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!

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

Beach Wish List

I can't stop daydreaming about a tropical beach vacation. I'm not sure if one is in the cards this year, but I'm sure we'll at least make our way out to Ocean City at some point. In the meantime, I'm having fun window shopping and creating my beach wish list. I love mixing classic pieces and cuts like this black one-piece suit with pops of bright colors like the striped bag and beach towel. Here's what's on it so far.

1. These Metallic Rim Sunglasses by Tory Burch add a touch of glamour.
2. Black swimsuits like this Miu Miu Bow Embellished Bandeau One-Piece Suit from Net-a-Porter are universally flattering and always chic from season to season.
3. The fringe adds a little something extra to this striped lilac Pastema Foutal beach towel from Overstock.
4. I have always wanted an oversize straw hat like this one by Collection XIIX from Piper Lime.
5. This South Beach Cream Crochet Tunic from New Look is perfect for sunset drinks at a beach bar.
6. These London Rebel sandals from ASOS will transition easily from the beach to dinner.
7. I love this delicate silver starfish pendant necklace from BaubleBar.
8. This colorful striped tote from Forever21 is perfect for stashing beach reads and sunscreen.

***

What's on your beach wish list? Any exotic vacation plans? Tell me about it below!

My Week In Shoes {Week 1}

I finally finished organizing my closet and had the chance to count up all of my shoes. I decided to include everything--flip flops, running shoes, you name it. I ended up with 170 pairs (sheesh that seems like so much more in black and white!). So now begins my challenge to save them or donate them. Many of them have seen better days, so I doubt they'll all make it through the challenge.

This week was definitely all about comfort. You just can't beat ballet flats and sandals for cleaning and running errands.

Bronze and Snakeskin Print Sandals by Apt. 9 from Kohl's (you can also get 10% your Kohl's purchase if you use code BLOGGER10 before July 11)

Silver Ruffled Sandals by Candies from Kohl's

Quilted Sandals with Rhinestone Bows by SimplyVera for Kohl's (can you tell that these are my favorites right now!)

Black Knot Ballet Flats from Wet Seal

Sequined Floral Flats from Forever 21

Black and White Sneakers from Wal-Mart (bought these in a pinch and need to replace them with something better)

Purple Velvet Ballet Flats from Wet Seal

Total Pairs of Shoes in Closet: 170

Total Pairs Saved: 7

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 {Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch}

I'm not usually a watch wearer. I always feel like they get in the way while I'm typing or I inevitably break them due to some clumsy incident. But this Marc by Marc Jacobs watch totally caught my interest. I love the rose gold tone and coordinating face color, with the little touches of sparkling stones on the face. This is a timeless neutral piece that I can picture going with just about anything.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Giveaway! {Lace Edge Scarf}

I loved the lace edge scarf from Wet Seal featured in this post so much that I picked up a second one to giveaway! This lightweight, gauze scarf is cream colored and has a crochet-like lace trim along both edges. It's perfect to pair with a sundress or wrap around your shoulders on a cool evening. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Dana Renee Style. The prize was purchased by me. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Wet Seal, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The Glamorous Beaded Dress

The Great Gatsby movie may have brought beaded dresses back in vogue, but I have always had a soft spot for fashion inspired by the roaring twenties. There's just something indescribably glamorous about a beaded dress (bonus points if the beadwork is in an art deco pattern). Now all I'm missing is the black tie event or ultra chic cocktail party invite giving me the excuse to splurge on one of these. The floor length gown from Adrianna Papell above is my favorite (and a steal at only $167)! Scroll through these gorgeous beauties and shop the look or create a wish list for your next big event.




Don't forget to subscribe or follow me on Facebook, and be sure to watch for a pretty accessory giveaway launching tomorrow!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Fashion Color Collection {Coral}

In these Fashion Color Collection posts, I'm rounding up my favorite fashion and beauty items of a specific color. This week I'm giving you a peek at my coral wish list. There's something about coral that just exudes an essence of summer. Whether you wear a coral dress, a pair of flats, or just swipe on some coral lipstick, it instantly brightens your look. One of the great things about coral is that you can find pieces in many shades, so you're sure to find one that will suit your skin tone. If you're not much a bright color person, start small with a pair of studs or try out a dress in a paler shade.

1. Coral Bramble Bloom Bracelet by BaubleBar ($24) / 2. Full Tilt Owl Charm Necklace by Tilly's ($5.99) / 3. Top Ford Beauty Lip Color in True Coral from Bergdorf Goodman ($48) / 4. Small Square Studs by Kate Spade New York from Zappos Couture ($38) / 5. Coral Enamel Signature Stud Earrings by Fossil from Macy's ($34) / 6. Love & Beauty Nail Polish in Sugartooth from Forever21 ($2.80) / 7. Strappy Dress with Frill by Zara ($79.90) / 8. Taleeka Embossed Leather Clutch from Ted Baker London ($105) / 9. Ravesh Pumps with Bow Accent by Steve by Steve Madden from Lord & Taylor ($149) / 10. Coral Abby Criss-Cross Gladiator Wedge from Avenue ($19.99) / 11. Casey Flats by Coconuts from PiperLime ($39.99)

Shoeper Shoe Challenge {Join with me!}

Ok, well maybe a pair of shoes won't change your life, but they will complete an outfit, give you an extra couple of inches, or boost your confidence. I have a serious obsession with shoes. Actually, I consider them to be a collection. My husband collects DVDs, some people collect baseball cards or figures, for me it's shoes. I even have a dedicated shoe closet in my walk-in. Maybe I'll share a picture in a future post. As much as I love my shoes, there are some pairs that I have never one or rarely wear. 

Enter the Shoerper Woman S.O.S. Save Our Shoes Shoeper Shoe Challenge. This is essentially a use them or lose them challenge. The goal is to wear every pair of shoes you own within the span of a year or lose them (donate them!). 

I love this concept. For me it's motivation to pull out and find a reason to where all of the shoes I've collected instead of defaulting to the same few pairs. I still have to do a complete count, by my estimate is somewhere around 130 pairs. Taking a page from the author's book, I'll do a "my week in shoes" post to document which one's I've been wearing and  I'll add an updated total and running count of how many I've worn.

Sounds like fun, right? It's an ongoing challenge that you can start whenever you want. I encourage you to check out the Shoeper Woman challenge page and join too!