What I Wore Wednesday {wiww}

Welcome to another wiww post. Have you ever been unmotivated to get dressed? Join this link-up! Taking daily pics of my outfits has forced me to think about my choices and gets me thinking outside the box!

So far this week I've stuck with black and white themes so I decided I would wear some color.

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Forever 21 (old)

Skirt: Target

Crystal Necklace: Audrey Mini by Ell and Emm

Lavender Necklace: Hello Fab (similar)

Wedges: Target (love these)

Bracelet: Happy Wrist

linked up with The Pleated Poppy

Seeing Spots

Yesterday's post I mentioned how I gravitate toward stripes and polka dots. It was only right to follow my striped outfit with a polka dotted outfit. This is a chiffon shear top I stumbled upon while at Marshall's. I lost a button on it so I have to wear it with rolled up sleeves. I have been meaning to sew it back on but I've been lazy. That hasn't stopped me from wearing it though. 

What I love just as much as this top? These "treggings".  I guess that means trousers/leggings? I could totally be wrong. Anyway, I ordered these babies on the new H&M online shop. My other pair of black leggings were faded so I needed to replace them. These treggings are great because they are super comfy but still dressy enough to wear to work. 

Top: Marshall's (similar)

Treggings: H&M

Shoes: Payless (similar)

Necklace: Kimberly Necklace by Stella & Dot

Bracelets: Christina link and Artemis cuff by Stella & Dot

Watch: Michael Kors

Monday Shift

Found this shift dress while we were in Charleston a couple of weekends ago. I love the contrasting stripes and the light material. I have been gravitating toward stripes and polka dots lately.  And I automatically thought of wearing a colorful necklace with it when I bought this dress. My vision came to life today. 

Dress: Forever 21 for $19.80 (another here and here)

Necklace: Very Jane (similar)

Heels: Target (exact)

Sunday Nightdreams

Sunday nights are all about winding down and getting ready for a fresh week. Part of winding down for me involves online browsing for outfit and recipe inspirations and diy projects I wish I had to time try.

Lots of stores are bringing out their fall lines and it is really making me look forward to cooler weather. Bring on the pumpkin scented candles, cozy sweaters and scarves, boots, and white chocolate peppermint mochas!

Here are some fall trends I've been nightdreaming about this Sunday in my pjs.

This first look is from Banana Republic's new arrivals this week. I am loving that striped printed pull over sweater. This is a great look for the office. 

Get the look here

These next looks are great for the office. I love the color combos and print mixing. I would have never put these two combinations together, but it looks so fresh! 

shop the look here

shop the look here

After seeing this next look from Kristin's blog post (here) I was obsessed with this look. I am actually obsessed with all of her outfits... The sweater was a must buy. I want to recreate this look ASAP! 

sweater via Forever 21

Aren't these looks cute? Happy Sunday! 

Transitional Pieces: Striped T-shirt Dress

I recently purchased this striped swing dress from ASOS and have been outfit planning ever since.

via

 I like the t-shirt material because its a light fabric to wear for the remainder of the summer. I also really like that I'll be able to transition this piece into the fall. Below are a few looks I've been inspired by. The stripes make it an easy print to style and pair with all kinds of accessories. 

Summer Looks

photo credit courtesy of  Cupcakes and Cashmere

This is such a fun summer look. The leopard belt and sunnies with some sparkly shoes are perfect! 

photo courtesy of Glitter and Gingham

This is a great casual look with the converse. I love the statement necklace and pop of neon.

Fall Looks

Here is fall look I love, pairing the striped dress with tights and knee high boots. I like that she wore brown instead of black books. I also think it would be fun to add different color tights! The simple pendant goes perfectly. 

via

This looks so cozy doesn't it? I love the dressed worn with a scarf and booties. Perfect for fall. 

This makes me look forward to fall! 

What I Wore Wednesday {wiww}

Another week, another wiww post! 

Let's talk about this necklace for a second. GORGEOUS! 

Here is a closer look.

 I got it off a Very Jane deal and I can't wait to style it again and again. Its a nice sparkler and makes such a big statement. Especially to my bleh outfit! 

Outfit 1 Details:

Shirt: Forever 21

Pants: New York and Company

Wedges: New Directions (via Belk)

Necklace: Apple of my Eye Jewelry via Very Jane

Bracelet: Ily Couture

Watch: Michael Kors

Last week we were moved to another office space because our area was being reconfigured. So I had to visit another bathroom. It kinda goes with my outfit though :) I picked this outfit out at the last minute that morning. I loved the turn-out!

Outfit 2 Details:

Cardigan: Old Navy

Pants: Forever 21

Necklace: Hello Fab

Shoes: Ross

I wore this on Monday. I got quite a bit of looks from all kinds of people. But hey, I'm not ashamed. I think this outfit was the perfect pick-me up for a Moanday. 

Outfit 3 Details: 

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: Forever 21

Shoes: J. Crew

Necklace: Stella & Dot

I found this cute top in the girls section at Target! It was just what I was looking for a white top with black polka dots. And these chunky heels made their debut this week and they were super comfy. I love it! 

Outfit 4 Details:

Shirt Heels: Target

Skirt: New York and Company

Necklace: Apple of my Eye Jewelry via Very Jane

Bracelet: Ily Couture

Watch: Michael Kors

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Pinspired: Spicy Sausage Casserole

Most of my pins are fashion related but occasionally I love to find new recipes. I get in a rut in the kitchen just as much as I do trying to find an outfit so Pinterest usually saves the day in both departments. The recipes I choose depends on two things for me. I am a picky eater so ingredients matter. If I have to buy a bazillion different things or they are ingredients I don't care for, I'm out. Secondly, how easy is it for me to cook? I am no Paula Deen or Giada. Most of my meals consist of some type of can or box, lol. My poor husband and family...

I had to share a recipe I tried tonight that made everyone happy. It was super easy and super delicious! If you are looking for a new meal, try this! I served this with sauteed cabbage.

My pictures would have never looked this good so this is courtesy of Kevin & Amanda. 

Check out their post for step by step instructions and more tasty pictures!

Spicy Sausage Pasta

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage
1.5 cups diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles, Mild
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, each
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

1. Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add sausage and onions and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2. Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil, cover skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.

3. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with scallions. Broil until cheese is melted, spotty brown, and bubbly.

Makes 4 servings. Nutritional Information for this recipe can be found at CalorieCount.com.

Read more at http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html#ixzz2bneyh5BN

Shopping is my Cardio

Shopping is my cardio... I saw this phrase on a T-shirt and it fits me to a "T". I feel like I have been going high speed lately but had to share my recent buys because they were all steals so I don't regret a single purchase. All of these items are going to get so much wear now and through the winter!

This was my big purchase of the week. But it is also my anniversary present so I feel like I was able to splurge some. Considering this purse was originally $398, I feel so happy to get it on sale for $179! I have been so into pink lately and I can't wait for it to arrive. 

Charlotte Street Sylvie by Kate Spade

I fell in love with this vest from J. Crew last winter and but it was sold out everywhere. The only places I found it was on eBay selling for $200 or more! I was not about to pay that. So patience really does pay off. I was alerted by a fellow IG'er this vest hit factory stores! I got it at a price I could live with and now I am dreaming about all they ways I will wear it this fall and winter!! 

(I don't have a link for this as it has only been seen in factory stores recently, but run to the nearest or call and GET this vest!)

I've been dying to have a Carrie Bradshaw moment in a tulle skirt! They have been pretty pricey everywhere I've checked. Absolutely love this one from Shabby Apple or this one by Anthropologie. Both of these range from $78-$188! Found the one pictured here on Very Jane by Poppy and Dot for $17.99! I scooped it up real quick on my way to work! It's that serious! lol! 

My last steal vs splurge deal this week were these beauties from Target! 

I bought the black and leopard ones. I want a brighter shade of red heels so I passed on the red pair (I really just felt guilty for buying three pairs of the same shoes).  These are comparable to the Etta pumps from J. Crew but they are the fraction of the price! $29.99 versus $238. I say that's quite a steal!

Splurge Total:  $398 + $138 + $188 + $238+ $238 = $1,200!

Steal Total: $179 + $88 + $17.99 + $29.99 + $29.99 = $344.97

That's $855 I saved people! 

What I Wore Wednesday {wiww}

Hi guys, I've been having some laptop issues so I haven't made many posts this week but how could I miss wiww? Have you even had outfit block? Where you are completely uninspired or aren't happy with anything you wear? This link-up is what you need. I am constantly being inspired by every day women just like me, wearing cute and affordable outfits. It really has changed the way I dress. Because I take pictures of what I wear, I feel like I put more effort in picking outfits out. But the prime reason I choose to participate is to really gain some self confidence! It makes such a difference!

Come join along! I have been introduced to such great blogs and ladies! Thanks so much for your inspiration!

Now moving on to this weeks outfits:

 I found this Chanel inspired cardigan last fall and I've gotten lots of wear of it so far! It surprisingly is very versatile and it very light.  And Target does it again when I an IG buddy was selling these red ankle strap sandals. They make great statement shoes!

Outfit 1 Details:

Pants: Kohl's 

Tank: H&M

Jacket and Sandals: Target

Necklaces: Stella and Dot and Groopdealz

Bracelet: Ily Couture

This dress is pretty old and I had forgotten about it tucked away in my closet. It's a fun print and deserved some fun shoes.

Outfit 2 Details:

Dress: Ross

Shoes: J Crew

Necklace: Ily Couture

Bracelet: Happy Wrist

This striped skirt was a great find at The Loft outlet store. It was on sale for $20 and I love the gold glitter in it! And this necklace was on my wish list the moment Stella & Dot's summer collection came out. Its a great statement piece!

Outfit 3 Details:

Skirt: The Loft Factory

Tee: JcPenney

necklace: Stella and Dot

Sandals: Nine West

Bracelets: Stella and Dot

Watch: Michael Kors

I have received so many compliments over this tunic. I accidentally ordered a bigger size but I have found ways to make it work. A belt is a great solution. Its a great color too and I love it! 

Outfit 4 Details:

Pants: Forever 21

Tunic: A Cut Above Boutique

Belt: New York and Company

Necklace: Groopdealz and Stella and Dot

Bracelet: Stella and Dot

Pops of blue. I bought these suede shoes last year and they were my favorite purchase because I search high and low for a pair that weren't too expensive and too tall. These are the perfect heel height and were on sale at the outlets! Score!

Outfit 6 Details:

Shirt: New York and Company Outlet

Pants: H&M

Necklace: Groopdealz

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Bracelet: Stella and Dot

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Get Your Pretty On

It's Friday, I'm in Love! {with the HM Online Shop}

I am so happy H&M opened their online shop! We don't have a H&M in our local malls so it's a pretty big deal we can shop online with them now! Here are a few pics from browsing on their site last night! Which items should I purchase? 

frenchie tank top// designer inspired bag // sequin sweatshirt top //

// jeggings // cognac ballet flats //

// lips phone case //

tortoise heels

I want them all! But I may just stick to a couple for now. Don't want to alarm my hubby when our bank account takes a hit tomorrow :) 

5 Year Wedding Anniversary!

Wow! Today, Noah and I are celebrating 5 years of marriage! These have been the best years of my life. It's funny because so much has happened in just the five years we have been married. Our first big decision as husband and wife was moving to Georgia and both taking on new jobs. Next, we bought our first home together. Then, came our first born, Ava. Next, came our other baby girl, Lily. It's been crazy busy since having kids but we are both having fun. I love being able to see what a good dad Noah is to our babies. It will definitely be interesting to see how our lives have changed and what different stages in our lives we will be in when we celebrate the next 5 years and so on. As long as we are together and happy I don't care about anything else.