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,

Staples and Statements

Thank God it's Friday Night

 

& I just-just-just-just-juuuuuuuusttttt

 

 

GOT PAID.

 

 



{Yes, that was an Nsync reference.}

 

Side Note- How did we not catch on that Lance Bass was gay back then?! Shame on us.

 

 

I don't know about y'all, but I am SO excited for the weekend! The first week back from Christmas vacation is always the hardest, so when the weekend finally rolls around, I am one happy camper.

 

Kyle and I usually keep the weekends pretty simple - dinner at one of our favorite spots, movie marathons at home, long walks with our dog, late night coffee, book store visits - that's about it! While some may say that's boring, we always have a great time. We pretty much grew out of our "partying college ways" errr, in college. Now we're content to be old people. Don't hate!

 

For the weekend (and pretty much every other day of the week), I like to keep my looks cute and comfortable. A good staple piece, some eye catching accessories, and a wedge boot have basically been my uniform for the duration of winter.  The look below totally incompasses my style preferences!

 

 

Old Navy Terry Fleece Dress - Similar style here

Rue 21 Red Rose Statement Necklace - Similar style here

Kate Spade Cedar Street Colorblock Shoulder Bag - Similar style here

New Direction Black Wedge Boots - Similar style here (ON SALE!)

 

 

Oh and just so everyone's clear - I will never, ever EVER post stuff on this blog that the average woman can't afford. I'm not going to play it off that I have a ton of money to blow on material goods, because I don't. I'd rather have my house paid off! When I show you similar pieces to what I'm wearing, rest assured that nine times out of ten it will be well within your budget (except for purses - because I am a complete sucker for them). Not encouraging bad spending behavior over here!

Love you forever and ever,

 

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