Blog of the Month

This month’s blogger spotlight is not only one of our favorite fashionable women but also someone who has become a nice friend. Mary of Sportsanista is kind, talented, exceedingly beautiful and the owner of a closet that will make you swoon. 

Just ask Lisa and I...The first time we met her at a Bobbi Brown event a few years back, we both agreed she had an amazing sense of style so we had to approach her and the rest is history. She recently hosted a memorable blogger brunch at her place in the city and we can’t wait to return the favor and get together again.

Here are just a few of Mary's looks that we adore:

She makes her outfits look so effortlessly chic, no? Do you love Mary's style as much as we do?

Rocked it & Swapped it (Twice!)

Back in 2013, Kaitlyn and I swapped my Just Fab square, hot pink clutch. It's a statement bag without being over sized, no? It's for sure a bag I never plan to get rid of. I love the pop of color and it's great for everyday wear or even for special occasions. 

Here is how we both styled the clutch:

In October of last year, I wore my clutch to a meet and greet myself and Kaitlyn did for our company and websites (Because I Shop too Much & Because They Grow Too Fast). This year showing off her summer style, Katilyn styled it flawlessly with a graphic tee and floral skirt. 

Here is how our most recent swap was styled: 

Do you have a small statement bag that you love? What is your favorite look from above?

I Want to Ride My Bicycle...

Two things I can never resist: A bicycle print and chambray. And I should mention, the bicycle print applies not only to clothing but adorable wall art like this that would be the perfect addition to my bookshelf. There's something so whimsical about it that makes me smile so I was all in when I saw this skirt. 

In addition, I was able to do something that always crosses my mind when I'm shopping: customize the fit. eshakti allows you to customize to your height, size and style so before I ordered, I put in my exact measurements and chose to shorten the length of the skirt by a few inches.

 eShakti began as a small website offering basic cottons and modestly embellished pieces. As they grew, they were tasked with providing design and fit solutions to meet their customers' needs. Today, they are an international fashion design company making custom clothing. Offering both style and fit customization for women size 0 through 36 is the heart of their business.

Top: Target // Skirt: eshakti (similar) // Shoes: Just Fab (similar)  // Bag: Just Fab (similar) // Sunnies: Old Navy

 Bracelet: LOFT // Earrings: Kate Spade // Necklace: Clyde's Rebirth (swap w/Lisa)

Have you ever customized your clothing? 

This Dress Was Made For Me!

 

I don't know about you, but I love having clothing altered so it fits me better. The great thing about ordering clothing from eShakti is that you can customize not only sizing, but also alter the neck, sleeves, and length of the item as well! So really you skip the altering and have clothes made to fit your body perfectly. 

Here's a little bit about eShakti:

"eShakti began as a small website offering basic cottons and modestly embellished pieces. As we grew, we were tasked with providing design and fit solutions to meet our customers' needs. Today, we are an international fashion design company making custom clothing. Offering both style and fit customization for women size 0 through 36 is the heart of our business."

I chose this beautiful lavender dress because I felt it was out of my fashion box a bit. I don't own lots of purple and I just loved the circle detail overlay. I did customize the length and make it stop at my knees.  It definitely made me feel special to wear a dress that was literally made for me! 

I kept the styling simple by adding nude heels, silver jewelry, then added a pop of color and print with one of my favorite clutches. 

Dress: c/o eShakti // Bag: Express // Shoes: Just Fab // Necklace: House of Gemmes // Bangle: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Watch: Movado // Opal Ring: Pandora // Stackable Rings: Shop Jules  

Have you ever ordered custom clothing from eShakti? What do you think of the dress I choose?

Cut a Rug

In a house with all wood flooring, the right area rug is the cherry on top of an interior decorating sundae. I love that we don’t have to worry about spilling red wine on the carpet or scrubbing where the dog tracked mud in.

Wood floors are functional, aesthetically pleasing and much easier to clean. That said, I still like the feeling of a cushion beneath my toes every now and then so I am a big fan of area rugs. Not to mention, one statement piece like that has the power to tie an entire room together, no matter how many different colors, textures and patterns you have incorporated.

Here is a shot of our dining room right after we moved in:

Here’s how it currently looks:

RugsUSA was having an amazing sale that I could not pass up (like, 80% off amazing). I debated for a while because I prefer to see and touch rugs in person but the sale was too good to ignore. This style (still on sale!) turned out to be perfect and it changed the whole dynamic of the room.

Another place to find great home décor deals is Groupon – I don’t always remember to consider it but I found some nice and affordable options during my rug quest. If you’re looking for an area rug or a decorative piece to brighten up the room, check out these Pier 1 sales and Bed Bath and Beyond coupons.

Here are some cute options from my search:

Pier 1

one - two - three

Bed Bath & Beyond

one - two - three 

Have you ever found a great deal for the home on Groupon?

Bringing Backless Back

"'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar louder, louder than a lion"…I can't help but feel like Ms. Perry should be providing the soundtrack for this cute little number from Topshop (via Nordstrom). 

I remember finding it during the Nordstrom Annniversary sale last year…I was on the hunt for the perfect dress for my bachelorette party when I saw this bright pop of orange peeking out from in between all of hastily cast leftovers. The size on the tag read much larger than I wear but I decided I had to try it on anyway and good thing I did because somehow, it fit like glove…fashion serendipity in full force.

Dress: Topshop  // Heels: Just Fab (for sale in my closet!) // Purse: Michael Kors (swap w/Lisa) // Necklace: Forever 21

Do you believe in "fashion destiny?" :)

Rocked it & Swapped it

For sale in Kaitlyn's closet for just $25 (retail price $45) // Find a similar splurge

Recent posts may indicate that we're slightly obsessed with the 70's, at least in the form of jumpsuits. Remember the amazing onesies we all wore as children? They were comfortable, stylish (obviously!), and made it easy to get dressed...who wants to spend the time picking out a top AND bottoms? 

The return of the one piece still carries all the same benefits and we are all for an outfit that allows you to feel like you're wearing pj's, but looks to others as if you put in an extra pinch of effort ;)

Here are a few of our favorite styles for fall:

How do you feel about this trend? Here to stay or about to expire?

Fall Wish List: Lisa

I am so excited for fall fashion this year! Fall is my favorite season, so it only makes sense that I am obsessed with all the trends that we are all about to start wearing. I love buying a few trend pieces each year to mix and match with my current wardrobe. I mean, who can afford to buy a new entire closet each season? Not me! 

Quite a few trends are rolling over from last year but being revamped in a more updated way.
Hello plaid crop tops and kitten heels, swoon!  

Here are three of my favorite fall trends that I can't wait to shop:

Mad for Plaid

Joa // Sole Society // Tommy Hilfiger // ASOS 

Animal Print 

Elkin // Just Fab // Old Navy // Rachel Roy 

The Color Wine

Rag & Bone // Sole Society // Hilfiger via ASOS // ASOS 

What trends are you looking forward to this fall? See any items above that you have to have?

The Year of the Jumpsuit Comeback

Let's face it, jumpsuits are back in a big way. I  am clearly obsessed and have shifted from buying up all the maxi dresses to stocking up on jumpsuits. I can't wait to see what styles come out this coming fall and winter!

This beautiful black number was in my latest swap bag from Kaitlyn and I was over the moon.
It's such a great basic piece and can be dressed up or down and even worn year round.
I call dibs on this one Katie is you ever plan to add it to your Because I Shop Too Much closet!

Jumpsuit: TJMaxx (Swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Shoes: Victoria's Secret // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Watch: Fossil // Initial Necklace: House of Gemmes 

I kept the styling super simple by adding black flats and delicate gold jewelry.

Are you a big fan of jumpsuits? What do you think of this one?

Showered with Love

I have only worn this dress a handful of times but it is actually one of my favorites in my closet. It has all of the essentials: A great print, flattering fit, and versatile styling options. Being tall (and slightly busty) can make it difficult for me to find a dress that isn't too short or too revealing so I get excited when I find a piece that can still make me feel confident without being over the top. 

A statement necklace is the exclamation point in most of my wardrobe choices sand I thought this (obnoxiously) bright yellow necklace was perfect for pulling out the yellow hints in the print. What do you think?

Dress: LOFT // Shoes: Just Fab (similar) // Bag: Just Fab (swap w/Lisa) (similar) // Sunnies: Old Navy

Necklace: T+J Designs // Bracelets: My Mom's & It's a Bling Thing // Ring: Forever 21