Like it v. Love it: Mini Luggage Totes

Ah, the Celine Mini Luggage Tote. It debuted last year to stunning results, and is now sold out pretty much everywhere. And where it is being sold, it is accompanied by an exorbitant  markup. (Not like it wasn't already expensive to begin with... oh wait.) 

Thus, I was thrilled to find this option at H&M, and even more thrilled that the company officially launched online shopping in the US today. So you can very literally order this guy from the comfort of your couch.

Like it || Love it 

Father's Day Gift Guide: Under $25

Father's Day is fast-approaching. So today, in addition to the standard Wee Wednesday post, I wanted to share some of my favorite Father's Day finds under $25. 

1. What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than with a versatile pair of shorts? I like the fact that this pair has the ability to be dressed up or down, which means they won't be too intimidating for the anti-manshionista. (And yes, I just made up that term... bam!)

2. Oh my cerulean shoes. With socks or without, these will be a staple in your man's summer and fall wardrobe. (Shoe-drobe?)  

3. Every man needs a pair of, in my daughter's terminology, "cool dude shades." These are less than 10 bucks. Done. 

4. Jazz up your guy's desk with a brightly colored ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil. The price of both together? $20. 

5. A classic leather belt is always a good idea. Always. 

6. I don't know about you, but I love a good pocket square. This one is conservative, yet fashionable. 

7. A fancy shaving kit for $15? That's what I call a bang for your buck. 

8. High quality BBQ tools for 50% off. Enough said.

Tune in for my under $50 and under $100 picks on Friday. 

Find a deal this Memorial Day weekend

I apologize for my lack of posts this week. It's been a busy one. While I haven't had much time to write, I have kept my eye out for some amazing deals that are happening now/this weekend. 

Amazon

Join Amazon Prime before May 30, 2013 to gain access to this event and save 20% on hundreds of eligible items in the Baby Store. Once you join Amazon Prime, the single-use-only promotional code BABY0513 can be used for up to $100 in total savings through May 31, 2013 (11:59 p.m. Pacific time). Restrictions apply. 

BabiesRUs

49 deals from May 24-27. Deals include a Pack 'n Play on sale for $59.99 and Earth's Best 1st and 2nd foods (my fave), 20 jars for $15. 

Freshly Picked 

Freshly Picked is starting off the Memorial Day weekend right with giveaways May 24-26 and a sale May 27-31. You do not want to miss out! Like FP on Facebook (and/or Instagram) for all of the details. 

H&M

Receive 20% off and item of your choice with this coupon. Offer valid May 20-27. Also, for all you Northern Utah residents, H&M at Station Park in Farmington opens today at noon! The first 100 people in line will receive an all-access fashion pass with a value up to $300 off your entire purchase. 

J.Crew

Receive $30 off your purchase of $150, $50 off your purchase of $200 and $75 off your purchase of $250, with the code SHOPNOW. Valid in-store and online. 

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, all! 

Get the look: Victoria Beckham

Sunnies | Top | Skirt | Clutch | Pumps 

The cutest tank for your little girl... for $3.95

I have an uninhibited love for H&M (even though their sizing is oft times crazy). Recently, I happened into the store and found the perfect tank for my little. The best part? It was only $3.95. Seriously. 

I only bought one (shown below), but believe me when I say I was tempted to buy it in every color and pattern.

Image via

Perfect for some serious porch swinging

I'd recommend visiting soon, because these tanks will go fast. And while you're there, pick me up a couple more mmk? 

Toddler Outfits Under $40

Ah spring... it's finally kind of sort of happening. To celebrate, I've concocted a couple of fabulous spring outfits for the littles, both of which ring in under $40. Both ensembles focus on trendy colors for spring (mint! cornflower!) and feature pieces that can be worn together or separately with other items from your child's wardrobe. Don't be afraid to play with color and have fun! 

Little Miss: Polka dot  blouse: H&M / Chambray Shorts: Target / Ballet flats: H&M / Headband: Gap 

Little Mister: High Tops: H&M / Shorts: H&M / Oxford Shirt: Old Navy / Bow Tie: H&M

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Frugal Finds Under $25

I apologize that my posts for Thursday and Friday didn't make it live last week. I've been dealing with a sick baby and a sick me. So please forgive me for posting last Thursday's post today. Your regularly-scheduled Makeup Monday will return next week.

In lieu of my standard "Like it/Love it" Thursday, I decided to compile another Mother's Day gift guide that highlights some frugal (yet fabulous) options. Everything shown below is under $25, so if you're feeling bold, you might want to snatch up a couple of these deals for your favorite gal.

[I would also be remiss if I did not mention that J.Crew is currently offering 30% off of all spring sale items with the code SUNSHINE. I have my eye on these, this and this. To name only a few.]

 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

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. 

Mother's Day Gift Guide: The Trendsetter

Today, we're focusing on the trendsetter. The woman who always seems to know what's next and isn't afraid to play around with color, pattern and shape. And, more importantly, the woman who loves to have fun with fashion. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Look for bold colors and graphics, a fun spin on a classic and quality fabrics in a timeless (yet timely) palette. 

I heart Freshly Picked

I don't know about you, but I've been itching to get my hands on a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins for a long time. And not just because the children of a certain Kardashian sport them. (Though of all the Kardashians she is "my" Kardashian. You know you all have one.) I love the fact that this product is handmade-to-order, and love to support independent businesses. 

I was especially intrigued after Freshly Picked's creator, Susan, was chosen to be a guest editor on Brickyard Buffalo. The discounted metallic moccasins she provided single-handedly killed the site for a whole week. In response, she gave away three $500 gift cards (yup, you read that right) to her shop, and is holding another sale of her metallic moccs in May. (Oh the platinum...) Based off of my limited email correspondence with her, I can also attest that she is genuinely nice and really cares about her customers. Who wouldn't want to support someone like that?

Behold, the beauty of metallic moccs...
[Image by Heather Mildenstein, courtesy of Freshly Picked]

These moccs just make me feel happy
[Image by Heather Mildenstein, courtesy of Freshly Picked]

Consequently, when I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing a pair of moccs, I jumped at the opportunity. I picked the Poppy version (shown in the photo above) because I think they're perfect for spring. Plus, I knew my daughter would love the color. 

[And, since this whole blogging process can sometimes become convoluted, I feel it's important to note that all of the opinions below are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.] 

The minute the moccs arrived, I slipped them on my daughter's feet. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the elasticized design of the moccasins made them easy to slip on, in spite of my active toddler. The first thing she said was, "cute shoes." Which was exciting both because she loved them and also because she's just barely beginning to string phrases together. And then she started to dance. (Melt my heart.) The best part? The moccs stayed on. She was able to run and dance around with no inhibition from her shoes. 

After consulting the Freshly Picked sizing chart, I ordered my daughter's typical size, and was happy to see that there is a little room to grow. I tend to have terrible luck when buying my daughter's shoes, so this discovery was doubly exciting. The leather will also stretch a bit over time, which makes them even more versatile and wearable. 

"Cute shoes."
Cardigan: H&M | Leggings: Old Navy | Moccasins: c/o Freshly Picked

Dancing! Even with all of this foot movement, these babies stay put.
(And yet they are so easy to slip on and off.) 

Plus, they're just pretty.
Denim jacket: Gap | Top: Target | Leggings: LeviAndMarley | Moccasins: c/o Freshly Picked

Great for climbing, running and dancing. High quality leather affords room to grow. 

The verdict? Freshly Picked moccs are the bees knees. The cheese to my macaroni. (Or would it be my daughter's macaroni?) Let me put it to you this way... I can't wait to buy another pair! 

Finding the (almost) flat

Let me preface this post by saying that I love a good five-inch heel. Preferably in a stiletto or sculptural wedge format. But this spring, we're seeing a shift from the highest of platform heels to the lowest heel heights. So low, they're pretty much flat. While I find that having a few pairs of flats are vital to chasing around a one year old, I can't imagine completely eschewing my heels. 

What about you? Will you "find the flat" this spring? 

If so, here are a few of my current faves: