Future Projects

Before I head off to sewing class, I wanted to share a few things on my to do list. I spent most of last fall making Christmas gifts so now it is time to make some things for myself.

This pom pom blanket would be perfect to toss onto my couch. However, it is really expensive. I hope to find a way to replicate the look for less. 

I can't find a source for this image besides pins and tumblr, but isn't it fun! Love the shape but I probably won't go with a crazy print. My sewing instructor will have to help me recreate the look from scratch since there is no pattern available.

Fortunately, this picture is from a McCall pattern. My sewing instructor found it on sale and thought of me. Now I just need to get to the fabric store!

And for my overly ambitious dreams...

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Party Shoe DIY

I hate when I'm shopping for a specific event and I can't find the right shoes. This happened most recently when I was helping my niece Myah shop for her first homecoming. After trying on almost every dress in Dillards, we finally found the perfect one! But none of the shoes in the mall were right. They were either way too high, expensive, or just not right for the dress.

We finally ended up at Forever 21 for accessories when inspiration struck! There was a pair of plain nude suede heels that weren't too high and in Myah's size. I had to figure out how to make them work because of the $22 price tag. My first thought was to glitter them, but then I found $7 necklaces that matched Myah's dress perfectly. That totals to $36 for custom shoes!

I used shoes (obviously), pendants (earrings and necklaces are good options), gorilla glue, a q-tip, a sewing pin, and pliers. J actually used the pliers because I was worried about scratching one of the gems when removing the chain from the pendant. 

First I very lightly marked the shoe with a pencil where I wanted to position the pendant. This step is important later because you can't really wiggle the glue around unless you are ok with visible stains. I slightly dampened the shoe where I wanted to glue and also the parts of the pendant that would touch the shoe. Then I applied the glue to those pendant surfaces with the q-tip. Using very steady hands (borrow a pair if you must!), I placed the pendant on the shoe based on my pencil markings. I didn't have a clamp so I just held it in place for about 30 seconds and then I was able to let go. 

One piece of advice: read all the instructions on the glue before starting. While I got through the part that said slightly dampen your surfaces before applying glue, I did not realize that the glue would expand a lot or that it would dry white (see picture above). This is where the sewing pin comes in. The glue started to ooze out of all the nooks in the pendant. Not pretty! So I took my sewing pin and started to either remove or push the glue back under the pendant, as it made sense for the location. This process took more than an hour because the glue just keeps on going and going.

 Good news is that the pendants stayed firmly attached to the shoes after a whole night of dancing at homecoming. Yay! I let the glue set for almost 36 hours; this is not a project you want to do the afternoon of your event.

Isn't she adorable! I had a great time shopping with her and then helping her get ready for the dance. And she had a lot of patience with me as I made her try on every single not strapless dress in her size. I can't wait to do it again!

Posh Purpose Review: Brooks Brothers Outlet

I took a pile of clothes to the dry cleaners recently and discovered that my favorite black suit had developed a hole in the crotch and in the crease in the front of the pants (how does that happen?).  I also took a look at the jacket and I saw the fibers were starting to break down.  If you've ever accidentally thrown a dry clean only item in the wash, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  My mom had originally bought my suit for me when I did an internship in grad school which was over 7 years ago...soooo I definitely got my wear out of it (thanks mom!).

I immediately went into a panic, because the official colors of Washingtonian work life are navy, grey, and black...with black being the most dependable.  After a trip to the mall to check out suits at J.Crew, Talbots, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers, I've determined that women's fashion is a barren wasteland of cheap polyester suits with ill-fitting pants and cuts that will go out of style (belted jacket anyone?).  My original suits came from Talbots, so I was really disappointed that they have change their cut and I couldn't find an easy replacement.  Brooks Brothers was the sole exception in the quality department, but there was only one suit I wanted, they didn't have it in my size, and even with the Friends and Family special they were running, my suit was going to be close to $850 with a jacket, skirt, and pants.

After a call to my mother, who has always advised me to buy the best quality suit, I was still wrestling with the decision to blow a ton of $$$$ on the suit.

THEN Mr. 3 offered to drive me out to the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets to visit the Brooks Brothers Outlet on a MONDAY AFTER WORK.  For those of you who aren't in the know, this was an extremely generous offer, considering the outlets are 45 minutes away...without D.C. commuter traffic.

Image Source: BrooksBrothers.com

After a little bit of searching (they were also short on sizes), I found exactly what I wanted: a skirt, jacket, and lined pants made from tropical wool with a classic (but not frumpy) silhouette in petite sizing.  Brooks Brothers Outlet was also running a huge sale and I had an outlet coupon for an additional 15% off.  Mr. 3 has also needed a new suit for over a year, so we both wound up purchasing new black suits for less than what I would have paid for one suit at the retail store.

I know outlets get a bad rap for having lesser quality items than the retail stores carry.  If you've ever been to Banana Republic or an Ann Taylor Outlet, you have seen the difference.

However, I found out a lot of really helpful information from the store manager, who used to work at the retail location, that made feel 100% OK with an outlet suit. To begin with, the outlet uses the same fabric as retail but the outlet store suits are manufactured in Egypt or Taiwan. Retail suits are made in the U.S. or Italy.  However, all of the factories, regardless of location, are owned by Brooks Brothers so they can maintain quality control rather than hiring it out to any ol' garment factory and slapping a label on it.  Both of these factors made me feel really good about this purchase because the fabric and quality control standards for the outlet suits and the retail suits are the same.

Mr. 3 went with the classic style in a classic fabric (as opposed to the fashion styles and fabrics which will come and go), which means Brooks Brothers Outlet will always carry Mr. 3's suit so if his pants wear our or he needs another pair, I can just go in and purchase them without having to invest in a new jacket too.  As for tailoring, the manager told me that you can take your pants to the retail store and they will hem them for $10 and also do other alterations.  Luckily, neither Mr. 3 nor I have to get any alterations, but I think it is a great service (and $10 for hemming is a STEAL in D.C.).

While I would always prefer to buy American or Italian-made, sometimes it just isn't in the budget.  I'm happy I found exactly what I wanted at a price I could afford while still being confident in the quality and longevity of the suit.  Anyone else had a hard time suit shopping?  What solutions did you find?

***This post was not sponsored by Brooks Brothers or Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets.  We just like sharing our thoughts on all things fashion.***

Posh Purpose Review: Victoria's Secret No-Show Hiphugger Sport Panty

I'm a huge fan of the Victoria's Secret Sport Collection and I've blogged my love and devotion to their line of sports bras before and my positive feelings about them have stayed the same.  I decided to give their sports line of underwear a go and I bought three pairs of the Victoria's Secret No-Show Hiphugger Sport Panty when I spotted them on sale for 3 for $33.

No-Show Hiphugger Sport Panty
$12.50 - $14.50
Image Source: Victoria's Secret

I wanted to try this line of underwear because of the cheaper price (Lululemon's are $18 each!) and the material.  I've had microfiber work out underwear in the past before which has been great performance-wise, but I still had horrible visible panty lines (VPL).  Usually, I'm soooooo anti-VPL and I simply do not understand women who traipse around with an outline on their tush.  It's not slimming especially if your backside is your problem area (I know it's one of mine!).  HOWEVER, the gym is the one place I give it a pass.  You should be as comfortable as possible when sweatin' it out and if that means VPLs then VPLs it is!

This underwear is made from moisture wicking fabric and billed as no-show.  I gave them a test run on Saturday at zumba class, because it doesn't get sweatier than that.  I was really impressed with how comfortable this underwear was when I wasn't moving around.  I loved them when I was hanging out around the apartment in the morning and sitting in the car on the way to the gym.  I hated them once the music started.  Let me just tell you that it is indeed possible to have your underwear ride up in both the back aaaaand the front at the same time...for a solid hour.  As for the no-show claim, I will say the panty lines were only partially visible and it was very faint, but I'd glad trade in more lines for less...ummmmm...upward mobility?

I'll be taking the other two unworn pairs back to Victoria's Secret because I just can't see these being a good thing for cardio classes.  I'll keep wearing the pair I have, but probably only for strength training or yoga type of classes which I don't attend too often.

Posh Purpose Rating: C

We're Lovin': Gap Scallop-Hem Shorts

I've been window shopping online again and I came across a super cute pair of shorts at Gap!  I rarely shop at Gap these days, but I will give them an occasional look when I'm bored.

Sunkissed Scallop-Hem Shorts
$39.95
Image Source: Gap

Image Source: Gap

Aren't they cute and classic?  I love that you can wear them with flats or dress them up with a fun pair of wedges.  The length is long enough that you don't have to worry about flashing too much skin.  At $39.95, they are definitely affordable, but I would wait until there is a coupon or sale and try to get them for $30 or less.  What do you think - great summer staple?  Anyone else spotted affordable fashion lately?  Share below!

We're Lovin: Warby Parker's Karlie Kloss Collection

Briana and I were recently contacted by Warby Parker to help them announce their new collaboration with model Karlie Kloss (known for her campaigns with Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, Lavin, and Lacoste just to name a few)*.  Warby Parker is an awesome company that offers affordable trendy eye wear (both sunglasses and prescription eye wear) through a few boutique stores and mail order service.  Warby Parker lets you pick up to five pairs from their online website and mails them to you for free to try for 5 days.  After your time is up, you send back the glasses (again for free).  If you like one of your choices, you place your order.  I've spent tons of money on prescription eye wear at the doctor's office, but Warby Parker's choices start at $95 for frames and prescription, that also includes options like anti-reflective coating while a doctor's office will usually add an extra fee to the bill.

Warby Parker also carries a great line of sunglasses for men and women starting at $95 for non-prescription and $150 for prescription which includes polarization.  For every pair of eye wear purchased, Warby Parker will donate another pair to someone in need.  I've had two friends use Warby Parker (both men!) and said the process was really easy.  I even helped one of them pick out the style best for him through the mail order try on service.  Aaaaand there are tons of styles and colors to choose from...including these pretty choices from the new Karlie Kloss Collection:

Image Source: Warby Parker

Image Source: Warby Parker

The Karlie Kloss Collection benefits the Edible Schoolyard NYC which provides low-income public schools with kitchens and gardens, and help students, through a hands-on curriculum led by Edible Schoolyard staff, learn the tools to develop lifelong healthy habits. The donation will benefit two community farm stands in Brooklyn and East Harlem, where kids learn about food preparation in their own neighborhoods. And as always, for every pair sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.

The collection is composed of three styles: Julia, Marple, and Clara.  Each style is made from a titanium frame and features your choice of five gradient lens choices and silver and gold tone frames.

Marple
Heirloom Gold with Violet Clover Lenses
Image Source: Warby Parker

Clara
Heirloom Silver with Sepia Wash Lenses
Image Source: Warby Parker

Julia
Heirloom Gold with Copper Fade Lenses
Image Source: Warby Parker

My personal favorite is the Julia (says aviator without saying bad 90s episode of COPS) and Briana is totally loving the Marple style  (I think she likes the violet lens option the best!).  I really love the Warby Parker designs and the Karlie Kloss collection is a great addition to their styles.  We are also really into their business model and commitment to giving back to those in need with out sacrificing quality materials.  The starting price is $145, which is more expensive than your average pair of sunglasses from the bargain bin or Target, BUT it's also waaaaay less expensive than most other polarized sunglasses.

Both of my man friends look great in their glasses and said the whole process was really really easy.  Now if a man can get his shop on and call it a success, you know it's got to be easy!

* Although Warby Parker contacted us to help promote their new Karlie Kloss collection, we did not receive any form of compensation or free swag.  We just think Warby Parker is doing an excellent job of bringing high quality goods at affordable prices (aka the Posh Purpose way)!  All opinions are our own!

What to Wear: Poolside Fashion

I'm so happy to have a four day weekend aaaand not have to be trapped in a car headed away for the weekend.  D.C. has nightmare traffic and although I would dearly love to be at the beach, I'm super happy to be spending time at home, planting some herbs and hanging out by the pool.  One of the best upgrades in moving into this apartment is that there is a community pool.  While I'm not one to sit and bake all day (what with being melanin challenged), I do like swimming around and reading magazines while I dry off.  Mr. 3 (who is not melanin challenged) may work on his tan (men are so lucky...they have far less concern about wrinkles) and will also come swim with me in the pool.  The pool is located in a different part of our complex, so we will have a short walk around the hood to get to our destination.  Some of our route to the pool is actually on public streets, so a cover up is  definitely necessary.  Here's my list of poolside fashion necessities:

Cover Up: I like to be cute, but tasteful....so no see through cover ups and my tush/lady bits should be covered.

Shoes: I also don't understand women who wear super high heels to the pool...seems dangerous, uncomfortable, and impractical.  If you are trying to grab the attention of a certain man, trust me a swim suit is enough...its basically socially acceptable underwear.  Opt for slide on shoe - a cute flat, flip flop, or shoe with a very, very, very small wedge (like an inch or less).  If you don't feel like your shoes will get destroyed and you want something that can take you from the pool to a nice dinner, invest in a nicer quality pair so it will be less to pack for vacation.  If you are headed to the beach, go for a cheap pair because inevitably sand + leather + salt water + $$$$ = sad beach bunny.

Accessories: Of course, no matter if you are melanin challenged or not, make sure to bring your hat and sunglasses...you'll need them for the hottest parts of the day and to shade your eyes while you try to catch up on your reading.  Definitely keep the hat cheap, it will probably get smushed at some point and it's going to cover your chlorine saturated head anyways.  World Market has some great options.  For sunglasses, it depends on your personality.  I have friends who refuse to buy expensive sunglasses because they lose them or squash them and they buy tons of pairs from Target, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx and keep them stashed all over the place.  I have purchased three pairs of expensive sunglasses, purchased at Nordstrom Rack, and I paid $50-$80 for each of them.  HOWEVER, (knock on wood), I have only lost one pair which I had for about three years before losing them.  I do keep one really cheap pair for playing in the ocean so if a wave knocks them off, no worries.  No matter which way you go, pick ones that cover a ton of your eyes to avoid sun damage.

Beach Bag: Finally, pick out a cute beach bag to tote all of your sunscreen, reading materials, ipod, etc.  Go cheap on these because you'll probably wind up spilling sunscreen or a drink and be really really really sad to see a stain on your $400 tote bag.  I suggest a contrasting but complimentary color to your cover up.

Overall Style:  Pick a style that goes with all your swimsuits: sexy (but not trashy), sporty, and preppy glam are all great choices!

Posh Purpose Cover Up Style for the Pool by poshpurpose featuring retro glasses

Tory Burch bohemian tunic / Victoria s Secret swim cover up / Blue pants / Flip flop sandals / Kate Spade white sandals / Forever 21 flip flops / Jute tote / Monsoon decorating bag / Forever 21 tote bag / J Crew palm hat / J Crew hat / J.Crew mirrored glasses / Twill Cotton Cap Mint / Retro glasses / Topshop plastic glasses

I really love those beach pants from Lilly Pulitzer.  I've tried them on in store and they are sooooo comfortable and lightweight, despite being long.  I suggest topping them off with a cheapy colored tank top from Walmart or Target.  The tassel on the aqua tote bag is also adorable and helps tie it back to the Tory Burch tunic preppy glam look.

There is no need to go out and buy a totally new outfit.  I haven't found a cute tote bag yet, but I bought a new cover up from World Market (which is my first since college! on sale for $25!) to match my red bathing suit I got from Nordstrom last year.  Even though it's cream colored, it's also lined so I don't have to worry about it being see through.  My hat is from American Eagle from two years ago and my silver flip flops are Lilly Pulitzer (which I got for free during one of their Endless Summer sales as part of a promotion).

Watching your pennies? Check out raise.com for discounted gift cards to get your poolside fashion on! You can also sell any unwanted gift cards you have lying about. Right now you can snag a Nordstrom gift card for up to more than 2% off the face value, or perhaps sell yours for over 97% face value depending on which way you are working the website. Combine that with Ebates 6% off Nordstrom purchases for a new bathing suit and you save enough money for good quality sunscreen, SPF 80! Our philosophy: more money saved = more fun sun hats. And wear sunscreen!


Check out our Posh Purpose Spray Tan Tips and World Market hat selection for completing your look!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend relaxing!

We are not being compensated by any of the stores or websites mentioned. We just love sharing (and hearing about!) favorite shopping habits.

We're Lovin: World Market Summer Hats

I was checking out all the new arrivals last week for summer at some of my favorite online shops.  Top of my list was World Market for budget friendly buys for summer entertaining.  While looking at these fun straws, food domes, great napkins, and great beach chairs, I also spotted a really cute hat for the summer.

Natural Fedora Hat with Turquoise Piping
$19.99
Image Source: World Market

I love the pop of color and the style is great for when you just want to throw your hair in a low pony tail or braid and head out the door.  World Market sent me a 10% off coupon, so I decided to pop in to check it out.  I noticed that they had a lot of great hat options for summer.  Here are a few of my other favorites:

Ivory and Blue Sunhat with Brown Cord
$16.99
Image Source: World Market

Mint Fedora Hat with Suede Tie
$16.99
Image Source: World Market

Black and Ivory Tribal Fedora Hat
$16.99
Image Source: World Market

Black Ribbon Havana Hat
$19.99
Image Source: World Market

The hat fit great and looked sooooooo cute!  Of course, the price was great too, and if it had been $3 cheaper, it could have been a $15 Happiness post.

Love love love this hat! Glad I found it and for such a great price.  Anybody else love a good hat for summer?

We're Lovin': J.Crew's Cove Floral Print

The J.Crew new arrivals popped up in my inbox yesterday and when I checked out the new arrivals, I instantly fell in love with the new Cove Floral print!  It's a great print to wear to the office paired with more structured pieces orrrrr you can totally where it on the weekend with pretty much anything.  I especially love that J.Crew made a variety of pieces in the print from all different fabrics.  There are lots of colors in the print that you can play off of, so even if you only buy one piece you probably already have something in your closet that goes with it.  The price points are all over the place $89.50 for cotton drawstring pants to $398 for a dress.  I would wait for a 25% or 30% off deal that J.Crew has been known to run...but J.Crew has been known to completely sell out of an item in the first week if it's really popular.  Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection, but there are more on the website (including girl's clothing!).  I've included some of the materials so you can see how diversified the collection is in the fabric area.

Sleeveless Drapey Top
Silk
$98
Image: J.Crew

J.Crew Collection Eaton Boy Short
Silk/Wool
$198
Image: J.Crew

Drawstring Pant
Cotton
$89.50
Image: J.Crew

Merino Silk Panel Sweater
$118
Image: J.Crew

Bandeau Tank
$98
Image: J.Crew

Aren't they great?  J.Crew has styled them all sorts of different ways, but I'm definitely in love with the swimsuit, the sleeveless shirt, and the drawstring pants (how comfortable!).  I also really need to find out where that striped clutch in the first picture came from, because it doesn't not appear to be sold through J.Crew.  

Anyone else loving this print as much as I am?

Posh Purpose Review: SJP Collection at Nordstrom

I have been a fan of Sex and the City and Sarah Jessica Parker's style (both on screen and off screen) for a long time!  That's why I was super excited to see her new collection debut at Nordstrom this past week.  I was expecting to see lots of beautiful shoes with a few pairs that were completely over the top.  I also thought the shoes would be mid-range in price and probably not the best materials or country of origin (i.e. made in China).  I was pretty much wrong about everything except the price, so I have a mixed bag of feelings.

I found the collection to be mostly boring basics of shoes I've seen before and with nothing coming close to being over the top.  Shoe prices ranged from $200-$425 and the collection also offers one clutch handbag in five colors for $245 and one trench coat in two colors for $495.  The leather shoes are made in Italy, so score 1 for nice materials and country of origin.  However, the handbag and coat are listed as "imported" which usually means a country other than Italy, Brazil, Spain, or Portugal.  There are plenty of nice clothes from other countries, but my bigger problem with this collection is that it is so...lackluster.  I was expecting a little more Manolo Blahnik and a little less Man This is Blah.  I'm sure that SJP would wear any of the shoes she has in her collection, but I was expecting to see shoes as equally fab as the ones she wears on the red carpet...and we just didn't get it.  There is only one pair in the collection I truly do not like, but there is also only one shoe I would consider buying unless I just needed to replace a basic black pump or something similar.

                   

'Bobbie' Sandal
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker
$365
Source: Nordstrom

The one handbag in the collection isn't anything special, but I do love the trench coat.  It has a great shape and nice trim.

'Manhattan' Grosgrain Trim Skirted Trench Coat

SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker
$495
Source: Nordstrom

BUT for the price, it is quite the investment and I think there are either less expensive options out there at places like Banana Republic orrr if you do want to make an investment, I would keep saving those pennies and put them towards a Burberry trench which lasts forever (seriously, the English make specific bequests in their wills to pass them on to the next generation).

Maybe the next season will have better choices, but for now I'm just a bit disappointed.  Anyone else checked out the collection?  What do you think?

Oscar Loves

I'm a huge fan of anything involving sparkles and diamonds, who isn't?  The Oscars combine all the glamour and glitz that a girl could ask for...I can't imagine being an actress (especially a talented one worthy of the Oscar recognition), but I wouldn't mind putting on (or being sewn into) one of those fab dresses!  Here are a few of my fav looks from the Oscar red carpet...even if these movie stars didn't win they look amazing!

First up are my picks for the ladies who looked as glitzy and golden as the statue itself!  Love love love Cate Blanchett's look with all those petals (which I bet were hand sewn on)...but I feel like this petaled look has been done before and it also reminds me a bit of a wedding dress.  HOWEVER, she looks fab and her earrings are gorgeous.

Cate Blanchett
Image Source: Harpers Bazaar

Kristin Chenoweth's dress is so well fitted and she looks so glam.  I love the detail on her dress.

Kristin Chenoweth
Image Source: Oscars Website

OMG.  Goldie Hawn looks beautiful.  Usually, I want to rip the little shoulder sleeves off on dresses like this, but the beads are great way to give a bit more coverage (not that she needs it in my personal opinion).

Goldie Hawn
Image Source: E! Online

Next up, are my favorite dresses from the Red Carpet.  Kate Hudson - like mother, like daughter right?  Gorgeous!  Even though she has a neckline to her navel, the rest of her is all covered up.  I saw her present an award and you can tell much better close up, but the dress is covered in a beautiful beaded pattern.

Kate Hudson
Image Source: E! Online

Sandra Bullock is hands down one of my favorite actresses and looks so amazing in this dress.  The dress itself is on the plainer side, but the draping, quality of fabric, and fit make the dress (something we should all keep in mind when shopping!).  I also thought she had the best hair and makeup!

Sandra Bullock
Image Source: E! Online

Finally, I looooooooooooooved this dress on Lupita.  This was by far the most "fresh" look I saw on the red carpet.  The style is something we have seen before, but the color looks so good on her!  The only thing I would have changed would be to give her a pink lip rather red.

Lupita Nyong'o
Image Source: E! Online

On to the sparkles....hands down my favorite jewelry was on Naomi Watts.  That NECKLACE.....to DIE for!  I have no idea how many carats are hanging around her neck and frankly, I zoned out when she was on the Red Carpet when she was giving out the details...I was too busy drooling.  I looked it up later and found out it's by Bulgari.

Naomi Watts
Image Source: E! Online

Finally, even though women's fashion is waaaay more interesting than the men on the Red Carpet, I have to say Matthew McConaughey was the most handsome hunkiest hunk of a man at the Red Carpet (and that was even before he won Best Actor!).  Even cuter...he brought not only his pretty wife, but his mom as well...awwwwwwwww!

Matthew McConaughey
Image Source: E! Online

Who else was watching last night?  Did I miss anyone fab?  Give us your picks in the comments section below!

We're Lovin: Gap Printed Pointy Flats

I love the smoking loafer trend that is going on right now, but I'm not quite sure it is a shoe style that will enjoy more than a few years of popularity.  I've had my eyes on a few different pairs, but most of them have been on the pricier side ($150+) and I've been holding off on any purchases.  Then I saw these babies:

Printed Pointy Flats
$39.95
Image Source: Gap

I love love love the print on these flats! The cut across the top suggests smoking loafer, but I think these might be a bit more flattering on us short girls because of the pointed toe which helps to visually elongate your legs.  At $40, these are definitely doable for a shoe that might just be a short lived trend.  I plan on looking for a coupon code, taking advantage of any free shipping offers, shopping through Ebates, and adding these to my shoe collection very shortly so that I can wear them this spring.  I'm hoping I can get these for at least 20% off and get two years of wear out of them.  They will be super cute with capris, pants, and even casual skirts.  If you like the shape, but aren't crazy about the print, Gap has five other prints to choose from.

Anybody else looking forward to spring and summer wardrobe?  I'm about tired of wearing the same sweaters aaaalll the time.

We're Lovin': Kate Spade Jackie Capris

I can't wait for warm weather and being warm enough to expose a sliver of skin...you know, like a neck, a collarbone, an ankle!  I'm hoping that the stars will align and the warmer temps will coincide with these pants going on super sale, because I am in love:

Kate Spade Scalloped Hem Jackie Capri
$248
Image Source: Kate Spade

These pants would be great for any wardrobe, but especially mine!  I wear capris spring-fall and I will sport them in the office, out with friends, or on a date with Mr. 3.  No new shoes or tops required, they already go with a great deal of my wardrobe.  Posh Purpose is totally lovin' these pants!

We're Lovin': Beaded Flats

Through my regular Internet trolling for fashion, I come across quite a few lust worthy clothing that I would love to have in my mythical fantasy closet (which involves a chandelier, a island for the closet with all my jewelry displayed, and soft, magical lighting so I would always look refreshed and glowing - like I said mythical).

So, welcome to our new fashion series: We're Lovin'!  The idea behind the series is to showcase the items that we would L-O-V-E to see show up in our closets or yours!  First up, these super fun smoking slippers from Arhaus Jewels:

Twinkle Toes Shoes
Arhaus Jewels
Originally $198 on sale for $168  (but they are offering an additional 30% off!)

When I first saw these shoes, I thought oh, practical grey flats...then I saw this image:

Image Source: Arhaus Jewels

THEN I thought, super fun, shimmery beaded flats!  If you go to the website and zoom in, you can see the detail of the many many many teeny tiny beads that make up these flats.  According to Arhaus Jewels, these flats are made from caviar beads and trimmed with metallic leather at the back.  The inside is also lined and has a padded foot bed.

These would be super cute with any type of legging, skinny pant, or even a casual skirt and tights.  What a fun way to dress up your trips to the mall, running errands, and having lunch with friends.  What do you think?  Send us what you're lovin', we <3 reader photos!

Briana's Fantasy Wish List

Melinda and I thought it would be fun to create our fantasy wish lists along with our other Christmas gift guides. Our only rules were the items needed to be at least as expensive as a car and no more than the price of a yacht.

1. I totally need a 1968 Stingray Corvette. I will also need a chauffeur to drive J and any guests in a separate car because I'm pretty sure fitting a second person inside the Stingray is a difficult task.

2. Tiffany prints their Blue Book every year before Christmas. It is full of gorgeous and over the top pieces, but I legitimately believe I could find a way to wear this Tiffany headpiece. Grocery store, vacuuming, blogging - all would be improved with the diamond and pearl headpiece.

3. Even though I don't have a house, I really want this art deco door. I have no info on the history of the door, so please let me know if you do!

4. I love this Alexander McQueen peplum gown. You really need to click on the link so you can zoom in on the peplum crystals.

5. My grandmother gave me her mother's every day silver plate flatware along with my veil for my wedding gift. She also gave me a gold set that coordinates with my fine china. I want to add to my collection with a sterling set, preferably Grand Baroque Wallace.

Enjoy this post? You can check out Melinda's fantasy wish list, too!

What to Wear: Bags, Shoes, and Jewelry - Oh My!

 This is our last installment of our What to Wear series Christmas edition!  I wanted to give y'all my fav picks for bags, shoes, and jewelry.  Briana has been giving hers as she goes, but I love my accessories more than I love my clothes a lot of the times...so I'm giving them their own moment in the spotlight!

If you are watching your pennies and can't afford a brand new outfit, consider buying a few accessories to liven up what you've already got in your closet.  You can either go with one bold statement piece or a few more subtle options.  The holidays are a great time to find fun and limited editions with a bit of glam to them.

For the handbags, I am absolutely, positively in love with the Coiled Geo Clutch from Anthropologie! I saw it in the store on Black Friday and it was probably a good thing the line to check out was wrapped around the store.  Gorgeous!  Totally wearable with all manner of sparkly things, but also great for 2014 with jeans.  I also couldn't believe the prices on the other handbags!  The black Zara bag would be great for any event and I would totally wear the yellow bow bag from Anthropologie to a casual girl's night.  Great finds and decent prices!

MINAUDIÉRE WITH METAL RIM

$59.90

Image Source: Zara

Damask Scroll Clutch
$68
Image Source: Anthropologie

Fringed Fanfare Clutch
$78
Image Source: Anthropologie

Bowfold Velvet Clutch
$68
Image Source: Anthropologie

Coiled Geo Clutch
$128
Image Source: Anthropologie

By far, my favorite pick of my favorite picks for shoes has to be the Kate Spade feather shoes - love, love, love!  Also, if you have a pair of basic heels that already work for you (i.e. great shape, comfortable, broken in), try the shoe clips that I spotted at J.Crew.  I saw them in store and they are beautiful!  It's also a great way to head straight from work to an even without having to lug an extra pair of shoes around (there are also two more choices at J.Crew if you need more options).  The wedges and the studded pumps look the most comfortable to me.  I have a serious crush on the studded bows!  So perfect for a casual get together or even church service.  The Zara heels are by far the best value for the amount of flash you're getting!

Maisie Wedge
$150
Image Source: Banana Republic

Sparkly High Heeled Shoe
$89.90
Image Source: Zara

Etta Suede Studded Pumps
$298
Image Source: J.Crew

Lulu Frost for J.Crew Shoe Clips
$98
Image Source: J.Crew

Kate Spade Lilo Pump
$350
Image Source: Nordstrom

These are two of the lower priced necklaces I spotted online - can't believe $30 for one!  Also, suprisingly, Talbots has very affordable jewelry (and usually a sale) with modern style and lower price points than say Kate Spade.  The J.Crew earrings are absolutely gorgeous and totally different!  I think it's a new take on a chandelier earring - lots of sparkle and long in length, but totally fresh!

Crystal Bib Necklace
$29.90
Image Source: Nordstrom

Pave Flower Necklace
$79.50
Image Source: Talbots

Resin Arrowhead Earrings
$75
Image Source: J.Crew

What do you think?  Spot anything great here or elsewhere?  Let us know what you're wearing this season!