Rocked it & Swapped it

I like to call this swap, "twinning moment, two years apart"! 

When I styled my Lauren Conrad for Kohl's sweater the first time back in 2013, I kept the style very simple. Skinny jeans, riding boots, and a few layers over (not shown in below photo) made the perfect style for a night out with the girls. I even wore a knit hat too (you can click through to see my full outfit post).   

Fast forward to early 2015 when Kaitlyn rocked the knit. She just so happened to style it almost identical to my look. The best part is, Kaitlyn went back to look for my first outfit post after styling her own...aka, this look wasn't styled the same way twice on purpose. We both just felt this sweater looked best with gray boots, the same Loft skinny jeans, and a knit hat! I think we are beginning to share a fashion brain! ;)

Here is how we both styled the Lauren Conrad top: 

P.S. you can still find this sweater online here!

Have you ever had an accidental "twinning moment" with your friend or family member?
How would you style this polka dot sweater?

Let's chat below in the comment section!

Favorite Halloween Candy (+ a Recipe!)

I have many fond memories of trick or treating as a child (okay, into my late college years…sorry neighbors, just could not give up the dream). My two best friends from elementary school and I were so excited to fill up our pillow cases in various neighborhoods (but made note to skip the house on my block that gave out tooth brushes…really?) 

I always looked most forward to Reese's PB Cups (in the pumpkin shape, please), Whoppers and Nestle Crunch Bars. Give me an Almond Joy or a Mounds and it was time for a trade! 

(source)

Now that I’m a (semi) adult with my own house, I look forward to being the candy giver instead of receiver. Like most, I am typically left with much more candy than can be (or SHOULD be) consumer by my husband and I so here is a great recipe from Lauren Conrad for putting that extra candy to good use and sharing with my co-workers.

Tricks & Treats Bars

Ingredients

·         2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

·         1 teaspoon baking soda

·         ½ teaspoon of sea salt (plus more for sprinkling on top)

·         2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter

·         1 ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar

·         ¼ cup granulated sugar

·         1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

·         2 teaspoons vanilla extract

·         1 ½ cup roughly chopped leftover Halloween candy of your choice

Instructions

1.   Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.

2.   Then, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk butter and remove from heat as soon as the butter begins to brown. Transfer the butter to a bowl to prevent burning. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

3.   Beat the butter and sugars until thoroughly blended, for about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, yolk, and vanilla until combined. Add the dry ingredients slowly and beat on low-speed just until combined.

4.   Press your dough into a greased and parchment lined 9’ x 13’ pan. Add the chopped candy on top and bake until lightly golden on top, about 20 minutes.

5.   Let cool and cut into bars.

What was your favorite treat to get as a kid?

How Have I Never Paired These Items Before?

 

I got this peplum over 2 years ago and I have also had these white denim jeans for around the same length of time. How have I never paired them together before? It seems like such an obvious combination in hindsight.

Black and gold were the easy colors to toss in for accessories, but I feel like the teal in the necklace gave it a little extra pop, no? 

Top: Zara // Jeans: Level 99 // Shoes: Just Fab // Necklace: E Street Denim (swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Bag: Michael Kors // Bow Bracelet: T+J Designs // Watch: Aldo // Bangle: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Ring: Lauren Conrad // Earrings: House of Harlow 1960

Do you ever style an outfit and think "DUH, I should have been wearing these pieces together for years!"?
What do you think of this pairing?

Cooled Down Summer Style

 

This really has been the strangest summer weather wise.
Lately, it's in the lower 70's as the high temperature for the day. That is fine by me as long as the higher temps come back and we can have a few more pool days before school starts! 

This is a prefect example of my "mom style" for everyday wear. Jeans and flats with a flowy blouse is just the thing for days you are on the go with your kids. 

I love the butterfly print on this peplum and the color is perfect for the spring/summer months. 

Peplum Top: Lauren Conrad // Jeans: Jennifer Lopez // Bag: c/o Sole Society // Shoes: Loft // Watch: Fossil // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Sunnies: Ray Ban 

What is your go-to style for cooler summer days? What is your idea of perfect everyday wear?

Because Kaitlyn Hosted a Bridal Shower!

Along with my Mom & cousins, I recently hosted a holiday themed bridal shower for my cousin who is getting married in a few weeks. The shower was at the Grotto which had just been decked out in red and gold that morning so the backdrop was perfect and the food was absolutely amazing.

I am not exaggerating when I say it may have been the best chicken I've ever had...not to mention the tiramisu (which rarely isn't high on my list) but this one had even me asking for seconds. Is your mouth watering yet?

Sweater: Target (similar) // Skirt: Swap w/Lisa (Lauren Conrad) (similar) // Boots: DSW  (similar)// Tights: Von Maur 

Necklace: T+J Designs // Ring: Forever 21 (similar)

 The shower was a success and now begins the wedding countdown. The bride has picked gorgeous apple red dresses for us bridesmaids to wear, so I hope there's a dusting of snow on the ground...can you imagine those photos? :)

The hosts & MOB

Red velvet cake pops for the red inspired wedding

PS, can we talk about my necklace? GUSH. Lisa got it for me for my birthday after she me drooling over it at the T+J preview a few weeks ago (and loved it so much, she bought one too!) I got so many compliments on it and can't wait to wear it for all the festive events coming up!

The LC Holiday Collection

As you know, I am a big Lauren Conrad fan and my love for her only grew stronger when I saw the look book for her new 2013 Holiday Collection for Kohls. (By the way, can we talk about how much street cred she has brought to that store?) The line covers a range of styles, including everything from sequins to polka dots and colored velvet to lace and shimmer. 

These are my top four favorite styles from the collection:

Sweater & Sequin Skirt / Heart Sweater & Velvet Pants

Crochet Top / Fit & Flare Dress

And the cute pup is a nice addition ;) What is your favorite piece?

#Kaitlyn

Favorite Looks from NYFW

Kate Spade's Geometric Prints:

(via)

Rebecca Minkoff's floral and white prints with relaxed waves:

(via) I think the hair was my favorite part...learn how to get the style here. 

Geek chic and sequins from Tracy Reese:

And let's not forget those who score front row seats because of their fashion...

I don't think it's possible for Lauren Conrad to do any wrong when it comes to style, but she looked especially gorgeous during NYFW. I love the jeweled shoulder details and the bun.

Jennifer Hudson looked amazing in head to toe turquoise with a pop of pink lip color and a fish tail braid.

It's easy to understand why Olivia Palermo is one of Lisa's style icons, because she always looks so effortlessly put together. I love these printed shorts with the leaf necklace detail.

I'm lusting over Katrina Bowden's fringe skirt and floral blouse...the combination is stunning. 

What were some of your favorite looks?

#SistersMarie

Because We Got Dressy at the Lake

Weekends at the lake generally consist of eating, boating, golf cart rides, game playing (block head anyone?), smores by the fire, and lots of relaxing. This time around we switched things up and had a dressy day:

Top: H&M , Shorts: Kohls (Lauren Conrad) (similar) (similar), Necklace: Pree Brulee (similar), Shoes: LuLu's (similar), Hat: Target

 Dress: Target, Earrings: Kristin Hassan, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Lip color: Blue Raspberry by Bobbi Brown

#SistersMarie

Because Kaitlyn met one of her Style Icons!

I have always loved Lauren Conrad. Yes, I watched Laguna Beach. Yes, I watched the Hills. Yes, I realize how vapid and scripted both of these programs were, but watching them and making snide comments with my girlfriends is a favorite past time. Seems like most of those girls were unable to find the light once their free housing and fake jobs were taken away, but Lauren managed to come out on the other side and maintains a respectable career filled with multiple clothing lines, book series (okay, maybe her involvement in these was small), and an amazing beauty website that I follow daily. 

All of this being said, you can imagine my excitement when I noticed her standing right next to me in the check-in line at O'Hare. (Too bad my boss's iPhone photo skills are not up to par). Though she was a bit rushed, the run-in definitely improved my 6AM departure time.

Have you ever met one of your style icons or a favorite celebrity & managed to score a photo?

#Kaitlyn

Show Me The Swaps!

The idea behind "Because I Shop Too Much" was born from Lisa and I constantly swapping clothes to save money on new outfits. SO, we felt it was only appropriate that we document what one of these fun trades looks like. We always swap the same amount of items so it's fair and it helps us to remember which items we have when the sad day of switching back arrives. We often go through each other's recent Facebook photos or blog posts to spot items we'd like to wear and this round, I am very excited to don Lisa's polka dot blouse which I first spotted here.

1.Crochet tunic via ThirtySomethingFashin Box Service  2.Blazer: JC Penny  3.Bouse: Zara 4.Tank: Lauren Conrad via Kohls 5.Skirt: H&M

1. JC Penney mango dress, 2. Express jersey shirt, 3. Love 21 striped tank top, 4. Target lace camisole, 5. BCBG tank top

The famous "great minds think alike" motto must be true because Lisa and I both picked out some beautiful blue hues for each other ;) Do you see any items in these photos you'd like to swap with us once they go up on becauseishoptoomuch.com?

Have you picked up a set of FriendSwap Bags yet?

#Kaitlyn