Tuesday, April 30, 2013

White, Floral & Chambray


Scarf: TJ Maxx
Chambray top: J. Crew Factory
White Chinos: Gap
Sandals: Marshall's



These Gap Chinos are the best. I've been waiting for the perfect weather to wear them. Yesterday was the day, I can't get enough of this beautiful sunshine. 
I'm also loving these sandals from Marshall's. Glitter wins my heart every time.




Linking up with:

 Shanna for Random Wednesday
The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday
STYLELIXIR for Weekly Link Up





Sunday, April 28, 2013

Summer Essentials

Recently I went to Atlanta (read about it here) and did a little summer shopping. Yes--I know I was technically on a "shopping ban," but I couldn't go to a shopping wonderland and NOT buy a couple of pieces! The shopping ban did last 17 days which was pretty fabulous for me if I do say so myself.

Long story short, the shopping ban was broken but I got some great pieces. Plus, I'm initiating the ban again starting today (that makes it ok, right?).


atlanta haul



Onto my purchases. The pictures above are not the exact items/brands I bought, but they are extremely close.


  • I bought two pairs of chinos from Gap in hot pink and white. I'm super excited about these because they are a great fit and a really light material
  • Gap also had some great fitting v-neck t shirts. I bought one in mint (of course) and lavender - a new favorite. With some jewelry, I think these will make cute combos with the chinos.
  • This is NOT the maxi dress I bought, mine actually came from the loft outlet. It's a navy/paisley combo and I love. I'm also loving this old navy maxi dress shown above. 
  • I bought a skirt similar to the one shown above from old navy. It was on clearance for $11 and  perfect fit. I couldn't pass it up!
  • Finally, I'm in love with these sandals. The ones pictured above are from target. Mine are very similar, but I bought them from Marshall's for $19.99. 
I'm super excited about my summer staples, now I'm ready for some 70 degree weather to wear them!

What summer staples are you loving?

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday
                             &
Ashley for Favorite things

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Manicure for less

Ask anyone who knows me, I don't think my fingernails have been without polish since I was born. I've always loved a fresh coat of nail polish, fingers and toes.

Needless to say, I love all of the non-traditional colors that are trending right now just in time for spring.

I don't love dropping $9 a bottle on a green OPI color that I'll wear once a month for a couple of days.

SO...I've put together my version of some great  looks for less that I think are very comparable to the more expensive brands.


mani

mani by ann-rebecca featuring opi


1. Mint Candy Apple by Essie: I love love love this color, but it is almost $8 in stores.

2.My Paprika is Hotter Than Yours by OPI: this color is timeless. Actually, it's probably worth the $9 OPI version from the salon. I do have a great alternative if you can't justify paying that much for a bottle of nail polish.

3.Lilacism by Essie: This color is gorgeous, but I don't where purple shades very often. Probably more in the spring. Again, $8 per bottle

4.Black Onyx by OPI: If you wear black as a staple, it may be worth the investment. I just can't pay $9 knowing there are so many other options.

My Cheap Alternatives



1. Sinful Colors: these polishes are $1.98 at wal-mart. You can buy 5 bottles of this polish to the one bottle of OPI. So for the trendier polishes, why not? This polish also stayed on 4 days without a single chip. I am always doing something to chip the polish, so for this to stay on 4 days, it's noteworthy.



2. Sally Hansen Hard Nails: this polish is $1.92. Don't get me wrong, I actually have the OPI version in a mini bottle from a gift set. I probably won't pay to buy another OPI bottle, knowing I have this one for less than $2. This polish also stayed on 4 days without any chipping.



3. Rimmel London 60 Seconds: To be fair, this was my least favorite polish. The color was a little chalky and the brush was a flat "salon" brush, which I despise. The color looked good with two coats and I am much happier knowing I paid $1.50 for it, compared to the $8 bottle of Essie lilacism I had in my hand.


4. Maybelline Color Show: I don't have a picture of this manicure, but this polish was great! I bought it in black and it hasn't disappointed. It paints on evenly and the color stays for days. However, it's the most expensive at a little over $3 per bottle.

AND THE WINNER IS.....


SINFUL COLORS

Sinful Colors gets my vote, for being the best polish of all the cheaper alternatives. They also have a FABULOUS color selection. Plus they're $2 per bottle, lets go buy 10. 


Suggestion: All of my colors lasted at least four days. They may have lasted longer, but I usually opt for a color change before that time elapses. I suggest you invest in an OPI base coat and a Seche Vite top coat. It really maintains your manicure. The seche vite also puts a protective hard top coat over your nails that is dry in only a couple of minutes, with a glass shine finish. 

Happy Painting!

Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday!

Monday, April 22, 2013

April Birch Box


This month's birch box was in collaboration with Women's Health. 

Included with the products was a subscription offer for the magazine at a reduced price.  


 The products in this month's box were great. There were several items that seemed almost full sized.



This cream has a 35 SPF, so I haven't used it yet. I'm saving it for sunnier days. It seems like a pretty good product to keep in your bag for the day.


This revitalizing eye roll on was FANTASTIC. It wasn't included on the list of products in the box, it was a bonus. You roll it under your eyes for a refreshed look in the morning.
I've been putting it on before my makeup when I dry my hair. 
It's so great. It really does reduce the swelling and makes your eyes feel fresh!
It's also a great size.


This foot repair salve is a good product also. It has a great, soothing scent and is wonderful for your skin. I haven't put it on before bed, but I have used it a couple of times and love it.


This oil can be used for hair, skin, and nails. It's okay, but it's probably my least favorite product in the box. I just don't see much use for it.


This leave-in conditioning foam is great as well. The bottle is huge and will definitely last a while. I've been using it in place of my usual conditioner and it's better. It gives my hair shine.

I'm pretty pleased with this month's birch box. You can sign up for $10 a month here.

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday

and

 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Atlanta Getaway

I went to Atlanta this week for a quick little getaway. It was just what I needed before finals week. I visited my mother-in-law and traveled with the husband's grandma. She's pretty awesome. So here's a recap.

I had to throw in a quick WIW picture on our travel day. Loving the bright spring colors I can finally wear!



We stopped at a restaurant called "The Depot" in Georgia. It's built on the railroad tracks so you can watch the trains come and go while you eat. Pretty cool.



We went to this cafe for lunch and the dessert selection was ridiculous. I may or may not have indulged. Just sayin'.


Tuesday, I brought the red and white out so I could pose as a Braves fan. Really, I was sporting the Cincinnati Reds color, but I felt like a good poser.

I have no idea who these people are, but they make for a good picture with all of their braves attire.
This is the Varsity, a really cool restaurant in downtown Atlanta.




Mine and Husband's food. Greasy Deliciousness. 





The braves game was awesome. They scored three back to back home runs and won the game! 

I hope you had a great week too :)

Linking up with lauren for high five for friday!



Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Mint & Black

I love this black and white dress from old navy! I've been wearing it on repeat lately. I like to add a little touch of color to it and originally wore it with an emerald green blazer.

This time I added my FAVORITE color of the season, mint!

Did I mention I love my little belts? They add so much awesome to every outfit.




Mint Cardigan: Target
Dress: Old Navy
Belt: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx
Heels: Target
Necklace: Forever 21
Pearl Bracelets: Target
Flower Ring: New York & Co.

Linking up with:

 Shanna for Random Wednesday
The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday
STYLELIXIR for Weekly Link Up





Monday, April 15, 2013

Current Favorites

In case I haven't mentioned it in a while, I am obsessed with polyvore. It's a great blank canvas to put your ideas together with all of the clothes out there. So, here are my favorite creations lately.

Untitled #54


top knot


mint and pearls


Untitled #49




Mint, Pink, and Chevron. I can't get enough.

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday.