Nordstrom Sale Wish List (Beauty, Shoes, Accessories)

Continued post...

Beauty

I have wanted a Clarisonic for a few years now. 

They are so expensive and while most people swear by them, I am always hesitant to 

drop $150 on a cleansing system that may or may not work for my skin.

 At $119 though, it doesn't seem so bad. I also love the floral print. 

La Mer is my dream skincare line.

 This line will be my first purchase when I get a job after graduation. 

So luxurious and those that use it, swear by it. 

Jewelry 

I love these Kendra Scott drop earrings. 

I know everyone is obsessing over her larger earrings at the moment but 

I think they are too big and overwhelming. I love the size and daintiness of these 'Dani' 

earrings plus the price is reasonable at $34. I would get them in turquoise.

Nordstrom's wavy disk drop earrings. * 

Definitely getting these or the textured disk drop earrings. For $16 they 

are classic and will go with so many outfits. They come in silver and gold. 

Silver is having a moment right now, but I would get the gold. 

Not in the N Sale exclusives but actually on clearance at Nordstroms.

 I ADORE this fortune cookie pendant necklace. 

I think it is so cute!! Perfect with a simple T shirt.

Shoes

I have been wanting a pair of black Nikes for about a year. 

I just have yet to pull the trigger. I love the these 5.0 True Fit Training shoes for $100. 

I can wear them to work, to work out, or run errands. 

BP Daphne (and these) Booties.

 For $79.90 they are fashionable with good reviews. 

I love the classic look of both, the 3" heel, and so on trend for the fall. 

I would get the Daphne's in black and the Trott's in brown. 

I am planning on buying the LL Bean duck boots for the fall/ winter. 

They are $110. But these Sperry's Rain boots for $80 are just as cute. 

I love the grey/black combo and the navy/brown. 

Enjoy shopping!! 

Nordstrom Sale Wish List (Clothing)

Alright- I might as well be honest and say that not only have I been on Nordstrom.com every day since the sneak peaks began, but I am (not patiently) waiting until my next pay check before I can pull the trigger on a few purchases. So many great Fall and Winter pieces and with 30-40% off, you just can't beat! Today, I am covering my wish list for clothing. Tomorrow, I will be covering shoes, accessories, and beauty. ( * denotes something that I will buy- hopefully they don't sell out)

Tops 

Now I did already order and receive this plaid top from BP.*

It was $25 and I knew the color and size I wanted would go fast.

 Which it did. I sized up and got a medium. I love my plaids to be a little big on me. 

I wanted this chambray shirt in white so bad!! 

But of course, it is already sold out.

 It does come in a 'red beauty' that looks more coral salmon than red. Love! 

I'm a firm believer in getting a new white top each year or at least every other year. 

A classic simple short sleeve and/or long sleeve. I am a little picky about necklines but I like the crewneck style of this top by Caslon*. It's also $18. 

I love this Lush top.*  The sale includes five different colors. 

I would love this in New Olive or Sphinx.

 Reviews and youtube reviews have said to order down as it does run large. 

Jeans

I am on the hunt for a good pair of jeans. I have had the same pair of jeans from Forever 21 for the past four years that I wear on repeat. I want a nice pair of jeans, good quality, that will last me a long time and also flatter my body. It's hard shopping for jeans when you have short legs. I would love to go to Nordstrom and have a stylist help me find the perfect pair. I like my pants to be skinny and hit right at or above the ankle. It elongates instead of shortens. So if yall have any suggestions, let me know. But I am currently looking at a few pairs: 

I love the dark wash of these Kut from the Kloth jeans. They come in petite sizes so I can get the length that I want/need. And they are on sale for $59.90. 

I really, REALLY, really want a pair of distressed jeans. I thought these STS deconstructed jeans were the perfect mix between distressed and yet still classy. Plus they are only $38.90

The most expensive pair that is on sale. They have great reviews online. 

These Joe's Skinny Ankle jeans are the perfect length and color. 

There is no fading around the butt which I really like. 

They are on sale for $99. 

Outerwear 

If I can, I will buy both jackets.

 After last winter in Missouri, I need a puffy, warm insulated jacket to wear when I walk to school. I have a few peacoats and nice coats but I need one that I can wear with my boots and leggings when I am trudging in the snow to classes. I love the Ralph Lauren Jacket for late fall, early winter. I have been wanting a classic jacket like this for years- please oh please don't sell out before I buy you!! 

Lauren Ralph Lauren Quilted Jacket. After the sale: $160, currently $99. 

I just LOVE. ****

This Maralyn & Me Quilted Puffer Jacket is on sale for $38. Although, they are out of smalls, I would size up and get a medium anyways. It has a detachable hood. I love the concrete color shown but it also comes in black. *

Work out Gear

Dear Zella, thank you for making the most amazing leggings. I own the Zella 'Live in' Leggings and they are heavenly. I love the slouchy sweatshirt to wear to and from the gym during the colder months. 

This vest, leggings, running shoes. Enough said. Perfection. 

Comes in Griffon (seen above) and Jet Black. 

Come back tomorrow to see me drooling over more sale items!! 

What to pack for a weekend summer trip to Aspen, CO

Last weekend I was in Colorado. Growing up, I used to spend my Christmas and/or New Years skiing in Aspen, CO, specifically Snowmass area. I have never been in the summer, so I was really excited that S and I were able to sneak away from work for a four day holiday weekend. We did a lot of hiking so that made up majority of my packing for a carry on suitcase and a backpack. See below for some of my mixing and matching hiking clothes and my 4th of July outfit for date night.

Old Navy Tank top, Tuckernuck Hat, Merrell hiking shoes, Zella leggings

Forever 21 tank, Zella leggings, Columbia hiking shoes

Forever 21 tank, shorts (old), Columbia shoes

Under Armour shirt and shorts, Columbia hiking shoes

Under Armour shirt, zella pants, Merrell hiking shoes

Lulu's dress, Gigi New York clutch, Mia sandals

(I was wearing tan heels but changed because we were walking around after dinner)

Packing List:

5-4-3-2-1 style

5 tops: 3 tank tops, 1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve

4 bottoms: 2 pairs athletic leggings, 2 pairs of shorts

3 dresses: casual dresses 

2 pairs of hiking shoes (+ sandals, heels)

1 swimsuit 

Also brought:

hat, Camelback, bug spray, sunscreen, maps

a rain jacket and a fleece (the nights and high elevation got really chilly)

Splurge and Save 4th of July Outfit Ideas

Just a few patriotic ideas that I would definitely wear!!

 Enjoy your holiday all my American readers!! 

Casual Outfit

Perfect for a state fair, low-key get together, shooting fireworks in your yard, pool party, etc. 

Pair with a simple red, white, or blue top. The details on the shorts will stand out more. I would also wear a pair of Jack Rogers or Tory Burch sandals. 

Splurge: Vineyard Vines Stars &Stripes Whale Shorts

Currently: $98

Save: Old Navy Women'sFireworks-Print Linen-Blend Shorts (3 1/2") 

Currently on sale: $12

Lauren James Tank Tops

Perfect with white or jean shorts and sandals 

Both $30

Shorts: Krass & Co Lady Libertyshorts

Currently: $45

Sun Dresses

Perfect for a family BBQ, 4th of July picnic or party! 

Save: Old Navy Women'sFireworks-Print Linen-Blend Sundresses

Currently on sale: $28

Splurge: Lilly Pulitzer Jesse SkortRomper

Currently: $158

Splurge: Adrianna Papell Mixed Lace Cotton Shift Dress (Regular & Petite)

Currently: $139

Save: BB Dakota 'Renley' Lace Fit and Flare Dress (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Currently: $88

What I am wearing for the 4th of July 

During the day, we will be hiking Aspen Mountain in Colorado and at night we are going to a restaurant with a mountain view. They shoot off fireworks from the summit! 

Day time:

Old Navy Tank top, Tuckernuck Hat, Zella leggings, Merrell hiking shoes, bow

Night Time:

Lulu’s 'Home Before Day Light' Red dress and a pair of wedges

Happy 4th of July Everyone! Stay safe- enjoy some fireworks!! 

Maybe it's being 25

"Needless to say, I'm in a place I never expected. It's wonderful and challenging at times– as life might be for anyone in their 20s. It's occasionally glamorous and often beautifully mundane. It's put together so well one minute and unraveling the next.

In conversations with a few of my close friends, I know I'm not the only one in this boat. There's a mutual feeling of restlessness mixed with an almost primal desire to nest. I have friends switching careers, quitting jobs, moving across the country. I have friends buying houses, tying the knot, and giving birth to firstborns. I have friends celebrating their youth with carefree spirit into the early mornings and then heading into the office at 8am for a conference call." - The College Prepster 

Every morning, I sit down at my computer to read all my favorite blogs. In alphabetical order. When I finally got to Carly's page, I read her post and thought "YES!!" I haven't been sleeping well the past two weeks. I've had a lot on my mind. I lay down and I just start thinking, making lists, etc. But there are two feelings that I have the most, feeling restless and at ease. Polar opposites. Some days I feel like I am exactly where I should be and others, I feel like I need to be farther in my career or personal life. 

In college, ya know, years ago.. I never had a ten year plan. Each plan was conditional on each step happening and my backup plan in case things didn't work out. If I didn't get into grad school, I had my teaching certificate and license. If I didn't get into my PhD program, I would find a job in research and/or teach at community college. Now that I am my program, I look at my next step which is either a post-doc or a job. Depending on the offer, dictates my next move. 

When it came to relationships, I have had some ups and downs. Did I think I would be married by 25? Yes, when I was naive and younger, I thought I would be married. But realistically that's not how things work. I had my first relationship and first love at the age of 19. A three year relationship that now looking back, was a very healthy, loving relationship. And although that relationship ended because I wasn't ready to take the next step at 21, I treasure that time and lessons I learned from it. I didn't think I would meet the 'right guy' at one of the darkest times in my life. I never thought that starting a relationship bicoastal would be my life. But it did. It's funny now, how I look at people that are 21 and 22 getting married and think "You are SO young! Live a little before settling down." 

It is amazing and challenging the changes in your 20s. It's an enlightening period, and although some days I feel like I have my life together and it's all sunshine and daisies, the next day, life could really suck and it's a lot of curve balls. I hope that with age and the roller coaster that life sometimes is, that we learn to utilize the tools we have to handle situations. And in the meantime, I fill my void of restlessness with constant travel. Almost like a coping mechanism. I don't have children, so it's easy to pick up and go somewhere for a few days. And at the same time, I look forward to the days when I can travel with my kids and show them the world like my mom did. I feel like a complete contradiction. Maybe that's me. Or maybe it's being 25. 

Summer 2015 Swimsuit Trends

Put together a few of my favorite 2015 swimsuit trends for the summer. 

I bought two wrap bikini tops from Victoria Secret that I am obsessed with.

 I might add a one piece to my collection. They are so gorgeous this year!! 

The Wrap Bikini Top 

Halter Top

Color Block 

Bralette 

The Updated One-Piece 

High-Waisted Bottoms 

Palm Leaf- MAJJJJOR SUMMER TREND

Stay tuned for my 4th of July outfit ideas in the next few days! 

Taking my Lunch

I normally take my lunch to work which usually consists of leftovers or frozen meals from Trader Joe's. I decided to mix up my normal with a week of salads for lunch. I loved it so much that I am repeating it this upcoming week. I also dropped drinking soda, going on day 10. I miss the carbonation!!!!! My friend Anna suggested I try club soda with a little lime when I have a craving for a Pepsi and I might try it once I get desperate. Until then, it's lots of water and tea. Back to the lunches.. I really enjoy the selection that Trader Joe's offers. See below for my first round of Trader Joe's salads along with a few snacks I pack for my work day.

Baby Spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese with a raspberry vinaigrette

blueberries

Apples and Cinnamon oatmeal 

Mozzarella and Tomato salad with green onion, pine nuts and a balsamic vinaigrette 

Organic banana yogurt with blueberries

Avocado 

Lemon Chicken Salad with apples, grapes, cucumbers, roasted walnuts, champagne vinaigrette 

Tomatoes and an avocado

Classic Greek Salad with onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red wine vinaigrette 

Trader Joe's Flax seed chips

Organic banana yogurt with blueberries

Enjoy!