Jewels...how I love thee

Love me some jewelry!  A white tee and skinny jeans look totally different with some turquoise drop earrings or a statement necklace!   One of my best friends, Kris, gave me this necklace below from Anthropologie...obsessed (and so is MC!).

 

Tip 1: Pick ONE statement piece of jewelry and keep the rest of your accessories simple.  

My first go to spot for jewelry is Etsy.  I can find anything and everything at any price point.  Check it out.  Some other great deals I found:


Forever 21 - $2.80

Town and Reese - $30

Baublebar - $20



Forever 21 - $1.80

Etsy - $18.99

Etsy - $12



Love, MB

Spring Forward...but not yet!!!

One GREAT way to save money over time is to shop off season. I know, I know...you are so ready for bright colors, short skirts, and strappy sandals.  But take a minute and think about what you wish you had this past winter....was it a great pair of riding boots?  Beautiful coat?  Now is the PERFECT time to get those pieces!  Here are some great items I found that you will be THRILLED you got come September!

Frye boots? Nope, TARGET!  Yep, I am serious.  I get more compliments on these boots...genuine leather and Buy 1 get 1 50% off.  So, split with a friend or get two colors!  I did!

 

Target Merona Kasia Leather Riding Boot - $74.99

I probably wear my tan coat more than anything in my wardrobe during the winter.  This one is a fabulous deal and I LOVE the toggles. 

 

Larry Levine Camelhair - $96.56 (from $275.00)

 

J Crew toothpick Jean - $39.99 (from $125)

Anthropologie - Dashes knit blazer $49.95 (from $98)

Love, MB



Old Navy

So, I promise Old Navy is NOT sponsoring me (i wish!) and I WILL get creative and refer to other brands.  BUT, MC and I took a run to Old Navy while daddy was working and found some great pieces that I highly recommend!

Everyone needs nude flats (heels, sandals, etc...)...these are actually REALLY comfy!  Love these with skinny ankle pants or a casual dress. 

Old Navy $22


These pants remind me of JCrew.  LOVE.  The fabric is thick enough that it covers any "imperfections".  Try them on - very flattering.  I also loved the navy with light blue pattern.  I wore these to 2 birthday parties - the first one I wore with a white top and navy cardigan - ended up with pizza ALL over me.  The second birthday party, I threw on this navy T - smarter option for a mama.



Old Navy - The Diva Skinny Ankle Pants $25


 

Old Navy - Crew neck pocket T $10






Love, MB

SAHM Fridays

About a month ago,  I moved from a 5-day work week to a-4 day....I just needed more time with my girl.  So, I have Fridays off now and BOY, do I have a new appreciation for Stay At Home Moms!  It is so wonderful to be home with her more, but it is a LOT of work! 

Our day yesterday....

6:00 - MC wakes up EARLY
8:00 - MC thinks it is hysterical to rub her breakfast burrito through her hair
8:30 - Bath to clean out the breakfast burrito
8:40 - MC poops in the tub (of course the day after the cleaning lady came)
9:30 - Target run - where she pulls the wall of bathing suits onto the floor
12:30 - 1:30 - SHORT nap - what is that all about??
7:00 - Much needed date night with Michael at Lobster Bar!

Some pics of our day below (I'll spare you the tub picture)...

Because of the Target chaos I was not able to try much on so I just purchased a couple staples.

Tip: Each year buy new white tank tops and t-shirts.  They get grungy throughout the year so start the spring off with some new fresh white.  I liked these at Target because they were longer and cheap!  Old Navy has great ones also.

 

 

Love, MB

jcp

Ever since the new marketing campaign at JC Penney (now referred to as jcp), I have been dying to take a shopping trip and check it out.  However, there is not a store at either of the malls near me, so for now I am hunting online!  Here is a "look for less" option that would be great for Easter and on into spring/summer.  I like the eyelet on the jcrew skirt, but not enough for $90 more! 

I also included a great top that I can see with white skinny jeans or maybe a yellow skinny jean!   Leggings would be a great option also.

Trick #2 - Length is important!  The length of a piece can make or break how flattering it is on you.  For the skirt, make sure it hits just below the knee where your leg is at it's thinnest.  (The jcp version would probably hit right on someone that isn't 7' tall!).  For shirts, you don't want it to cut off at your widest spot, so I LOVE where this one falls.



 


jcrew $120





jcp pencil $30



 





jcp $20

Love, MB

What am I doing?

Yep....I am blogging.  I am sure everyone's blog starts out with something like this...."I don't know why I'm doing this, I never thought I would be one to blog, but here goes nothing".  If you know me, you know my biggest complaint right now as a full-time working mom is...NO TIME.  I am sure all moms feel that way, but really, there is NO TIME.  SO, I am not quite sure what makes me think I have time for a blog...

....EXCEPT - I have ALWAYS wanted to share my "gift" of deal spotting.  If you compliment my outfit or house decor, I immediately share "Target", "TJ Maxx", "Goodwill", etc...  My dream job would be a personal shopper for people on a budget.  There are many people that obviously don't need my budget-friendly services but I believe there are TONS that do.  You don't have to spend big bucks to look good and you don't have to look sloppy just because you don't have a ton of cash!  Obviously, if my clientele are people on a budget I have two options: 1) Wait to get really rich and offer my services for free, or 2) Blog!  I am starting with the latter because the first isn't happening any time soon.  So...my blog will be thrifty finds (fashion and decor), an occasional splurge/investment when necessary, and of course some life stuff...my baby girl, wonderful husband, fabulous friends....you get it. 

My first post is a fabulous dress that I found at one of my faves...Old Navy.  Who doesn't love Old Navy???  The bold black/white stripes look classic and sophisticated and this cut would look good on most body types. I see this with simple gold sandals and some gold studs...K.I.C. (Keep It Classy). Only thing that would make me love it more is a navy & white combo.

Trick #1 to making your clothes look more expensive than they are....SIMPLICITY.  The simpler the pattern, cut, and lines the nicer it looks. 

Love, MB