Labor Day Love

Who doesn't love a 3-day weekend, especially when it's one of the last excuses for a BBQ, swimming and s'mores that we'll have for awhile? (yes, my winter depression has already set in). I will be spending it at the lake with my family, fiance and a few bottles of wine. We also have our engagement shoot on Sunday...Can't wait to share the photos with you!

What are your big plans?

Shirt: Bestseller

Cardigan: Romwe

Shorts: Allyfashion

Hat: Black.co

Love the stripes + bow combo with a slouchy sweater for those cool nights...

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

Kaitlyn has this amazing animal print maxi dress that I have been watching her wear for 2 summers now. I finally asked to swap it after I saw her rocking it at this bachelorette party because we all know that I love me a great maxi after all...Kaitlyn: Dress: Francesca's (similar) (similar), Shoes: DSW, Sunnies: Target, Watch: Nordstrom

Lisa: Wrist Wrap and Watch: Kristin Hassan, Hat: Shop in Las Vegas, Sunnies: Michael Kors, Necklace: T plus J Designs

What do you think of an animal print maxi? After wearing one, I feel like everyone needs to have at least one in their wardrobe, no?! ;) 

#Lisa

Because Lisa Went out For Dinner

I recently discovered this amazing gluten-free and vegan restaurant about 10 minutes from my house. This night we loaded up the fam and headed over for a nice dinner out.
This is what I wore:

Dress: Threadsence, Bag: Rachel Zoe, Shoes: Target, Watch: Fossil, Bracelet: Etsy, Ring: J Good, Necklace: ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service

Since it was 90 degrees out, the tube dress was a must! There was also no way my bangs were going to cooperate so I pinned them back and braided the sides up. I'd say it was a stylish way to beat the heat for sure. ;)

What do you think? Every braid and pin up the front of your hair to not deal with the inevitable sweaty mess?

#Lisa

Because I Rented the Runway

I've been a fan of Rent the Runway and its genius plan since the site debuted: A place where us style obsessed ladies can feel like fashion royalty for a weekend at a reasonable price tag....what's not to love? Life got even better when I received a free rental code for any dress of my choice. I had been staring at this coral Trina Turk for months and I had a pink themed bridal shower to attend that weekend, so there was no better time.

Dress: Rent the Runway, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: C/O Baublebar

By the way, "Spike it how you like it" - Brilliant?

Have you ever Rented the Runway? How was your experience?

#Kaitlyn

Bobbi Brown Event

This weekend we were invited by the lovely ladies of Style Juncture to test out the new fall makeup line from Bobbi Brown at the 900 shops on Michigan. Not only did we get to chat with some adorable bloggers but we all got our makeup done and came home with some great new colors that we can't wait to transition into the cooler weather. 

Dress: Forever21 (Swap with Lisa) , Necklace: J Crew (via eBay), Watch: Kristin Hassan, Belt: Forever 21, Sandals: Old Navy

Bobbi Brown Wristbands (And freckled arms...are we sure we're not blood-related?) 

Going for a natural smokey look

Planning on an evening look

Product Girl & MK Sportsanista excited for their turn in the chair

Happy girls with our new faces ;-)

Thanks to Jess & Jill for including us and Bobbi Brown for our amazing new lipstick, Rose Blossom.

*Head over to Stilettos and Diaper Bags to see Lisa's outfit post and her photos from the event.

 

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

I saw this photo of Kaitlyn back in July of last year and knew I needed to borrow this dress. How stunning does she look?! I finally asked her in August to borrow it and she gladly added it to my friendswap bag!

Dress: Francesca's, Bag: Coach, Earrings: Francesca's

 Not sure why, but I felt like a light mint colored dress needed to be worn in early summer/mid summer, not early fall which is when I borrowed it. (YES, Kaitlyn let me keep this dress in my closet for almost 1 year!)

I FINALLY wore it for a early dinner date with the hubby in late June...

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), Watch and Earrings: Kristin Hassan, Sunnies: Loft

What do you think? Is mint just for spring/early summer or can it be worn year round?

#Lisa

Because Lisa Loves Everyday Wear

We got together on Monday for a family dinner with the in-laws and this is what I wore:

Top: Because I Shop too Much -Kaitlyn's closet, Tank: JC Penny, Jeans: 7 for all mankind, Necklace & Watch: Kristin Hassan, Earrings: C/O Baublebar, Ring: C/O Sole Society, Shoes: Target, Bag: Threadsence (sold out, but found it at this store)

I love me some good everyday wear. I wore this outfit all day, but added the ring and wedges when it was time to head out the door. So glad I found this top on Because I shop too much. $7? Yes please!  

What do you think about everyday wear? Do you ever add statement jewelry to punch up a look you've been wearing all day?

#Lisa



Behind the Seams

We rarely go anywhere without our cameras and a trained eye for a surprise photo opp location so this our recent dinner date was no different. We're guessing all the 5 o'clock commuters from the train enjoyed watching our silliness unfold...Who wouldn't, right? :)

#SistersMarie

My New Bag is Just Fab!

Fact: I have a love affair with over-sized bags, especially when they're adorned with gold hardware. My fiance constantly questions the need for such a large purse: "Honestly, what do you need to carry in there?" If he only knew...  ;)

This Just Fab bag is my newest love that I plan to wear all autumn long paired with leggings,  over-sized sweaters and riding boots. It's the perfect size for weekend trips to the lake, plane rides for work or a plain ole Tuesday.

Bag: Just Fab, Shirt: Discovery, Jeans: H&M, Shoes: DSW, Sunnies: Target

Watch: Nordstrom, Bracelet: Forever 21

Do you prefer your purses S, M or L?

P.S. Check back tomorrow for a few out-takes from our mini photo shoot :)

#Kaitlyn

Dream Shopping: ASOS

Lately I can NOT even go to the ASOS website because I feel like I want everything! The great part is ASOS is not super pricey so you don't feel bad when you want to shop...which ends up being both good and bad (good for me, bad to explain to the hubby). And OF COURSE the items that are over $100 I always want too....figures!

Here are a few items I am crushing over currently:

Floral Midi $198.84


Black Strappy Dress in Print $215.41

Mid Heel Leather boot $91.14

Midi Dress in Spot Print $46.40

Full Skirt with Paper bag waist $58

Lips Sweater $53.02

Silk and Mesh shirt Dress $98.59

Moving dial heart Watch $33.14

Denim Dress $66.28

Shirt in black rose Floral $23.20

What do you guys think? Are you a fan of ASOS?

#Lisa

Rocked it & Swapped it

I love clothing items with subtle details that make them stand out, so this Express top with sheer sleeves  automatically caught my eye. I recently wore it to a family party with white shorts but I love the way Lisa styled it with her black statement necklace and yellow cocktail ring. Not to mention this color blue is one of my favorites and may very well be popping up in my wedding scheme ;)

Kaitlyn: Top (Express on sale!), Shorts: H&M, Bracelets: Gifted from Thailand

Lisa: Jeans: Gap, Necklace: T plus J designs, Ring: Guilty Star 

#Kaitlyn

BISTM: Storage Organization Upgrade

I previously did a tutorial on a good way to store your Because I Shop Too Much items that are for sale in your home. I'm not sure if you have recently checked out my personal closet, but between me and the hubby we have almost 200 items up for sale. That, my friends, is a lot of items to store! The shelves just weren't cutting it any longer so we went with a bit of an upgrade. I headed over to Target and bought a new wardrobe rack, and a deluxe wardrobe rack with shelves. 

Here are the before and after shots:


This works much better! Plus, it gave me a great excuse to clean the heck out of my front room. There are no longer dry cleaned items hanging off my book shelves and now all items are hanging (i.e. less wrinkles) and they have their own place. I think this works better for me, as well as the buyers of my items. Now you all know I take good care of them until they find a new home ;)



What do you think of my storage upgrade? My hubby says I need another room. I say we need to move and then I need an office/closet! ;)

*You may also notice the amount of FriendSwap Bags. Less then 13 sets left for sale. Get yours before they are sold out!

#Lisa

Because Kaitlyn found the Perfect Colored Jeans

I have been really into mint and coral color schemes this year, but haven't always been a fan of taking it as far as colored jeans because I find them difficult to match. I do own a few pairs (coral and blush) and I often "like" photos of them on Pinterest, but I haven't felt totally comfortable in a pair until these. 

This is my third pair of jeans from H&M that I absolutely love - They are the best fit because they have just the right amount of stretch and I love I can roll them up for sandals/heels. 

1) Jeans: H&M (Similar), Tank: H&M

2) Jeans: H&M (Similar), Tank: Old Navy

Bracelet: Kristin Hassan, Watch: Nordstrom

What is your take on the colored jeans trend? Can you take it into Fall?

#Kaitlyn

Mirror Mirror On the Wall...

Going through my iPhone photos made me realize that I frequently pull a Cher from Clueless and rely on photos to be the true test for how an outfit looks. Whether I'm trying on outfits in the dressing room or snapping the occasional cliched mirror photo, these are fun to look back on. 

"A watch doesn't really go with this outfit, daddy."

Does anyone else have a slew of these on their phone? Now if only we all had that remote-controlled closet...

                                                                      #Kaitlyn

Because Lisa Braided Everyone's Hair

When I was younger I always wanted my hair braided. So...I taught myself how to braid my own hair. Which is why when I braid other people's hair it is always inside out style. That is not on purpose people! ;) It's actually harder for me to do regular french braids on people because of this (I can do them, I just have to think more about it!).

Now-a-days all you have to do is go to YOUTUBE and there are tutorials on how to do pretty much any type of style you want, I even have tutorials on there too! Do I sound old yet? (Kids these days have it so good! lol) So it only makes sense that when I am at a family party sleepover and it's about 100 degrees, I braid everyone's hair. Here are the styles I went with:

Top Left: Me and a braided bun, Top Right: Kaitlyn: French braided pigtails pinned up

Bottom Left: Keri: French braided pig tails pinned up, Bottom Right: Laura: Braided top knot

We all beat the heat and looked cute doing so. What's your favorite braid?

#Lisa

Rocked it & Swapped it

As soon as I saw photos of Kaitlyn in this dress I knew I needed to borrow it. It's so simple yet chic. Here is how Kaitlyn styled it:

Dress: Target (similar), Shoes: Lulus, Bow Bracelet: Loft (similar)

I loved how the dress looked with her hair up, so I went with a very similar look (up do, nude shoe). I felt very Breakfast at Tiffany's in this dress. And lets be honest, what's not to love about feeling like Audrey Hepburn?! ;)

Dress: Target (similar), Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Clutch and Sunnies: C/O Just Fabulous, Cuff: Kristin Hassan, Earrings: Kate Spade

#Lisa

Dream Shopping: Kaitlyn

I love my neutrals just as much as I love a pop of color. There's something about soft grey tones that's so comforting, and as much as I love fashion, I love being comfortable even more.

1. Kelsi Dagger gray peep-toe bootie

2. Adina Mills Design Sparkly Pyrite Cluster Ring

3. Ivanka Trump Crystal Top Tote  (Update: I just ordered a similar bag from Just Fab, can't wait to show you all!)

4. AllSaints Embellished Pipali Dress

5. Sam Edelman Beatrix Flat

We now have a problem because I think I need all 5 of these items in my closet STAT. Which is your favorite? 

#Kaitlyn

Because Lisa Spent the Day Outside

Dress and Sandals: Victoria's Secret, Sunnies: Loft (similar and under $6) (similar), Hat: Charming Charlie (similar)

Here is a great example of something to do with day 3 hair! Nothing helps hide the fact you should be washing your hair like a braid and a hat. ;) (I generally do top knots on day 3 as well.)

We were having another beautiful Chicago weather day and me and the kids spent the afternoon in the sun. Of course I didn't get to sit or actually relax as I have 2 kids under 4, but at least I can still get sun as I chase them around. And who says I can't look cute doing so?! What is your go-to look for hanging outside in the yard?

*Like my shoes? They are currently for sale in my closet!

#Lisa