In a trance.

This weekend happened to be one where we were actually home.  Subsequently, I found myself at the mall.  kidding.

But, all jokes aside, I did find myself at the mall because hubs was actually in "need" of new clothes for the summer.  Aren't guys funny?  So many of them don't shop unless they have absolutely run all of their clothing options into the ground and are left with practically nothing.  Me, on the other hand... =P

Anywho, so, J left the mall with a few bags of goodies from Express.... and I found myself at Forever21.  In a trance.  Per usual.  

And I walked out with my own bag of goodies. ;)

Here's what I've been wearing lately!

Mint green blouse (Exact old; Similar here, here,  here; Cute sleeveless options here, here, and here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
"Jadyn" striped skirt c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
White pointy toe pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Similar here, here)//
Belt bracelet and "Lovely" bracelet c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here and here) 

Yellow cardigan (Exact old; Cute options here, here, & here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
Geometric patterned skirt (Exact old; Love these styles here, here, here, & here)//
Nude pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Crystal neon necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)//
"Lovely" bracelet c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here) 

"Laci" top c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Ivory and neon yellow skirt (Exact old; Super cute versions here, here, here, here, here, & here)//
Strappy nude heels (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, & here)//
"Citrus Glitz" bracelet c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)

White sleeveless blouse (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Yellow pencil skirt (Exact old; Similar here)//
Strappy nude heels (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Colorful scarf (Exact not available; Love these options here, here, here, here)//
Earrings c/o Blossom Jewelry Design 

"Sallie" tank c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
White blazer (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Red skinny jeans (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Nude balett flats (Exact here; Similar  here and here)//
"Lovely" bracelet c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here) //
Oversized gold watch (Exact old; Similar here, here, & here)

"Dora" top c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Black tailored shorts (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here, here, here)//
Skinny gold belt (Exact old; Similar here and here)//
Gold sandals (Exact old; Similar here, here, & here)//
Drop earrings ℅ Bip and Bip (Exact here)

Crochet "festival" top c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
Boyfriend jeans (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Gold sandals (Exact old; Similar here, here, & here)//
Drop earrings ℅ Bip and Bip (Exact here)

Accessory Mercado $100 Flash Sale Giveaway!!

Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that my work-life has been a little wakadoo lately.  Long, 10-hour days have been the norm, and sleep and time to blog have been scant.  But, will that stop me from posting a super amazing giveaway?!  Absolutely not!!

And so, I present to you: a $100 credit giveaway to Accessory Mercado's Wednesday night Facebook Flash Sales!  

If you've never taken part in one of their flash sales, you just.HAVE.to.  They are so much fun and really exciting!  Basically, they post a variety of special pieces (which are limited in number and set at amazing prices), and the first person(s) to "buy" the certain piece scores it!  

Accessory Mercado's Facebook Flash Sales go live every Wednesday night at 9 PM EST, on the Accessory Mercado Facebook page.  To enter and win a $100 credit to use in their fabulous flash sales, use the Rafflecopter app below!!  

(Don't forget to register with Soldsie-- it's so easy and it's required to  enter the giveaway!)

Good luck, dolls! <3

(P.S. Remember to check Hello Gorgeous' Facebook page next Tuesday, July 1st,  to see if you are the winner!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The small print: Giveaway ends on Tuesday, July 1st, and is open to U.S. residents. Winner will be announced on the Hello Gorgeous Facebook page and must claim prize within 24 hours. If prize is left unclaimed within this time, a new winner will be chosen.

Hello Gorgeous/Avery Lane Boutique Exclusive Look: Summer Weddings.

Every summer, hubs and I have at least a handful of weddings to attend.  And each time a wedding rolls around I find myself asking the same question: "What the heck should I wear?!" 
There are so many suggested 'dos' and 'don'ts' when it comes to wedding attire.  Don't wear white. Or cream. Or anything light. Don't wear red! Don't wear black, it's not a funeral.  So, part of the reason that I'm always a little flustered with what to wear is because I feel somewhat restricted on what is appropriate.  Because the last thing that you want to do is wear something that the bride finds offensive.  It is her biggest day, after all.  
So, what's a girl to do?? Wear something somewhat neutral, but with a flare!  My favorite 'wedding attire' lately has been a dress in a neutral color.  But, one that has something that *pops* and catches the eye.  This way, you're playing it safe, but you're also having fun with your look.  A perfect example of this concept is this absolutely fabulous dress (and oh so pretty jewels) from Avery Lane Boutique-- handpicked by yours truly!  The gorgeous "Midnight Memories" dress and the "Frost Me" bracelet and earrings are this month's Hello Gorgeous/Avery Lane exclusive look-- and all of the pieces can be purchased right here!      

I wore this ensemble to a friend's wedding last week and the dress and jewelry were a huge hit!  And I just have to say, the bottom of this dress is incredible and so faboosh!  This look will leave you feeling appropriate, perfectly polished, and beyond fabulous!

"Midnight Memories" dress, "Frost Me" bracelet & earrings c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)//
Silver open-toe pumps (Exact old; Love these options here, here, & here)

"Midnight Memories" dress, "Frost Me" bracelet & earrings c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)//
Silver open-toe pumps (Exact old; Love these options here, here, & here)

Summer Days, Drifting Away.

The past couple of weeks have flown by so incredibly quickly.  Does it feel like that for anybody else?
We have had a few family members visit and stay with us recently.  So, we've had a lot more excitement than we're used to around our home.  And with Summer almost in full swing, I'm expecting for it to feel like this for quite a while.  But, no complaints here!  Just give me some sunshine, good weather, and good company and I'm happy, regardless of how quickly the days are passing by. :)

Do y'all have anything fun planned for this summer?  If so, do tell!
Have a great week, Loves!

And here's what I've be wearing lately:

"Goldie Top" c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Mint green blazer (Exact old; Cute versions here, here, & here, )
Skinny Dress Pants (Exact here; Similar here, here)//
Gold cap toe pumps (Exact old; Almost exact here; Cute pairs here, here, & here)//
"Mint Chip" necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)//
"Bella" bracelet c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)

"Blakely" top c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
White blazer (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Khaki pencil skirt (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here, here)//
White pointy toe pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Necklace c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact no longer available; Love these options here, here, here, here, & here)

"Heart Beats Faster" chevron blouse c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
White ankle pants (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Blue chandelier earrings c/o Bip and Bop (Similar here)//
Bracelet c/o Sira & Mara (Exact no longer available; Cute versions here and here)

"Cherie" tank c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Ivory blazer (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Black pencil skirt (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Multi-color pointy toe pumps (Exact old; Super cute versions here, here; Love this round-toe pair here)//
"Orchid Meadows" necklace c/o Hawthorne Collection//
Bangle ℅ Bip and Bip (Exact here)

"Lauri" scalloped tank c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Yellow cardigan (Exact old; Very similar here; Other good options here, here, & here)//
White skinny jeans (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Nude balett flats (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
"Minka Pink" layered necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)

"Très Chic" sweater (Exact here, but sold out online)//
Boyfriend jeans (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Brown belt (Exact old; Similar here and here)//
Red ballet flats (Exact here; Similar here; Love these ones with a bow here and here)// 
Watch c/o Wristology Watches  (Exact here)//
Tassel bracelet c/o Bip & Bop (Exact here)//
Striped Aldo bag c/o Zappos (Exact here on Aldo)

Hello, Warmer Days!

My last post was so wordy that I'm compelled to write only a couple of sentences in this post:

I am SO happy that warmer weather is finally here (to stay, I hope!)!!

Did I just jinx us?

;)

Peach blouse (Exact old; Similar here,  here, here; Love these sleeveless options here,  here, here)//

Wine red pleated skirt c/o Teodora B. (Exact here)//
Wide stretch belt (Exact old; Similar here, here, here (just turn the buckle to your back) )//
Nude pumps with ankle straps (Exact here; Almost exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Champagne pearl cluster necklace & Gold crystal bow bangle c/o T+J Designs (Exact here and here)

Yellow blouse (Exact old; Absolutely in LOVE with this one here; Other cute versions here and here)//
Multi-color printed skirt (Exact old; Love these options here, here, here)//
Pink pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Tres Medallion necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)

Blue sleeveless top (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Dusty pink blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Skinny Dress Pants (Exact here; Similar here, here)//
Blue pumps with bows (Exact here; Similar here and here in various colors; Other cute blue pumps here and here)//
Necklace (Similar here and here)//
Rosette cuff c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)

Red top c/o Jane (Love these versions here, here, here, here)//
Beige pencil skirt (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Leopard print pumps (Exact old; Similar here, here, and love this animal print pair here)//
Snake skin bangle watch c/o Bauble Boutique (Exact here)

10 Things I've Learned As a New Puppy Mom (+ Work Wear, Lately!).

When we first told our friends and family that we got a puppy, most people responded with excitement and the usual "Ahhh I can't wait to meet her!!".  But, there were a few people who were more skeptical about our new bundle of joy.  They asked questions like "who's going to watch her while you're at work?", "How are the cats going to react?", and "Are you sure you're ready to take on a puppy?"
We had, of course, thought through the majority of the issues that we would be faced with.  We knew that taking on a puppy would be challenging (but, so rewarding!) and that it would change many aspects of our lives.  In fact, one of the reasons that we decided to take Lucy in was because we craved a little bit more responsibility.  We wanted to learn to cope with and enjoy taking care of another living being (cats don't count because they're so easy to take care of!) and to learn to become more flexible.  Really, we wanted to take on the responsibility of something other than just the two of us.

Given that we took a week to "prepare for puppy" before we adopted Lucy, we were pretty set when she arrived.  And thankfully, she has turned out to be a pretty flipping awesome dog!  She fits right in with our little family and it's so fun to be able to do things with her and to take her places.  However, I will say, that raising a 10 week old puppy (now 12 weeks) definitely has its challenges!  In fact, I may now be one of those skeptical people whose first question to those considering adopting a puppy is "Are you sure you're ready to take on a puppy?"

So, because most of my days lately have been filled with puppy-duty, I thought that I would share a few things that I've learned so far.  Just in case one of you gorgeous gals is considering getting a pup and you've never had one before, here are some things that you may encounter:

10 Pieces of Advice For New Puppy Parents 
(from a new puppy mom!):

1. PUPPY CARE-  You will have to find some sort of 'puppy care' or arrangement for your new babe, especially if you work during the day.  Even though pups can be crated, they can't be crated for an entire day.  Their little bladders can't hold it for more than a few hours and they really need to get out and get exercise.  They are growing, after all!  We had a few unforeseen issues in the puppy care department.  But, we were lucky enough to figure something out with a few of our (very amazing) neighbors. 

2. MORNING ROUTINE- You will go in and out of the house approximately once every 20 minutes (while you're trying to get ready for work) and stand there (for at least 5 minutes each time) while trying to convince your puppy to do their business outside and not inside your home.  Plan your "getting ready in the morning" routine accordingly.  AKA- Get up at least an hour and a half earlier than you normally get up.  I now know that my morning routine will never be the same.  From a fashion standpoint, it's much harder to plan a fashionable outfit when you have a curious puppy to keep busy.  I hear that this interrupted morning routine will get better once she's potty trained.  Let's hope it does! ;)

3. POTTY TIME- The phrase "go potty" will become deeply ingrained in your mind.  Those two words will become the most used words in your vocabulary and you may start saying "go potty" while you dream at night.

4. TREATS- If you're using treats to potty train your puppy, you will find treats in every pocket of each clothing item that you own.  Embrace those little suckers.  

5. KONGS- If you buy a Kong, you will be so thankful that you may consider writing the Kong company and its creators a letter of deep appreciation.  Kongs have seriously saved meal times for us.

6. TOYS- If your puppy is a biter, you will have to buy a slew of toys for her to play with.  These toys will be your saving grace.  Always have one around to be able to quickly stuff in her mouth, in case she starts chomping on you.  Puppy teeth hurt like a mother!

7. PLAY PEN- Unless you want your puppy to roam the entire house (and leave you little 'treats' every which way), you should consider buying a play pen to contain her.  This will help save your sanity.  

8. LEAVE NOTHING IN REACH- If it's within her reach (more specifically, on or close to the floor), she will claim it as her toy and chew it up.  You will have to find a place up high for every single thing that is close to the ground.  This includes everything on your coffee table and all of your shoes and purses.  Clothes that hang on coat racks are also game.  And be prepared to find your puppy with a completely unrolled roll of toilet paper in the bathroom.  We've had to take our TP off the roll and put it up high. 

9. POTTY PATTERNS- Here we are, back to the potty subject!  You will pick up on your puppy's need-to-go-potty patterns.  I'm actually surprised on how fast we have picked up on Lucy's.  Two important 'potty times' to remember is that they will need to go out as soon as they wake up and about a half hour after they eat or drink water.  

10. DISCIPLINE AND LOVE.  This one was a tough one for me at first, but, puppies need to be disciplined.  If you expect to have a well-behaved dog, you can't just give in every time that they give you puppy eyes.  Otherwise, that little pup will overrun your house and you won't know what happened until it's too late.  So, say "No" and mean it, and set some ground rules.  That being said, these amazing animals are so filled with love and they want to please you-- so, love them hard and enjoy the new little love in your life!

Any good puppy advice that y'all have for me?  I'm all ears!

And for those who didn't come here for puppy talk, here are some looks that's I've worn to work lately. ;)

Peach blouse (Exact old; Similar here,  here, here; Love these sleeveless options here,  here, here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
Printed skirt (Exact here; Cute version here)//
White pointy toe pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Necklace (Similar here and here)//
Rosette cuff c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)

Leopard print blouse (Similar here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
White ankle pants (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Gold cap toe pumps (Exact old; Almost exact here; Cute pair here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Similar here, here) 

Dana dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Black peplum jacket (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Black opaque tights (Exact here)//
Pink pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Chunky pearl necklace (Exact old; Similar here)//
Skinny black watch (Exact old; Similar here, here)

Crochet top (Exact old; Very similar here; Cute versions here and here)//
Ivory collarless jacket (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Red skinny pants (Almost exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Nude pointy toe pumps (Exact old; Similar here and here, and love this pair with ankle straps here)//
Earrings c/o Blossom Jewelry Design//
Rosette cuff c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)

Short sleeve cheetah print top (Exact old; Similar here, here,  here)//
Green blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Skinny Dress Pants (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Gold cap toe pumps (Exact old; Almost exact here; Cute pair here)//
Champagne pearl cluster necklace & Gold crystal bow bangle c/o T+J Designs (Exact here and here)

Caroline top c/o Sugar Love Boutique (Exact here)//

Cropped red blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)// 

White pencil skirt skirt (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//

Black opaque tights (Exact here)//
Black round-toe pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Crystal frosting necklace c/o T+J Designs (Exact here)//
Skinny black watch (Exact old; Similar here, here)

Meet Lucy!

This weekend has been all hustle and bustle in our household.  

It wasn't just the normal let's-catch-up-with-all-the-chores-we-missed-from-the-work-week.  It was more of a holy-crap-we-got-a-puppy-and-this-changes-everything type of weekend.

Yup, you read that right-- we got an (unexpected) puppy!!

Lucy is a rescue that J's mom took in over last Easter weekend.  She's a Shorgi (Shih Tzu/Corgi Mix) and she won our hearts over the second we saw her.  Given that we don't have a dog (I've actually never had one), we spent the past week preparing for her arrival, buying all of the necessary things, and puppy-proofing the house.  I finally picked her up and brought her home on Friday. 

I'm happy to report that she's been an absolute delight and we are all adjusting well to our new dog, human, and cat-filled household.  The cats are, of course, taking a little longer to adjust than J & I. ;)  But, they've actually reacted to her surprisingly well.  I think they're mostly annoyed with Lucy's rough puppy-play.  

But, overall, everyone is happy and we are thrilled to be in the doggy club! :)

Welcome to our home, Lucy!  

We love you already! <3

____________________________________________________________________________

And of course, here are a handful of outfits that I've worn lately!

Kendra tunic c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Nude pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Tres Medallion necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)

Kendra tunic c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Nude pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Tres Medallion necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)//
Yellow cardi (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)

Navy printed blouse c/o Flourish Boutique  (Exact no longer available;  Love these printed tops here, here, here, here)//
Navy blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
 Mint skinny jeans (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Striped flats (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Fancy Nancy necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)//
Bezel Venus Flytrap bracelet c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here)//
Grey watch from Groopdealz (Exact no longer available; Similar here; Other cute options here and here)

Riley Boyfriend Maxi c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Wedges (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Anar Lace Earrings c/o Bauble Boutique (Exact here)//
 Turquoise tile bangles c/o Trade of Hope by Dawn (Exact here)

Top c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact no longer available)//Seamless cami (Exact here)//
Dark-wash skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Ivory blazer (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Nude pointy toe pumps (Exact here; Similar here and here, and love this pair with ankle straps here)//
Bombolulu earrings c/o Trade of Hope by Dawn (Exact here)//Yasi crystal cuff c/o Bauble Boutique (Exact here)

Kinsley top c/o Sugar Love Boutique (Exact here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
Striped blazer (Exact old; Super cute versions here, here, here, here)//
Dark-wash skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Black flats (Exact old; Similar here, here, and LOVE this pair here)//
Saphire grey glam necklace c/o T+J Designs (Exact here) 

Pointedly Perfect top c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Ivory blazer (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Skinny Dress Pants (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Nude pointy toe pumps (Exact here; Similar here and here, and love this pair with ankle straps here)//
Scarf (Gifted; Cute options here, here, here, here)//
Earrings c/o Blossom Jewelry Design