White & Navy :: Statement Necklace

If your wardrobe consists mostly of neutrals like mine, statement jewelry is the easiest way to change/glam up any look. Take this outfit as an example, the dress itself is pretty simple and basic without any styling. This necklace certainly takes this outfit up a notch. I haven't bought a statement necklace in ages but am pleased to have this new addition. The necklace is lightweight but not cheap feeling. If this particular design isn't your cup of tea, there are many different styles to choose from. They offer free shipping as well as a customer reward program. You can join the program for free and receive 50 welcome points right away.

Outfit details:

Dress | Necklace c/o Happy Boutique | Sunglasses | Sandals

Express :: All jeans are $39.90 (this weekend only)

This weekend only, all Express jeans are only $39.90. I highly recommend the mid-rise legging jeans in white and the distressed version (full review here). Both pairs are 50% off this weekend. I am thinking about picking up these gorgeous trouser style style flare jeans. They would be perfect for the upcoming Fall. Has anyone tried their girlfriend jeans? I've heard great things about them. If so, I'd love to hear your opinions. You can shop the entire denim collection here.

Outfit details:

Denim | Sweater | Sunglasses | Chanel purse | Sandals

Collared Chambray Romper

My obsession with rompers continues! I added the 4th one to my closet last month and can't get enough of it. Albeit the bathroom situation, rompers are a summer must-have. The fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. I love the fact that it has long sleeves. It's perfect for late Summer and early Fall. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Outfit details:

Rompers *size S* | Chanel WOC *exact* | Sandals | Sunglasses | Watch

Best of drugstore beauty products

I feel like drugstore brands have really stepped up their game over the past 2 years. I recently made a switch and now all my makeup items are from drugstore brands. I'd rather invest in good skincare products. I wholeheartedly recommend these affordable beauty products to anyone. They will for sure knock your socks off.

1. Essence lip liner in satin mauve (on me) and in the nude: These lip liners are everything. They're creamy, so pigmented and do not feel dry on my lips. "In the nude" is my everyday shade. If you want to enhance the natural color of your lips, give this lip liner a try. You won't be disappointed.

2. I picked up this Maybelline eye studio brow define and fill duo in dark brown a few weeks ago and am in love. If you're a fan of the Anatasia brow wiz, you'll like this. The pencil is thin enough to define your brow with precision and the powder side fills in all the gaps for a natural looking brow (currently buy one get one at 50%)

3. Another new beauty product that I picked up recently is this L'Oreal double extend mascara. It has everything you want for a mascara (length, volume, no smudge, no flaking). I apply the primer first then immediately apply the mascara. It certainly made a difference in the way my lashes look.

4. Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous foundation in 210: This is my 2nd tube and I can't get enough of it. One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to foundation is that it has to keep my face matte all day and this foundation passed the test. It feels so light on my face and the matte results are amazing. It helps keeping my face matte for at least 6 hours if not longer. I ran out a few weeks ago and decided to use up my MUFE Mat Velvet (40). Didn't like it as much and that says a lot!

5. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny: This is an oldie but a goodie. For under $4, this is an amazing matte bronzer. I use this to slightly contour my face and it gives the most natural, sun kissed glow (especially if you have yellow or warm undertones). I got this bronzer at least 2 years ago and have been using it everyday. Best $4 I've ever spent!

Sleeveless Cardigan :: Crochet Dress :: Hits & Misses # 11

Sleeveless cardigans are all the rage this Fall. It's the perfect transition piece. It's been awhile since something from SheIn caught my attention but I am happy to report that this cardigan is a hit. The material is nothing to write home about but I like the way it fits. the length hits me at the right spot and I adore the pockets. As the temperature slowly drops, this cardigan is the perfect solution for cool mornings. The first outfit is what I wore hiking this past weekend with my family. Even though it's still warm outside, it's definitely chilly in the shade. The cardigan adds instant chic to any outfit now but will come in handy this Fall

Outfit # 1: Cardigan c/o *size S* | Tee | Sunglasses | Sneakers | Watch | Shorts

Outfit # 2: Cardigan | Tee | Sunglasses | Sandals | Shorts

Black on black

I used to rarely wear black but since I got this skirt, I can't stop wearing it. The cut/fit is very flattering on me. Today, I am pairing it with a simple black tee for an all black outfit. Even though this skirt was found at the BR factory store, the quality is amazing.

Outfit details:
Skirt | Tee | Sunglasses | DIY bracelets (tutorial here)

20% off classic handbags (ends 08/19)

Shopbop is offering 20% off on all classic handbags with code "INTHEBAG". This is the perfect opportunity to pick up some gorgeous new handbags for Fall. A bucket bag is on my purchase list this month and they have so many gorgeous ones (promotion ends tonight). Happy shopping!

LEFT | MIDDLE | RIGHT

LEFT | MIDDLE | RIGHT

LEFT | MIDDLE | RIGHT

Floral Dress :: Army Vest :: Hits & Misses # 10

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I recently chopped my hair. I was ready for a change and it feels so good to have short hair. Now onto this outfit, I haven't had good luck choosing items from Romwe lately so I thought I'd give this blogger-approved dress a try. As expected, it fits well and I also like the pattern. As temperatures are starting to cool down a tad, this sleeveless vest is ideal for a light layer, It also adds visual interest and dimension to any outfit. This exact dress is available at many different price points ($13, $15, $17, $46, $75)

Outfit details:

Dress c/o | Vest (60% off) | Sandals | Sunglasses | Similar belt

Denim cutoffs and flannel shirt

Wearing some of my absolute closet favorites. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Outfit details:
Shorts | Plaid shirt | Sandals | Sunglasses | Watch

Ann Taylor eyelet shirtdress for under $40

From now until tomorrow night, you can score this adorable eyelet shirtdress for under $40. I have been wearing it countless times and it has held up beautifully. All sale items are an extra 60% off here (with code HURRY60)

{I blogged about this dress here | Similar belts here}

A few more amazing sale items:
- Linen shirtdress - $32
- Striped flare dress - $40
- Leather sandals - $32
- Leather mules - $28
- Cropped sweater - $24
- Striped maxi skirt - $24
- Petite dot pencil skirt - $28
- Petite pleated skirt (perfect for Fall) - $40

Weekend Getaway: Chicago

Sharing a few photos from our weekend getaway in Chicago almost 2 weeks ago. Since we already had our "big" trip to Europe earlier this year, my husband and I decided to plan weekend trips throughout the summer instead of one big summer vacation like we always do. I love the idea. There is something to look forward to every few weeks. So far, we have gone to Great Wolf Lodge, Kings Island, Hershey Park and our last trip, to Chicago. I absolutely adore this city. Great food, great shopping, great entertaining, what's not to love, right? This was my 4th time in Chicago and I loved it just as much as I loved my first trip.

Where to stay: We stayed at the Hyatt Centric The Loop this time - the hotel is brand-new (opened last month). The room is modern but relatively small. The location is ideal (just a few blocks away from the Magnificent Mile area)
What to eat: A few of our favorites: Girl & The Goat, The Purple Pig, Grand Lux Cafe, The Original Pancake House and Slurping Turtle
What to do: Shopping of course =) When I travel, I always try to visit stores that are not available back home.

Outfit details:
Lace rompers | Valentino Noir pumps | Exact Chanel WOC | Sunglasses

No real agenda in mind. We were just there to shop, explore the city and spend time with the kids. We booked a cocktail river cruise with Spirit of Chicago. To be honest with you, I could have done without it. It was OK cruising along the river but the food was awful. Since we don't drink, there wasn't much to do on the boat. Keeping the little one entertain for 2 hours was a little tough (the kid is pretty active). I borrowed this little romper from a friend and wore it on the cruise. It's super cute and affordable. Runs a little small so make sure you size up (wearing a size S here).

The classics

I believe every woman needs a wrap-dress in her wardrobe. It's one of the modern but classic pieces that will stand the test of time. Not to mention they are flattering on nearly every figure. I have several wrap dresses in my closet and rotate them year around. Speaking of classic, when it comes to jewelry, nothing screams classic like a beautiful piece of pearl jewelry. Since I already own a pair of pearl earrings and a pearl necklace, I am excited to add this pearl bracelet to my jewelry box. I have a small wrist. Therefore, it's extremely hard to find a bracelet that fits. If you have the same problem like I do, worry not because most bracelets can be customized to fit your wrist size at Pure Pearls. They has been featured in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Lucky magazines and I can see why. My customized bracelet is absolutely gorgeous. Each piece also comes with its own certificate of authenticity.

What I am wearing:

Dress: Karen Kane cascade wrap dress - size XS

Shoes: Banana Republic

Bag: J.Crew Tartine mini satchel

Bracelet: c/o Pure Pearl (length = 6")

Sunglasses: Quay Australia

Floral Blouse :: Distressed Shorts :: Hits & Misses # 9

An item that I've been enjoying for the past few months is this floral blouse. The fit is great, it's wrinkle-free and can be dressed up or down. I paired it with a pencil skirt for work here and loved the color combo. Today, I am dressing it down with a pair of my favorite denim cutoffs. On the flip side, the last order I received from SheIn was a total miss (see below). This maxi dress (non-affiliate link) is unlined so it basically shows everything underneath. As for the red dress (non-affiliate link), the style is cute but the fit is very odd. It's been months since I've found a "hit" *sigh*. See previous hits & misses posts here.

What I am wearing:

Top: SheIn floral blouse - size S

Shorts: American Eagle midi shorts (on sale!)

Bag: Kate Spade *borrowed from Mom*

Sandals: Target (similar here and available in 29 colors)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

An Outfit I Put Together for $50

It's the fact that I am a thrifty girl at heart when it comes to clothing. Other than outerwear, I never pay retail prices for clothes. Let's face it, living in the Midwest, coats are a true investment. I would rather save money and splurge on handbags than on clothes. Take this outfit as an example, the entire outfit (top, bottom, jacket and shoes) costs right around $50. I love this outfit. It's so comfortable and I feel like a million bucks wearing it.

Outfit details:

Skirt: $5 (bought in store - more expensive online) - size XS

Tee: $3.90 (available in 19 colors) - size up to a L

Sandals: $17.99

Denim jacket *several years old*: $24.99

Total: $51.88

*Linking up with Tara's summer style weekly*

False Eyelashes 101 featuring Esqido Mink Lashes

I used to feel very intimidated by false eyelashes. I didn't start wearing falsies until a couple years ago. I am certainly not blessed in the eyelash department so false lashes are the simplest way to give noticeable volume, length and make my eyes pop. The Ardell demi-wispies was my favorite eyelashes. I used to buy this pack and it lasted me 3 months. Esqido reached out a few months ago and offered me a few pairs of their mink lashes to try. I am hooked! One thing that I love about mink lashes is that they're extremely comfortable to wear. I have no problem wearing them all day. They are very natural looking, light weight and fluffy.

{Clockwise: Esqido BFF | Oh-so sweet | Unforgettable & Companion glue}

For those who are new to false eyelashes, below is how I wear and take care of my falsies:

Step 1: Trim your lashes - To get the proper fit, hold the lash strip against your upper lash line. Start about a 1/4" from the inner corner of your eyes. Trim any excess off the outer corner with small scissors. Do not cut from the inner corner.

Step 2: Apply the glue - Since these are mink lashes, curl your lashes and apply one coat of mascara before applying the falsies. It's highly recommended that you do not apply mascara to the actual mink fur. Esqido recently came out with a new latex-free lash glue (specially formulated for mink lashes) and it's amazing! My false lashes stay on all day with absolutely no lifting. Love the rose gold packaging!