Things I Love: May [Vacation Edition]

Left Najana black lulus.com Right Ted Baker Safia asos.com

Strappy sandals! I love all these barley there sandals this season. They are a nice change from all the heavier wedges and chunky heels that have been around. You can pair them with basically anything. I love them with boyfriend jeans, body-con skirt and crop top, and shorts with a blazer. But, you really cannot go wrong. A nude pair or a black pair are a pretty safe bet because you will be able to wear them with everything in your closet. This black pair shown is from Lulu's, check them out and use PSW20 to get 20% off of them till June 13th. The pair on the right are Ted Baker from asos.com so as always use your 10% student discount that you can sign up for here. 

Left Nancy by Melie Bianco Right Beach bag by H&M

Oversized bags with cutouts! These are so great for trips to the beach. They're big and spacious and the cutouts give them eye appeal. You get the usability of having it be a solid color while adding interesting detail with the pattern. For the bag on the left use code MAKEMOMSDAY (case sensitive) to get 40% off site wide here. The bag on the right is from H&M and is only $7.95 (its plastic talk about beach ready). The only downside to the H&M bag is it will really only be useful for local adventures no fun to pack a plastic bag.

Unidays!

https://www.myunidays.com/r/CVBDW9JyhgY

Since I've been back and catching up with people somehow this has been getting brought up in tons of conversations. I am honestly amazed how many people have never heard of or are not signed up for this website. It's great you get discounts on tons of great brands like Levi's, ASOS, Karma Loop, and more. 

Basically it's a website for students, so even if your not technically a student you might still be able to sign up. I believe to verify all you have to do is long into your universities site. So even if you have graduated as long as you still have access to that you should good. 

Right now it's really great because usually you get 10% off at ASOS, but there running a special. So if you are not signed up get signed up TONIGHT because the 25% off is going on until tomorrow. 

WIW: Duster

It's finally MAY, I cannot believe how fast this year is going by. Since I have only been back for a few days I am half living out of a suitcase half living off stuff on the floor. My closet is completely chaotic so it has been about simplicity in my outfits since I have been back.








Right now my mind is fixated on jackets! Today I wore my ASOS Duster Coat  finally. I am absolutely obsessed with this jacket right now.

It so light weight an flowy and since I lightened my hair I have been venturing towards lighter colors and giving the harsher ones a break.

Side note: If your not signed up for Unidays click here and get on that. You could get this coat for 25% off today, and lots of other discounts too its great!

I spent the day at the mall with my niece so this outfit is just simple comfy easy. Paired the jacket with a cream H&M sweater, ASOS denim  (my favorite pair of jeans love the fit), and Steve Madden flats.


My accessories are simple (since most are still packed away) and include two different Juicy Couture necklaces many seasons past, Fossil watch I have had for ages and a Michael Kors bag (similar).

This jacket is starting to pop up everywhere,
click here to check out Kylie Jenner looking amazing in blue.

Also one of my favorite bloggers wearing it here in warmer weather.


Looking forward to it warming up to pair this with skirts and heeled sandals, shorts and converse. The possibilities are endless.


Now this Minnesota weather needs to cheer up..  xo

Fashion News: To Tommy from Zooey Collection

Personally I love Zooey Deschanel. I think she is an amazing actress, singer and has a very cute unique style. So I am not surprised that she is finally pairing up with a designer (because what can't she do?). These 60's inspired pieces are exactly what I would expect from this duo.

The "Modical" collection hit stores a few days ago and is a collection of 16 dresses. All the pieces are adorable and I think give a little bit of rejuvenation to classic Tommy Hilfiger.

The prices range from $98-199, so if your looking for a little spring splurge this could be it. But be quick I hear its flying off the shelves.

Personally I love the accessories. Featured in the pictures below are three pieces that grabbed my attention.

Far left is the 'Ashley Sandal' beautiful white leather with a pop of color. Easily can be a fun color accent to any outfit.

Middle, super cute sunnies 'TH 1242' in opale green. These are a really easily shape and a subtle way of having colors on your sunglasses. Since they're not too loud you can wear them with more things which is ideal since they have a nice sized price tag.

Far right is the 'Ella Satchel', the color is tango red. Beautiful smooth leather and the color is rich. Also a super great way to add to some excitement to your summer outfits.. xo

Breaking News: Primark meets USA

For anyone who has had the experience of shopping at Primark understands why this must be mentioned! Of course lets be honest these stores are filled to the top with things we do not need that are made pretty poorly. But its great for the basics or to get that one trendy piece you know your going to be so done with in a few months.

A little sad for us stuck from the Midwest on over, but the 70,000 square foot store will be opening in Boston by the end of 2015. If you don't know about this store make sure to go check them out online here

Some might say its just another youthful retailer but they really have a competitive price edge. Being an American shopping on the pound the clothes are obviously not the amazing deal we pretend they are. But, I believe the price will be something to be excited about once it is finally in dollars.

My best friend Makeba and I might have to grab all our girls and just start planning a trip to Boston and catch what I am sure will be one of the most insane store openings that has happened in awhile. Think Black Friday.. but scarier.

This is one of Primark's first steps to becoming a well known, successful global brand. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled and hopefully (while we're still youthful) a store will be coming close to you.. xo 

Outfit of the day: Soldier Girl Tell Um

First the title of this post, credit given to one of my awesome friends Jackson. He saw me wearing this outfit on the left and that was the first thing that came out of his mouth. It made me smile so I had to roll with it.

Camouflage, such an interesting print. One trend that walks a fine line between forest friendly and fashion forward. If you're like me and kind of love it here are two of my personal twists on it.  I tried to pick looks that were pretty opposite from each other. Both looks are fun but, the left is much harder and the right is a much softer. Thats what is so great about these pants, they are extremely versatile. 

Outfit One:

• Pants, Zara
• Tank, Macy's
• Sweater, H&M,
• Jacket, SuperDry 
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Beanie, Neff
• Bracelet, Nordstroms
• Watch, Fossil 

Outfit Two:

• Pants, Zara
• Sweater, Forever 21
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Scarf, Heartbreaker

My advice is be careful with camouflage that has had little to no manipulation and uses cheap looking fabric. When the camouflage print looks like you actually got it from a hunting store, or the fabric is extremely low quality thats when camouflage can start getting really tacky. On my pants the colors are pretty mute and they have some feminine detailing on the bottom with the gold snaps. This helps them stray away from being to much of a literal translation. 

The definition of Camouflage is the use of any combination of materials, coloration or illumination for concealment. When it comes to your clothes you're not trying to hide! So when you're at the store stop and think, could I blend into a pile of leaves right now?   

Sunday How To's: Dress for Success

Everyone has that same image of the "sexy secretary" a hyper sexualized women in the work place wearing a skin tight pencil skirt with a slit up the back and a low cut top. This is not a good look. It is important, especially as women, to present ourselves properly in professional environments. Women before us have worked too hard for us to be able to come to professional arenas and be taken seriously. To disrespect that by dressing inappropriately really hurts me. Lately at a lot of events I have seen too many women dressing provocatively. That is what inspired me to do this how to. In these first images I am wearing a simple black dress that hits right at the knee and comes all the way up to my neck. Finding a perfect fitting black dress is an essential piece to your wardrobe. Depending on your body type different cuts and styles will flatter you best. It may take a lot of trying on but it is definitely worth it. DO NOT SETTLE. I know a lot of women enjoy feeling sexy. The perfect fitting black dress even though it is knee length and not baring cleavage can make you feel sexier than anything skimpy. Even more than sexy being dressed appropriately can truly make you feel beautiful and strong. This dress is so versatile, here I have it a little more dressed up, more of a work event versus everyday. But, I could easily dress it down and turn it into the perfect office dress. 

The Outfit: 

• Dress, Zara
• Jacket, Talbots
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Necklace, Forever 21
• Watch, Fossil 
• Clutch, Steve Madden

Being dressed professionally does not always have to mean looking boring. That is a common thought I believe many people have. If you have a more eccentric personality there is a way to tie that into professional clothing and still make yourself presentable. Of course you must always keep in mind the crowd. If your at a law office where the most exciting thing you see is someone changing their suit from black to brown you probably do not want to wear a yellow dress. But, there is always business casual events that need attending right? This look I'm wearing once again is overall covering. It hits slightly above the knee but it is also not as form fitting. This dress is great for many things: a wedding, business casual event, and possible your job (depending on where you work). It is a really rich color but a classic cut.

The outfit:

• Dress, Zara
• Watch, Fossil
• Gold bracelet, Forever 21
• Earrings, from my mom
• Shoes, Me Too 
• Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection 

Note: I would suggest accessorizing different based on the event, you would not want this large bag at a wedding.

 Lastly pants, I know everyone doesn't like wearing dresses. Pants are nice because if you find a pair that fit you great they can be a base to many outfits. This means invest, like the black dress shop around and find a pair that fit great (get them tailored if necessary). It is easy to make a simple pair of black pants look different by changing the blouse or adding a jacket. If you decide to wear a shear blouse it is important to be very conscious of the undergarments that you choose. You do not want bra straps showing and you always want to make sure the tank top underneath is giving you enough coverage. 

The Outfit:

• Blouse, H&M
• Pants, Macy's
• Watch, Fossil
• Handbag, Dooney & Bourke
• Shoes, Steve Madden 

Note: Looking great and professional does not have to be expensive. Find versatile pieces that can be re-used in many outfits and practical shoes versus shoes that only go with one outfit. Also keep your eye out for sales. The black dress I am wearing was purchased during Zara's winter sale for $19.99. Since they offer free shipping both ways I was able to try on different sizes in the comfort of my own home. 

Outfit of the day: Comfy Casual

Photo credit: Jonathan Wirkus

Those days when you wake up and you just want to be comfortable, we all have them. The important thing to remember is on these days DO NOT reach for your favorite sweatpants. Even though it may seem harmless to have a scrubby day here and there you truly never know what a day holds for you, who you may meet, and what opportunities may be presented to you. First impressions hold a lot of weight and you want all the amazing qualities you have inside to be present properly outside. Unfortunately when someone see's us they make a judgement based on our appearance, and you do not want an off day to put a bad taste in the mouth of someone who could help you along your path.

Thats why its all about the balance. For me, my comfy day outfit always consists of a cozy sweater. Usually I prefer something oversized, the loose fit is why we all run to our sweatpants anyway right?

I am wearing a pair of 535 Levis in a grey, which can I say 535's are my life they are the best jeans and fit me like a glove guaranteed every time (highly suggest them), brown Steve Madden ankle boot, a pale yellow T-shirt, a Levi's denim button up, and an oversized sweater I acquired while in Morocco. For accessories I picked a slightly bigger slouchy Coach bag, a gold Fossil watch, and my favorite Ray-Ban's.

I will usually try and attach links to things I mention. A lot of my items are things I have acquired over the years so I will at least try to find similar up to date versions. :)