Friday, May 30, 2014

Kate Spade Dupes in Lemon Print

Hi Ladies,
How do you feel about the lovely lemon prints that are everywhere this season? I love them! Somehow, Kate Spade, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor all came up with similar prints at the same time. I'm not going to speculate as to who came up with the idea first, but I know where my money is going. :)
Kate Spade Dupes



Ann Taylor print top
anntaylor.com


Ann Taylor clothing
anntaylor.com


Kate Spade skater skirt
nordstrom.com


Banana Republic skirt
bananarepublic.gap.com


Kate Spade crossbody bag
nordstrom.com


Banana Republic canvas tote bag
bananarepublic.gap.com


Kate Spade belt
nordstrom.com


Kate Spade belt
nordstrom.com


Bow tie belt
thelimited.com


Bow tie belt
thelimited.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

May Nailette Box Review

Hi Ladies,
I'm really excited about my Nailette box this month! Firstly, I love the colors...they remind me of orange creamsicles and strawberry milkshakes! Secondly, I did both paint jobs myself! I'm very proud, because if you remember my diatribe from last month, I hate painting my nails. I really appreciate all the advice and have started using an Orly base coat & Sally Hensen topcoat which have definitely helped. 

**What is Nailette? For $9.99/ a month, you get two colors selected for you based on your tastes and skin tone.  If you are interested in signing up, use the code meredith50 and you will receive 20% off your first box.

May Nailette Box

Monday, May 26, 2014

A Little Black Shirt Dress

Hi Ladies,
Feels like forever since I wrote a post, but it was just last week... :) Anyway, I know I'm a little behind in responding to comments, but I'll get there! I can't blame the wild fires in California, or that I was traveling, I guess it was just one of those weeks. So, I'm blogging today about one of my favorite pieces: a shirt dress. I think they are a fabulous and simply way to dress for work. The collar makes you look professional and what can be more simple that putting on a dress? I love this one for summer because it's made of mostly cotton, but they used different textures to keep it interesting. (Photos were taken by  Randy Luckey of 1220.)
Hope you have a wonderful week!

Ann Taylor Black Shirt Dress

Friday, May 23, 2014

Thoughts on Acid Wash...

As a woman who came into her "fashion prime" during the 90s, I was raised to hate acid wash. Acid wash and teased bangs are the stuff of 80s "teenage angst" movies, not the stuff of the modern 90s. Now, I am aware that the 90s are now considered "old school". However, I'm still shocked to see acid wash at the GAP!! Sure, H&M has been dabbling in it for a while, but they always kept it on the top floor, in the dark, next to the neon bodysuits. But the Gap? They are the bastion of normalcy in America...they don't do edgy! They stay in the middle of the road and are good at what they do...so what does it mean when they have acid wash all over their site? Does this mean that I will wind up wearing it too? NEVER! 

What about you? Where do you stand? :)
Is Acid Wash Making a Comeback?

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Figure Flattering Pieces from Banana Republic & Marimekko Collab!

Banana Republic & Marimekko Collaboration!
Guess what? The Banana Republic and Marimekko collaboration launched today! I'm super excited about it because I love Marimekko's bright, modern designs and I love BR's minimalist style! I must say though, I wasn't wowed when I saw it :(. I really wanted to be though. I'm a card holder, so I got a preview, but I'm hoping that the collection will contain more pieces. Firstly, the colors are muted and I don't understand why...it's summer...this is the time for brights! Secondly, some of the prints are big, which generally aren't flattering on petites or curvy people. However, I have combed through them and selected what I think are the most flattering items.

What do you think of the collection?
  1. Marimekko Collection Tamara Dress - PETITE
    • small print won't add bulk
    • drop waist is great for people with thicker hips
    • unfortunately, there is no stretch in the blend, which makes it more less comfortable.
  2. Marimekko Collection Kivet Pleated Dress PETITE
    • small print won't add bulk
    • pleats won't add bulk to hippy folks, because they stitched down the top of the pleats
    • good try for all shapes
  3. Marimekko Collection Kivet Hampton Short
    • small print won't add bulk
    • polka dots are very "in"
    • black and white go with everything...try a top in a solid color or another black and white design
  4. Marimekko Collection Siirtolapuutarha A-Line Dress PETITE
    • print is on the bigger side, so it may add bulk - worth trying on
    • pleats won't add bulk to hippy folks, because they stitched dow the top of the pleats
  5. Marimekko Collection Siirtolapuutarha Hampton Short
    • print is on the bigger side, so it may add bulk - worth trying on
    • cool print and pretty color
    • try a top in a solid color that's in the print or a black and white design

Friday, May 16, 2014

A Modern Retro Hairdo'

Hi Ladies,
One of my favorite bloggers, because she's so sweet and funny, is Cynthia from Marcy Very Much. She recently introduced me to photography by Hannah Betts. I took one look at Hanna's Nancy Drew inspired photo below and fell in love with the hairstyle! (Immediately afterward I began to pout because none of my indoor photography has ever looked this good.) After I pulled myself together, I picked up this photo, walked over to my nearest hair salon and told them to give me the Amy Winehouse! Just kidding...I told them to make this photo happen!

So, they got close...it's not an exact match, but I like it. :) What do you think? If you want to do a similar look on yourself, checkout This is Glamourous' tutorial here. Also, if you are looking for a laugh to lighten your day, checkout:





Friday, May 9, 2014

Trends I'm Trying: Nail Wraps and Radiant Orchid Lipstick

Maybelline® Color Sensational® Vivids Lipcolor - BRAZEN BERRY
Hi Ladies,
So what do you do when the Pantone's color of the year doesn't look good on you? It's interesting, but I've read this same complaint on several blogs and don't recall hearing the same concerns last year when the color was Emerald. I think this purply-pink color is difficult to wear, and I probably won't buy any clothes in it. It's a pretty color but too close to my skin tone and therefore won't "set me off" :). However, I did find this lipstick by Maybelline and it's an easy way to try the trend...surprisingly I like how it looks. The lipliner and lipstick together cost about $11!
This is Radiant Orchid. (source)


Radiant Orchid Lipstick

 To create this look I used:




Now, onto the next trend...NAIL WRAPS:



I'm kinda behind the curve, because nail wraps have been out for a while, but it's my first time using them! I received these in my Petit Vour box and decided to give them a try. They are by NCLA and come in many designs. They were easy to put on using the directions and lasted for about a week. I did use a top and bottom coat, as instructed. However, what I didn't like is that these are essentially stickers, and left a white line at the tip when you file them off. Other brands that I've used since then, use layers of nail polish which doesn't do that. They also looked like stickers, so no one was going to mistake them for nail art. :) 

Verdict: I love the relative ease and longevity of nail wraps, but will try another brand that looks more similar to nail polish.


All opinions expressed in this blog are my own, however if you decide to click on the links above, I may earn a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!


Monday, May 5, 2014

14 Ways Jewelry can Spruce up a Tee for Spring

14 Ways to Spruce up a Tee for Spring!Hi Ladies,
Have you checked out Nordstom's jewelry section lately? (BTW...they now carry Baublebar in their stores.) OMG!! They have some cute stuff and a lot of it is surprisingly well priced. (They can't beat F21, but the quality is definitely better. :) ) After getting all excited, I realized that between Hautelook, Wantables and Banana Republic, I'd already bought a ton of jewelry this spring. Therefore, I did the next best thing and curated a set for you. Hope you enjoy! (Checkout the bottom of the page for a funny story. :) )

Friday, May 2, 2014

Cute Spring Stuff on Sale Now!

Hi Ladies,
I'm shamelessly ripping this post idea from On the Daily Express, but I spotted some really good Sales at Banana Republic and The Limited last weekend and wanted to share them with you. Hope you enjoy!
I love this clutch! The polka dots look so good against stripes and solid, bright backgrounds, which make it perfect for spring! 

Heres' how I wore it: full post