Black Friday Finds

Well, we survived. I managed to drag Jenna out to meet me at 6:30 in the morning for her first ever Black Friday experience. She used to work retail and knew the craziness that was Black Friday, so never bothered to venture out as an actual customer. We both scored some amazing pieces, so I'm pretty sure the sleep deprivation was worth it! But I'll just shut up now and let you see for yourself.

JCrew Cream Excursion vest: 30% off $120 original price

JCrew Navy Shiny Puffer vest: On sale for $99.99 plus extra 40% off

JCrew Olive colored short rain boot: On sale for $49.99 plus extra 40% off

Banana Republic Paint the Town tee: from Banana Republic, not available online - 50% off $39.50 original price

Express Sweater leggings: 50% off $59.90 original price

Lauren Ralph Lauren Wine colored bag: On sale for $148.50 plus extra 25% off

Ok, so none of these pieces are really pieces that I NEEDED. But it all just kind of happened. I've been wanting a cream colored vest, and can't ever seem to find my size. I decided to get this one even though the price wasn't super marked down, and then when I saw my cranberry vest was marked down to around half off - you better believe I grabbed the navy version!

The rain boots were just too adorable, and for $25, I really could not pass them up. And they're different enough from my other two pairs (here and here), that I felt I could justify them.

The tee and leggings are cheap basics. Can't say no to those. Clearly.

And the bag. THE BAG. How gorgeous is it? And the fact that it is still full price online makes me even giddier about the $111 price I got it for!

Express Aztec blanket scarf: 50% off $49.90 original price

 Cole Haan Black stack heel booties: On sale for $184.90 plus additional 20% off

Well, Express didn't have the fringe mini nor the poncho that I was on the lookout for. I've had my eye on this Aztec blanket scarf, so I figured there was no better time to buy it than now.

The boots are probably my most favorite purchase of the day! I realized recently that I lack a medium heel, non-suede black bootie. I've been specifically wanting a stacked heel, especially after how much I love my cognac pair. I was debating on these and a Sam Edelman pair, but these were the better deal and ridiculously comfortable on top of that.  As soon as I set my foot in them, I knew they were coming home with me.

Banana Republic Sparkle crossover ring: 40% off $39.50 original price

Nadri Gold and silver hinged bangles: 20% off $55 original price

Kate Spade Rose Gold earrings: On sale for $29 plus additional 20% off - purchased at Nordstrom but also available here

Chanel Blue polish: Not on sale

And these are all my random impulse purchases. The ring I found at Banana, and it fit perfectly on my finger, which never happens. They're always so big! This added just the perfect amount of bling!

The earrings were just darling, and I only have one other pair of rose gold earrings, which are more of a statement pair. These will be great for everyday wear.

Jenna was raving about these bangles, and basically the Nordstrom sales associate should have just given her their commission for convincing me to buy them. I loved how delicate they were and that they truly fit around my wrists - normally it's like a pencil in a trash can when I try to wear bangles!

Chanel polish. Enough said. Couldn't resist this even at full price.

Overly stimulated yet? Well, before I go, this is a quick summary of all the stores featured in this post and their corresponding Black Friday sales for your reference!

JCrew: 30% off full-price styles & extra 40% off sale styles. Use code HOLIDAY.

Banana Republic: 50% off (1) full priced item (use code BRFIFTY) plus 40% off your purchase (use code BRFORTY)

Macy's: 25-50% off select styles

Nordstrom: Take 20% off select sale items

Express: 50% off entire store

Oh, and if you missed it yesterday - I did run over to Old Navy with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws for their 50% off the entire store sale. You can see a visual recap of my finds here.

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Friday Favorites

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with food, family, and anything else you may be thankful for. I am probably out Black Friday shopping as you read this, and I was THISCLOSE to not posting anything for today, but, what can I say? Blogging is therapeutic sometimes, and after three days of work travel, the thing that sounded the most wonderful to me was throwing on a fleece hoodie, leggings, and leg warmers, sitting in my favorite chair (basically this here), and enabling you all to shop my favorite things.

1. THE PERFECT DENIM JACKET

Jacket: JCrew Factory in Antique Sanded Blue

I have three denim jackets in my closet. Why three? Possibly because I never felt like what I had was perfect. But now that I have this one, I really wouldn't be sad if the other two went away. What's to love? The fit: there is just a hint of stretch to this which keeps it figure flattering and not boxy. The length: it's not cropped, but it's not long either. It hits right at the hip where I want it. The wash: It's relaxed but not too 80s acid washed. Plus, since it's lighter colored, I have no problem rocking denim on denim with my dark washed jeans.

2. THE PERFECT SCARF

Scarf: Lululemon

I've accumulated three of these over the last year, and I just love the versatility of them. It's my go to piece for traveling - I love that I can wear it as a scarf, but it also doubles as the softest blanket on the plane without being bulky. This video convinced me that I needed one. Or three.

3. THE STRIPED TOP

Striped top: LOFT (options here, here, and here)

OK, so I am teasing you here just a little bit because my exact top (featured in both navy and black above) is not available anymore. However, LOFT has so many other great options right now - I love that store for basic tops like this. And a striped top is really like a blank canvas to any outfit - you can build as much or as little as you want around it, but the end result is always fabulously effortless.

4. THE PERFECT CHAMBRAY

Chambray: JCrew Factory

Guys, if I haven't convinced you to buy this chambray by now, for the love of all things shopping, please just buy it already! Especially now that it's on sale! It's so perfect that I own two of them because the thought of something happening to it pained me. Bonus points if you're 5'-2" or less like me because it's even long enough to cover your bits in leggings.

5. THE PERFECT EVERYDAY LEGGING

Leggings: Zella

And speaking of leggings. You guys know I love my scuba leggings, but when it comes to just every day, no frill leggings, I turn to my Zellas. I have three pairs of these basic black that I alternate since I wear them so much. I don't actually ever work out in them even though *technically* they are probably meant to work out in. The waistband is what makes them look like workout leggings to me, but since I always have my bits covered anyway, you will never see the waistband, and therefore, no one has ever asked me if I was on my way to the gym when I wear them. They wear well, they're ridiculously comfortable, and they're not even a TEENY bit see through. Worth every penny.

6. THE PERFECT BOOTIE

Bootie: Sam Edelman "Petty" in Putty Suede 

(more colors available here)

I feel like I've gotten a lot of questions about these booties lately and what I wear with them. As you can see, I wear a LOT with them. The nude color and slim profile makes them basically disappear, which adds to their versatility. They're my boots I use most for travel, even in the warmer months because they are comfortable and go with everything. If you've been searching for an easy nude bootie, here you go.

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The best thing about my favorites today is that they look great as an entire outfit, and on their own in other outfits. I hope I have proved my points! Now go get your shop on! Keep a look out this weekend, because I plan to share all my Black Friday finds to better prepare you for Cyber Monday!

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Black Friday Shopping Inspiration

How Black Friday is just around the corner is beyond me! I took a trip down memory lane and checked to see what I got for Black Friday last year. Interesting seeing those pieces, and funny because I still love everything a year later.

Whether you're someone like me who actually enjoys waking up and shopping at 6am, or if you prefer to shop in the comfort of your own home online, I hope you score some good deals! And if Black Friday is simply too overwhelming for you and you have no idea where to start, or if you simply need some shopping inspiration - you're in luck! I thought I'd share some things I've bought (and loved) lately along with some of the items that are on my shopping list for Friday.

Asymmetric Infinity Scarf | Plaid Vest | Clutch | OTK Boots

Asymmetric Infinity Scarf: You guys know how obsessed I am with scarves. I get a lot of comments about how people have difficulty tying them my favorite way. My video tutorial has definitely helped, but some readers are still left a bit befuddled. Gina was crafty enough here to just turn one of her favorite scarves into an infinity scarf so she didn't have to worry about tying at all. But for those that aren't as crafty - this scarf is the scarf for you. I wore this on my travel day to DC this weekend, and it was a pretty popular look on Instagram.

via Instagram

Plaid Vest: This also came on my trip with me and is pictured above. You can see better pictures of it on Jenna here. She's the one who convinced me I needed it, and after discount codes and the already low price, I paid next to nothing for it. It's seriously like wearing the softest comforter! The pockets are lined with fleece, so you are sure to keep warm in this!

Clutch: This is the bag I accidentally bought after pulling some handbag shopping inspiration for you writing my bag lady post last Friday. I've been wanting a clutch like this with the arm strap - I just love the vibe it gives to the overall look. It was waiting for me when we got home this weekend, and it's pretty perfect! So roomy, and pretty well made considering the price!

OTK Boots: Vince Camuto kept taunting me with these boots on Instagram. I always feel a bit odd wearing knee high boots with my faux leather leggings - like it's too much. Leather boots over leather pants? Just seems so bulky to me in my head. That's why I'm usually wearing mine with booties or pumps. But when I saw this pic with the black suede OTK boots and the faux leather leggings - I fell in love. The mix of textures makes this combination work for me. I seriously can't wait to wear them. They fit great and the heel is the perfect height. They're freshly sprayed with suede protectant and anxiously awaiting their maiden voyage!

1- Grey Crossbody | 2- Initial necklace | 3- Fringe Mini | 4- Bow Tech Gloves | 5- Poncho

Yes, I'm crazy for wanting to venture out and shop so early in the morning. And to be honest, Black Friday shopping is usually for myself, not for others. I shop better for others under extreme pressure…. the week of Christmas. Black Friday is the one day it is socially acceptable to shop, so the shopaholic in me figures I can just blend in with all the other crazies.

1- Grey Crossbody: Yes, yes, I need another bag like I need a hole in my head. But if you saw my collection last week, you'll see that all my crossbody bags are colorful. If Santa showed up with this perfect grey bag, I certainly would not return it.

2- Initial necklace: I've actually been eyeing these initial necklaces since the Anniversary Sale. I decided not to get one over the summer because of all the other purchases I was making, but I've always kept this in the back of my mind as a wish list item. The simplicity of them is perfect.

3- Fringe Mini: I feel like the fringe mini is the new sequin mini of 2014. But seeing this look on Wendy basically convinced me that I need one in my life.

via Instagram

4- Bow Tech Gloves: These babies are only $12, and how adorable are they? Functional, pretty to look at, and cheap? The perfect stocking stuffer. And buy a pair for yourself while you're at it.

5- Poncho: I can't say I remember the last time the words, "I want a poncho" have left my mouth. However, ever since I saw this on Dee, I just can't stop thinking about it. It looks ridiculously comfy and warm and how awesome would it look with my faux leather leggings and my new suede OTK Boots?!

I hope that gives you guys enough to chew on! I would love to hear what you have your heart set on for the upcoming sales! And tell me - are you an early shopper or do you simply wait to do it all online?

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Floral sweatshirt

Sunnies: Tom Ford | Necklace: Banana Republic (option) | Sweater: JCrew (cheaper option, cheapest option)  | Top: JCrew Factory | Bottoms: Express (option, option, option)  | Booties: Vince Camuto (option) 

The sweatshirt has really been revamped over the last couple of seasons. My love for the fancy sweatshirt started with the Target collaborations. I accumulated 3 that way, and have never looked back. Let's face it. They're comfortable, but the different graphics, textures, and materials available now give modern twists on an old school shape.

I wore a modified version of this outfit this past weekend in DC for brunch, mani/pedi, and sight seeing. Because my suitcase has limited real estate, I switched the booties for this grey pair, simply because I didn't want to have to bring another pair of shoes. It's good that I  made the switch because we were basically on our feet all day.

Jacket: Express | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (option) | Boots: Naturalizer (option)

The husband and I were romping around DC with my friend Val and one of her good friends, Nick. We all laughed when we met Saturday morning in the hotel lobby since we clearly all got the memo on the colored pants. I had to make sure we got photo documentation of this awesome coincidence! 

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Manic Monday: The perfect dress

It's Sunday night at 6pm, which is usually when I'm finishing my posts for the week, except this week at that time, I haven't even started! We're just getting back from a weekend away, and I fly to Toronto tomorrow through Wednesday. Needless to say, I'm gonna try and keep this short but sweet! 

We spent the weekend in DC (Alexandria, VA to be exact) to celebrate the wedding of a very good friend. They had a destination wedding over the summer and had their reception on Saturday at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. It was a gorgeous setting and a ridiculously good time!

Dress: Greylin (Nordstrom) | Wristlet: Stella and Dot | Shoes: Valentino

Surprisingly this is the first wedding we have been to all year. I was excited to get all dolled up! This is the event that I was dress shopping for with Jenna. Lucky for me, we found this dress at our very first stop, and was only one of three dresses I even tried on. Love when that happens! 

I thought it was seasonally perfect for the occasion and could not resist the patchwork-like mix of textures and patterns. It is definitely a unique piece, which is definitely what I was looking for as I feel like a lot of cocktail type dresses out there right now all look similar. I am a bit high waisted/ have a short torso, so I did have to get the straps taken up a little bit (for free, thanks to Nordstrom), but outside of that, the dress fit perfect. 

Here's a selfie view, which I am sharing since I didn't get proper photos of my "outerwear." We took a cab from the hotel to the venue, so I only had to survive in the cold from the curb to the front door. I wasn't sure if I would be cold inside with the sleeveless dress, so I wore a blazer and also brought a wrap, which I simply wore as a scarf for the commute. The temperature inside was actually quite comfortable, so my blazer and wrap ended up with coat check.

For accessories - I did have a bracelet on, which you can see in the selfie, but it snagged on my hair once and on the scarf twice by the time we got there, so I ended up just taking it off. I would have been mortified if it snagged my dress!! This wristlet is new from Stella and Dot, and what's even more awesome than its rose gold detailing is that the strap detaches and can be worn as a wrap bracelet. 

Speaking of wrap -- that's a wrap for this post! Hope everyone's short week goes by quickly! Think of me as I'm flying to our neighbors up north!

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Pulse: Fair Isle tunic and fleece lined leggings

Fair Isle sleeved tunic with cowl neck: Only $38!!

Preorder yours at Pulse STL via Facebook or Instagram

Hey guys! I'm bringing you this special weekend post to provide you shopping inspiration for Pulse's online flash sale, which happens every Sunday night. If you remember - I first introduced you to Pulse here. This dress here is also a great Pulse find! I'm back again with a couple of other great products that I had to share.

Source: Left, Middle, Right

The fair isle trend seems to be picking up momentum over the last couple of seasons. There's something warm and welcoming about the print! The proverbial winter uniform is a chunky fair isle sweater, the warmest boots ever, and a coffee cup for good measure. Girly accents like pearls and baubles are the foolproof way to finish off the look.

This week, Pulse is sharing their take on this trend with this cowl neck tunic. I just love the colorblocking effect with the fair isle sleeves. You know I'm obsessed with any an all scarves these days, and this tunic is basically a sweater AND a scarf all in one perfect piece. And for $38, it's basically a no brainer.

Still not convinced? I put together 3 different ways to style this tunic. It will be your go to piece for errands, brunch, and hey, maybe you should just lounge around in it by itself with a pair of leg warmers making smores in the fireplace. You know that sounds good.

Fleece lined leggings: $14

Purchase from Pulse STL via Facebook or Instagram

And if fair isle still isn't your thing, let me just tell you about the perfect leggings that were waiting for me tonight when I got home from our weekend away. These babies are fleece lined and they are the softest, plushest, favorite-sweatshirt-feeling leggings you will ever meet. I have another pair of fleece lined leggings that were over double the price of these but they're uncomfy in the waist band, and neither soft nor cozy. If you learn anything from me today, it's that you need these leggings in your life. The high waisted style will be available after 8pm on their Facebook page, and the regular version that I have will be available after 9pm on their Instagram page.

For more details on how to shop Pulse STL's social media flash sales - click here. Please be sure to like them on Facebook here and follow them on Instagram here so you don't miss out on any perfect pieces! Happy shopping!

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this post. The fleece leggings were purchased with my own hard-earned money, and all views expressed are my own.

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Bag lady

I've always said that I'm into shoes more than I am into handbags, but after compiling all of the photos for this post, I think I may have to re-think that statement. Grab some coffee, and let's take a tour of Carylee's handbag collection, shall we? Except, first.

Dear Husband: If you're reading this, just close out this little browser and pretend none of this happened. Oh hey, look over there! It's a supercharged Camaro!...

_________________

I've been wanting to do a "what's in your handbag" type of post for quite some time, and this handbag style guide by Rue La La finally pushed me over the edge to just do it already! It was interesting to read through the different types of handbags Rue La La highlighted. I wanted to take a closer look at my collection to see where I may have some holes. Where Rue La La distinguishes handbags in the following categories -- clutch, tote, baguette, hobo, satchel, luxury; I am separating my handbags into the following groups: evening, crossbody, medium sized, convertible, large, and statement.

GROUP 1: EVENING

Clockwise from top left: Christian Louboutin, Kate Spade, Vince Camuto, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors

The purpose of this group goes without saying. Something big enough to fit my bare necessities for the evening, but small enough where it's not a total inconvenience to hold. I do have a handful of other small wristlets that aren't pictured, but the black bow Vince Camuto clutch/wristlet is probably my most used. The Ralph Lauren leopard handbag is the most ideal because it comes with a shoulder strap that I can whip out if I need both hands free.

GROUP 2: CROSSBODY

Top (L to R): Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Kate Spade | Middle (L to R): Rebecca Minkoff, Gucci, Kate Spade | Bottom (L to R): Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Kate Spade

Up until about 2-3 years ago, I never ever owned crossbody bags. I always felt like there was something matronly and dated about them. The very first crossbody I purchased was the green patent bag above, and it was all downhill from there. The perfect sized handbag to carry essentials with the ease of simply throwing it across my body -- not having to worry about it slipping off my shoulders, but still having my personal belongings at my fingertips.

GROUP 3: MEDIUM SIZED

Top (L to R): Chanel, Kooba, Marc by Marc Jacobs | Middle (L to R): Kate Spade, Kate Spade, Marc by Marc Jacobs | Bottom (L to R): Kate Spade, Kate Spade, Kate Spade

OK, so maybe I don't have a handbag problem, I just have a *Kate Spade* problem. Ooops. But their flash sales get me every time! But anyway - these medium sized bags are the crossover vehicle of the handbag world. They're big enough to carry my daytime essentials for running errands, but they're still small enough for me to take to dinner if I felt so inclined. Clearly I favor the tote style. I like to be able to just throw everything in my bag, and quickly see the contents all at once.

GROUP 4: CONVERTIBLE

Top (L to R): Kate Spade Saturday, Chicastic | Middle (L to R): Foley + Corinna, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chicastic | Bottom (L to R): Foley + Corinna, Marc by Marc Jacobs

I am a sucker for anything that has a dual purpose because then I feel like I am getting two handbags for the price of one. These are also my favorite types of handbags to pack on a trip because they can expand to however much you need them to carry. And, the slouchier the better. I love the easy, laid back look of a slouchy handbag.

GROUP 5: LARGE

Clockwise from top left: Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stella & Dot, Kate Spade, Kate Spade, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff

The two handbag styles I use the most are the crossbody and these large totes/satchels. While I do have a separate laptop bag I use for work, these are the perfect carry-all  of anything and everything. I love the way a good structured handbag finishes off an outfit. I was actually surprised I didn't already have a black structured tote, which is why I recently purchased the one above from Stella & Dot.

GROUP 6: STATEMENT

Chanel Medium Classic Flap

This is why I don't consider myself a handbag lady - I really don't have many luxury or statement handbags. OK, so I do have one other Chanel and a small Gucci, but I don't own a Louis Vuitton, which I feel is the proverbial blogger bag. I don't have a Celine. I don't have a Chloe. That's not to say I never will, but it's not on my immediate wish list. For now, this bag is the mother of all my handbags. I talk more about her in this post here, and I'm not kidding when I say that she takes my breath away every time.  

WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG?

Sunnies: Tom Ford | Wallet: Kate Spade | Pouch: Rebecca Minkoff

With all those handbags, it definitely becomes a task having to transfer contents over and over again. I found the easiest way for me to manage this was to simply throw my essentials into a simple pouch - iPhone, keys, wallet, gloss (in a JCrew jewelry bag so the inside of my purse never gets gooey), powder, and pill case (for Excedrin, Sudafed, Advil, etc.) The only thing "loose" I have left to grab are my sunglasses of the day.

Other things I may end up lugging around with me are: small toiletries bag, notebook, shoe aids (see post here), camera, iPad. However, my absolute must-have-can't function-without items are pictured above.

_________________

Whew. I'm glad I was finally able to document my handbag addiction collection for you. I hope you don't like me less now that you know I'm a hoarder. Perhaps a few of you can at least relate to the fact that certain outfits require certain accessories? I would love to hear what your favorite styles are and how your everyday essentials compare to mine!

And if this post has left you inspired to build your collection, I've selected some splurge and save options below! I may have accidentally ordered this clutch while I was pulling this shopping inspiration for you. But, it was less than $20, so that's ok right???

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