My "Mental Shopping List"...

I've been in a rut lately. It's been so hot and I haven't really done anything worth dressing up for. When I'm cleaning my house and chasing after Tropical Storm Liam, it's hard to look superduperstylish, so I usually stick with my cut off jean shorts, a tank, and some stud earrings. Earrings are always a must-have for me, and I buy the majority of mine in multi-packs from Charlotte Russe. Anyways, back to my rut. Have I mentioned what stores are at my disposal here in Upstate NY? Let's see, there's the regular department stores-Sears, The Bon Ton, and JC Penny. There's also a Burlington Coat Factory, Kohls, and TJ Maxx, but I rarely have luck at either of those (the latter is usually more successful and I'm actually going to head back there today). As far as regular clothing stores, there is Charlotte Russe, AE, Aero, Maurices, Vanity, Maurices, Hollister, Pac Sun, Hot Topic, Old Navy, Deb, Dress Barn, Gap, and Zumiez. When I write it all out, it seems like a lot-but depending on your style and your budget, your options are limited. I'm more of a Forever 21, H&M, and Macy's kinda gal-I like my trendier pieces, but can't afford to spend a whole lot. Hollister hasn't fit me since I stopped being a size zero, Vanity and Maurices just aren't my cup of tea, and the quality just isn't there with Deb. I can definitely get down with Pac Sun and AE sometimes, but it's rare. So there, you see where I'm coming from. My other options are over 70 miles away, so going there often is out of the question-and this is coming from the girl who used to work and live less than 5 minutes from the Mall of America.

I miss you, old friend (and this is SUCH an old pic, btw).

Ok, so back to my point-again (am I babbling today or what?!).

I haven't been able to find anything even remotely cute when I go shopping lately, but I have this imaginary shopping list in my head that I'm just waiting to check off. So today, what I thought I'd do, is share that list with you, and also share some of the things I have checked off my list. Sound good? Hokay.

1. Colored Denim-CHECK

 

I bought mine at AE, and luuuuuuuhrve them. They are super comfy and stretchy and the color is perfect. They're a neon coral-so they look fresh with just a white tank and fun jewelry. Plus, they make me look tan, which I can always get down with.

2. Lace Shorts-CHECK or so I thought...

 

I bought these Scalloped Bobbin Lace Shorts from Forever 21 and waited SO impatiently for them to arrive. When I got them and tried them on, I was super disappointed. They aren't scalloped like in the pic, and the underlay is as long as the lace, so you can't see the lace detail at all. And then there was some sort of defect, where the seam on the side was sewn to the bottom-so now I have to get to the store to return them. These were a complete steal at $17.80, so I think I'm going to exchange them at the store and get another pair if I can't find anything I like better.

3. Hi-Low Dress (with cut outs if possible)

 

I had found an absolutely ahhhhdorable dress from Apricot Lane Boutique (which, btw, I am obsessed with) that would have been perfect, but it was all sold out. I had simple and classy cut outs as well as a fun striped skirt attached. Would have been perfect for my birthday, but I couldn't chance it with shipping. And now it's gone...*wipes away tear*

4. Fringe Bikini

I have been searching for one of these forever. Target used to have one, and I am kicking myself very hard for not snatching it up (that's my problem, I totally overanalyze my purchases and freak out when I get to the register). Now the only ones I can find are over $50 a piece and that, my friends, ain't happenin'. 

5. Studded Loafers

I love my dad, but hate that his genes gave me huge feet that cannot fit into Madden Girl shoes. Which sucks because I usually can't afford Steve Madden shoes (unless they're on sale at DSW or Famous Footwear), but the Madden Girl line usually costs less. I had found a pair at TJ Maxx for like $30 and wanted them soooo bad, but the biggest size they had was a 9 1/2 and they were just too tight. Had they been like $10, I would have bought them in hopes of stretching them out just a bit, but I couldn't swing the $30. Boo. 

6. Kimono Cardigan

This will be perfect for the changing late Summer weather-it's lightweight enough to not suffocate you, but will also allow you a bit of "shelter" from chillier nights. I love this look with heels, skinny jeans, a white tank, and delicate jewelry. So effortless.

Those are my "specifics" for now, but the second I see something adorable in Cosmo or Vogue, I'm all over it and have to add it to my mental checklist.

What's on your list? Have you been able to check anything off lately?

A Quickie (and easy!) DIY Project!

Paying for eye make-up remover can easily put a strain on your budget. It's one of those expenses that you don't really need, but like to have. I usually buy a package of generic baby wipes for about $2, but the amount of waste they create is bonkers, so I was hoping for an alternate option. I happened across this recipe from adelynSTONE and thought I'd give it a try. The total cost was less than $2, but could definitely be free if you have these products already lying around (and chances are you do if you have kiddos). 

Here's all you need:

1 c. water

1 1/2 T. tear-free baby shampoo

1/8 t. baby/coconut/olive oil 

Container for the solution

Just mix all the ingredients together and pour into your container.

&

Voila! All donezo.

I'm on a new DIY kick and am planning on making my own laundry detergent next, wish me luck!

Fashion Essentials for The Everygirl

I came across this blog via Pinterest (of course!) and thought it was too great not to share. Basically what it is, is a list of  21 fashion essentials for every woman. You'd be surprised at how many of these items you already have in your closet and just how "essential" these pieces really are-I mean, I there's no way I'd survive without my cardigans or ballet flats-even though Harv ate my fave pair of Old Navy ones (there's always next season, right?). If you have a minute, definitely check the list here and be sure to read through The Everygirl Blog-they have some awesome and informative articles! 

What are some of your "must haves"?

Steal Their Look!

How was everyone's weekend? Winding down after the craziness of the 4th? We had a whirlwind of a holiday, J had some extra time off, so we got to spend lots of time as a fam.

And since I quit my job (yep, I quit-long story), I've been playing Suzie Homemaker again. My house has never been so clean. Oh, and I took it upon myself to finish all the DIY projects and room makeovers I had been putting off. So it's been fun!

It's been awhile since I've done a "Steal Her Look..." post, so I figured I'd sneak on over to People Style Watch's website and see what looks we could steal this week. I found a couple looks that I really dug, and I'm going to share them with you! As always, make them your own-and enjoy!

First up, we have Demi Lovato. Let me just say, I always thought she was just another annoying Disney star, but after reading her interview in Glamour, I totally changed my opinion on her. She is a super strong woman and really inspirational. She's the newest judge on X Factor too (along with Miss B. Spears), so I'm excited to watch this season! 

This look will be REALLY easy to emulate. Take one Pippa Lace Dress, add a Pink Ladies Jacket, and finish it off with a pair of Selene Pumps. Easy and effortless, huh?

Next up, we have Olivia Palermo, who is always super chic. She rubbed me the wrong way on "The City", but I now respect her a bit-the girl knows how to do PR. If I could have a career half as successful as hers, I'd be happy. 

She is rocking a leather peplum top, but finding one of those under $50 will be nearly impossible. I did find a faux version, but that ran $89 at Piperlime. This Hard Rock Peplum Top looks like it's leather, so it adds that rock star vibe to the ensemble. Since the top is fairly elaborate, stick with a simple short like the Diamond Shorts. These Anne Michelle "Momentum" pumps pull everything together, and a Mac Belt finishes the look.

That's all for tonight, folks. I'm somehow freakin' exhausted, so it's off to bed for me! 

Happy shopping!

Pinterest! Are you following me?

I know I'm not the only one thoroughly obsessed with Pinterest. I'm ashamed to admit that I probably spent about 2 hours total today browsing the site (and then went to Michael's to buy a thousand pieces of scrapbook paper I probably didn't need). The one thing I don't like about it though, is how envious I become of all the beautiful, expensive, and difficult-to-make things that people are constantly pinning. I will admit though, the inspiration you get from that site is ahmazeballs. I've made a bunch of cool crafts for our home, and have also found new ways to wear what's already in my closet. Oh, and our dinner menus have definitely received an upgrade. ;)

Aaanyways, I wanted to make a post specifically dedicated to what I've recently found on Pinterest and some of my old faves. If you aren't following me already, head on over there and search for me: @carriejane. If you need an invite (because you've been living under a rock and haven't signed up yet), feel free to leave me a comment with your e-mail and I'll send you one!

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Maxi skirt + tube top + oversized belt = effortless chic.

Don't forget your big sunnies and a clutch. 

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Head wraps...sigh...need I say more?!

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This is flared jeans done right. When you go fitted on the bottom (as in the pants), a looser top looks great. Her pants are the perfect length as well, covering to the toes of her heels. You don't want them to drag too much, but you also don't want them to be too short. Always remember, you can buy jeans that may be too long and take them to a seamstress to be hemmed. It's usually less than $10 for your pants.

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Love me some high waisted skirts (they gotta be full) and tanks. Throw a blazer over it to take it from day to night and you're set. I love the "unkeptness" of the first look-strands of long necklaces and the belt (not to mention the long, gorg, hair), but I also love the structured feel of the second one. Either way, they both hit the nail on the head with this look.

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This is neon done right. The nude heels don't detract from the POP! of color that the dress adds, and the necklace adds just enough extra pizzaz.

P.S. Check out the boutique where this look came from, they have some ah-dorable things!

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I'm sure this look can be made with items already in your closet...

-Jeans?

-Denim shirt?

-Oversized scarf?

-Motorcycle jacket?

-Heels?

I've got 'em all, do you? Doesn't she look cozy and warm? You could totally add a fuzzy beanie for extra cold days and replace the heels with boots.

I have a TON more looks on my "fabulous fashion" board, so head over and check it out.

If I'm not already following you, leave a comment with your link and I'll be sure to follow ya!

Happy Pinning, lusties!

Twenty-Six

Every year, the age old "what dress do I wear for my birthday?!?!" panic sets in and I set out on the hunt to find the perfect little party dress. I usually find something I like, but it's never anything I havetohave, ya know? Here, take a look back on some of my previous birthday fashion mishaps.

 

21- Obvs towards the end of the night...probably a smart idea to wear jeans...

22-Totally rocked the feathers and big hair that night...

23- VIP in a LBD...

24- Hot mess in a tight skirt and tank (gotta give myself credit-2 months post-baby)...

25- Jeans and a tee-spent the night playing Quelf and going midnight swimming...

So here we are, about to celebrate 26 and feeling the need to break out a killer outfit and have one word come to mind when my husband sees me...

STUNNING.

So here are a couple runners-up (runner-uppers? runner-ups?), thoughts?

I'm just loving the back of this neon pink dress from Lulu's, it'd definitely be perfect for a night out, not too dressy, but not too casual either-I think I'd fit in ok around here, considering the local uniform is Wranglers, flannel, and shitkickers. 

Are you noticing a pattern here? Kinda obsessed with the backless look. I don't know if it's because my back is one of the few body parts I still like, or if I'm just feeling the need to show some skin, but either way, this romper is HAWT. Love the minty green and the deep v-neck in the front. This would be super sexy with some platform heels and bangles. Mmmm...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the color of this one, and I love how casual it is too. I'm thinking funky bracelets (a TON) and some super strappy wedges. Oh, and hair def needs to be in a messy bun, right? ;)

So, I'm still hunting, but that neon pink dress is still at the top of my list. I'm kinda sorta in love. 

Why, hello there!

Oh goodness, it's been awhile!

I feel guilty that I've been away for so long, but my job has been insane lately and I haven't had a real, full-blown, day off in forevs, and company just left, so I'm trying to regain my sanity!

Just a little update...I'm still working on the freelance thing, but it gets expensive, so I'm just taking it slow. I had my first referral, but since I had to work (she was going to the ball-TODAY!), I invited her in to the store and did her make-up at my counter. She looked amazing-and to top it off, she had just lost a BUNCH of weight from gastric bypass, so this was one of the first times she got all dolled up. I was so honored to be able to "share" that moment with her and allow her to feel sexy and confident. I hope she has a blast tonight! 

Anywho, I haven't really had time to do a whole lot of online shopping lately, but now that the hubs and nugget are both sound asleep (L in his bed, J on the floor, and Harvey sleeping next to him), I have a little time to browse.

What are you lusting after right now? Share!

I'm kinda obsessed with this Big Bang Skirt from Tobi...and the gray top with it is perfect! There's also some fun dresses and leggings in the same type of pattern-so unexpected and fun!

Two things I love here, a sexy bodysuit and lace shorts. Can't do any wrong with that combo!

Doesn't this outfit look supes comfy? The shorts look perfect for a weekend out. I'm always searching for something comfortable enough to be in all weekend, but still stylish. I doubt I could wear the top during the hot Summer months, but I think it's absolutely perfect for the cooler late Summer/early Autumn months!

 

Ya'll know I love a good romper and this one is no exception! The color blocking is amazeballs, you can never go wrong with pink and blue! I'd spice it up with a sexy stiletto or wedge, and some fun bangles-no necklace though, let your neckline and collarbone shine with a little bit of bronzer!

So there you have it...my latest lusts.

I'll hopefully be back tomorrow, but I've got another loooong day of work ahead of me!