Guide to Cyber Monday

So many sales are still going on from Black Friday + additional ones that already started TODAY for Cyber Monday. I think the retailers have caught on and decided to just go ahead and give us great deals for five days straight. I am definitely not complaining!

I mentioned my favorite Black Friday sales along with my personal holiday wishlist on Thursday.

I made quite a dent in gift buying and accidentally picked up a few things for myself like this sequin top from J.Crew Factory, plaid toggle coat and cognac weekender that has been on my want list for months.

In addition to the list on Thursday (many deals are valid through Monday), I wanted to share a few additional sales for Cyber Monday I came across while doing my online shopping this weekend.

Wine Tote // Faux Fur Scarf // Hello Accent Pillow // What I Bought Shopping Journal // Michael Kors Watch (on major sale) // Cozy Chevron Blanket // Ray Ban Sunglasses // Black Riding Boots // Kids Hunter Boots // Gigi New York Python Clutch // Coffee Mug Set // Gold Polka Dot iPhone Case

Amazon - THOUSANDS of daily deals happening ALL day Monday.

Bauble Bar - 20%, 25%, 30% or $100 off your purchase. Play to win or enjoy 20% off site-wide, but I won 30% off coupon code (just saying).

Daily Look - 30% off entire site + FREE SHIPPING starting Monday.

Forever 21 - 20% off purchase when you spend $60 (code CYBER20) + 30% off purchase when you spend $100 (code CYBER30)

Golden Tote - Order a tote on Cyber Monday & get a surprise item starting at 9am on Monday.

Gigi New York - Up to 30% off everything + FREE SHIPPING.

Kate Spade - 30% off ENTIRE site.

Kohl's - Online ONLY extra 20% off + FREE SHIPPING on order $25 or more.

ModCloth - 25% off EVERYTHING + FREE gift with purchase.

Nordstrom - Adding new sale items daily at up to 40% off.

Piperlime - 30% off entire site + 40% off all sale items.

Ruche - 30% off full priced items + 50% off sale items.

Sole Society - 30% off ALL shoes and bags through 11/30 + 30% off ENTIRE site on Cyber Monday. FREE SHIPPING.

Urban Outfitters - $15 off $75, $25 off $100 and $50 off $150.

West Elm - Up to 25% off your entire purchase + FREE SHIPPING!

Stores still throwing an extended weekend party of sales are
 Gap, Old Navy, Anthropologie, Express, ASOS, and Banana Republic.

Happy shopping & gift buying! xoxo

Holiday Wishlist + Black Friday Sales

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

After your belly is full and your family time is over, it's time to gear up for the biggest days in shopping that we see all year...Black Friday & Cyber Monday!

Below is a round up of my personal holiday wishlist. I always have the hardest time telling people what I want for Christmas, but this year isn't a problem. I want so many things. Is that bad? With our upcoming trip to Tahoe, I need items that will keep me warm and cozy & when it comes to beauty additions or anything that sparkles...sign me up.

So, here we go! Let's gooooooo shopping...in our PJs!!!

FYI...Most of the online deals are EXACTLY the same as the ones in stores and there aren't many differences in Black Friday sales vs. Cyber Monday deals.

Sole Society Weekender // Metallic Slippers // Patterned Socks // Leopard Umbrella // Stila & Bauble Bar Gift Set // Green Hunter Boots // Check Puffer Vest // Nest Candle // Power Charger // Statement Earrings // Sequin Top // Polka Dot Pajamas // Knit Beanie // Personal Microderm Device // Gloves

Here is a list of sales that start promptly at midnight Friday. If you plan to head out to the stores, be safe, patient and have fun!

Amazon - New lightening deals every 10 minutes all day long.

Ann Taylor - 50% off your entire purchase 

Anthropologie - HUGE sale site-wide

ASOS - 30% off your entire purchase 

Banana Republic -  40% off entire store + 50% off one full priced items

Express - 50% off entire store

Gap - 50% off entire store

J.Crew - 30% off select full priced items

J.Crew Factory - 50% off entire store

Kendra Scott - 15% off site wide

Lands' End - 40% off select items + 30% off the rest of your purchase

Loft - 40% off entire store

Nordstrom - Brand new items just marked down specifically for Black Friday.

Old Navy - 50% off entire store

Piperlime - 25% off your entire purchase 

Sole Society - 30% all footwear

Another Way

Yes, I am wearing "the" tartan Zara blanket scarf that has been seen on almost every blog, Instagram and pinned Lord knows how many times. I still love it and all the other oversized scarves that I own. You can take a peek at my other posts wearing them here and here. 

I have been playing with alternative ways to wear and style this ever-so-popular accessory and wanted to share the idea with you guys since you most likely own one too. Instead of wrapping or tying the scarf, I chose to neatly drape it around my neck and sort of tuck it under my quilted vest. I opted to belt the vest and scarf to create a less bulky look and to keep both in place. The warmth of the blanket scarf is still there, but this option allows your neck to have a little breathing room.

PSSSSST...Here is a GREAT website with some of the BEST plaid blanket scarf options + some fun jewelry too!

This is a perfect Thanksgiving Day outfit, one for holiday family photos, travel or for Christmas day.

And yes, I am wearing my Spanx denim leggings and Vince Camuto (on SUPER sale) again. I just can't help. I finally found a pair of denim that do not lose shape or form after a few hours. I also do not have constantly adjust and pull my waist up to avoid sagging booty. The boots, well, they just speak for themselves and go with just about anything and everything.

Red Quilted Vest (old: option here and here) // Tan Blouse (option here) // Zara Blanket Scarf (option here , here and here) // Spanx Denim Leggings // Vince Camuto Boots // Costa Del Mar Sunglasses (option here) // Michael Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife // T+J Designs Leopard Bangle c/o (sold out: option here) // Gorjana Teagan Ring c/o

SHOP THE LOOK

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving, has their eating pants ready, will be enjoying time with family and gearing up for the Black Friday madness. I will be posting my wish list Thursday afternoon and sharing some great steals and deals. See you then.

Thank you for all your support this year! It means the world to me and my gratefulness is overflowing! xoxo

 **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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Collegiate Prep

I posted an almost identical outfit here a few weeks ago on Instagram. This striped collegiate sweater was one of the pieces I chose for this month's Golden Tote (You can read more about Golden Tote here). It is currently available in their boutique. The entire style made me feel young again...like I was back at Texas State studying for final exams. Okay, maybe not exactly, because most likely I wasn't wearing oxford shoes or a cute sweater. It was probably more like a sorority t-shirt, sweatpants and flip flops. Regardless, it was a fun look to put together and wear for a day of running errands.

Golden Tote Striped Collegiate Sweater // Gap Boyfriend Denim // MIA Black Oxfords // Bobbi Brown Readers // Stoplight Red Wet & Wild // Nine West Crossbody // Daniel Wellington Watch

We are gearing up for our first round of Thanksgiving festivities today. I will be back tomorrow and also Friday to share my favorite Black Friday sales. Be sure to check back. If you are traveling this week, be safe and enjoy the blessed time with friends and family.

Liquid Black

Friday I posted more of a classic black and white holiday style idea. Today is the same basic color scheme, but a little on the edgy side. I am not sure this would be considered a holiday look, but definitely one that would be fun for date night or girls night out.

I got this black fur vest from Lookbook a few months ago. I have a similar one from last year, but like this one a little better because of the longer length and it's ability to cover my backside. If you have yet to purchase a faux fur vest, I highly recommend this one. With it's affordable price and quality, it is money well spent and a piece that can be dressed up or down over the next several months. 

I was going to pair the vest and Forever 21 top with black skinny jeans, but mustered up the courage to go with black faux leather leggings from Wallis. They are more or less liquid leggings instead of pants. I have been on the fence about actually wearing them because of how form fitting they are, but I will definitely be playing around with other ways to style them again soon. I suggest wearing a loose fitting top if you are interested in trying out a pair for yourself. They are a fun change of pace and a chic, modern alternative to skinny denim.

Lookbook Faux Fur Vest c/o // Wallis Faux Leather Leggings c/o (almost sold out! another option here) // Forever 21 Southwestern Printed Top // Forever 21 Boots (old: option here and here) // French Connection Elite Tote c/o (on sale!) // Forever 21 Necklace (sold out: option here) // Wrenn Jewelry Rings and Bracelet // Michale Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife (option here)

SHOP THE LOOK

I hope everyone had a great weekend! We got our Christmas tree and indoor decorations up. It's tradition in our house to get everything decorated the weekend before Thanksgiving. That way, once we get home from visiting family, we can sit back and enjoy. I may or may not have almost burned down an entire 3-wick Peppermint Twist Bath and Body candle over the last 48 hours. It's a serious addiction this time of year.

20% Off Outerwear at Forever 21

Hi, ladies! Hope you are enjoying your weekend! We are over here relaxing and watching football. Go Texans!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop in really quick and share the Forever 21 outerwear sale that is good only today! All coats, vests, capes and jackets are 20% off. They are also offering free shipping on all orders $30 or more. Below are ten that I have added to my wishlist lust list. If only I could grab them all!

Two of the pieces I own, have shared on my blog here and here are still available and included in the sale. I love them both and have already gotten plenty of wear out of them. The tulip front coat has already sold out once.

Happy shopping! Chat more tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of the weekend! xoxo

Black and White Advice

With all the money that vanishes from our bank account during the holiday season, I have put my selfish shopping habits on somewhat of a hold and have been focusing on reworking items I already own. This topic seems to be the current focus of discussion over the last week or so on my blog.

I am 100% guilty of getting caught up with wanting new pieces that "such and such blogger" has or running out to grab the new pair of boots my girlfriend just purchased, but let's be honest, this time of year is serious budget crunching time. Can I get an Amen?

I think as women, or the majority of women, feel the need to buy, buy and buy some more. Is it just me? I don't know. Maybe it's a part of wanting to be accepted. Feeling worthy. Being on trend. Desiring what other women have and wear. Keeping up with the Joneses. Building confidence. Hopping on board with what magazines, celebrities and "it" bloggers are telling us we "need". Get it before it's gone! It's on sale! Everyone is wearing it! This is the trend of the year! Don't miss out! Don't be left behind! And the story goes on and on.

Now, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with any of these mentalities or statements. I have fallen victim to them all and still do. Again, we are women.

All I am trying to convey today is that you do not have to rack up credit card debit, spend your entire paycheck or dig into your savings account for clothing. Yes, purchasing clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry gives me pleasure...lots of pleasure...in moderation. Ironically, I have learned that taking pieces I already have hanging in my closet seem to bring more pleasure. Ross sure does appreciate it.

Everything I am wearing in today's post is far from new. Again, I went back to the basics of classic pieces, incorporated some print and texture and added a bold lip for a sophisticated and timeless holiday style. 

This look is easy to recreate with items you have in your closet. If you don't own a leather dress, try a basic black skirt with a white button down. Don't have animal print pumps? Slip on a bold, solid color pair of heels like red, blue or magenta. Also, accessories are key for completing a style. Dress up your black and white pairings with a statement necklace or eye-catching clutch.

If you take more time focusing on what you already own instead of what you think you need to buy, I have a feeling you will surprise yourself by how many new outfits you can come up with. I know it's been eye-opening for me. 

Happy holiday shopping in your closet.

Vince Camuto Leather Dress (option here and here) // Joe Fresh Top // Nine West Spotted Animal Print Pump (option here and here) // Clare V Clutch c/o // Forever 21 Necklace (option here, here and here) // Lilac Bijoux Bow Bracelet (option here) 

SHOP A SIMILAR STYLES

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading! xoxo

Instagram #OOTD Recreate - Zara Blanket Scarf

I posted this outfit on Instagram Saturday for a football and friends party hosted by one of my good friends. You ladies seemed to have liked it, so I wanted to recreate a similar, if not identical look. 

The mustard Forever 21 cardigan I am wearing in the Instagram photo is from last year, but I found a super similar one that I actually like a little better than mine. I know I have posted this Forever 21 tote at least five times, if not more, but I really have been getting that much use out of it. Sorry if you're tired of seeing it, and maybe these Vince Camuto boots too. You guys, they are both just that good.

I know the whole blanket scarf bandwagon is "crazy town" and everyone and their moms have one, but they are sooooooo warm and cozy. I wore this one from Zara a few months ago and several other times since that post. It was sold out at one time, but was so excited to see it's back in stock. I am not sure how long it will be available. I love the colors and fun change from the one that you see all over the internet...and yes, I admit, I own this one too....plus three others. Let's just hope that this warm and fuzzy trend makes it's way back next year. 

P.S. If the one from Zara ends up selling out, here is a very similar one from ASOS and another identical one here.

Forever 21 Mustard Cardigan (another option here and here) // Zara Plaid Blanket Scarf (another option here and  here) // Vince Camuto Boots // Old Navy Leggings // Forever 21 Tote // Forever 21 Earrings // Michael Kors Watch (here is a similar one on SUPER sale)

Layers & Leopard

Layering clothes...oh it's that time of year. As much as I dream of summer days on the lake, the cool (freezing) temperatures and piling on layers makes me warm and fuzzy. I told you guys on Monday about how I have been trying to get the most wear out of pieces I already own and using them to their fullest extent. Well, here I am again today with items that have been hanging for quite sometime (chambray shirt & black dress). They have both been great friends over the last year or so and continue to triumph when all other things fail within the mess called my closet.

I grabbed this Joe Fresh sweater (in black too), leopard beanie and my new trusty tan tassel scarf over the last few weeks. All three are staple winter items that I plan on getting plenty of wear out of. The scarf was last seen on Friday. 

Because I live in Texas and the colder months only last a hot second, I consciously focus on key pieces that can be remixed and styled several ways. And in case you missed my last infomercial, these Vince Camuto riding boots are the BEST. They are less than $200, super comfy and much less than so many of the other styles floating around the internet and Pinterest.

Joe Fresh Sweater via JcPenney // Target Chambray (old: option here and here) // Old Navy Dress (option here) // Vince Camuto Riding Boots // Forever 21 Tassel Scarf // Sole Society Crossbody c/o // Apt. 9 Leopard Beanie // Wrenn Jewelry Rings c/o // Michael Kors Watch c/o The Jewelers Wife (similar ON SALE!!)  // T+J Leopard Bangle c/o (option here)

SHOP THE LOOK

Okay, in random topics...which I haven't brought to the blog in awhile...

1. Taylor Swift? Where are you? Where did you go? I miss you, your guitar and sad, broken heart voice. Am I the only one that isn't a fan of her new album? Okay, maybe three songs are stuck in my head, one being Blank Space. And the video? Oscar nomination? Ha!

2. Santa Claus. Luckily my girls do not read my blog. Hoping other kids who still believe don't either. Anyway, if your children no longer believe in his magic spirit, please talk to them about not spoiling it for others. I know that he is not the reason for the season, but he sure plays an important role. So sad, but this is probably the last year for our oldest to believe and we plan on going out with a BANG!

3. BANG? Yes, I said bang in my last full sentence. We are surprising the kids with a trip to Tahoe this year. Santa is bringing us airfare, clothing and snow!!! With that said, I need help. Do any of you live in Tahoe or traveled there during the winter months? Where should we go? What ski resorts are best? Fun New Year's Eve events? Any info or details you can send my way are greatly appreciated. We cannot wait to see the faces on the kids. They have never seen "real" snow or mountains, or skis, or anything remotely related to a winter wonderland. Ross and I went during the summer three years ago, but there is a HUGE difference between summer and winter activities in Tahoe. :)

If you haven't read it before, thanks a MILLION for reading, commenting and stopping by. I appreciate it more than you guys know. Happy hump day!

 **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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