GIVEAWAY!!

Yep, you read that right.

Okay, loyal readers, I've got something awesome for you today!  One of my friends, Amanda, is a stylist with Stella & Dot. To help get her business going, she has graciously offered to host a giveaway for a pair of FREE Stella and Dot earrings here on my blog. Also, another lucky winner will get a FREE catered Trunk Show.

I recently picked up these Adelaide Hoops and have been wearing them non-stop.  They are light weight and great quality.  I'm also loving all of the engraveable pieces they have available right now-- love the personalizing!

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is LIKE Amanda's Facebook page HERE.  The winner will be announced on her Facebook page Friday night!

Good luck, ladies! :)

-M

New Closet Additions :: June

This month was all about prepping for my cousin's wedding and rehearsal dinner.  I searched and searched for the perfect dress and after buying and returning a frew, ended up finding one the weekend before the wedding at JCrew Factory. You're shocked, I'm sure.  I didn't even try it on.  I think it's safe to say my it's my go-to store!

1. JCrew Factory Shift Dress. $30
2. JCrew Factory Denim Jacket. $42
3. Piperlime Shift Dress (bought in green). $59
4. JCPenney Sandals. $16
5. JCrew Factory Earrings. $5
6 and 9. Old Navy Shorts. $5 each
7 and 8. Old Navy Tanks. $5 each

Total: $172

New Closet Additions :: April

April is always a fun shopping month for me because... it's my birthday MONTH! Yes, I use the entire month of April as an excuse to celebrate my birthDAY.  This year was particularly crazy due to the fact that we moved on Easter weekend, so my birthday took second place to the excitement of our move.  I'll have to do another whole post on that.  Anywho, I added some fun new spring/summer pieces to my closet this month and I'm super excited about it.

1. Gap Chambray Boyfriend Button-Down. $25
2. Gap Body heather capris. $25
3. Target Sam and Libby Bow Flats. (These are much cuter in person.  And comfy!)$20
4. Target Mossimo Roll-cuff Denim Shorts. $15
5. DSW Converse Classics. $37

Total: $117

Wish List: T-shirts, Running Shorts, Summer casual wear!

New Closet Additions: March

I'm a little late on this update, and most of the items I purchased are not available online.  Therefore, there aren't many exciting pictures to show you.  (Way to really intrigue the reader off the get-go there, huh?) :)

1. Gap Outlet Boyfriend Cardigan.  Bought in Mint, Camel and Coral. Similar. ($12 each). Total $36

2. Gap Outlet Light Weight Striped Oxford Button-Down. Similar. $12

3. Gap Outlet Dark Skinny Jeans. Similar. $18

4. Gap Outlet Skinny Khakis in Green. Similar. $15

5. JCPenney Racerback Tanks.  Bought in White, Olive and Coral. ($6 each). Total $18

6. JCrew Factory necklace. Similar. Gift!

Total: $99

Wish List:

White Converses

Distressed Denim Jacket... like this one!

Running Shorts

T-Shirts

New Closet Additions: February

New basics are always fun to add to my closet because I know they will be worn often. I had been eyeing these Gap jeans for a while and finally pulled the trigger. They're a very blue jean :) I love how skinny and stretchy they are, but they do seem to stretch out quickly. I like them best right out of the dryer. I spotted this black dress in target and knew I would snag it once it went on sale. I plan to wear it at a bridal shower soon and maybe even the wedding too- it has a great, girly shape. The dark jeans are fine... They are cheap and they work, but again they feel like they stretch out easily...wish I would've sized down. The earrings were an impulse buy because jcrew can't advertise free shipping on any purchase without me finding something.  The Loft silk top was also an impulse, but hopefully it will get good wear. Its comfy, can dress up jeans and be worn throughout the seasons. Win.

1. Gap Jeggings. $25 after GapCash

2. Target Merona Cap-sleeved Dress. $18

3. Target Mossimo Dark Skinny Jeans. $18

4. Jcrew Factory Sunburst Earrings.  $6

5. Loft Silk Lace-print Blouse. $10

Total: $77

What I'm Loving Lately: SHOES!

1. Hunter Original
2. Old Navy Or' Say Flats
3. Toms Desert Bootie
4. Toms Cutout Classic
5. Converse "Shorline" Sneaker
6. Sam & Libby for Target Bow Flats

Some nursery ideas.

Some of you might have already seen these room boards as apparently I'm not so technically savvy and posted them as I was creating... Whoops.

We will be finding out our baby's gender in a few short weeks so I'm getting anxious about getting started on some decor! Being completely indecisive (per usual), I bought 2 rugs at Ikea over the weekend similar to the ones below. Thy we're only $20 each! Most of the furniture below is similar to stuff I have already, so I'm going to try to incorporate those things. The wooden alphabet art is something I'm going to attempt myself, so we'll see how that goes!

I need some help-- black or white crib?! I want it to be gender neutral. Obviously, I'm leaning  toward black, but I'm not convinced.

Nursery girl by allismea on Polyvore

Nursery boy 2 by allismea on Polyvore

What I'm Loving Lately.

1. Candy Crush.
Can't stop. Won't stop.  It's on my ipad and my phone.  I'm up to level 28 in 5 days.  Thank goodness they make you stop after 30 minutes of continuous play or I'd be in real trouble.  I haven't been this addicted to a game since Tetris, or SNAKE!

2. Sprinkles. 

They just make food fun :)

3. Berries.

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and my ultimate favorite, raspberries.  Every. Single. Day.

$5.  Not really necessary, but maybe I'll paint it some day for fun :)

Books! $0.25

Infantino Carrier and Hotslings carrier. $15 total

Bumbo with tray $3

$1. EE!

$2 Galvenized Wall Orgnaizer, $5 Pottery Barn Wall Clips, $1 Easel/Sign.

Too lazy to turn this right side up/don't know how on blogger. $2 each. So friggin cute.

More coats $2 each.

New with tags $3, $2.

4. Garage Sales.

I have had school on Thursday mornings (the prime time FYI), but I've managed to hunt down some pretty good finds for the baby lately.

5. Reality TV.

Bachelorette, Voice, American Bake Off, SYTYCD.  Really missing Bravo (we downgraded our TV package), but there is still plenty to see!

6. Dresses.

Here are a few I've purchased from Target lately to get me through this awkward phase. Oh, and a bright orange necklace, too.

7. Eyebrow Shadow Urban Decay.

I picked this up at Ulta this month (along with a separate brush) and it has been worth every penny. I got the darker of the two versions.  This lady will tell you all about needing your brows up to snuff.  I'm trying my best!

Spring Work-Casual Style.

With the end of the school year in sight and the weather getting (a little) nicer, I figured the time has come to break out some spring colors and sandals.  Plus, there's lots of new cute clothes in stores! Here are a few things I've had my eye on lately.

1. Shoes- Payless.

2. Blouse- Mossimo (Target).

3. Crops- Old Navy.

4. Peplum Top- Mossimo (Target).

5. Mint Leather Tote- Gap.

6. Jewels- J.Crew Factory.

1. Eyelet Dress- Old Navy.

2. Jewels- J.Crew Factory.

3. Sweater- J.Crew Factory.

4. Scarf- Old Navy.

5. Tank- J.Crew Factory.

6. Crops- J.Crew Factory.

1. Jewels- J.Crew Factory.

2. Sweater- J.Crew Factory.

3. Pants- Old Navy.

4. Sandals- Gap.

5. Skirt-J.Crew Factory.

6. Belt- J.Crew Factory.

Can you guess what my favorite store is? :) They just have such great, quality pieces for great prices.  I can't resist. Happy shopping!

-m

What's in my {travel} bag?

We're packing our bags here in a week or so for a cruise vacation to the Caribbean.  To say I'm excited is an understatement.  In order to help the days pass leading up to our vaca I've created a fashion board of all the things I'd like to stuff in my little bag.  Dreaming of the sun and sand...

beach day by allismea featuring a one piece swimwear

an Evening Out by allismea featuring a stripe dress

hanging around by allismea featuring converse

Hope you're having a great week!
-m

Pink and Sparkles.

February.  I know that there are some of you out there that see all the pink and glitter and hearts and sugar and want to throw up.  I get that. However, I, myself can't help but see February 14th as the perfect excuse to throw on everything pink and ruffly along with anything that shines.  My Valentine's Day will be spent conferencing with parents, but work-wear can still be festive, right?

valentine 2 by allismea featuring art deco jewelry

valentines 1 by allismea featuring sleeveless tops

valentines 3 by allismea featuring stretch pants

What are you wearing this Valentine's Day?

-m

Suited up.

I know it's only 30 degrees outside, but what better time to stock up on new swimwear than when it's 60% off?!  I love that LimeRicki has cute suits that actually cover your behind and don't make you feel like you have to tip to around in order to be sure all of your parts stay in the right places.  Two years ago I ordered a one-piece suit and was very satisfied with the quality.  Here are the pieces I snagged a few days ago in preparation for our Spring Break trip.  

Best part? My grand total was only $30 with shipping!

Happy shopping!

-m

What's in my {makeup} bag?

Continuing with the "in my bag" series, here's a look into my favorite cosemetics of the moment.  Feel free to share yours, too! I have a Sephora gift card burning in my pocket... oh the possiblities!

1. Philosophy purity made simple Facial Cleanser $10 {black friday deal!}
2. moisturizer/primer up&up $13 {this is the olay version, but i buy up&up}
3. smashbox foundation $42
4. sonia kashunk concealer $8
5. physician's formula bronzer $8
6. nars blush $28
7. naked 2 palette $50
8. buxom mascara $10 {black friday deal!}
9. brow wax/powder $3
10. stila lip glaze $25

Have a good one!

-m

Festive (and comfy) Fashion.

What are you wearing this holiday?

Christmas 2 by allismea featuring waffle long sleeve shirts

Christmas 3 by allismea featuring embroidered belts

Merry Christmas Eve!
-m

What I'm Loving Lately.

1. Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion Peel System.  I was surprised how much I saved by purchasing this through Amazon!  This stuff makes my skin feel so smooth-- definitely using this weekly.

2. Stila Lip Glaze Set.  Last Christmas I received a Stila lip gloss in a gift set that I've been using on and off ever since.  I love how many different colors you get to try for the price, and that it's not sticky or gooey.

3. AE Courdory Jeggings.  I have these in "purple", which is more of a burgundy and know that I will be wearing them all winter long.  It's like wearing thick, warm leggings-- super comfy.  I only wish they had more dark colors.

4. Pro-FX Nail Ridge Filler.  This stuff makes my manicure last a full 7 days without any chipping.  Found it at Walmart!

5. This article.  Makes me even more thankful I've kicked my Diet Coke habit.  Now if only I could find a way to kick all of my other bad habits :)

6. IKEA! They've announced that an IKEA will be opening up here in 2014.  It's a while a way, but worth the wait, I hope!  Aren't those chairs dreamy?!

What have you been loving lately?

-m

Hello, September.

Whoa.  I guess it's been a while since I've posted here!  I'm not quite sure where to start, as these past few weeks-- well months, have been quite overwhelming, crazy, roller-coaster-y, you get the picture.  So we'll start with "What I'm Loving Lately". :)

:: Obsessing over...

New work clothes- mostly from Target.  

want.

love.

want.

want.

obsessed.

:: Working on... 

Preparing for the 1/2 marathon I signed up for.  YIKES that's coming up sooner than I'm ready for.  I need to get my booty in gear and start racking up the miles.  Tomorrow, yes, tomorrow, I will run FAR. 

:: Thinking about...

Life... Change... Big things, people.

:: Anticipating...

Fall weather! I'm ready to wear a sweatshirt and sit by the fire.  Any day now!

:: Listening to...

Silence.  It's beautiful on this 3-day weekend.

:: Munching on... 

 Coffee and toast.  It's like home.  Makes sense, no? 

:: Thankful for...

My parents.  They are seriously the most generous, gracious, patient people out there.  I don't know how they do it, but I hope I can be at least half as good of parents as they are to me to my own children some day!

Whew.  Much more updates to come :) 

-m