The last bit of summer

It's still pretty hot in the Midwest. We're planning to take the girls to the pool this weekend. It makes me sweat just seeing blogger in booties and sweaters =) I am still embracing summer to the fullest. I ordered this dress/cover-up for my FL trip but unfortunately, it did not arrive on time. I am excited to wear it out this weekend. As mentioned in my previous post, I ordered 5 items from Shein. Each item has things I like and things I don't like. This dress is super well made. The material feels really nice and expensive than it actually is. The embroidered details are absolutely stunning. Even though the top part isn't lined, you can get away with wearing a nude bra. This item listed as a dress on their site but there is no way I can wear this out as a dress even though I am only 5'2". It's very short. All it takes is a gust of wind =) However, if you're looking for a good/solid swim cover-up, I highly recommend this one (available in these gorgeous color below)

This is one of the outfits I wore on my trip and really loved it. I was panically looking for a high-waisted swim bottom a few days before my trip due to an unexpected surgery. I stumbled upon this swim bottom at Target and feel like I hit the jackpot (it's on clearance now). It fits extremely well and covers all my scars. I paired it with a top from my other set and they go perfectly well together. Outfit details: Target swim bottom *size XS* | Swim top |  Straw hat *size XS* | Sunglasses

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The last bit of summer

Biggest gift card event of the year (up to $900)

 

Saks is running the biggest gift card event of year (up to $900) starting online today. You can earn a gift card up to $900 on select designers when you shop this week (use code AUG2017). Brands like Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent and Gucci are eligible for this event (yes, you can earn a $900 gift card when you purchase a Chanel bag). Below are things I own and recommend.

Saint Laurent clutch (review)
Saint Laurent Sunset bag (review)
Movado watch (hubby's fav. watch)
Burberry coats
Prada handbags

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Biggest gift card event of the year (up to $900)

Ruffle One Shoulder Top

Today's post features this incredibly popular top from Shein. It's basically an exact dupe of the StyleKeepers top. I've seen this top on so many bloggers so decided to give it a try even though the style is a bit too out there for me. Whenever I receive a package from Shein, half of the items are pretty decent and the other half is totally useless. I received a new package 3 weeks ago and this time, there was nothing to rave about but nothing was too bad either. Each item has things I like and things I don't like. I am going to review them all and let you know my thoughts just in case you're interested. This top is very trendy and fashion-forward. The price is great if you just want to test out the trend (under $15). The material feels a bit cheap but wrinkle-free (which I like). The thing I don't like about this top is the fit. It's so boxy. It looks decent tucked in but as is, it's really wide and long. Also, I am not sure how many wears I can get out of a trendy top like this. However, if you're looking for fun and unique piece for the summer, it's not a bad purchase (available in blue as well). Outfit details: Shein top | Hollister shorts | Target sandals | Cluse watch *obsessed* 

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Ruffle One Shoulder Top

Chanel Handbag Cleaning and Repair

You might have heard Chanel is no longer refurbishing or repairing bags that are more than 5 years old (with some exceptions of course). I own 3 Chanel bags (2 of them were purchased brand new) and they are all in perfect condition. I don't live near a Chanel boutique so I don't really have any insights as how their new policies work. However, I'd like to share my experience with the Leather Surgeons whom I have used in the past. One of my clients dropped a piece of packing tape onto her Chanel bag. When she pulled the tape out, the leather also peeled off. As you can imagine, she was devastated. I did some research and stumbled upon the Leather Surgeons. They located in PA. I sent an email along with a few pictures of the damage and got a quote a few days later (estimated cost: $130). A week later, the bag is back, good as new. Gerry (the owner) and Cory (Gerry's son) are super nice. They respond quickly and professionally. I wish I had taken a before and after photo to show you. If you have color transfer on your bag, they can clean it up for $50. The Leather Surgeons also offer authentication services. Authentication fees ($55) are waived for items that require additional services. You do have to pay for shipping to ship your bag to them. However, the return shipping is free. You might or might not know most third party authentication services are no longer provide email authentication for Chanel bags from 2011 and beyond due to the proliferation of super fakes on the market. I can't stress enough the importance of doing your research before purchasing a pre-owned luxury bag. You can always use third-party authentication services like the Leather Surgeons for a second option but always always know your source before pulling the trigger. I hope you find this post helpful. I used the Leather Surgeons twice and had great experience. You can see some of their beautiful works here.

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Chanel Handbag Cleaning and Repair

J.Crew Lady Day Coat is 65% off right now

 

J.Crew is having an incredible sale on their classic Lady Day coat right now. It's down to $125 from $355 (all sizes are still available). I own several and can't recommend this coat enough. I've done an in-depth review here if you're interested.

 

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J.Crew Lady Day Coat is 65% off right now

Personalized Disney shirts for the whole family

Before heading to Disney World, I ordered these personalized tees for my whole family. Visiting Disney is not something we do often. The last time I was at Disney World was 5 years ago (before my 2nd one was even born). I wanted to make the trip a little extra special. This is the design I went with and it took about 3 weeks for my package to arrive. The shop has a ton of other designs to choose from. For privacy reasons, I won't be able to show you how they look on my kids (they look so adorable tho). Outfit details: Etsy tee | AE shorts | Forever 21 hat | Amazon sunglasses | Adidas sneakers. Learning from past experiences, I downloaded the Disney app and scheduled all fast passes well in advance. Let's just say we made the most out of our trip this time around. We stayed at Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and had a pleasant time.
 

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Personalized Disney shirts for the whole family

White one piece swimsuit :: Pom-pom cover up

Today's post takes you back to my vacation to Florida with my family a few weeks ago. If this one piece swimsuit looks familiar, it's because I talked about this Becca suit last year and how much I loved it. When I spotted this dupe in white, I am intrigued. Sadly, the quality of this suit is a far cry from the original. The fabric is decent (not as nice as the Becca suit but it's not bad either). However, it has a really strange fit. The suit has adjustable straps and ties behind back. However, no matter how I adjust the straps/ties, the shoulder straps do not lay flat. I had high hopes for this suit but sadly, it's a miss

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White one piece swimsuit :: Pom-pom cover up

How to Make Your Hat Fit Tighter

No handbag-related content today but I do have a super easy tutorial for you. I love wearing hats but can't never find one that fits my super small head. Before going on vacation, I knew I needed a straw hat to protect my newly microbladded brows. I was super excited to see this Brixton hat available in a size XS. I had high hopes for it but sadly, it was still too big for my head (the diameter of a size XS is 21.5"). I love the hat so much that I determined to make it work. See details below (it's very self-explanatory). I went boating and the hat stayed on my head like a champ. I used Frost King foam tape to add thickness to the band. You can adjust the tightness of the hat to your liking by the amount of tape you use. When you're satisfied with the measurement, put a couple of stitches into the band to ensure the tape is secure. You can also use fabric glue if you prefer. I am so excited to have this hat and will be looking into purchase a wool hat for the upcoming Fall season.

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How to Make Your Hat Fit Tighter

Blue and white off the shoulder striped dress

 

Blue and white stripes are one of this season's hottest trends and I am falling hard for it. Starting with this striped shirt, then this striped skirt and my latest piece is this very on-trend off the shoulder striped dress. As much as I adore the style, the quality isn't up to par. I know I receive a lot of courtesy items from overseas but that doesn't mean I have to praise them. I always try my best to give you my honest opinion about these items. It's such a cute dress for a beach vacation. The fabric is breathable and lightweight. It does run a bit small. I am wearing a size S here and it's a little tight across the chest. However, I do think a size medium would be too big. My only issue is the fabric, it's very see through. The dress is unlined (for under $25, I don't expect much). If you plan to wear this dress as a swim coverup, then it would be OK. Otherwise, I'd recommend wearing a slip underneath.

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Blue and white off the shoulder striped dress

Self Portrait Azaelea Dress Dupe

 

Hope you all had a great weekend. I am so excited for today's post. I received this dress about a month ago and have blown away by how beautiful it is in person. You might recognize this dress. It's almost identical to the popular Self Portrait Azaelea dress. I've seen this affordable version all over Instagram but didn't jump on it right away. The dress is quite fancy for my lifestyle. However, my birthday is coming up next month so I thought I'd give it a try. I am so glad I did because let me tell you, it's not disappointing. I rarely rave about items from overseas. I truly believe you get what you paid for. Although, there are some exceptions and this dress is definitely one of them. Obviously, I don't own the designer version so I can't speak for the quality but for under $35, this dress is amazing. Now that I own this dress, I can see why it's popular. I would gladly pay double the price for it. I am wearing a size S here and it fits so well. This dress has adjustable shoulder straps which is amazing (the designer version does not). Adjustable straps are a lifesaver for petite girls. To be completely honest, judging by multiple photos online, I am pretty sure the Self Portrait dress won't fit me the same way this one does. The overall length: 36" (the affordable version) vs. 44" (the designer version). The Self Portrait dress is made in China (100% polyester) which is exactly the same as the affordable version. There are things that worth the splurge but this dress isn't one of them. I am overly happy to own this dupe (it even has pockets!!!). Thinking about getting the other 2 colors as well, is that too much =)? Can't wait to rock this dress on my birthday. Outfit details: Zaful dress c/o *size S* | Express shoes | Chanel wallet on chain | Michele Deco watch

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Self Portrait Azaelea Dress Dupe