Labor Day Sale Top Picks {+ Selling one of my favorite items}

BaubleBar (Under $25)

 

Anthropologie

Nordstrom

 

Tory Burch (20-25% off with code LABORDAY14)

{Just click on the picture to purchase!} 

Above are some of my favorite items on major sale this weekend.  Be sure to check out yesterday's post for a full, updated list of all the great sales going on this weekend!  I did most of my shopping yesterday and got some amazing items, all for under $30 a piece.  Nothing makes me happier than a killer deal!

Speaking of a killer deal, I'm offering you all one today. 

 As much as it pains me, I have decided to part ways with one of my favorite purchases, my Tory Burch Robinson Dome Tote.  Why am I selling it if it's a favorite?  It just doesn't go with enough in my closet.  I adore the dark fall fashion tones, but the truth is my closet is full of bright and summery clothing that I'll be wearing year round in Florida.  I bought this in June and have maybe used it 5 times.  As much as I love just staring at it, I'd rather sell it and put money towards something I'll use every day!  This bag retailed at $550 (before tax) and is no longer available in stores.  I'm hoping to sell it for $320!  If you or someone you know is interested, email me at livingcolorfullyblog@gmail.com.

Labor Day SALES. A Roundup with Coupon Codes!

Okay, don't hate me...but I might just have a list of the best Labor Day Sales (and coupon codes) for you today!  There are some that start during the weekend, so be sure to check back in to see what has been added.  I thought the July 4th sales were awesome...but these totally blow them out of the water!

Thank goodness it's payday.

J. Crew : 40% off Final Sale with Free shipping on orders over $100. Free Shipping on all orders on labor day (8/29-8/31)

J. Crew Factory: 40-60% off store wide!

Nordstrom: 40% off clearance 

Anthropologie:  Extra 20% off sale items! Over 600 styles added. Ends 9/1

LOFT: 50% off Select Full Price Styles and 50% off Sale Styles. Shop from 8/28 12a EST - 9/1

Banana Republic Factory: 50%-70% Entire Store

Old Navy:  40% off entire store! Valid 8/29 - 9/1

ASOS: Up to 85% off with code HAVE10.

Sephora: Summer Sendoff Sale! Get up to 75% off hot summer favorites.

Nasty Gal:  30% off, 50% off, 60% off 

Too Faced:  Up to 70% off Too Faced cosmetics! Valid 8/27/14 - 9/3/14

BaubleBar:  Labor Day Sale! Jewelry Styles Starting at 50% Off! Now - 9/1

French Connection:  All SALE dresses are now at $69.99. All orders $150+ receive free US ground shipping. // Code W14SHIP

t + j Designs: $10 Sample sale on jewelry

Tory Burch: Up to 30% off

What's that sound?  Oh yeah, my bank account crying.  I'll be back over the weekend with some of the things that just happen to jump into my cart, and any other sales that don't start today!  

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

 

The Great Planner Debate.

Nothing gets my wannabe organized heart going like the thought of a new planner.  I adore the sight of a clean, empty planner just waiting to be filled with assignments all the fun things I have planned for the year!  Then, one month later it is usually collecting dust somewhere.

That routine finally changed when I discovered some amazing planners.  I think pretty much every blogger in the blogosphere uses either the Erin Condren Life Planner, Emily Ley Simplified Planner, Whitney English Day Designer, or the Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Spade agendas.  Can I just say for a second that I love how Erin, Emily, and Whitney (we're on first name basis ;)) put their whole hearts into creating planners that focus on what matters most in life?  With each one their heart and soul is so apparent, and I love that.  So, which one should you use?

While we all know I love Lilly Pulitzer, I feel like her agendas are more geared towards younger college students.  I had one my senior year and loved it!  However, it doesn't have the detailed pages I need now, so I have chosen not to get that one.  Same with Kate.  Love her, but the Kate Spade agendas don't fit what I need as much (although the price is pretty amazing).

First up, Erin Condren Life Planner.  I purchased this planner 2 years ago and adored it.  It was the first planner I actually used consistantly!  I really like how the days are broken up in morning, afternoon, and evening.  At the time I used it, I was not in school so it was perfect for planning work and social gatherings.  Plus, the stickers are so fun!  However, now that I'm in school, volunteering, a part of Junior League, and hopefully working soon, I need more detail in my day.  I need to be intentional about prioritizing, so I know this one isn't for me at this point in my life.

That leaves...The Simplified Planner vs. The Day Designer. (cue dramatic music)

 Photos: www.emilyley.com

First, The Simplified Planner.  I absolutely adore Emily Ley.  Her heart, her passion, and her sweet little family completely captured my heart. (Please tell me I'm not the only one who teared up when she announced she was finally pregnant...with twins!) I use her Simplified Binder, goal sheets, and blog printouts for my blog organization and it has been invaluable.  This year I used the Simplified Planner and was sold for life.  Last years was the same stripe design above, but with bright blues, pinks, greens, and yellow against the brightest white pages.  It's gorgeous and inspiring.  I love that she has hourly outlines, to do lists, dinner, notes, and an inspirational quote for every single day.  Her focus is to make time for "what matters most," and her planner reflects that.  She also strives to find simplicity and coined the phrase of "Grace, not perfection," which has been my mantra this year!  There will also be a limited edition Weekly Planner this year.  I honestly could not say enough wonderful things about her or her planner.  Still, I kept hearing about...

The Day Designer, by Whitney English.

 Photos from the Day Designer's Instagram @daydesigner
This planner has the same philosophy as the SP.  Daily hourly breakdown, to do list, spot for dinner, and an inspirational quote.  However, this one also has a spot for "Top 3" to dos, and "Due."  Also, at the beginning of the planner are 8 pages of worksheets to really define your goals for the following year.  This is great if you are a business owner (or blogger!) and want to clearly map out how to work smart, not just hard.  Plus, this year she came out with 9 new covers to complement the classic black and white!

So...this year, for the sake of research of course, I chose the Day Designer!  I'm really excited to see how I like it compared to the SP.  Come 2016 I will really know for sure! :)  What got me was the Top 3 to dos for the day and front worksheets.  Once I have a job, school, this blog, JL, social life, and other projects I'm going to need to focus on prioritizing, and I think the DD will really help with that.  The worksheets will be great for honing in on where my blog will take me in the year to come!  The cover is stunning too.  Sadly, I couldn't find a picture since her shop is closed until September 15, but it's the rugby design (identical to the green and blue one in the large picture) but with mint and pale pink.  I think I really did get heart shaped eyeballs when I first saw it!

Phew, that was long!  So tell me, which planner do you swear by?

P.S. The Simplified Planner goes on sale September 3 and the Day Designer sells their second batch on September 15!

P.p.s. Some GREAT Labor Day Sales have already started!
Banana Republic Factory - 50%-70% off
BaubleBar - Styles starting at 50% off
LOFT- 50% off NEW Fall styles, and an additional 50% off summer styles!

Easy Fall Style

 

Distressed Denim // White Silk Top (this is one is almost identical to the one I'm wearing, and $20 cheaper) // T + J Designs Necklace // Tory Burch Tote (this is the same tote in the square shape! Per usual, it's cheaper than the one shown!) // Leopard Flats (similar)

I love easy.  That's the best way to describe this fall outfit.  Soft denim + pop of color + pop of animal print = fall fashion perfection.  I love that this outfit is really just a top and jeans with a few extra pieces to make it look chic.  You could throw this together in 5 minutes and look like you tried! ;)  My favorite parts of this outfit are the jeans and shoes.  I swear to you these jeans are so comfortable.  I honestly feel like I'm wearing sweatpants...but I look way more put together!  

Then there are the shoes.  I used to be very against animal print.  It just wasn't my style.  However, I've been trying to broaden my horizons and experimenting with tiny pops of animal print!  My mom got me these for Christmas last year, and although I was hesitant before, I'm in love with them now!  They are basically a neutral, so adding them to any outfit gives it a little something extra.  I'm excited for it to get cool enough that I can wear closed toed shoes all day!

Best Dressed From the Emmys. AKA Sarah Hyland

Of all the award shows the Emmys is usually the one I care about the least.  I didn't grow up with HBO and usually only watched one or two of the shows that were nominated.  We tuned in this year because we've recently become obsessed with Breaking Bad (just started season 5!) and I've always been in love with Modern Family.  I must say, the show did not disappoint!  Seth Meyers was really funny and I got to watch my favorite shows win pretty much everything.

However, my favorite part of every award show is the red carpet.  The dresses this year were amazing and I actually had to stop picking out my favorites because I loved them all so much.  Miss Heidi Klum was my favorite until Sarah Hyland came out.  Make it white and I'd get married in it!  Here are all my favorites!

 Love this dress, not crazy about the colors though. #trickortreat

 This is an awkward picture...but she was killing it.

The skirt.  The hair.  The makeup.  Perfect 10.

What do you think?  Did I miss any of your favorite looks?

Monday Must Haves: Fun Fall Jackets {Well} Under $100

1. Blush Moto // 2. Zip Cardigan // 3. Blush Swing Moto Jacket (OBSESSED!) // 4. Navy Jacket // 5. Draped French Terry Jacket // 6. White Knit Blazer // 7. Fabulous Goodnight Macaroon number that JUST sold out...like after I made this post :( this is similar!

If I can't say it here I can't say it anywhere...I'm having a little bit of FOMO about fall fashion.  Now do not get me wrong, I'm obsessed with summer and the South Florida heat...I just wish I could wear fabulous boots and a blanket scarf every once in awhile!  Thankfully, it does eventually get cool enough here for me to wear light fall jackets!  Plus, everyone is obsessed with AC so I freeze anyways.  So, I'm going to have to stock up now and watch until the temperature slowlyyy drops into the 60s.  
Today I gathered some fun fall jackets I've seen floating around Pinterest that I just adore.  What's even better, these are mostly in the $30-$70 range!  I truly think Number 3 is the cutest jacket I have ever seen and perfect for down here.  Even when it's "cold" I like to wear bright colors, and this would be the perfect addition to a fun SoFla fall outfit! Not that I'm holding my breath, it's going to be a real feel of 104 degrees today ;)

SHOP THE POST 

It's Hunter Season

Hunter Rain Boots // Favorite Denim in the World // Stitch Fix Top // Nordstrom Scarf: Sold out (similar, and cheaper!) // Purse: Sold out (similar, cheaper, and cuter, too) // David Yurman Ring (in Morganite) // Kate Spade Earrings

It might seem silly to be wearing Hunter Boots in the Sunshine State, but I guarantee you anyone who has lived through the rainy season down here will tell you that's a lie!  Like yesterday, for example.  It was brilliant sunshine all day...until the 1 hour Dom and I were both free and he was going to take my outfit pictures.  So, instead of the cute endless summer outfit I had planned, I switched gears to these beautiful boots!  It rained for the whole shoot, until the last picture when the sun came out!  I don't really need to tell y'all about Hunter Boots, but I'll just say that I adore mine, and the color is so perfect for fall.  Even if it's still 90 degrees here and I'm just wishing for fall. ;)

My Favorite Gluten Free Snacks {Giveaway}

One of the biggest challenges when I had to go gluten free was finding healthy, filling, gluten free snacks.  I am constantly eating and reaching for something to munch on between meals.  However, I don't want to load up on added sugars, and my allergies to many fruits, veggies, and nuts make it so hard to find something filling, but still healthy.  I love protein bars, but I only eat ones that aren't only synthetic ingredients..and those are few and far between!  I've heard about all different kinds of bars, but they're either made with tons of added sugar, wheat, or almonds.

Enter LARABAR. A few years ago I discovered LARABARS and they quickly turned into a go-to grab-and-go snack (say that 10x fast ;)).  So, when they contacted me to do a review it was a no-brainer!  They have a ton of great flavors (Dom loves the cashew cookie, I love the blueberry muffin, and I'm dying to try the coconut cream pie) all made from a blend of unsweetend fruits, nuts, and spices.  They are made with completely natural ingredients, and are gluten free!  Depending on the flavor, they can be almond free too. :)  If you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend them.  LARABAR has generously offered to give one reader a sampling of 5 flavors!  Now's the perfect opportunity to become addicted! The giveaway will run for one week. 

*I was given these bars to review, but all opinions are my own.  I've been eating these for years!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently...

Watching: Breaking Bad.  We're on Season 4 and I'm not quite sure what we will be doing once we finish!

Feeling: Slightly amused and slightly offended that my roommate came home last night, saw me in actual pants, and asked "Oh! Did you go somewhere today?"...apparently I make yoga pants my outfit of the day a little too often!

Obsessed: with this hair treatment.  My hair always gets stuck just below the shoulder and never grows longer.  I've been using this for about 6 weeks and my hair has noticeably grown.  Not to mention it smells and feels amazing, and is only $12!

Hoping: for a good semester.  I begin today and I'm keeping my fingers crossed this one doesn't get as crazy as the last one!

Excited: I got one dress and one top from the Lilly Pulitzer sale and I can't wait for them to get here!

Listening: Sam Hunt's Leave the Night On.  If I listened to only that song for the rest of my life I don't think I would get sick of it!

Laughing: about this picture.  It gets me every time!

Resisting: The J. Crew Factory extra 25% sale that goes through today.  This is the best week ever for sales, and the worst week ever for my wallet!

Loving: This dude.  He's so goofy.  I think I'll keep him. :)

{Sorry for the blurry picture! I love it too much to keep it off :)}

Tory Burch Giveaway!

It's the second day of the Lilly sale and I'm still standing!  I promise my bank account is still pretty intact too. ;)  Most dresses in smaller sizes are sold out, but there are some great accessories still up for grabs!

If Lilly isn't your thing (who are you? ;)), or you missed out on what you were hoping for yesterday morning, a bunch of my blogger ladies and I are here to cheer you up!  We got together to offer you a gorgeous Tory Burch cross body!  This purse is perfect for fall and tailgating season!

This giveaway will be open until Friday at 6. Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale!

Today is my Super Bowl!  Lilly Pulitzer has a major sale once a year and it's when I buy the majority of my Lilly.  It begins today and ends tomorrow.  Y'all know I love to live colorfully, but that can get very expensive! During this sale you can grab amazing dresses for $99 and other items for even less.  The beauty of Lilly is that it is made to be timeless, so you don't need to worry about buying at the end of the season.  That's why I get most of my Lilly at the end of the summer for a great price and then I'm ready to go the next spring.

Now, I'm not the only one who goes crazy about this sale, so I have some tips to make it go smoothly!

1. The sale opens at 8:00am EST (ish) and the site will almost certainly go down at some point.  In order to keep this from hindering your experience, I definitely recommend heading to Lilly's site before the sale starts and make an account ahead of time.

2. Whenever you find something you want, buy it right away!  This sale has free shipping, so it won't hurt you to make several orders.  Keeping something in your cart will NOT hold it for you, so you don't want something you're dying to have to sell out while you're looking for something else!

3.  Be ready to go right when the sale opens.  Especially if you're a popular Lilly size, the sale will sell out quickly.  The earlier you hit it, the better!

Good luck and happy shopping! See the sale here!

Freshen Up Friday!

Today's theme is a personal favorite of mine...

Bow Ties!

Now, I realize wearing bow ties is a very personal decision, so I won't judge you if you're not into them.  However, I just love them!  They took some getting used to, but the more I saw them, the more I liked them.  Then, once Dom started wearing them I loved them even more. ;)

Even though bow ties are tiny and adorable, they can be expensive.  While Dom's favorite places to get bow ties are Vineyard Vines and High Cotton Ties, they run almost $100!  Obviously on a medical school budget that's not happening.  Well, Dom recently discovered The Tie Bar, which has really nice and fun ties...for $15.  It's a great choice if you're not quite sure how you feel about bow ties but want to try them out.  They're also great options for fun and preppy stocking stuffers!  I think I'm going to make it my personal mission to make sure every male in my family has a bow tie come Christmas time!  

So tell me, are you Team Bow Tie or Team Straight Tie?

Dream Weekend Getaway!

It's an absolute no brainer that my dream weekend getaway would be to The Breakers, Palm Beach!  Every time I go there I feel so happy and at home.  Also super fancy!  We've stopped by to have brunch, cocktails, or to shop, but I've never gotten to spend an entire weekend there.  It would be absolute heaven.

Although deciding where to go would be simple, deciding what to pack would be harder!  However, for a beachy getaway I have some things I would need to bring.

Not Shown: Every single Lilly dress I own!

Weekender Bag:  This weekender bag from Restoration Hardware was a gift from my future sister-in-law and I absolutely love it.  It is deceivingly massive, durable, and so bright!  It's the first thing I grab when I'm packing for a weekend away!

iPad:  My iPad is my lifesaver when I'm going away and don't want to bring my whole computer with me.  I download all the magazines I could possibly get through, and bring it with me wherever I go to relax.

Fun Jewels and Shoes:  I dress very brightly all of the time, but when I'm away I turn it up a notch.  If you can't be obnoxiously bright on a beach getaway, when can you? These Kendra Scott earrings add the perfect bright touch!

Bright Scarf:  I don't think you're allowed into The Breakers without something Lilly, and a Lilly Murfee scarf is perfect.  It adds just the right amount of color, and can cover you shoulders if the AC is too strong!

Sunnies and Sunhat:  You can't have a beach vacation without fabulous oversized sunglasses and a massive sunhat.  Tres Chic ;)

Simplified Planner:  This little book contains my life, and nothing will keep me more calm than being able to flip through and see that I have nothing to do but relax that weekend! :)

The not so glamorous part: There are a few other things I never leave behind when I'm headed away for the weekend.  First is my little steamer.  It is seriously a lifesaver!  It's exactly what it sounds like, a mini steamer that is tiny and light so it can easily fit in an overnight bag.  It makes steaming all my flowy tops SO easy, and I always look on point.  Another thing I have to be careful of is bringing all my products to stay beautiful and healthy!  In the sun, I make sure to wear tons of SPF, and all my makeup and moisturizer is at least SPF 20.  I also remember to be prepared for anything, and keep some U by Kotex in my bag, just in case!  You never want an unexpected surprise to ruin your beach getaway!

What do you bring with you on a weekend getaway?

Thanks to U by Kotex® Pads for sponsoring today's discussion 

Montauk Recap

Last week I posted my favorite Montauk outfit, and today I'm finally going to recap the amazing, wild, and insane weekend.  I've mentioned briefly on the blog before that Dom's family goes on a big trip to Montauk every summer.  His family has a hotel out on "The End" and every summer his parents' friends from high school and their families all come out for one huge week long extravaganza. 

The majority of the hilarious stories I've heard of Dom's family friends revolve around this trip.  They also have a long standing "no ring, no bring rule."  The weeks is strictly family and friends, with no high school romance drama allowed. So, this was the first time I got to go!  As much as I have really been wanting to go, I think it's a great rule and will definitely be continuing it with my babies!

The weekend started out in the absolute best way...with a proposal!  Dom's brother proposed to his girlfriend and I'm getting a sister. :) There was so much planning, and scheming that went into this proposal and I am so thrilled it went off without a hitch!  The major obstacles were getting Lauren to Montauk even though she knows the rule (it took some convincing!) and sneaking her family there.  She had no idea they were there until after he popped the question, and it was so happy!

Once all the secrets were out, the partying began!

 {Cyril's, the home of the BBC!}

{Our future father-in-law with his 2 new daughters!}

Our days were filled with the beach, and evenings partying on the deck, watching the sunset, and walking to dinner along the coast.  The vacation flew by and I wish I could relive it again.

Until next year.