Holiday Wish List

We all have those things that we really want for Christmas. This year, I haven’t given it too much thought about what I want for Christmas, and the one thing I do know I am getting I know I am going to love, and I would be happy with just that. 

I don’t normally give much thought into what I want for Christmas, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to look around and find a few things that I wouldn’t mind seeing under the tree!

So, I finally am going to put together a list of things that I would want this Christmas.

 

Leith Colorblock Beanie

Beats Solo in Teal

 

Eddie Ballet Flat in Royal Tan

 

Zella ‘Move’ Pants

 

Steve Madden Troopa Boots

Burberry Retro Sunglasses

 

Carousel Bangle

 

(Quick) Top Five Friday!

My eyes hurt and the computer screen is killing me, so here is an abbreviated version of top five Friday!

Kate Spade Bow Ring- I have been waiting to buy this for a while now, and since Kate Spade is having their friends and family 30% off deal with the code FALL13FF,  I decided to buy it! I cannot wait for it to come!

Dunkin’s hot chocolate man…..I just can’t get enough. I have to get a small so I don’t ruin my entire day with weight watchers when it comes to points and such, but I also cannot resist! Such a comforting thing.

“See I’m Smiling” from The Last Five Years original Broadway soundtrack. I sing this song every time I get into the car.

My Sperry Topsiders.

Chef salads with light honey mustard dressing. I could eat it every single day.

I love bows.

Some “currently’s”

Listening to:

It’s a pretty safe bet that most of the time I am listening to Sara Bareilles, or at least someone a little Sara-esque. I really enjoy her and her music. It has a strange calming effect on me, and her voice is amazing. Singer/songwriters are probably my favorite genre of artist, so she is right up my alley. If you haven’t heard this album yet, I highly suggest you get your hands on it. Favorite song on the album: Hercules. “I’m on the hunt for who I’ve not yet become.”

 

Currently putting in my morning K-cup of coffee:

Cinnabon coffee creamer. Not the most healthy, but I avoid the label on this one because it’s so delicious. I just make sure I add a few extra points to my coffee when I track it in the morning so I have it covered. I think as long as I measure it out I am okay, but I don’t think I could give it up because it’s delicious. I guess it’s a whole lot better than going to have an actual cinnamon bun, right? All about the balance here. I did stop putting sweeteners in my coffee and just use this, so it balances out somewhere 😛 I really love this stuff, which reminds me, I need to buy more when we go grocery shopping! yikes!

Drinking (and what I’m drinking out of):

Smart water. I’m not sure why, but I find myself reaching for it every time I forget to fill my water bottle at home and have to grab one at Wawa. I started getting it for the electrolytes when I work out and also when I get migraines because I’m not the biggest fan of Gatorade. It tastes almost salty to me or something. I have issues with salt, I hate salt unless it’s supposed to be salty like chips or pretzels. I find it helpful in those instances more than just water from the filter in the fridge. I usually like to drink my water out of a Tervis cup with a straw. Oddly enough, I drink more water in a day when I drink it through a straw than when I don’t. They actually mentioned it at my weight watcher meeting today, which I found funny. I carry straws everywhere, which may seem strange, but it’s just the best way to drink my water. I have that exact Tervis, and another one with a J on it that Parker got me (which I need a lid for, ah!). I love them!

 

Carrying:

My Kate Spade Catalina bag is my little baby. My love. My joy. But I switch bags a few times a week, so who knows what I will be carrying tomorrow. I really like this bag because it’s so practical. It fits everything I need, including my laptop, chargers, binders, agenda, everything. It was a great purchase. 

 

Fun (extended) Family Bonding.

Tonight, we are having what we are calling a “family reunion”, but I think it’s actually just an excuse for everyone to get together. I’m excited to see everyone, and I was even more excited that I got to pick out a cute outfit, since it’s rare I get to dress up. I will probably be overdressed for the occasion, then again, I always am. No surprise there. 

I woke up not feeling my best, and also just generally lazy, so I made an appointment to get my hair blow out and straightened, then I went over the my favorite coffee shop next door called The Treehouse. I love their coffee, and all of their drinks never disappoint. The people who work there are also very friendly. I picked up a vegetable quiche as well and I do not regret it. I had a nice breakfast when I got home before I settled down to relax.

 

Before I could do anything, I needed to think out what I was wearing tonight, because if I don’t plan an outfit ahead of time I am lost. I’m not sure if this makes me crazy, anal, over-prepared, but it doesn’t matter because I don’t have to think about it last minute. I planned and set out everything, right down to the shade of lipstick I want to wear, because it will be stress-mania otherwise. 

The first part of the outfit I got were the shoes. I didn’t think this was the event I would wear them to, but the dress I picked out matched well, so I figured I may as well get used to them (I’m not a heels wearin’ kind of girl). Underneath the maroon color in the dress in a pink/mauve color, so my Kate Spade idiom bangle was the perfect choice to go with. The link I posted isn’t the exact color, mine is a very pale pink, as shown in my picture, but that is where you can find it. 🙂 I also picked the lipstick pink plaid by MAC. (sidebar: both Kate Spade pieces were gifts from my boyfriend, I wear them ALL the time, I love him, them, and KS).The earrings I chose to wear, SURPRISE, are also Kate spade. They can be found here in pink/gold. The other two bracelets I picked are just little pieces I got here and there. The “lucky” bracelet is from Nordstrom Rack, I believe most stores sell them. The nailpolish I am wearing is Essie “For the Twill of it“.

I think….

When I find something I want from a Second Time Around store, but can’t but it, I’m just going to make a post with all of them as an unofficial wish list, and also to promote just how amazing this store really is. I have a really bad, awful, terrible habit of sharing things on my facebook wall that I want to buy so I can go back and look at them, but in reality it probably makes me look really greedy. I can make my little Second Time Around (STA) facebook page research into a fun blog topic by posting my favorites of the day when I find things that really stand out to me. Unless it’s something I really like, in which case I may still share, but leave out the details of where to find it 😛

I just love for people to know the kinds of things that these stores offer because it’s an amazing option when not everyone may have the means to pay retail price on things like this. I know that even if I was a millionaire, I wouldn’t be able to justify paying retail price on most things as frequently as I do with new trends and styles coming out, so this is a great option for me. It just seems smarter. People probably think that I buy things a lot, but what people don’t realize is that I utilize every resource I have, such as the consignment shops in my area, coupons, outlet stores, and clearance sales. I don’t usually buy things full price, unless it’s extremely reasonable. I take advantage of surprise sales, friends and family, flash sales, coupon codes, loyal shopper discounts, and just sales in general these designers and store (rarely) offer. Anyone can, really. It’s just a matter of having some money left in your back pocket because you never know when one will pop up. The trick is to never plan on buying a new purse or accessories…because a week later you know that designer will have a 3 day only 75% off sale, and your bag will be absolutely included.

Top Five Friday. I’d-rather-be-out-to dinner-with-my-friends-but-I-don’t-feel-well Edition.

Today my top five Friday is being brought to you at a normal hour because I didn’t feel well and I had to, unfortunately, cancel my plans with my beautiful friends to stay home and try to feel better. I have a family reunion tomorrow that I am looking forward to and I didn’t want to risk feeling worse for that.

I picked a bunch of different things today for my top 5, and I’ll start with my most recent purchase, which I made last night. Haddonfield, which is a town fairly close to where I live, has a girl’s night out one Thursday a month (I believe). From 5-9, all the stores have 20% off all of their items, and also offer small snacks, wine, and a variety of mixed drinks. It really was a lovely night.

I stopped in a store called Amixx Boutique. The store had the most amazing jewelry and accessories. I actually won their summer giveaway, which was this incredible statement necklace with different beach-y themed charms on it. When I went in last night, I knew I wanted to buy something, but I didn’t know what. That just how I am. Then, I saw it. On the wall was the perfect sign that describes my entire life. Clearly I made the purchase right away. I could not be more happy with it. I highly recommend stopping in it you ever have the chance. I know I will be in there again very soon!

 

Last week, my mom, aunt, and I took a trip out shopping as I had mentioned, and we spent a long time looking at the fun accessories in Nordstrom. I always wear my hair back to work because I never have time to blow dry and straighten it in the morning, so I looked for some headbands to wear to make me look a little more put together than I actually am. This particular headband was on sale. I’m not sure of the brand but I love it and it was worth the buy. If you go to Norstrom and see it, I highly recommend picking one up! So cute too!

 

Neutrogena seems to be a brand I always go back to. I tried the Say yes to Tomatoes face wash for a while, but it made me break out, and I think it’s because it’s extra acidic with the tomato in it. My skin reacts weird to certain things, and I think that particular face was was a bit too abrasive for me. The original facial cleansing formula by Neutrogena seems to be the perfect face wash for me. It’s balanced enough, and it keeps me oil free through the day.

 

 

My Asic sneakers were one of the absolute best purchases ever. My dad bought them for me as a reward for doing so well with losing weight. I needed new sneakers anyway because my dog ate my inserts out of my old sneakers, but it was time to invest in a serious pair with the amount I was working out. These sneakers were amazing. I highly suggest investing in a pair. I have been having problems with my back, and these really have helped with that as well because they give me the support I need. They’re called the gel cumulus by Asic.

 

Last, the Beau bag by Kate Spade. I could go all day about it. I am obsessed. I NEED one. But I cannot afford one. Feel free to go buy one for me. I prefer the camel/black or all black one. But this royal blue is fun for the post. This bag IS me. I’ve never seen a bag describe me so well just by being what it is. The shape, the size, the details. I can’t. I’m done.

Kate Spade Beau bag.

Kate Spade’s New Arrivals-Nerdy Chic!

This morning I got an email telling me to check out all of Kate Spade’s new arrivals….and of course, being as obsessed as I am, I did just that! The KS newest arrivals seem to be inspired by libraries, books, and well…just nerds I absolutely love this! They even have a tote bag and a small purse that look like the old school system that was used to find books in libraries. I think this is absolutely nothing short of brilliant.

Another part of this collection that I absolutely love is the print with the literary glasses. I posted it before, but I purchased the 17 month agenda in this print and I absolutely love it, but now all these other things in this print are just as perfect too- especially the scarf because I am a HUGE scarf person once the weather is right. I would love the phone case, but I don’t have an iPhone 5 😦 sad days. The big tote bag that says “Boys make passes at girls who wear glasses” is a really cute phrase. KS has a way of coming up with the most adorable sayings for their products and it just can MAKE a bag.

The last three accessories, in my opinion, would be the perfect little addition to make any outfit sparkle a little bit extra. The bracelet is called “opening night” which i just love because it is so fitting to what I have been doing lately, and how involved in theatre I have been. The watch and the shoes just fit because I am obsessed with all things bows. Literally, obsessed…it’s a problem. I saw KS shoes at Nordstrom Rack with a bow on them and I may go back and get them, I just really love bows. on EVERYTHING. The bows on the shoes add a little pop of gold sparkle which would make a plain black dress really something special.

This last dress is just amazing. end of story. nothing else to say. Kate Spade. Love. .

When all else fails, feel free to purchase me something Kate Spade. I made the mistake of being unsure of a Kate Spade bag before (cough sorry park cough) and I will never do that again. Christmas, Birthday….a Tuesday. I love Kate Spade.

Go check out her new arrivals!

Second Time Around- The First Place to Shop

When it comes to designer bags, I have to admit, I am obsessed. I love the look of a great, classic bag that I know will never go out of style. But let’s be honest, who has the money for that? I know I sure don’t with my paychecks. Even if I did, I could not realistically understand buying something that expensive. Even when I’m not shopping at a consignment shop, I will only buy my bags when they are significantly on sale or from an outlet store and cheaper than normal price. 

I have sought out many consignment shops, but the ones that are my favorite are the line of stores called Second Time Around, located mainly on the east coast, with a few in Chicago, and other random areas. 

Second Time Around is the kind of store you can walk into and spend a long time in just browsing around at all of the amazin items they have on sale. Normally when you walk into a consignment shop, you expect the prices to be pretty high, but the prices at these stores cannot be beat. I have not seen one thing go on sale that I did not think was worth buying. I have made two purchases from there, and one purchase my boyfriend made for me for our anniversary (Burberry bag).

 

Everything I have purchased (or purchased then received, in the case of the shoes since I ordered them over the phone) has been absolutely amazing. I do not regret one thing. The wallet was in MINT condition and almost 1/4 of the original price, the Burberry bag, while it had a few scuffs on the inside, was prices perfectly according to the EXTREMELY minimal mark that was not even visible, and the shoes….well, they were basically a steal 🙂 I was even MORE impressed when I called to order the shoes from STA: Southport on Sunday later afternoon and received them by Wednesday. Now that is incredible service. 

One of the best things about these store is that they have such accessible ways to access them via social media. Each store had their own facebook page and instagram, and you can call and order any item right over the phone! I am not ashamed to admit that I follow every single STA store on facebook and look at the new items posted every day, just to see if there is something I am interested in. 

As I mentioned, I am not exactly in a position to purchase things all the time as I want them, but this store makes it much easier for me to be able to if I wanted to. I recommend this store to people almost daily, and I have even gone as far as to taking people’s phones and liking the pages on facebook for them, so they can be up to date with what has been coming in the stores as well. I highly suggest going online and finding one near you or checking out the newest items on sale and buying something for yourself, because we all deserve something nice, and STA makes it easy for us ladies to treat ourselves. 🙂 

I am thinking I am going to do a better job keeping tabs on the Kate Spade items that come in because I decided I can never have enough Kate Spade. 

Top Five Fridaaaaaaaaay

I’m super late on this because I had a show and I am still in shock at how amazingly it went. This top five Friday will be a quick one.

First thing is first, the Legally Blonde Original Broadway Cast recording. It’s been a slight obsession of mine the past few weeks to the points where I am trying to find a way to do the scene “So Much Better”. (Maybe in our next Scenes and Songs I can ask nicely …. 😛 ) If you ever get a chance, check it out. The music is super catchy, also relatable on some levels. I saw it on Broadway and loved it so I would recommend the music as well!

My body shape has changed dramatically since I’ve lost weight, and I am not discovering that things I thought looked good before, really did not look good at all. Most of the things I wore did not give me any shape or figure, and I used what I was wearing to hide the things I wanted to hide. Now that I am feeling much more comfortable, I really like wearing things that accentuate my waist, since it’s the smallest part of me now. Before, I was too nervous to do that, but I really think it is a much more flattering look for me when I wear things that lay that way. I have been throwing on a skinny belt when shirts are too big and wearing them as tunics with leggings, which has worked well, because those shirts are too big, are now also a lot longer so I can get away with it. I plan to go shopping this weekend and I would like to find more figure flattering clothes for fall father than just chambray shirts all the time.

 

Wegman’s water with passionfruit. I used to be obsessed. Like….OBSESSED with the dragonfruit vitamin water. It was a slight problem. I stopped drinking it all together because I just couldn’t stop. I found this passionfruit water at Wegmans and it tastes SO similar! I love it! They also have other flavors like lemon, lime, and tangerine. It’s a nice change from just having plain old water all the time (although I do love water). The flavor boost is just enough, but not too sweet that it makes you feel like you just drank an actual Vitamin water.

 

My new Kate Spade agenda book came yesterday and I am in love with it. It’s so different and unique, and has all these really adorable sayings every month. It is big enough to write in but small enough to keep in my purse (my purse is kind of large though). Highly recommend investing in one! It is extremely organized on the inside with a few folders. Sturdy outside, as well. 

 

Layering. I am currently in love with layering. It’s not quite cold enough to layer just yet but I do what I can when I can. Throw on a denim jacket, a cardigan, a scarf…anything that can be layered. I need to buy all new clothes for fall because nothing fits me right (too big, not flattering, etc) but I plan on doing lots of layering when I can!