Mini Hollister Haul (and more!)

I don't know about you, but I love holiday weekends! I've been off of school for the past two weeks, so it's not a long weekend for me, but I enjoy all the festivities and events that surround a holiday. I especially love all the sales that pop up around the major (and not so major) holidays. Yesterday, I took advantage of some great deals at my favorite stores.

HOLLISTER

Everything I got was on sale, plus I got to take 30% off my entire purchase, so it all cost me $35. I bought the Brooks Beach romper in red, the Brooks Beach twill shorts in khaki (I don't know why they had the same name!) and the Classic Beach Flip Flop in coral. I've been lusting after rompers since last summer and I finally got up the nerve to buy one. I can't wait to wear it with simple accessories. Khaki shorts are a staple everyone needs in their closet. I can't believe I didn't buy some earlier. They'll pair nicely with many tops and tanks already in my closet.

AMERICAN EAGLE

Everything in the store was 30% off, so how could I say no? The saleswoman who helped us out was wearing this cute oversize neon-striped top and I fell in love with it. I hoped I could find it...and I did, just a few feet away (AE Soft Drape Sunset T in neon lemon lime)! I snapped it up in lime green. It's the perfect casual top that looks great with denim shorts and minis.

ABERCROMBIE KIDS

I bought the denim cuffed shorts above (Kelly medium-wash shorts) because I didn't own any short denim shorts! These will also be my go-to during the hot summer months and even into fall, with tanks, plaid shirts, cropped tops and sweaters.

Where have you shopped recently?

Obsessed!

One of my recent posts was a list of my fashion confessions. Now I want to do a post on some of the things I'm obsessed with--pieces I have a lot of in my closet or just can't get enough of.

• SWEATERS: Who can ever have too many of this wardrobe staple? Mine come in all the colors of the rainbow (minus yellow and black, because I hate black), many styles from button-down cardigan to open fit and all kinds of detailing. I still have room for more...
• FLIP-FLOPS: No, not the cheap-o rubber kind you wear to the pool. I always buy leather or faux-leather, and I'm on the lookout for cute details. This spring and summer, I'm looking for glammed-up sandals.
• BABYDOLL TANKS: I'm a little upset, because I haven't been able to find these at any of my favorite stores in quite a few months. Maybe spring will bring a new crop of these. They're great for every frame and in my opinion, more flattering than fitted tank tops.
• JEANS: Um, okay, who isn't a little obsessed with jeans? I've got a pair of dark-wash boot cuts (American Eagle), two pairs of dark-wash flares (AE & Abercrombie Kids), a pair of light-wash destroyed boy fits (AE) and two pairs of dark wash boy fits/slouchies (both AE). I'm still hunting down the perfect pair of destroyed dark-wash jeans, preferably in AE's new slouchy fit. I've never been a big fan of skinnies but I like a little variety in my jeans.
• DRESSES/SKIRTS: I am such a girly-girl. If I could live in miniskirts and sundresses every day, I would. Of course, the Colorado climate doesn't quite allow for that, but I make do by pairing my minis with tights during the winter. I stick with my more muted colors, so it works for the season, but unfortunately, I don't have a dress yet that doesn't scream "summer". Definitely on my wishlist.

Make Your Wardrobe Shine!

Two simple outfits that make you look amazing!

You don't need a big budget or piles of clothes to have a great, versatile wardrobe...all you need are a few tips and tricks to make it amazing!

1. Ballet flats look best with skinnies. Skip the wide-leg trousers and even flare jeans with these shoes. Look for skinny jeans that flatter your figure (darker is better) and don't bunch up at the ankle for a clean look.
2. Leather+leather=hot mess. And I don't mean this in a good way. Don't wear two leather pieces together--it's too much. A sleek leather jacket is great with a simple pair of boot-cut or skinny jeans and a cute graphic tee...even a girly dress looks chic. Leather minis are perfect paired with a tailored blazer.
3. If your skipping the pants, make sure your shirt is long. No one wants to see all that when you're rocking leggings. So stick with long, loose layers like a knit vest or cardigan. Tucking the leggings into boots in the same color will streamline your look even more.
4. Don't go too small when it comes to work attire. If you want to wear a nice, knee-length dress to work, go for it. But if you get cold, don't pair it with a tiny, cropped cardigan. It just takes away all the polish from your dress. Instead, wear a slightly longer sweater and belt it for a feminine shape.
5. Full and loose are not a match made in heaven. If you like your skirts full and billowy, that's fine, but don't wear a loose top or you'll look bigger than you are. A simple fitted top paired with a classy printed skirt is great for casual or formal events. Don't forget the shoes--heels in a bright color will make you the star of the show!

There you have it, just a few tips to spruce up your wardrobe. Even if you can't afford the newest booties or that great pair of designer jeans, you can still stand out and look polished every day.

Summer into Fall

For me, this is one of the saddest times of the year--when summer becomes fall. I love fall and everything, but there's just something so magical about summer. I love the long, warm days with nothing to do, family vacations, grilling in the backyard, the 4th of July, my birthday...it's such a great season. And I love all the bright summery fashion, as well, so it's sad to say goodbye to all that for a year. One thing keeping me from dreading fall is all the great new autumn clothes my favorite stores have to offer. Check out my picks

Sweaters: I like the versatility of a simple cardigan. My favorite way to wear them is over a tank top and with a full floral mini. The AE Cardigan ($34.95) from American Eagle is on such simple cardigan that I could see myself wearing with anything. I like it in Raspberry Bubble and Aubergine. I also love Hollister's Wipeout Beach pullover sweater ($59.50). It's Epic Only, so I'd have to order it online, but I love the red version's cute seagull-and-heart graphic. I'm not usually one for stripes, but I like A&F's Vanessa button-down in pink stripe ($48). I'm in love with all things pink, and the stripes add a nautical touch.

Bottoms: This includes jeans, pants and even skirts. First up, I love the AE Military Skirt ($34.50). The military trend is so in right now and I've yet to own anything this style, so this would be a good starter piece. I'm not usually one to wear sweatpants, but I really like the styles they have this season at Hollister, especially the Awesome Butt Boot in dark grey or pink ($39.50). It looks great with a thin long-sleeve graphic tee or even a bright basic tank. And call me crazy, but I'm actually considering buying jeans from Abercrombie Kids! I've recently had problems finding jeans that aren't too long for me and since I'm practically child-sized, they might actually work for me. I like the Mackenzie flare in rinse ($39.50) or the Haley boot in destroyed dark wash ($59.50). Another plus with kid's jeans, even from Abercrombie, is that they're much cheaper!


Shoes: Last weekend, when I tried on the Grosgrain Ribbon Moc ($29.95) at American Eagle, I fell in love. I unfortunately didn't buy it because they didn't have the half-sizes in the store and I needed to go down to a size 5 1/2 for them to fit snugly. But I love the dark tan color, it's so pretty. I know flip-flop season is almost over, but I like to push it as much as possible. I like Hollister's Epic Flip Flops in red ($24.50). Another Epic Only item I may never buy, but it doesn't hurt to dream! I also still love the full-priced real leather sandals at A&F, especially the one with the metallic ribbon ($58). They're cute and don't scream summer, either.
So there you have it, just a few of my favorite pieces for the upcoming season. What are your fall must-haves?


P.S. I've discovered the magic of Polyvore to actually show the clothes I'm talking about. Genius!

Leather Up!

Wanna get in on a great flip-flop trend? Then pick up some leather sandals ASAP!
This cute style is widely available at Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle and Hollister, and aren't too expensive for what you're getting. Leather tends to last longer than rubber, so you're getting more bang for your buck--as well as a cute, dressy flip-flop.
For an exotic touch, try AE's T-Strap Sandal or Leopard Infinity Flip-Flop (both $29.50).
Hollister has plenty of styles with embellishments galore. Check out Turquoise Bow ($39.50) and Dark Brown Cuff ($44.50).
Finally, for a simple and polished look, go for A&F's Classic or Braided Leather Flip-Flops (both $46).
You can get a great trend without spending a fortune or wasting your money on cheap construction--buy your leather sandals at these stores and step out in style this summer!

Want A Little Jelly With Your Flip-Flops?

Check out the newest thing to hit Hollister stores--jelly sandals! Their Vintage Beach Jelly Flip-Flops are a throwback to those popular jelly sandals of the '90s. They are available in light pink, light red, light green and light blue and feature the signature seagull on the sole. All colors cost $17.50 and are available in sizes XS (6/7), S (7/8), M (8/9) and L (9/10). Grab 'em before they're gone!