Faves from the Anthropologie tag sale

It's not a secret that I've a lover of all things Anthropologie. And while I've indulged in my fair share of splurges, I'm always delighted when they host a comprehensive sale. I've scooped up some of my favorite pieces for over half off, and wanted to share the love with you. Below are a bunch of my favorites (in various price points) from their current tag sale, which is happening online and in stores. I'd encourage everyone to check it out and see what deals you can snag. (Click on the image for all the details.)

Have a fabulous weekend!

Mama Fashion: Casual

Every once in awhile I have a bit of a fashion crisis, where I'm not really sure what to wear. Let me clarify a bit. I used to be a working mama, and found it easy to continue to dress as I used to, pre-baby. Since I've made the transition to being at home full-time, I often grapple with what to wear. 

My nicer knits and office wear are now saved for special occasions, and I refuse to wear workout clothes/sweats all day. (Maybe because I don't own any? Though, in my opinion, leggings are fair game.)

Today, I've put together an outfit that I think strikes the balance between being functional and fashionable. Also, I happen to own the tee and pants that are featured, and can attest that they are both great options for an active mama chasing around her kid(s). 

The perfect tee

For me, it was finding the perfect tee. One that was comfortable but also felt special in some way. And I'm so happy I found it. (Though I'm sad that it doesn't come in the amazing mint color I own online.) 

Comfy, yet stylish pants

I love these striped trousers because they are very in harmony with what's happening in fashion (i.e. linear patterns and black and white), but aren't too fussy. 

Fun flats

Finding a great pair of flats is key for a day at the playground. It helps that they're really in style right now, but for me, this is mainly functional. 

Colorful bangles (or another great accessory)

My daughter just loves to pull at my earrings and necklaces, so I have found that bracelets are the way to go. I love the variety and colors of this set. 

Mother's Day Gift Guide: The Mama-To-Be

Since it's Wee Wednesday (and since I know a lot of women who are about to become mothers for the first time) I thought today would be a good day to focus on the mother-to-be. If she's expecting, waiting for placement or just a fantastic human being who loves kids, she could be happy with some or all of the items listed below.  

1. If she's expecting, buy a special outfit for her baby-to-be. My husband did this for me before I gave birth to our daughter, and it is still one of my most favorite gifts. 

2. An elegant asymmetrical initial necklace is fabulous for any lady.

3. Scarves are a lovely accessory that fit all shapes and sizes. I love a good floral.  

4. A pair of indoor/outdoor slippers (especially ones this fashionable) could be a fabulous secret between the two of you. You know, the whole "I'm wearing slippers in public and nobody knows" kind of secret. 

5. Who doesn't love a good bath? And stress relief on top of that? Perfection.

6. An organic cotton throw with an interesting pattern is always a good idea. Always.   

7. Is that a nursing bra? It's the nursing bra. 

8. Comfy robe. Enough said. 

Like it v. Love it: Coral crush

Ah, the midi/maxi skirt. I'm so glad this style is sticking around for a bit. Today's installment of Like it/Love it features two lovely coral options that will be perfect for spring and summer. 

So...

Like it ($13.80) || Love it ($118.00)

What do you think? 

Makeup on the go

I don't know about you, but it seems like the only moments I need to retouch my makeup are precisely those moments when I realize I've forgotten to throw said makeup into my purse, diaper bag or laptop case.  

I've been that girl who found out I had a last minute meeting with an important client, only to realize that the zit I had thought was sufficiently covered had met it's 3 p.m. makeup-fading demise. (And just so we're clear, cystic acne is no one's best friend.) I've also been that girl who told her then-boyfriend (now husband) to pick her up a half an hour later than planned because I had to "work late" because my face was in desperate need of a makeup intervention.  

My solution? Carry the essentials with you at all times.

My problem used to be that I wanted to take my entire makeup bag with me, which oft times isn't very practical. So I found a small, inexpensive makeup bag that I knew would be unobtrusive in my purse, and filled it with some essentials.

1. Hair Ties - In case of a rainstorm, a bad hair day or just because you're in the mood to switch things up a bit, it's always a good idea to have a quick hair solution.  I like these because they add a little flair, and they're easier on your hair than a typical elastic band. I also like to have a few bobby pins on hand, just in case. 

2. Pressed Powder - A good pressed powder is an integral part of keeping your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. I like this option because, even those it's a bit spendy, a little bit goes a long way. It's perfect to blot out a bit of excess oil in the t-zone, or to set a bit of concealer. 

3. Facial Moisturizer - I have really dry skin, so I like to have a moisturizer on hand at all times that will combat any potential dryness. I love this brand, because it manages to achieve intense hydration without a greasy finish. When need, I can even blot it lightly over my existing makeup for just a hint of a dewy finish.

4. Mascara - A good one (especially at a decent price) is hard to find, which is why I'm currently enthralled with Buxom. It provides me with the volume I love, and doesn't smudge. At all. Amazing.

5. Multi-Purpose Makeup Stick - I love the versatility of The Multiple because I can use it as a blush and as a lip color. And it lasts for a loooong time. (My current favorite is G-spot, which whilst typing it felt a bit awkward, but hey, I didn't make up the name.)

6. Concealer - A must, really. I like this formula because it provides great coverage without being cakey. A little goes a long way.

7. Eye Shadow Duo - In the event that you end up going to an event (see what I did there?) that requires you to amp up your day look, make sure you have a neutral eye shadow duo in your to-go makeup arsenal. Mine consists of a darker brown shade with a hint of luster (that I can also use for my brows in a pinch) and a lighter complimentary color (that can also be used --sparingly-- as a highlighter). Look for a palette that enhances your natural features that is universal enough to go with most ensembles. 

8. Lip Treatment - I find that the use of lipstick (or The Multiple) can be a bit drying, so I always make sure that I have a hydrating lip treatment handy. It's either this (which adds a hint of color) or this, which I'll wear plain or layer with color if I want more of a statement lip. 

7. Travel Size Makeup Brushes - I always include a blush/powder brush and an eyeliner/eyebrow brush, but you should choose the brushes that you use the most. Look for travel sets, so that the brushes will be less obtrusive (and less expensive). I got mine years ago from MAC, and they have served me well. If you don't want to spend as much, try this brand from Target. 

Striped makeup bag: Target (no longer available) // Hair ties: Anthropologie // Powder: Laura Mercier // Moisturizer: Philosophy // Mascara: Buxom // Multi-purpose makeup stick: NARS // Concealer: Smashbox // Eye shadow duo: Stila (no longer available) // Lip treatment: Fresh // Travel size makeup brushes: MAC (no longer available) 

The key is to pare down your typical beauty routine to the essentials. If you have fabulous, clear skin, you might forgo the concealer and just have the powder on hand. If your skin is more oily, skip the lotion and include oil absorbing sheets. If you're not into eyeshadow, but love a great cat eye, incorporate a liquid liner instead. You get the idea. The less bulky the item, the better.

Do you have any makeup questions that you'd like addressed? If so, contact me here. 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her

And I'm back, this time with some ideas for the ladies. Whether it's capitalizing on her love of makeup, jewelry, or pretty underthings... or giving her a little tome with sweet sentiments, the woman in your life will appreciate the effort.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Holiday Gift Guide for Her: Under $50

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

It's all about the hardware

Living in the city means sacrificing square footage. Though our current apartment has two bedrooms, said bedrooms are not very large. Especially when trying to combine a study with a nursery. With this in mind, the husb and I decided to look for something that could serve as both storage and a changing table, to better utilize our limited amount of space. Initially, we looked online for a second-hand dresser that we could refurbish and use, but after a lot of disappointments, we decided to go another route.

Enter IKEA.

I happen to love this store, mainly because you can get really modern, chic furniture for a great deal. And any accompanying nicks can be remedied via Sharpie. Everything is built to last long enough, which is what we have needed in our transitory life up to this point. I found this dresser, and found that dimension-wise, it was perfect for our needs, but I was underwhelmed by the cheap, plastic knobs that accompanied it.

So we picked up six of these, which the husb adeptly added to our new purchase.

Thus:

+

=

The photo doesn't really do this justice. The new knobs five it a higher-end, more-customized look, all with a budget-conscious price. Hardware is the quickest way to amp up any standard piece.

(And acrylic paint does wonders with any flaws that may exist.)

Mad for Maxis

Since this summer will find me a little more... rotund than usual, I am currently obsessed with snatching up any and every maxi dress that comes my way (if within a reasonable price point, might I add). I recently received this one as a gift, and am REALLY loving it:

It's got just enough stretch to make it wearable right now, and I know that I will still love it in the future. It's comfortable and easily dressed up or down, depending on the accessories.

And, of course, Anthro never fails to disappoint in the apparel arena, so here are a few more maxis I would love to own:

      Frida (I love the playful print; it's perfect for summer.)     

              

 Budding Dahlia (Isn't this one of the most beautifully feminine dresses you have ever seen?) 

Whispering Forest (The color and shape in person are stunning I tell you. Stunning.) 

 V-Formation (Ok, I might actually buy this one...)

I am also looking forward to a forthcoming trip to Vegas, so I can hit up the H&M for some more affordable options. Because, let's be honest, a girl can never have too many dresses. Especially in the summer.

Family picture time rears its ugly head

As a general rule, I'm not a super huge fan of pictures of myself. I'm just not that photogenic, nor do I like being the center of attention (or, in the instance of a family photo, part of something that will become the center of attention once it's on display above the fireplace). We haven't had a family picture taken in years, and since my little brother is about to go serve a 2 year mission for our church, my mom decided it was finally time to get a new family photo taken. (I'm pretty sure that in the last "professional" family portrait we had taken, I was definitely more blonde than brunette and was maybe rocking some sweet Doc Marten sandals. Not to mention a matching burgundy skirt ensemble. The horror.)

The photo will be taken at the end of this month, which barely gives me time to mentally prepare myself. (Hehee.) Thankfully, I picked up this little number the other day, and am actually excited to wear it on picture day.

The finished product may or may not be shown on the blog, but I will definitely report back on what I pair with it. (Right now, I'm leaning toward some black patterned tights, my platform pumps and a fitted cardigan with some gold accessories.)

Today, I feel like I need...

this outfit. Which, of course, I don't. But it's sure a pretty ensemble, isn't it? Let's put this on the lust list and move on. Happy Monday!

Even though it's ridiculously overpriced...

I can't help but be obsessed with this little number. The colors, the silhouette, everything! How fab would this look with some ribbed grey leggings and a fabulous ankle bootie? I encourage someone to buy it so I can live vicariously through you. (Or buy it and give it to me... I promise it would get lots of use!)

Feeling a bit Betty Draper-ish today...

Probably because I'm wearing this skirt.

I won't lie, I feel instantly feminine in this full, tea-length skirt. And it's surprisingly light for a summer's day. Today I've paired it with a simple, scoop-necked white tee with half-sleeves (also from Anthro) and my favorite grey wedges from H&M. Though I love the outfit displayed above paired with a tissue thin, white, short-sleeved cardigan like this.

Three in one...

I could see myself wearing this as a cover up for the beach, as a fun girlie nightgown or as a casual summer date night dress (paired with a short sleeved summer cardi). And with a price tag of $68 it's hard to resist.

Deliciously diaphanous

--> I'll admit that I've always been a bit of a girlie-girl. I love clothes and accessories that are soft, ethereal and delicate. Spring is the perfect season to shed some of winter's bulkiness and delight in all that is diaphanous.

Here are a few of my favorite new pieces:

Chiffon Pom Flower Earring | seal(ed) - lovely vintage hairpin set

Satin and Bead Necklace | Mini Flower-and-Bead Necklace

Lingering Vest | Vanilla Bean Blouse

Molded and Melded tee
(l: ivory; r: sky)

Chiffon forget-me-not cardigan
(l: sandstone sky; r: sandstone shell)

(I apologize for all the florals... I think I'm just ready for Spring. And let's be honest, a beautiful floral in a soft, light fabric is the epitome of diaphanous.)

I've been Anthro'd

Gotta love birthdays. And sales.

A summery date night outfit.

Not too dressy and not to casual... just how I like to dress on the weekend. (Oh yeah, and I love mixing white and cream... though only in moderation.)

Sweet Icing Earrings ($24.00)

May Bud Wrap ($58.00)


Banded Slub Knit Top ($9.80)

or...


H81 Braid Trim Knit Tunic ($12.90)

{though if the fabric of the wrap is sheer, I would rock a Down East Basics or Shade tee}

Crowd Favorite Bermudas ($78.00)


Bounty ($119.00)
{I'll admit, they look kind of ugly in the pic, but I've seen these on someone, and they look AMAZING. And they're five inches tall. Yaya.}

Have a lovely weekend!

Yes, please.

This is so lovely, I actually have chills right now. Chills.

a fun spring/summer outfit

be it for a casual friday at work or a date night or a nice walk in the park. i think it embodies the laid-back, yet feminine aspects that i happen to love about spring and summer clothes.

Classic Cap Sleeve Tee ($17.50)

Unifying Theme Vest ($78.00)

Cocoplum Pencil Skirt ($59.95)

Seeri Sandal ($49.95)

what do you like to wear this time of year?

I'm liking

these bowls. On sale for $29.95 down from $58.00. Gotta love a sale. Especially when it's an Anthro sale.