By my count, I’ve still got approximately 27 minutes to make this a “Wardrobe Wednesday” post.  Sorry for the delay today friends!  I’m busy busy getting ready for vacation and spending as much time as possible doing fun things with Sam and  our friends and trying to contain the chaos that is my house… I will probably be a little scarce around here still for a few days, but I’ll be back at it soon.  Thanks for your patience!!

A couple of years ago, I really got into wearing statement necklaces to “snazz” up my otherwise pretty plain wardrobe. Honestly, I love the look of a white (or, even better, striped) t-shirt with dark jeans and a great necklace.  Plus, since it’s pretty easy to find trendy and affordable jewelry these days, this is a good way to add variety and style to my outfit without a lot extra cash or effort.  My VERY favorite places to buy statement necklaces are online “deal” websites like GroopDealz and Jane.com.  I can almost always find the latest “it” style at one of those shops for a STEAL.  Probably about 50% of my fun jewelry comes from one of these two sites – I love it! (The necklace below, which always gets a lot of attention and a few of you even asked about on Instagram recently, is from GroopDealz last year.) The only catch(es) is that the deals rotate, and popular items sell out quickly.  Also, some times you have to wait several weeks for your purchases to be delivered. Totally worth it in my opinion though.

(Similar)

Those are almost always my first stops if I’m looking for statement jewelry, but if I’m in a hurry to have something (like, say, for an event) or I just want to “splurge” on something from a regular retailer – and by splurge I mean “still less than $30.00” – JCrew Factory, Bauble Bar (sale), and Target are my go-to shops.  Here are a few of my current favorites on the market (it was, seriously, SO hard to narrow them down):

TOP ROW:

Bold Beaded Strands Necklace from Bauble Bar (on sale for $20.00)Spring Potpourri*

Bib Necklace from Bauble Bar (on sale for $18.00)

Long Leopard Links Necklace from Bauble Bar (on sale for $20.00)

MIDDLE ROW:

Factory Dangling Stone and Petal Necklace from JCrew Factory ($29.50)

Factory Stone Collage Necklace from JCrew Factory ($29.50)

Factory Crystal Brooch Necklace from JCrew Factory ($29.50)

BOTTOM ROW:

Capsule by Cara Multi Stone & Bead Bib Necklace from Target (on sale for $17.49)

Women’s Statement Necklace – Multicolor from Target ($16.99)

Capsule by Cara Flower Cluster Stone Necklace from Target ($20.99)

*Disclaimer: “Bubble” necklaces may very well be out of style by now.  I have a couple (like the one in my profile picture from Groopdealz, and I still LOVE THEM.  They are just so fun and easy to dress up or down. I probably wear one once a week.  Just be warned, wear at your own risk.  It is possibly that they are “so 2013.”

Do you wear statement necklaces?  What’s your favorite way to style them? Where do you buy them?

E

P.S. I’ve got a real fun WW post in the works for next week… Basically, I’m going to a big event on Saturday night with lots of fashionable people, and I’m hoping to be able to report back with some fun photos etc.  In the meantime, I’m spending WAY too much time buying (and returning) things for said event. 😉

So, I had a post planned on statement necklaces today (deep stuff, I know), but since a couple people requested that I do a little round-up of some of my favorite clothing items for summer in stores now, I figured I’d shift gears and go that way instead.  (This kind of “shopping” is much healthier for my wallet – not to mention my marriage – anyway.)

As you know, Old Navy and Target are my main “go-to” shops if I’m looking for inexpensive, but cute clothes.  Here’s what I’m loving on their racks currently:

Target:

Outfit 1 — Merona Knit Kimono Maxi Dress in Sour Cream Stripe  / Merona Esma Braided Sandals in Black

Outfit 2 — Merona Eyelet Tee in Sour Cream / Merona Chino 5″ Shorts in Lime / Mossimo Supply Co. Lakitia Sandals in Natural & Turquoise

Outfit 3 — Vintage V-Neck Tee in Xavier Navy / Merona Petites Button Front Skirt in Moss / Mossimo Supply Co. Shauna Huarache Sandals in Cognac

Old Navy: (25% off all regular priced items with code ONSAVENOW online only)

Outfit 1 — Embroidered Gauze Top / Denim Pencil Skirt / Faux-Leater T-Strap Sandals in Light Brown

Outfit 2 — Slub-Knit Tank w/ Gold Pineapples / The Sweetheart 5″ Denim Shorts / Lightweight Textured Boyfriend Cardi in Georgia Peach (not pictured) / Woven-Strap Sandals in White & Gold

Outfit 3 —  White Slub-Knit Crew Pocket Tee /5″ Printed Shorts in Blue Stripe / T-Strap Sandals in Coral

And a few “bonus notes” about summer clothes:

– I don’t love to show off my arms, so I’m all about light fabrics.  I love gauzy shirts, kimono sleeves, and light-weight cardigans.

– The ideal length of short (to me) is 5″.  This isn’t so long that they look like “mom shorts” (because who wants to look like a mom?), but they aren’t so short that they look like “hussy shorts” either. 😉

– Patterned or shorts in a fun color are a great way to add some “spunk” to your wardrobe.

– Old Navy shorts (I find) run true to size. Target runs a little small.

– If you’re wearing a dress (or skirt) for every day, I like to keep the rest of the outfit very simple with minimal jewelry and plain shoes.

– You can never have too many white shirts or solid color tees.

– Outfits should be cool, casual, and versatile enough to wear to a lunch date AND the playground.

– Always accessorize with sunglasses (on a Croakie, ideally), a pedicure, sunscreen, and bronzer. 🙂 Not much more!

Anyone have any of these clothes or have other favorites (or notes) you could add? Please share!

E

For years I’ve been adamantly against graphic tees, but the new “Slogan Tee” trend has me re-thinking this… I think they are SO funny and such an easy way to show some personality and style even on the most casual of days (which I plan to have A LOT of this summer).  Here’s a round-up of some awesome ones I’ve run across lately:

1. “Sorry I’m Late” from Hazel & Olive

2. “I’m So Tired” from Hello Apparel

3. “Saturday Is Better” from H&M (I love that this one seems a little longer too – perfect with leggings)

4. “I’m Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hungry” from Thug Life Shirts

5. “I Already Want to Take a Nap Tomorrow” from Thug Life Shirts

6. “Coffee, Netflix, Yoga Pants” from Thug Life Shirts

7. “Ciao!” from Sincerely Jules

8. “Last Clean Shirt” from Truffle Shuffle (The cut of this one looks a little more flattering than a regular t-shirt too.)

9. “Every Day I’m Hustlin'” from Ashley Brooke Designs

10. “Ooh La La” from Old Navy

11. “Do Epic Chic” by Song of Style for eLUXE

12. “Yeah Yeah” by Sam Means for Hello Merch

What do you think of this trend? Do you have any slogan tees? Which one of the above do you like best? (I’m leaning towards #1 myself – SO appropriate for me.)

E

1. $1 re-usable Starbucks cup

I bought this back in the winter because, let’s be honest, plain old Kroger brand coffee just tastes (and looks) better in a Starbucks cup, and it was only ONE DOLLAR.  Since then, despite the plethora of “expensive” coffee mugs and tumblers we have around the house, this is my cup of choice for my “to go” coffee every single day.  I love that it is light-weight and my coffee doesn’t get that metallic taste some of the other cups give it. Basically, this is on constant dishwasher cycle around here.  Come to think of it, for only a dollar, I really should just buy four more. 😉 *You also save 10 cents a cup when you bring it with you to have it filled at Starbucks.

2. Fresh tulips

I think I’ve already mentioned here that tulips are my flower. (Because I was born in late March, my mom has always called them my birthday flower, and the bouquets at my wedding were made only of white tulips.) From March to June, I love that they are so easily accessible (and inexpensive) at the grocery store etc.  I try to keep a vase full in the house at all times – they just say “spring” and “happy” to me!

3. The Nester’s New Book

“Nesting Place” was one of the very first blogs I ever read, and I’ve been inspired by more than one of the beautiful (but totally practical and do-able) ideas there for my own home. (In fact, I’d say the Nester’s style has probably inspired me more than any other blog or designers I follow.) I love that she is a mom to teenage boys, has rented most of her houses, and doesn’t have a staff of professionals or a ton of money to decorate with. She is the kind of blogger/writer that you really feel like you could be friends with in real life – sincere, relatable, kind – and, when I had the chance to actually talk to her at the Allume Conference last fall, I was not disappointed. 🙂 The Nester’s heart – and the message behind her blog and book – is all about making a home you love that is full of the things and people you love and not getting caught up in perfection.  “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful” is a mantra I have adopted in my own decorating, hospitality, and housekeeping, and it has been very freeing and refreshing.  A few weeks ago, I picked up her book for my own coffee table and have loved looking through it in the evenings and reading more of her story.  In addition, I got a copy for my sister and sister-in-law too, and it has received rave reviews from them as well.  I think it’s a pretty book to have sitting out all the time, a great source of inspiration for your home, and makes an awesome house-warming or wedding gift.  🙂

4. Special K Chocolate Mocha Protein Shakes

As you know, I’m participating in the #littletoofluffy challenge with some blog girls and attempting to complete the 6-week SHRED right now.  One of the things I’ve found that help me a lot are these coffee-flavored (and caffeinated) protein shakes from Special K.  This one, in particular, served over ice as my “3:30 meal” with a piece of fruit, feels indulgent and gives me the kick I need to get through the afternoon/evening. Plus, with 10 grams of protein and only 190 calories, it is still 100% on plan.  These will definitely remain a part of my life even when the challenge/diet is over.

5. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

I’m not a big make-up girl, but I do like a little something to even out my complexion and help my make-up stay on.  Most of the time, I wear a foundation from Benefit or Bare Minerals, but this time of year, I like to switch to a lighter BB Cream.  This one, from Maybelline, gives my skin enough coverage and a healthy glow without looking “cakey” and masked over my influx of freckles when I get a little sun.  It is also SPF 30 which is SO good for everyday use.

Short and sweet today! What are your favorite things right now? 

Have a great holiday weekend!

E

* This post is not sponsored and contains no affiliate links – just things I like.

** Linking up with…

P.S. This is completely unrelated, but for those of you that are book-nerds (or want to be) like me, you should know about a great deal I ran across from Barnes & Noble: The book How to Read Literature Like a Professor is on sale right now for just FOUR dollars!!  I read it a few years ago and think it is SO great – it really breaks down the process of analyzing literature and reading below the surface in a way that is easy to understand and even enjoyable.  It’s required reading for most of the seniors in our school district, and a great resource for anyone just wanting to be a stronger reader/get more out of books.  Again, not sponsored, just a good deal I wanted to share.

This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I kept noticing that something was “off” about the way I looked.  My hair and makeup were already done in their usual way, and I was fully dressed for the day; but I just didn’t look finished. I finally realized that it was my earrings – or lack thereof.  The night before, I had taken off my trusty pearl studs because they were rubbing the wrong way when I slept… I’m not a big jewelry wearer – in fact, I hardly ever wear anything but pearls – but I noticed this morning that I kind-of “depend” on them to complete my look every morning.  In fact, I can’t even remember the last time I left the house – even to go to the gym or run a quick errand – without earrings on.

This got me thinking about what other things I “don’t leave home without” – things that I literally feel “lost” if I don’t have – and here’s what I came up with (don’t judge):

1. Wet Wipes. I have a toddler. No further explanation is needed.

2. My iPhone. I 100% admit to being addicted to my phone. #stillrockinthe4s

3. My FitBit Flex.  I got this at the start of the new year and love wearing it to track my steps and calories burned each day.  My sister wears one too and we are in a constant little competition to see who is more active each day.

4. Earrings.

5. A purse-sized hairbrush. (Is it weird that I can physically feel when I haven’t brushed my hair in a while, and I crave a good brushing?  #justcallmemarshabrady)

6. My favorite pens. Literally, I don’t even sign papers or write checks with anything besides the Vball Grip Extra Fine in black.

7. Sunglasses.  I don’t know if this is a real thing or not, but I really think my eyes have gotten so used to sunglasses that I cannot see well (at all) without them during the day.  I’ve been known to turn around and drive home if they aren’t in my purse when I get in the car.

8. My Simplified Life Planner. I just started using this one from Emily Ley in January and I love it.  (Check out this post for a less-expensive alternative that I also love!)

What about you? What do you not leave home without?

E

(This post is unsponsored/ contains no affiliate links. Just stuff I use everyday.)