Cheap or Chic? The Olive Military Jacket

 

 

 

 

With fall approaching, I'm loving the look of the classic Army Green Military Jacket. This an item that you can spend a little or a lot on!

 I ended up ordering the CHEAP version of this from OldNavy.com and was pleasantly pleased! Thick, decent quality material and I love the cinched in waist detailing to not look so boxy.

Below is the one I ordered along with some pricier versions.

Old Navy, $44.94
HERE

Velvet by Graham & Spencer, $148 @ Bloomingdales
HERE

Annie Bing, on sale for $245 @ Revolve
HERE

Makeup Brush Storage

 

How do you store your makeup brushes?

 

I recently just bought a new set from Smashbox during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (10 brushes total- with lots of free goodies!)

 

Although it did come in a hard case that doubles as a holder, I'm looking for something that is a little more stylish and goes with my Coastal Décor.

 

  I want a way to store the bushes and  makes them still easily accessible in the morning when I need them and I think covered or in a cabinet maybe the best option to protect from dust.

 

I searched online for some creative ways to store the brushes and here are a few creative ways I found:

 

 

LOVEY!



Maybe I'd use shells or sand to go with my décor

Some sew options- great for on the go!

Different



ADORABLE!!

I really think these wood blocks maybe my fav!

 

Concert in a cheap dress :)

 

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to win Lee Brice with Cole Swindell tickets on local country music station 98.7 WMZQ! The concert was last Friday night at a small outdoor venue in St. Leonard Maryland, which is about 90 minutes south of Baltimore. If you ever get a chance to see an artist here, I definitely recommended it- there are NO bad seats!

 

I planned on wearing a silk Yumi Kim sundress, but as I tried it on I got blood on in from a small nick on my leg from shaving! Fortunately the dry cleaners was able to remove the stain, but I was out of an outfit for the night. While running an errand, I found this simple cotton dress, with a beautiful bold pattern and the XS fit like a glove! I ended up wearing this with a pair of Tory Burch sandals.

 

 

J & I enjoying the show!

 

 

 

Lee Brice preforming his new number one song, " I don't dance"

 

 Here's the info on the dress from Target:

 

 

 

Target Printed Dress, $24.99 HERE

Valentine's Day 2014

 

 

If you hate Valentine's Day, you are either:

 

A. Single

 B. Unhappy

C. All of the above

 

I love love love Valentine's Day. Sure you should tell your significant other you love them everyday, but it's great to have a holiday devoted to love <3

 

We celebrated on Saturday this year (the day after Vday). It fit better with out work schedules and restaurants always seem less crowded after the holiday.

 

This year I surprised my hubs with a day trip to NYC! He's been, but never saw Times Square, Empire State Building, and all the other amazing things the Big Apple has to offer!

 

 

 

He gave me a little blue box, with some adorable silver heart earrings....he knows me all too well.

 

 

 

During the day I checked out Blow Dry Bar, "Hot Air" in Pikesville. They boast a blowout in 45 minutes, however I already knew I was in for an hour and a half appt. with my thick long hair. The staff is super friendly and did a fantastic job (shout-out to Bert!)

I used a Groupon...only $19 compared to the regular price of $35.

Go here for the deal!

 

 

BCBG Evert Rouched V-Neck Dress

 

 

I found this gem in my closet, which admitting this probably indicates I have a problem with shopping! A brand new BCBG dress, I purchased a year ago on sale and forgot all about!

It fit like a glove, very flattering, and perfect for a cold winter night out!

I paired with a pair of Louboutins and an awesome black chain necklace I purchased 8 years ago at a boardwalk jewelry store in Ocean City Maryland.

 

 

 

We checked out a restaurant neither of us have been to before, The Tasting Room in Frederick Maryland. Food, drinks, and service were all top notch.

We loved floor to ceiling windows and people watching on Market Street!

 

Fritz chardonnay

The hubs with some vino and butter!

Lovers

 

Cheap or Chic? Lace Dress Edition

 

Runway, Spring 2014, J Mendel NY Fashion Week

Black lace and nude colored dress

BCBG, $448
HERE

Forever 21, $24.95
Sold Out

 

Run farther than your mascara

A few months back, I posted about signing up for what has been called the most popular race in the country, the Nike Women's Series. For the first time the race was held right in DC, instead of it's usual location San Fran! I jumped on the chance for this race and you may remember I blogged about it (New City Same Blue Box)

 

Well today was race day and I have to say I have never run in a more fun, high energy, positive race!

People were excited and the race was organized so well, from packet pick up to post-race. The route was great, along most of DC's popular sights and waterfront. Here are some pics from this weekend.

Wall of all the runner's names outside of Nike Store in Georgetown

Finisher's "medal" Tiffany & Co. Necklace

Finished!!

Had to buy these! Limited edition Nike Free shoes, with ribbon laces, race date, and DC on back.

WTF Wednesday preview.....

 

So I have decided to start a new weekly post- it's going to be called WTF Wednesdays.

 

Here is a preview of a WTF Wednesday post....

 

 

Forever 21

 

Who wouldn't want to wear this? This graphic chiffon semi-sheer jacket slash top combines your love of nature with the high-low trend that is "all the rage". Complete with button cuffs, this howling wolf will keep you stylish long into the night.

 

It can be yours now for $29.80 at Forever 21

 

Seriously where the F would you wear this?

 

As seen online....

 

If you haven't already checked out the blog, "J's Everyday Fashion" I recommend you do so now!

 

This girl is super creative when paring affordable everyday outfits and provides links to the clothing (or similar style) with each post. Although I disagree with purchasing cheap clothing for the majority of your wardrobe, the blog does have some clothes from Loft, Express, etc.

 

A recent post (here) did lead to me purchasing an skirt from Target.com (here). Since I had a gift card and the skirt was only $23 I decided to go ahead and buy it. I really liked the bold white and blue print and the pencil fit and was surprised by how well it was made once it arrived. In the post, J explains how she was returning the skirt, since she purchased the lightly less expensive Forever 21 dress in a similar print (here). I prefer the look of the skirt and all dresses are too short on me from that store!

Target apparently run's big in their sizes. I ordered a 2P (the smallest size) and it fits well. The length is right above the knee.

 

I plan to pair the skirt with a deep navy blouse and my nude Louboutin's.

 



Picture from J's Everyday Fashion

LOVE MARSHALLS!

I love getting a deal, umm who doesn't? Well I had to share my finds from my last trip to Marshall's (which by now you know I love)!

 

First up: Guess Dress- new this season at Macy's! Currently selling for full price at $148.00 and sold out on Lord and Taylor's website. I got it for $39

Second was this Eliza J dress...LOVE THIS! Selling now on Amazon for $148! Dress was $275 when sold at Nordstrom last season! And no this picture/model just does not do it justice! I got it for $49!

 

I can't wait to wear both! Marshall's is definitely a store you need time to shop in (i.e. your lunch break is not enough) and can score you some really great items for way less than department stores.

Brand Love

Ever stumble across a brand where you just seem to love EVERYTHING!

 

Lately I have been really admiring a few designers! Here are some I'm really loving and recently purchased!

Halston Heritage

Sold online and and select stores. Brand is named after owner and creator designer Roy Halston. Born in Iowa, Halsoton has even outfitted former First Lady and fashion icon Jackie O.

 

I have the Iris Halter dress shown above.

Cythia Steffe

Less expensive that Halston and found in most major retailers, this NY based brand has adorable feminine dresses and tops that I'm loving right now. Even better, I have seen items in discount stores like Marshall's lately!

 

I picked up this one shoulder dress above in crisp white. I cannot wait to wear it at the White Party at the resort on my upcoming vacay.

 

 

I also have this pretty pink and white racer back dress.

 

 

 For more on these designers, click on their name for the link to their websites.

 

Saying Sunday

I have always loved dressing up- always have and always will.

Last night, I sported an Armani Exchange LBD and a pair of Louboutin Pigalles.

Pictured below are two of my teammates :) The one in the middle was the birthday girl!

Saying Sunday

 

Don't use the excuse it's too cold to run outside in the winter.

 

Under Armour is by far the best apparel for running outside in the cold.

Below is a pic I took before I headed out for a run Friday night at dusk. It was a windy 37 degrees.

This gear will keep you warm without a bunch of bulky clothing. Most importantly you will dry quickly, keeping you from being wet and cold.

 

Here's how I stayed warm:

 

Under Armour ColdGear Catalyst Hoodie, $75 at Dick's Sporting Goods

The material is light, stays dry, and the hood is stretchy and stays put when running. I absolutely love the color of this hoodie!

 

Under Armour ColdGear Compression Mockneck Long Sleeve Shirt, $50 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Another great light weight shirt, tight fit, and a great base layer.

 

Under Armour Women's Blustery Headband, $18 at Under Armour

This headband is awesome and covers all of your ears. It's made of a soft fleece material and is snug enough that it doesn't slip out of place. I also liked that it kept my headphones in place.

 

Under Armour GoldGear Liner Gloves, $25 at Under Armour

These gloves kept my hands warm and were long enough to keep my wrists covered as well.

 

Since I was running at night, I wore a pair of my black running tight pants, which have a design made of reflectors on the calfs.