Look for Less

This week on Look for Less I'm showing you two different looks, one from BodenUSA and then how you can do it for less. The look I found on Boden's website was adorable: modern, comfortable yet super stylish. A perfect go-to outfit for fall. But with a price tag of $412, I could never swing it!

Insane I tell ya. 

So I searched the web for similar pieces and found the whole looks for a whopping $193. Still a pretty penny, but much better than $412! The pieces are from Old Navy, JCrew, Gap and Target. 

J crew Gingham Shirt / Target Round toe boots / Gap 1969 skinny boot cords / Women's V-Neck Sweaters | Old Navy

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I'm Going to Paris!

In just 4 short weeks my American booty will be making its way to the city of love, Paris, France, with my mom and godmother. To say I am excited is the UNDERSTATEMENT of the year. The whole trip started with me telling my mom and godmother how I wanted to go to the Paris Flea, the biggest flea market in the world. Doesn't that just sound like heaven? For me it was one of those bucket list items. So with a bit of planning we made it happen. And for 5 glorious days at the end of September I'll be gorging myself on baguettes, cheese and chocolate *a girl's gotta keep her stamina up while taking in the sights!* and will attempt to speak un peu français with the locals. But when going to the fashion capitol of the world, one must properly plan out their wardrobe. You certainly don't want to look like an American tourist while roaming the streets of Paris. So since I'm planning on packing light *I want that suitcase empty for my flea market finds!* I tried to remix a few items while keeping my look fresh.

The weather that time of year should be in the 50's-60's, so light sweaters, jeans and jackets will do. For my accessories I'm only planning on bringing two pairs of shoes, two small purses (maybe only one), and three pieces of jewelry. This way I can mix and match without feeling loaded down. And by choosing a similar color palette, I could easily mix the pants and tops around if I so decide.

Everything listed below I own, I wanted to make this mood board as real for myself as possible. So putting in fantasy items doesn't make sense for me since I need to work with what I have. My pennies need to be saved for the city!

J.Crew cotton tee / J.Crew slim fit tee / J.Crew stripe t shirt / Old Navy ruffle top / GAP ribbed tank top / J.Crew leopard sweater / J.Crew cotton cardigan / J.Crew denim jean jacket / LOFT straight leg pants / Boyfriend jeans / GAP slim fit jeans / J.Crew skimmer flat / J.Crew ballerina flat / J.Crew genuine leather handbag / J.Crew bag / J.Crew resin necklace / J.Crew dot jewelry / Versace eyewear

I've tried to memorize a few key French phrases so I won't be completely useless (google translate to the rescue!) and here are my top 5

In French:

bonjour

parlez-vous anglais?

Où sont les toilettes?

fromage / baguette / chocolat - s'il vous plaît

combien?

Translations:

hello

do you speak english?

where are the toilets?

cheese/baguette/chocolate -  please

how much? ;)

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Look for Less : The Academy Blazer

*Today I'm bringing you a new series called Look for Less. On Sunday's I'll be showing you items that are currently on trend, but how can do it on a smaller budget. I hope you enjoy it!*

As I was perusing Target the other day I saw a blazer almost completely identical to a Gap blazer I've seen floating around the blogs as of late. Everyone seems to be jumping on the Academy Blazer bandwagon and I guess Target decided it wanted to be part of the club as well. I was shocked at how similar the Target blazer was, but mostly, how nicely it fit and what a great price it was. The Gap blazer has a bit of stretch in it where the Target one doesn't, but other than that, you can barely tell the two apart. And having tried both on recently, the Target blazer is a great way to break into this trend without breaking the bank.

Gap Blazer - $88

Target Blazer - $35

And maybe the best part? There are several colors to choose if gray doesn't do it for you (but really, who doesn't love gray?). I actually snagged the plaid one for myself.

Plaid Blazer

What do you think of the academy/schoolboy trend? Are you a fan?

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How I Wore It : Florida Fall Outfit

While getting dressed this morning I thought, "why not try out one of this morning's inspiration outfits for myself!" So I did, and I really like it. *who knew I'd actually like what I came up with! ;)* So here's the inspiration outfit again:

And here's how I wore it,  same pants, same bag, different top/shoes/necklace:

above: untucked | below: tucked in

 My shirt is from the J.Crew outlet last fall and the necklace is a Loft find from a few years back. The leather belt is also a J.Crew find and the sandals are Coach from yeeears ago (and still in almost perfect condition - this is why investing in pieces makes sense!)

Also, my cat was not amused that she was trapped in the room while I took these photos. The mirror hangs on the back of our door, so to get the best angle for photos I have to close the door. I was unwilling to let her out at that moment, you must teach them patience ;)

In order we have: 

1. Can you open the door please? I'll be cute! 

2. Ok, open the door. 

3. Seriously, open the dang door. This isn't funny anymore 

4. GAAA I'll just do it myself!

 Btw, sorry for the terrible photos. When you're the only one at home and don't feel like dragging out your tripod and camera, and iPhone works just fine. Well, kinda...

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Fall in Florida : Outfit Inspiration

My friend asked me the other day if I could show some outfits for fall, but outfits for those of us who live in Florida. As excited as I am about all of the adorable fall clothes coming out, part of me is sad knowing I really won't get to wear them for another few months (a sweater in 95° heat? no thanks). I thought this was a great idea, us southern gals still want to look cute and feel fall'ish (?) while sipping on our Pumpkin Spice lattes *ok, is anyone else BEYOND excited that these are almost back?!? :D*

So here are three outfit insprations that you could wear this fall, all while keeping you cool. Well, as cool as you can be in Florida ;)

This first one is a little nautical feeling, but navy, reds, corals and browns are perfect for fall. Pick a 100% cotton dress to help with the heat, and accessorize with fun pops of color.

J.Crew three quarter sleeve dress / J.Crew j crew flat / Banana Republic leather cross body handbag / 

J.Crew crystal bangle / J.Crew dot jewelry / J.Crew genuine leather belt

The second outfit is breezy as well, with a pair of olive shorts and a cotton top. The jean jacket can be thrown on in the evening when it dips to a bone-chilling 75°, but won't keep you so warm that you'll be sweating through the night. Again, pair it with some tortoise jewelry, brown and black accessories for a more muted fall palette 

J.Crew graphic t shirt / J.Crew jean jacket / LOFT shorts / J.Crew thong sandals /  

Tortoise jewelry / Factory Dorset purse

The final outfit is a little different, mixing blues (mint pants, navy stripes and a peacock bag) but the pop of yellow in the necklace and the gold hardware on the bag and shoes bring it all together.

J.Crew striped t shirt / Boyfriend jeans / T strap wedge sandal / J Crew necklace

*Btw, I've decided to make Thursday's "Outfit Inspiration" Day. Anything you'd like to see?

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My Fall Haul : J.Crew, Loft & Gap

I love to shop, so much so that its kinda a problem *more on that later*. But for now, I'm sharing with you my recent purchases from 3 of my favorite retailers, J.Crew (outlet), Loft & Gap. There are so many fun things out for fall already, I couldn't help but snag a few items. Luckily, I didn't pay full price for a single thing, everything was on sale and I had coupons or gift cards to accompany them. I am a deal hunter! Though I shop frequently, I rarely buy anything full price, its totally unnecessary these days. In the coming weeks *maybe months, its still a little hot!* I'll show you how I styled these pieces and made them into outfits. My favorites from the bunch are the cranberry colored pants from Loft, the rope bangle from J.Crew Outlet, and the mint jeans from Gap *currently wearing*. Colored pants and I are really getting along these days :)

J.Crew color block top / J.Crew j crew cardigan / J.Crew cotton sweater / J.Crew striped tee / J.Crew puffy vest / Boyfriend jeans / LOFT front seam pants / Rhinestone jewelry / Gold bangle / Crystal bangle

I also got my hair chopped today into a short, angled bob. I was kinda nervous about it when I first styled it, but I think I'm in love. Plus, the shorter length feels so good in this heat!

 

What's your favorite look for fall? Anything you're wanting to try?

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Outfit Inspiration : Autumn

Fall clothes are starting to arrive in stores and I couldn't be more excited. All of the sweaters, jackets, boots and scarves, I just love it! Fall is my favorite season here in Florida, except we're lacking in a bit of this:

I love fall so much that around this time of year (horrible, miserable, hot, August) I bust out the fall candles because I can't. wait. a. minute. longer. I need that warm, comforting smell filling my home

Proof. August 9th, my Instagram

So I thought with the upcoming season, I'd put together two fun looks for fall. 

One casual, and one a little dressier

jacket, peplum top, necklace, loafers, pants, tote

///

polka dot sweater, necklace, tote, jeans, flats

I own all of these pieces (except the bags, but I have similar) so I can attest to their greatness. They are all very versatile and oh so comfy (Just because you're fashionable doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable!). My favorites though are the jean jacket from the JCrew outlet (they might still carry it in stores) and the Gap flats. They are both very soft, broken in and cozy. No stiffness or rubbing.

Do you have a favorite holiday that you love shopping for? Share below!

Oh, and if you haven't already, I would greatly appreciate a repin of this on Pinterest, more details here :)

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Please Help Me Out! - Pinterest Contest

Hi Everyone!

I'm currently participating in JessLC's Design your Look Contest on Pinterest! For the contest, you had to create a look using 2 or more of JessLC's designs, and whoever gets the most repins of their look gets two of the JessLC items PLUS $200 in cash to spend towards their outfit! Isn't that a fun contest?

So here's where I need your help. I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would repin my outfit so that maybe I could win! Here is my outfit below, all you need to do is repin it from JessLC's pinboard (not mine!) so that I can get credit for the repins.

Again, thank you so very much for helping me out with this, it really means a lot to me! Regular posts will be returning tomorrow :)

Design Your Look Contest - Ashley Rae by ashleyrae4806 featuring draped tops

Click here to go to the pin

While you're at it, go check out JessLC's awesome creations at her site.
She makes beautiful things!

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Dreaming of Autumn

Is it fall yet? I just want to wear things like this again.

sigh...

Sweater: JCrew outlet

Necklace: JCrew outlet

Jeans: Loft Skinny

Boots: Target last season

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Giveaway!

One (or should I say 3!) of my favorite pieces this summer have been my JCrew lookalike bubble necklaces. I spotted these beauties on JCrew's site for $150 and thought "well, that'll never be mine." $150 for a necklace?! Are you kidding me? But then good old Ebay came to the rescue and I found them in every color imaginable for only $15. Score. Three quickly became mine :)

Since I have gotten so much use out of them and so many compliments, I wanted to spread the love! So now you have a chance to win one of your own and you can choose the color you'd like. There are so many different options to choose from! I have the royal blue, white and pink.

You can get up to 6 different entries, just follow the instructions below :). There will only be one winner, and the winner will be announced on Thursday, August 16th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Shopping Online with Ebates

Over the years I've shopped at enough stores to know which ones work for me, and what sizes I am at those stores. So with a few of my favorites (JCrew, Loft and Old Navy/Gap) I know that if I buy something online in a particular size it will almost certainly fit. Shopping online has become one of my favorite things to do, it keeps me from driving all over creation, having to deal with pushy sales associates and annoying shoppers. But my favorite thing about online shopping is Ebates. Ebates is a site that gives you cash back for shopping through them. It sounds too good to be true, but since discovering them earlier this year, I never shop online without checking them out first. Ebates will give you cash back on a percentage of your purchase. Sometimes its only 3%, sometimes its 12%, and sometimes as much as 25%! But typically its in the 3%-8% range. Since using them I have received $115 in cash back that has gone straight to my paypal account. Plus they frequently have coupons or other specials linked through them. They have become one of my favorite sites, and with the thousands of stores they have listed I almost always find the store I'm wanting to shop at, no matter how obscure! I have even received cash back on travel purchases like Hotwire and Orbitz.

Here's my payment breakdown by quarter

So if you're a big online shopper like me, I encourage you to check them out! Just click on the icon below and it will take you right to their site. You even get a $10 bonus gift card just for signing up. Like I said, I know it all sounds too good to be true, but the proof is in the pudding. I have had nothing but great things to say about this site and I will continue to use them every time I shop online!

 

p.s.  Ebates did not endorse, sponsor or perk me for this post. These opinions are all my own, I just love their site!

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The Difference Lipstick Can Make

That is the only difference between these two photos. No lipstick and then a bit of color. I look so much more awake in photo #2! 

Color: Bobbi Brown Lip Treatment in Rosy

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Office Packing Station : Before & After

As a wedding photographer I frequently have to pack up and ship out orders to my clients. Be it their disk of photos, prints, albums or my welcome packet, I do a lot of shipping. I've had this "packing station" in my home office for some time now and no matter how often I cleaned it, it would be a complete disaster within a few days of use. In reality, the openness was my downfall. I had no place to store all of my items (stamps, envelopes, boxes, cards, etc). Even my camera gear didn't have a proper home. It was a mess and I hated it. So about 2 days ago I got the brilliant idea to reuse an old cabinet that I had that I was no longer using. WHY it took me almost 2 years to figure this out I'll never know, but with the help of my husband we moved the cabinet into the office and the table and filing cabinet out. And about 30 minutes of organizing later, I had the perfect spot for all of my things. I'm completely in love with it, especially how clean it makes the room look. This project is part of an on-going office overhaul, you can see my original inspiration board here.

The before: complete disaster

The table covered in stuff, the black file cabinet sticking out like a sore thumb, 

and my camera bag (big black thing in the front) hanging out in the middle of the room

 Crazytown

And after! All sealed up and tidy, even my camera bag has a spot tucked away on the side

The inside

I <3 Organization

Box on top holds my most frequently used items. And every room needs a plant!

Have you tackled any organization projects lately? And if you have, doesn't it feel amazing? :)

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Style me August : Day 2, Yes to Yellow

Continuing with the Style Me August challenge, here is day two, Yes to Yellow. I used to hate yellow, thinking it didn't flatter me at all, that it washed me out and was bla bland. But after seeing this shirt at the BR outlet a few weeks ago, I changed my tune. What a fun and sunny color! And with my daisy bib necklace it completes my mood.

 

Peplum Top: BR outlet

Jeans: Gap Real Straight

Wedges: Nine West 2009

Daisy Necklace:Very Jane

Is there a color you were always afraid to wear then changed your mind? Share below! :)

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Style Me August

Alright, so I failed a bit on Style Me July, but July was a crazy month for me! Between the 4th, two out of state weddings (Georgia & Montana) plus other weddings and shoots (I'm a wedding photographer, btw) time just flew by. I did manage to post a few outfits over on Instagram but I'm going to try to be much better this month. I will mostly be posting on Instagram, so please follow me over there! The " Style Me" challenge comes from Hilary Rushford over at Dean Street Society - and if you want, please follow along! Its a fun way to challenge yourself with your wardrobe each month.

So here's day one, Buttoned-Up (shirt from JCrew)

On a different note, I am currently waiting to hear back from a craigslist seller about a dresser I'm wanting and the suspense of them not getting back to me is KILLING ME. I want this dresser so bad for our office makeover (it is literally almost identical to the photo) I can barely stand it. Here's to hoping the write me back soon!

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