Luxe For Less

Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Cartier, Philip Lim, OH MY! Ok not really but there are some really amazing, budget-friendly items out there that will give you that luxe look for a lot less. I'm all about investing in your wardrobe, but while you save and pinch those pennies, don't forget to treat yo' self to the occasional designer inspired piece. What I really like about these picks is that they are all of fairly good quality and avoid the dreaded "cheap" designer inspired looks (you know exactly what I'm talking about). So go ahead and enjoy some quilted leather without breaking the bank, you deserve it.  xoxo

shoes can be found here, bangle can be purchased here

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Wardrobe Staples: Jewelry

You may be noticing that I have a theme lately when it comes to my wardrobe: staple pieces. I am really into building my wardrobe around key pieces that are really versatile and timeless. With clothes, I've stepped up the quality of what I'm purchasing because it's right for me, but when it comes to accessorizing the budget-friendly possibilities are endless. 

I spent a few months gathering accessories to create my day and night time looks that I can really wear with anything and on any occasion. For day I like a nice watch, small studs, one small ring, perhaps a bracelet, and small necklace. At night if I am feeling more adventurous I tend to pair a bigger necklace with fancier studs, a fun bracelet, and a cocktail ring.

Jewelry is a really personal thing, and there isn't a wrong way to wear it. My philosophy is "keep it simple," but I do envy people who can pull off more elaborate looks. What are your go to pieces when it comes to jewelry?

Quality Over Quantity

Lately I've been thinking a lot about staple pieces when it comes to my wardrobe. I'm tired of having a full closet with "nothing to wear," poorly made/ill fitting cheap clothing, or things that I don't want to wear anymore a few seasons after purchasing. I've never been huge on trendy items, but I am guilty of having one too many "going out" shirts that haven't seen the light of day recently... or ever. The truth is I don't go out like I used to, and when I do I'm probably just dressing up items I wear on the regular with accessories. 


I'm pretty picky when it comes to what I like to wear. Fortunately/unfortunately I still care about my appearance, and as I've gotten older it's becoming more and more my reality. Gone are the days of dropping $150 at Forever21 for me (there is nothing wrong with purchasing clothes at Forever21 I am just at a point in my life where I would rather save money and invest in pieces I can have for the long run). Sure I came home with 12 items, but those weren't quality pieces that I was adding to my closet. Instead I'm opting for pieces I can build upon, mix and match, and when cared for correctly use for years to come. 

I came across this great list "50 Classics for Your Closet" from Matchbook Magazine and think it's one of the more universal compilations out there. I already had a lot of items on the list, but it made me hopeful that pretty soon I will have everything I need for a classic base wardrobe that I can build upon for years to come. This list helped me cut down on shopping, clean out and declutter my closet, and got me thinking of investing in my clothes (which is ultimately investing in myself). As the quote above states, I buy less and make better decisions about what I do buy. What are your closet staples? I'd love to hear all about them!

Geeking Out

Phone Case/ Ear Buds/ iPad Folio/ Purse

I like to think of myself as pretty tech savvy, but I also like fun accessories to go with my gadgets. Bright colors, monograms, sleek design, and multipurpose tools are a must for me! What are you currently coveting to make your tech gear even more stylish?

Festive for the 4th

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Have some fun with your wardrobe this year and sport a little Americana on the 4th! I'm not a fan of head to toe stars and stripes, but any of theses pieces could work into your current repertoire.  Any of my friends can tell you my most prized swim suit it my American flag one that I've had for years. What are your favorite red, white and blue pieces?

Fair Skin at the Beach? I Got You Covered.

Despite popular belief, us pale girls do like the beach, we just have to like it in moderation. I am a total beach bum and I can be out there all day, but I have to be smart about it. I've rounded up some of my must haves for enjoying the beach all day without turning into a total lobster {umbrella not pictured because that is one giant DUH!}.

Clothing: Invest in a great tunic or cover up with decent skin coverage. Not only will this help limit your exposure during dangerous UV time, but you can easily wear it out around town over your swimsuit without having to change. Protect your money maker with a hat. I'm not cool enough to pull off one of those big floppy numbers, but I can sport a baseball cap and keep my face wrinkle-free by doing so. Rock your classic shades. For me the beach isn't the place to whip out my huge Burberry cat eye sunglasses, but my trusty Ray Ban Aviators are perfect for all beach activities. Finish off your look with a pair of classic flip flops and head on your merry way. 

Beach Bag: I don't care if your grandmother, third grade teacher, and/or librarian carry one the LL Bean Boat and Tote bags, it is the quintessential vessel for carrying anything and everything you need for sun and sand. These things are built to last and can be washed. Plus who doesn't love a monogram? In my bag I like to bring a few forms of reading material (Nook & some magazines), a refillable water bottle,  Turkish towel, and a clear pouch to store my phone and smaller items because sand + iPhone = No Bueno. 

Skin/Hair Care: I do not mess around when is comes to sunscreen. I'll spare you the graphic details, but I coat myself head to toe in SPF 30 or higher with water and sweat proof sport lotion... the spray CANNOT be trusted unless you like your legs looking like barbershop poles and then by all means spray away. On my face I use special facial SPF lotion and SPF mineral powder. Your lips have the thinnest layer of skin so it's important to swipe an SPF balm on your mouth because lip burns are no joke. Once I'm done with the beach I like to use an after sun lotion to cool off my skin and rehydrate it. Nights at the beach wouldn't be the same without beachy hair. I liberally spritz towel dried hair with surf spray for mermaidesque locks. Low maintenance hair is so hot right now.