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12.17.2014

Walkin' In A Florida Wonderland










Marley Lilly Blanket Scarf // Sweater: Nordstrom Rack // White Denim (gasp!) // Tory Burch Flats (old, similar) // Very similar (less expensive) Tory Burch Tote

Can you believe Christmas is next week?!  The first year I lived in Florida it was hard to get in the spirit with the warm weather, but this year I've had no problems!  Partially because it has been cold here, and partially because of how crazy Sarasota gets with their decorations.  It's so festive and I love it.  I never thought I would pair a holiday outfit with white denim (gasp!) but I think they add the perfect Florida touch!  Pair that with an amazing (and inexpensive!) blanket scarf and you have pure holiday perfection. :)

Shop the post below

11.28.2014

Black Friday





BANANA REPUBLIC 50% off one full-priced item and 40% site wide with code BRFIFTY

BLANK NYC:  $50 off $100CODE: BLANK50 // $100 off $300 CODE: BLANK100 //$200 off $500 CODE: BLANK200

BLOOMINGDALES: 50% off selection site wide

EXPRESS: 50% off site wide   

FOREVER 21: Deals under $5, $10, and $20 extra 30% off clearance

FREE PEOPLE: Up to 50% off select styles

FRYE: Spend $400 and get $100 gift card

GAP: 50% off site wide with code BLKFRIDAY

HANKY PANKY: Up to 60% off with code SPARKLE and the launch of the Lilly Pulitzer collaboration!

J BRAND: 30% off site wide

J CREW: 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no mimimum CODE: HOLIDAY

KATE SPADE SATURDAY30% off sitewide + free shipping CODE: DEALME

KENDRA SCOTT: 15% off sitewide CODE: BFCM2014

LILLY PULITZER :) :free gift with purchases at any spend, receive additional gift with purchase of $75+

LORD AND TAYLOR:  extra 20% off almost everything + 25% off fine jewelry // Up to 50% off woman’s fall boots + extra 20% off CODE: THANKS

MADEWELL: 25% off your entire purchase CODE: GIFTON

ModCloth: 50% Off 100s of new arrivals

NECESSARY CLOTHING: 25% off sitewide

NINE WEST:  up to 50% off select product + 20% off your purchase of $125+

NORDSTROM:  up to 40% off select product

OLD NAVY:  Entire store will be 50% off

PIPERLIME:  25% off sitewide CODE: THANKFUL25

REVOLVE: Select items up to 80%

SAKS: Select styles up to 60% off

SHOPBOP:  15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off $1000

SOLE SOCIETY:  30% off all footwear

TOMS:  25% off everything (excludes core classics and sale items) with code: CHEER

TOPSHOP: 30% off select product, and 2 for 1 on mid-season sale items

TORY BURCH: Up to 30% off with code: LUCKY

WEST ELM:  Buy more, save more — up to 25% off CODE: SUPERSALE


11.26.2014

Fall in Florida






Y'all might be sick and tired of this scarf by now...but I most certainly am not!  Now my collection of Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarfs is larger than before, but regardless of how many I have I always find myself reaching for this one!  When I was living in PA I would always pair it with my darker winter outfits to add that pop of sunshine I was so craving.  It is the perfect way to brighten up your darker Fall/Winter wardrobe, and the silk and cashmere mix makes it pretty much the softest thing ever. This time I paired it with my favorite clingy black sweater dress to make a simple chic "Fall in Florida" outfit!

Shop this post below!


11.24.2014

Oh heyyyyy!

Hey there, strangers!  It feels weird to be writing here after taking more than a month off, but I'm back and in a much better place to blog!  I didn't take an intentional break, and unlike the majority of the blog world right now I haven't fallen out of love with blogging, I just ran out of time!  Over the last month work and school had to take priority, but with the semester drawing to a close I'm finally able to sit down and write!  I have some really fun outfits and gift guides coming up in the next few weeks, but for today I thought I'd do a little month catch-up.

Not surprisingly, my month has been filled with Lilly!  At the beginning of the month I got to help set up the Lilly Pulitzer Fashion Show and Luncheon with the Junior League of Sarasota at the Sarasota Yacht club!  We decked out the whole club with Lilly table cloths, dresses, and fun pink girly cocktails.  There were literally hundreds of women dressed in Lilly there...screw Disney, it was the happiest place on earth!  My personal favorite part was meeting my new best friend, Melissa, one of the Lilly print designers!  She painted a Lilly canvas freehand for the auction.  I'm still not over the fact that I didn't win so let's move on.

{What's a champagne cocktail without tiny pink flamingos?} 
 
The next big Lilly event was celebrating Lilly's birthday.  We went all out.  We're talking steel drummer, champagne, macaroons, the whole nine.  It was really fun for everyone in the store, and customers too!  The drummer even let me play his drums and let me tell ya...I have a future there. ;)  I thought it was a crazy party at the store, but it was just the warm up for our grand opening in December.  If you're in the Sarasota/Bradenton/Tampa area you really don't want to miss it.  Trust me!!

 {Believe it or not...the matching wasn't planned!}

Other than living the Lilly dream life I've been swamped with school work and completing my 60 volunteer hours for one of my classes.  I swear I thought going to school online would make life easier but Bama doesn't joke around.  One class I'm supposed to take requires 160 hours of clinical!  For a 3 credit class!  I'm going to have to be creative for that one. Anywho, I'm rambling since it's 8:30 and I've been up since 6:30 with no caffeine or food, so as Dom says when I'm online shopping I'm going to "step awayyyy from the computer."  Have a wonderful Monday!

10.18.2014

Saturday Sales

The holidays are right around the corner, and that means shopping is in full force!  During this time of the year so many great stores are having amazing sales, so I am going to do my best to post every weekend about what sales are going on so you can get a jump on them!  I mean... 30% off Kate Spade?!  Someone hold me back ;) 
 

 
J.Crew Factory - Extra 30% off Clearance | Code: YAY30
Kate Spade - 30% off entire purchase | Code: F14FFUS
Ann Taylor - Extra 50% off Full Price Tops, Accessories, & Shoes | Code: STYLE50
Saks Fifth Avenue - 25% Off  | Code: FRNFAM
Old Navy - 25% Off | Code: TREAT
J.Crew - 30% Off Sweaters & Outerwear | Code: SHOPFALL
Madewell - 30% Off Sale | Code: PICKMEUP
Club Monaco - 25% Off Select Fall Styles | Code: FALLFAVES
Forever 21 - Extra 30% Off Sale | Code: TAKE30
Saks Off Fifth - Extra 40% Off Contemporary | Code: 40FORYOU
Lands End - Extra 30% Off Fall Essentials | Code: LEAF
Gap - Extra 25% Off Entire Purchase | Code: HAPPY

10.16.2014

The New Lilly Pulitzer Store at University Town Center!







Janice Shift Dress (also comes in navy!)

The day is finally here!  Today the Mall at University Town Center opens, and the most exciting part is, of course, the new Lilly Pulitzer store!  So much work has gone into the store in the past two weeks (and before) and it's amazing to see how it all came together.  Last night was the "Preview Party" where people can buy tickets to shop the mall early with hors d'oeuvres and champagne.  It was so much fun to see everyone's excitement over the new Lilly store!  We even had people wearing Lilly taking pictures outside the store.  It really is true that all Lilly lovers are a big colorful family.  
My favorite part of the store by far are the dressing rooms!  Each is painted in a different Lilly theme, and you instantly feel transported to the beach!  I truly think everything looks flattering in a bright Lilly fitting room. ;)  I also adore the Lilly quotes hidden around the store.  There are so many hidden gems, and it's so fun seeing customers so delighted over them.  The happiness is contagious!  So much so that as I'm writing this I need to be up in 6 hours to go back and work a full grand opening day...and I cannot wait!

If you're in the Sarasota area or coming to visit, please come in and say hi!  You most certainly won't regret it. :)

10.14.2014

Crimson Cardi






Crimson Tide Cardigan c/o // Booties (similar) // My favorite pair of denim skinnies // Kate Spade Sunnies // Tory Burch Tote- no longer available.  You can buy mine for $320 (retail $550) or check out this similar one // David Yurman Albion Ring Lips: Marvelous Moxie: Maverick

Yesterday my friend Chelsea (from soon-to-be-launched blog www.belleinblack.com) and I set out on a mission in downtown Sarasota to find some perfect locations for outfit pictures.  When we spotted these red steps we knew it would be perfect for this outfit!  Even though it was 100 degrees (no joke) I had to share this Shop Blue Avenue Crimson Tide Cardigan with you!  Besides being versatile and gorgeous it is seriously so soft.  It feels like the softest sweatshirt ever, but sooo much cuter!  In fact, as I write this I have it across my legs as a blanket.  Even though it will be a few more months before I can wear this outside in South Florida, it will definitely be the first item to come out when it finally hits 70 degrees!  I paired it with my favorite jeans, and my large Tory Burch Robinson tote!  It was the perfect fall outfit...if only it were actually fall! ;)


Also, while you're in the shopping mood, SHOPBOP started their 3 day 25% off sale today!  Use code FAMILY25 for 25% off the entire site.  They have one of the largest selections of clothes, shoes, and handbags I've ever seen, and they're all to die for.  Perfect for getting a start on Christmas gifts! Happy Shopping! :)

10.13.2014

A Little Color Never Hurts

colorful living

With the new Lilly store opening I really can't think of anything but COLOR.  So, for this quick Monday post (last midterm today!) I found the perfect items to add some color to your life!  You might recognize that Lilly dress from my instagram...I swear it was made for me!  That baby and that fabulous iPhone case are coming home with me for the opening!  Shop the links below to start living colorfully. ;)



10.10.2014

Lilly and Sales!

 Oh my, what a week!  It was midterms week, and on Monday I started my job at Lilly Pulitzer and am just so in love.  Going to work is what gets me excited to wake up in the morning, instead of daydreaming about what I'll do when I get home.  We have a preview party Wednesday night and then the mall opens on Thursday!  It's going to be absolutely amazing! I cannot wait to show you pictures of the store.  It's so bright and wonderful and I just can't help but smile!  I'm sure it's just a rumor, but I heard that if you post a picture of the Mall at University Town Center before the opening you'll be fined $5,000.  None of us at Lilly actually know or think that's true...but I'm going to play it safe!  If you follow me on instagram you might see some sneak peek pictures after the Preview Night on Wednesday! Think Lilly, champagne, macaroons, and fabulous people who spent $100 on a ticket to see the mall the night before it opens.  I mean it, y'all, this mall means business!

In the meantime, I have a few sales going on this weekend you might love! Can't wait to share more about the store next week!



J Crew Factory: 50% off entire store through 10.12!

Piperlime: 20% off with code FALL20 through 10.13

Madewell: 30% off with code OHFALL through 10.13

Forever21: Take an extra 30% off with code EXTRA30 through 10.19!


10.06.2014

10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging

Helene in Between Blogtober

1.  There is a lot more to blogging than writing posts.  If you want to grow and build a community, you need to be active on twitter, instagram, and facebook.  Post all your blog links, reach out to other bloggers, and share little snipets of your life that don't make it to your blog.  Seeing glimpses of your life will help draw people in, and ultimately follow your blog.

2. Plan out posts when you're not sitting down to writeEmily Ley has free calendar printouts that I use for each month.  First, I add any series posts I'm doing, or weekly linkups I take part in.  Then, I add what days I want to do fashion posts, need to do sponsored posts, or special holidays and events I plan to write about.  Finally, I go back and fill in empty days with fun quick posts like Instagram Round-ups, or "Currently" posts.  I always go blank when I try to think about something to write about in the moment, so this system makes sure I always have an idea!

3. Make all your pictures the same size.  Use picmonkey or any other photo editing site and resize all your pictures to at least 500px or 600px.  It will make the whole post look way cleaner.

4. Write how you speak.  This isn't an essay for english class.  Have fun, and write like you're talking to a group of friends!

5. Turn off Captcha, and make sure you're email is attached to your profile.  Bloggers can't respond to your comments if you're email isn't listed!

6.  Don't get discouraged. The first 100 followers are the hardest to get.  It took me almost 5 months to get to 100 followers!  Just keep producing good content, get it out on social media and networking with other bloggers, and they will come.

7. Do you.  There are no blogging rules.  There are a bunch of strategies and tips about blogging that have helped other people be successful, but no one knows who will be the next overnight success.  Want to do a linkup every day? Do it!  Want to only blog about your dog? Do it!  If you're blogging based on what you think people want to read you won't be enjoying yourself, and it will become a job (and not in the good way).

8. Don't rush to monetize.  The thought of making money doing what you love is very enticing, but monetizing also brings way more responsibility and pressure.  When you're working with companies with deadlines you can't just take a blogging break if you're getting paid for a post.  There's also added pressure on yourself.  When you're working with affiliate links, the more content you put out, the more money you make.  This can make it very hard to stay true to your blog and keep priorities straight. 

9. Post consistently.  It's the best way to gain and maintain pageviews.

10. Contrary to #9, if you miss a day, the world will not end.   Even if it feels like it. ;)

10.05.2014

Sunday Sale Alert! 25% Off all Tory Burch!

The last friends and family sale from Tory Burch did me in this Spring, and it's back for fall!  Store wide, 25% off with code FRIENDLIEST.  So many of my favorite Tory products are under $100...it's hard to pick!  If you've been eying anything (or everything!) from TB now is the time.  This sale won't come around again until late Spring.  Here are my favorites if you need some inspiration. ;) 

p.s. the hot pink bag? Proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research Fund. Win-win!









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10.01.2014

6 Things I Cannot Live Without + Great Man Gift Idea

must haves

Thank you to ManCrates for sponsoring this post!

This might seem like a random assembly of things, but they are 6 things I absolutely would need in a personal survival kit.  Obviously, these are more of the fun variety as opposed to the whole food, water, flashlight type...but I swear they're just as important. ;)

1. Simplified Planner:  I never used to be the planner type, but funny enough after I graduated I became a slave to beautiful planners!  I live for my Simplified Planner this year.

2. Brightly colored Lilly Pulitzer Scarves.  I wear my favorite Lilly scarves at least once a week, all year round.  They add the perfect pop of color and happiness to any outfit!

3. Cute rain boots and adorable umbrella!  People call Florida the sunshine state, but anyone who lives here knows that in the rainy season it will rain at least once.  Every day.  I joke I never leave the house without sunglasses and an umbrella! Alsooo hint hint: some Hunters are currently on sale for 20%!

4. My mini travel steamer!  I have written about this before (which makes my life sound really boring...) but I swear it's my lifesaver when traveling!  It's so small it fits right in my carry on and when I arrive and unpack, 2 quick minutes and my clothes are all steamed and ready to wear!  I only bought mine 2 months ago and can't tell you how many times I've used it traveling and at home when I need a quick fix.

5. Pearl Studs.  No day is complete without them!

While it is so easy for us girls to list things we can't live without, but for men it is so much harder!  Before every holiday I go through the questions with Dom because he can never think of something he wants.  Gift giving can be so hard.  Not to mention his birthday, Christmas, and Valentines Day are all 2 months apart.  I feel like I'm always planning a gift!  That's where ManCrates can help!  It's a site with tons of fun, creative, man approved gift crates!  You can chose from themes like "Beer Lover," "Carnivore," and "Athlete" (to name a few) for the perfect box for your man.  No more stressing over man gifts! Let the Christmas shopping begin!

9.29.2014

# Lilly Dream Job

I can't tell you how many times I've seen Lilly Pulitzer tweet or instagram #lillydreamjob and wished I could have it.  If only I was born with some artistic talent I could be a print designer, traveling to tropical locations to get inspiration for the next seasons prints.  Or, grow 7 inches and be a Lilly model.  Well, I am finally part of the team and can officially be a Lilly girl!


While I won't be designing prints or modelling the latest designs, I will be helping to open a brand new Lilly Pulitzer store in the new high end mall in Sarasota.  Can we talk about how dangerous it's going to be to have stores like Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Chanel, Anthropologie, and of course, Lilly less than 2 miles from my place?  Very dangerous.  I have a feeling I won't be making any money at this job!

I really think I am going to adore going to work every day.  I don't need to tell you how much I love the clothes, but both my new manager and the HR Rep from corporate headquarters who was at my interview seem like girls who would be my friends.  The three of us were sitting at a table in Starbucks (the mall doesn't open until October 16, so there is no store for an interview yet) in head to toe Lilly and probably getting some funny looks!  My manager already made me tear up telling me she can't think of anyone she'd rather have help her open the new store!  There's something about the Lilly lifestyle that just bonds you and makes you so excited and happy to be part of such an amazing brand.  I really cannot wait to see how this job goes and where this opportunity takes me!  Looks like my life and blog are about to get a whole lot more colorful.  As if that's possible. ;)


9.25.2014

A Rainstorm, A Power Outage, and A Wedding

I mentioned in my previous post that two weekends ago I was in town for one of my best friends' wedding.  When it came time to say their vows it was so beautiful, sweet, and living, but man did it take a lot to get there!

Julia should give all brides lessons on staying calm on their wedding day.  She was so poised through the entire day and kept her thoughts on saying "I do" and rolling with the punches.

Julia originally chose a gorgeous vineyard for her wedding less than a month after they got engaged last summer.  She is such a planner, and wanted to lock that down asap.  Then in January the venue called her and cancelled. (!!!)  Okay, they technically didn't cancel because that would be a breach of contract, but they called her saying they had lost their liquor license, couldn't serve food, and if they played music they couldn't guarantee the neighborhood wouldn't call the cops.  Um, excuse me?  After some scrambling he managed to find another option that she liked, and maintain most of her vendors.

This venue was a gorgeous golf course in Baldwinsville, NY.  There ceremony site was outside at a gazebo right next to the water with gorgeous flowers exploded everywhere (tastefully, of course).  With the sun shining at 4:30 it was so stunning at the rehearsal!

Then, we woke up Saturday morning to 45 degrees and a torrential downpour.  No worries though, as a bridesmaid it was our job to keep the positive thoughts rolling!  We met at the salon, beautified, and did multiple sun salutations praying for it to show itself.



Well, the salutations must have worked because by 2pm the clouds parted and the sun was shining!  We all headed over to the venue to get into our pretty dresses and take some pictures.


At 4:20, about 10 minutes before the ceremony was supposed to begin, we saw a gigantic, dark, angry cloud coming towards us...and coming fast.  Thankfully, the wedding coordinator was on top of it and suggested postponing the start for about 15 minutes, since it was just one cloud and once it passed the outdoor ceremony could begin! To make a long story short, the rain came pouring down, some guests were hidden in the gazebo to stay dry and more guests were waiting in the reception tent up the hill to try to stay dry.  People kept bombarding Julia with negative comments and I about went Bridesmaid-zilla on them!  The two wedding coordinators kept going back and forth with Julia about what she wanted to do and it just got really stressful for everyone!  Finally, Julia put her foot down and just decided that since most guests were in the tent they would just do the ceremony there.  Problem solved.

Then another wedding coordinator came up and told her the tent had lost power. At this time the rain had passed and the sun was back out.  Since the tent had no power, we suggested just doing it outside.  The wedding coordinator then had the audacity to say "Well you can do the ceremony outside, but now your reception is going to be a big problem." To the bride! I was absolutely floored by how unprofessional he was and if the other coordinator hadn't profusely apologized to Julia about him I might have flipped.  This is when having bridesmaids comes in handy.  We blasted music, danced around and kept the atmosphere as positive as possible.  She was about to be Mrs. Liu! Her name was going to be Julia Liu! Cutest name ever! Yay Aruba in 2 days!  I swear it worked a little. :)
When the time came for the now-inside ceremony to begin you would have never known about all of the drama before.  The men looked so handsome and watching Julia walk down the aisle was so moving!  I pretty much held it together until Mike said his vows and then GOODNIGHT. Tears everywhere!

Contrary to the Scrouge of a wedding coordinator, they were able to set up a generator and by the time the cocktail hour was supposed to begin the tent had power.  Of course, there needed to be one more bump before wedded bliss.  About every 15 minutes once the dancing portion began the music and lights would overpower the generator and everything would go silent and black.  So, in true happy bridesmaid form we would just start cheering, clapping, and clinking our glasses to make them smooch whenever the lights and sound went out! Not going to lie, it became pretty funny!  For the last hour the power came back and they were able to switch everything over and it ended without a hitch. :)

Julia was the epitome of grace the whole day.  Even when upset she kept the final goal of marrying her best friend at the front of her mind, and it showed the minute they saw each other! They fill me with such joy!


Also, I have to give a special shout out to my best friend, Felicia, for sharing her hubby with me!  Dom wasn't able to come due to an exam, so Kevin took one for the team and had two dates.
{Poor guy ;)}

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