messy hair, don't care

Since my bangs are finally long enough, I haven't been wearing my hair up much ... but this morning I had no intention of washing and drying and attempting to style my hair, so bun (and dry shampoo) it is. Good thing I didn't waste any time doing my hair because I ended up look like this for a while. Cute, huh?

Blazer: J. Crew  {save / exact}

Sweater: Forever 21  {save / splurge}

Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}

Scarf: Victoria's Secret  {similar}

Shoes: Tory Burch  {exact}

Earrings: Tiffany & Co.  {save / exact}

Watch: Fossil {save / similar}

Nails: seen here

Behind the Blog: Because Shanna Said So

This week's Behind the Blog is Shanna from Because Shanna Said So. Shanna is a beautiful and hard working wife and mama to two beautiful little girls. Her blog is about style that doesn't break the bank - aren't we all looking for that? I'm so glad she agreed to participate this week!

Tell us what motivate you to start blogging. Were you following a lot of personal style/fashion blogs before you started blogging?

I started blogging on a total whim. I had a friend mention to me that I should start one and showcase some of my fashion tips. I thought, why not. So, one day I decided I was going to do one and the next day I did. I had no idea what I was doing and never even followed a blog before I started. Crazy, I know.  I have learned so much and my style has evolved because of it.

Which blogs do you read every day?

Honestly, I don’t read one particular blog(s) every day. There are so many that I do follow. The ones I read most are my friends that I have made through blogging. I truly don’t read the BIG name blogs all that much.  I read the ones that I have made a connection with.

Who takes your pictures? What cameras/lenses do you use? Have you ever been "caught in the act" of taking these pictures?

My husband takes my pictures. He is the only one I really feel comfortable with. I don’t have an expensive camera. It’s a point and shoot. I haven’t invested in a higher quality one just yet. I think I am just too intimidated. Yes, I have totally been caught in the act! People just smile, look at me weird or ask us if we want “them” to take a picture of “us” together.

What programs do you use to edit and upload your pictures? You often times make collages of outfits - what program do you use for that?

I use PicMonkey and iPiccy for all my editing and for the collages. They are both free online programs and are super user friendly.

Do people in real life know about your blog? What were their reactions when they found out about your blog?

Yes, everyone close to me (friends and family) know I have a blog. They support my 100% and hopefully read it every once in a while. My husband is my biggest fan.

Many fashion bloggers hop from one trend to the next. How do you try to stay on trend while working within your budget and closet?

If I want to pick up a trendy piece, I head to Forever 21. They carry so many of the latest fashion trends at great prices. Half of my closet is from there. I am a HUGE budget shopper. I always have been…always will be. My motto is “You don’t have to spend a lot to look like you did.” I also have a hard time getting rid of my clothes, so I have quite a bit to work with…mixing the old with the new.

Putting yourself on the internet comes with the expectation that not everyone will always love what you are wearing and writing. Have you encountered any of these criticisms, and if so, how do you handle it?

That is the HARDEST part of blogging…putting yourself out there. It can be very nerve wracking, intimidating and can make you second guess yourself 100 times a day. I get unfollows all of the time and wonder what did I do? What did I say? And I take it personally. I don’t have thick skin, but blogging has given me more confidence and an attitude of loving myself and what I believe in…regardless of what someone that I have never met in real life thinks. I have never gotten a NASTY comment on my blog. Some weren’t the most pleasant, but I did responded to them with class and dignity. You will NEVER make everyone happy….it’ a fact of life.

What has been the best thing to come out of blogging?

Hands down…the friendships I have made! There are a handful of girls that I talk to on a daily basis and have become some of my closet friends. It’s CRAZY! I feel like I have known some of them for years and couldn’t imagine my life without them now.

When it comes to promotion of your blog, what methods do you use? Do you spend a lot of time commenting on other blogs, pinning your looks, doing link ups?

I try and promote all of my posts on FB, Twitter and Instagram. I will “pin” myself on Pinterest occasionally. I typically link up with the same blogs every week, but not every post is a link up, but they do help with finding new blogs and new bloggers finding you. I don’t spend as much time finding new blogs, but that’s all I did when I first started out. I would spend hours commenting. Now, I have stepped back from that because it was consuming so much of my time. Blogging can become a full time job if you let it.

What tips or suggestions do you have for your fellow bloggers?

Stay true to yourself and people will be interested. They want to see and read “real”. Don’t post because you feel like you HAVE to. Do it because you want to. Don’t get discouraged by the blogging cliques because they are out there and they are tight. Be genuine in your commenting. Develop a loyal following by responding to people and commenting back on their blogs. You won’t gain 100 followers overnight…it takes time. A lot of time. I think it’s best to grow slowly and not fly off the charts right away. This point goes back to developing a loyal following. Most importantly….HAVE FUN and try to not take yourself too seriously!

Thank you again Shanna! Next week's Behind the Blog is Erin from Loop Looks!

layers, updated

Continuing with trying to master layering, I've been looking for another vest to add to my collection (that currently only has my cargo vest in it). I have a thicker North Vest puffer vest, but that's for outside wear and not for ya know, normal day-to-day wearing. I've tried on several at Forever 21, Old Navy and H&M, but all were still too puffy and had itty bitty pockets. I bit the bullet and finally ordered the J. Crew version during the last 30% off sale after admiring it online. I really like this vest. It's thin enough that I can still wear it under my lab coat, the pockets are large, and I like the double zipper.

...and of course I'm doing the tank-inbetween trick :)

Vest: J. Crew  {exact in pink on sale}
Sweater: Gap  {save / similar}
Blouse: J. Crew Factory  {save / exact}
Jeans: American Eagle  (exact on sale}
Necklace: Forever 21  {similar}
Shoes: Target  {save / splurge}
Watch: Target

linking up with wiww

everyday black purse for less than $100

I've had several people comment on my black Kate Spade purse, and also had a request to find something similar for less than $100. If you are in the market for a Kate Spade purse, I recommend signing up for their emails. The only reason I could afford my bag is because I got it during a flash sale and got it for $199 (instead of $400+ which is a little outrageous for someone in my tax bracket). All of the following bags are under $100 and perfect for every day commuting and casual work attire. Which one is your favorite?

1. Urban Expressions
2. Big Buddha
3. Le Donne
4. Big Buddha
5. Asos
6. Urban Outfitters (my friend Emily has this - it's super cute!)
7. Big Buddha
8. Forever 21

wrap it up with a bow

I may not be decorating my house for Christmas, but at least my nails are festive. How is it December already?!

Pink: Sally Hansen Shell We Dance?
Glitter: Julep Vivien (from December's box)
Ring: Forever 21


Linking up with Mani Monday and the Nail Files.

embarrassed

This whole "stop somewhere along the way to work to take a few pictures because it's too dark when I'm leaving home" thing is getting more embarrassing by the day. I prop my camera in my drunk so every time a car gets close, I go to my trunk and pretend I'm looking for something...except for on this day, a man parked his car a block away, got out, and just watched. Yep.

Embarrassing stories aside, I was really excited to wear my watch because I finally put a new band on it. I initially wanted a navy blue band, but those are surprisingly hard to find, so I settled on a dark brown band instead. I'm still going to be on the lookout for a navy band though to switch it up in the future.

Blouse: Equipment via eBay  {save / similar on sale}
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact on sale}
Scarf: gift from my friend Alexa  {save / splurge}
Belt: Madewell  {similar}
Shoes: Tory Burch  {save / exact}
Watch: Kate Spade  {exact}
Bracelet: DIY
Earrings: Banana Republic Outlet  {similar}
Purse: Kate Spade  {save / similar}












linking up with wiww

iPhone > Android

I've had an android phone for two years now, and I've hated it for 23.5 months. I'm finally going to switch over to Verizon since our family contract is up, and I'm getting an iPhone. Don't even try to convince me otherwise! My mind is made up ;) I want to make sure I protect it right from the get-go, so I want the case before I buy the phone. Which is one your favorite?

Top: 1 / 2 / 3 
Middle: 1 / 2 / 3
Bottom: 1 / 2 / 3