Weekly Outfit Highlight: July 21-July 28

This week was a busy one for me, between a picnic with my family, going to a waterpark and my birthday on Wednesday, I haven't had much time for outfit pics but I did take a few that I'd like to highlight this week (along with a few of my favorite birthday gifts)!

1st: hot pink babydoll tank (A&F), pink/orange plaid scarf (AE), pink polka dot headband (AE), brown woven leather belt (A&F), denim cuffed sh, orts (A&F Kids), mixed bracelets

2nd: white pearl and jewel necklace (AE), navy ruffle tank (HCo.), blue plaid shorts (HCo.)

3rd: light green floral dress (HCo.), coral bandeau bra top (VS Pink), pink crystal necklace (AE)

4th: shell necklace (AE), mixed bracelets, yellow/pink floral babydoll tank (HCo.), denim destroyed miniskirt (AE)


I did wear this same scarf last week, but it was with a very different outfit. I'd love to get more scarves to mix and match with, though!

Above is the pair of pajamas I got from Gilly Hicks for my birthday. They didn't come as a set, and the tee isn't technically a sleep shirt, but I think it's super-cute with the koala applique. The shorts are very girly, which is right up my alley.

I've already started reading this book, and it's very useful. I never knew the history of so many things I wear so it's really an interesting read.

This is probably my favorite present: the Coach Poppy Daisy Graffiti backpack! I love how it can work as a school bag and as a purse and the graphic black & white design mixed with a burst of red and magenta. This is my 5th designer bag, and I know it's gonna get a lot of use, just like my other ones.

What is the best birthday present you've ever gotten? Favorite handbag designer?

Christmas Round-Up Part 2

Yesterday was the big shopping day and I can definitely say that I spent the most I ever have in one day! Not to mention my arms hurt from carrying 5 bags but it was a great day.
My parents, sister and I went to Park Meadows in Denver and boy was it crowded! I thought by December 29th the after-Christmas crowds would have died down a little but it was crazier than ever.
We hit up Hollister first--was that a mistake or what! The store isn't very big and it was packed to the gills with teenage girls, guys and some moms all trying to spend their gift cards. I got shoved a few times and had to do a little gentle nudging myself. Everything in the store was 40% off, which probably explained the crowds. I didn't even consider buying anything I had to try on since the line for the dressing rooms was a mile long! I did manage to find one of the things I had planned on buying, the Royal Palms Beach sweater ($29.70) in burgundy. I don't really have anything this color and I liked its easy fit.
Next, it was on to American Eagle. My sister and I both got a $50 gift card to AE, plus $10 off any purchase of $35 or more so we had to check them out. At first I didn't really see anything that caught my eye, but then I saw some jeans towards the front that I kinda liked. They're the new Slouchy fit, which is totally my style. I prefer looser-fitting jeans over skinnies and these looked too cute to pass up. I wish I had found them in the authentic dark destroyed wash but the pair I got are more polished. I still had some money to spend on my gift card, so I checked out the clearance rack. That store was pretty busy, too, so it was hard to find anything cute in my size on the rack. But I happened to find a purple and navy polka-dotted cami that looked pretty cute and in my size. The XS part of the rack was pretty limited so I was lucky to find it. It'll look great under a navy cardigan. My sister liked it so much that she got it, too, in a size small. After all my purchases, plus the $10 off, I ended up with $10 left on my gift card!
My parents went to Eddie Bauer to spend their gift cards and after my mom bought her stuff, we went to Abercrombie & Fitch. I hadn't spent very much money so far, and since we rarely get to go to A&F, I was determined to find a lot of stuff. They were also offering 40% off the entire store which is a steal, considering A&F's usual prices. I was looking for the Kali sleep shorts ($19.60) in navy and I saw them a few times on the mannequins, but none were wearing XS. I bought the Julia pj pants ($24) in navy moose instead and I actually like them even more. Not content to just buy one thing, I also got the Benni sweater ($40.80) in heather grey. I couldn't pass this up because 1) I don't have very much grey in my closet, 2) I love sweaters with an easy open fit and 3) It was much cheaper than its original price of $68. I ended up spending a little under $70 at A&F.
But I wasn't done shopping quite yet. I needed a tank top of some sort to go under both sweaters I had bought. I wanted something pink and with some detailing since the sweaters I got aren't decorated. I hadn't found the perfect thing until we went to Abercrombie Kids next door. I'm lucky enough that I can fit in both juniors and some kids sizes so I can save money sometimes. I really liked the ruffly pink tank I saw at A&F, but it was almost $30. I saw a similar version at Abercrombie (Evette tank, $17.15, in dark pink) so I bought it in a size XL. Surprisingly, it only ended up costing me about $15, which I was very thankful for.
We ventured on to Bath & Body Works next so I could buy some lip gloss. If you haven't been there recently, a lot of their merch is on sale right now because they're trying to bring in all their spring stuff so stock up while you can. I ended up buying a Summer Vanillas lemon lip gloss for only 3 bucks!
I was super-tired after a long day of shopping but it was totally worth it to get all the great stuff I did, not to mention for a great price! Even braving the crowds was worth it. I'll post some pics of my new stuff very soon!
Did you do any after-Christmas shopping yet? How did it go?

Early Christmas Presents: Part 3

Gilly Hicks used to be a store better known for their cute bras and undies. All that has changed within the past year, as they added clothing to their lineup of lingerie. Since they are a "little sister" brand under Abercrombie & Fitch (just like Hollister), their clothes and their website have a similar feel, with a Down Under edge to it.

Are hoodies your go-to piece on cloudy, cold days? GH has a great selection of them, from hoodless sweatshirts, to button-down hoodies, to pullover ones and even styles with faux-sherpa or faux-fur. My personal favorite is the Collaroy zip-up ($59.50) in red. It's got a faux-sherpa-lined body and a faux-fur-trimmed hood, making it super-cozy for even the chilliest of days.
Like A&F's jeggings but don't want to shell out big bucks for them? Gilly has a great variety, from super-dark to vintage to grey washes, and they're all $30! What a deal!
If you live in a warmer climate, or like to pair your skirts with tights, try the Sorlie plaid skirt ($39.50). The colors are toned down enough for the season, but are still playful.
If you're anything like me, you love it when your accessories match. This store's got you covered: hats and scarves that totally go together! I like the Knit Winter Hat in pink stripe ($24.50) paired with the Preppy Winter Scarf in pink ($34.50).
They've got all kinds of plaid shirts, from tunic-style to classic button-down. Try the Kingsgrove shirt ($39.50)--it comes in 5 seasonal shades, has a waist-tie and a ruffly placket.
Looking for a cute tee with a wintery graphic? You've come to the right place. The Golden Grove tee ($16) features Cedric (their adorable koala logo) in all kinds of poses, from skiing to ice-skating.
Don't forget pjs...Gilly Hicks has them, too! Their Bare Island sleep pants ($29.50) are perfect for cuddling up next to the fireplace or wearing on Christmas morning.

Every Monday, they have a Secret Sale, where one type of item (tees, sweaters, accessories, undies, etc.) is on clearance for one day only online. Make sure to sign up for their emails so you can get in on this. Oh, and GH only has 16 stores across the U.S. so if none of them are near you, don't sweat it--you can always order their adorable stuff online. Happy shopping!

Pajama Party!

Looking for the perfect pjs that will get you noticed at the next sleepover or in your dorm? Then look no further than Gilly Hicks!
For cooler nights, try The Basin pajama pants ($29.50). They come in several patterns, from navy floral to navy Cedric logo (GH's adorable koala logo) and the drawstring waist will help keep them up.
During the super-hot "dog days" of summer, wear the St. Ives sleep shorts ($15.50). The ruffly trim and cute patterns will make you stand out.
For something a little out of the ordinary, check out the Britt dress ($29.50). It's flirty floral lace is adorable, and the material is lightweight enough for sweltering nights.
To stay cozy and covered up, get the Broken Bay robe ($49.50). I like how the style is very collegiate, but it's simple and cute.
Instead of settling for oversize sleep shirts and gym shorts, why not look pretty while you sleep?