Friday, May 31, 2013

The Look for Less

Florals and prints are so much fun for summer. Dress them up like Rihanna with gorgeous heels or down with a sweet cardigan (perfect for air conditioned offices!) like Taylor Swift. 

Rock this trend with a cute, affordable option from Lisa's closet.

Some of our other favorite floral looks from BISTM:

 See an item you like? Request a swap with the seller!

#SistersMarie

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Fab Kids

If someone were to ask us where we bought a clothing item, there is a good chance that the answer would be "Just Fab." As big fans of the brand, we were excited to find about about the launch of Just Fab Kids and Lisa jumped on board right away so her little bean could pick out her own styles too.

Each month, you'll find new outfits styled just for your girl and every outfit includes 3 pieces for just $39.95. You can buy the outfit you love or skip the month altogether.


Christina Applegate is the mom and creative partner behind the brand, and she has always had great style (even back in the days of Married with Children, crop tops anyone?) 

Here are some of our favorite outfit picks for your mini-fashionista:


Will you be shopping Fab Kids? If you need make room in their closets first, start a closet here!

#SistersMarie

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Because It Was Memorial Day

I look forward to Memorial Day every year because I consider it to be the official start of summer and the first warm weather weekend at the lakehouse. However, the midwest weather decided  to flare its temper, leaving us with 50 degrees and a big lack of sunshine.

Even though we were in sweaters and jeans, we made the best of it by filling pitchers with seabreezes and staying up late telling stories. 

Here is what I wore:

Top: Old Navy (on sale!), Jeans: Vigoss (Nordstrom)(similar), Sandals: Target, Sunglasses: Old Navy (similar!), Watch: Kenneth Cole, Bracelets: Francesca's and misc. 

And I couldn't help sharing one of our tastiest treats from the weekend, courtesy of Lakehouse Lyn. I've seen this idea on Pinterest many times so I was glad my Mom actually took the time to make it. 

Perfect dessert for 4th of July too, right? You can't go wrong with mounds of cool whip ;)

#Kaitlyn

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Because Everyone Needs a Neutral Colored Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are my go to for everyday wear in the summer (anyone out there NOT know that about me yet? ;) I have only recently (in the last two years) started wearing shorts so I feel more like myself it a great, long dress.

Solid colored dresses are an amazing item to have in your wardrobe because they are great for layering and cute by themselves as well! Is is just me or does everyone think you should have AT LEAST one neutral colored (black, navy, gray, tan) maxi dress?

Here is how I styled my navy one:

Dress: Velvet, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Bralette: Free People, Necklace: Dots, Chain Bracelet: House of Gemmes, Watch & Bag: Fossil

 Are you as maxi dress obsessed as I am?

#Lisa


Monday, May 27, 2013

The Wrap Up: Sarahpotempa

I showed you in a previous post how to do your hair in a sock top knot.
I recently discovered a product that makes top knots, mid and lower neck buns as easy as 1-2-3.

Enter the wrap-up:
The Sarahpotempa wrap up costs $12.00 and is hands down the easiest and fastest way to get a bun look...period. They come in different colors just like hair donuts and the bun turns out tighter and a bit smaller.

To use:
 1) Add a elastic where you want your bun.
2) Slide the ends of your hair through the hole in the wrap up and start rolling in down toward your head.
3) Fold the wrap around making a circle.
DONE!

I do have to use a few extra bobby pins to keep the part where the two ends come together looking great, but it really is such a great item. Plus at $12 you can't beat that!

If you find buns, top knots, or sock buns difficult, this is product is for you!
Or, if you are like me always looking for new fun products, this is another great item to try.

What is your favorite method for a top knot?
#Lisa

Friday, May 24, 2013

DIY Chalkboard Frame


I looked at so many of these on Etsy and thought why would I buy one when I could easily make it myself? I am going to be using my chalkboard for the donut station at my wedding. Really, are there any better favors than mini bites of heaven? I'm so excited.
As you can see, I also tested out a blue chalkboard paint from a bottle by Martha Stewart - The color is gorgeous, but it was a little harder to spread without getting any bubbles or bumps. The spray paint is the best way to produce even results:

Voilà! I will definitely re-purpose this once the wedding is over and display it in our house.
Will you be trying this DIY?

#Kaitlyn

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Win a Summer Closet Makeover!



With Summer officially on its way, we spend our days dreaming of a Summer Closet Makeover. Take this chance to make it reality by entering the JustFab giveaway. Here are the deets:

How it Works:

1. Go to the official contest page to fill out the entry form, and click SUBMIT & PIN
2. After you pin the contest pin, you will be taken to the Just Fab Summer Closet Makeover Pinterest board to repin your favorite summer styles. Pin as many styles as you’d like!
3. Follow Just Fab on Pinterest.

Prize: 1 random winner will receive $500 to use on JustFab.com
Contest Dates: May 22 – May 29, 11:59pm PST -Winners will be notified via email on May 31.
Official Rules (Open to US & Canada)
Remember: 1 entry per person, but you can re-pin as many outfits & looks as you’d like from the giveaway board!
Good luck, ladies...We'll be entering for sure!

Rocked it & Swapped it

I have worn this bag in quite a few outfit posts over the last few months (posts here, here, and here) and have also rocked it & swapped it with KaitlynI recently decided to retire my tote and list it in my BISTM closet but it wasn't up for long because Kyla was immediately put dibs on this blue beauty.

Check out how Kyla rocked and swapped this Just Fab bag:
 I would have never thought to wear it cross body but Kyla definitely made me think twice.

How fun is it that this bag has been worn by a three different people? It's like the sisterhood of the traveling tote! ;) I'm happy this beautiful bag now has a great new home!
#Lisa

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Because It's Grilling Season!



Chicago temperatures are officially in the 80's which means it's time for frequent grilling and al fresco dining (and I mean daily, as in restaurants without a patio are no longer in my plans) This was our first deck-sitting experience of the season and it was lovely - a night filled with fruit salad, corn on the cob, & wine spritzers and I'm a happy girl.

Top: Old Navy (similar), Jeans: H&M (similar on sale!), Belt: Unknown, Sandals: Old Navy (similar), Bag: Just Fab, Earrings: C/O Lotus Blossom Design (inspired by Lisa, under $10!), Watch: Nordstrom, Bracelets: Forever 21

He loves his outside time like I do...especially when playing ball is involved.

Isn't Spring gorgeous?

Have you grilled yet this season? What's your favorite recipe?

#Kaitlyn

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Because Lisa Love Short Rompers Too

I recently did a post on how obsessed I am with rompers this season.

I was super excited to find this sheer eyelet romper that I now will be wearing as a bathing suit cover up all summer long!

Here is how I styled my romper for a day in the sun with my kids:



Romper & Teal Bikini (under): Victoria's Secret, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Sunnies: Ray Ban, Earrings: C/O Lotus Blossom Designs (Stilettos and Diaper Bags Inspired, get yours for $9.75), Rings: Gift from Bows & Sequins bon voyage party,  Watch: Fossil

This one ties at the back of the neck, so it's easy to fold the top half down and really get some sun. I think it would also be cute with tops layered over it as I am obsessed with the trim on the lower half.

Do you have a romper you love? Check out this cute floral one in Kaitlyn's closet for $5! (love the open back!)

#Lisa

Monday, May 20, 2013

Giveaway: Inbar Shahak Textile Jewelry

By now you all know how much we both love jewelry and accessories, but when we find something unique...something that stands out, we can't wait to share it. The line from Inbar Shahak has the kind of pieces that people come up and ask where it's from because they've never seen anything like it. 

Here is how we styled our new bracelets:

Top: Loft (Swap w/ Kaitlyn), Jacket: Pepe Jeans, Jeans: 7 for all Mankind, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Black Diamond Ring: Jared, Watch: Fossil, Bracelet: C/O Inbar Shahak Jewelry, Stackable and Knuckle Rings: Shop Jules, Beaded Bracelet: C/O Silver Speck, Clutch: Shoedazzle (3 years ago), Lip Color: Candy Yum Yum by MAC
Dress: Target, Necklace: Bauble Bar, Bracelet: C/O Inbar Shahak Jewelry

One lucky winner will receive  $40 credit to Inbar Shahak's Etsy store!

To Enter:
"Like" the Inbar Shahak Facebook Page
Follow Inbar Shahak on Twitter
Follow Inbar Shahak on Pinterest
Favorite Inbar Shahak Etsy Store (+2 entries)
Tweet about this giveaway: Enter to win @inbarshahak jewelry on the @sistersmarie blog!

*Leave one comment for each that you do & don't forget to include your email address!

Good luck...winner will be announced June 3rd!


Friday, May 17, 2013

Get Graphic! (With Your T's!)


While you're on the site shopping for great tees, make sure you upload some new items to your closet and your child's closet. Time for summer shopping!


P.S. It's Girl's Night in at Just Fab today...
Starting at 10am PT, all regularly-priced styles are Buy 1, Get 1 at 40% off. 
Use promo code GNIBOGO40 to shop and enjoy!  

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Rocked it & Swapped it

 In March, Kaitlyn was ahead of the game and decided it was time to spring for florals and I knew right then and there I needed to wear those shorts.

Here is how we both styled these great Loft floral print shorts:

It was only in the upper 50's this day, but after such a long winter I swear it felt like 70...

Jacket: Pepe Jeans, Top & Shorts: Loft, Bag: Target, Shoes: JC Penny, Bracelet: C/O House of Gemmes, Watch: Fossil, Earrings: C/O Silver Speck, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules, Mother of Pearl Ring: C/O Willow House Jewelry, Sunnies: Michael Kors


Do you own a pair of floral print shorts for this spring/summer? 
I can't wait to see what other looks the two of us come up with...After all, it's only May! ;)
#Lisa


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Because We Celebrated Mother's Day (2 of 2)

Dress: Forever 21, Cardigan: Old Navy (on sale!), Heels: C/O Just Fab, Belt: Dorothy Perkins (similar)

There is simply nothing better than a Sunday morning brunch, especially when on a beautiful Spring day that's spent with family. Every Mother's Day is special because I have been blessed with the best one, but we're especially lucky to still be able to celebrate these holidays with my Grandmother (who wore her best silver and pink sweater -- perhaps she would be up for a rock & swap?!) 

P.S. I swear my belt was tied appropriately most of the day - I guess all the eating had an effect! ;)
Earrings: Francesca's, Bracelets: Grandma's vintage, Lip color: #103 Kate by Rimmel


My sharp-dressed man:
Shirt: Express (similar), Tie: Express: Pants: Express, Watch: Fossil, Shoes: Bostonian, Belt: Express

If teaching doesn't work out, we clearly know where his other talents lie ;)

Enjoying the day with our amazing Mom (slash Mom-in-law)

Did you do anything special with your Mom Sunday?

#Kaitlyn

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Because We Celebrated Mother's Day (1 of 2)

Mother's Day has become like a second birthday for me. We celebrate with my mom and siblings the night before and on the day of, my kids and hubby let me sleep in, decorate the house, and let me do whatever I want for the entire day...SCORE!  We also celebrate some other great mother's the day of...Ryan's Mom and Grandmother.

Here is what I wore to Mother's Day brunch:
 photo 5fdf76bf-ac12-4e37-a1d6-44ee84e36242_zps8101715c.jpg  photo 4492c6ec-8c34-48fa-acb3-2a1061539717_zpsc1ef3191.jpg  photo michaelkors_zps7e608daf.jpg
Top: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Pants: Target, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Belt: ASOS (similar), Sunnies: Prada, Bag: Michael Kors, Chain Bracelet: House of Gemmes, Watch: Fossil, Blue & Gold Bracelet: C/O T+J Designs, Earrings: Just Fab, Large Ring: Banana Republic

 photo 5c2f6cbc-a1d6-457c-a1a0-fa4d58db1512_zpsa6c33ce4.jpg

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Top: JC Penny , Pants: Gap, Shoes: Aldo, Belt: Express, Watch: Movado, Sunnies: Ray Ban

We had an awesome time.... ate way too much food and  enjoyed a few "mom"-osas as well! I really do have the best family ever. 
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To find out about Kaitlyn's outfit details, check back tomorrow for her post! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! xo

#Lisa

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mirror Mirror On My Sunglasses

I feel like lately, you can't turn around with out seeing someone wearing mirror lense sunglasses. I am no exception, as I have the Ray Ban ones in blue (and have become slightly obsessed with them!)

Here are some of my favorite mirror frames currently selling:

Which pair are your favorite? Will you be trying this trend?

#Lisa