Labor Day Sales & Wants

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Labor Day weekend will be full of sales, amazing prices and the perfect time to stock up on key pieces for the fall. I have already been scouring the internet for items that I am hoping to add to my closet for the upcoming season. For some reason, I was completely drawn to blacks and tans, as you can see from my selections above. Typically I lean toward more color, but these basics are ones that I will be able to wear over and over. Mixing and matching staple items is what I am shooting towards for the upcoming fall and winter months.

If you are planning to do a little shopping during the three day weekend, here are a few of my favorite stores that are celebrating the holiday with super sales and prices that you won't want to pass up.

OLD NAVY - Everything is 30% off and 35% off if you use your ON, Gap or BR card. I am loving this sequin skirt for a holiday party. This color block crew neck sweater will hopefully be at my front door soon.

EXPRESS - Everything is 40% off.  How cute are these cap toe heels? I can picture this studded top with a black blazer & distressed denim.

GAP - Up to 40% off select styles. This window pane shift dress is one of my favorite prints for the fall.

THE LIMITED -  40% off regular priced items and 30% off all sale items. These denim pants have the look of leather, but without the heavy material. So sleek and chic.

J.CREW FACTORY - 40% to 50% off everything. Stripes and a Peter Pan collar? Sign me up! And I have needed an iPhone back up battery forever. I think the leopard print finally sold me.

FOREVER 21 - 50% off all sale items. Loafers with studded hearts are only $15.00. I want both the black and tan.

LOFT - 50% select full price styles and 50% sale items. I am ready to add some tweed to my closet and this jacket would be the perfect starter and it's half off!

Are you planning on doing some shopping this weekend? What is on your list? Anything that you have been watching and finally going on sale? Isn't that the best feeling? Okay, maybe not the best feeling, but a pretty darn good one. 

Happy Labor Day savings and shopping.

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Everyone say hello to Lauren from Sophisticated in Style.

She is an accountant by day and a style blogger by night. She and I are big believers in the  philosophy of not having to spend a lot, but still look stylish. We also share the same love for leopard print. I knew I liked this lady. Lauren recently wore this look and I immediately fell in love with her belt. I even told her that I was adding it to my wish list. Adorable right? Take at look at her black, white with a pop of color style. This is right up my alley. So classic, simple and right on trend. I don't know how Lauren does it, but she posts her personal style almost every single day. So, if you are looking for a daily dose of outfits of the day, be sure to add Sophisticated in Style blog roll. You won't be disappointed.

My Final Mission

WHAT I AM WEARING:

White House Black Market Dress c/o Skinny Cow (here) (similar) (similar) // Zara Heels (similar) (similar) //  White House Black Market Bag c/o Skinny Cow (similar) // Forever 21 Bracelets (similar) // Gifted Earrings (similar) // Forever 21 Glasses (here)

Well, this it. My very last Skinny Cow Wocave Mission Recap. In case you have zero clue what I am talking about, you can catch up from the beginning and see the other adventures here and here.

This summer Skinny Cow promoted a new wave of women time, called Wocave (wo-cah-vay). Think women cave; our own special place where we spend time with friends doing what we love and NO BOYS ALLOWED.

My third and final mission was to have brunch, some bubbly (okay maybe the bubbly wasn't in the instructions), kick off our shoes, snuggle on the couch with one of my very best friends and watch the 1961 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. I am embarrassed to admit, but this was my first time to watch it. Holly Golightly, yes I love her. Such a classic and in case you didn't know, this movie is where the infamous LBD (little black dress) was named. There is a little trivia for ya!

After the movie, a couple of mimosas and empty plates, we headed to White House | Black Market at the Domain for a little shopping. The second part of my mission was to find my own little black dress and channel my inner Audrey Hepburn. I loved the one I found, pictured in the above pictures. I have always shied away from peplum and anything that accentuates curves, but this one fit like a glove. It's a timeless style and I think Ms. Hepburn would approve. We also played dress up and tried on different pieces in the store.

 

We ended our day with a couple of shopping bags, red sangria and a toast to our friendship. I would say that this was definitely Wocave perfection. Wouldn't you?

If I had to sum up this Skinny Cow Wocave journey in one word it would be GRATEFUL. I know that sounds cheesy, but let me explain. I am busy. My girlfriends are busy. Most of us all have full time jobs, husbands and kids. It is so incredibly hard to get together and do something fun with one another without any interruptions. This program empowered us to carve out time just for us. To be girls and to do girly things together. I encourage every lady out there to take time at create your own Wocave. Go get a pedicure, take a painting class, plan a book club, or better yet escape for a weekend getaway. Whatever you do, just find your sweet sanctuary. You and your girlfriends deserve it.

And don't forget to bring along your Skinny Cow ice cream. These two treats are a limited edition and will be gone soon. They didn't last one week in our fridge. The Chocolate Covered Cherry Cone  is hands down my favorite out of all the ones I have tried. My girls, well they gobbled up the Pretty in Pink Velvet Truffles in no time.

*Thank you, Skinny Cow for sponsoring these posts over the last few months. It was truly a pleasure and honor to be associated with your company. To my readers, the opinions and content expressed in these posts were 100% mine and not indicative of the opinions or positions of Skinny Cow.

Eliminating the Impulse

 

 WHAT I AM WEARING:

Forever 21 Dress SOLD OUT ONLINE (similar) (similar) // Lookbook Store Belt c/o (here) (similar) // Sole Society Heels (similar) // Forever 21 Clutch (similar) (splurge) // Bracelets: Sophistifunk Tassel Bracelet c/o (here) & Forever 21 (here) // T+J Designs Watch c/o (here) // Forever 21 Rings (here) (similar)

The minute I saw this dress, I pinned and added it to my shop tab as a reminder of how much I liked it, but wanted to wait until I couldn't stop thinking about it before I pulled the trigger. You see, I have yanked the reigns with tight grip on impulse buying. In the past, I would see something that caught my eye, add it to my cart and run to grab my credit card. Then the shoes, dress, top, pants would arrive in the mail and I'd ask myself, "Why did you buy this?" Said items would sit in a box or the plastic wrapping for weeks. I am telling you, I still have things I ordered online that have not been worn. Shameful, I know.

This dress was ripped from it's packaging as soon as it arrived and worn immediately. It was something that I was still excited about even after the online purchase. No guilt, buyer's remorse or saving the receipt for an exchange.

I am making a conscious effort to be selective of what I buy, whether it's in a store or online. Visualizing in my head, I ensure that there are at least three ways I could wear my soon-to-be purchase. After my brainstorming style session, I was positive there were three options for this dress, if not more.

The first go 'round was with heels and a mirrored belt for a trendy, but professional look. Next up, I am shooting for a boho vibe; picturing it with ankle boots and a cross body. If and when it gets cooler out, I envision tights, knee boots and a blazer. Voila, money well spent.

If you don't already, I suggest adding pieces that you come across to some sort of list. It can be on a pin board, a tab on your blog or to a phone app. It really does help with making wiser purchase decisions, budgeting and removes the hassle of returns. Believe me when I say that my nickname used to be "The Take Back Queen". 

Do you have your own tips and tricks on how you eliminate impulse shopping or are you the reigning "Take Back Queen"?

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One of my long time blog buddies is here today, Ashley with Dancing with Ashley. I just know that you and her will become friends today too! She is an absolute doll, genuine to the core, one of the best moms I have ever "met" and never looses faith in the Lord. She is just one of those people that you strive to be like and I tell her that all the time.

Not only is Ashley dedicated to the bigger pieces of life's pie, she is one to turn to when looking for blogging and style inspiration. She co-hosts a quarterly blogger meet up in North Carolina called Blogger Buzz. I always love reading her recaps from these events and like to pretend that I was there socializing and shopping. The ladies always look like they have the best time. If you are a reader of Dancing with Ashely, you already know about her "How to Wear...." posts. She will take a single piece, like leopard flats, and show us how to style the item at least three ways. I guess this goes back to my post today, shopping smarter and working your closet.

Ashley hosts a monthly link up the last Friday of every month called "Favorite Things." You can talk about any faves from the month: moments, clothes, cosmetics, photos, trips or what you ate. Guess what this Friday is? Yep, the last one of the month. So be sure to get your favorite things post ready, link up with Dancing with Ashley and find some new blogs. 

Ashley is giving away a $30 credit to ASOS to one lucky reader. All I ask is that you follow a few things in the Rafflcopter below and stop by Dancing with Ashley to say hello. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 **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.

Mix & Match Summer Style Recap

Today, I am over at Tara's blog, Mix and Match Fashion, sharing some of my favorites looks from the summer. Skip on over to see pictures of the full styles and let us know which one is your favorite. While you are there, make sure to click a round for a few minutes and take a peek at Tara's amazing style sense. I have been reading her blog for almost two years. It is one of my daily reads for inspiration.

And just to add a little more substance to this post, here is a picture of my little school girls getting on the bus yesterday. 

Top moments from each of the girls from the first day:
Logan lost a tooth at school. Um, I didn't even know "that" tooth was loose.
Landry said these exact words, "Kindergarten really isn't my thing." Oh, Lord.

Yep, it's going to be a fabulous year!

I promise and cross my heart that I will have an actual style post with better content tomorrow! I even have an unedited, sneak peek for you. Please don't write me off. Just because I am not hopping on a big yellow bus and sharpening #2 pencils doesn't mean I'm not adjusting to this whole back to school thing.

See you bright and early tomorrow for the weekly Random Wednesday Link Up.

Transitioning

If you have been keeping up with style/fashion magazines, blogs and Pinterest, you know that the time has come to start transitioning our closets and styles to the upcoming fall months. Summer items have hit the clearance racks. Boots, deeper/darker color palettes, heavier materials and jackets are making their appearance, ones we haven't seen since earlier this year.

I live in central Texas and even though I daydream for cooler temps and October weather, the facts are the facts. It is still quite hot and will be for the next month or so, but it doesn't mean I'm not planning for the fall months.

I went through my closet again this weekend, cleaned out a few summer items and started playing with ideas on how to  mix my summer wardrobe with fall staples, like a pair of ankle boots and a denim jacket.

I typically do not invest a large sum of money on fall and winter pieces because warm Texas weather lasts about eight months out of the year. I do my best to stretch my closet starting in September and only pick up a few heavier pieces here in there. This is when shopping wisely is most important, at least for me personally. I don't want to wind up with as many fall/winter clothes as I own spring/summer. 

If you live in warmer temp areas, it only takes a few keys pieces to get you through the short lived cooler months.  I highly recommend boyfriend blazers, boots, scarves, basic leggings, two heavy coats and lots of cardigans.

I took this scroll print skirt from Forever 21 that I purchased last summer (so happy to see it brought back) and added a few details that scream fall. The colors and material are perfect for transitioning months. 

Jacket // Top // Skirt // Boots // Bag // Necklace // Earrings // Glasses

I wore this back in July and fully plan to grab my denim jacket and suede ankle boots to stretch a skirt, typically thought to only be worn in the summer, straight into the last part of 2013.

Have you started going through your closet to see what items you can use all calendar year? What pieces and styles to do find work best year round?

P.S. Not only is it the first day of school for my girls, but I am traveling solo to and from Houston today. I am sorry if I don't respond to emails and comments. I am headed to participate in one of the most exciting things that has personally happened to me since I started my little blog. I am hoping to post a few sneak peeks on Instagram and will give you ladies the full details next week.

Neutral Grounds

WHAT I AM WEARING:

Old Navy Raglan (here) // Old Navy Denim (here) // Forever 21 Wedges (here) // Target Bag (similar) (similar) // Lookbook Store Necklace c/o (here) // H&M Glasses (similar) // T+J Designs Watch c/o (here) // Bracelets: Wallis c/o (here), Laura and Lily (here), Sophistifunk c/o (here) // Forever 21 Earrings (here) // Nails: OPI You Don't Know Jacques (here)

I am usually a color person. Bright and bold tones are what I am typically drawn to most of the time. When I saw this metallic raglan at Old Navy I knew exactly how I wanted to style it; simple and on neutral grounds. The "K.I.S.S." acronym of Keep It Simple Sister popped in my brain when it pulled together this style. Sometimes less is more, meaning accessories, patterns and colors.

Each piece is basic, versatile, timeless and effortless. Most importantly I was super comfortable wearing it all day and still felt put together.

I think this top will be showing up on the regular over the next few months; with a jacket, vest, layered over an oxford top or dressed up with a leather pencil skirt. The possibilities are endless with this one and that's why it came home with me. These days, it's all about shopping smarter in my house.

In other other, non-related news, today is our last day of summer break. I am not counting the weekend. School starts on Monday. How did this happen? My girls found out their who their teachers are last night at the annual "Welcome Walk" and this afternoon we will head up to their school and  drop off supplies. Life as we've known it for the last three months is officially over. I am not sure how any of us will adjust to early bedtimes and 5:45 AM wake up calls. Sorry in advance if none of my posts make a lick of sense next week. I fully intend to blame it all on shifting back into a gear that has been dead and gone since early June. Bear with me.

Happy weekend. I am off to soak up every last morsel before the bell rings.

Sole Society Fall Favorites

Many of you may already be well aware of Sole Society, but others may just be hearing about this online shoe, accessory and handbag website for the first time. Regardless if you are an avid shopper of this site or not, I am pretty positive that you will spot a must have pair of shoes in the fall round up below.

Leopard Heel // Ankle Boot // Oxford // Bold Pump // 

Suede Peep Toe // Snakeskin Flat // Studded Heel // T-Strap Flat

I discovered Sole Society last December, thanks to an Instagram photo from a friend. She posted the most glorious Valentino knock-off studded heels. I went straight to their site and scooped them up for myself. I believe they were less than $49. Talk about a major score and I wear them constantly, last seen here. That's what I love about Sole Society, they carry the same quality shoes as other brands that sell for twice or even triple the price.

In case you need clarification, Sole Society isn't like Zappos, DSW or Amazon. They are an actual brand and offer exclusive products that you won't find on other sites.

Even though the site launched mid 2012, it's already made quite a name for itself by being featured in style publications such as Lucky, People Style Watch, InStyle and Glamour. In addition, Julianne Hough is currently collaborating with Sole Society with her very own line of shoes. You have to see her collection. They are all super flirty, feminine, affordable and adorable.

To add to the all the goodness, FREE SHIPPING is offered on all orders and you can get 20% OFF your first purchase when you sign up with your email. 

Need I say more? To all the newbies out there, the active members of the Sole Society "club" welcome you with open arms. Happy shopping!

*This post was NOT sponsored by Sole Society.