MONDAY MUSING

Good morning! Well, that was a little too enthusiastic for the type of morning going on over here- RAIN! Rain in the forecast ALL WEEK- ugh. So, what better to do then some window shopping!? And here are my picks for the day! But first, I had my first official GNO (Girl's Night Out) on Saturday- that means no baby, and no hubby. And even though I missed both of them, it was really nice to get dressed up, get out of the house and to have some drinks! 

Some makeup magic, bright lips, sleeked back pony and bling bling studs can make any look complete! With a newborn, speed is key! So, I opted for the sleeked back pony: so easy and always looks polished. Baby girl was already off to her Aunt's at this point, but that in itself was time consuming to get all of her things together and then needing to pump since she wasn't with me! Luckily I have mastered multitasking.... ha!

The pic below was the one I originally was going to share and then I thought, ya know what, let's give a sneak peek of what was really going on! #reallife It doesn't mean you have to change everything about yourself or what you love, you just have to navigate things a little differently!

This crop top is one of my favs! It is from the Kohl's LC Lauren Conrad collection, comes in three different colors and is fairly long and boxy so you don't have to feel totally exposed. Staying active throughout my pregnancy DEFINITELY played a huge role in how well I have bounced back, but clearly, being just shy of four weeks postpartum, my stomach might be flat again but is not as, "tight", yet. So, my midi skirt (Target) and this style crop top were the perfect combo: I got to feel back to normal and a little edgy all while being comfortable. Win-Win!

And what better way to ring in my GNO? Champs!

So, to keep with the crop top vibe I've got join on, this one is amazing! Ok, I know it might seem a little risqué and may not lend for the most convenient of bras, but alas I am swooning! 

Zippered Crop Top
Forever 21
$27.90

Annnnd another crop top! I guess I'm feeling a little edgy today! This one is very simple, works with a normal bra and has a low back leaving just a little belly sneak peak in the front. Love! 

Twist-Front Crop Top
Forever 21
$15.90

A clean-cut jumpsuit is definitely an essential in every woman's closet. This one in particular is so fabulous not only because of the amazing price point but also because of the versatility. Dress it down in flats like the model below, or dress it up with some fab heels and blinded out earrings. Love!

Belted Textured-Woven Jumpsuit
Forever 21
$29.90

And lastly, this ruffle top is so chic! Very simple and easy to pair with almost anything: slacks, shorts, skirt, under a blazer- you name it! And at a price point like that you cannot go wrong! Love!

Bow-Front Ruffle Top
Forever 21
$19.90

xoxo
MaryBeth

COMFY COMBO

Im always amazed at some of the great things I find at Target. They always have staples, but they also have some very fashion forward items that are hard to resist. I found this combo a while back and although I've donned the midi skirt, I hadn't worn the complete combo until last night. Super comfy and super stylish= win! The netted top is so fab!

Although it is no longer available, midi skirts are all the rage and can be found at almost any store! And as for the netted crop top, that might take a little hunting. I wouldn't be surprised if Forever 21 had a little something along these lines, though.

xoxo MaryBeth

ONE WEEKEND, TWO LOOKS

A little of this, a little of that... My weekend consisted of a casual night at home and a glam night on the town: two of my favorite things to do all rolled in to one weekend. Not too shabby, eh?! Something about the warm summer weather makes me want to be such a home body and just grill out in my own backyard. Well, that is exactly what we did on Friday. And even though my usual at-home attire consists mostly of sweatpants, the fact that it was the weekend encouraged me to bump it up juuust a notch.

Faux leather trimmed top from TJ Maxx, jean shorts by Forever 21 and gladiator sandals from New York & Co. Comfy and cute!

Nothing is better than a good 'ol braid. For this look I simply made a deep side part, twisted the hair all the way across until I got to the back of my head. Then I popped in a clear plastic band creating a pony tail, made a simple braid and completed it with a second clear plastic band. The twist alone is sometimes hard to keep in place so I usually slip a few bobby pins in to secure it. I guess I didn't disguise that last one very well! Ooops!

Why do I look so pissed, haha! I promise I had a great night!

Mmmm.... slices for burgers

Now to my favorite part: the glam!

So this is how the hubs and my text went yesterday: 

hubs: what do you want to do tonight?

  me: I don't care, I just want to get glam.

Nuff said, he understands me. haha! For this look I rocked my midi skirt from Target that I mentioned here (and here) and this fabulous crop top from Forever 21. I just love this look! Something about that sliver of skin showing just takes it to another level. And the mystery behind a midi skirt is sexier and more flattering than any mini skirt I have ever worn in my life. I love this embrace of to or below the knee skirts and dresses. SO much more comfortable, universally flattering and more importantly: classier! Don't get me wrong, I still have some shorter skirts and dresses in my arsenal, but the midi is definitely a favorite of mine, by far.

Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant Necklace, Christina Link Bracelet and Deco Stackable Rings trio. Love!

Finishing touches: crystal hair clip from Versona and Linda Studs by S&D.

Cover Girl and E.L.F. makeup. I have said it before, and I will say it again: you do not have to spend a fortune to look like one, especially when it comes to makeup! Makeup products can get very pricey, very fast. Of course, some of the cheaper items can be duds, as can some of the pricier ones, but for the vast majority I have had zero problems at achieving the looks I want with drug store makeup.

Cover Girl- concealer, powder, contour powder, blush, mascara, eyebrow pencil and lipstick
E.L.F.- Eyeshadow, highlight cream, eyebrow brush and finishing powder
Revlon- Translucent highlight powder 

When I say, "contour powder" I just mean powder that is several shades darker than my skin tone. Some will contour with liquid foundation, but for now I just use a powder to achieve the look. More to come on that topic.

And lastly, some nude heels to elongate my limbs. These platforms were a steal at Payless several months ago. Yes, Payless! I am telling you ladies, fabulous fashion is everywhere! Don't get me wrong, if someone gave me a pair of YSL or Louboutin heels I would gladly take them, but that is not a realistic purchase for the majority of women, including myself! We gotta improvise :)

xoxo MaryBeth

MIDI SKIRT MADNESS

Oh Sundays, you come too soon! And on top of that, here in Louisville we are about to get slammed with an awful mix of ice and snow. Boo! I usually don't mind a good winter storm if it is on a Friday or Saturday, but when it doesn't hit until Sunday it only causes a headache for Monday morning. Blah!

Friday night the hubs and I went out for Sushi at on of our favorite places, Drake's (in the Summit). Most people probably only think of Drake's as a place to get drunk and dance, but they actually have a very delicious menu including Aqua, their sushi bar. 

 I was in an edgy kind of mood and decided to rock my new midi skirt and a faux leather tee. If we were going to be hitting the town and staying out longer than just dinner I probably would have worn a crop top with this skirt. But for just a dinner I opted to be more casual and wear the tee tucked in. 

I am obsessed with this skirt and blogged about it when I purchased it from Target. It is comfortable, simple, flattering and affordable. What more could you ask for! Even though the combination of a crop top and midi skirt is very trendy and fashionable at the moment, it also is going to be a long lasting fashion staple. I hate to use the word trendy for this look because it is usually synonymous with short, but this IS trendy at the moment but will also LAST. To get to my point, a midi skirt is a good closet staple and investment. 

This necklace was one of my very first purchases from Stella & Dot when I joined as a stylist. There aren't big enough "caps" on my computer to get the point across when I say I am OB-sessed with it. It is the epitome of bad-ass. The mix of metals and the blue threading that is weaved between is just so beautiful. The only downfall, and I am not even sure if this is a downfall, is that it is heavy. To me though, that just proved that I was getting my money's worth! Truly a piece of art!

Stella & Dot: Femme Fatale Necklace

Faux leather top from Forever 21. Chic, simple, comfy and versatile! I couldn't find this particular top online anymore, but there are many just like it out there! And the fab black suede heels are from Charlotte Russe. They are ALWAYS running a BOGO sale so if you happen to hop on the website and their isn't one, wait a day, maybe even just an hour, and their will be.

And for a comfy Saturday night at the house I opted for an oversized sweater from Forever 21, black leggings by APT. 9 for Kohl's and my Payless rider boots. 

Still loving my ombre hair! Cannot believe I waited so long to experiment with my hair! So fun!

xoxo MaryBeth