Happy Halloween: Costume Edition

No matter how old I get, there is still a part of me that wishes I was spending October 31st in an adorable (not skanky!) costume, heading from house to house with my friends and filling our pillowcases with candy. Finding the subdivision that handed out the king size Snickers was the #1 on the list...and the house that handed out toothbrushes was last.

Here are some of my favorite Halloween looks from the past. Happy Hauntings!

Clockwise: Deal or No Deal, Clue, Party Animals, Nerds 

Clever group & couple costumes are so much fun - What is your favorite costume from the past?

#Kaitlyn

Because Lisa Went Out for Dinner

I found this dress on Because I Shop too Much and it was love at first click. :)

Here is how I styled it for a dinner out with the family:

 

Dress: Because I Shop Too Much- Carly's Closet, Boots: Dolce Vita, Necklace: Threadsence, Chain Ring: Tiffany & Co, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules

 

I'm very into shirt dresses lately because they are super cozy and can easily be dressed up or down.

I decided to pair my new-to-me dress with a flat boot and mix silver and gold jewelry. What do you think? Do you own many causal dress that can be worn for any occasion?

 

# Lisa



Rocked it & Swapped it

This is one of my favorite swaps with Lisa to date - The minute I saw her in this shift dress from LOFT, I decided I either had to head over and purchase it myself or request it in my next friendswap bag and keep it (forever)

She looks amazing with the pink lip and necklace combo, so I tried to mix it up with some emerald blue and nude belt, perfect for the wedding I attended.

Let's not forget how I continued to accessorize the dress throughout the evening... I think the hat makes it ;)

#Kaitlyn

Friday's Featured Closet: Accessory Overload

Two lovely ladies, Sarah & Lindsey, have featured closets this week that scream gorgeous shoulder and neck wear. When shopping Sarah's closet, 3 words stand out: Marc Jacobs & Coach....and as a gal who loves a good deal, I'm even happier to see the "knock off" tag attached to these babies. The quilted blue MJ with the chain strap? Lust.

Lindsey is also selling an adorable quilted lime purse and LOFT wallet that's cute for fall, but let's be honest: the fringe necklace would be killer with a plunging neckline for the holidays ;)

Which item will you buy/swap?

#SistersMarie

Rocked it & Swapped it

Now that we've almost reached November, it's nice to revert back to those warm and sunny summer photos. I feel like a black maxi dress is a wardrobe staple (for all seasons). Kaitlyn rocked this look by mixing neutrals and adding a pop of turquoise and gold with the bangle...Add that with the braided bun and sunnies to make the perfect for a hot day.

I styled the dress for an evening out and added a silver staple necklace, fringe bag, and a teal wedge:

Kaitlyn: Dress (similar) (similar): Discovery, Bangle: J Good, Belt: Forever21

Lisa: Necklace: Baublebar, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Bag: C/O Just Fabulous

 I have since bought my own black maxi because I had to (like a good sister) give her the dress back! Here's to warm thoughts on a cold autumn day ;)

#Lisa

Because Lisa Hosted a Pampered Chef Event

I hosted a Pampered Chef party last week and this is what I wore:

Dress and belt: Piperlime, Boots: Dolce Vita, Necklace: Threadsence, Bracelet: Baublebar, Ring: House of Harlow 1960, Lip color: Blue Raspberry by Bobbi Brown

 Here are a few shots from the cooking show:

 

We cooked, ate, drank, and ordered lots of new goodies for our kitchens. I had a wonderful time and I hope all who made it out did too!

Have you ever hosted a cooking show? This was my first one, but I can totally see myself doing another! ;)

# Lisa

Because Kaitlyn Went to a Cooking Party

This blouse has been hanging in my closet for a few weeks now and I've been dying to wear it. I love everything from the silk material to the subtle bow detail. When I saw photos of the Kirna Zabete line for Target, I didn't waste any time getting there to pick up this floral top and the perfect leather leggings.

Top: Kirna Zabete for Target, Jeans: LOFT, Booties: Just Fab, Watch: Nordstrom, Wrist wrap: Swap w/Lisa (Kristin Hassan)

I would also like to introduce you to my new favorite booties...they go with everything! 

Post on the cooking party to follow.... :)

#Kaitlyn

Fall Under 50

My fashion obsessed girlfriend and I talk daily about closet pieces we're dying to own but simply cannot justify spending the money on. We often fill up our "carts" on our favorite sites, only to leave empty-handed and receive those "you forgot something!" emails. 

So! I thought it would be helpful to create a fall wish-list, where everything is under $50. Time to fill up those carts...

1. Yellow Blouse: $31.00

2. Polka dot skirt: $27.00

3.Quilted Bag: $44.00

4. Chambray top: $39.50

5.Aztec Skirt: $29.00

6.Fringe bag: $49.95

7. Grey knit top: $35.00

8.Leather Skirt: $32.00

9.Cross body clutch: $30.00

10.Leopard Blouse: $43.81

11.Peplum skirt: $44.00

12.Oxblood clutch: $28.00

Clearly my mind is on showing off some leg...Happy Savings! 

#Kaitlyn

Friday's Featured Closet

This weeks featured closet belongs to 3 different people!

Since they all only have a few items in their closets, we decided to combine them. ;)

Here are a few of our favorite items from Cory, Ashley, and Michelle's closets on Because I Shop too Much:

Happy shopping!! And don't forget, only 12 days left of our October contest.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Rocked it & Swapped it

I was green with envy for this Just Fab bag of Lisa's because I don't own anything similar and it's the perfect cross body bag. I know fall is all about burnt orange, oxblood and deep purple, but sometimes it takes something that's the color of money to truly make you feel like a million bucks ;)

Note: This bag is now for sale on BISTM, so don't waste another minute ;)

#Kaitlyn

Because Kaitlyn Took Engagement Photos

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love pictures and everything about them: shooting, posing, editing, printing, framing, learning, etc so I was ecstatic to spend a day with my fiance and our fabulous wedding photographers. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather or a nicer couple to enjoy the day with. 

I kept it simple with two outfit changes, both fairly casual as I wanted the pictures to reflect our every day selves.

Outfit 1: Dress: H&M, Necklace: J Crew (eBay version), Watch: Nordstrom, Sandals: DSW

Outfit 2: Tank: Target, Jeans: H&M, Necklace: Just Fab, Sandals: Old Navy

The statement necklace in both outfits is my favorite part. What do you think?

Get the look:

#Kaitlyn

Because Lisa Loves Blouses

As a stay-at-home mom, I can wear whatever I want day to day, but lately I swear I have a uniform...blouses! Here is what I wore on a beautiful fall day:

Top: Loft (similar)(similar), Jeans: 7 for all Mankind, Bag and Heels: C/O Just Fab, Necklace: Pree Brulee, Love bracelet: Etsy (similar) (similar)

As a woman and mother in my 30's, I find myself drawn to blouses for all occasions, as well as for everyday wear. This was not the case for me in my 20's at all! I wore mini skirts, tight tops, and dresses (and let's be honest, I still wear these types of looks from time to time, but not as much as I used to). 

Anyone else finding that their style is changing with age? I hope the answer is YES! Can you imagine what we would look like if we all ran around in what looked good on us at 21?! 

#Lisa

Behind the Seams: A Family Birthday Party

Here are a few outtakes from our family party a few weeks ago:



These photos are always my favorites! I love going through my camera after a mini shoot with Kaitlyn and laughing at how many we look completely absurd in or have the funniest smirks. In this shoot, I forgot my coat was on and had to rapid fire take it off! It made for some funny photos indeed!

Love blogging with my sister-in-law! ;)

#Lisa

Friday's Featured Closet

This weeks featured closet belongs to Jackie. She has clothing in sizes S-L and size 9 shoes. Here are a few of our favorite pieces:

 



Also, don't forget October's contest, only 19 days left to sell the most items on Because I shop too Much! Happy shopping and have a wonderful weekend.

 

#Sisters Marie

Rocked it & Swapped it

Sometimes even the smallest things like a ponytail or the color of accessories can completely change the look of a closet staple, which I now consider Peplum to be for this season.

I have a "thing" about wanting my clothes to be fairly fitted, so I wasn't sure if I would like the way flare you get from Peplum (and I still can't get on board with this even though she's brilliant), but this top is one of my new favorites: It's flattering AND perfect for eating a big meal: what could be better?

Kaitlyn: Top: Zara, Pants: H&M(similar), Flats: GoJane (similar), Watch: Nordstrom

Lisa: Top: Zara (similar), Pants: 7 for all Mankind, Shoes: Lulus (similar), Bag: Michael Kors, Jacket: C/O Sheinside, Wrist Wrap: Kristin Hassan, Bracelets: Baublebar/Jewelmint/C/O T plus J Designs, Sunnies: Loft

Can't wait to purchase my own and style it with a leather jacket and scarf for the chilly nights :)

What is your take on Peplum?

#Kaitlyn

Because Lisa went to the Movies

The hubbs and I loaded up the kiddos and headed for Finding Nemo at the movie theater.

Since both kids had already seen the movie it made it harder to keep them wanting to sit through the movie, but that's what popcorn and candy is for right?! ;)

Here is what I wore for my family day:

Top: Target, Jeans: C/O Just Fab, Boots: Dolce Vita, Coat: Victoria's Secret, Sunnies: MNG by Mango, Ring: House of Harlow, Watch: Swap w/ Kaitlyn 

I am LOVING this color denim. I used my referral credits to get these jeans from Just Fab and I couldn't be happier...I think this was the perfect casual look for family day.

#Lisa



Downers Grove Girls Night Out

Downtown Downers Grove recently hosted their 8th Annual "Girls Night Out" which is a great excuse to enjoy a night of shopping and dining! All of town's unique boutiques and delicious restaurants hosted hosted sales, massages, demonstrations, and my personal favorite, free wine tastings ;) 

We enjoyed our stop at "Jeans & a Cute Top Shop," the new boutique which was the perfect place for 3 of us women with varying ages, as the store has a broad selection of items, allowing us all to spy something we wanted to try on. They have a great jean inventory and offer personal denim fittings to find the best style for  you - Yes, please!

We ended the night with a stop at Paperworks to get ideas for wedding invites and a delicious cosmo at Zest. Success!

Will you be checking out Jeans & a Cute Top Shop?

#Kaitlyn

Because Kaitlyn had a Date Night

I have been on a jean purchasing frenzy lately and this pair tops my list - All women know how hard it is to find a pair that fits like it was made for you, so I was a happy camper to find a perfect match with this pair from Just Fab. The best part about them? They're pretty long which is a nice change of pace from everything that is about 2 inches short on me;) I look forward to dressing them up with heels or down with flats.

Top: LOFT, Necklace: c/o Baublebar , Jeans: Just Fab, Shoes: DSW, Watch: Nordstrom

In other news, I now own a LOFT credit card. Bank account, I apologize ahead of time.

#Kaitlyn

Friday's Featured Closet

This weeks featured closet belongs to Kristin. Her closet, "Fashion & Football" is filled with dresses and tanks in fun prints, but I think the cutest item is the metallic satchel from DSW. Over sized purses are necessary in every girl's life, but it's even better when it's a steal at $12. Here are a few of our favorite items she currently has up for sale:

Yes ladies, that is an authentic Coach purse set for only $74. If that doesn't make your weekend, I don't know what will. Happy Friday!

#SistersMarie

Rocked it & Swapped it

I bought this teal maxi  at Forever 21 in May and it was love at first sight! Razor back, double layer detail at the bottom, lightweight...what's not to love? Here is how I styled it when I went out to dinner with a fellow blogger:

Dress & Belt: Forever 21 (similar), Bag: C/O Just Fabulous, Watch: Fossil, Necklace: Forever 21, Sunnies: MNG by Mango, Bracelet: Kristin Hassan

When Kaitlyn wore the dress, she layered it with a tank underneath (um, brilliant!) and added a pink statement necklace. This look was perfect for the afternoon cosmetic event we attended. I love how she changed up the style and plan to try something similar next time for sure.

Dress: Forever 21 (similar), Belt: Target, Necklace: J.Crew, Watch: Kristin Hassan, Shoes: Old Navy

What do you think? Can you wear a maxi dress for both day and night events?

#Lisa

Because Lisa Likes to Layer/Rock & Swap

Kaitlyn owns this amazing high low hem blouse (seen in outfit post here) and when we swapped, I had no idea how I'd style it. Let's be honest, her outfit was epic! ;) I decided I'd step out of the box and wear the top as a vest layered over a dress.

Dress: BCBGmaxazria, Top: Discovery , Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Chain Bracelet: Banana Republic,  Gold and black bangles: Baublebar, Red Cuff: House of Harlow, Necklace: Jewelmint, Sunnies: Loft (similar)

I was loving these layers! This dress can be a bit dressy, but the vest dressed it down a bit. Add some killer jewelry and a 6 inch heel and call it a day! What do you think? 

#Lisa

Behind the Seams: Business Dinner

We recently met up for a business dinner with a side of sister chats and of course, we both showed up in leopard. It's really not surprising since animal print seems to be taking over both of our closets lately, but I'm sure the waiter thought we were crazy and/or really into cats...

I'm sure fellow bloggers can understand the embarrassment of taking photos in public ;)  Any good stories?

#SistersMarie

October Contest!

The nameplate is an $88 value, measures 0.325" in height and the material used is 14kt gold-plated sterling silver

Remember, to post your closet link on social media, you need to sign out of the site and then find your profile page. From there you simply copy and paste the URL at the top of the page!

The sales totals will be counted on November 1st and the winner will be notified by email (and the blog of course!) Good Luck! 

#SistersMarie