LENT SATURDAY 4

We're in the 4th week of my no shopping for Lent (you can check out week one, two and three here). It's be really difficult these past few weeks. Since I'm doing it only to really challenge myself, I keep thinking I can just give it up. But I'm trying my hardest to see this through and really stick it out. I'm doing a good job and it would be silly to stop now. So here we go:

I'm really loving the double letter monogram necklace trend right now. I always wear my mini monogram with three initials, but I'm thinking it's time to change it up! What's also great about this necklace is how affordable it is! Under $40 is right up my alley! If I was shopping...

I've also fallen in love with this Danielle Nicole purse. I love how affordable it is while also having a similar style to the (overpriced) Celine bag. All of her purses are ah-mazing and I think I need to add some to my collection. 

Next is this White Ruche Dress. It's the epitome of the perfect summer dress. The flowy material and the layers would be perfect with a good blog summer wedge and some bright statement earrings.

And speaking of perfect summer dresses, add this yellow dress to the list! (It would be great with these turquoise earrings) The back of this dress is to die for and the color is one that I think will be big for this spring and summer. 

Saving the best for last!! Remember these Tory Burch heels?! Well here are some replicas (from a new favorite store of mine) that are EXACTLY like them! And of course they're only $65. PLUS everything is 25% off with the CODE: GET25. So happy shopping friends, buy something for me. I'll love you forever!

HOW ABOUT THEM CATS?!?!? GO KENTUCKY!!

Saturday, March 29, 2014

LENT SATURDAY 4

THE TRUTH ABOUT INSTAGRAM

I've been wanting to do a post like this for a while, and with a big, month-long series around the corner, I thought now was a better time than ever. 

Instagram is a lie. I'm not talking about the high school friends you follow or the daily puppy page; I'm talking about those fashion bloggers you swoon over. The ones where you wonder how the heck they have such perfect pictures and such wonderful lives. My strawberries don't look that color. My desk is never that clean. My room is never that bright. The list can go on and on. 

The app that was originally designed to show you a (filtered) real-life image of your friends, family and idols has evolved into a staged and over-edited community. It can easily be compared to the editing that goes on in magazines that everyone is upset about. People are filtering their "real life" to make it more ideal, more "Pinteresting" and more of what they think people want to see.

I don't hate them for it, though. In all reality, it's smart. Their pictures have more likes, their pages have thousands of followers, and in turn their brand value increases. 

Instagram is a huge tool for bloggers, and probably one of the most important when you talk about your overall image. These are "real" up-to-date images of the bloggers you obsess over everyday. I just want people to be aware that we're doing this. We're creating and staging these images for you. We're doing it to drive your likes, your comments, your page views. I know friends who literally take hours to post an image. Some use three different apps. Many take 50 pictures to get the right shot. Almost all take a whole day to stage an image. The "instant" part of Instagram is no longer there.

So why am I telling you about this? Because I know I can get down on myself for not living in this world bloggers portray. I look around on other pages and get upset that my life isn't as picture-perfect. That's half the reason I don't follow a ton of bloggers on Instagram. It's all just so fake. The more you see it, the more you think it's the norm and the more you try to keep up with this life that no one is actually living. It's a vicious circle. I just wanted to shed some light on the situation and help others become aware. 

Just recently, on my trip to Hilton Head, I started doing the same. More because I wanted to show you the before and after pictures, and because I wanted to see if there was really a difference in how my followers respond. I wanted first-hand knowledge on the situation so I can talk about this from a fair and knowledgeable standpoint. 

Did I see more likes on my pictures when edited? Yes. 

Did I gain more followers? Yes. 

So there you have it. Take my rambling for what you want. Just be in the know.

Friday, March 28, 2014

THE TRUTH ABOUT INSTAGRAM

ALTERNATE JERSEYS

Alternate jerseys:

Uniforms that incorporate the team's colors but are not worn on a regular basis. 

Oh what I would give to be able to wear this outfit right now in the city. It's freezing outside and all I really want is some sunshine. Sunshine and a chance to wear my white jeans and Jacks. This look is the ultimate spring and summer look. I know there is that "rule" that prohibits white after Labor Day, but I've never been a fan of rules. I bought this Elsa top from Lilly Pulitzer not too long ago. It was my first Elsa, and let me say, I'm in love! It's a wonderful shirt, fit, and material; an all-around A+ top. And you can't dispute this print. Navy and white is obviously a love of mine, but the elephants -- who doesn't love elephants? It goes so nicely with the jeans, even though the print is more of a light grey or dull white than a bright white. That was one thing that had me hesitant, but there were so many more pros than one little con, so I kept the shirt. Happy happy dance. Now give me the warm weather that goes with this outfit and we'll call it a day. Okay?

Top | Jeans | Shoes | Sunglasses | Watch | Jewelry 

Isn't Caitlin great at snapping photos of me?

Thursday, March 27, 2014

ALTERNATE JERSEYS

PEARLS

Pearls: 

Fresh, white, never-before-used baseballs.

Sometimes there is nothing better than white. There is something so classic and crisp about a good white outfit. If I could, I would wear all white every day of the week. However, as you know, white attracts stains and if I weren't so dang messy all the time, this wouldn't be a problem. This white skirt is probably one of my favorite items in my closet. It's something I can see myself wearing for a long, long time (and it's on sale!). Another good buy was this J. Crew silk-pocket blouse that I can't believe has come back for another season. There are so many great ways to wear this shirt and this is only one example. The only items I'm wearing that aren't available anymore are these Sole Society shoes, but they do have tons of other options :) 

(Can we also talk about how long my hair is in these pictures?! Wow.)

Top: J. Crew | Skirt: J. Crew (on sale!) | Shoes: Sole Society

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

PEARLS

GETTING TIED UP

Getting tied up:

An inside pitch that prevents the hitter from making solid contact with the ball.

I'm really excited for today's post! Remember that trip with Tracy to Hilton Head a few weeks back? On our way home, we stopped by the Kate Spade outlet. I was immediately drawn to this white bow top (duh ... white and a bow?!) and it was on sale. What better way to celebrate a weekend away then buying a bow top on sale, right? I hadn't had a chance to wear it in New York due to the weather, so when I went to visit Caitlin the next weekend, I brought this bad boy along and wore it to my heart's content. 

I really love these photos Caitlin and I took -- the lighting is awesome! I remember the first time Andrew saw the pictures he was a bit taken back. I guess the big bow didn't fit his New York style -- silly boy. To change it up from how it's normally worn, I decided to pair it with some jean shorts and Chucks. I think it's very summer, and although others might think it's weird -- hey --it's me. I like to push the boundaries and try new things. Hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

GETTING TIED UP

MAHI GOLD

I wanted to share a new company that is on my radar. Welcome, MAHI GOLD

via

I'm really in love with all their pieces and it makes me yearn for warmer weather. Their prints and colors are super nautical "from the boat to the beach to the dock to the bar" explains MAHI GOLD perfectly--- get me on a boat and in these dresses! I wanted to share the company with you and have you fall in love just like I have. Here is their video for 2014... Um one of everything please:

Monday, March 24, 2014

MAHI GOLD

PINTEREST

I've been on a pinterest kick lately. I found I took a break in the past and just never found time to get lost in the hours of it all. But I'm back! Moved some things around, and made some time because a lot of 'pinspiration' comes from there (that and it's just a fun way to relax). You can see some of my pins below! Are you on pinterest? Are you following along? I promise it'll be fun!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

PINTEREST

LENT SATURDAY 3

We're in the third week of Lent! And without this slip up, I've been perfect. But man has it been rough. The whole picking pinterest up again doesn't help much... although it has been nice to document and keep a list of the things I want.

Like this dress... I swear gap keeps getting better and better and I'm praying that they still have this when this is all over. The navy and white with the stripes and the pockets... it all just works. Put it on my tab!

While we're on the topic of how awesome Gap has been lately, I also have my eyes on these shorts and this dress. Do you see a theme here with all the navy and white? I just can't seem to get enough.

I've also been on the hunt for a couple months now for a mini elephant necklace. Weird, I know but I'm really into mini/delicate necklaces and I really really want this one. I would have about fainted if it came in gold, but silver will have to do. I just still can't believe I found one!!

And last on the list today is this pearl necklace. Along with the elephant necklace, I've been on the look out for a good chunky pearl necklace. I think this does the trick and there's also a matching bracelet. Maybe a little too much, but who knows.

Hope you have a great Saturday!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

LENT SATURDAY 3

BIG BLUE BLOGGERS

Happy Friday! Yesterday we embarked on the best time of the year: March Madness. Going to Kentucky, you live and breathe college basketball. I've filled out my bracket (screw you Dayton), the schedule is set and I'm ready for Kentucky to take it all (a girl can dream, right?). My Junior year in college we won the National Championship, the schools 8th, and to this day it still lives on as my favorite memory from school. Winning the championship, rushing the streets, staying up till sunrise-- it was all so unforgettable and I want more than anything to experience it again in my life (which is not an absurd request considering who we are). We play for the first time in the tournament tonight against Kansas State and I'm pumped! Today I've teamed up with my favorite UK girls and we're showing you how we're styling our game day outfit.

No surprise here that I'm (yet again) wearing my favorite skirt. I'll be sporting this look to work today and although we're able to dress casually, I thought this would be a very appropriate outfit for both work and the game. A way to show off my school spirit while not being over the top. It's also offically spring so that means it has to be warm, right? Either way, here is to UK! 

Ohhhhh C - A - T - S, CATS CATS CATS!

Top (old) | Skirt (on sale!) | Boots c/o | Watch

Alex: Lex What Wear |Danielle: Lou What Wear | Me

Katie: Out & Outfit | Steph: White Coat Wardrobe |Shelby Glitter & Gingham

Who are you cheering for?

Friday, March 21, 2014

BIG BLUE BLOGGERS

SALLY LEAGUE

Sally League:

The South Atlantic League ("SAL"), a Class A minor baseball league with several teams located in the Carolinas.

Hi friends! Welcome to another post from Charlotte, N.C. Like I've said 100...times...over, I love this skirt. I have it in (almost) every color and this green one (on sale!) is the latest addition to the collection. I've been waiting to wear it (insert complaint about the weather here) for a while now. I knew Charlotte would be the perfect place to break it out! I originally thought to pair it with a nice white or cream top, but instead I decided to color block and pair it with another green top because... why not. I've also been yearning to wear my favorite shoes (and they're now at DSW-- Mom, wanna buy me the pink pair? size 8)!! I swear these shoes instantly make my legs look better... not to mention really make my feet happy :) I'm starting to get into green more and more (as you can tell). I guess I'm just celebrating St. Patrick's day all week long? Can I have more green beer?

 

Skirt | Shoes |Watch 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

SALLY LEAGUE

BFFS

To start, sorry for all the photos. I can't help it that Caitlin is such a great photographer and I that I reallllllllyyyyy love this outfit. To confess, I've sinned (?)... I gave up shopping for Lent (reminder: as a challenge, not because of my religion) and while in Charlotte I found this Vineyard Vines peplum stripe top. Really, we shouldn't have been at the mall, I shouldn't have been trying this on, and it shouldn't have been such a great sale ($19 from Belk....). I felt sick after doing it, but just reminded myself that this is the reason for the season. To be aware, to understand and learn. Check check and check.

Anyways... I had an amazing time in Charlotte with Caitlin! We are such amazing friends that we can 100% be ourselves around each other. You know that extra silly, having fun while doing nothing type of friendship? That's us. I'm so grateful to call her one of my best friends--- she gets everything about me-- my real life and my blog life. Not many people can connect on so many levels. Thankful to the moon and back for this little lady. Love you Caitlin! (She even let me borrow this killer pearl necklace ((ummmmm it's $15 guys..)) aint that sweet of her?)

Shirt | Necklace | Shorts | Shoes | Sunglasses | Watch | David Yurman

We spent about half our weekend looking at videos and decided to make one of our own! It was really last minute and kind of thrown together, so work with me here. Hope you enjoy it anyway!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

BFFS