Poncho Sweatshirt

Really wishing I was back on the gorgeous marginal way in Maine on this Monday. We had the best time climbing on the rocks and if you look closely the back of my poncho its all wet because the ocean was super angry that day but still as beautiful as ever.  

Is it fall yet or summer still?

Alright, listen I hate this time of year... the fall is my favorite season but its this weird transition period where it is winter cold in the morning and summer hot in the afternoon and it drives me nuts. I've been having a tough time figuring out what to wear these days because it is officially fall, but it doesn't feel like it temperature-wise. Dresses like this one make the transitions much easier.

Dress: Target | Shoes: J.Crew old (similar) | Hat: Target

These pictures were taken on a very special day for my best friend, and I know she's reading this so heyyy. The hat in these pictures is from Target as well as the dress, but the hat was one of the many highlights of the day. For some reason, this hat reminded me of the hat that Madeline wore in the Madeline books even though it literally looks nothing like it what so ever. So for the rest of the day, we called this hat Madeline. 

I love this dress for this awful transition weather period we are currently having. In the mornings this would be so cute with a jean jacket or a cardigan over the top and then you can take it off in the afternoon when it gets up to 90 degrees. 

Where to Buy Cheap Workout Clothes

I am currently in the process of changing up my lifestyle to become a healthier person and with that comes working out. As many of you know working out can be hard if your head isn't in it. I have found that one thing that really helps me to get motivated is to have a cute outfit that I feel good in. I have also found that workout clothes can be EXTREMELY overpriced. Like so overpriced it can make a person become unmotivated to workout. Thankfully there are SOOO many ways to save and still get really cute outfits.

Marshals & TJ Maxx
I love going into marshals and TJ Maxx to get workout clothes because they always have name brand items that are on a really good sale like Adidas and Nike. But I also really love these places because I have been introduced to so many new brands that I love. Recently I found GAIAM high rise leggings (the ones linked are full price, you just have to look at marshals or TJ Maxx they usually have them, I think mine were like 15 dollars) which are so comfortable and are the perfect length on me which is really hard to find.

Old Navy & Gap
I combined Old Navy and Gap because I find their activewear lines to be very similar. These stores you have to watch because you can find some really good deals. I found a pair of workout shorts for like five dollars. But their clothes are also really good quality and very comfortable.

Amazon
I feel like this is a given, you can honestly find literally anything on Amazon at a reasonably good price if you look hard enough. But the one good thing about Amazon is they usually have amazing return policies. For me, this is a really good thing because pants are never the right length for me so its always a gamble when buying online if things will fit or not.

Target
I am obsessed with the Champion sneaker line at target right now. I have these Champion sneakers literally on right now. They have geofoam in the bottoms and it feels like you are walking on a cloud. I didn't really believe in the foam doing much until I tried on another pair of my sneakers and it felt like I was walking on cement. If you have not tried these sneakers I highly recommend them (I own two pairs of the same sneaker).

Its Been a While...

Outfit: Jean Jacket: Old Gap (SIMILAR) | Linen Pants: J.Crew Factory | Nude Flats: Target | White Tee: Target

It's been a while... but if there is anything that can bring me back to the blog it's these linen J.Crew factory pants. I did a post on a black pair of these last year which you can see here, I literally lived in these last summer because they are so comfortable yet still professional looking. They do stretch out a little bit as you wear them throughout the day so you may want to size down if you don't like super baggy pants. For me, it's not to that point but it's gone through my mind to size down if I get another pair. 

So, here I am again back with another post about how I’ve been gone for a while and now I’m back and better than ever. I feel like I make way to many of these but to be honest, I have been gone and I do have my reasons. I have had a lot of changes happening right now, good changes but it means I am a lot busier. As you may know, I am currently working on my master's degree in social work. Last semester I only took two classes to start off but now I am taking three and it has been a lot more work then I last semester. On top of getting my masters I just started a semi-full time job (look out for professional looks in the future). I am also currently the costume director for a 6th-grade play, we are in the production of Mary Poppins Jr. which just ended and was a hit! I have a lot on my plate right now and blogging is always in the back of my mind. So for now here I am back. 

Ruffle Flannel Shirt

J.Crew Factory: Ruffle flannel shirt | Gap Factory: Jeans | Target: Flats

It is finally starting to feel like fall here in upstate new york and I am loving it. Last week it was so hot that we had to turn the air conditioning back on! Now I am finally comfortable in my new fall pieces like this ruffle flannel shirt from J.Crew factory. This top is so soft and comfortable it is definitely going to be a favorite piece of mine this fall and winter. 

I just wore this outfit this past weekend out to lunch with my family and grandparents to celebrate my mom's birthday at our favorite Italian restaurant. 

This top also comes in a plaid print that I will probably purchase in the near future because of how soft this one is. When I originally purchased this I was really unsure about it and was planning to wear it just under a vest but I think that it looks just as cute without the vest!

Flower Power in the Fall

JCrew: Flower Vest | JCrew: Teddie Sweater | Gap: Jeans | Target: Flats | Vince Commuto: Luck Tote

I have a serious thing for J.Crew vests in the fall months and this may or may not be one of the many J.Crew vests that you see even within this month. I picked this one up the other week and I fell in love with it because it can go with so many different outfit combinations as well as different seasons. I knew I had to get this one when the manager told me they had it in the store for less than 24 hours and this was the last one they had (or at least that's how I justified myself to buy it).

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday so today I will be spending my day baking and decorating a cake! It's a surprise what type of cake it is for her but maybe on Friday, I will share what it was! Monday's post was all about what we did this past weekend for moms birthday, check it out here.

This Vince Camuto luck tote was part of the 2018 fall fabfitfun box. This bag retails for $128 and the fabfitfun box is only $50. This is why I love the fabfitfun box, the items are such a good quality and the retail value of the box is so high that it makes it so worth the price of the actual box.

Five Favorites

Happy Monday! This is the start to a very busy week, but I don't have class this Saturday so I will be looking forward to the weekend this entire week. To start this week on a positive note I figured I would share a few of my favorites today.

1. Sneakers - I have talked about these shoes before but I am so in love with them that I had to feature them in my favorites post. These are actually from Target and are only 35$ which is such a good deal for a good pair of sneakers. Plus they are super comfortable. 

2. iPhone case I just purchased this phone case off of Amazon, it was only 13$! Why I love it so much it one for the price and two because it feels like the ones that apple sells which are 35$ each so it is a great dupe for those.  

3. Electric Brush Cleaner - I do not clean my makeup brushes as much as I should but using this electric brush cleaner makes it a little more fun. Right now I have a video on my Instagram stories which I will add to my favorite things highlight of using this. 

4. Wine red apple watch - I love getting new Apple watch bands, I wanted a color that was more for the fall and I am obsessed with this color. The next one I think is going to be Navy. 

5. Bare Republic dry shampoo - I received this tiny bottle of dry shampoo in one of my Ipsy bags a while back and was too nervous to try it. But the other day I was desperate for dry shampoo and I found this in my stash and I am so mad at my self for waiting so long before using this. I highly recommend and it smells like fruit loops. 

A few other favorites:

• The Morning Toast- I am loving this podcast and how it is also YouTube. I love these two sisters they always put me in a good mood.
• Below Deck - Now that I finished Southern Charm I needed a new show and I know I am so late to this show also but I am loving this Bravo show it's addictive. I'm starting season two today!

Back to School | Weekly Review | Weekend Happenings

Weekly Review: This past week was the start of school which for me means back to work again. Right now I'm subbing a lot because I don't want to get too overwhelmed with work and my own school. Yesterday was the official first day of school for the elementary and high school kids even though it did not feel like it should have been because it was so so so hot.

This past week I also got a new MacBook Air which was completely unexpected and much needed. My old MacBook Air was about five years old and on its last leg, it would only turn on if it was plugged in and that was not going to work for me so it was really time to get a new one. Making such a big purchase made me so nervous. I'm 23 and felt like I should call my mom to get her permission to buy something with my own money (I know i'm ridiculous)!!

Weekend Happenings: One positive part about school starting back up is the Friday night football games! My little sister is on the varsity cheerleading team, it's something she is super passionate about so it's so fun to go watch her. 

I am also going to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Saratoga Springs on Saturday night which I am super excited about. They just opened at a new location which is now two stories and I haven't been to the new one yet! 

Recent Purchases:

• New Sneakers: New school year means new sneakers for gym class right?! Okay so maybe my "gym class" now consists of work out videos played on my TV and the stationary bike I have at my house but I'll still use this excuse for new sneakers. These new ones I actually got from Target and I am obsessed with them. I feel like they look so different than any other sneaker that I've owned. 
• Printed Puffer Vest: This is one of my favorite items I bought from all of the Labor day sales that were happening. Jcrew Factory has some amazing deals on these vests, my mom and I actually bought four of them (they will be featured here in the future). This flower printed one is hands down my favorite. 
• MacBook Air: I already mentioned this big purchase but it's just so exciting when you get to open that crisp and clean apple box, I was even excited about the new charger! There aren't many differences but it just feels new. 

Obsessed with at the moment: 

• Bachelor in Paradise: I am in love with this season which I'm surprised with because I was not into Becca's season. I love Jenna and Jordan and of course Kevin and Astrid but I'm super sad about Tia and Jordan. So I am sad that they didn't work out but after thinking about how Tia reacted and her saying he tried and it didn't work I am okay with them going their separate ways. I am actually super excited about him being the new bachelor.
• Scotty McCreery's Wedding Video: I love watching wedding themed videos on YouTube. I love getting into that deep weird part of YouTube and you start watching maid of honor speeches where they sing the speech (This one is my favorite). If you know me then you know I only really listen to country music so two when two of my favorite things combined you know I was excited. Scotty's wedding music video is almost as beautiful as his new wife Gabi who just looks like the sweetest person ever. I definitely recommend giving this a watch. 

Weekly Review | Weekend Happenings

Weekly Review: This was the last full week of my summer job which is such a bittersweet moment because I really had the best experience but also I'll have some free time to enjoy. This was also a big week because I went to get sushi for the first time!! Kyle and I went out Tuesday night with some friends for some sushi and it exceeded my expectations and I can not wait to go back!

Weekend Happenings: This is going to be an exciting weekend, tonight my family and I are headed up to the lake for sort of a family reunion. I have some cousins coming in from overseas whom we haven't seen in a while so we are all looking forward to some family time!

Favorite Things on the Internet:

• Carrie Underwood is pregnant! Underwood is one of my all time favorite artists and I am so excited for her. She's been through a lot this past year so this is great to hear such positive news from her!
• Momma Mia soundtrack I saw the Momma Mia movie the day after it came out and I have been obsessed with the whole soundtrack!
  

Recent Purchases:

• Tassel back cover up - I found this cute beach cover up while browsing at Target and thought it was perfect for my upcoming beach vacation. I am a fan of anything with tassels. 
• Wicker crossbody - I have been wanting a wicker crossbody bag all summer. I recently put this one in my August wishlist and I went to purchase it and it sold out that day. So I found this one on Amazon and I think I even like it better!
• High waisted button front dress - I bought this dress from Romwe off of Amazon and I think it is so cute but I actually returned it because it didn't hit me in the right places. I added it in here because it's so cute I feel like someone else would look so cute in it!

August Wishlist

I cannot believe that it is August already. This summer is going by so fast and it really has to slow down. So today I am talking about my wishlist for August, some of the items are summer related (to keep this summer going) and some are transition pieces because fall is upon us.

Greece leather slide sandals | Dual zip crossbody | Vineyard Vines Skort | Jcrew Tie Tee | Sun Hat | Lilly Pulitzer dress | Circle wicker bag | Vineyard Vines hat | Kentvi Sandal | Woven Faux Leather Weekend Bag

Greece leather slide sandals - I love this style of sandals but there is no way that I would spend $700 on a pair of the Hermès ones. But Steve Madden has this pair which is very similar and only $80, which is a little more in my price range. 

Dual zip crossbody - I have been wanting a very simple crossbody bag that would go with any outfit and is appropriate for any occasion. This crossbody from Target is exactly what I have been looking for, it is inexpensive so it can be brought to concerts or summer events and I won't be too worried about it getting ruined!

Vineyard Vines Skort - Serious question here: are skorts making a comeback? I'm really into selling and buying items on Poshmark right now and I really want an older (vintage?) piece of Lilly Pulitzer. One of the vintage pieces on there that I have my eye on is a Lilly skort. 

Jcrew Tie Tee - Jcrew t-shirts are my favorite basic tee's, they are so comfortable and I love the fit of them. I love this tee with shorts but it also transitions well with jeans or army green pants for the fall time. 

Sun Hat - I have a beach trip coming up at the end of August and there is nothing worse than getting a sunburn on the top of your head. My mom and I always say we're going to make a hairspray with sunscreen in it that doesn't leave your hair greasy. 

Lilly Pulitzer dress - There is nothing better than a Lilly dress in the summertime and even better yet the Lilly sale is just around the corner. I'm excited about this year's sale although I don't have a want for a specific item so we will see what I end up with. 

Circle wicker bag - I have seen these bags and variation of wicker bags everywhere this summer and I actually can't believe I don't have one yet. I think they are so cute and this one from Target is at the top of my NEED list (yes it's a need not a want). 

Pom Pom Beach cover up - This is another item that I have had my eye on for a while. I love beach cover-ups but I never buy them because I feel as though they are something that gets's ruined very easily. But I have wanted a pom pom cover up for a while so I may have to do it this summer. 

Vineyard Vines hat - Okay so the last thing I need at the moment is another Vineyard Vines hat but I really want a white one. 

Kentvi Sandal - These sandals are part of the Nordstrom anniversary sale on a great deal right now!! These sandals are the perfect transition shoe from summer to fall. I love these because they are so versatile. 

Woven Faux Leather Weekend Bag - As I said before I am going on a beach vacation at the end of August and I have a couple of other getaways around that time. So I will be living out of a suitcase for a little while. In order for me to be able to live out of a bag, I like to really enjoy the bag. Right now I am using a Vera Bradley duffel, one of those that I think every girl owns, but it's just too flimsy. I want a sophisticated one like this leather bag from Violet Ray. 

Dreaming of Spring | My Wishlist

Today all of the school in my area closed due to a large amount of snow we are supposed to receive today and I can honestly say I am soooo over the winter. It makes me so jealous to see all of these bloggers who live in warmer climates I live vicariously through them. So, on this snow day to make myself feel better I have compiled a small list of all the items that are on my wishlist for the upcoming spring season.

Tops:

There are so many cute tops that are available for this spring season, this off the shoulder top with the lemon detailing is so cute and gives off such a spring vibe. I have a thing for off the shoulder tops as you can tell through just this list. Both of these tops from Francesca's have such beautiful detailing on them. I'm also in love with this oversized tunic, which is a little pricey but I can see getting so much use out of this that I think it would be a good investment.

Accessories:

How cute is this Kate Spade bag from their new spring line?! The whole line just screams out spring vibes, they even have a bag that looks like a picnic basket, I mean how cute?! I also added these aviator sunglasses to my wishlist, because I have been wanting ray ban ones but I feel like I'm not an aviator person so I don't want to spend tons of money when these rose gold ones from Target for 17$ are just as cute.

Shoes:

I feel ashamed because I may have said how ugly I thought mules were awhile back and now I own way too many pairs of mules. These pink mules from Target will be the next pair to add to my collection. I also found these booties, which are exactly what I have been looking for, I think these are the perfect transition from winter to spring shoe and they look so cute with so many outfits. These are perfect to wear with a dress but also with white jeans and this top.

If I didn't want spring to come soon I definitely want spring to come now after going through all these items.

A New Day Collection at Target

I love Target clothing because it is such affordable good quality clothing. This is such a great line for basics, they have so many tops that are perfect for layering but also look so cute on their own. This line also has so many different tops that are perfect for spring. These are a few of my favorite tops from the collection:

1. Long sleeve cold shoulder shirt | 2. Tie long sleeve shirt | 3. A New Day graphic tee | 4. Long sleeve front tie top | 5. Floral short sleeve blouse 6. 3/4 boatneck button tee

All of these items work really well for the transition into spring. This spring I need to focus on getting more tops that can go with pants other than jeans. Like this top, I love it paired with the olive green or this top with the light pink pants both are so cute.