Thursday, May 30, 2013

poser

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As you guys (may) know, I take my own pictures for this little outfit blog. Overall, I don't mind doing it myself. I can take 50 pictures within 2 minutes and not have anyone judge me that it takes 50 pictures for me to find 4 that I find acceptable. I can go to a different location if I don't like the one I'm in, and I don't have anyone groan at me when I ask them to take my pictures out in public.

The awkward part for me is the posing, I think. If someone else is taking your pictures, you can at least pretend it's impromptu and if someone happens to walk by, you can just pretend you are a tourist. If someone catches you taking your own pictures, then you're just the weirdo in the middle of the street taking pictures of yourself. When someone else takes your pictures, you can give the camera all these cutesy looks because chances are you like the person behind the camera so it comes naturally...but truthfully I feel so silly doing that because I don't love my tripod all that much (not as much as I like my boyfriend anyway). On top of that, I don't really know how I'm supposed to stand taking these silly pictures. I have like three "poses" I do - hands on hip or pocket, looking down at ground, or staring off to the side - so versatile, so not a model. 

I hope you guys aren't too bored with me though :/  I can always do more twee poses if you prefer...

If you're looking for advice for your own selfie adventures though, I really enjoyed Megan's post on this a few months ago (her go-to poses are a lot cuter). 
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Shirt: Gap [exact]
Cardigan: Target, thrifted
Jeans: American Eagle [exact]
Necklace: gift from Kimmie
Watch: Kate Spade [exact]
Shoes: Gap [save | splurge]
Nails: Essie Lapiz of Luxury
Ring: Jewelmint via a giveaway from Bedknobs & Baubles 
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P.S. Congrats to Sabrina Alley for winning the WCIS giveaway - Bri will email you!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

rainy day

casual chambray for a rainy day 
Since it was still snowing in April, it only makes sense that it's still raining in May, right? So much for flowers. 

I am happy I get to wear my rain boots again! I'm so happy I found a pair that actually fit my calves instead of trying to squeeze into "normal" size. I'd be lying if I didn't get just a little bit excited to wear them. I'd also be lying if I said I haven't worn a variation of this outfit for the past three days. I just really wanted to wear my new tee [review here], and it's been chilly all weekend so the chambray and jeans just kind of made sense.

whatever, like you've never worn an outfit several days in a row.
chambray and hunters
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Chambray: Old Navy [same style | fun inexpensive variation]
Tee: Everlane
Jeans: Urban Outfitters [exact]
Boots: Hunter [exact]
Watch: Fossil [similar]
Umbrella: J.Crew
linking up with wiww.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

may budget

  1. Forever Geo Fringe Necklace - $15: I've been looking for this necklace in stores for a few weeks now, but with no luck. Caroline tweeted that F21 was having offering free shipping with no minimum so I got suckered in. I've recently really liked the look of larger statement pieces but with neutral colors so I'm excited for this necklace to arrive.
  2. Old Navy Tee [seen here] - $6 down from $17: This is my super trendy purchase of the month. Luckily it costs about as much as lunch does, so I'm going to have fun with it while I can.
  3. The Limited Shorts - $28 ($44 + 40% sale): The pair I purchased are actually more of a dark coral than these hot pink ones shown online (seen here). They are in the Drew fit, so they are a bit dressier. I like them because they are just bit longer than some chino shorts out there. Chris says they look like mom shorts, but I highly disagree. Boys!
  4. Sam Edelman Felicia Flats [seen here] - $60 at Nordstrom Rack: These were purchased when Chris and I were in Minneapolis at the beginning of the month. I've been looking for a comfortable nude flats for a while so I'm happy to finally have found a pair.
  5. Joe's Jeans - $50 on eBay: As you guys know, I really love my Joe's Jeans. I've had them for about 3 years now, and wear them all the time. Unfortunately, all of that wear was eventually starting to show so even though I have done some thigh reinforcing, a second pair was needed. I didn't want to spend the full price in stores, so I searched eBay. I ran into a couple of problems (the first pair were the wrong size, the second pair were advertised incorrectly) so I'm thrilled that I finally found the right pair. The length is longer than my current pair, so instead of getting them hemmed I'm going to wear them with wedges...which I don't own yet. 
  6. Everlane White & Black V Tee - $30: you can read the whole search/ review about these here!
  7. Forever 21 Geo Cutout Cuff - $6: will be a fun piece to wear with #1
  8. Madewell Sweater [seen here] - $30 on sale: okay, maybe also not a staple piece, but it's really comfortable and I like it so there ;)
  9. Groupdealz Clover Necklace [seen here] - $7: I've been looking for one of these necklaces for about two years. I remember seeing it on Veronika, and really really liking it but, the price was too high, so I was happy to get these for a steal from Groupdealz a few weeks ago.
  10. Thrifted items not pictured: this vintage polka dot dress from Goodwill ($7), this J.Crew silk dress (also $7 but the current style goes for much MUCH more - who donates these things?), and a blazer ($4)
         = $250 - $60 left over from last month - $25 clothing sold = $165

Overall, not too bad this month even if I did go over just by a little bit. I got a few items to fill the holes in my closet (the white tees, jeans, coral shorts, and nude flats), a few fun pieces, and a start to having actual clothes to wear this summer. I have three weeks left of work, which means only five more weeks of having an income. I need to crack down on making purchases for the next two months for financial and space issues (all of my clothes have to come with me in my car for my move). I can't believe all of this is actually happening.


School Wardrobe update: Chris and I went to the mall on Memorial Day to take a look through the sales racks. I ended up buying this skirt and this skirt (in pink) from Banana Republic. Both were on final sale in store, plus 40% off, so I got both for a total of $38 (see them here). I also really liked the color of this skirt, but it wrinkled far too easily, and since I'll be sitting for really long periods of time in school I figured it wouldn't be the best piece to buy. While at BR, I also tried on a bunch of different dress pants. I ended up really liking this style (in black), but I need them in a long which they didn't have in store. The style is currently sold out online but the sales associate assured me that they have that style come back all the time as it's one of their classics, so I just need to keep an eye out for it online. J.Crew Factory also had 50% off online sale yesterday, and while perusing through the site, I found these shoes. They were exactly what I was looking for, so I ordered them in nude. They're on backorder now, and won't ship until July, which is kind of a bummer that I can't wear them a few times now, but it'll be like a fun surprise when they do finally arrive.

So how did you do this month? Did the Memorial Day sales sucker you in, or provide you with the opportunity to get some great pieces at even greater prices? I'd love to hear how your month went with regards to sticking to your budget. Please add your link below, and please make sure to link back to this post so your readers can discover other budgetting bloggers.


Monday, May 27, 2013

j.crew factory: 50% off EVERYTHING

J.Crew Factory has their entire store 50% off right now online which doesn't happen that often. I love the factory store because you get the same aesthetic as the retail store without spending that crazy amount of money. Here are some of my favorite pieces currently available - a few I own and are now a great deal, a few are "gimme, so pretty" pieces, and I may be ordering one to try out! Are you shopping the sale today?

  • Polka Dot Popover: it seems I wear mine at least once a week. It's currently on sale for the price I paid for it in December.
  • Chambray Popover: another shirt I wear a lot. See my chambray popover comparison post here and how I've worn it since here. The current price is less than what I paid for it.
  • Clare Scattered Dot Cardigan: this cardigan is so cute. I think it would be a great piece for cooler nights in the summer, and a staple in the fall/winter.
  • Printed Sun Shift: this is like the ideal summer dress - you can throw it on, put on some cute flats, and you're basically set. If this had a v-neck I would purchase it immediately.
  • Crystal Necklace: I met up with my blogging friend Laura on Thursday and she was wearing this necklace over a striped blue shirt under a bright blue blazer. It was the perfect accessory for that outfit, so I've been itching to get my hands on the same necklace, plus it's currently like 1/4 of the retail version's price.
  • Teagan Ruffle Top: This would look great on top of some colored shorts for more casual occasions or under a cardigan/blazer for work.
  • Sylvia Patent Wedges: I ordered these! They are exactly what I was looking for my school wardrobe so I'm really excited to receive them. I'm bummed they won't ship for another month though, but it'll be like a surprise when they finally come in the mail!
Anything catching your eye?

P.S. Forever 21 currently has free shipping with no minimum, just use code MEMDAY13. I'm debating hard about this necklace - gold or silver?

mute

cargo vest + stripes 
Happy Memorial Day!

I don't have much else to say, but I do have a few reminders.

+ budgetting bloggers goes up tomorrow!
+ have you entered this giveaway yet? you could win this watch!
+ the shop my closet post is up and ready :)
vest + stripes + silver jewelry
just a little bit of necklace stacking
Shirt: Tahari via TJ Maxx
Vest: Old Navy [similar]
Jeans: Urban Outfitters [exact]
Glasses: c/o Firmoo
Necklaces: "f" from Whitney, diamond is a family heirloom
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]
Belt: The Limited
Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]
casual but still pulled together
vest + stripes

Sunday, May 26, 2013

shop my closet!

I found out this week that I will be moving to Pennsylvania by myself for school...with just my car....with dogs in the back seat. So in an effort to reduce my closet even more than I have in recent months, I'm selling some clothes on here. The prices are listed below. Shipping is $5 for the first piece, and $2 for every additional piece. If you are interested, please email me at fhasselhof@gmail.com letting me know which item you want. All payments will be done through PayPal, and all items will be shipped within 2 business days. Email me if you have any questions!

sponsor love: go chic or go home

Today I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite places on the internet, Go Chic or Go Home. I was first introduced to GCOGH by Lilly and Audrey, two women I greatly admire in the blogging world.  GCOGH is like all of your favorite places combined - it has the inspirational aspect of Pinterest, the functionality to upload pictures of all of your own clothes to make outfits like on Polyvore, and the added bonus that you can even earns points that can be redeemed for gift cards. 

The thing I really like about Go Chic or Go Home is that the looks on there are attainable. Real women are uploading the pictures from their real lives and so while Pinterest is great for the "Ooooh look how pretty and amazing that is!", GCOGH is perfect for figuring out new ways to wear your own clothes.  My favorite aspect is that you can search for looks based on certain criteria. Say you have a striped item you're looking for a new way to wear. You can filter all of the outfits by the keyword, and you suddenly have several thousand outfit inspirations. 

Need new ideas for a more business look, or something with long sleeves, or how about something striped with long sleeves that would be appropriate for business wear? GCOGH will show you how it's done:

I don't think it's possible to have a "I have no idea how to wear this" moment when you have this great resource at your finger tips. If you'd like to try it out for yourself, you can sign up here!