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Fashion

Summer Essentials

hopes dress essentials

I’m absolutely in love with Shop Hope’s recent Fourth of July lookbook! Once I got hooked on that, I kept looking around the site for so long…I think my cart had something like 50 items in it by the time I was through. I’m serious, if there was one store that I could point to that was exactly my style, it would be Hope’s.

Anyways, they have the best clothes for the summer so I thought I would share my top summer essentials with y’all using items from their store! This is also part of week two of the summer blogger challenge!

Interested in a discount? Use my friend Allyssa’s rep code for 10% off!

Lyss discount code

hopes dress essentialsLittle White Dress//Romper//Maxi Dress
Hopes pants essentialsWhite Shorts//Floral Pants//Denim Shorts
hopes shoe essentials
Boho Flops//Mint Flats//Wedges
Fashion

Splurge vs. Save: Aztec Print Body-Con Skirt

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I LOVE these Aztec print body-con skirts! Which one do you think costs more? They look pretty similar, right?

The one on the left is actually from Charlotte Russe costing only $10.99 whereas the one on the right is from Topshop and costs $68. While $68 isn’t necessarily a “splurge” for most, it definitely feels like one when you can get the same product for almost 1/7 of the price!

I recently snagged an even BETTER deal at Charlotte Russe – the skirt I’m wearing in the photos below cost only $5! It has the same Aztec print theme and looks just as great.

When you find a pricey item you’re considering splurging on, I encourage you to wait a few days before purchasing. During that time, research online if you can find a similar product anywhere else! At least 80% of the time, I bet you can find something similar for much less!

For more financially savvy tips, check out Credit Card Insider‘s blog here! They have all sorts of tips to help you make wise decisions with your hard-earned money.

What deals have you scored lately?
Scarf: H&M | Shirt: Nordstrom | Skirt: Charlotte Russe | Jacket: Nordstrom | Boots: Steve Madden | Tights: Target

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Fashion

Hidden Treasure Hand-Me-Downs

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10 lowYesterday was an incredible day – my mom and I went wedding dress shopping with my sister and then we met up with her fiancee and got delicious burgers for lunch. We had such an amazing experience at the boutique, The Dress Theory, as she tried on dresses. They were all stunning and she ended up buying one! I will definitely be making a post reviewing our experience at the store because it was just amazing.

I actually wore some of my sister’s hand-me-downs – a shirt dress from Mink Pink and a hat from Forever 21. They were both thrifted originally from Plato’s Closet. I added my American Eagle denim jacket (another a hand-me-down from my sister from years ago) and Steve Madden sandals.

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Fashion

Fun and Flirty Bikini from Swimsuits Direct

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This fun and flirty bikini was given to me by Swimsuits Direct (buy it here!)  in exchange for a review. I honestly love everything about it – from the cute print to the subtle push-up of the top.

I ordered a small in both the top and bottoms but was surprised to find the bottoms were a tad small. Luckily, they have strings on the sides so I was able to loosen it up a bit to fit me better.

The top was advertised as a “push-up,” so I was expecting the same structure as Victoria’s Secret swimsuits. I was skeptical at first as the top actually did not have any underwire or significant padding. However, once I tried it on I saw what great lift it provided. It looks much more natural and way more like a swimsuit (not a bra!) than Victoria’s Secret push-up bikinis.

Overall, I was highly satisfied ordering from Swimsuits Direct – everything was as pictured, fit well (with the exception of the bottoms), and was clearly high quality. I absolutely recommend ordering your summer swimsuits through here – the site is easy to use and they have an incredible (and affordable) collection of women’s swimsuits!


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This item was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and images are my own. 

Fashion

Guest Post: How to Rock Animal Print

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Hello lovely readers of Small Town Roots & Cowboy Boots!

My name is Vanessa and I blog over at A City Girl’s Guide To Life. I’d like to thank Madeleine for having me guest post today and for the opportunity to share with you some of my favorite tips for being adventurous with your wardrobe. Trends can be tricky but sometimes they’re exactly what you need to spice things up, upgrade your style and make a statement.

Keep reading for my suggestions on styling with the ever-classic, animal print!

Going wild for these smoking slippers? Me too.

Going wild for these smoking slippers? Me too. (Photo credit.)

I have a love-hate relationship with trends. They’re “in” almost as fast as they’re “out”.When it comes to S/S 2014, runways tell us we’re supposed to love crop tops, sheer and white wide-leg pants but if these aren’t pieces that typically have a comfortable spot in your wardrobe, taking a risk and trying them out can be a bit intimidating. However, when it comes to showing your wild side, there are a number of ways to wear the tried-and-true favorite, animal print.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Ways to wear it & love it.

Ways to wear it & love it.

Shop it here: 1. Scarf, $88 // 2. Blazer, $61.50 // 3. Blouse, $80 // 4. Clutch, $59 // 5. Duffel, $59.50 // 6. Sandals, $69.99 // 7. Sunglasses, $50 // 8. Skirt, $33.90 // 9. Pumps, $59.99

One of the easiest ways to wear this look is with a blouse like the one pictured above, with black, white or camel pants or a skirt. It’s a very simple look that wears very well from 9-5 and from 5-night. You can dress it up or dress it down and it is very easy to accessorize. Lastly, animal print patterns are timeless and carry themselves across seasons and all types of weather. In short, animal print is one of the best investments you can make make for your closet. Below I’ve included three ways to wear this trend:

This look is for the cautious type: A little bit of pattern among muted tones.

This look is for the cautious type: A little bit of pattern among muted tones.

Try this look if you're a little more adventurous and don't mind people noticing how chic you are.

Try this look if you’re a little more adventurous and don’t mind people noticing how chic you are.

Printed bottoms are not for everyone…but they are for fashionistas!

Printed bottoms are not for everyone…but they are for fashionistas!

Nina Garcia, fellow Boston-area fashionista and Project Runway judge says, “The truly fashionable are always daring and never dull.” Animal print is the perfect way to take a chance sartorially while keeping your style intact. There are so many ways to try this trend, from scarves to blazers, as long as you adhere to only wearing one piece at a time, keep the rest of your outfit simple and remember that a good animal print has muted colors.

What do you think? Would you try animal print? Which is your favorite piece from the set above? I’d love to hear from you! Please subscribe to A City Girl’s Guide To Life, “like” my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

xo, Vanessa

Fashion

Outfit of the Day: June 6th

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Today’s outfit of the day is centered around this adorable sundress from Charlotte Russe! It’s very “country” and fits my style perfectly. I’ll take any excuse to wear pink, floral print, and my cowboy boots. It’s a perfect outfit for summer and can be dressed up or down.

I usually shy away from light pink/blush because it emphasizes how pale I actually am, but I was surprised this dress didn’t do that very much. The cotton material up top is super stretchy and comfy and the material the skirt is made out of is reminiscent of chiffon – light and flowy. The little braided belt came with the dress and I actually love the detail it adds!

Buy the dress from Charlotte Russe here and be sure to check out all of their adorable sundresses and rompers!

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Fashion

Outfit of the Day: June 1st

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Happy June everybody!

Yesterday, I went to the Snohomish Wedding Show with my sister and her fiancé. It was so amazing to see the incredible venues just a 30 minute drive away from our home. I was beyond excited to see the venue they decided on called Jardin Del Sol. It’s phenomenal and suits them as a couple perfectly.

Tomorrow I’ll post some pictures I took at the venue but below is just my outfit for the day- I really loved the casual chic look created by mixing patterns and layering. I hope you enjoy!

Jacket: Sashimi (similar) | Top: Frenchi | Skirt: Frenchi | Shoes: Sofft | Scarf: Gift | Watch: Kate Spade | Bracelet with charm: Alex and Ani | Bracelets (white and pink): Forever 21 | Bralette: Foreign Exchange

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This week, I am participating in the Skirt Week 2014 Link-Up hosted by Shades of Sarah, Shopping My Closet, and Style On Target! For more info and to link up, see Sarah’s post here.

 

Skirt link-up
Style on Target
Shopping My Closet
Shades of Sarah

Fashion

Guest Post: In Love with Lace

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Abbie is the author of The Pink Paperdoll where she blogs about fashion, design, and art. A fun fact for all my Theta sisters out there reading this, Abbie is a Theta alumna! She is so sweet and I just have loved connecting with her. I hope you enjoy her report on one of the hottest trends right now: lace.

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I think I can trace my obsession with lace back to my favorite American Girl doll, Samantha, who had the best lace Victorian dresses and accessories. My passion for incorporating lace into outfits continued as I grew up, and I’m very aware that seeing lace used in an especially cute way is the surest way to get me to make an impulse purchase! I may have once bought a rug because I saw it in a magazine and fell in love with the adorable lace doily pattern. My roommate at the time in our sorority house was less than impressed with our new enormous floor covering, but she was a good sport about it since she knew I couldn’t help myself–it was lace! And that’s just one of the many times that lace has snagged my heart and my wallet.

Well needless to say, I’m pretty thrilled that lace is really in style right now and there tons of versatile ways to wear it. You don’t have to be a girly girl to embrace the lace either—there are ways for everyone to try it out this season.

Crochet

Open knit crochet tops are all over. You can wear them over a cami, a bathing suit, or a sundress. This versatile piece is showing up in all kinds of colors, so you can pick your fave. If you’re afraid that lace will make you look too frilly, this type of top can be paired with jean shorts or accessorized in a way that’s not too soft.

crochet top

The Lace Dress

The allover lace dress is a total classic, which can be worn again in the fall with leggings. H&M sells a variation of it every summer, and I love to style my cream lace dress with a little bit of Western flair including cowboy booties and turquoise jewelry. White lace pairs wonderfully with denim and brown earthy tones.

Lace dress

Lace Shorts

I haven’t gotten a pair of these yet, but they’re definitely on my summer wish list. What better way to look trendy and pretty and be totally comfortably at the same time? Look for allover lace shorts with an elastic waistband for the perfect combo of flattering and comfortable.

Lace Accessories

If too much lace is overpowering to your taste, you can add accessories that give a little pop of lace to your everyday style.A lace clutch, headband, or hair bow might be exactly what’s needed for that wedding or summer barbecue you’re attending.

When shopping for cute lace dresses and accessories my go-to favorites are ModCloth and Lilly Pulitzer, but with lace as big as it is right now you can likely find cute things in your style at any of your favorite places to shop. If you’re crafty you might also like to try sewing a bit of lace detailing onto your denim shorts or tank tops yourself!

I hope I’ve converted more lace lovers to the club!
Have a fabulous summer, ladies!
Fashion Lifestyle

Guest Post: The Real Monsters in Your Closet

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I have another amazing guest post for y’all!

This one is brought to you by Hoda, an Iranian activist and fashion blogger from Oklahoma going to school in Chicago. Her blog, JooJoo Azad, meaning “Free Bird” in Farsi, is filled with photography of personal style and discussions on social-responsibility within the fashion industry. Warning: this site is more than just pretty pictures.

Hoda’s post covers a very serious topic – brands that are violating human rights, damaging the environment, and conducting business in an unethical manner. Personally, I have a hard time boycotting certain brands that have these violations, so I commend Hoda in her effort to boycott them and truly make a difference. I definitely need to be more conscious and aware of where my clothes/shoes/accessories/etc. come from. Sometimes we are blind consumers and do not think about the history behind a single product when we really should.

You can find Hoda on her blogFacebook pageTwitter, or Instagram.

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THE REAL MONSTERS IN YOUR CLOSET

So I guess our childhood fears were warranted, after all~

But unfortunately, the real thing is much more terrifying than anything my imagination could have constructed and placed in my closet…
The Real Monsters
A recent investigation launched by Greenpeace East Asia found that “hazardous chemicals have been found in children’s clothes and shoes made by major brands including Disney, Burberry, and Adidas” that are not only being washed into waterways across the world and contaminating drinking water, but are also dangerous to the children wearing their clothing! Such “little monsters” hiding in the clothes in children’s closets have the ability to enter our bloodstream and do anything from promoting tumor growth to altering hormones and mutating reproductive organs! Now that’s something to really fear for!

Disney, American Apparel/Primark, GAP, and Addidas are already on the Boycott List (we’re on top of our game! c; ) (also p.s. now that I so conveniently put the link here for you, so you might as well take a look!), but for this detoxing campaign specifically, there is more you can do that just boycotting these brands! Let’s take active action to end their usage of these toxic chemicals in their children’s clothing!

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(Photo via Greenpeace, toxic chemical waste via GAP)

Educate yourself!

Interested in the deets? Check out Greenpeace’s full report here!

Also, get the list of all the brands that have committed to detox–and those that need a bit more…pressure c; here!

Tell these brands to clean up and detox now!

Tweet to @adidas
Tweet to @gap
Tweet to @disney

Sign the Manifesto! 

Join the global movement and add your name to the list of people who care about fashion and ethics!

Check it out and sign here!

Spread the Word! 

The more people that take action, the more pressure we can put on these companies! Blog/share/tweet/email/talk about this issue! Already with your support Burberry, Zara, H&M, and others have agreed to detox, with the latest brand committing to detox on February 10th, 2014! Hooray! Let’s keep this momentum going!

 Together, let’s make these toxic monsters just as imaginary our childhood fears