Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Part 2

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially started today, so I thought I'd share some more favorites!

Tops

I realized that I left out a very important category in yesterday's post. You can't go running around topless, so here are some cute options.

A must with any outfit is a good fitting bra! If possible, go to Nordstrom today and have one of their bra fitters measure you. This is a must do! Even if you've been measured in the past at Victoria's Secret, you still need to have it done at Nordstrom! I was measured once at VS....they told me I was a 32B. After the shock wore off at how inaccurate her measurements were, I asked her to get me a 32B so I could show her how wrong she was. Let's just say I was busting out of it and leave it at that. After that I decided to go to Nordstrom and get fitted there. You definitely have to check your modesty at the door because not only do they measure you (with your current bra on), but they come in the fitting room after you try on each bra to determine what fits best. They bring you several options, and keep them coming until they find the perfect fit. For me that was the Le Mystere Dream Tisha Underwire T-Shirt Bra which is on part of the #NSale! It's usually $69 and is on sale for $45.90 during the sale! If you are a bigger busted girl, this is the perfect bra for you! It's comfortable and, even though it's a full-coverage bra, it's still attractive on. I think that it may have even been one of Oprah's Favorite Things! 

Le Mystere Dream Tisha

Shoes

I shared some options for boots and athletic shoes in my first post, but I forgot to include flats and heels. I love my Tory Burch ballet flats and now they have a pair named after me! And they're on sale! It's like it's meant to be! :)

Men's Sale

Don't forget about the men in your life when shopping!

Home

There are a lot of fun and unique home decor items included in the sale as well, so definitely check them out!

I went ahead and ordered the Clarisonic before it sold out. I'm still on the fence about whether I need it or not, but one of the things I love about Nordstrom is that they make returns so easy - if you don't absolutely love it, you just fill out the return slip and send it back for free! What are you ordering from the #NSale?

XOXO,

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of my favorite sales of the year because you can find brand new items on sale! This is the perfect time to stock up for fall and winter! The sale begins July 22nd and lasts through August 7th, so plan on checking it out. I promise that you won't be disappointed!

I've ordered a few things which are included below, but just for fun I thought I'd share some suggestions with you!

Jeans

During the cooler months I live in my jeans, and a great pair of jeans can last years, so I feel like I can justify spending a little more on them. Here are some of my favorites from the sale.

Dresses 

 You can't go wrong with a flirty dress. Here are some steals from the sale.

Boots

I don't know about you, but I live in my skinny jeans and boots in the fall/winter, so any time I can find a great pair of boots on sale I'm all over it! Here are some of my favorites from the sale.

Athletic Shoes

When I'm not wearing boots, I'm usually in my sneakers. I used to call every pair of sneakers "tennis shoes," but after marrying a man who played tennis in high school I learned that you only call them tennis shoes if you wear them to play tennis. Well, technically every pair of athletic shoes I've ever owned has been worn to play tennis, so I guess it's okay for me to call them that. ;) Anyhow, I digress. Here are some of my favorites from the sale. I'm debating whether or not I should order a pair because I already have three.....

Handbags & Accessories

A great handbag and some cute accessories can really take your outfit up a notch, and there are some great options in the #NSale.

Beauty 

This is a great time to pick up a new fragrance or beauty products. Many of my favorites are featured in the sale! There are some things that I've been wanting to try that are featured in the sale. The first is the Clarisonic. I've been pretty blessed with good skin, though I do have small acne flareups every once in awhile. I'm 37....when will they stop?! I may not be worried about acne, but I am worried about signs of aging, and I'm wondering if a Clarisonic would help. If you have one, please comment below and tell me what you think about it! I'd also love to try either the Beachwaver or the Drybar 'Beach in a Box.' I have a NuMe hair wand with several different attachments, but I've never really been able to make it work for my hair, so I'm not sure it's the right tool for me. Several of my friends and I had a hair party a little over a year ago - I'm thinking we need to have another one so I can learn how to use my hair wand (or I could just buy the Beachwaver or Drybar Collection). 

Do you have your eye on anything in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? I've already ordered a few things, but after writing this post I'm thinking I may need to place another order! I'll post an update when the items I already ordered arrive!

XOXO,

June Favorites

I can't believe the last time I posted was over two months ago! Sorry for the extended absence. I'd love to say that I was doing something glamorous and exciting, but it's just been life as usual. I decided to pick back up by sharing my June favorites!

I'll start with my new (old) favorite hair serum! Several years ago I used Biosilk Silk Therapy and for whatever reason I just stopped buying it. For the past several months I have been taking part in a hair product trial with L'Oréal (if you're interested in joining the panel, check out their website). There was one shampoo and conditioner bundle that I absolutely LOVED! My hair had shine, was silky smooth, and had just the right amount of lift at the roots ~ it looked amazing! Unfortunately I used up all of the product and my hair was back to looking dull and lifeless. Even my old shampoo and conditioner bundle wasn't cutting it, so I decided to repurchase the Biosilk serum in hopes that it would help add silky shine back to my hair. It totally did! I usually use about a dime sized amount prior to blow drying my hair and then after I straighten it I use a little more. It's also a great moisturizer for the skin, so I rub the excess on my arms.

Another product I've been reloving this month is the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper. I still like the ink liner, but the tattoo liner glides on so much easier. 

This truly has been a month for rediscovering old favorites because I also switched back to my Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser. I have been pretty blessed with good skin, but the past few months I'd been having more breakouts than I'm used to, so I decided it was time to switch my cleanser. I keep it in the shower, so this is what I use every morning. I still will occasionally use the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser at night, but the Murad is my favorite of the two.

I also went back to my Clinique Acne Solutions BB Cream. I just pour a little onto my fingertips (it's really liquidy) and spread it over my face before using a foundation brush to blend it out. I love it because it's SPF 40, so I feel like I have a pretty good layer of sun protection on my face when I'm outside.

My daughter loves doing my makeup. Because of this, and because I've always been a little embarrassed by the name, I decided that I wouldn't buy one of my favorite blushes ever again. You know the one....Nars Orgasm. I mean, why do cosmetics companies insist upon giving products names that make you blush (no pun intended)? Anyhow, I did really well for about a year, but after trying countless blushes and never finding one that I really loved, I broke down and ordered it this month. It truly is the most beautiful blush with the most unfortunate name. ;)

After I purchased the UD Gwen Stefani Palette (love, and on sale!), I told myself that I was done buying eyeshadow palettes. And then I saw the Smashbox Full Exposure Palette. It's full of neutral colors that look good on anyone. There is a good mix of both matte and metallic shades that blend beautifully. During the summer I prefer more of a neutral eye, so to me this is the perfect summer palette!

That's it, a lot of old (and one new) favorites. I'm still searching for the perfect shampoo and conditioner bundle since I have no idea if/when the test bundle I loved will be in stores. I'd love to hear your favorite bundle and why! Share in the comments below!

XOXO,

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is May 8th! That's just a little over two weeks away! With that in mind, I thought I'd share some gift ideas with you.

Jewelry

I'll start with the obvious. Pay attention to whether the mom you're shopping for wears silver or gold (or a combination of both) and make sure that you stick with that metal when shopping, unless she has specifically told you otherwise.

This is probably one of my favorite necklaces. If you purchase it, make sure to use her initials (First Last Middle).

Jennifer Zeuner

These rings are incredibly unique and fun. They have single, double, and triple stack rings depending on the number of children. If there are more than three kids, you can put multiple names on one ring.

Nelle and Lizzy

Charm bracelets are always fun, and it's the gift that keeps on giving, because you can continue buying charms. James Avery is having a charm event right now that is a pretty good deal: buy two charms and a charm bracelet and receive $49 off.

James Avery - Dillard's

Here are some mother's charms from James Avery:

Source List:

Mother's Love

Boy Silhouette Charm (engrave with son's name and birthday)

Girl Silhouette Charm (engrave with daughter's name and birthday)

And just because I'm banking on Michael looking at this blog (or maybe my dad or mother-in-law will look and share this with him), I'll share a few that I'd like to add to my charm bracelet.

Source List:
Engravable Dog Bone Charm 
Eiffel Tower Charm

Perfume

Perfume is a good gift if the mom you're shopping for wears perfume. If she has a signature scent, repurchasing that scent is a good idea (unless she has a full, or nearly full, bottle). Maybe there is a specific perfume she wants. It doesn't hurt to ask! If you'd rather surprise her, or buy something new, here are some of my favorites.

Source List:

1. Chanel Allure
2. Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Summer
3. Hermes Jour d'Hermes Gardenia
4. Tory Burch
5. Ralph Lauren - Ralph

Handbag

If you're going to purchase a new handbag, don't buy one from Target (unless she's specifically asked for one). Buy her something special that she wouldn't normally buy for herself. Here are some ideas.

Source List:

1. Rebecca Minkoff Isobel Hobo
2. Kate Spade Hawthorne Lane ~ Ryan Tote
3. Tory Burch Small Britten Leather Slouchy Tote
4. Clare V. Genuine Calf Hair Leopard Foldover Clutch

Tickets

Concert tickets, game tickets, show tickets, airline tickets, any tickets! Is there a Broadway show coming to your city? Better yet, fly her to NYC to see a show! Is there a concert that she'd like to see? Or maybe a sporting event....does she like baseball? Golf? Surprise her with a trip to the wine country in California! She deserves a vacation, and so do you! Be creative!

Appliances

I can't speak for every mother, but most women would prefer not to get an appliance as a gift. However, there are a few appliance gifts you can get away with giving (provided the mother you're shopping for actually enjoys cooking), so I'm sharing those. Since this isn't every woman's idea of a gift, please make sure you are POSITIVE she wants the appliance before you buy it! I have the mixer, but I still need a white Le Creuset Dutch Oven (hint, hint).

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven

Mother's Day is about showing the mom(s) in your life how much she means to you. Buy her a card (and not just the first one you grab off the shelf ~ read it!) and something that she will love. Hopefully my list inspires you! Please post a comment and share what you buy her!

XOXO,

Wear it Wednesday {Summer Fashion Haul Update}

Well, I returned everything I purchased a few weeks ago from Loft except the lace shorts. :( The rompers were cute, but you could totally see my bra straps through the lace on the sleeveless one and the other one was too low-cut for my taste. The shirts were just too short - when I raised my arms you could see my stomach. I kept the linen pocket tees, both dresses and the sleeveless muscle tank from Gap, but returned the v-neck to Banana. I ended up ordering the black TOMS wedges and I love them! 

Black Canvas Wedges

I got some tops from Nordstrom to replace the ones I returned. I got this one is both the bright cobalt (a color!) and black, of course. I'm considering ordering the blue grass too. It's semi-sheer, so I don't think I'll be ordering the white, but haven't had an issue with the black or cobalt being too see-through.

Lush Side Slit Tank

I also bought this shirt in both black and gray. I love the shoulder cutouts! I wore the black one to an event yesterday and got tons of compliments! 

BP. Cold Shoulder Tee

I ordered the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and have been inspired to declutter and reorganize! I started with my closet, throwing out anything and everything that didn't fit the way I wanted. I may have gone a little crazy with it, but I decided to stop waiting to lose weight so things fit right again and just start fresh (well, not totally fresh, I still have plenty of clothes in my closet). I am still in the process of cleaning and organizing my closet, so once I'm done I may find I have a few holes that I need to fill in, but for now I'm done spending.

Have you done any summer clothes shopping?

XOXO,

New Skincare, a Fresh Summer Scent, and Liner Too

Last week Sephora had their Rouge sale, and I'm still searching for the perfect skincare products (something that brightens/illuminates my skin and makes me look younger), so I decided to use the discount to try out some new products!

I had originally planned on repurchasing the Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser, but I've been using the Sunday Riley Luna Night Oil at night and Good Genes in the morning for the past few weeks, so I decided to add the Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser to my routine. So far I really like the combination. My skin had a minor freak out (read: two zits popped up that I'm sure were lurking beneath the surface of my skin) the first few days of using Luna, but it settled down quickly. My skintone is more even and balanced. If you decide to try the Luna Night Oil and Good Genes, Sephora has a duo that is a much better price than buying them separately.

Sunday Riley Power Couple Duo

I love my Clinique Acne Solutions BB, but wanted to find something that was more brightening so I picked up the Erborian BB Creme. I'm not sure if it's necessarily brightening, but I love the finish it gives my skin! 

I had been applying it with a foundation brush, but sometimes I feel like the brush is absorbing too much of the product, so I decided to pick up a Beautyblender. Unfortunately the Beautyblender sheers it out too much, so I'm back to using my foundation brush. The blender is still great for applying concealer, and on days when I want a little more coverage, I use it to apply foundation.

Last year I decided I needed a lighter fragrance for spring and summer, so I purchased the Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Summer Eau de Toilette. It's fresh and fruity and I love it! In fact, I love it so much I bought the cologne for Michael! If you're looking for a new fragrance for you or your sweetie, check these out!

I've still got a little less than half the bottle left, but I decided to take advantage of the Sephora sale and try the Jour d'Hermes Gardenia. It's quickly becoming a new favorite!

As you know, I love my Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, but the brush has started to separate a little so I don't always get the smooth line. A vlogger I follow mentioned that she now has (or maybe has always had?) an ink liner, so I decided to pick up some during the sale. There was a trio of Trooper (black), Baudelaire (navy), and Hemingway (espresso) so I ordered that. The tattoo liner is easier in terms of application (it just glides across the lid), whereas with the ink liner you need to use short strokes, but the ink liner wins when it comes to creating the perfect wing! 

This wasn't a new purchase, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorite products again, so I thought I'd share. I am almost out of my makeup remover wipes, so I decided to start using my MakeUp Eraser again. All you do is get it wet and the makeup just wipes away. It's like magic! And bonus, you're helping out the environment because you're not using a new makeup wipe every day - you just throw it in the washer every week and it's as good as new!

Did you pick up anything during the sale? 

XOXO,

Navy and Gray Family Room

When my sister-in-law and her husband bought a new house, I was thrilled to help them decorate! She wanted to go with navy and gray, so I put together a Pinterest board for inspiration. I loved the board, so I thought I'd go ahead and share it here in case you're looking for some inspiration!

Source List:

1. Chair

2. Ottoman

3. Sectional

4. Throw Pillow

5. Rug

6. Accent Table

7. Faux Fig Tree

8. Canvas

XOXO,