Great Giveaway at Pinkpeonies.com

Head on over to pinkpeonies.com for a great giveaway to J.Crew factory.

Until next time,

AJ

Christmas Shopping and the Stress That Comes With It

So since it's officially December that means many will be starting their Christmas shopping if they haven't already. Me? I had all but one of the gifts purchased a few weeks ago. What can I say, I'm an overachiever like that. And the last person I have to shop for has an extremely straight forward wish list so that will be easy. I've been really lucky this year in that everyone on my list had either really specific things they wanted (my mom and my aunt) or they are just extremely easy to shop for (my sister, my dad, and my godson). Over the past few years, since I've been actually buying the presents and not pawning that off on my mom, I've developed some plans for how to approach things.

1. Set a limit and stick to it.
Now I know this can be extremely difficult when you see that one thing you know they would absolutely love but it's out of your budget. But knowing your limits is important. As a recent college graduate, I don't have lots of disposable income to spend. But I do have a good eye for sales and an interest in finding what they want at a price I like. Take my mom's gift for instance. I wandered into a Macy's and found out they were having a promotion on what my mom wanted. So I ended up getting her a bigger version of what she wanted, plus the matching lotion, champagne glasses (that I was going to buy for my roommates so that was done), and two free bags which will be used by me and my mom. All this just because I walked into the store on the right day. That's a little bit of luck but also knowing when to take advantage of a sale or promo.

2. Start early.
I hate shopping in big crowds. I would rather go to the mall on a weekday morning than be there on a Saturday. Knowing this, I like to get started on my Christmas shopping in mid November. Many wait longer thinking they will get better deals, but there are deals all the time if you know where to look. Case and point, I got my godson two outfits and a pair of Nike sneakers for under $50. I just knew where to shop that led to great finds. Plus, the sooner I start, the more variety I seem to find. 

3. Unique
Make sure you plan on getting people things you know that no one else will get them. There's not really much fun in someone opening a gift and sadly having to say, "Thanks but someone already got me this." Don't be afraid to think outside the box and don't just go with that person's list. I usually do this with my dad. He likes pretty much anything I get him and will use or wear it no matter what. Gotta love him for that.

4. Use different wrapping paper.
Now this doesn't have to do with shopping but more the actual gift giving part. I like to pick wrapping paper for each different person, or if that is too much, I will use different colors or types of ribbon for each gift. This allows me to remember which gift goes to which person so much more easily. Also, it makes for a prettier visual under the Christmas tree.

So those are my four tips for holiday shopping. Here's hoping someone out there finds this useful.

Until next time,

AJ
 

Recent Purchases

I haven't been shopping much lately. I'm trying to not buy a bunch of things with the holidays and my birthday coming up. My family always ask for extensive lists of things I want so I really try to limit my shopping so I don't end up getting something from my list. However, my roommate was in the mood for shopping the other day, so I went with for moral support. Like a moth to a flame, I couldn't be at the mall and not get a thing. We went to all our favorite stores: J.Crew, Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Nike, H&M, and LOFT.

The first item I bought was as Urban Outfitters. I'm always looking for a festive colored sweater or two to wear during the holiday season. This one fit the bill with the red color and a little bit of interest with the colorblocking. I can see myself wearing it with a variety of bottom and a variety of occasions from church to lunch out with friends.

Sweater

With my end of the year volleyball banquet this week, I need something pretty dressy to wear. And since my original plans of wearing a skirt were foiled by the sub-30 degree temperatures we will be having that day. With that knowledge in mind, I was looking for a new top to wear with a pair of dress pants. I stumbled upon several options at Banana Republic, but none of the newer stuff fit me the way I wanted it to. However, this little beauty was in the sale section. The one I bought is gray with black beading around the neckline. As an added bonus, I found it in a petite size which is good for a short torso person like myself.

Sweater

Now next on my shopping list is getting Christmas presents for my mom, dad, brother, sister, and I'm most excited about shopping for my godson. He is almost 2 so I can't wait to buy him some cute clothes and maybe even his first pair of Nikes. Gotta start them out early.

Until next time.

AJ

OOTD: Movie & Mall Date

The one perk, well only perk really, of having 7 a.m. volleyball practice is that I have the whole afternoon to do what I want. Instead of doing laundry or cleaning like I should, I took the opportunity to get together with a friend for lunch, some light shopping (more on that later), and a movie (Pitch Perfect). BTW, go see that movie if you have the chance. It's really funny. Rebel Wilson absolutely kills it. But I loved all the singing because I can't carry a tune to save my life. So this afternoon date gave me an actual reason to wear clothes that didn't include sneakers, sweatpants, and my practice t-shirts. That's been my near daily outfit for the past two months. Anyway, it was a dreary fall day here so layers were what's in order. I went with my new favorite cardigan, a bright scarf, and a great fitting pair of jeans.

Excuse the picture quality. Fitting Room yet again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardigan: Marshall's

Scarf: Small shop in Arizona

Jeans: American Eagle 

Booties: Old Navy

Watch: Fossil

Chainlink Bracelet: LOFT

I own this scarf in two other colors. This time of year chances are I am wearing one of them. I just love scarves. They add interest to any basic outfit. So that's another one of my everyday outfits. Nothing too exciting, but my life doesn't really call for anything too crazy.

Until next time

AJ   

Hello New J.Crew Factory Site

So I can tell you exactly where I spent my morning. Camped out on the couch looking at all the prettiness on the new J.Crew Factory website. I love so many things and I love that there is 30% on the new arrivals. Music to my ears. Now only to figure out which of these items will find their way to my closet.

Bow Earrings

Classic Peacoat

Tweed Mini

Blazer in Black Watch Plaid

Sequin Pocket Tee

 

 

Until next time

AJ

LOFT Sale Goodies

So LOFT had a big sale yesterday in stores. Being an avid LOFT shopper and an even bigger sale shopper, there was no way I wasn't going to stop in to see what I could find. There were so many things I wanted or had my eye on, so I found all those things plus a few more and headed to the fitting room. Well needless to say, many of the things I thought I would love just simply didn't work on me. My short stature was definitely working against me. Everything seemed to be cut for someone taller and less top-heavy than me. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. With that said I did find a few things that I loved.
 

Zebra Haircalf Stretch Belt 

I had my eye on this haircalf belt as well as the leopard print one. However the store was sold out of my size in leopard. I happened to find this one finding on a sale rack for an extra 60% off. Well, for $8, this belt was definitely coming home with me. As an added bonus, I wore it to coach my volleyball game and all the girls on my team loved it. Teenage girl approved- works for me! 

 

This bracelet is sold out online and I thought sold out in stores too. However, I found it hiding out in a container with other sale pieces. I had been searching for a  chain link bracelet that wasn't crazy heavy and the scale fit my wrists. This fit the bill perfectly. It lays flat on arm and doesn't slide around too much. Plus, for only $8, which is about 1/10th the price as other bracelets I had my eye on it's now mine. 

 

Crinkle Chiffon Stripe and Dot Tee

This tee was a total impulse buy. I just grabbed it off the rack as a throw on. Well I ended up loving it more than anything else I tried on. It's a step above my everyday t-shirt uniform that I wear. The cropped sleeves with adorable button detail are just the right length on me. And the striped chiffon overlay with the polka dot pattern under it is an unexpected twist. I can see this tee getting lots of wear this fall and into the winter. Here's a close-up of the patterns. 

 

Well those are the three pieces I bought. I spent under $40, which is great when the full retail price of this trio is just under $120. That wasn't a pricetag I could handle. 1/3 of that I will gladly pay though. 

Until next time,

AJ

Trends I'm Loving

As someone who has a limited wardrobe budget, I try to keep my purchases to more timeless and classic pieces that won't go out of style. But I do tend to get some more trendy pieces every season so that my style can be more fun. This season there are a few things I want to, or have added to my closet.

First up, an ankle bootie. Now I already own a pair of gray suede booties that have a good 4 inch heel. But I wanted something with a lower heel and more practical for going out in the lovely Midwestern winter. Knowing this, I decided I could afford to spend some money for some (under $50). Well I was out shopping with my roommates and we stopped by Old Navy. These cute and affordable booties were staring at me. Well I tried them on and they fit perfectly. Say hello to one of my newest purchases. Sure they aren't real leather, but for the price they look great and will hold up for what I need them to do.

Embellished collars are a big thing right now. I'm not a fan of the collar necklaces, but I wanted to be a part of this trend. When making a stop at Marshall's last week, I discovered several tops with cute, unexpected collars. The one I found is a kelly green collar and has a sequined collar in a bronze/gold color. I don't have an exact picture, but this one is close. It's a flattering shape on me and offers options when it comes to what color to wear under the sheer material. This top will be perfect for a night out on the town with my roomies.

I know animal prints are pretty much always in, whether it's leopard, snakeskin, dalmatian, etc. Earlier this year, J.Crew released a bunch of items featuring snakeskin. I really wanted to snatch up one of the sweaters, but my bank account would not allow it. Instead I went searching for an alternative. Again, Marshall's came through for me. I found a Cynthia Rowley cardigan on sale for only $15! It has a great shape that doesn't overwhelm me. The colors are tan, shades of brown, and a little black. I can pair this with many colors and I look forward to doing just that. This isn't the exact sweater, but it's a close replica. 

Now for a list of things I hope to add to my closet for a reasonable price. 

1. High-heel back tall boots

2. Peacoat, preferably in a oxblood or burgundy color

3. I desperately need a new The North Face fleece. Mine is 3 years old and not in the greatest shape.

4. More fun blouses. I'm seriously lacking anything to wear when I go out so a few more options would be welcome. 

5. Scarves, scarves, and more scarves. I love them and they add personality to an otherwise boring outfit. 

Hopefully I can report back soon on even more new purchases and great steals. 

Until next time

AJ

OOTD: Last Day In Shorts

It seems that fall has arrived in the Midwest. I love fall so I'm excited but I am still sad to have to pack away my shorts. I decided to take advantage of a warm day and rock shorts & sandals one last time. I had some errands to run and had to make a quick stop at J.Crew to check out the new arrivals. Sadly, there wasn't anything I was totally blown away by. And don't get me started on the prices of some things. Holy cow! It was ridiculous. I mean I usually don't buy items at full price there but this made it even more obvious I would not be getting anything. Guess I will have to look else for some new pieces.

 

Striped T: Gap

Shorts: Marshalls'

Sandals: Steve Madden at Macy's

Watch: Fossil

Necklace: American Eagle

 

 

This outfit features some of my favorite pieces in my closet. This t-shirt is going to have holes in it quickly, but I love the black/tan colorway of it. These shorts and sandals worked overtime this summer. My watch is very special as it was a graduation present. And the necklace is a nod to my job as a coach. I mean who doesn't need a bedazzled whistle. 

 

With this outfit I bid a farewell to summer and welcome fall. I can't wait to wear jeans, layer, pull out my scarf collection, and rock some boots. 

 

Until next time.

 

AJ 

 

Currently Obsessed With

My shopping addiction is alive and kicking. Unfortunately for me my bank account is less than fabulous. Thus I'm trying to limit myself to a $100 budget for each item. Talk about challenging! But I've never backed down from a challenge. Here are just a few things I'm plotting to add to my ever-expanding closet.

Lauren Conrad Blouse

"Page" boots by Mia

Tolani Geometric Scarf via Piperlime

Diane von Furstenberg iPhone case

Cap Toe Pumps: Chinese Laundry via Piperlime

Mixed Media Shoes: Luxury Rebel via Piperlime

Maybe these items will magically find there way to my doorstep some day soon. But in the meantime I will just admire them from afar. 

Until next time

AJ

OOTD: 9/15/12

So I've decided to take a chance at posting some of my daily outfits. Some days I literally spend just in sweats as it's what is most practical for coaching, but I do have a closet full of clothes that often feel neglected. In an effort to make myself wear some of these clothes, I'm challenging myself to post outfit photos. So here's the first of hopefully many. This is what I wore yesterday for some errands and going to a contemporary church service. It is laid-back enough that I often wear jeans, heels, a blouse, and a cardigan. That's the formula I followed to a T yesterday. (Forgive the photos, the only mirror around was in the bathroom.)

Cardigan: Land's End

Sequin Tank: J.Crew
Jeans: American Eagle

Giraffe Necklace: J.Crew 

Headband: Forever 21

Watch: Fossil

Bracelets: Homemade friendship & beads 
Earrings: Opal (brought in AZ)

Here's a close-up of my new ring. It says, "Amore." I absolutely love it. I plan on wearing it daily excepting for when coaching. That would be an injury waiting to happen. 

Finally, a good look at my shoes. These are brand new and cost me $13 at Kohl's the other day. Love a good deal. 

  Wedges: Dana Bachman for Kohl's

And my Michael Kors handbag hiding in the corner. 

So there you have it. A look into my closet and daily wear for something other than errands. 

Hope to be back soon with more outfits. 

AJ  

Long Time No Post

I'm horrible at this whole blogging thing. In my defense, school and work took over and I had so little time to think let alone blog about anything. But with my recent graduation and no full time job yet, I'm hoping I will have more time to blog about things. What those things are, I have no idea. Sometimes it may be venting about work, graduate school applications. Other times it may be fashion related. I honestly don't know. I guess it will be whatever floats my boat that day. But I promise to try and make it interesting.

For today, I have to share about some recent purchases I have made.

Owning a Michael Kors bag is something I have been plotting for awhile. I've searched all over and discovered some great places to find them on sale. Little did I know that the place to buy one would be at my place of employment. I took a stroll though the handbag section last night due to no customers in my department. I saw lots of sale sections but immediately went to the MK section. I found this beauty marked as 50%, which brought the price down to $149. I was willing to pay that. But then I learned it was an additional 30% of that price, meaning $104. Even better! Only then did I realize I had a $20 off coupon, so now it's down to $84. With my employee discount working I ended up paying about $55 for this. I could not believe it. In my mind, that means it's practically free. I mean a $300 handbag for a little over $50 is insane. I was happy to pay that.

Now for some details. The bag is black leather with gold accents. the handle is braided and has enough of a drop to carry it comfortably over my shoulder. The lining inside is the traditional MK logo pattern. The inside features one zipper pocket and two side pockets for phones/keys/etc. The back of the bag has a snap closure pocket that extends the whole width of the bag. There is also a open pocket on each end.

Overall I love this bag. I can imagine carrying this bag for years to come. It's so classic and will never go out of style. I'm proud of myself for bypassing the typical logo bag I normally go for and deciding plain was the way to go.

Now I'm moving onto my next sale conquests. I'm up to the task of tracking down some new The North Face jackets, Sperrys, and a nice business suit. Wish me luck!

AJ

Ruche Lookbook

My favorite look from the Enchanted Lookbook. I must own those shoes and that bag.


"Enchanted with Ruche's lookbook: http://bit.ly/y0qdcW"