Latest Bargains

Happy Monday!

Well, kind of happy. This time change thing is for the birds. I woke up this morning feeling like I had been ran over by a truck! I'm plotting to have my entire workplace protest time change. No, totally kidding...maybe.

This past weekend, I found some awesome deals at a very unexpected place. I try to avoid clothing shopping in an effort to save money, but I couldn't help but drag (literally) my husband into Rue 21 to check out their latest deals. I know, I know, Rue 21 is definitely a teenager brand. However, they have always been my go-to place for trendy accessories and clothing at a ridiculously affordable price. And when I say ridiculous, I mean cheaper than Goodwill ridiculous.

By the time I left the store, I managed to pick up three dresses, one pair of sandals, and a pair of leopard canvas shoes. Wait until you see my total cost, y'all...

1.  Navy Striped Skater Bow Dress

Anyone who has spent more than five minutes shopping with me knows that I am a sucker for bows. I would put them on everything if I didn't look completely crazy! The nautical feel of this dress, matched with the feminine touch of the plunging bow back, made me fall in love without a second thought. I simply could not leave without it, and for the price, I didn't have to!

Regular Price: $16.99
What I paid: $5.20

Get it online here! Fair warning though - it's A LOT cheaper in stores. 

2. Polka Dot Tunic

Ok, so it's a tunic on me. I'm a bit taller than the average gal (5'7), and while I could pull it off as a dress, it's just slightly too short for my taste. If you're any smaller than me, you can absolutely rock this as a dress. My favorite thing about this look is the v-neck and pockets. Even though I paid basically nothing for it, the product looks well made and sophisticated. No complaints here!

Regular Price: $17.99
What I paid: $5.20
Available in store only

3. Floral Baby Doll Dress with Bell Sleeves

I am in loooooooove with baby doll style dresses. They are so comfy, yet so chic! With this dress, though, the colors and bell sleeves are what really sold me. I have nothing in my closet that looks anything like it, and if you've seen my closet, you know that's quite an accomplishment. It's the perfect feminine look for spring, and with its affordable price tag, I just couldn't pass it up.

Regular Price: $17.99
What I paid: $5.20
Available in store only

4. Leopard Canvas Shoes

I've been looking for a new pair of leopard shoes for the past few months. The ones I bought from Target 3 years ago were literally falling apart before my eyes, but I couldn't bear to throw them out before finding a replacement. Thankfully, I found them at Rue 21 for an awesome price!

Regular Price: $16.99
What I paid: $3.00
Available in store only

5. Gold Dusted Sandals

It's ironic - I was just telling Kyle that I needed to be on the look out for a neutral pair of sandals for spring. Fast forward about thirty seconds, I found these beauties! My favorite part about these sandals is the ankle strap. To me, it makes the sandals look a little nicer than the average pair you'd find elsewhere. And for the price? I just couldn't resist!

Regular Price: $16.99
What I paid: $3.00
Available in store only

And the total cost is...

$21.60! 

P.S. - Keep in mind this is technically a junior's store, so you'll probably need to buy a size bigger than usual in clothing.


XOXO,

Timeless in Plaid

Happy Wednesday! Wait...it's only Tuesday. YOU GUYS - IT'S ONLY TUESDAY (WAH!).

Anyway...

On Sunday, Kyle and I went out to eat at a local brunch restaurant downtown. The restaurant is a pretty nice place, so I decided to wear a new skirt I found at one of my favorite boutiques, Brooklynn's, in Woodstock. My favorite part of this look is the skirt - which, by the way, I snagged for only $12 bucks on the clearance rack! I can't recommend this store enough;they have the latest styles for a fashionable gal, and you can pretty much always find choices for 40 bucks and under (I usually stick to the sale racks, but I'm a bargainista through and through!)

I also adored the vintage blouse I stole..errr, I mean "borrowed" from my grandmother's closet. I believe that the latest styles are usually just modifications of something that was "in" decades ago, so I always take inspiration from my gran's vintage pieces. She owned her very own boutique back in the day called "Jody's Junction" and has always had a knack for knowing what flatters a woman and what doesn't.  The store closed its doors decades ago, but Gran's looks continue to be timeless and lovely. I adored the outfit I wore that day because it pieced together the old and the new - a brand new skirt and my grandmother's worn yet timeless blouse.

  Plaid Skirt - Available in store only - Similar style here

Tan Double-breasted Peacoat - Similar style here

Vintage Cream Blouse - Similar style here

Tights - TJ Maxx

Rampage Boots - Similar style here (MAJOR CLEARANCE!)





What did you do this weekend?

NYE Look: Classic versus Funky

It's almost the new year, everyone!


I don't know about y'all, but I am more than ready to dive into a new year with new opportunities. I know God's got an awesome plan in store, and I am more than eager to see it unfold.

In terms of my New Year's Eve look, I'm currently torn between two different ideas in my closet - one classic and feminine, the other bold and funky. Typically, I tend to gravitate toward a more feminine look, but hey! New year = new taste in clothes, maybe? Check out the two looks below:

Classic: 
I am an absolute sucker for two things: Full, high waisted skirts, and anything with a bow on it. This outfit incorporates both of my obsessions! I love the feeling of a twirly, flirty skirt to rock for special occasions, and I have a feeling that I'll be using this little beauty for more than just new year celebrations. I added a sequin peter pan top and a red lip for a little sparkle to match.

Sequin Peter Pan Top - Gap - Similar Style here

Full Polka Dotted Skirt - Forever 21 - Check it out here

Bow Pumps - Lauren Conrad for Kohls -Similar style here

Funky

For my second NYE look, I chose something a bit more flirty. This outfit is bound to turn heads for its bright and sparkly pieces! Pretty much every item in this look I've had for the longest time. The hot pink blazer paired with a flashy, gold skirt sounds like a perfect recipe for a fun New Year's Eve outfit. With a bold pink lip to match, this look is definitely a contender for celebrations this week! 

Pink Blazer - Old - Similar Style here

Gold Sequin Mini Skirt - Forever 21 - Similar Style here

Sheer Cream Top - Old - Similar Style here

Layered Necklaces - Charming Charlie's - Similar Style here

Little Black Booties - Old - Similar Style here

Decisions, Decisions...

 

Seasoned Saturdays

Happy FriYAY, ladies!

Can you believe Christmas is less than a week away? I feel like this season has completely flown by! This particular Friday is more exciting than most, because after today I get two weeks off from work. Being in the education field really has its perks ;)

This past weekend, Kyle and I went out for a fun day date. Honestly though, our idea of a "fun date" is a little different than most. We explore our town, go look at vacant houses to get ideas for our own home, and run a few errands. We have the best time doing absolutely nothing, and that's one of the things I love most about our relationship!

For my look that afternoon, I wanted something both comfy and season appropriate. I've been itching to break out my red tights for the holiday season, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity!

Blouse - Old Navy - similar style here

Skirt - Forever 21 - peep them here

Tights - Forever 21 - peep them here

Purse - Kate Spade - similar style here

Boots - G.H. Bass - similar style here

Earrings - Charming Charlies - similiar style here

Happy Holidays!

Imma Take your Grandma's Style...

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

It's only 10:46 a.m. as I'm typing this, but already, it's been a great day. I got a full eight hours of sleep, I had time to grab a venti iced caramel macchiato before work, and my entire house smells like peppermint, just in time for Christmas. It's the little things that bring great JOY!

On Sunday, I decided to style one of my grandma's blouses that had been abandoned in her closet for a few years (or decades). Vintage clothing has always been something that I've gravitated towards, and I am 100% willing to dig through a heap of old clothes to find that "diamond in the rough" that I can rock with my style today. I adore a quality structured blouse that you can dress up or down, and this top completely surpasses my expectations! Plus, the pleated front and the buttons on the back definitely add an air of sophistication.

 what's not to love? 

Props to Gran for having great taste in clothes!

 

 

 

 

No forreal, ask your grandma, can I have her hand me downs?

 

Until next time...

 

XOXO, Bailey

Cruise Recap

Hi, strangers!

How was everyone's turkey day? I went on a cruise with my husband and his family, and we had a GREAT time. I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is to disconnect from the stresses of day to day life and reconnect with the people who mean the most. You'd think not having access to a phone for five days would drive you crazy, but it is actually so freeing and relaxing. I definitely recommend it!

On our cruise, we travelled to Nassau and Freeport - both in the Bahamas. Although I've been to these ports plenty of times, I still manage to be amazed at how beautiful they are! The sparkling turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and amazingly friendly locals always leave me coming back for more. Pictures simply don't do them justice.

 Before we left for the cruise, I was researching local places to explore at the ports. You'd think after a dozen cruises I would be a pro at navigating these places - but nope, I'm still as lost as a cruise newbie. In Nassau, I discovered Junkanoo Beach, a local spot only a short walk away from the dock. It had stunning views, friendly locals, and oh, did I mention it was free to go to?

The following day, we arrived in Freeport. As we stepped off the ship, we saw a wide array of stands selling unique goodies while a reggae band played Bob Marley classics in the distance. We definitely were feeling like islanders! The closest beach we could find was a taxi ride away, so we decided to stay near the ship and take a closer look at the local venders. One of the cool things about the Bahamas is that there are plenty of homemade goods to bring home to your loved ones. The people there are usually very kind and are always willing to negotiate a good price. We had a wonderful time!

 

 

Here's to many more weeks of family, friends, and fun!

XOXO, Bailey