Designer Dupes: Two Ways To Save

You know those tan and black Chanel flats that are so cute and comfortable, but definitely expensive? Well, I just located an adorable pair with the same look for under $50! Click here to shop these cute shoes.

And if you've been drooling over that beautiful red bag that has been ALL over Instagram and don't want to spend close to two thousand dollars, my boutique has a red bag that is so similar, adorable, and is under $50. Click here to shop this cute red bag. 

Summer Sale

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Make sure you stop by my store today and check out all of the items that I have marked down for my first end of summer sale! The items pictured above are marked down as well as several other items in the shop. Happy shopping!

March Wedding

Dress, earrings (sold out), necklace, clutch, heels

I'll be attending a wedding the day before my due date. I ordered the above dress in coral several months ago and thought I would have plenty of room to grow in it as it was quite baggy at the time. I just tried it on this weekend and it was too small. So I think I will alter it and save it for when I return to my pre-pregnancy size because it is too pretty (and it's too late to send it back). I decided to order the same dress in a different color and this is pretty much the look I will be wearing in March. I'm crossing my fingers that it still fits in 12 weeks. 

Basic Blazers

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I'm guest posting today over at Jeans and a Teacup. Stop on by to see the rest of this post. Happy Tuesday!

Date Night

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My husband just got back from a two-week trip to Germany. While he was gone, I kept both kids and in that time I got sick, my youngest son woke up multiple times a night, my oldest son woke up early one morning and threw up, a tornado hit our neighborhood, and four days later we had another threat of severe weather so I took my boys and jumped in the car and drove south. So, needless to say, I would like a nice date night with my husband. Here are two looks that I think would be perfect for a three-hour dinner.

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I don't typically go for an all over floral (or rain forest) print but there is something eye-catching about this dress. A busy dress like this one doesn't need a bunch of accessories that will compete with it. Keep it simple with minimal jewelry and a sleek clutch.

What are your ideal date night looks?

* Don't forget to enter my giveaway here. You could win a piece of jewelry of your choosing! Have a great day!

Layering 101

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With winter in full force (for most of us; we had a rather warm weekend), layers are of the utmost importance. To me, there is nothing more annoying than wearing a winter coat, so layering shirts is the best option. 

• Start with a thin blouse. Picking one with a print or an embellishment on the collar will look so cute peeking out from under the layers.
• Add a chunky knit sweater on top, leaving the hem of the blouse peeking out of the bottom. 
• Add a bright blazer. (Make sure your sweater isn't too thick or you won't be able to put on the blazer.)

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If bright color in winter isn't your thing, opt for neutral layers. You can always finish off your look with small touches of color in your jewelry or handbag.

• Start with a t-shirt that has a print or texture. It will add dimension to the layers.
• Wrap a scarf around your neck and forgo the necklace. (Or if you really want to accessorize, pick a long necklace that will hit somewhere along the top of your rib cage area. It needs to hang far enough below the scarf.)
• Add a studded button-up shirt and leave it unbuttoned.
• Finish the look with a blazer and make sure that the scarf is centered.

Have a great day!

Dressed Up and Down

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In my post yesterday, I took a single blouse and styled it two different ways. In addition to that, I mentioned that I liked taking a dressy look and pairing an edgy jacket with it and doing the opposite with a casual look. I seem to be drawn to black and white a lot lately but I couldn't resist throwing in a bright red pump and slightly over-the-top red earrings for the dressed up look.

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These two looks may not share the same blouse but they are both great examples of how to add a polished vibe to a relaxed look, and take a dressy look down a level with a cargo-style jacket. Instead of wearing a sweatshirt with jeans (my frequent go-to option), try a pair of leather shorts. The studs on the loafers take this relaxed look up a few notches and the black blazer polishes the look off perfectly.

The dressed up version to the right can easily feel too girly so throwing on a parka with faux leather sleeves instantly takes this glam version down a bit. 

Of course, not everything has to be in opposition. There are plenty of times when I want to wear a blazer with my dressy look, and my leather jacket with my ripped jeans. It all depends on my mood.

Have a great day!

A Perfect Match

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It has been a while since I have put together a few outfit sets. I ran across this v-neck long-sleeve shirt while browsing online and thought of how easy a simple piece could be incorporated into outfits. The possibilities are endless but I came up with a dressy version as well as a casual version. Of course the idea of a long sleeve t-shirt lends itself to casual wear but I think with the right pieces and accessories, it can work for the evening as well.

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One of the biggest challenges of styling clothing is taking a piece from winter to summer or vice versa. I know in the past there have been many articles of clothing in my closet that have only seen one season at a time. I think taking summer pieces and making them work for winter is the easy part. (Really, have you tried to make a winter parka work for summer?) By simply adding longer pants and a blazer, a top worn in the summer can be worn in the winter as well. Go check your closet - I bet you have several tops that can be thrown under a blazer or cardigan for a perfect look now.

Have a great day!

New Year, New You

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I love starting a new year. I feel like I suddenly have time to try new things. Of course I want to become a more patient person, play with my kids more, work on my spiritual life, and so on. This post, however, is focused on the fun, fashionable ways to change this year.

Having a blog is a great way to really see what other people see (on the surface, that is). I've noticed a lack of color in my handbags, and a serious lack of bold jewelry. Both are things that I love but when it comes to shopping for these items, I tend to shy away. This year, I am going to add a few pieces from this category to my wardrobe. Any of the pieces above make a statement and would be great pieces to own.

I definitely want to try a few new beauty trends. I have loved the double cat eye for quite a while now. Of course, a regular cat eye where I live is probably 'out there' so I haven't attempted the double. I think it would look great for a night out. It might take some practice, but I hope to master the look!

I've done a smoky eye every now and then when I've gone out to dinner with my husband. There are several ways to create the smoky eye and I am always on the lookout for a new method. If you want to try it, I found a step-by-step method here and a video tutorial here.

I don't have any nude lipsticks and I will be hunting for the perfect shade soon. I love the look of a dramatic eye done with nude lips.

False lashes are great when you want to add a little more 'oomph' to your make-up. I have used the strip lashes before (for dance performances) but I think the individual lashes look a little more natural and give a subtle hint of drama to your look. I am going to start using these more for date nights.

This new year is a great time to try new trends in beauty and fashion. Have you thought about things you want to try?

Have a great day!

Sweet Steals

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When it comes to shopping, I am not usually one to spend a lot of money on a particular piece unless it is a handbag, or a pair of shoes. Being a mom with only a part time job, I like to try and challenge myself when it comes to shopping. I get so excited when I score a major find at a low price.

 Not too long ago I picked up these faux leather pants at Target in the clearance section. After struggling to find a comfortable pair (that fit), I couldn't pass them up. I can't recall how much I spent but I believe it was around twenty dollars.

I also found some cute navy patent leather sandals at Zara for only $10. Check their website regularly for some great markdowns.

Or what about these shoes that I got for only 6¢? Combining reward certificates with major sales can only work to your advantage. I take advantage of email lists for sales, reward programs at stores like DSW and Ulta, and coupons at Target. I'm not an extreme couponer by any means, but I love a good deal!

Think about shopping in an off-season. You can pick up some great pieces for a third of the original price if you are patient and take your time. 

Here are a few finds under fifty dollars that are just too good to pass up:

(Click here to shop)

Small accessories like belts and jewelry can make a big impact. Look for big markdowns (especially after Christmas) and stock up. Accessories play a huge part in giving an outfit a new twist. Take advantage of those sales to spice up your wardrobe!

Have a great day!

Black and White

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Sometimes I get stuck wearing the same tops with the same bottoms. Since I don't have a lot of sweaters (and don't really need too many) I like to try and figure out different ways to wear the same one. Chunky sweaters aren't really great layering pieces (too much bulk) so getting creative with bottoms, shoes, and accessories is the best way to change a look.

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Adding color to a black and white look is the easiest way to stand out. Try a bright pair of pants, or maybe just stick to a few accessories in a bold color.

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If the sweater isn't too thick, you might be able to get away with tucking it into a skirt. Tucking it in gives it a completely different look than wearing it out over leather pants (or any other pants, for that matter).

What is your favorite way to wear black and white?

Party Picks

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Pretty soon invitations to parties will start arriving. If you are like me, you like to plan out your party outfit days or perhaps even weeks in advance. While the red dress pictured above is absolutely perfect, it is out of my price range ($320). I've put together a few items that would be perfect for your next holiday party. Whether sequins are your thing, or maybe perhaps just a jeweled cuff, the following list should have you covered.

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All under $40, these peplum tops (each slightly embellished in some way) would be affordable options. Pair them with jeans, leather pants, or black satin cropped pants for a perfect party look.

Sometimes all you need is just a little shimmer to spice your look up. Adding shimmer to just one element of your look should be sufficient. 

Have a great day!

Gift Guide - Accessories

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I can't believe that the Christmas season is upon us. Most of you might have already started your shopping but for those of us (myself included) that haven't really thought about gifts this year, here are a few guides to help you through your lists.

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Animal prints will always be in style. If the person you are shopping for is not a fan of wearing animal print tops or bottoms, perhaps an accessory such as the zebra cuff above would be best. The crocodile clutch pictured above is also a subtle way of incorporating the animal trend.

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Of course, sometimes simple accessories make the best gifts. You really can't go wrong with a pair of simple stud earrings or a scarf.

Have a great day!

Black Friday Steals

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If you aren't brave enough to fight the crowds on Black Friday for a good deal, then online shopping is your best bet to snag items at great prices. I'm only venturing out to work out. After that I plan on parking on the couch in comfortable clothes with no make-up on.

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Other great deals you don't want to miss:

• Check out Express, as they are offering 50% off of everything until noon on Friday.
• Target has great deals on everything from toys to electronics.
• Forever 21 has clothing and accessories $10 and under.
• Francesca's is doing a buy one article of clothing, get a second piece half off (In stores only through November 26th).
• LOFT is offering everything 40% off with the code 'ENJOY.'

Have a great weekend!

They've Got Your Back

(Images from The Mode in Costume)

Capes have been used in some shape or fashion since the beginning of time. Man figured out early on that wearing fabric encircled around his body would keep rain and cold out. Much like any trend, capes have changed in style over the years. (Just see the sketches above and see more here.)

There are so many different styles of capes right now but I just picked three. I've also styled them to hopefully give you a different idea of how to wear them.

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I would typically pick a heel to go with skinny pants but a studded boot gives this outfit a little more edge. Swap them out with heels for a glam look.

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There is something so classy about a cape and pencil skirt. Keep the jewelry minimal when wearing such a busy print. Pair this look with nude heels for a little extra class.

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Do you like capes? What is your favorite thing to wear with them?

Shift Into Gear

Styles will come and go but the shift dress has been a style that women have embraced for many years. With a simple, straight silhouette it hangs on the body just right. Women of many different shapes and sizes can wear this look because of its simple, non-clingy nature.

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A shift dress in a solid color (or even in black) is always a safe bet. Picking a dress in a solid color guarantees that you will wear it for years to come. You can always bring a garment up-to-date with accessories. A bold statement necklace or earrings are just what you need to take a dress from simple to stunning with little effort.

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With the obsession that I am currently having with leather, I had to include at least one dress in the fabric. A leather or lace shift dress definitely gives the classic silhouette a modern twist and would be fabulous in any woman's closet.

I hope you guys have a great day!

Baubles and Bags

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Do you remember when it was stylish to match your belt to your shoes? Or your shoes to your handbag? I love that pretty much all of the silly fashion rules have been thrown out of the window. It's fun to mix things up and forgo the old "matchy matchy" rule. However, there are times when I like the idea of matching colors, or at least pairing coordinating pieces together.

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Have a great day!

Chic for Cheap

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When it comes to shopping, I try my best to find reasonably priced items. With such inexpensive and fashionable places to shop like Forever 21, JCPenney, and Target (to name just a few), every woman can look great for low prices. For all of you budget-conscious women, I've put together a few outfits that are trendy and priced extremely well.

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You don't have to shell out a lot of money or buy designer pieces to be in style. You also no longer have to hunt through racks in stores to find cute pieces. As a busy mom and part-time dance teacher, I really don't have time to spend hours shopping. I love popping into a store and immediately seeing cute things at affordable prices.

Fall Outerwear

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When it comes to outerwear, I have to admit I am not the biggest fan. Sure, there are pretty coats out there in numerous colors, prints, and cuts, but for me, a blazer is about as 'outerwear' as I get.

Just this weekend, it was 39 degrees as I left the house and I begrudgingly took my cute military style Loft coat with me. I drove down the street about thirty yards and had to stop the car so I could take my coat off. I appreciate my coat when I am outside for the two seconds it takes to get in my car or into a building, but after that, I get too hot and have to shed it.

I still found myself looking at several coats and thinking they were so cute. None of them are practical for me (considering I have worn my coat a grand total of two times in two years). But I know a lot of my readers live in colder climates than I and can probably appreciate a post devoted to cute fall/winter styles.

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The top two blazers are a little more my style for fall and winter. A blazer is the perfect thing to keep me warm. I am still loving bright colors as we head into winter too!

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The two-toned trend is one that has me itching to buy a coat even though I never wear them. I love the idea of a trench coat with leather sleeves or a blazer with sequin sleeves. These may be cute enough to pull me out of my 'no coat' tradition. 

Have a great day!

Invest

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When it comes to jewelry, I have to admit that I am pretty cheap. I'm not exactly sure why, but I think it has something to do with shelling out so much money for something that is relatively small. How can something so tiny be so expensive? Logically, it makes sense to spend a little more money on quality jewelry because it outlasts the cheap stuff. But at the time, I love scoring a cute bracelet or necklace for only $6. Of course it tarnishes almost instantly and I find that I have to replace it. It really makes more sense to invest in quality jewelry that will last for a long time.

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Spending over a hundred dollars on a necklace may not be in every person's budget (I cringe when I think of spending that much on a necklace), but if you find a gorgeous, well-made statement necklace that you can wear for years, it will be money well spent. The J.Crew statement necklace in the top center is a piece that I would treasure for years, should I decide to take the plunge.

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I love layering bracelets but there are times when just a simple statement cuff or bangle is all you need.

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A gorgeous pair of stones hanging from your ears will definitely dress up a look more than a simple pair of hoops. A lot of my earrings are pretty basic, and I tend to gravitate toward studs (maybe it is because I have a 12 month old baby who would find any earring dangling from my ears too good to resist). I am loving the J.Crew Resin and Marcasite earrings (top left). They would be a beautiful statement piece to add to my jewelry collection.