I Needed This

GET THE LOOK:

Zara Dress SOLD OUT ONLINE (option) // Forever 21 Sandals (option) (option) // Forever 21 Bag (exact) (option) // c/o Wallis Necklace (option) // Forever 21 Necklace (option) // H&M Glasses (option) // Thrifted Cuff (option) // Kendra Scott Ring (exact)

You guys, I really don't have much to say today (shocker). Typically I am full of words, content, copy or whatever you call it in blog land. I am just stumped. Maybe it has to do with GNO on Rainey Street last night or maybe it's because my mind is elsewhere in regards to some news I got today. I ask that you say a prayer for healing....healing for a family that's been close in my life since I was a little girl. A tragic incident happened this week that is weighing heavy on my heart. So, thank you in advance for all the prayers you can provide; they need an immense amount.

What I will say is that I have been on a bit of a clothing spending freeze....until Tuesday. Zara was having their semi-annual sale and I just couldn't pass up this dress for $40. It had my name written all over it. It's a stand alone piece. The kind I have avoided lately. I am trying really hard to ONLY purchase items that I can remix and wear different ways, but I couldn't pass up this one up. It was love at first sight...the colors, style, scarf print and Bohemian vibe is right up my alley.

Sometimes you just have to suck it up and go with your gut....a gut that says THIS needs to be in your closet regardless of your fashion morals. 

Have you found something lately that you REALLY didn't need, but felt like if you didn't buy it you were going to die? Tell me I am not alone.

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Speaking of needing....you need to check out these ladies ASAP. I have become close to all three over the last several months.

Lauren from Fizz & Frosting is another go to when it comes to fashion and style. She finds the CUTEST stuff and pairs it in the most adorable ways. I wanted to steal this top right off of her blog post the other day. Looking for a few fun ways to style your hair for the summer? Look no further. And who couldn't love a girl for loving a summer maxi dress? Lauren is as sweet as she looks! This pretty lady is dedicated to blogging and going places. Add Fizz & Frosting to your reading list now.

Sandra, oh, Sandra. She is made of gold and so is her jewelry. How do I know? Well, I own a this bracelet and wear it with pride. Sandra with Litva's Jewelry is one you don't find every often. Why? Well, because with the statement necklaces rage and arm parties going on, she has stuck to her guns. She creates one of kind pieces that you WILL NOT find anywhere else. She is genius, eclectic and talented. Her pieces are made from the heart and with delicate detail. Go visit her shop today and snag yourself an authentic piece from her shop.

Nicole from Treasure Tromp will just make you want to switch lives....you'll know what I mean here. This girl packed it all up and is moving to Africa for a hot minute. WHAT????? Yeah, I know crazy!! Her free spirit of living just gets me....like I want to be her for a hot second. Ever since I started reading her blog, I was like, this girl is exciting, adventurous, willing to live...and that's what life is all about. I suggest that you immediately head to Treasure Tromp and follow her on her journeys and we can all live vicariously through her!

Happy weekend, folks!! If I haven't told you lately, I love you guys!!

Anchor Tee 3 Ways

I randomly came across this sailor anchor graphic tee at Target a week or so ago. I was drawn to the table of shirts because the sign said $10. Those bulls eye prices get me every time. What also gets me going these days are anchors...well really, anything nautical inspired. So, of course a grabbed this one and immediately wore it here (via Instagram) with a pair of Old Navy shorts from last summer. It's light weight, has a vintage vibe and can be worn more ways than you think. To prove my point, I put together a few style boards to show you. (FYI, this shirt runs a tad bit small, so I went up a size.)

Sporty Casual

Shorts // Shoes // Tote // Sunglasses // Hat // Earrings

Feminine Flow

Jacket //Skirt // Bag // Sandals // Necklace // Earrings

Urban Chic

Blazer // Denim // Clutch // Heels // Necklace // Bangles // Earrings

Which look is your style? Are you more sporty, feminine or chic?

Random Wednesday #39 - Secret Weapon

GET THE LOOK:

Old Navy Top (option) (option) // c/o Dittos Jeans // Go Jane Heels (option) (option) // Target Bag (option) (option) // Derng Necklace (exact) // Forever 21 Bracelets (exact) (option)

Okay, so maybe I fooled you a little bit with the title of this post, but I really do believe that we all have a secret weapon when it comes to our personal style.

My accessory ammunition usually fastens around my neck and is something called a statement necklace. I know, I am not providing any breaking news here. They have been one of the biggest trends for over a year now.

But...it sure is a beautiful thing when a simple top, pair of jeans and nude heels can stand out from the crowd just because of one necklace tying an entire look together. 

Really though, any accessory can be a secret weapon when referring to fashion and style. Just think about...shoes, bags, scarves, hats, glasses, jewelry and even lip color are crowning pieces of all of our wardrobes. Remove them and things just might get a little boring. Let's face it...how many of us own the same solid top from Target or the same shorts from Old Navy? Who cares if we own a dozen of the same items. If we pull out our own secret weapons from time to time, no one will ever know that half of us buy the same pieces and shop at the same stores. To me, that's the fun part; adding bits and pieces to create our own personal look and style.

So, what weapon are you wearing today? Is it on your feet, around your neck or on your head?

P.S. I was featured on a few fab websites last week. A little about me and a little about what I am loving. Hope you can take a quick peek.

P.P.S. I finally listed a few items from my closet on Poshmark. I know, I am a little behind with technology. You can find me @shannasaidso if you are interested.

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 
 

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Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.

Addicted

GET THE LOOK:

c/o Very Jane Dress (option) (option) // Old Navy Vest (option) (option) //Forever 21 Belt (option) // Forever 21 Sandals (option) // c/o Wallis Bag (exact) // Forever 21 Necklace (exact) // Forever 21 Bangles (exact) (exact) // Stella & Dot Bracelet (option) // T+J Designs Watch (exact) // Forever 21 Glasses (option)

I may have a slight problem during the summer months. Actually, let me rephrase that. I am admitting that my problem has turned into a full blown addiction. Addiction to maxi dresses. If you don't believe me, blog posts don't lie in the case of this, that, here and there.

I really do try to mix up my style, but for some reason I keep coming back to my vice of long dresses. To me maxi dresses have been my summer "go to" for the last year or so. I try to steer clear of them when I am out shopping because I already own too many, but my addiction keeps pulling me toward them each and every time.

Places like Very Jane just feed my fire. They asked me to choose something from their site to style and I chose this dress. Yes, out of all the adorable things that Very Jane offers, I picked a maxi dress and didn't think twice about it. I rationalize my behavior with the notion of, "if it isn't broke, why fix it?" These dresses come through for me time and again and I feel like our relationship is pretty tight and solid.

Back on the subject of Very Jane, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but if you haven't heard of this boutique, daily deal website, you have been living under a rock of sorts. 

Think Groupon + Etsy. They sell everything from clothing and purses to hair accessories, jewelry, and home décor. They feature new handmade and boutique items every day. Each day they offer between 15-20 deals for up to 75% off! They welcome small business owners the opportunity for greater exposure while providing quality products to customers at a significant discount. 

If Very Jane isn't news to you, you know how addicting this site can be. Yes, today is all about feeding addictions...addictions to style, fashion and shopping. I mean, our bad habits could be so much worse, right?

What style or look do you keep coming back to over and over again? Maybe we could start some sort of online group and support one another.

Making Our Mark

This photo sums up Lake Weekend 2013. We definitely made a memorable mark at Lake Buchanan. 

For the last eight years a group of us have loaded up and headed out to our friend's parents lake house. It's become a tradition. A tradition of having our own private beach (countless summer droughts will do that to a lake), floating all day in said lake, lots of laughs, inside jokes, washer board tournaments, music that calls for back porch dancing, lit tiki torches, summer breezes, sunburns, cold beverages, food to feed an army, one ginormous sleepover and most importantly memories made to last a lifetime.

A part of the group arrived Friday afternoon and we didn't wasted anytime hitting the water. As soon as I stepped foot on the sandy beach all my worries were swept away with the tide and full relaxation mode began.

Then Saturday morning this happened. After searching and calling a dozen SAM's Club locations, our determined friends found the ever so famous "Blue Lagoon" float. You guys, this thing is massive and brilliant. I think at one time just about the entire crew was floating on it. It's the best thing since sliced bread and took a few strong muscles to carry it.

Finally, the Blue Lagoon made it off land and anchored in the water for the rest of the day. We were like little kids that just got a new swing set. You couldn't wipe the smiles off of our faces.

Water logged, sun burned and sandy, we headed back up to the house for dinner and numerous games of washers. More smack talk was exchanged than ever before. We take this little game pretty seriously and it's kind of what our group is known for....throwing metal rings into a hole...we are easily entertained.

Once the sun started to set Saturday, my heart sank a little bit. I knew our weekend was coming to an end until next year. I wish we could find a way to make it happen again before summer ends because this place is truly so peaceful, relaxing and nothing short of an amazing time with friends. Thank you Courtney and Justin for hosting another epic lake weekend and letting us be part of something that is sometimes difficult to put into words. I am still laughing and smiling from the two short days we had...the moments we shared, new stories that were made and how lucky we are to have the opportunity to do this every year.

So, until next year, I will hold on tightly to the photos on my phone, on this blog and ones that will forever be ingrained in my head. Lake Buchanan, you never disappoint us.

Linking up with Sami, Leeann, Molly & Carly.

Free Spirit

GET THE LOOK:

Forever 21 Tee (option) (option) // Old Navy Shorts (option)  // Tony Lama Boots (exact) // Kendra Scott Earrings (exact) // Forever 21 Ring (option) 

Man, I could go so many routes with the title of this post, but I am gonna stick primarily to the road of style.

But first, those of you who know me or have been in my life for a number of years, heck I guess it actually applies to anyone who has spent more than 24 hours with me, can vouch for my personality. I tend to lean toward the carefree lifestyle. Do I get stressed? Heck yes. Do I worry like a mad woman? Yep. Do I tend to let things get to me? Of course. But, I am a Gemini...which means I have dual personalities. And my evil twin is definitely my opposite.

I have a spark that can sometimes ignite into a full blown campfire. In my "younger" years I did some crazy things that we won't discuss here....ever. Now that I am an adult, wife and mom, I had to tame my ways and now my free spirit seems to gravitate towards water slide races, spontaneous moments with my husband, out of control golf cart rides through the neighborhood or just dancing by myself in my bathroom while getting ready for the day. My "spirit" won't ever burn out...I can promise you that. It's how I have always been, it's how I will always be.

Now onto the style part of things. If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you probably have taken notice that my style is somewhat eclectic. When someone asks me, "What is your style?", I seem to get stumped and scratch my...hmmmmm, I don't know. I like everything. Really, I do. Maybe too much.

I have never been one to gravitate toward one certain look. I tend to mix things up and wear clothes that go along with my environment or mood for a particular day. One day I might channel a polished and feminine look. The next I may be feeling a little spunky. Or in the case of today's post, I was feeling free spirited at the ranch.

Fingers are crossed that my multiple personality "free spirited" wardrobe can relate to all my friends in some shape or form; maybe not every single day, but hopefully every now and again. I am staying optimistic that each one of you get inspired by an outfit or two that I feature on my blog and we can be spirited together.

When it comes to personal style do you stick to a few genres or are you all over the creation like me?

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The ladies below are a fab mix of fun, fashion and fearlessness. Make sure to take look, visit and say hello.

 

I have been reading Jessica's blog, Jeans and a Teacup, for quite some time now. Her style is very well rounded, and if I could pick one word to describe it it would have to be romantic. Hope that's okay, Jessica! She has a way with mixing and matching her wardrobe. I about died when I saw her in this...so romantic, right? Okay, let's go with the word SMOKIN'. Right now Jessica is on a month long journey visiting family on the farm! Yep, this California girl is hitting the raw land. I told her I was excited to see some style shoots in the meadow. Did I mention that Jessica is an actress in Hollywood...yep, check out her about me section to find out more and make sure to stop by and take a look at her fab style.

I "met" Susan with Charming Lucy before she started her blog. She reached out to me via email and Instagram and I was so happy to find out she was launching her own personal blog this past May. Susan is one of the nicest and most genuine ladies you will meet. She has so much heart and has worked like crazy to get her new blog looking oh so fabulous! She has the most adorable family, freely hands out shopping tips and discovers the cutest shops to share with her readers. Susan and I both aren't too savvy in the kitchen...I mean, we are moms that try, right? Stop by Charming Lucy, give her a high five and welcome her to blog land.

Rachael with Rach.E.Cakes is a native Texan (you know that's a plus in my book) currently living life near Boston. Miss Rachael will share a little bit of everything on her blog. She is a regular with the outfit inspirations. She knows her way around the kitchen...glad somebody does and gets a little crafty every now and again. BUT, my most favorite thing about Rachael she is pretty savvy when it comes to finding dupes for some of the things we are all craving these days. See, I told you will get a little glimpse of all kinds of goodness from Rach.E.Cakes. Now go see for yourself! 

Happy weekend friends! I am off to the lake for a grown up good time! I am sure I will be that obnoxious Instagram poster this weekend...maybe even a video or two...I am DYING over this new feature that they just launched! Have you used it yet? So fun!