Saturday Shopping

Saturday shopping: party booties

Caroline — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 12:58:05 +0000

Kendall asked me last night what I wanted for Christmas and that list is coming on Monday. How-ev-er, I realized in my online window shopping that I could make an entire Christmas list of festive booties.

If I’m going to wear heels, 9/10 times I’ll go for a great pair of booties. This is especially true this time of year. Grab a pair of sparkly or velvet booties and pair with a little black dress and some fun jewelry- perfect for an office holiday party or New Year’s Eve date. That is legitimately exactly what I wore out for New Year’s Eve last year.

I have to say that my current favorites of my favorites are all Betsey Johnson. (Obviously). The Wilma Western Style Plaid Bootie, the Lea Microsuede Jewel Block Heel Booties, and the Lucki Leopard Sequin Western Block Heel Booties could really all go on my Christmas list. When I was little, though, the rule was one baby doll on my Christmas list per year, and I think that rule may have stuck with me and I avoid hinting at/ asking for more than one type of a certain thing. Is that crazy?

How would you style your party booties?

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Saturday shopping: Small business Saturday

Caroline — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 10:06:15 +0000

Yesterday, I braved the mall with my mom and my Auntie Steph. Generally, people seemed like they were in a positive holiday mood, but it was still super crowded and it took some driving and stalking to find a parking spot. I also made a couple online purchases, but we really didn’t go crazy online or off.In case you didn’t know, today is Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. I wanted to shed a spotlight on some of my favorite small businesses. Please feel free to drop a link to your own favorite in the comments below!

The Family Room

I always thought, growing up in my little town of Laytonsville, that we could use a Starbucks. Sure, we had a couple little restaurants and Montgomery Country Club, but there was no place to grab a coffee. The Family Room came around last year with one better. It’s the sweetest gift shop/ coffee bar/ meeting place. They have tables with puzzles and coloring pages where folks can gather and unwind, but they also sell the cutest little somethings. They’re not shopable online, but you’d want to go in anyway, and their Instagram is always being updated with what’s in stock! My current fave is the giving plate. Go on in an visit:

6820 Olney Laytonsville Road Laytonsville, MD 20882

All That Yazz

I met Yazz of All That Yazz at an event at Logan Exchange and girl… I never thought I would switch to bar soap from body washes but that is exactly what I’ve done. From following her, I’ve learned about avoiding soaps made with palm oil, and how (her) bars of soap are just generally better for the environment + for me. When I ran out of my Yazz soaps, I actually tried a couple others, making sure they’re palm oil free, but one I ordered I could barely smell, and the one I’m currently using from a vendor at Eastern Market is leaving brown streaks in my shower, which is not pleasant.

I can confidently say if you’re looking for quality handmade soaps, Yazz is your girl. My favorite scent is actually The Executive Men’s Soap. She also sells candles, and when one teacup candle and saucer didn’t *quite* make it to my MIL in Mississippi, she sent a soap as an apology gift. How’s that for customer service? You can also catch Yazz at markets around the DMV.

Pretty Pink Rooster

It’s been so fun watching Pretty Pink Rooster grow- from an online accessories boutique, to a brick + mortar, to a bigger boutique with a clothing line! I’m especially proud because the founder, Alexandra, is a sorority sister of mine! We’ve never met as she was a little bit older, but we’ve kept in touch and I’m again, so proud of her success! Bummer for the DMV ladies, Pretty Pink Rooster is located in New Jersey, but you can shop online still, too! My favorite thing on her site right now is The “Chic Stone” Necklace.

These are just 3 boss-babe run small businesses, but they are three I fully endorse. What are your favorite small businesses?

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Saturday shopping: currently at Shein

Caroline — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 09:15:45 +0000

Shein is one of my favorite places to online window shop, probably because of the sheer amount of stuff they actually have. I’m always a little bit gun-shy of actually ordering, because their quality and sizing can be a little iffy- plus they have a sub-par return policy and that’s if your items get to you in a timely manner. I usually try to find whatever I’m looking for on Amazon in case I need to return, but some of their cute things just aren’t there and you have to get them from the real site.

I know I just made them sound less than desirable, but one of my all-time favorite dresses from work came from Shein a couple of years ago. It’s one that I wear and wash on constant repeat. I’ve said this before, but shopping on Shein is a matter of patience and research. You have to be super careful about reading reviews and checking size charts, but you can find the cutest on-trend pieces for very reasonable prices.

Every once in a while I go on a binge and add a ton of stuff to my wish list on Shein. Here’s what I have on my list now:

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Saturday shopping: plush sweaters

Caroline — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 10:00:07 +0000

Considering I spent most of Thursday night angry about how hot it was in my living room, it might seem too early to be talking plush, or what I like to call, teddy, sweaters. But hear me out. We definitely got that little nip in the air in the mornings last week that says FALL IS COMING. And I’m all about that.

Actually, one of my friends asked for suggestions for plush, soft cardigans and I am here to help. I keep a cardigan in my office at all times because it’s usually chilly, as are most offices. I’ve discovered that I prefer the “boyfriend” fit over a traditional cardigan. It just feels more like being wrapped up in a blanket.

If you’re looking for something extra fuzzy, Amazon has a ton of teddy sweaters like this one, and they’re mostly a bargain. I have this one myself, although it looks like it’s sold out in the pink I picked.

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Saturday shopping: statement necklaces

Caroline — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 10:00:31 +0000

You know how sometimes you can see something and it sticks with you for one reason or another? I used to religiously keep up with Meaghan and she referred to statement necklaces as behemoths in this post. Actually, now that I think about it, I started wearing them because of her too. If you’ve been following this blog long enough, you know she was one of the bloggers who really inspired me to start my own. But this post is not about that.

It’s about those behemoths. I freakin’ love statement necklaces. I mention them + wear them quite a bit. I think if I had to pick one access for the rest of my life statement necklaces would be it. This is due, in large part to their ability to complete an outfit in one second. As I write this post, I’m wearing a black t-shirt dress and a neon orange + crystal statement necklace gifted to me by Dani when she didn’t want to toss it but didn’t want it. It’s one of my fave.

And the thing is, you really don’t have to spend a lot on them either. For something that ties together and elevates outfits to easily, you can get them so cheap! If you’re into growing your collection like I am, be sure to check out SUGARFIX by BaubleBar and the amazing 50% off sale at t+j Designs (making most of their amazing necklaces $12)! I’m also a huge fan of Stella & Dot so it’s a lucky thing I’m friends with a stylist who keeps me up-to-date on all those sales!

Lucite Spring Pretty Necklace||Spring Glam Brooch Necklace||Luxe Spring Icing Crystal Necklace||Gold Pearls and Chains Layered Necklace

Colorful Resin Bubble Bib Statement Necklace||Long Boho Statement Necklace||Rhinestone Crystal Choker||Blooming Crystal Pendant

Crystal Glass Bib Necklace||I.N.C. Gold-Tone Beaded Flower Statement Necklace||I.N.C. Gold-Tone Stone & Crystal Beaded Flower Statement Necklace||I.N.C. Gold-Tone Multi-Stone Flower & Fruit Statement Necklace

I.N.C. Gold-Tone Stone, Crystal & Tassel Statement Necklace||Steve Madden Gold-Tone Stone & Crystal Flower 20″ Statement Necklace||I.N.C. Gold-Tone Multi-Flower Statement Necklace||Gold-Tone Stone & Crystal Multi-Layer Statement Necklace

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Saturday shopping: #NSale

Caroline — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 10:00:05 +0000

I don’t have to tell you that the Nordstrom Anniversary sale early access started this week. I ordered a few things after totally fighting with the site for a few hours. I was actually lucky though- a lot of the glitches caused folks to duplicate their orders. One woman was charged for 15 raincoats! I wish I had a glass of wine to go with my Twitter entertainment that morning, let me tell you.

But Nordstrom came through with an apology and 10x points for every purchase made on July 12th for the inconvenience. Yes, we all bitched and moaned but to be fair, the sale is huge, hyped, and there’s only so much that they can do. Apology accepted.

I thought this year’s sale was a lot better than last year. I picked up some cute stuff for work, but I’m loving their casual tops too! I literally went through 50+ pages and picked out some of my favorites. Some of my picks were gone by the time I came home to write this post, so this isn’t even all of it!

Did you have luck at the sale? What’s on your wish list?

Coats: Collarless Chubby Faux Fur Jacket||Faux Fur Swing Coat||Kenneth Cole New York Notch Collar Curly Faux Shearling Coat||Via Spiga Reversible Hooded Faux Fur Coat||kensie Faux Fur Teddy Bear Coat||kensie Faux Fur Jacket

Dresses for work: Eliza J Fit & Flare Sweater Dress||1901 Flounce Hem Shift Dress||1901 Layered Look Ponte Shift Dress||Eliza J Scuba Crepe Fit & Flare Dress||Tahari Pleated Shift Dress||Halogen® Short Sleeve Ruffle Hem Dress

Casual tops: Vince Camuto Ribbed Trim Short Sleeve Hoodie||Wildfox ‘Somewhere Sunny’ Sweatshirt||Rebecca Minkoff Gracie Cold Shoulder Floral Sweatshirt||Wildfox ‘Baggy Beach Jumper’ Pullover||Caslon® Tie Knot Sweatshirt||Make + Model Sleepy Fleece Hoodie

Other: J.Crew Dover Blazer||Treasure & Bond Blanket Plaid Cape||BP. Kerry Bootie||Full Neoprene Skirt||Tie Waist Ankle Pants||Caslon® Ruffle Hem Cotton Blend Sweatshirt Dress

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Saturday shopping: National Sunglasses Day

Caroline — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 10:00:50 +0000

Ok, so I’m a couple days late with this. June 27th was National Sunglasses Day. As a sunny-junkie, I’m not pleased with myself. Regardless of my tardiness to the party, I thought I would bring you some fun sunglasses facts as well as picks to keep those peepers safe while you enjoy fun in the sun this summer.

The history of sunglasses can be traced back to Roman Emperor Nero who watched the gladiator competitions through polished light emerald green gems held up to his eyes.
Elton John is thought to own the largest personal collection of sunglasses in the world at around 30,000 pairs. He even inspired the 1998 play ‘Elton John’s Glasses’.
Edward H. Land invented the Polaroid filter and by 1936 he was using it in the making of sunglasses.
Ray Ban sunglasses were originally designed for US Air Service pilots by medical equipment manufacturers Bausch and Lomb and were intended to reduce sickness and headaches caused not by the glare from the sun but from intense hues of the sky at high altitude. They mainly used the above mentioned Polaroid technology and a green tinted lens to create them.
Sunglasses commenced to filter into the US mass market in 1929 and by late thirties, were considered a cool accessory. Life Magazine, in an article about growing popularity of sunglasses, estimated that only around 30% of those purchased were worn to protect the beautiful eyes. The rest, like today, were mainly considered a fashion accessory.
Just one Luxury Goods Company produces 75% of the world’s designer sunglasses. Labels such as Chanel, Burberry, and Ralph Lauren are all designed and made by Italian company Luxottica. They also own Oakley and Ray-ban brands.
Cheap round sunglasses can be just as good at blocking harmful sun rays as expensive sunglasses, but more expensive sunglasses tend to combine all of the protective technologies required for complete eye protections, including eliminating specific frequencies of the light for use in specific conditions.

source

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Saturday shopping: Ted Baker handbags

Caroline — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000

When I went to NYFW last year, I met Lexie. I’d actually been following her for a while and thought there was no way she could be like her Instagram irl– she’s too cute and too perfect! But when I met her, I was pleasantly surprised! She somehow was exactly like her candy-pink brand but also a real person! She was wearing a tiara headband and a pastel lace dress in February in New York, a beacon of sunshine in a cold, grey city. And I actually got to know a little bit about how and where her blog came from. That’s her story to tell, not mine, but I will say that every time I see a sweet Ted Baker bag I think of her and I couldn’t do this post without a nod to the sweetest girly-girl!

I first started loving Ted Baker a few years ago during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I needed just a good, solid, black leather tote and I was between the Ted Baker and the Kate Spade. They were essentially the same with a rather sizable price difference. You’ve seen my pick here. It’s pretty much the most perfect black purse- not gigantic but a great size for lugging crap to and from the office in a dignified manner.

Since I picked up that gem, I’ve noticed that their bags go way beyond the simple black I needed and wanted that day. Actually my “wedding purse” (spoiler- future brides, you won’t need or want one) was the Luanne iPad Mini 4 Envelope Clutch (it came in pink with rose gold hardware at the time. I’m draw to their pearl, pink, bow, and generally girly embellishments. They kind of remind me of softer, more sophisticated Betsey Johnson.

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Saturday shopping: heart jewelry

Caroline — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 11:00:04 +0000

As I said in my Valentines for her post, I know I’m in the minority of most of the women I know when I say I actually LOVE heart-shaped jewelry. Hear me out on this, guys. Heart shaped jewelry is fun af. In my humble opinion, the kitschier the better. If you’re going to be wearing it at all, why make it subtle?

Heart shaped jewelry is also iconic, thanks to a little movie called Titanic that is essentially about this one heart shaped diamond- am I right or am I right? Heck, even our girl Britney made a reference to that big, beautiful rock and you really can’t get more iconic than that.

Here’s the main thing though. I like it. And so I will continue wearing it. I’m sure there are girls out there that feel the same. But there are also people who tweet things like:

…and I respectfully decline their opinion. That’s fine they don’t have to wear it or gift it. Tacky is in the eye of the beholder. But I’m here to bring you heart shaped jewelry that I think is adorable and fun and perfect for this season of love.

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Saturday shopping: ruffle tops

Caroline — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 11:00:52 +0000

I’ve honestly just come to the conclusion that a I just need to try everything on. What looks good on one ~~blogger~~ person may not good on another. Pencil skirts are out for me, honestly, but MAN I can rock a skater skirt like nobody’s business. I tried a ruffle t-shirt dress I saw on another blogger that did absolutely nothing for me. That’s ok too. That’s what returns are for.

Does it not seem like all at freakin’ once ruffles have taken over, in a totally not-stuffy kind of way? I love it, but I have to be kind of careful with styling on my busty, curvy self. Last year, there was a J. Crew top that looked adorable on a lot of people. It was plaid with a ruffle kind of along the bust line. Real talk, it made my head look small and my chest look ginormous. I felt like a circus bear. But I tried two solid Halogen tops from Nordstrom that I absolutely love- here and here. The best thing is that they’re essentially sweatshirts but because of the ruffles, they’re ~FaNcY~. As I write this post, I’m wearing on with a statement necklace and jeans for an easy, fun, casual Friday look. How do you feel about the ruffles? I feel like they won’t be a trend for good, but they’re fun while they’re here!