemble (with pops of color, of course). There is something so chic about an all-white look, and adding color in your accessories keeps it appropriate for spring and summer. Leave the heels at home and opt for cute flats.

(Click here to shop)

There is something so chic about these pastel pants. The pleating in the front and the waistline give this pair of trousers a face lift. Add some cut-out heels, a basic tote, and simple jewelry, and you've got an easy, chic look.

Get your casual outfit posts ready for tomorrow's link-up! Please make sure that you link back to my blog and that you are a follower of this blog. Have a great day!

No Color

F21 blouse and shorts, Wallis blazer c/o (here), Zara shoes, Aldo clutch

Well, I realize that I did a black and white mixed print outfit last post, but I just couldn't resist doing it again. I do love color, but black and white has always been my favorite. Normally I would throw in a pop of color with so much black and white, but at the last minute, I changed my mind and grabbed my black and white clutch.

Okay, this was all a complete lie. If you look really closely, you can see that I'm wearing green nail polish. 

Have a great day!

Print Mix and Flashback Friday

Worthington top via JCP, F21 shorts and jewelry, Shoedazzle wedges c/o (here), Francesca's clutch

I'd like to apologize once more for the glaringly bright white legs. Wow. It seems like every year spring suddenly arrives and my prepping (exercise/tanning) seems to fall by the wayside. I could at least use a little self-tanner. I've never tried a spray tan before. Any of you have luck with that?

I mentioned before in this post that I was starting to get a little braver where mixed prints were concerned. I know I might be a little slow to jump on a trend but that's okay. I'm not trying to win any trend awards. I say just try things when they feel comfortable and don't feel like you have to jump on a trend right away (or even at all).

Here is my post from one year ago today:

Read post here

I think these might be two of my favorite looks that I have put together. I want to recreate these looks since spring is finally here!

Have a great Friday and an even better weekend!

Keeping It Casual - 6 (Link Up)

A.N.A blouse via JCP (here), H&M jeans, Shoedazzle wedges c/o (here), Francesca's clutch, F21 jewelry, belt via
TJMaxx

I've been a 'jeans' kind of girl for as long as I can remember. I honestly like to be comfortable (who doesn't?) so jeans will always be my go-to look. For some reason, wearing a skirt, a dress, or even dress pants takes too much effort sometimes.

Since I am linking up with Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesdays, I thought I would share a few random facts about me that you may not know:

• I'm obsessed with cleaning my house. I'm cleaning literally every single day and my husband keeps telling me to stop it already.
• I hate beer and football and I live in the South. You might wonder how that is possible...
• I can't straighten my left leg when I lift it past 90 degrees. For a dancer, this is not good.
• I've had two babies and am ready for the third but nearly have a panic attack when I think about labor. Don't ask me why. I haven't had any labor and delivery issues but I think I'm just a controlling person and that is one part of your life you definitely can't control.
• I love burgers (and sweet potato fries) with all of my heart. 
• I've tried to eat healthy and it hasn't worked out. 

Make sure you link-up your casual looks below, follow my blog, and please link back to my blog in your post. Have a great day!

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Chambray in Spring

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Just because the weather is warmer, doesn't mean that it's time to put away the long-sleeve shirts. Your chambray shirt can be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet. While you might have layered it with blazers in the winter, now is time to roll back your sleeves and pair the light-weight garment with other spring pieces.

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To me, there is nothing better than a pair of wide leg pants (with a great print!) in spring. Roll up your sleeves to your elbows and tie your chambray shirt at the waist for a laid-back feel. A pair of aviators keep this outfit looking cool.

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Nothing brightens up a chambray shirt more than pink! It's such a fun color and screams spring. Polka dots add a playful touch to an already fun outfit.

(Click here to shop)

Who said chambray couldn't be dressed up? A lace (or eyelet) skirt is the perfect way to bring a polished look to a laid-back shirt. Adding shoes and accessories in fun eye-catching colors amps this look up even more.

Have a great Tuesday!

Stripes and Dots

Loft blouse, F21 blazer, pants, and earrings, Steve Madden clutch, Shoedazzle heels (here)

I feel like I am getting a little braver when it comes to mixing prints. I am definitely one of those girls who naturally pairs a solid color shirt with printed bottoms but I am trying to step outside of my comfort zone by mixing more prints together. It definitely gives me more options for outfits, and that is a good thing.

Sometimes writing a blog post can be difficult. Don't get me wrong, I love my blog. It's just that I'm sitting here trying to think about what I'm saying while my two boys are fighting. They are both at the age now where they irritate each other. I don't know how many times I have said, "Stop making your baby brother cry!" to my four year old. I've also gotten up a couple of times from my chair to pull them off of the curtains. And the four year old is now standing on the ledge of the window. 

Now when I really stop and think about it, yes, it is sometimes annoying when kids fight, whine, and cry. But at least my little boys are alive and healthy. You see, a week ago, my family lost a very special woman. My step-sister suffered her whole life from Epidermolysis Bullosa. It is a rare skin condition that causes open sores over the body. To someone who has never seen a person with EB, they may mistake them for a burn victim. They suffer from chronic on-going pain, they have to have their bandages changed daily, and often their fingers and toes end up fusing together.

I've watched my mom and her husband (her high school sweetheart) of three years take care of my step sister with nothing but love. Never once did I hear them complain. My mother grew to love her as one of her own and has been devastated by this loss.

Sometimes I struggle with what to share on my blog. Yes, it is a fashion blog, but behind the images is a real person who deals with issues just like the rest of the world. I think sometimes we get so used to seeing just pictures of people that we sort of forget that the person is actually real. I've struggled with whether or not to share this aspect of my life but then I realize how many people I connect with daily. Just by sharing this story with you, I have hopefully made you aware of something you may not have known before. If you want to learn more about EB, please click here.