Window Shoppin! 8/31

Can you believe its September tomorrow?!  I can't.  This Saturday is our big Blue & Orange Season Opener party and we're getting really excited! 

I have now been at my new job for a couple of days and while I like it, there's a lot to learn.  I'm not too worried though.  It's a great place! 

The office feel is "Business Casual" which means right in the middle.  Shoes have been my biggest hurdle.  The dressy shoes I have are all platforms!  And then I have one pair of flats that will do and flip flops.  There is no in-between!  And "business casual" heels...are boring.  So I need to search for footwear that will not only work, but also that doesn't make me sad inside to wear.

The rest has been relatively easy.  I'll be fine as long as I can find the footwear! 

So with that in mind I went window shopping for some ideas:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

While this isn't nearly as fun as weekend wear, you have to just stick with me that in my mind, this comes together very well.  And yes, those flats are...well, boring.  But I just don't think big, wild and crazy platforms will fly!  Also - Maurices has been the one place I've been able to find work pants that aren't too expensive and don't fit strange.  I was at my wits end trying to find affordable, well fitting work pants.  I have relatively small hips so I decided to see if I could save money by shopping in the juniors section of department stores.  It was a mistake.  I remember the day when I actually wore a size 1 in high school.  (Don't hate me, I no longer wear that size.)  And I remember having to get work pants in a size 5.  So now that I am no longer a size 1, having to make the leap was both depressing and frustrating.  Also - the battle with department store sizes is that you could grab one size, and then grab the next size to be safe.  Try those on and notice that the next size is actually 3-4 sizes bigger than it said it was.  Then you try the same thing with a different brand and find the next size is not only smaller than the size you just tried, but shorter too.  

By far, I hate shopping for work pants the most.  Please don't make me do it again!

Work shirts are fine though - I don't have a problem with them:

 Found Here

I like the color of this shirt.  Its also on sale, which is great because I definitely need more light weight shirts because its pretty hot!

 Found Here

I like this shirt.  I would wear this with a short sleeve cardigan and in the winter, a long one.  I like the color too and the fact that the embellishments aren't too much.

Found Here

Express also has a lot of great work options.  The only downside is that they're on the higher end of my budget.  I do own a few Express shirts because I know as far as quality goes, they're great, but right now I'm looking for cheaper.  But I love the fit of this shirt!

I guess I'm just really holding out for the new H&M to open up this fall.  I know I'll be able to find a lot of great options in prices that rock.  I can't tell you how excited I am for that store to open!!

Alright - that's all the time for today!  What are some of your finds?

I Heart Them: Dahlia in Bloom, Beesocks, & Botene

I think I mentioned that my last Literati eReader broke.  Not because I dropped it or anything, I just opened it up on my road trip to find a broken, sad looking screen.  I was DEVASTATED!  I LOVE my eReader!  I was in the middle of 3 books and suddenly I didn't have anything to read on our 10+ hour road trip.  I didn't want to buy any books, I kept hoping that my eReader could be saved, but it couldn't.  It died. 

I obviously had planned to replace it but I didn't want to think about purchasing a new one and if I did, did I want a simple eReader or did I want a tablet?  There were many decisions to be made.  When it finally came down to it, I was pretty sure I wanted a Nook eReader because my Mom has a Nook Color and loves it.  Also - we'd be able to share books, or so I'm told we could.  So we went to Barnes and Noble and I sat and played with them for a while, completely set on getting the basic eReader - the one they were telling me that they were phasing out.

And I kept coming back to the Nook Simple Touch.  Apparently it has the longest battery life - ever.  Also, it's a touch screen.  And it's so compact!  I can literally stash it in my purse!  Its not very heavy either.

So I walked out with the Nook Simple Touch!  Hooray!  This weekend I learned how to upload my previously purchased books onto it and continued reading!  I'm so happy!

 I also came out with this cute cover as well:

But then it got me thinking...what other cute eReader covers are out there for me to maybe one day purchase?

And of course, Etsy delivered:

The first shop I found was Botene:

Botene is based out of Chicago and sells covers for all kinds of electronics.  Almost all eReaders and tablets along with laptop covers:

Here are their Nook Simple Touch Covers:

To see if they cover your preferred electronic device: click here

Another great shop that has Nook Simple Touch covers is Beesocks!

Beesocks is based out of Austin, Texas and specializes in Kindle, Nook & iPad covers.  So if you have any model of any of those brands, they have you covered:

They're all very colorful and have lots of selections.  To take a peek - click here!


I also found another shop called Dahlia in Bloom!

Dahlia in Bloom is based out of Castle Rock, Colorado.  Which is awesome because I have some family there!  They specialize in...whatever you'd like to cover!  The great thing about this shop is that you can send them dimensions of what you'd like to cover and they do it!  Sweet!

Here are some examples:

Cute!!  I love the style and the patterns she uses too!  If you'd like to take a peek, click here.

I like the fact that these are padded cases too.  If anyone knows the importance of keeping their eReader safe and sound, it's me!  You better believe I got the extended warranty!!

Well that's all for today folks - take a look at these shops for awesome products for your favorite electronic devices!!

Baby Shower!

Yesterday I threw my best friend a baby shower!  We had a couple of issues - first, I live in a complicated place.  If you've never been to my house before, it takes forever to find!  Luckily people were able to find my house, eventually.

I was finally able to try the tissue paper decorations!  And I'll throw up a tutorial on the stuff I did in the coming weeks, just in case you're curious!

The reason we chose green is because, well, the light blue thing is what's expected.  Also my friend said that she would be decorating in greens and baby animals.  So I thought if I threw a shower and did decorations, I at least want her to be able to have the option of taking home the stuff and using it in the future!

Another thing I'm kicking myself about is that I didn't take a picture of an adorable clothes line that the girl that helped me throw the shower did.  What an adorable idea!  So cute!  She also made the party favors and the diaper cake.  She was AWESOME!

I'm glad the turn out was good and my friend was given such cute clothes for her little guy.  Unfortunately she didn't let me take a picture of the festivities because, well, she doesn't feel like stepping in front of a camera at the moment.  I've personally have never been 8 months pregnant, so I can't say if I would or wouldn't feel different in her shoes.

All that's left now is making sure the little man gets here safely, and for his Mommy's sake - any time now!

Next week we'll play host again to family and friends for the all-important Boise State season opener game.  I'm sure I'll have more to share about that party along with a few little tid-bits from this shower too!

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up: See "I like to Party" link up top

TCB,

DONE!

Friday is here and I'm extra happy!  Today is actually my last day at my current job and Monday I start a new one!  I am VERY excited about this new one - it should be great!

As you can imagine, with the knowledge that I'm leaving and starting something new on Monday - that I'm excited for - this week has dragged on like you wouldn't believe!  But that's alright - Friday is here and I get to experience something new on Monday and I'm really happy about it!

At my current/ old job the dress code...well there wasn't one.  I got to go to work in jeans, t-shirts and flip flops.  I know there are a lot of you out there that envy me for that, but I was getting sick of it.  With this new job I will wear business attire so I have the excuse to shop.  And shop I have!  I've searched out deals and fought the mall in the middle of the back-to-school nightmare.  (Never again!)  I've found some great stuff to start me out with and I plan to pick up a few more things after I've been there a while and get the feel for how things are supposed to be done.

With that in mind I contemplated finding business casual but lets face it, that's not as fun as weekend stuff!  And its definitely the weekend!

This week I rounded up Royal Blue stuff.  I'm not entirely sure why, but I just did.  And I found TONS!  While some of these things look navy blue, like they do on my screen, the color swatch was clearly royal - so don't blame me - blame them.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here. 8. Here.

My personal favorites on here are #4 and #6.  I love the off-the-shoulder lace top.  In fact, I might keep an eye on it so I can snag it when it goes on sale.  Because I'm cheap, folks.  I rarely buy things full price.  And of course I love the yoga pants because who doesn't love yoga pants?  And who would have thought that you could find a pair of royal blue jeggings?!  Well you can.  I personally don't have the thighs and butt to pull something like this off, but if you do - you wear them with pride!

And as always since I can't help myself, I pulled a set off of Polyvore.  (Polyvore is a lot of fun - if you like fashion I suggest you go play around there!)

Royal & Black by jessajill featuring carved pendants

Of course this outfit is far and beyond what I care to spend but it's still fun to play!


And because it wouldn't be Friday without shoes:

Source

Brand: Jessica Simpson

Style: Waleo

Price: $89.99

Sold out - boo!

Source

Charlotte Russe Velvet Ruffle Toe Bootie

Price: $40

*There's also a $25 discount as well

Source

Brand: Bebe

Style: Tristan

Price: $119.99

These would be my favorite.  And they're always the ones that are way out of my price range. They're so sassy though!

Well that would be all I have time for at the moment! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Wish me luck on the new job!

Linking up over at Peace, Love & Applesauce!!

Window Shoppin 8/24

While it's still hot outside and summer is still in full swing, I of course, have my eye on Fall wear.  I do this every year.  The minute I see new cute fall stuff, I begin wishing that it was fall so I can wear all of it.  Truthfully I love wearing long sleeves. I love cute jackets.  I love boots.  Its not to say I don't like warm weather, I'm just one of those people who would love to live somewhere that never snowed, there was just Autumn weather all Winter long.  Spring could be 3 months, Summer could last as long as summer does but just straight Autumn until March.  That would be perfect.

Also Autumn in Utah is gorgeous.  I know back East gives that statement a run for the money with all the beautiful trees everywhere.  But Autumn is very distinct here.  Who knows what its going to be like this year.  Things have been crazy what with the extra long Winter and skipping Spring all together.  Lets not talk about it anymore.

And while I'd like to pretend that I know what I'm talking about and wear these things I pick out on a daily basis - this outfit right here - is exactly what I wear during Fall.  It may not be fashion forward but this screams me.

Everyday Autumn by jessajill featuring rope jewelry

I love cardigans because they're versatile.  I love comfortable jeans that do me the favor of sculpting my butt while they're at it.  And we all know I love Toms.  I would happily wear this or a variation of this every day in Fall.  Except this little number's overall cost totals $428.  Which I'm far too cheap to do.  I'll admit to purchasing jeans for over $100 because they went above and beyond the call of jeans.  My butt becomes a wonder to behold, alright?  I just plain wouldn't spend $95 on a plain white shirt.  You just can't make me.

So of course lets see if we can do any better...

 1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

Darker?  Yes, but we still have the same concept.  And yes, while they're still Toms, the cheaper Charlotte Russe version doesn't give a pair to a child in need.  The plain white tee is $6.50 which is actually cheaper than the go-to plain white crew necks I buy at Downeast basics for $14.99.  But I am a fan of the material Downeast uses...

This outfit's total is $164.29.  Much more reasonable.  I'm also a big fan of the lace effect on that cardigan as well.  Which is something the J.Crew cardigan doesn't have.

And because I can't help myself, here are some other fun finds:

 Source

 Source

 Source

While I realize this headband is meant to be worn a certain way, meaning across the forehead, I just don't do that.  More power to the women that do, but I wear my headbands like a normal headband.

 Source

Source

Hopefully your computer screen isn't as dark as mine and lets you see the detailing on this skirt.  It's really cute!

Well that's all for today.  Hopefully you're sailing through the week without any dragging.  (Like mine.)  Have a lovely Hump Day!

I Heart Them: MXM Jewelry

*As always: I haven't talked to any Etsy Owner/ Head Honcho of the shops I discuss.  I don't get anything out of talking or featuring them.  I'm just telling you because I "Heart" them.

Today you need to know more about MXM Jewelry.

An adorable little shop based out of Oakland, California.  Simple is the name of the game when it comes to their jewelry and sometimes understated is best! 

Especially when it's this cute:

His & Her textured rings.  My husband isn't a ring wearer.  The only ring he wears is his wedding ring.  And that's only because if he didn't...it would get ugly.

Wee little cloud earrings!  How cute are these?!

A cute and understated heart ring.  So sweet!

Paper Airplane pendant - so cute!

Pinwheel earrings.  These come in stud form too!

And the adorable XO rings.  I love these!

All these pieces are from sterling silver which means they're going to last a while.  Hop on over and take a look at this cute jewelry!  Shop here.

Oldie but goodie: Mod Podge Monogram

 I am currently in the middle of planning a baby shower for my best friend that will take place at my house next weekend.  I'd like to pretend that I'm the kind of person who plans ahead and is so ultra organized that I not only have time to plan a baby shower, but also whip up a couple crafts in what little time I have left.  But that's the thing...I don't.


So I decided to show you a project I finished last year.  That's right, it's a year old, but all the same, it is mine and I did it myself.  While this isn't anything that hasn't been done before, it fits in my master bedroom just fine.  We just got a new dresser for our bedroom because we decided it was time for an upgrade.  This beauty is mine all mine so of course, I had to make the decor go along with it too.  Of course, I have ideas to glam it up even more already - like a nice jewelry holder to hang on the wall, maybe finally get some curtains for our bedroom window.  It'll go on the really long list of other things I'd like to get done.

This is one of those self explanatory projects that doesn't take a lot of brain power - just some time.

You'll need:

1. Wood/ Cardboard letter to decorate.  2. Scrapbook Paper of your choice.  3. Scissors.  4.  Mod Podge.

Instructions:
Measure and cut out the scrapbook paper according to the shape and size of your monogram of choice.  Mod Podge.  Dry.  Optional: sand down the sides like I did.

That's.  It.

Again - it's easy, all it takes out of you is your time.  I remember I watched a movie while I did this one night.  Very easy project and a great accent piece!

 Finished product:

Have a great weekend everyone!


Linking: See "I Like to Party" up top!

TCB, A2Z,

You did it!

You made it to Friday.  Aren't you happy?  I know I am.  While I don't have anything planned that makes this weekend particularly exciting - it's still two days off of what you were doing, right?


Since it's one of those days I'm just going to jump right in and tell you that this week I'm taking a deeper look at plaid:

 1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

In my mind, plaid is a very casual type of pattern. To be worn on days that you don't feel like dressing up too much and want to go with the flow.  And there aren't many options when it comes to plaid other than shirts and scarfs at the moment.  Well, that's not true.  For women there aren't.  For men - it's everywhere!  Most of these shirts are Abercrombie, American Eagle & Hollister.  Shops I still go to even though they're targeted at people younger than me.  If it counts I frequently am mistaken for that age - not due to my wardrobe, I just look younger than I am.

The search began while I was playing in Polyvore.  I came across a plaid shirt and after taking a second look at it I realized it's style name was "Jessa." My name isn't very common so I thought it was so kind of Abercrombie to name a shirt after me.

And as it happens, apparently my name is popular:

 Link: Here

This is also the "Jessa."  You'll be interested to know I also come in tan.

 Link: Here.

The Jessa Dress also comes in other colorful options.

And because it's Friday I need to bring your attention to plaid heels:

 Found Here.

Brand: Harajuku Lovers

Style: Airlie

Price: $52.79

But unfortunately sold out...and so were a lot of the plaid options on Heels.com

Found Here.

Brand: Ed Hardy

Style: Batu

Price: $69.00

Well that's all for today.  I hope everyone has a lovely, relaxing and fun weekend!  See ya Sunday!

Window Shoppin 8/17

It's the middle of the week.  Are you going to make it to Friday?  I sure hope I am.  Slow weeks are murder.  This week my first pair of Tom's came and I was so happy to see them.  I'm in love.  I found them at Zumiez for $5 less than any other place selling them in store so I swooped in!  Except they didn't have what I wanted so I made an online order in store - free shipping is a beautiful thing and they arrived 5 days later!  I'm a happy girl!  I think the coral ones are next!

I'm still in that mode where I see all the cute fall stuff and want to wear it...now.  Except it's far too hot outside right now for anything less than short sleeves and open toe shoes.  Actually its been a little stormy here, but that just makes things muggy - not cool.  

Either way I wish I could wear some of the cute fall things coming out!

So with that in mind I found these lovely finds and decided I would love to have this on today instead of the plain t-shirt and jeans ensemble.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

While this looks a little more "Spring" than fall, I have to say I'm in love with the colors.  The pattern on the cami reminds me of patterns from the early nineties but this pattern doesn't give me flashbacks of leggings or anything else I wore back then - so we're good.  I usually avoid patterns or fashions I've worn once before.  I don't care if it was kindergarten - I've already done it. And not to brag or anything but when I wore those fashions in kindergarten - I rocked them.

And I'm still obsessed with Polyvore.  I can't help myself.  I could make fashion sets all day if I could.  Its just a good time if you're a fan of clothing and shoes.  If you don't already have a Polyvore account I suggest you try it.  Oodles of fun.

Coral & Beige by jessajill featuring beaded jewelry

This outfit...well this outfit's total comes to $3,883.  Which should easily take care of my mortgage for a few months.  The bag is Yves Saint Laurent.  The shoes are Christian Laboutin.  You get the picture.  While they're very pretty, they're something I'll never be able to afford.  I've come to terms with this fact and I'm ok with it.  All the same lets see if we can do better?

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

First of all - yes the sweater is gray, but the picture was throwing a tantrum so if you'd like to see it the link should take you there.  Also those earrings come in a set so you're actually getting more for your money.

This outfit totals $191.23.  When compared to the outfit above, that's a steal.  I'm still one of those people who takes a look at this outfit and thinks "I could do better."  And go out and search for the same outfit for even less.  Its a sickness.  Obviously you're not going to be able to find exact replicas unless you know exactly where to find really awesome knock offs, but keeping with the theme - you have the same outfit concept. 

Well that's all the playing around I have time for today.  What are some of your finds?