Ornamented.

I've been slowly adding to my jewelry collection over the last few months. I used to be a one necklace, two rings kind of girl - I wore the exact same diamond necklace and rings every day. I know now how much a special piece of jewelry can make an outfit.

A few weeks ago I had a post about how I organized my jewelry, nail polishes, make-up and closet. A couple of days after that post, my mom surprised me with this awesome jewelry stand. She made it out of plates and candle stick holders she found at our local St. Vincent's. I love how it's a one of a kind piece that showcases my jewelry beautifully. I don't know how my mom does it, but she just makes the coolest things.

I picked up this little giraffe ring holder at a small boutique in Minneapolis. I just think he looks so cute wearing my bow ring as a bow tie ;)

Mechanical

Somedays, especially on days when it's raining, I have a tendency to grab something comfortable and something that doesn't require much effort. It's easy to grab a soft chambray shirt, throw on some colored skinny jeans, and slip on some loafers. It's almost mechanical.

linking up with real girl glam and wiww.






Jeans: Express {exact, save, splurge}
Shirt: Old Navy {exact, save, splurge}
Necklace: Forever 21  {exact}
Shoes: Rocket Dog   {exact, save, splurge}






P.S. 4 Days left to enter the Nailed It Decals Sample Pack Giveaway!

Shagadelic

A boy at work today told me that I looked like an extra from an Austin Powers movie. That's what I get for wearing boob ruffles.









Tank: The Limited {save, splurge}
Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet {save, splurge}
Jeans: Urban Outfitters  {exact, save, splurge}
Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang  {save, splurge}
Watch: Fossil  {save, splurge}
Bracelet: J. Crew {save, splurge}

Nails seen here - enter for a chance to win a sample pack of these amazing nail decals :)

Weekend Style: "I had a linen shirt in high school"

Best part of weekends? Shorts and sandals! This weekend Chris and I had a "date morning". We went out for breakfast and then went to a morning showing of The Dark Knight Rises. I wanted something that would keep me warm in the theatre so my new shirt I got during the 40% of J.Crew sale items fit the ticket. I told Chris it was linen, to which he told me that he once had a linen shirt...and a terry cloth shirt in high school. I told him I'm glad I didn't know him then.

terry cloth shirt?!

Shirt: J. Crew {exact on sale, save}
Tee: Target
Shorts: Aeropostale {save, splurge}
Belt: Madewell {similar}
Purse: Coach {save, splurge}
Shoes: Sam Edelman for AE {exact, splurge}
Sunnies: Ralph Lauren via Lenscrafters {exact}













Have you entered my first blog giveaway? You can win a Nailed It Decals Sample Pack!

Nailed It! Giveaway

I love the idea of chevron nail art, but after spending several hours on my last attempt I knew there had to be an easier way. After participating in Mani Monday for several weeks, I noticed these awesome manicures with chevrons and knew I had to get some of my own. I purchased a sheet of chevrons and a sheet of bows from  Made by Munchie's Mama and I'm so excited about the way it turned out!

Grey: Essie Chinchilly
Glitter: Wet n Wild Sparked
Chevron: Made by Munchie's Mama






Blue: Essie Midnight Cami
Bow: Made by Munchie's Mama
Striping Tape: eBay 




linking up with the nail files , #SawPinnedConquered and Mani Monday

To get you in on the fun, I have partnered up with MBMM to provide one Nailed It Decals sampling pack to one lucky winner! It includes chevrons, moustaches and bows. I'm jealous I can't have one of my own!

Giveaway is open for 1 week, and will be announced next Sunday night. This is open to everyone, just enter below!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Investment Pieces

After looking over the last couple months of budgeting, I decided that instead of buying fast fashion/cheaper pieces, it was time to do a little investing. I love classic blouses and have heard great things about Equipment shirts. A $200 brand newblouse was not an option so I  went to eBay and found this beauty for $50. The shirt feels amazing on and is even prettier in real life. I already am planning for a nude companion :)


This Kate Spade purse was another investment I made about 6 months ago. I got it during a flash sale and love it to pieces. It is the closest I'll get to a quilted Chanel any time soon.

What have you invested in recently?

Blouse: Equipment (similar at NM for $80)
Jeans: Urban Oufitters
Necklace: Forever 21 (save, splurge)
Shoes: Rocket Dog via DSW
Bracelet: J.Crew via eBay (save, splurge)
Purse: Kate Spade (save, splurge)
Hair: Tutorial by The Small Things
Nails: OPI - originally seen here

My friend Kim and her husband (!) just got this adorable Corgi named Tucker. They came over today for a play date with Hans and Baer. They had so much fun rolling around. Isn't he adorable?











linking up with fashion friday :)

Cardi Party

I just love everything about this cardigan. Polka dots, navy&white, and light weight enough so I'm not dying as I walk from my air conditioned car to my air conditioned lab. This heat wave can break any day though...100+ every day is a bit excessive, amiright? Its making this half marathon training thing a bit....sweaty.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Tank: Espirit (similar)
Belt: Old Navy (similar)
Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Shoes: Rocket Dog



...and of course a little reminder to like my facebook page :)


linking up with work it wednesday, real girl glam and wiww