The Shabby Apple

I am super stoked and thrilled to have Shabby Apple as a sponsor.  Have you guys seen this stuff?  If not, you are missing out.  I became a fan of Shabby Apple when I first started blogging and have several of their chic, easy to wear pieces.  I completely adore the vintage inspiration in their clothes and jewlery.  Not only are they a one stop shop for dresses, but they include accessories, jewelry, arts & crafts, etc.  Kind of like another great spot that starts with an A, but without the pricetag... ahem...




Crosswalk



Izzie

Light as a Feather

Alice

Red Queen



Joyride


Click here to see the entire line!

xoxo,
sarah

Thrift of the Week: Horsebit Blouse

I haven't done a TOTW post lately because, frankly, I haven't been thrifting (for clothing).  I found this lovely silk blouse at Goodwill a few months back and fell head over heels.  The vintage horsebit/chain print is a weakness for me, so anytime I see something even close, it's an automatic purchase.  I would like to tab the sleeves so that they stay rolled up, eventually, but I would have to remove my sewing machine from it's box to accomplish such a feat.  It's been in the closet mocking me for three years now...

Top: Vintage Stefanie Andrews, similar print, and in a dress here and here for less than $70!

Denim: Hudson, can't say it enough, these are the perfect white jeans!

Bag: LV Galleria

Sandals: Michael Michael Kors, old but similar this season

Belt: Thrifted, similar

Ring: brand unknown, but from Bloom, similar here by Erin Wasson, and here in silver

Bracelets: Vintage Hermes, Kate Spade, J.Crew

Also, want to give a shout out to Katherine, one of my readers, who informed me that someone was using my photos to sell items on eBay without my permission.  Thanks for having my back!  

xoxo,

sarah

Color Consultation

Megan Stroup is the brains behind Semi-Charmed Kind of Life, a blog focusing on traveling, reading, and living a well rounded life.  When I say brains, take that literally, because this chick is way smart.  Brilliant even.  Definitely check out her blog because she has some really interesting discussions, amazing travel destinations, and you will probably earn a few IQ points just for reading it.

For this week's Color Consultation, Megan kind of stumped me with a super cute yellow skirt from The Limited.  She got it a few months ago, so you may find it on the sale rack, but as of now, it's not available online.  Anywho, Megan specifically requested no denim and no stripes, because, well, she's no dummy after all and has those two bases covered.  I came up with three smart looks, derived from different price points, trends, color combos, and occasions.  Some things I went a little overboard on (a $2400 peplum top from McQueen isn't terribly practical) but I simply wanted to show what the shape looked like with the skirt.  As a good rule of thumb, always wear opposites on the top and bottom.  If you are going to wear a beautiful, flowy, chiffon blouse on top, stick with a skinny jean or tailored trouser.  Just the same, a billowy maxi skirt looks best with a simple and snug tee or tank.  It's all about proportions and giving the illusion of a perfectly balanced figure.

A pencil skirt can be a tricky thing depending on your body type.  I love the way a pencil skirt looks; sexy, sophisticated, and perfectly tailored.  It can, however, easily go wrong if it's simply not any of these three things.  Fit is so important.  Make sure it's not too tight, even if you have to go up a size.  If you see lines going across your thighs because the fabric is bunching up, it's too tight.  So sorry.  If you walk around in a pencil skirt for three minutes and you look down to see a mini skirt.  Guess what?  It's too tight!  If you can distinctly notice the seam in the skirt through the fabric, yep, it's too tight.  I have a bigger butt and thighs and a smaller waist, so no matter how great a pencil skirt may seemingly fit, it needs to be tailored.  If the waist is too big on you, have it taken in, because before you know it, the slit in the back will have swung around without you noticing and your Britney will be on display for everyone to see.  We don't need that.  The Limited, where Megan purchased her skirt, is actually where I have purchased most of my pencil skirts.  They have a wide array of styles, colors, and do a great job of adding architectural elements to keep the garnet interesting and flattering to all body types (think seaming, ruffles, fabrics, etc.)

So, without further adieu, here are my looks for sweet, smart, stylish Megan!

Sunglasses - Asos

Bangle - Anthro

Watch - Kate Spade

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff

Heels - Asos

Top - Equipment

Necklace - Bauble Bar

Top - Alexander McQueen

Heels BCBGeneration

Ring YSL

Earrings Kate Spade

Bag  Lanvin

Nail Polish Essie

Bracelet Priviledged

Earrings - Pink Mascara

Flats - Vince Camuto

Bag - Kate Spade

Bracelet - Jessica Elliot

Watch - Toywatch

Necklace - Lydell NYC

Top - Anthro

I am hoping to make this a weekly feature, so if anyone has a piece that they are looking for a little inspo on, please feel free to comment or email me at workday weekend@gmail.com.

love!

sarah

Big Apple

How's this for a makeshift photo shoot at the LaQuinta? We made it for two days in about 200 square feet with three dogs and finally decided to bite the bullet.  We've sent the dogs to be boarded at the vet and we're off to the Westin for the weekend for a little R&R while the floors dry.

I purchased several items at the J.Crew final sale a couple weeks back, one being this Big Apple tunic.  I love this print and I love tunics, so it's a match made in heaven.  The color is beautiful and I think it looks great paired with the pop of turquoise.  

I'm looking forward to the Cottonwood Arts Festival this weekend which is a gathering of some pretty brilliant artists in Cottonwood Park in Richardson. If you are close by, you should definitely stop by.  It's a great atmosphere and lots of folks bring their dogs and kiddos.

Tunic: J.Crew *sale alert!

Necklace: J.Crew via Ebay Loveshop80

Bag: J.Crew Tillary, no longer available

Wedges: Steve Madden Kloudd *sale alert!

Have a beautiful weekend!

xoxo,

sarah

Sunny Days

So, I'm in transition, closing on a new home in two weeks, refinishing the floors in the home I live in now in order to get it on the market, and staying in a tiny hotel room with three dogs and my mother.  If that's not your idea of absolute bliss, you need to re-evaluate!

A couple weeks ago I was inspired by the combination of blush and yellow from a pin that I fell in love with.  I'm crazy over these yellow jeans that I honestly didn't think I would get a lot of wear out of.  In the past, I've literally collected premium denim, but over the last couple years have decided that you don't have to spend a ton of money to find a nice fitting pair of jeans.  I also came to realize that I'm too old to be wearing horseshoes and Swarovski crystals on my ass.

 Denim: Ann Taylor

Top: Rubbish, similar

Bag: LV Eva

Heels: BCBG

Necklaces: Susan Hanover, No Brand Chain

Bracelets: Vintage Hermes, Juicy Couture, Target, F21

Have an awesome day!

xoxo,

sarah

A Good Man is

...not so hard to find!

I hate to use the blog for self-promotion, but sometimes it's necessary to toot your own horn or that of someone you love..  My boyfriend, Amir Omar, has been nominated and selected as a finalist for One Man Dallas, an organization promotes and urges young men in the community to devote their time and efforts to volunteerism.  Currently, young men are out numbered in volunteerism by young women five to one and One Man's mission is to not only promote the guys and their respective bodies of work, but also to highlight charitable community events.  The 21 finalists will organize and host a service project benefiting each of their 21 charities.  Based on those events, a panel interview, and online voting, the winner will be chosen on May 10th at the final event held at ALoft in downtown Dallas.  The winner will receive some perks, but the winner's charity will receive a $2500 cash donation.

Amir's charity is the Methodist Richardson Cancer Center, home to the Lance Armstrong Shape Beam Surgery.  Having been personally touched by cancer, Amir feels strongly about his cause.  His service project will be a tree planting at the cancer center that will serve as a tribute grove to those who have been impacted by this wonderful place.  In support of the Cancer Should Not Have the Last Word Campaign, the tree planting will be Sunday May 6th at 10am.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Amir's dedication to his community is incredibly admirable and selfless and I can't imagine a better person to win this award.  Please consider going to http://www.onemandallas.com/ to cast your vote for him and for the Cancer Center.  You can read his profile to see just a few of the many causes he is involved with.  Votes are considered daily, one per email, so vote often!  He is tireless in his efforts and I am so blessed and proud to have him in my life.

xx-

sarah

Color Consultation

My sweet friend Crysti messaged me a couple days ago with a styling 911 on this super cute linen skirt from Gap.  She had a few concerns, one being that she wasn't crazy about the waist and also that the color was tough for her.  Now, I'm pretty brave when it comes to wearing bright colors and prints, but I realize that not everyone subscribes to my taste.  I tried to stay within reason price-wise and include basics that we all have in our closets (denim, stripes, animal print).  I am guilty of throwing in a couple wacky things (the Reed sandals for Date Night make me absolutely cray-cray!).  All in all, I feel like each look, accessories included, could be mixed and matched to make 10 looks or so. 

By the way, Crysti is a wonderful wife, mommy to Emery, and blogger.  Visit her blog, We Hatched a Miracle, to read her about her struggles and triumphs with infertility and mommyhood!

So, onto the looks:  First, I did a look for drinks with the girls, shopping, etc.  I like the edge that the skull bracelets and the detailing on the bag bring to the otherwise girly pallet.  Everyone should have a striped tee or lightweight sweater in their wardrobe because it goes with absolutely everything and looks effortlessly chic.  Mine is from H&M and although I can't link to it, it's part of their basics line and is $12.99 (saw it in the store last week).The leopard wedges throw a bit of print into the mix and the watch keeps everything classic.  You could also layer the chambray shirt like a jacket over the stripes for a more casual look.

Skirt: Brooks Brothers (no longer available, but this one is $12.80 and comes with a friggin' belt!)

Top: Gap (no longer avail. but great alternative here)

Wedges: Sam Edelman

Earrings: Kendra Scott

Watch: Geneva, $20!

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Ring: Vince Camuto

Belt: Topshop

Bracelets: Z Designs

 Next, I pictured Crysti at the park with Emery or just hanging out with her husband and family.  I could not be a bigger proponent of Sperry's and even though I totally turned my nose up at them until recently, they are the most comfortable shoes and comes is a bazillion colors and styles.  Original Rayban aviators are a great investment because they flatter every face shape and make you look super cool Top Gun style.  Switch out the Sperry's for the Sam Edelman wedges above and the Minkoff bag and you are immediately zhushed up for a movie or dinner!

 Skirt: here's another option for $19.80

Top: Old Navy

Shoes: Sperry Topsider

Earrings: Kate Spade

Glasses: Rayban

Bag: Gap

Belt: Fada

Bracelets: Full Tilt, OMG $6!

Finally, my favorite look is this Date Night look, basically because these are BBB shoes (bad, bad bitch)!  I'm obsessed with Reed Krakoff's bags right now and his footwear line is reasonably priced for a salon shoe ($325) compared to many others.  I added the cobalt for something a little different and to show that it goes with coral/salmon beautifully.  You could easily remove the jacket and wear either the Sperry's or the leopard wedges with the skirt, white tee, and cobalt accessories.  Likewise, this would be an easy work look with more conservative shoes and a bigger tote, then just switch out with heels and blue accessories for Happy Hour.



Skirt: Chiffon Tutu version here! LOVE

Blazer: G by Guess, great price!

Heels: Reed Krakoff

Earrings: Marc by Marc

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Tory Burch

Ring: Janna Connor

Bracelets: Madewell

Crysti, I hope this helps at least get you on the right track with the skirt.  I also think it would look great with a grey/gold mix, fuchsia, and a more intense mint (blouse instead of accessories).

All this happy hour talk has me wantin' a margarita.  See y'all tomorrow!

xoxo-

sarah