July Budget

As evidenced by the fact that I couldn't even manage to fit everything in the collage (and I can't shake the nagging feeling that I've forgotten something as well) July was a bad month.

Yes, I did have a big (free) shopping day at the Tanger Outlets because I had a gift card, plus I consigned a few things and then immediately spent the money I earned, and I had Gap rewards, and DSW coupons... but still, I shopped way too much this month.

The Loft espadrille sandals, I have zero regrets about - I waited until the Fourth of July sale to get half off and free shipping, then I had to stalk the page all day to wait for the pop back - but I do love them, even if they are synthetic.

I couldn't find my Loft Outlet layered chevron pendant necklace anywhere online, but I did find this very similar Madewell necklace, right down to the super cool slide adjusting length, so I've linked it - you're welcome.

The Old Navy suede culottes were a 'cart filler' I wasn't expecting to like, but I got them in a 6 petite and they fit perfectly and are so soft and comfortable. I never shop for fall this early, but these culottes are keepers.

Round towel! I could not hold out on participating in the trend any longer, and this one just happened to match my new swim top. I have to say I am wishing it were a tad bigger though. For the price and the novelty I'm still happy with it.

Oh, pink cami dress. I tried this on in the store and the dart in the front looked weird. I tried on another and it still looked weird. So then I bought it online and I think the dart looks okay, or maybe I just want the dress so much that I've rationalized it looks okay? Maybe I should post a photo and take a poll.

I should also mention I bought two pairs of sandals yesterday morning, but I don't want to include things until I've decided if I'm keeping them or not, so maybe you will see them next month, maybe not!

Thrifted Loft Linen Floral Tee, $5 (free after consignment credits)
J.Crew Factory Scalloped Linen Shirt, $37.50 (free after gift card)
Old Navy Drapey Suede Culottes, $2.29 (after gift card)
Cotton On Round Towel, $26 (including shipping)
Franco Sarto Sandals, $49.95 (free after coupons & gift card)
Club L Maxi Dress at ASOS, $26
J.Crew Factory Layering Cami, $15 (free after gift card)
Target Black Swim Bottom, $17.99
J.Crew Factory Cami Dress, $32
J.Crew Factory Leopard Print Shorts, $20
Loft Outlet Chevron Pendant Necklace (free with gift card)
Loft Outlet Gingham shorts, $15 (free with gift card)
Loft Espadrille Wedge Sandals, $40
Express Off The Shoulder Tee, $13
Loft Outlet Windowpane Cammi (free with gift card)
Old Navy White Cardigan, $21 (free with gift card)
Thrifted Embroidered Tank, $7 (free after consignment credits)
Gap Geo Print PJ Top, $0.85 (after gift card)

Total for July: $178

Blush pink

As many young girls have, there was a time when I would have proclaimed that pink was the best color in the world, and was delighted to have everything I could get my hands on in the shade. After the pink obsession subsided around age 10 (and I was stuck with screaming pink bedroom walls for another four years after that) I really kept my distance from the color. I favored red, reasoning it was more sophisticated and adult, I adored blue, I dabbled in purples, anything but pink.

Yet, I've found myself with a new affinity for the shade, especially in blush. Admittedly since I started blogging I stopped generally disliking most colors, finding that there is a time, place, and garment to love them all.

The Rundown
Blush Sheath Dress c/o Chadwicks similar
Sandals Franco Sarto via TJMaxx similar
Leopard Clutch Clare V. c/o Shopbop
Ear Jackets TJMaxx similar
Necklace c/o LydellNYC similar
Cuff "Vista" Gorjana via Rocksbox
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Find Me An Oasis" Essie

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I wore to work

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore this dress)
and
Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

Electric floral

Neons, being so bright and so bold tend to beg to be the center of attention. Thus, in the past I've paired this skirt with white and with chambray and let it be the star. Yet the near perfect match of this floral blouse enticed me to try out the combination, and I can't say I disliked it one bit.

The Rundown
Floral Blouse Banana Republic
Skirt J.Crew similar
Sandals "Glorious" Franco Sarto via DSW
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
Turquoise Necklace Gift similar
Cuff "Vista" Gorjana via Rocksbox
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Find Me An Oasis" Essie

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday
and
Cute and Little's on Trend Tuesday

Smile like you mean it

Last week Sean and I went to see The Killers at Mohegan Sun, even though it was a weeknight (I'm an old lady) we had a great time. We decided to forgo the opening act in favor of grabbing dinner at Hash House a Go Go, which was like fried chicken heaven. Somehow we still ended up in a mad dash to get to the arena on time, but we just squeaked in before the first song was underway.

The show was great, I loved the set list, and our seats were close enough that every one on stage was bigger than a little speck. Naturally I would not have worn these heels had it been standing room only, but clearly they were meant to be worn with this dress. And since a random stranger complimented me on them, it made their maiden voyage all the better.

One other small accessory I had for the night was a pair of etymotic ear plugs. Again, you know I'm an old lady, and tinnitus for days is not something I enjoy. I know rock concerts are meant to be loud and I agree, that's part of the experience, but once the earplugs are in, I barely even feel like anything is missing, it's just a more reasonable volume. Let the ears of the youth ring; I'd much rather sleep soundly after I rock out.

The Rundown
Cutout Dress c/o Zinke
Honey Fringe Sandal Banana Republic
Navy Foldover Clutch Clare V.
Cuff "Vista" Gorjana via Rocksbox
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewerly Box
Naomi Druzy Ring c/o Kendra Scott
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Bikini So Teeny" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Summer

and

Monday Mingle

Easily swayed

I spotted two other bloggers wearing this maxi dress, and when I found out it was only $26, I had no choice but to throw it in my cart! I was very anxious to wear it, but it was way too long to wear with flats so I got creative and folded it up at the waist line and secured it with the belt. It held up surprising well throughout the day.

So happy for another weekend - the weather has been glorious lately and I hate not getting to enjoy it be stuck in an office all day.

The Rundown
Maxi Dress Club L via ASOS
Sandals "Glorious" Franco Sarto via DSW
Anchor Belt ASOS similar
Earrings JoJo Loves You
Kyanite Gemstone Necklace c/o A Jewelry Crush
Anchor Ring TJMaxx similar
Gold Circle Bracelet St. Thomas c/o TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Fifth Avenue" Essie

Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (one year ago today)

Wear to work

Nothing can beat the ease of a dress when dealing the with both the summer heat and the morning stress of choosing an outfit in under ten minutes, but every once in awhile (when the humidity is low) I like to mix things up and actually put on a pair of pants.

Black and white always manages to feel more professional and put together than any other combination of bright color and pattern, but I still feel like I can't leave the house without a little something special, so the shiny studded sandals come into play. I will wear these babies until they fall apart, I love them so.

The Rundown
White Blouse Taken for Granite similar
Black Jeans Old Navy
Sandals "Karezza" Enzo Angiolini similar
Huntley Tote c/o Joie similar

Castillo Gold Dipped Lace Earrings c/o Uncommon Goods

Cuff "Vista" Gorjana via Rocksbox
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry

Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "I saw...you saw...we saw...Warsaw" OPI

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's Summer Style

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore this necklace)
and
Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda