mall

Transitional Fall Style | Macy’s Backstage

My favorite time of year is approaching…tomorrow to be exact! 😉 The leaves are changing, the baked good flavors are hitting shelves in the form of coffees & candles, and the fashion is in full force! Unfortunately, the weather is not there just yet! We’ve still had a few toasty days in CT, but that just means that transitional outfits are a must!

fall transition 9

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End-Of Summer Shopping

So I found this post from August in my drafts and realized that I never published it! Whoops!

Better late than never. Enjoy  🙂 —->

 

 

I’d say that this is the saddest, yet most exciting time of the year for most ladies. Summer is coming to an end (which is down right depressing), but Fall & it’s phenomenal fashion is just around the corner!

I took a mini shopping trip over the weekend to some of my favorite go-to bargain spots. I wasn’t in the mood to go spending money for the heck of it, so I told myself that I would only pick up things that I absolutely loved, that were suitable for work, and that would be good assets to my wardrobe!

I rarely go to the mall, but I had to make a trip to the Apple store. While I was there, I figured I would stop by Forever21 and H&M. I tried on a few things that I really liked, but didn’t meet my criteria for purchase – so I decided to sit on them and return another time if they stayed on my mind. Glad I did, because I kind of forgot about them already lol.

However, I did need a new tote for my laptop, and lucked out at H&M!

I love this bag! I actually had my laptop with me since I needed it for my Apple visit, so I was able to put it in the tote & try it out. I love the simple look, the extra pockets & the long/short strap options - huge bonus! (H&M, $24.00)
I love this bag! I actually had my laptop with me since I needed it for my Apple visit, so I was able to put it in the tote & try it out. I love the simple look, the extra pockets & the long/short strap options – huge bonus! (H&M, $24.00)

I’ve been on the hunt for fitted slacks – I always buy pairs that are too long & need to be hemmed (which I never do) so straight legged, ankle pants are my new go-to! I stopped by TJ’s to peruse their selection and found this great pair of navy blue Cynthia Rowley slacks. I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again – Cynthia Rowley designs are amazing! The quality, the fabrics, the fit! I swear. Everything I try on feels as though it was tailored just for me.

Paired with a cute top, belt  & pair of pumps - these are the perfect slacks for work!
Paired with a cute top, belt & pair of pumps or flats – these are the perfect slacks for work! (TJ Maxx $24.00)

Next to TJ’s is one of my high school faves, Mandees! I’m starting to feel a little too old for this store, but the cute & affordable finds keep driving me in!

Love a good peplum
I’m still digging the peplum trend. They are always good for a clean, classy & forgiving look. (Mandees, $16.99 – but I snagged it for 50% off!)
LOVED this jumpsuit in the dressing room!
I LOVED this jumpsuit in the dressing room…
...So I brought it home :)
…So I brought it home 🙂 This KIND of met my criteria, but I’ve been searching for the perfect jumpsuit for so long. It can be worn for a night out, casually during the day or to work with a small sweater & chunky necklace. Either way, I’m SO in love with it, two people in the store actually stopped me to say they had purchased it as well! Definitely my favorite find of the day ! (Mandee’s, $40)
Super cozy Fuchsia sweater
I was drawn to this super cozy Fuchsia sweater (front) immediately. They had it in a few other colors, but I thought that this one was perfect! I’m always trying to brighten up my wardrobe and avoid the tempting lure of black, white, and grey.
With the most adorable key hole/black bow on the back!
It has the most adorable key hole/black bow on the back! So feminine, yet still comfortable & warm. Best part? No need for a fancy bra – this just makes the cut 🙂 (Mandee’s $16.99)
So looking forward to breaking in these strappy pumps!
I always laugh because believe it or not, Mandee’s really does have a great shoe selection! I tried on so many pairs and finally settled on these pumps. This older woman came over and was gawking at the shoes, she ended up getting a similar pair! I can’t wait to break them in. (Mandee’s $24.00)

I’m really excited about my finds & the upcoming Fall season! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes open & picking up some more pieces here & there!

Have you started Fall shopping?

Where did you score some good finds?

Ladies Weekend!

This past weekend I spent some quality time with so many of the special ladies in my life. Friday night I went out with some girlfriends to celebrate a 24th birthday. We did a little bit of bar hopping & a lot of catching up!

I don’t get to see these pretty faces as often as I’d like, so nights that we have one another’s undivided attention mean the world to me! 🙂

Kelly (the birthday girl!), Erin & myself
Kelly (the birthday girl!), Erin & myself Friday night

Random throwback:

Erin sent this to me the other day, and it makes me want to cry! It's she & I on our first day of Kindergarten :)
Erin sent this to me last week, and it makes me want to cry! It’s she & I on our first day of Kindergarten 🙂

I spent the night at my parents house because on Saturday morning we were waking up extra early for a family shopping trip with all of my Aunts, and my lady cousins.

Early morning photo-boothing :)
Early morning photo-boothing 🙂 (Missing a few pretty faces in this pic)

We had a great day together! We did some Christmas shopping, and enjoyed a lovely lunch . Every time we went into a store with baby clothes ALL of us couldn’t help but pick out the cutest baby outfits! We have serious baby fever – someone in the family needs to have a baby stat…maybe get married first lol!

The past few years I’ve become more adamant about spending time with my family. I would rather spend my day in their company than anything. I’m blessed to not only know, but be related to such beautiful people – all of my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc. are kind, warm hearted, supportive, absolutely hysterical, and simply beautiful inside and out.  I wouldn’t trade them for the world!

Family photo from Thanksgiving :)
Family photo from Thanksgiving 🙂

Later that night I celebrated my sorority’s 10 year anniversary! I loved being a member of the Iota Delta chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma when I was in college. My greatest friends and memories from those four years are due to my sisters. People love to knock greek life, but unless you’ve experienced the sisterhood and the bond that stems from being part of a Pan-hel organization, it’s nearly impossible to explain.

It was awesome to all be in the same room & reminisce.

This obviously calls for some throwbacks:

At my initiation in 2007 with the rest of the lovely Kappas :)
At my initiation in 2007 with the rest of the lovely Kappas 🙂
Formal 2007!
Formal 2007!
Save the Ta-Ta's 2007
Save the Ta-Ta’s 2007
At our 5 year anniversary in 2007!
Some of the ‘Kiotas’ our 5 year anniversary in December 2007!
Toga!
Toga! 2008
Breast Cancer Walk 2008
Breast Cancer Walk 2008
Spring Break in Italy with some of my Greeks <3
Spring Break in Italy with some Greeks in 2009 <3
A mother's pinning in 2009
A mother’s pinning in 2009
Military Mixer 2009 :)
Military Mixer 2009 🙂
Fun night in 2009
Fun night in 2009
Rumble in the Jungle 2009
Rumble in the Jungle 2009
Rock-A-Thon
Rock-A-Thon 2010
MS Walk 2010
MS Walk 2010
Formal 2010
Formal 2010
Graduation in 2010
Graduation pic with two of my sisters in 2010 🙂 (Please excuse our extreme Jaundice lol)
At an alumni brunch in 2011
At a post-grad alumni brunch in 2011

Well that was depressing – and I barely put a dent in it. So many fun times. 🙂

Here are some pictures from Saturday’s 10 year reunion:

Me with 2 of my favorite Stephs!
Me with 2 of my favorite Stephs!

I wore a pleated cream skirt with a black Forever 21 button down shirt, black tights, double buckled black suede pumps, and a gold plated collar necklace.

My roomie & I :)
My roomie & I 🙂
Lauren, Alexis & I
Lauren, Alexis & I
The alumni in attendance - unfortunately, a lot of ladies couldn't make it :(
The alumni in attendance – unfortunately, a lot of ladies couldn’t make it 🙁
10y8
Group shot!

It was a great weekend. I love playing catch-up with people I haven’t seen in a while!

What were you up to this past weekend? Anything exciting? 🙂

April Favorites

Over the past month I’ve picked up a bunch of new products; more so than normal. I though it’d be appropriate to do an April favorites post and share five of my newest faves with you. Enjoy!

1) Neutrogena Body Oil

My Mom swears by this product and picked up a bottle for me to try. It is applied to your entire body immediately after you get out of the shower. The oil is light, but effective. It combines with the water on your body and soaks into the skin to help keep it hydrated all day long. It is not greasy, and the scent is actually pleasant. My favorite part is that it makes moisturizing much quicker, and easier!

New fan! 🙂

2) Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Cuticle Pen

You may know about my obsession with cuticle oil, balm, and moisturizer products if you read one of my older posts– but I have found another one to add to the list! My Sephora cuticle pen ran out a while ago and I had yet to make a trip to the mall to replace it. The other day while at CVS I noticed this product and decided to give it a try. I am so excited about it because it works just as well- if not better than the Sephora brand (and it’s $5 cheaper)! 😉 This pen actually expels oil, as opposed to the oily/cream from the other pen. I really love it, and have been using it so many times per day that I may have to get another one soon!

I highly suggest you pick one up!

3) Garnier BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector

Sometimes magazine samples are worth trying!

I received a sample size of this product in my most recent issue of Cosmopolitan. I rarely if ever actually try these products, but I was curious about this one. I’m so glad I got the opportunity, because this cream is incredible! The product itself looks like a heavy foundation, but wears like a tinted moisturizer…only it’s hand’s down one of, if not the best tinted moisturizer I’ve yet to use! The coverage is phenomenal, and lasts all day long. I have my go-to foundation favorites,  but I will definitely be using this product for the time being. 🙂

(I cannot wait to do a review on this product so you can see!)

4) NYC Liquid LipShine “Fashion Avenue Fuchsia 579”

I recently posted a review of 4 pink lip products, and have been using this particular one religiously. It has the perfect amount of color for everyday use, it has a decent lifespan on the lips, and it smells so, SO yummy which never hurts! 😉 It was really affordable and is definitely a new favorite!

5) Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer

I have to give credit to my roommate who actually found this first! We’re always looking for new at home tanning products and this one happens to have been a keeper. Before bed, wash and exfoliate your face, apply this lotion evenly, go to sleep, and wake up tan. It’s as simple as that- it seriously works wonders.

Just make sure you wash your hands after applying**

Have you picked up any great new products this month? Share them with me in the comments below! 🙂

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