Stocking Stuffers!

Am I the only one who thinks that stocking stuffers should be under $10?! I get so frustrated when I see the title "STOCKING STUFFERS!" and the stuff they feature costs anywhere from $5-20! I'm sorry, but when I was a kiddo, my stocking was filled with travel packs of Kleenex (in a festive Christmas pattern, of course), $1 scratch-offs, and an orange-not a $40 pair of headphones and a $15 iTunes gift card.

Well, I'm here to save the day, and offer you a fabulous list of true goodies that are all under $10. You can still give great gifts on a budget (that post is coming later, I promise), and fill those giant socks with things that people will actually use and love!

LOVE CULTURE

 

These fab earmuffs are a total steal at only $4.90 each! If the giftee lives in a chilly area, these will most definitely come in handy! They can easily be tossed into a purse/backpack/briefcase, and won't ruin her hairstyle!

 

I love wearing leg warmers underneath my boots. They add a little bit of extra warmth and help to keep my jeans snugly tucked inside my boots. I'm especially loving the little button tab at the top! Get them here for only $6.90 a pop!

 
Every fashionista needs a chic cocktail ring to pair with their LBD. I love the clusters of these gemstones and the colors will go perfectly with anything (I love the first one with leopard print)! They're only $5.90 a piece, so you can grab a few for your girls and one for you as well!


These miniature pendants are so delicate and cute, they cannot be passed up! They're only $2.90 a piece, which is an unheard of deal! I love the little daschund one for a friend of mine who's got a mini! These can definitely be picked out for each of your friend's personalities-there's eight different pendants to choose from!

FOREVER 21


I am in love with this expandable polka dot cosmetics case! It is absolutely perfect for travel, and has nice, clear, pockets, so you're able to see all your stuff! It could also double as a clutch for a night out-just in case you forget yours when you head home! These are only $6.80 each!


How absolutely adorable are these knit slippers?! Don't they look super comfy cozy? I don't know anyone who doesn't like slippers, so these are a perfect stuffer! F21 has them on sale for only $5.00 today and free shipping!


Manicure sets are great. They may not seem like the best gift, but think of this-how many times have you been out, or in your car, or on campus, or wherever, and you have a hangnail. Or your nail breaks. If you've got this compact manicure set in your bag, you don't have to worry about not catching your nail on your sweater and ripping it clear off! This one is $3.80 and also comes in pink/gold!

URBAN OUTFITTERS


Who doesn't need one of these now and then? These bandages are hilarious and quirky-perfect for that difficult person on your gift list! Yeah, $7 is a bit much for some bandages, but they're a one-of-a-kind gift that is sure to get a chuckle!


These stackable initial rings are so adorable, and perfect for your friend who is obsessed with her new boyfriend/husband, or maybe one who just became a new momma! They can also be worn alone for every strong and single gal in your life! They're $8 each or 2 for $12 if you want to get both of them!



These are nail files! I'm a big fan of the cat one, but there's also a turntable as well as a guitar. These are $5.00 a pop!

ULTA



These NYX jumbo eye pencils are a great all-in-one eye product for any beauty junkie! They do double duty as an eyeshadow and a liner-so there's no need to carry both in your bag. They come in a multitude of colors (I love the cobalt and sparkle nude) and are only $4.49 each!



Everyone can use a little brightening when it comes to their smile, and this gloss does just that! It starts off clear and then adjusts to your skin tone to create the perfect reddish/pink hue! Just like the eye pencil, it's only $4.49!




Essie is hands-down my favorite nail polish brand. It comes in tons of great shades and is applied easily and effortlessly. Paired with a good topcoat, it has great staying power as well-the nude color I've got on my nails has been on for over a week now, with barely any chips! The color shown is Devil's Advocate which is a super sexy black/brown shade, which is perfect for winter. Bobbing For Baubles, Cocktail Bling, and Merino Cool are a couple of my faves! They retail for about $8.00 a bottle, but are totally worth the extra dough!

Welp, there ya have it! Thirteen stocking stuffers for under $10! I told ya it could be done!

Happy Shopping, and enjoy your holiday celebrations, whatever they may be!

Sunday Lusts!

I am so obsessed with holiday fashion it's not even funny. I am so ridiculously excited for Christmas Eve because I am just dying to buy this metallic pencil skirt I've had my eye on at Forever 21. I think I'm going to pair it with some black tights, my Target mary-janes, and a cute blouse. Ahhh...I love the holidays-everything is so cozy! What do you usually wear for the holidays? Are you a dress-up type of gal or someone who lounges in Christmas pj's all day? I buy my husband, my son, and myself Christmas pj's each year and that's what we wear on Christmas morning to open presents (and obviously the night before). It's only the second year of doing it, but I love starting new family traditions. Plus, I kinda like to laugh at my husband wearing the ridiculously cheesy pants I pick out for him. I'm half tempted to buy those fleece onesie ones and make us all wear them. I'm not sure he'd be too happy with that though. ;)

Anyways, here's a few of my favorite things!

1. Sequined pants

Shine Bright Like A Diamond-Apricot Lane Peoria | Reflections Of Bronze-Lulu's

I'm breaking my $50 max because these pants are so worth it. I mean, we're talking about the perfect holiday outfit, and these have that written all over them. They're so festive and fun, and can be easily paired with a simple white top (or black with the silver/white ones). I love them with some bright shoes to add a pop of color-maybe hot pink with the Apricot Lane ones and navy blue with the gold ones? Hot. And I guarantee you'll be the belle of the ball. 

2. Racetrack Leather Dress- Tobi

I am in love with the mixed media trend that's going on. [P]leather is HUGE right now, and you can find it just about anywhere. When it's paired with polyester in this instance, it is so easy to wear. This dress just oozes sexiness, and with the inserts on the side, it will definitely slim your figure! I would pair this with some cage heels (I like these) and very minimal jewelry-think some spiked stud earrings and that's it. Let the dress take center stage.

3. Slim Edge Dress-Urbanog

I love how simple this long-sleeved dress is. It can easily be paired with tights and boots, or just heels for an understated, yet sexy vibe. This could even be worn as a tunic with jeans, if you're searching for something a little bit longer-I love long tees, it's hard to find something that will cover your behind!

4. Fair Isle Cardi-Old Navy

I just bought this sweater at Old navy-it's going to be purrrrfect for Thanksgiving. Cozy, cute, and easy to slip on and off when the kitchen gets too hot (and yes, I am cooking this year, but my husband is on turkey duty). I'm also thinking of wearing it for family pictures this year, but still need to find something complementary for my husband and son to wear! I love how they've paired it with the teal jeans, but I plan on pairing it with some dark denim and a crisp white tank. Easy and classically preppy. 

5. Lace-Up Boots

Georgia Lace-Up Studded Combat Boot-Lulu's | Break 3 Brown Brogue Lace-Up Combat Boots-Lulu's

I love these. So easy to wear, and they can be paired with so much. Jeans for a casual look, leggings and a slouchy sweater for a cozy look, or a skirt for an unexpected look. The ones on the left are a favorite of mine, but I could see how the brown pair could be easily worked into my wardrobe. Best part about these-they're comfortable. No sacrificing the comfort of your feetsies just for the sake of fashion. 

'Tis all for tonight, my loves. I've got some chilled Frotenac Gris (courtesy of Coyote Moon) in my glass, and am impatiently waiting for the AMA's to come on (and secretly hoping my son decides on an early bedtime tonight-not holding my breath). Only one day of classes this week-and then it's finally time for my husband to come home-so stoked!

Happy [early] Thanksgiving, and good luck on Friday if you're going to be braving the crowds! Me, I'll be shopping from the comfort of my home on Sunday morning. ;)

Happy Shoppings!

Khloe Kardashian-Inspired Style!

I am one of the few people who isn't annoyed by the Kardashian sisters. I actually love them (see this post), and think they are killer businesswomen and fashionistas. Khloe is really coming into her own and stepping out of her sister's shadow as the host of Fox's "The X Factor"-a high intensity singing competition. She has really pulled out all the stops with her on-air style, and I must say, she is becoming quite the icon! I love how simple, yet sexy her outfits are. She really pulls off that "effortless chic" look, and since she has curves, her style is for the every woman. Way to go, Khlo!

Here are my two favorite looks of hers from the show, and where you can find the looks for less!

 

photo cred

She's rockin' a deeeeeep v-neck blouse, a black pencil skirt, and shimmery nude heels. I'm going to go ahead and assume that these exact pieces would run you a total of about $500+, so let's find a cheaper alternative, shall we?

bodysuit by Tobi | essential pencil skirt- Forever 21 | gold pumps- Lulu's

I love that this top is a bodysuit. You don't have to worry about bunching, or the top coming untucked. The pencil skirt is an absolute STEAL at $14.80, so you can get one in black and one in navy for under $30! And those shimmery gold pumps from Lulu's are just absolutely amazing. They're only $32 as well! As far as accessories go, keep your neck bare, and instead rock a stack of bracelets or a chunky cocktail ring.

 

 photo cred

Here, miss K-O is wearing a supershort sequined mini paired with sky-high platforms. These dresses are everywhere now, and are really easy to find, especially on a budget!

 
sequined scalloped dress-Forever 21 | t-strap platform sandal-Urbanog

I love the monochromatic gold-on-gold look here. With so much going on with the shoes and the dress, all you need are some simple stud earrings, a fab clutch, and you're set. Let the focus be on the key pieces here, which are the shoes and the dress.

Who's your style icon?

My First Giveaway!

I finally have the opportunity to host my first giveaway! The only catch is that it is running for today only, in honor of Election Day. 

I have one of these super awesome G Wear flag t-shirts as well as a red, white, and blue Good Works Make A Difference wrap bracelets! These are the perfect way to show your patriotism as well as contribute to a good cause!

*only one size available (L), no exchanges

Both of these items can be found at Apricot Lane stores across the country, so be sure to click the link to find which stores have them in stock!

If you're looking for cute, trendy, and affordable clothes, be sure to "like" Apricot Lane Peoria on Facebook for all your fashion needs! There are new arrivals posted almost daily and the women there are fabulous to work with!

Click here to enter!
G Works Flag T-shirt (this is a size L remember, no exchanges):

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Good Works Make A Difference Wrap Bracelet:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You get one entry for each of the following actions:

1. Liking Fashion Lust on Facebook
2. Following @fashionnlust on Twitter
3. Tweeting about the giveaway
4. Liking Apricot Lane Peoria on Facebook

That's FOUR chances to win! Don't delay, the contest ends tonight at midnight! You can enter to win each prize if you'd like as well!

This is my first giveaway, so please keep that in mind and bear with me! I'll be sure to e-mail/Facebook the winners, so keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, head on over to Fashion Lust and Apricot Lane Peoria! Thanks for entering, good luck!

I'm Thinking Ahead!

If you know me, you know that I love any and every opportunity to buy a new dress, new heels, and do something special with my hair. When my husband's unit's military ball came up, I basically forced him to take me-I had been dying to go since we first started talking. 

So needless to say, New Year's Eve (or NYE as I prefer to call it) is one of my all time favorite "holidays". I love that everyone gets gussied up in their best duds (fellas, I'm lookin' at you) and toasts the new year together. There's just something so magical about the whole night. Plus, the champagne is usually freely flowing, and I won't complain about that.

Now, I'm well aware that it's not even November, but when you have a 2 year old (who obvs won't be joining in on the festivities with us) and you'll be traveling for the holidays, these things need to be planned well in advance! There's hotels that need to be booked, babysitters that need to be contacted, and the biggest task-an outfit that needs to be picked out. I always say that I'm going to have my outfit picked out well in advance, but usually find myself scrambling the day before trying to find something that suits what I had in mind. Well not this year my friends, I am vowing to have my dress and shoes in my possession well before Christmas (and while we're at it, I need a new skirt for Christmas Eve church-my newest record was shopping at Maurice's in my hometown 2 hours before the service). 

So, to kickstart my NYE planning, I've started my very own Pinterest inspiration board with the cutest dresses, skirts, bustiers, pants, and shoes. Want a sneak peek of what I've got so far? First, check out a pic of me and my [seriously underdressed] hubs from last year-hot mess central!

 

 Aren't we just adorbs? Ha.

Moving on...

I'm slightly obsessed with Lulu's again. I've found that I like the majority of the dresses they've got posted, and it seems like their prices have been lowered a bit. Plus, they have a fabulous selection of shoes too! 

Yeah, I'm loving the cutout/sheer trend right now. For me, NYE is all about feeling and looking sexy. It's about expressing your fashion sense and really glamming it up. For me personally, it's an opportunity for my husband and me to go out sans the nugget, and enjoy each other's company-so of course I want to look my best!


NYE is the one time that I wear heels higher than 3". My husband is only about 1/2" taller than I am, so I normally don't like to tower over him. I'm really eyeing the pair in the middle-I am loving the metal and the black together, so hot!

Of course, there are numerous other options for you to rock, and it's all about your personal preference and what you're comfortable in. For me, it's a cocktail dress and heels-for you it may be tuxedo pants, a flowy top, and booties-whatever you feel sexy in!

For more inspiration and all the links to the looks you see featured here, check out Fashion Lust on Pinterest, and make sure you follow me to be kept up to date on all the hottest looks for NYE!

jcp Classics!

I'm assuming that if you have a television, you've seen the commercial for JCP's (JCPenney for those not up to date on their "name change") new collection of classic pieces. They're a step up from your basic pieces, and every item they've got can easily be incorporated into any wardrobe. The best part of this collection is that basically everything is between $25 and $35! Buy a new piece each paycheck and before you know it, you'll have an entirely new wardrobe that can be mixed and matched into your current one! Read on for some of my favorites and how to wear them with what you've already own.

1. jcp Button-Down Cardigan- $25 | jcp Striped Grandfather Cardigan- $30

I love everything about cardigans. They are so effortless and are great for fall, because they can easily be layered. I'd definitely recommend having three essential cardis in your wardrobe: one solid colored neutral (black/brown/navy/gray), one solid colored "fun" (like the one posted above), and one patterned. This can be stripes, abstract, floral, anything that catches your eye. I love the gray striped one above, and especially love it paired with colored denim-a great way to take those from summer to fall. You can wear the cardi in so many different ways, check out my list:
-over a white/colored button-down shirt
-belted with a fun tank underneath
-open with a high-waisted pencil skirt and tee
-buttoned under a blazer (for those extra chilly days)
-open with a tank and statement necklace

2. jcp Long-Sleeve Voile Shirt- $25


I love how preppy this button-down shirt is! You can take it so many different ways, and it's perfect for work! I love a gray tank and statement necklace with this (try one of those bubble necklaces you see everywhere!). Tuck it into a pair of trouser pants for work or put a skinny belt over it and wear it with jeans on the weekends.

3. jcp Ankle-Length Pants- $20

These are a complete steal at only 20 bucks. Seriously. Get them in the black, fierce blue, and lafayette rose. So adorable, and perfect for work (yet again, see a pattern here?). I love the length of these because they are perfect for wearing with heels and flats. You don't have to worry about your hem dragging on the ground or covering your shoes. The colors are super fresh and can be worn during any season, just adjust your top and accessories accordingly! You could make a great color blocking effect with these rose-colored pants and a voile button-down (I like the ultramarine green solid colored one). Super chic.

4. jcp Colorblock Pullover- $22


I love how comfy this pullover looks. There's an array of colors and each one would look awesome with a pair of boyfriend jeans rolled at the ankle and loafers (I'm slightly obsessed with masculine touches this season). I also love it with a pair of skinny cords. You can even wear your colored denim, just make sure the colors complement each other! The pop of orange in this sweater is really fun and adds a bit of character to what could be an otherwise "typical" pullover sweater.

5. jcp Long-Sleeve Hi-Low Sweater- $18


Another great staple to add to your wardrobe. This is an updated, more sophisticated version of a sweatshirt. Just as comfortable and easy to wear, but a little more polished. The back is a little longer, which will help to cover your behind (I'm a freak about that). I would wear this with jeans, knee-high boots, a polished bun, and killer earrings. Dress up from the head up, and dress down from the neck down kinda deal. ;)

6. jcp Denim Jacket- $35

$35 for a jean jacket is an amazing deal!!! Seriously, go out and snag this now before everyone else does. There are SO MANY WAYS you can wear a jean jacket, and it can change the look of just about any outfit. Got a cute patterned dress that is just a little "too much" on its own? Throw the jean jacket over it, add some tights and boots, and you've got a whole new look. The white tee/colored denim or cords combination will never get old either, so this jacket will always be a "do". It can even be brought into Spring with shorts or a skirt (maxi skirts look adorable paired with jean jackets).

So what do you think? Do you shop at JCP? How do you feel about their new image? I think it's awesome and am super excited to check out this stuff in store and hopefully snag a few pieces of my own!

Until then, Happy Shopping-enjoy your weekend!

Apricot Lane Must-Haves!

It has been awhile since I've posted about my favorite little boutique, so it's time for me to play a little catch up! If you're a new reader, you'll quickly learn that Apricot Lane (or AL as I'll refer to it) is one of my all-time favorite stores. I love how they have ultra trendy pieces that are both affordable and high quality-you don't find that too often! The best part about this boutique (I'm a fan of the Peoria location, it's the one I always blog about and whose products I showcase) is that you can order everything either online or by phone. So, if there's a shirt that you absolutely love but can't order online, they will take your order over the phone and send it right to your doorstep-how awesome is that?! Not many boutiques are willing to take the extra step and guarantee that you're able to get anything you have your eye on. I use the "Shop Now" tab on their Facebook Page, but you can also head over to their website and shop there! So many awesome ways to order your favorite looks. With all that said and done, let's get down to the nitty gritty and all my favorite new arrivals! Be sure to like ALP on Facebook to be up-to-date on all the newest arrivals-order quickly because things sell out fast.

1. Don't Turn Back X2- $45

 

I adore this backless tunic/dress. It is perfect paired alone, but would also look great with leggings or patterned tights. For a night out, add a pop of color or sparkle with your heels and jewelry. For a day at school, pair it with some patterned leggings and booties. 

2. When The Cat's Away- $32

Every girl needs a little bit of animal print in her closet. I personally prefer leopard/cheetah print because it's a great neutral and can be paired with pretty much any color. Again, this dress is fabulous on its own, but also looks great with tights or leggings. For a super sexy date night look, pair this with some caged heels and a pile of bracelets.

3. Funky Leggings- $26

If you need a fun pair of leggings to go with your "Don't Turn Back" dress, these are perfect! I'm a huge fan of the middle zig-zag pattern, but the herringbone and the leopard ones are just as fab. A chunky sweater and comfy boots will complete this sassy and attention-grabbing look!

4. Nude Pumps- $42

These are the perfect staple for your wardrobe. The platform makes them possible to walk in, and the color goes with everything. Literally. Everything.

5. Skull Light Bright- $45

Doesn't this look suuuuper comfy?! I love how it's casual enough to throw on with jeans and Uggs on a lazy day, but doesn't make you look like a huge slob. The color is gorge as well. Wear your hair in a high bun, add some sparkly studs, and head out the door. You don't need much with this awesome sweatshirt!

Welp, that's it for tonight! Head over to Apricot Lane Peoria Warehouse (this is their Facebook page, and you can shop directly from it, isn't that awesome?!) to order these looks and more!

Happy Shopping!