messy hair, don't care

Since my bangs are finally long enough, I haven't been wearing my hair up much ... but this morning I had no intention of washing and drying and attempting to style my hair, so bun (and dry shampoo) it is. Good thing I didn't waste any time doing my hair because I ended up look like this for a while. Cute, huh?

Blazer: J. Crew  {save / exact}

Sweater: Forever 21  {save / splurge}

Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}

Scarf: Victoria's Secret  {similar}

Shoes: Tory Burch  {exact}

Earrings: Tiffany & Co.  {save / exact}

Watch: Fossil {save / similar}

Nails: seen here

Behind the Blog: Because Shanna Said So

This week's Behind the Blog is Shanna from Because Shanna Said So. Shanna is a beautiful and hard working wife and mama to two beautiful little girls. Her blog is about style that doesn't break the bank - aren't we all looking for that? I'm so glad she agreed to participate this week!

Tell us what motivate you to start blogging. Were you following a lot of personal style/fashion blogs before you started blogging?

layers, updated

Continuing with trying to master layering, I've been looking for another vest to add to my collection (that currently only has my cargo vest in it). I have a thicker North Vest puffer vest, but that's for outside wear and not for ya know, normal day-to-day wearing. I've tried on several at Forever 21, Old Navy and H&M, but all were still too puffy and had itty bitty pockets. I bit the bullet and finally ordered the J. Crew version during the last 30% off sale after admiring it online. I really like this vest. It's thin enough that I can still wear it under my lab coat, the pockets are large, and I like the double zipper.

...and of course I'm doing the tank-inbetween trick :)

Vest: J. Crew  {exact in pink on sale}
Sweater: Gap  {save / similar}
Blouse: J. Crew Factory  {save / exact}
Jeans: American Eagle  (exact on sale}
Necklace: Forever 21  {similar}
Shoes: Target  {save / splurge}
Watch: Target

linking up with wiww

everyday black purse for less than $100

I've had several people comment on my black Kate Spade purse, and also had a request to find something similar for less than $100. If you are in the market for a Kate Spade purse, I recommend signing up for their emails. The only reason I could afford my bag is because I got it during a flash sale and got it for $199 (instead of $400+ which is a little outrageous for someone in my tax bracket). All of the following bags are under $100 and perfect for every day commuting and casual work attire. Which one is your favorite?

1. Urban Expressions
2. Big Buddha
3. Le Donne
4. Big Buddha
5. Asos
6. Urban Outfitters (my friend Emily has this - it's super cute!)
7. Big Buddha
8. Forever 21

wrap it up with a bow

I may not be decorating my house for Christmas, but at least my nails are festive. How is it December already?!

Pink: Sally Hansen Shell We Dance?
Glitter: Julep Vivien (from December's box)
Ring: Forever 21


Linking up with Mani Monday and the Nail Files.

embarrassed

This whole "stop somewhere along the way to work to take a few pictures because it's too dark when I'm leaving home" thing is getting more embarrassing by the day. I prop my camera in my drunk so every time a car gets close, I go to my trunk and pretend I'm looking for something...except for on this day, a man parked his car a block away, got out, and just watched. Yep.

Embarrassing stories aside, I was really excited to wear my watch because I finally put a new band on it. I initially wanted a navy blue band, but those are surprisingly hard to find, so I settled on a dark brown band instead. I'm still going to be on the lookout for a navy band though to switch it up in the future.

Blouse: Equipment via eBay  {save / similar on sale}
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact on sale}
Scarf: gift from my friend Alexa  {save / splurge}
Belt: Madewell  {similar}
Shoes: Tory Burch  {save / exact}
Watch: Kate Spade  {exact}
Bracelet: DIY
Earrings: Banana Republic Outlet  {similar}
Purse: Kate Spade  {save / similar}












linking up with wiww

iPhone > Android

I've had an android phone for two years now, and I've hated it for 23.5 months. I'm finally going to switch over to Verizon since our family contract is up, and I'm getting an iPhone. Don't even try to convince me otherwise! My mind is made up ;) I want to make sure I protect it right from the get-go, so I want the case before I buy the phone. Which is one your favorite?

Top: 1 / 2 / 3 
Middle: 1 / 2 / 3
Bottom: 1 / 2 / 3