Life + Blog Updates!

Well hello there everyone! It feels like so long since I've written, although I guess it's only been a little over a week. I wanted to share a couple of updates in case you wonder where I've been or what's been going on over here.

1. Where the heck was I for the last week and a half? Paris! And home by way of Iceland. It's an interesting story that I'll be blogging about soon. We went as a surprise trip from me to my hubby and it was a crazy adventure!

2. What did I bring you from Paris? In addition to loads of pictures, I have a fantastic little something to giveaway from my trip to Paris. I'll be launching that next week...watch for info!

3. Why haven't I been posting as much these last two weeks? Shhh! I've been secretly working on switching to self-hosted Wordpress. It's not really a secret anymore and I hope to be launching the new page this week. I wanted to go ahead and make the switch and I've been trying to make it a seamless effort, but it's been taking up a lot of my time! (...which I hate because it means I haven't been able to blog as much in the meantime, but I can honestly say the new page is looking great so far and I'm in love <3 )

4. Did you know I make jewelry? Have you checked out my shop? I love making jewelry, specifically statement earrings, and I have my own little shop also called Dana Renee Style which you can visit at http://shop.danarenee.com (And if you use code FB25OFF you'll receive 25% off your order and I'll even throw in a little something extra!) Check it out, tell me your favorite pieces...I am always excited to hear your feedback.

5. My wedding anniversary is next month. I can't believe three years have already gone by!!! I need ideas for an anniversary gift for the hubby. Have you seen anything cool on Pinterest that I could make or some new gadget that's a must-have? Tell me about it please! I need all the help I can get!!

xo Dana Renee

Fashion Friday {Rain Boots}

How is the weather where you are? Here, it's been gloom and doom all week and the forecast through the weekend isn't pretty either. One of the things that drives me nuts about our house is that the sidewalk doesn't extend all the way to the street (something on my never-ending home improvement list). Every time it rains, I always end up with soggy shoes. I hate soggy shoes. So I'm realizing I should probably invest in a pair of rain boots to avoid trying to tip toe and jump around puddles whenever I need to run an errand on a rainy day. Right now I'm loving these Zasha Houndstooth Rain Boots by Merona from Target and they only run $35...which is a lot less than the shoes I've ruined!

A Trip to Paris...

Next week is the hubby's (actual) 30th birthday and I was so excited to be able to surprise him with a trip to Paris. Granted we are traveling standby, so there is a tiny chance that we may to have to route to somewhere else, but I'm being hopeful!

He has never been to Paris. We went to London last fall and that was his first trip to Europe. I can't wait to be able to show him around. I was lucky enough to spend a week (and a birthday of my own) there a few years ago. There really is nothing that quite compares to the first time you see the Eiffel Tower all lit up and glittering at night.

We'll only be there for a few days and we have a jam-packed schedule of sight-seeing planned, but I'm definitely going to make time to do some shopping. We are staying near Champ Elysees so I'm sure there will be plenty of window displays to drool over. I. can't. wait.

AND, I'll also be bringing something back from Paris (or wherever we end up) to giveaway here! Stay tuned next weekend for the details!

DIY Chain Bracelet Tutorial

I've been getting interested in chainmail recently and was inspired to whip up this simplified chain bracelet. It's super easy to make.

For this bracelet you'll need:

1. Jump Rings. I picked up a value pack from the craft store and that was more than enough. You could also use different color jump rings to make a pattern.
2. A clasp. I chose a heart toggle clasp, but you can use any type of clasp you like as long as it has a loop to attach a jump ring.
3. Pliers to open and close your jump rings. 

1. Start with one end of toggle or clasp and attach a jump ring to it.
2. Add 3 more jump rings to the first one, then close it.
3. Open a jump ring and loop it through the 3 you just added.
4. Add an additional three jump rings, then close it.
5. Repeat this 3-1 pattern until you've reached the desired length.
6. End with one ring and attach the other part of the toggle or clasp.

And that's it! Now you're ready to add it to your army candy.

Today Is a New Day {Printable}

It's so easy to get bogged down with day-to-day troubles, but I was reminded recently that each day is a blessing and presents new opportunities. So to remind myself of that even on my not-so-great days, I whipped up this little printable to keep around. Sometimes little reminders make the biggest impact =)

Feel free to right click and save the .jpg from this post or click here download the .pdf (it's set to 4x6 in)

Chic to Share // Links I'm Loving

1. These adorable summer digital elements from Persnickety Prints. Also be sure to check out their affordable Instagram printing. (persnicketyprints.com)
2. This crochet pattern for baby rain boots! This may be my new go-to baby shower gift. (repeatcrafterme.com)
3. Can't wait to try this pesto recipe with the basil from our garden (bonappetit.com)
4. Adore this black and pink french manicure (pshiiit.com)

My Week In Shoes {Week 4}

This week I was definitely guilty of falling back on some of my comfortable favorites like my Vera Wang sandals from Week 1 for running errands and my cherry print canvas wedges from H&M for my 4th of July look. But in the spirit of the challenge, I broke out of my flip flop habit and managed to save 3 pairs of my favorite heels.

Karmen Pumps from Payless. These patent nude pumps from their Comfort Plus line are so comfortable. I originally bought them to wear with my navy skirt suit, but they also look great with my dark wash skinny jeans.

Black Patent Pumps from SimplyBe. Typically I wear a bit of a wider shoe (or I go up a size if I can't find them in the right width). SimplyBe is a UK company that sells shoes in all sorts of widths. I went out on a limb and ordered these from a promotion they were running around Christmas and I love them.  They took a while to get here, but were definitely worth the wait. They have a mid-size heel and the rounded toe box make them easy to wear for long periods of time. They are also holding up really well to regular wear. I wore them walking around Philly for an event and the heels and soles show hardly any where. 

BCBG Feather-Detail Evening Sandals. I. love. these. My hubby got me these as a gift after I was lusting for them in the Neiman's Outlet. I don't get to wear them all that often, but when I do they make me feel glamorous and extra special. I think every girl needs a pair of shoes that make them feel that way.

Total Pairs of Shoes in Closet: 175

Total Pairs Saved: 21

Want to learn more about the Shoeper Shoe Challenge? You can check out my post about it here or visit the shoe challenge page on the Shoeper Woman blog. 

Previous weeks: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3

Fashion Friday {Sculpted Wedge Sandal}

There have been tons of interesting shoes floating around, but these arch-less S W 1 sculpted wedge sandals from Farfetch take it to a whole new level. I can't even imagine how to walk in these, but the architectural design intrigues me. Aside from the shape, I love the combination of fabrics and tones and the t-strap accent.

Have you tried on shoes like these? If so please tell me about it! I'm too chicken to even try at the store.

Casino Night DIYs {+ Printables}

I had a blast planning the casino party for the hubby and his friend! I spent hours looking for inspiration and made lots of DIY touches to give the party a little something extra and wanted to share them with you. You can also check out the pics in the party post to see how I put it all together.

These poker hand cards were by far my favorite DIY for the party (I even made sure there were enough left over to keep by the poker table at our house!). This was originally inspired by this pin on Pinterest, but the source was no longer available and I couldn't find anything similar searching. So I decided to design my own. I designed the text, then printed it on white cardstock post cards. I finished it by wrapping a piece of black ribbon around it and adding one of the personalized poked chips. 

I turned this into a pdf printable that you can download and print here: Poker Hand Printable (pdf) 

I also made these cute dealer buttons for the games. For these I printed the "Dealer" on red cardstock, cut it out, and popped it into a 3 inch button form (you can get these at the craft store).

You download the template that I made for the buttons here: Dealer Button Template (pdf)

For the dice favors, I bought red dice in bulk on Amazon. I used clear cellophane treat bags and placed in the number of dice for the game (5 for Liar's Dice, 2 for Craps). I found rules for the games online and printed them on tags I found in the scrapbooking section of the craft store. I folded over the top of the treat back and used an 1/8" punch to punch a hole. Then I threaded black and red curling ribbon through the hole in the treat bag and the tag, knotted them, and curled the ends. 

I thought some custom poker chips would be a fun keepsake for the guys, but all the ones I could find were crazy expensive! So I bought cheap plastic chips in bulk off Ebay and picked up the printable stickers that go on the bottom of Hershey kisses from the wedding section of the craft store. I printed out the stickers and stuck them to chips. Super simple! (I did it while watching TV and it went really fast).

If you try any of these ideas for your party, let me know! I'd love to see how it turns out =)

P.S. You are free to print and share the printables in this post for your personal use. Please provide attribution if you blog about them.

4th of July Outfit of the Day {Maxi Skirt and Printed Wedges}

I realized when trying to pick out an outfit for today that I have hardly any red in my closet! I'm going to have to remedy that.

Anyway, I opted for a two-tiered blue maxi skirt. The top tier is a flowing,  pleated sheer layer and underneath is a solid, fitted skirt that hits just above the knee.

I paired it with a solid white tank, short sleeved lightweight white sweater and my cherry print canvas wedges from H&M.

Hope you're having a fantastic 4th!

Happy 4th of July {Patriotic Fashion Inspiration}

I hope everyone is having a relaxing 4th of July. I'm waiting for the hubby to get home so we can fire up the grill. In the spirit of the day, I thought I would some patriotic fashion inspiration. Old glory and red, white, and blue are always in season, so rock these looks all summer long!

Beach Bunny on a Budget {$50 or less!}

Heading to the beach? I know I'm daydreaming about a few days in Ocean City (hopefully soon!) Here are loads of my favorite beach picks...all under $50!

Swimsuits
Beach Towels
Sun Hats
Totes
 
Flip Flops
Sunglasses

Vintage Button Bobby Pins

A friend of ours was cleaning out his attic and I ended up with boxes of vintage buttons! My mind has been spinning with projects to make with them. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I recently chopped off lots of my hair (which was not entirely intentional). I've been struggling to keep my bangs out of my eyes, so I thought some bobby pins made using these buttons would be a cute way to pin them back!

For this project you'll need:
1. A tool that has a wire cutter on it (I used my all in one jewelry tool)
2. An adhesive that works with plastic, glass, and metal (I used Goop for this project, but E6000 would work well too)
3. Buttons!
4. Bobby Pins with Glue Pads (I picked these ones up in the craft section of Wal-Mart for around $1.50)

1. Start by using your cutters to snip off the thread loop on the back of the buttons if they have one. These buttons were older, so the plastic came off easily. 

2. Next be sure to clean the buttons so that there's no dust or debris.

3. Add a small amount of adhesive to the glue pad of the bobby pin and attach it to the center of the button (you can use the spot where you snipped off the back as a guide)

4. Be sure that the two surfaces are parallel and that there is enough contact for them to adhere.

5. Allow to cure overnight and voila...cute hair awaits!

Beauty Haul {Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale}

If you haven't stopped by the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual, check it out before the last bits are all gone! I stopped in yesterday and the beauty and fragrance items (and there was a decent amount left) were marked down to 75% off. You really can't beat that. 

I picked up the Love Pink Perfume in Pressed Petals, Bombshell Perfume in Italian Iris, the Love My Body Lavender Vanilla Body Cream, and the Fresh Sorbets Iced Peach & Violet. If you can't tell, I have a bit of an obsession with floral scents. 

I also picked up a bottle of Love Spell perfume, that's right perfume. I had never seen this before the sale and I was so excited because the body splash and eau de toilette always wear off so fast. This one has had amazing staying power so far.  

The consistencies of the body creams are wonderful. The Love My Body has more balm-like texture and the Fresh Sorbets is a whipped formula. Both go on easily and are super moisturizing.

Did you find any hidden gems in the semi-annual tables? Comment down below!

My Week In Shoes {Week 3}

I only managed to save five pairs this week despite buying five--eek! (they basically just cancel each other out, right?) One pair I bought in a pinch because I went out of town for the night forgot my shoes to go with my dress and all I had were flip flops--totally not appropriate. Then I was sucked into a clearance sale at the mall and snagged some extra summer flip flops and the cute studded canvas shoes below. I know, I know...I just can't resist a pair of $4 shoes!

Braided Flip Flops from Wet Seal (same ones I wore here, just in green)

Gold Studded Canvas Shoes from Wet Seal. How cute is the animal print lining?!

Black Peep Toe Pumps with Feather Heel Detail (can't remember where I got these...somewhere from the mall during the Black Friday/Christmas sales)

Bedazzled Rhinestone Flip Flops....allow me to explain. The hubby and I were on vacation for our anniversary in Atlantic City and the heel of my beloved Blahniks broke in the middle of a casino! We were at the one down the boardwalk from ours and it was February and almost 11pm, so I bought the only shoes the gift shop had. Now I wear them around the house just for fun =)

I also saved a pair of plain black ballet flats, but didn't get a chance to snap a pic.

Total Pairs of Shoes in Closet: 175

Total Pairs Saved: 18

Want to learn more about the Shoeper Shoe Challenge? You can check out my post about it here or visit the shoe challenge page on the Shoeper Woman blog. 

Previous weeks: Week 1, Week 2

Fashion Friday {Gold & Black Brooch}

One of my all time favorite things to do is hunt for vintage costume jewelry. Thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls--you name and I'm game for an adventure. Specifically, I collect brooches, interesting clip on earrings, and just about anything with an art deco influence. When I was treasure hunting at the Value Village here, this pin caught my eye right away. It is a gold-tone metal filigree base with a large black faceted crystal in the middle. It appears to be unmarked, but I love it all the same. And, it set me back less than $2. Now, that's my kind of deal =)

What's your favorite thrift store find?

Black Pepper Chicken Spring Rolls + Chili Basil Dumplings Recipes

Here are two more of the recipes from my Homemade Dim Sum lineup. These were also inspired by some of our favorites from Ping Pong. After a lot of trial and error, I found what I think is a tasty balance for these. These are great as part of your own dim sum spread or as a party appetizer. Enjoy!

Black Pepper Chicken Spring Rolls

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts (2-3)
• 2 tbsp. Honey
• Black Pepper
• Black Pepper Sauce (found in the ethnic foods aisle)
• Soy Sauce
• Spring Roll Wrappers

Preparing the Filling

1. Cook the chicken breasts all the way through, then mince them.

2. Return the chicken to a frying pan over low heat.

3. Add the honey and stir until the chicen is coated.

4. Add the black pepper sauce to your liking and use the extra black pepper and soy sauce to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

5. Remove from heat, place in a bowl, and set aside.

Assembling the Spring Rolls

1. Thaw the spring roll wrappers according to the package instructions

2. Spoon the filling into the wrappers and roll them being sure to seal all of the edges.

Note: Be sure not to overfill them. If you do, them might burst when you fry them. I overfilled the batch above. They don't look the prettiest, but they are still tasty!

Cooking Instructions

Cook the spring rolls in a deep fryer or in a pot of oil (I recommend using vegetable or canola oil). The oil temperature should be about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful, the oil will by very hot. Submerge the spring rolls for 60 seconds or until the wrapper is thoroughly cooked. I suggest using a spider or tongs to move the spring rolls into and out of the oil. Place spring rolls on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Allow to cool to a comfortable temperature and serve with your choice of sauce (my favorite is the chili sauce below!)

Chili Sauce

• Ground Chili Paste
• Brown Sugar
• Sesame Oil

Combine 2 parts chili paste with 1 part brown sugar and 1 part sesame oil. Heat and serve.

Note: These ratios can be adjusted for your desired taste. The chili paste adds heat, the sesame oil thins out the sauce, and the brown sugar balances the heat. I suggest starting and then tasting frequently until you are satisfied with the result.

Chili Basil Dumplings
Ingredients

• Dumpling Wrappers, thawed
• Vermicelli Rice Noodles
• Thai Basil, finely chopped
• Chili Peppers, finely chopped (I use either Thai or Vietnamese Chilis, but you can use whichever you prefer)

Assembly Instructions

1. Prepare the vermicelli according to the package instructions (usually boil for about 3 minutes, then rinse under cold water for 1 minute).

2. Roll out dumpling wrappers slightly with a rolling pin.

3. Fill dumplings with vermicelli, basil, and a sprinkling of chili (adjust these amounts to you taste preference).

4. Fold dumplings, making sure to seal the edges.

Cooking Instructions

Using a griddle pan on medium heat(or a fry pan if you don't have a griddle pan), lightly coat it with oil. Place dumplings on the pan and allow them to cook for about 2 minutes, until cooked and grill marks are appearing, then flip over and repeat for the opposite side. You can also pour a small amount of water onto the pan during the cooking process, which will steam them a bit and keep them from burning.

Once the dumpling wrappers are cooked to your liking, plate and serve with soy sauce.

The Blog Workshop {Online Blogging Conference and Something Off My 26 Before 26 List}

Well as fate would have it, I was engaged by The Blog Workshop on a Sverve campaign to try out and review their conference. Yay for something I can already cross off my 26 Before 26 list!

The Blog Workshop offers workshops and learning opportunities for bloggers. It is set up to be an instructional environment and community for bloggers to learn tools to improve their blogging skills (something I am definitely interested in!). They offer a variety of online workshops, including one called "Blogging Laws you SHOULD Know." As a lawyer, I think that workshop would be especially useful. I see bloggers making mistakes all the time with regard to copyrights and disclosures and I think there is a lot to be gleaned from workshops that focus on the legalities of blogging. Here's a brief video introducing that course if you're interested.


They also offer the TBW University, which offers course on design and marketing among others. They've given me the opportunity to review the online recordings of The Blog Workshop 2013 Conference. This is a 3 day conference that helps bloggers improve their blogging abilities and their blog model. I'm excited to take part and will report back on what I learn!


Disclosure: I am being provided access to the conference gratis for providing my honest opinions on the course and sharing this information with you.

26 Before 26 {A Birthday Bucket List}

Along with my quest for finding the right fit in a job, I've also thinking a lot about other non-work-related things I want to accomplish--big and small. So I decided to make a list of 26 things to do before I turn 26 (next February). Some of these have sentimental reasons, some are business oriented, and others are just for fun. So in no particular order:

1. Find a geocache. I am intrigued by this hobby and I tried unsuccessfully a few times so far. I'd like to be able to log at least one!

2. Make a dress sample. I have countless sketches and dreams of showing at Baltimore Fashion Week, so I need to actually make some of the designs. But, to be realistic, I'm starting with a goal of just one. If I end up making more, all the better!

3. Run a 5k (preferably the Color Run or another obstacle run)

4. Write a business plan. I always have all the elements that a business plan contains in my head whenever I'm working a side venture, but I want to actually write it all out.

5. Paint my office. I've been putting this off since we moved in to this house 2 years ago.

6. Take a sushi making class. I'm allergic to seafood, but I have this dream of making fusion sushi and want to learn the basics.

7. Start a project life scrapbook or just scrapbook in general. I have a box of keepsakes and mementos just waiting to be scrapbooked and hundreds of photos to print. It's about time I got on this!

8. Take a blog workshop. I started blogging back in the LiveJournal days of the early 2000s, but that was mostly high-school induced, privacy protected, emotional rants. I picked blogging back up a few years ago when I started The DC Frugalista later renamed Endlessly Frugal, which will soon become the frugal section of this site. I've learned a lot about blogging along the way, but no where near enough. I've been wanting to learn more of the ins and outs. hence the desire for a blog workshop.

9. Organize my books. I have worked in multiple libraries and spent the majority of my academic life with my nose in a book. Book sales are still one of my favorite shopping excursions. You could easily confuse my office with the back room of a used book shop. I've been intending to sort them in some meaningful way and have lots of ideas. Now to actually do it...

10. Learn how to pair wine. I love wine, specifically Moscato wines. I've been to my fair share of wine tastings and I know what I like, but it would be nice to know the correct rules of pairing.

11. Go to a music festival. As soon as I found out the hubby has never been to a music festival, I decided that had to go on the list.

12. Finish a photo challenge. I keep telling myself I will take more pictures and with my handy smart phone and my T2i, I really don't have an excuse. I've been doing better, but I think completing a photo challenge will get things jumpstarted.

13. Start a garden. I've recently discovered that I enjoy gardening and we started a fairly large garden plot (this was on my mental list before I got around to the post). So far it has been a lot of trial and error, but if I get a pumpkin harvest in the fall, I will consider it a success.

14. Attend an NFL game. Every time I've had tickets, I've ended up giving them to someone who is more a fan than I am. This shouldn't be too hard since the hubby asked for 49ers tickets for his birthday.

15. Finish my book project. I've been working on a book idea for a while now and it's on the way to being done. This is my push to hopefully finish it and query it out.

16. Visit the Appalachian Trail. When I was a kid my grandfather hiked the Appalachian Trail straight through. He passed away six years ago and I miss him like crazy. I would love to find a spot on the Appalachian Trail just to spend a few moments alone and feel close to him.

17. Finish my DAR Application. I have all the documents, I just need to organize them and submit.

18. Complete Top Chef University. The hubby and I have until October to finish our online cooking course on Top Chef University that we bought a Groupon for last year.

19. Improve my coding skills. My adventures in blogging and online shop creation have resulted in learning some basic coding skills--something I never really expected I would be able to do. Now that I
can, I want to learn how to do some more advanced html tricks.

20. Go skiing. I haven't been skiing since I was in a accident many years ago. I spent a lot of time earning that black diamond skiing skills and I want to try to get back into the sport (although this time I will stick to the green and blue trails).

21. Take salsa lessons. The hubby and I had a voucher for salsa lessons, but due to scheduling conflicts we weren't able to take them. I still really want to go and I'm hoping that we'll be able to make it work in the fall.

22. Create 26 new jewelry designs. In light of 26 birthdays, I want to add 26 more designs to my online jewelry shop.

23. Bake a perfect batch of cookies. I can bake pies, cakes, muffins, you name it...but cookies still elude me! I always end up burning them or my ratios aren't quite right.

24. Buy an umbrella. Because I never seem to have one when I need it.

25. Refresh my memory of sign language. I learned a fair share of sign language growing up and I have let it lapse. You never know when it might come in handy.

26. Write/compile my poetry. I enjoy writing poetry (I even received a scholarship for it in college). I always seem to find myself writing stanzas on scrap paper or napkins, but never pull them together in one place. As I keep writing, I want to try to centralize my work in a journal or word document.

Hopefully this isn't too ambitious of a list, I'll cross things off as I complete them. What's on your birthday bucket list?

Photo Credit: Ava Blue via Flickr

Casino Night {A Peek Into the Hubby's 30th Party}

This past weekend, a friend and I threw a casino themed party to celebrate our husbands turning 30. We had it in an enclosed backyard "party room" at a house in Annapolis. I put together a lot of little touches to bring the casino theme to life and I'll post tutorials as soon as I can get them written up. For now here's a peek into the party for some inspiration.

I made two dice cakes (with the help of my awesome mom) and spread the candles and the birthday message across them. I also made card suit chocolates that we put around them on the cake board.

In addition to the cakes, I put together a dessert bar of chocolate dipped marshmallows, black and tan cookies, casino mints, and red and black candies. 

I added this popcorn bar to the food buffet for snacking throughout the night. Guests could fill a brown bag with popcorn and pick a seasoning then shake it up!

I also assembled a "Cashier's Table" with random goofy prizes that people could pick up for their chips.

I set up my camera on a tripod with the remote and left a box of props for an easy photo booth and made these cute cards with the address of where the photos could be retrieved.

I ordered cardstock cutouts of casino signs to label the games and put balloon arrangements throughout the room.

I put bowls of peanuts and pretzels on the tables and around the room for snacking and made these cute dealer buttons for each game.

For favors, I made sets of Craps and Liar's Dice along with a tag that outlined all of the rules. I also made up cards that had the ranks of poker hands.

We kept the black and red color scheme throughout the room, using black and red tablecloths, balloons, ribbons, and streamers. Everyone had a blast!

Fashion Color Collection {Mint}

Mint has become a recent obsession for me. It started with an infinity scarf my mom made for me around the holidays followed by my Icon bag from just fab. Now I'm always looking for ways to work it into my wardrobe. Mint can range from a light pastel to a bright shade making it appropriate year-round. Pair it with basic black or white pieces for a classic look or mix it with other colors and patterns for a trendy take. Here's 11 of my favorite reasons to love this color:

1. Cotton Jersey Dress from H&M

2. Patent Love Me Pumps by Michael Antonio from Zappos

3. Convertible Envelope Crossbody Bag from Forever21

4. Hepcat Shades from Madewell

5. Mint Green Jacket from Wallis

6. Swinger Sandals from Steve Madden

7. Mint Candy Apple Nail Polish by Essie from Cusp

8. Ankle Pants by Mossimo from Target

9. Silver and Mint Stacking Rings from Guess

10. Twist Knot Headband by Carole from Nordstrom

11. Big Bow Phone Case from Wet Seal

My Week in Shoes {Week 2}

This week I was running errands and prepping for the husband's 30th party, so I was all about comfort. I've been hitting up the sale rack at Wet Seal in Arundel Mills for the last few months, so a lot of the flats and sandals are from there. I'm most of the way through those though!

Jeweled American Eagle Flip Flops from Payless

Silver Glitter Fabric Ballet Flats from Wet Seal (What I love about these is that there is no actual glitter on these shoes, it a silver shimmer fabric)

Cherry Print Canvas Wedges from H&M

Braided Flip Flops from Wet Seal

Pink Braided T Strap Sandals from Wet Seal

Gladiator Sandals from Wet Seal (If the backs of these look broken, it's because I unbuckled them during the birthday party yesterday and the buckles got stuck in between the deck boards. The only way to get them free was to break the buckle off. I'm going to cut off the heel straps at the second ring and wear them without. They will still be super cute!)

Total Pairs of Shoes in Closet: 170

Total Pairs Saved: 13

Want to learn more about the Shoeper Shoe Challenge? You can check out my post about it here or visit the shoe challenge page on the Shoeper Woman blog. 

Fashion Friday {Crystal Earrings}

Sorry the posts have been a bit sparse this week, we've been going through some family events and I've been busy planning my hubby and his friend's 30th birthday party. It's a casino night with lots of fun DIY projects that I'm going to share once everything is all done.

Okay, on to Fashion Friday. This week I'm lusting after these vintage looking Swarovski crystal earrings from Max & Chloe. I love statement earrings because I prefer to wear my hair down instead of an updo and want my jewelry to show through. Pair these with a solid color cocktail dress and you're ready for a night on the town.