It took me a solid five minutes to figure out how to begin this blog post.
The struggle is real.
I do the same thing with what I wear every day. It honestly doesn't matter whether I'm just running around town with the girls or going out on a date with Matt, I have been known to just stand and stare at my clothes hoping something will jump out and inspire me.
I've just always felt that in order to create a great style, I had to have a loud mix of colors and patterns.
Not long ago, I got so frustrated with this process that I started trying to really focus more on styling the simplest of outfits that still feel put together.
The idea of just wearing chambray with black denim sounds super uninspired. I'm technically wearing denim from head to toe. But just keep in mind that simple does not have to equal boring.
Simple is just simple. I'ts chic. It's polished. It's not fussy and doesn't take much to accomplish.
I've had so many people asking me recently about my experience with ordering my clothes online. I'm finding they're are especially curious/skeptical about ordering from China.
Let me start out with addressing online clothes shopping in general.
I almost always try something on before I buy it so I've been a very slow mover into the online shopping arena. My two and four year old girls are pretty stellar shoppers but when it comes to going into the dressing room, they lose their minds. It's like a switch goes off simultaneously in their heads and they look at each and decide "everyone in this store needs to see mommy naked. You in? Let's make it happen."
Needless to say, the process of finding the right fit in the store is not an enjoyable one. And shopping alone is such a rare occurrence that it's really not even worth talking about.
What I'm discovering about shopping online is that all the information I need to know about how it will fit me is included. A few extra clicks and I can read reviews from other shoppers, find out if it fits true to size, and even get the exact measurements of the items. That's WAY more information than what you get in a store!
There still are times when I'll get something in and I don't love the fit but that's why I really only buy from online stores that offer free returns. Nordstrom is my absolute favorite for that very reason. I don't even have to take an item back to the store if I don't love it. I just mail it back with the pre-paid return label they provide.
Speaking of Nordstrom, they have these GORG riding boots on sale for $149 right now. So in love.
I really only shop at places where I get free shipping. Just about every place I shop will provide this service even if it does require a minimum amount spent. Let's be honest, I'm already spending the minimum amount.
Places like Old Navy and Target give free shipping when you spend $50 or more, which is the perfect excuse to grab these amazing zip up booties that are less than $40. Add some cute navy tights for Fall into your cart and your shipping is FREE.
Ok, now that we've talked about online shopping, let's take it a step further and talk about online shopping from.... overseas. Specifically, China.
I was shocked when I first discovered some of these online stores that charge soooooo much less for the same items I was finding in boutiques. But it makes sense. The boutiques are more than likely getting their clothes from the Mart and the Mart is getting their clothes from China. Cut out two middle men and you've got yourself some gooooood deals on clothes!
I've shopped at pretty much all the major Chinese online stores like Choies and Zaful but the only one that I've had a great experience with has been She Inside. The quality of their clothing is great, the shipping is pretty fast (7-10 days), and they even have pretty good customer service. All the sizes I've ordered have been exactly as described, which is great because you do NOT want to try to make a return to one of these companies!
That's probably the only risk. Once you order it, you're stuck with it. But that being said, I still have never gotten anything that I didn't like. So to me it's totally worth the risk to get some amazing deals on clothes.
I'm always on the hunt for a good deal so as I find the good stuff in the great price range, you can be sure I'll keep you in the loop!
Here are a few of my recent favorites (can you tell I have a thing for blue?)
The blue and white stripe top is one size fits most and it's been one of my absolute favorites. Looks so cute paired with white denim. I wore it for the 4th of July and also on our beach trip as a bathing suit cover up.
The white peplum is a structured fit but has a sweet cutout detail around the edges that I love. It's kind of a high low feel, which was hard to see from the stock picture.
The peter pan collar ruffle hem top is my FAV. I ordered an XS which is perfect. It's just the right length to wear untucked with dark or white denim. It also had a really cute tie as the back collar, which I love!
The chambray peplum is so cute and SO flattering. I'm planning to wear it now and with jeans and a cranberry colored cable knit cardigan in the fall.
I'm about to order a few more sweaters from She Inside as well. I'm loving the oversized sweater look but they can be really pricey in stores. So these are fitting perfectly into my Fall clothing budget. I linked a few of these in my last post about Fall styles but they're worth another look!
If you ever see me link something and you have a question about it, please don't hesitate to ask! I love being able to help!
Thanks so much for stopping by and happy (online!) shopping!
Before I jump into my goals for this month I just wanted to share a few more of my favorite finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The sale goes thru Monday and then all prices will return to full retail so jump on these steals while you can!
I just ordered the brown leather jacket this morning and I'm so excited about it! I think of cognac as a sort of neutral since it plays so well with others. But now I'm feeling like I might need the black, too.
Also, I am loving distressed denim right now and I've been amazed at how many sizes and options are still available in the sale. Definitely a must have for Fall!
The crossover sweater is Free People (favorite brand!) and it comes in four different colors.
The booties I linked are a copy cat to some I already own and wear all. the. TIME.
This is my first time posting about my goals for the month BUT I think it's a great way to lay it all out there and give you the opportunity to call me out if you see me eating an ice cream cone on insta after I committed to NO ice cream.
Oh, but let me be clear. I am in no way committing to any such ideology. Ice cream is my ride or die and if it goes, I. Go. Too.
Ok. Goals.
1. Wake up each morning at 6:00 AM - Gross. I'm a night owl. I do my best work at night time when my whole house is quiet. But there's something to be said for waking before the sun to get in my workout, shower, and be ready for the day before my little sleeping beauties wake up. Side Note: To prove just how not me it is to wake up early, this morning Matt came frantically calling for me thru the house and when he found me sitting in the den reading, he looked like he'd seen a ghost. In his defense, I haven't seen this side of 6 o clock since Rowen was still waking to nurse as an infant soooooo. Oopsies.
2. Give Jesus my First Fruits: Now that I'm an early riser, ( not sure I can assume the title after one day but whatever) instead of working out or checking my phone upon waking, I'm committing to spend time with the Lord FIRST THING. Before anything else can demand my attention, I'm giving my attention to the Word. I have done this in the past and it really is the best way to start the day. I like to say spending time with the Lord doesn't necessarily change your day but it does change how you view your day.
3.Read a Book: I totally planned on doing this at the beach but I only recall sitting in a chair one time our entire trip. "Why did I even bring the chair?" I ask myself. So now that we're back and I have all this extra time from waking up sooooo early, I'm gonna read! I'm planing to start with Wild and Free and am open to any suggestions for what I should read next!
4. Only use cash: Ouch. This one hurts me, y'all. I don't like budgets. If I saw Dave Ramsey in the mall, I'd run in the opposite direction. But I wouldn't see Dave in the mall so I guess I'm safe. My man, on the other hand, LOVES a budget. Spreadsheets and cash envelopes are the stuff of dreams to him. I just wanna buy the cute bag when I see it, you know? The struggle. Is. Real. But I've committed this month to be diligent about sticking to our cash system and not giving into impulse buys. Now you see why I still need the ice cream.
That's it for now!
Do you have any new goals you're starting this month?? I wanna hear!
My goodness, do you ever have those days that all you want is to just curl up in comfy clothes and fall asleep watching the FOOD Network?
That's me today. Too bad the to do list is still very far from to done. So on we go with no nap.
One of the only things keeping me energized this sleepy afternoon is my excitement over this SWEET off the shoulder pink flamingo dress. The fit is great and it seems like it would be flattering for lots of body types due to the rouching around the bust.
Side note: As the OTS trend is so widely popular, maybe you've wondered what the best bra is to wear with this style? I would highly recommend investing in a great bandeau. I use the word "invest" very loosely considering most bandeaus are less than $10. It keeps a smooth look rather than the fabric bunching around an every day wired strapless bra. You're welcome.
I'm really working on finding something other than "Happy (insert day of the week)" to greet you with... but I just really want people to have happy days so what's a girl to do? Trying to be more clever though. Trying so hard.
So excited to share this dress I found this week.
It's literally the perfect fit. I'm wearing a small for reference. I ordered three days ago and got it today! I've linked it here and I am happy to say it's only $25! HAPPY. DANCE.
Now for these shoes. Swoon. I'm a sucker for anything black and white. And stripes? Don't even get me started. I found these for $15 at H&M this weekend. I'm in love. They're only available in stores but I think they'd be worth the drive.
Just watching to make sure Rowen doesn't run in the street. #momlife
Now for a few more favorite! I want to share a way we stay organized and CLEAN on the regular in our house.
Stair Baskets: We got these baskets from Wal Mart for $7 a piece and they are just perfect for the depth of the stairs. They also have a little chalk board on the front for each person's name. During the day, if I find something that belongs to someone and don't have the time to put it upstairs or where it actually goes, I just stick it in the basket. Then before we go to bed at night, each person cleans up their basket. It's good practice for the girls to learn that it's their job to clean up after themselves and I'd much rather see random junk in a cute basket than on my floors.
Exercise Ball: Ok, I'm late to the game. I know. But I just got a balance ball and I love it. I've been doing ab exercises with it this week and you can really feel the burn. I found this one at Wal Mart (yes, I am feeling like a red neck for referencing Wal Mart not once, but twice). It comes with examples of how to use it and they're really all you need. So getcha one.
Decor Steals: Are you signed up for the daily steals from this website?! If not, please go sign up NOW! I got this magnolia wreath for half the cost that I'd seen it elsewhere (Looking at you, Magnolia Home) and the quality is great. I've ordered other items from them and their customer service is top notch. They really are on top of the latest trends and the deals are too good to pass up!
Salvaged Chic Market: I posted a few of our new signs from this adorable Etsy store this week. They're so beautiful! Heather does custom work or you can choose from any of the sweet pre-made items in her shop. She is fun to work with and does a beautiful job. I'm so happy with my signs!
Glasses: Matt and I have been married for almost eight years and about a month ago, we noticed most of our glasses we got as wedding gifts were chipped or just looked terrible. Sad. But then I stumbled upon these beauties and instantly forgot all about the nostalgic newlywed cups. These are super sturdy and have the most beautiful design! We also got matching ice cream bowls because I needed another reason to want ice cream. No. No I didn't. These are a part of the Pioneer Woman collection from... you guessed it! WAL MART. Oh my gosh who am I? Whatever. The price is right and the quality is great so who cares where it's from?
I'm getting my hair done this morning. Glory. Then I have a girls night out tonight to celebrate one of my best friend's birthdays and I can't wait to share this cute H&M outfit I've planned to wear!
Reese has her first ballet recital Saturday morning and we are getting SO excited. Honestly I've been so excited about the recital that I haven't planned a single thing the rest of the weekend. I think basking in the glory of our little tutu-clad ballerina should suffice!
