Casual Chic for the New Year with JustFab: My January JustFab Selections!

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It is time for a wardrobe update with JustFab! Winter can be such a blah time of year. I must say, the upside to the cold weather certainly is the opportunity to wear cute boots! lol! Seriously, it was so warm here in GA all the way through Christmas. So, now that it is finally cold enough for boots, I am all about it! 

This month, I picked out some super cute everyday boots, a versatile and flowy black top, and a stand-out red handbag. I am so excited to tell you about each of these as I totally love them! But...before I do, have you heard of JustFab?

JustFab has long been my go-to site for affordable and trendy shoes, handbags, and accessories. If you haven't been on JustFab.com lately, they also have a full line of clothing now, too. Yes, that is right, you can now shop from head-to-toe from JustFab for complete looks! JustFab's clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories are current and on-trend. You can browse items individually on the site or shop the looks to get everything you need to complete your outfit. Personally, I have always loved shopping outfits! It is just so easy that way to make sure that you have everything you need and don't end up with individual items that don't go with anything you have already. Shoes and Handbags start at $39.95 and clothing starts at $9.95. When you join as a VIP you get the option to purchase items monthly from a personal boutique created with your style in mind, or can skip the month if you don't feel like spending. What a fun way to shop! 

Ok, now that I have explained how JustFab works, lets get right to my wardrobe update! Click "read more" below to find out more details about my new boots, handbag, and top from JustFab!

Holiday Gift Shopping Outfit of the Day: December with JustFab!

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December with JustFab: A Complete Look!

'Tis the Season for Christmas Shopping! The hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is upon us. In between my daily running around with the kids, I am doing my Christmas Shopping. I will fully admit that I do strive to look cute, even when just out shopping with the kids! ;) I try to go for a "casually chic" look. You know, put together without looking like I tried too hard. I believe that I totally achieved that with this clothing, boots, and accessories combo from JustFab!

What is JustFab?

JustFab has long been my go-to site for affordable and trendy shoes, handbags, and accessories. If you haven't been on JustFab.com lately, they also have a full line of clothing now, too. Yes, that is right, you can now shop from head-to-toe from JustFab for complete looks. You can browse items individually on the site or shop the looks to get everything you need to complete your outfit. Personally, I have always loved shopping outfits! It is just so easy that way to make sure that you have everything you need and don't end up with individual items that don't go with anything you have already. Shoes and Handbags start at $39.95 and clothing starts at $9.95. When you join as a VIP you get the option to purchase items monthly from a personal boutique created with your style in mind, or can skip the month if you don't feel like spending.

For my most recent wardrobe update from JustFab, I opted for 3 basics: A large tote-style handbag, a pair of short booties, and a shirt dress. To find out more details about all of these items and to see more pics, please click "read more" below!

What is in my Bag? Date Night Purse Essentials!

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What is in my Bag? Date Night Purse Essentials:

It is time for another "What is in my Bag?" post! I must admit, these are my favorite posts to write as well as read on other blogs. I just love knowing what those "must have" essentials are for everyone! There are certainly products that I do not want to leave home without! I am very particular about what I pack in my purse. I want to be ready for all situations. I have very different needs when packing my purse or diaper bag depending on occasion: Out-and-About with the kids or Date Night essentials. I like being both organized and prepared. Today I am going to share with you my What is in my Bag? Date Night Essentials! 

What is in my Bag? Date Night Purse Essentials:

As a busy Stay-at-Home Mom of a 3-year old and a 1-year old, a Date Night is certainly a big event! We do at least one Date Night out a month and it is certainly something that I always look forward to. Being the Planner that I am, I like to be prepared for every occasion with exactly what I need in my purse! My purse essentials for Date Night are certainly different than my essentials for everyday outings with the kids. :) When I am out with the kids, I either need a huge bag or a diaper bag to carry the millions of things that I need. When I am on date night, I can carry a much smaller and lighter bag. However, I still want to be prepared with exactly what I need. As a busy Mom of two Littles, I have no time for a hangovers, getting sick with a cold, or staying up too late. My days start early and I am busy all day keeping up with the kids. I need to always be on pointe, even after a date-night-out! There are no "days off" for busy Moms! So, while out on date night I need to make sure to stay hydrated, take my vitamins, and prevent headaches with Advil. These products can help me feel better the next day!

A Typical Date Night Out:

A typical Date Night Out for us is usually a nice dinner out at one of the upscale outdoor shopping areas nearby. Before and after the movie, we usually walk around a shop a little and maybe have a cocktail. Sometimes we like to see a movie before or after Dinner as well. I am a busy Mom of two Littles, I have no time for a hangover, lol.

Purchasing my Purse Essentials: Walmart Shopping:
When it comes to purchasing essentials for myself or my Family, Walmart is my one-stop shop! It was easy to find some of my handbag essentials at Walmart. The best part? A sales associate saw me looking around with a shopping list and 2 kids in my cart and asked me if I needed help. She literally showed me where everything was and walked me to it! Talk about service! I was very pleased with the help. Especially since I had two busy kids that were ready to go home and nap. You can see how easy it was to find these items by taking a peek at my Walmart photos above and below from when I was shopping! :)

My travel sized Advil Tablet Vial is located in the travel section at Walmart in the back of one of the beauty aisles. They have basket like shelving with a huge assortment of travel sized products.

My Emergen-C Immune+ Chewables were located in the Pharmacy area of Walmart on the aisle with the ChapSticks (right in front of the pharmacy counter).

My ChapStick Total Hydration was actually not on the aisle with the other ChapStick formulas but on a side display on the side of the end cap on the next aisle over.

My Date Night Handbag:
Oh how I love my sparkly sequin Coach bag! My husband got this for me for Christmas 2 or 3 years ago and it is still one of my favorite handbags. I primarily carry it either during the Holidays or for evenings out. I am pretty obsessed with it, lol! It is the quintessential girly-girl-at-heart sparkly bag! :)

For date night, I try not to load up my purse too much. I stick to the basics! Here are some of my handbag essentials for date night:

• Advil Tablet Vial: Let's be real ya'll. This is date night and there will be wine and cocktails. I like to be proactive and preventative when it comes to headaches. Advil is absolutely my go-to headache medicine and it is a handbag staple. I am sure that either myself or my husband will reach for this on any given date night! I love the portable size of this vial. It contains 10 tablets. Nothing’s stronger, longer lasting or better on your tough aches and pains than Advil, and nothing works on more pains than Advil (among OTC pain relievers).

•  ChapStick Total Hydration: ChapStick is a family favorite. From my lips, to the kids, to my husband, we all love ChapStick! There is no question that a great lip balm like this one is an essential for date night...there will be kissing! ;) lol Sorry, I digress. I really do like the formula of the Total Hydration ChapSticks. They are not like the traditional ChapSticks. I find the formula to be a bit more silky and hydrating. This is no surprise since the formula contains great ingredients! It has an advanced nourishing formula with argan oil and avocado butter and rosehip oils.

• Emergen-C Immune+ Chewables: More Healthy Days, More Healthy Nights: This time of year is certainly the unfortunate time of year when colds and the flu are going around. The best defense is a good immune system. So, I like to give my immune system its best defense by getting as much sleep as possible, taking vitamins, and drinking lots of water. Carrying chewable vitamins around helps me to remember to take them! Plus, the Vitamin C and antioxidants can help to counteract any negative effects from a late night out! 

• Nail File: No one wants a hang nail or rough nails on a night out! A nail file is essential. I always have one in my bag.

• A Mirror: A small mirror is so helpful to have on hand. This one is so pretty with its blue/ green/purple colors! It snaps shut to protect the mirror inside and keep it clean. 

• Minor Emergency Kit: I have this little kit in a zipper bag with bandages, antibiotic ointment, tissues, a hair tie, and a panty liner. I want to be prepared! 

• My Wallet and Phone: I absolutely never leave home without my smartphone and my wallet. Believe me, I would feel lost without my phone. Every time I try to downsize my bag by leaving my wallet at home, my husband ends up asking me for cash to tip the valet or I realize when I order a drink that I need my ID. So, now I just always bring it!

What are your Purse Essentials for a Date Night Out? Are there products that you consider must-haves for your bag? Please let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear about your essentials. 

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: What is in Sylirael the Rogue's Bag?

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If someone asked you: 'What does an adventuring rogue carry in her bag?' you might envisage smokebombs, hinge grease, lockpics and daggers. You might wonder what an advenuring rogue is, full stop... Well, wonder no more! Today we're taking a peek into the bag of Sylirael the Rogue...and the contents might just surprise you!

 

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: What is in Phyrra's Purse?

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Phyrra shares the mysteries of her summer handbag. Find out her essentials and favorites!

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: Prime Beauty Shares "What is in her Bag"!

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It's Prime Beauty's turn to showcase what's in her bag. Is there trash or treasure? How much makeup does a beauty blogger need to carry with her? Find out now!
 

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: What is Inside Lisa's (from Beauty Info Zone) Handbag?

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Lisa from Beauty Info Zone may have a vintage purse, but the items she carries are definitely for the modern girl! 

 

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: What is in Perilously Pale's Bag?

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Two lip products or twelve? What do you think Perilously Pale has in her handbag? Christa is giving us a peek into her favorite new handbag for spring and summer as part of the Beauty Spotlight Team’s What’s in My Bag feature.

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: What is in my Mommy Bag/Purse?

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Ever wonder what a Beauty Blogger keeps in her handbag? Only the best beauty and on-the-go essentials, right (for me it is that and a whole lot more, lol)? Well, the Beauty Spotlight Team has been taking turns every/other week sharing what we have in our purses. This week it is my turn! 

About Me: What would I need in my purse? 

A woman's day-to-day life pretty much dictates what she carries around in her bag. For a girl like me, my bag is full of on-the-go essentials for a busy Mom of a 14-month old and a 3-year old. My days and weeks are packed with play dates, preschool events, grocery shopping, YMCA/gym time, swim lessons, park-time, carpool lines, ballet lessons, Mommy-and-Me story times, family time, lunches with Grandma and kids, MOMS Club events, MOPS events/meetings, whew...I feel busy even just writing all of this!

How did I decide upon my Mommy bag?

Some Moms carry a purse and a diaper bag. I have found, through trial and error, that my best bet is to go with one huge bag that carries everything. Sure, I sometimes default to your standard diaper bag. However, I find that an inexpensive and trendy large tote-style purse is so much more chic! I can fit all that I need for my baby boy, my active preschooler, and myself...while still looking stylish. Us Mommies carry around a LOT of stuff, lol! I find that another "key" with this method is to go with an inexpensive bag. There will be spills (sippy cups, snacks, etc) and you might even end up toting away a dirty diaper or clothes from time-to-time...so, why mess up a pricey designer bag? Go with an inexpensive one and you won't be sorry.

The bag I am carrying right now is the Ethan striped tote in black from JustFab. I absolutely love it! If you haven't checked out JustFab, they are a great source for inexpensive shoes, handbags, accessories, and now even a full clothing line! You can shop the full look from head-to-toe or browse individual items. Shoes and Handbags start at $39.95 and clothing starts at $9.95. When you join as a VIP you get the option to purchase items monthly from a personal boutique created with your style in mind, or can skip the month if you don't feel like spending.

What is in my "Mommy Bag"? with Bath & Body Works, Pixi Beauty, Burt's Bees

Let's dig right into my purse, shall we ya'll? What does a busy Mommy Beauty Blogger carry around? I am going to go over everything! First we can talk Mommy Essentials and then I will go over all of my beauty items! :) Click "read more" below to hear more!

The Beauty Spotlight Team: What is in my "Mommy" Handbag? Late Summer/Early Fall Edition!

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With Fall and "Back to School" Season fast approaching, what better time to organize and re-vamp your handbag?! Or, shall I say, what better time to get a new bag! ;) I know that my purse/diaper bag is in constant need of re-organization and cleaning out. 

What is in my Mommy Bag? with Milani, Make Up For Ever, L'Oreal

The "Mommy Bag" Handbag:

With two kids in diapers (a 7 month old and a 2 year old), I am always going back and forth between a diaper bag and a purse. So, what is the best middle ground for me? A large handbag that I turn into a diaper bag or a "Mommy Bag"! Really, all it takes to turn a purse into a diaper bag is sticking in a diaper organizer and a changing pad. In my pre-kid life, I was all about my designer handbags. I am sure I will eventually go back to that. However, for a bag that also functions as a diaper bag, I am all about inexpensive synthetic bags that I don't mind getting a bit dirty. I mean, there will be spills from sippys and stray fruit snacks in my bag. So, lets be real, right?! ;) With a synthetic/inexpensive bag, there are just no worries...just wipe up your spills and all is good! Not to mention, I feel so much more chic carrying a cute and trendy large bag than a diaper bag. :)

image source: JustFab

Want to know all the details about my bag and exactly what is inside??? Please click "read more" below! 

Top 10 Tuesdays: Beauty Items in my Purse!

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Top 10 Tuesdays:

Top 10 Tuesdays is the blog series for List lovers! Top Ten Tuesdays are a bi-weekly collaborative link-up series where top Beauty Bloggers share their Top 10 Lists for a given topic. This week: Top 10 Beauty Items in my Purse!!!

My Handbag:
I can't dive into listing my beauty items in my handbag before raving a bit about my bag! My go-to purse for the past 3 months has been my Coach Madison Phoebe Leather Shoulder Bag. This gorgeous bag was a surprise birthday present from my husband. He basically told the salesperson at Coach that I was a mother of a toddler and that I needed a large bag. The Madison Phoebe in Cranberry was what they decided upon. I love the gorgeous magenta color and the spacious compartments. This bag is supple and soft. The cranberry color is so versitile. Honestly, this bag is a gorgeous pop of color and I am amazed at how it goes with practically every outfit!!! This is the perfect "Mommy Bag"! I can even fit a few diapers and a travel wipes container inside. The inside features 3 main compartments: a small middle zipper compartment which is perfect for the wallet, keys, etc, and two large and tall side snap top compartments. I have loosely organized one side as the "kid" side and one side as the "me" side. My side has my makeup, brush, phone, etc. The "kid" side holds the diapers, wipes, and a couple toys or snacks. The Madison Phoebe served me well throughout Summer and this color transitions perfectly into Fall!

My Handbag: The Coach Madison Phoebe Leather Shoulder bag in Cranberry:

Top 10 Tuesdays: Beauty Items in my Purse with Bath & Body Works, Pixi for Target, Trish McEvoy

Top 10 Items in my Purse:

•  ecotools Retractable Kabuki: A retractable kabuki is a purse must-have! This one by ecotools is super soft, great for powder, blush, or bronzer touch-ups, and retails for only about $7.00! :) 

• Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Blotting Sheets: Blotting sheets are an absolute must-have for girls on-the-go! You can instantly remove oil and shine without disrupting your makeup just by pressing these on your face.

• Essence of Beauty Secret Woods Fine Fragrance Body Mist: I am body mist obsessed. I have a bit of a phobia of getting sweaty or stinky in public. So, I refresh with body mists throughout the day and always carry a travel size one with me. My current favorite is the super-affordable Essence of Beauty Secret Woods (which is a total dupe for Bath and Body Work's Twilight Woods, which I also love). The scent is so perfect for Fall and is such a warm and lingering scent!

• Neutrogena Shine Control Powder in Invisible: This powder is fabulous! It does just what it says: controls shine. My skin has been super oily with pregnancy and this is certainly my go-to powder. Great for setting my makeup in the morning and for touch-ups throughout the day. I literally never leave the house without a powder in my bag!

• L'Oreal Colour Riche Caress Lipstick in Cotton Pink: I usually carry around at least 5 or 6 lipsticks (lol, I know...excessive!). This one is my current favorite of my purse lipstick assortment (and really the only one I need to carry). Cotton Pink is the perfect princess-y pop of medium pink. I love how light and moisturizing this lipstick feels. It gives great color to your lips and instantly perks me up!

• Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Rosebud: OMG! I adore this blush! It is the perfect medium-barbie pink blush. I actually can't believe that I haven't given this one a full review just yet! It truly is one of my all-time favorites. I love a cream blush for on the go as application is so easy. Just swipe on with your fingers!   

• Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect SPF 30 Lip Protectant: This lip balm is so hydrating!!! It is my current favorite and I keep little tubes of this everywhere...bedside table, kitchen, desk, and yes...my purse! It instantly hydrates and smooths my dry lips. Plus, it has SPF! Love, love, love it!

• Trish McEvoy Lip Gloss in Irresistible Petal: Like with lipsticks, I usually keep a handful of glosses in my purse. This gloss by Trish McEvoy is my favorite amongst my purse assortment! It is a sheer and shimmery hydrating pink high-shine gloss. It is comfortable and smooth on the lips. Love everything about it!

• Pixi Extra Eye Bright Liner: I always look tired. I use great makeup to combat my dark circle problems (allergies, lack of sleep, heredity). This brightening eye liner from Pixi is fabulous! I just sweep it in my inner eye corners and on waterline to instantly look more awake! I apply throughout the day when I freshen up!

• Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel: OMG! What did I ever do before anti-bac hand gels? lol! I always have one of these in my purse. They smell great and instantly sanitize your hands. Germs...yuck!

Shop the Post: Here are all of my purse beauty favorites!!!

Want to read more Top 10 Purse Beauty Items lists??? Be sure to click on the links below! :) 

JustFab Haul: The Perfect "Mommy Bag" and Cute Gladiator Sandals!

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It is time for my monthly JustFab review! It was so hard to decide upon what to get this month. There are so many cute items right now!!! After much deliberation, I opted for the Beachfront Handbag and the Athens Sandal. 

The Scoop on JustFab: 

What is JustFab?

JustFab is an online fashion site and styling service. They offer trendy and affordable shoes, handbags, jewelry, jeans, and accessories to subscribers (called VIP members). When you sign up to become a VIP member,  you take a style quiz. Then JustFab pairs you with a stylist who creates a personalized online boutique for you to shop from. Everything on the site is $39.95!!! You will be charged a monthly fee (unless you elect to "skip a month" then you won't be charged) which gives you credit for one item. So, that is one monthly fee for one item (not an item plus an additional fee). Of course, you could always purchase more than one item a month. They seem to have a lot of 2 for/ $39.95 deals, too. So, you can almost always find a good sale!

To hear about my recent JustFab Haul, please keep reading!

Makeup Wars: Color of the Year: Emerald Green

 

It is Makeup Wars time again! This time the Makeup Wars bloggers are sharing their current picks for the Pantone Color of the Year 2013: Emerald Green! I am so inspired by this challenge!!!

At first the thought of Emerald Green made me reminisce about the late 80s/Early 90s. Emerald Green was everywhere then: home decor, fashion...yes, I was *all about* Emerald Green. So much so that I wish that my coloring was more "Winter" (remember those seasonal colors? What was that Beauticontrol?).  Well, colors always come back in Fashion. What is new is old and what is old is new (lol!).  If you have scoped out your local Mall lately you know what I mean 80s/early 90s Fashion is back in a big way: the shorts and tights combos of the 90s, 'ugly" printed sweaters (No, I have not jumped on the Wildfox jumper bandwagon just yet), lots of color throwbacks like peach and emerald, and OMG I have even seen Stirrup pants (seriously!!!). Want more 80s inspiration? Look no further than Prime Time television and the new hit (and 80s throwback) the Carrie Diaries. As a lover of all things Carrie Bradshaw and *cough* high school teen dramas (OMG, how old am I again?), you know that I am watching and loving that show (lol!) and supressing the urge to crimp my hair. A combination of my nostalgia, my general love for green, and my interest in trends has me all-over Emerald!

What are the Makeup Wars?
What are the Makeup Wars? The Makeup Wars bloggers are a small group of top beauty bloggers with a serious love for makeup. We mutually pick topics (e.g., Favorite Red Lipstick, Best Fall Look, Most Repurchased Items) and blog-blast our posts at precisely the same time every other Monday. We include a graphic link at the top and bottom of all of our posts so that you, the reader, can scroll through all of our blogs reading different blogger's perspectives on the same general concept. Get a pen and paper ready! I always seem to make my makeup wishlist while reading through all of the Makeup Wars blogger's posts!

Color of the Year 2013: Emerald Green
with emerald swatch: from beautypress.com, julep, Le Metier de Beaute

So, lets dive in! What are my recent Emerald purchases and my beauty picks in Emerald (and other greens)? Keep reading to find out!

Shoe/Bag Love! My January JustFab Selections

 Image Credit: JustFab

It is time for an update in my Shoe/Bag Love! JustFab review series! Every month, JustFab releases new items in their online Boutique. This month the choices were amazing!!! It was so hard to pick from the items as there were so many that interested me.

After browsing the selections, I finally decided upon the beautiful Bogota flat and the Pantheon in black. I have been eyeing the Pantheon for *months*! When I saw that it was now available in black, I think I might have squealed! lol! While the other colors were nice, I knew that I just had to have the black version of this huge bag!

Sign Up! There is a great BOGO Sale! 
If you haven't signed up for JustFab yet, I totally recommend this shopping site! Plus, they are having a great Buy One Get One Free Sale right now! :) So, feel free to click on any JustFab link in this post to use my referral link to sign up! :)  Oh, and depending on what type of deal JustFab is currently running, when you sign up, you get from 20-50% off your first item!!! Plus, when you refer friends, you can earn credits towards free items. So, be sure to check out the links and sign up! :)

Are you not familiar with JustFab? Let me give you this scoop! :)
JustFab (short for JustFabulous) is an online fashion site and styling service. They offer trendy and affordable shoes, handbags, jewelry, jeans, and accessories to subscribers (called VIP members). When you sign up to become a VIP member,  you take a style quiz. Then JustFab pairs you with a stylist who creates a personalized online boutique for you to shop from. Everything on the site is $39.95!!! You will be charged a monthly fee (unless you elect to "skip a month" then you won't be charged) which gives you credit for one item. So, that is one monthly fee for one item (not an item plus an additional fee). Of course, you could always purchase more than one item a month. They seem to have a lot of 2 for/ $39.95 deals, too.

Besides the items in your personal JustFab Boutique, VIP Members also have access to shop in JustFab's Special Collections. Their special collections include a Hello Kitty Collection, the edgy Iron Fist collection, featured selections from the IPSY Girls, the Denim Shop, Fall Bags, the Fowler Collection by Elle and Blair Fowler, and much more!

If you missed some of my previous JustFab reviews, please check them out here: Just Fab Monthly Shoe and Accessories Subscription, Shoe Bag Love,  What's In My Diaper Bag?,  The Fowler Collection ,  Outfit of the Day , and What's In My Bag?

Summer-to-Fall Transition: Outfit of the Day!

As much as I love Fall and Fall clothing, sometimes the transition is a bit hard! The weather stays warm here in Georgia for quite a long time. Typically, I ease the transition by mixing some of my "warmer" pieces from my Summer wardrobe. Sure it gets cool in the mornings here, but by mid-day it is quite warm still.

 photo credit

Here is a Super-easy go-to Look of mine:

• Top: Simple scoop necked brown and pink striped tee from Forever 21
• Jacket: Sleeveless Jean Jacket from Baby Phat 
• Pants: Cargo capri's from Old Navy
• Shoes: The Juliana Bronze Wedge flip flops from Oka-b
• Handbag: Corporal from JustFab
• Sunglasses: Prada

The addition of the sleeveless jean jacket by Baby Phat adds an extra layer of warmth and pulls the look together a bit more. The bronze/gold buttons on the jacket coordinate with the bronze embellished Oka-b wedges to dress up the look just a bit.  The metallic JustFab Corporal bag completes this very easy casual look.

What do you like to wear during this transitional weather? Sometimes getting ready in the morning is a challenge when you don't know what the weather will bring!

Thanks for reading!
XOXO!

Samples from: Baby Phat, JustFab, and Oka-b
All other items I purchased myself.

"Little Black Bag": My First Order and Box Opening!!!

Have you heard about Little Black Bag? It is my newest "monthly box" obsession! lol! I actually think that I might be "late to the party" on this one. For awhile I held off on trying this monthly box. But, when I found myself on the search for a tiny handbag to go with an outfit for an upcoming wedding, I decided to scope out Little Black Bag! I mean, if I am going to buy a trendy handbag, I might as well get a few "free" items thrown in, right? (<---um, yah, that is me justifying my shopping, tee-hee!). Also, I saw that you could get a discount when you signed up on your first order (in the end, the discount swayed me!).

What exactly is Little Black Bag?
Well, it is an online shopping and trading site. Basically, you sign up for Little Black Bag for $49.95 per month. Items on the site are up to 70% off the retail price. Like most of these "monthly box" services, you take a style quiz and items are generated for you. You can pick out any item on the site for your monthly fee (handbags, jewelry, accessories, and makeup) *plus* Little Black Bag will give you 2 "free" items with your order. So, you get three items total for a total of   . The catch? You do not know what your additional 2 items will be. You choose your first and the other two are randomly selected. Now, this is where the "fun" comes in. You have a choice here: You can either select the your Little Black Bag box as is (your 3 items, the one you selected plus the 2 generated)...OR you can trade your Little Black Bag items with other Little Black Bag users with "open bags". You submit requests and other users can either accept the trade or decline. Also, as soon as your bag opens, you will get requests from other users for the items in your bag.

I know...this sounds confusing; but, I promise it is not! It is super easy...and more than that, it is totally FUN and addictive! Yes, I found myself compulsively logging in to see what new offers I had or if anyone had accepted my trades. Honestly, I really liked the "self generated" free items that Little Black Bag selected for me. But, I still traded just for the sheer "fun factor" of it!

So, how do you complete your purchase? Basically, once you have all of the items that you want (after trading, etc). You just select for the box to be shipped. All of the trading occurs before you actually have the items in hand.

You can skip months if you want! This is a key factor when signing up for these monthly boxes. I love the option to skip months. Quite frankly, I am on a huge budget. I might not want to purchase (nor will I need) a box every month. It is easy, you simply log on to your account on the site and click a box to "skip" the month. 

Like other "by the month" services, you do get to earn points or credits with referrals. I am new to this service. So, I am not quite sure how the referral points work just yet.

What did I get in my first Little Black Bag box?