SHOPBOP Friends and Family Sale!

I don't know how your brain works, but when mine hears SALE, I tend to think, what expensive item have I had on the back-burner but didn't want to pay full price for?  The answer is always a quality hand bag. Whether  it's a great tote for work, a cute little crossbody (you all know and love my quilted Minkoff) or an awesome backback that will get tons of use during the summer, it's always my number-one choice for a splurge.

Not too often do all my favorite handbag lines go on sale, but you can get them all starting today at 25% off with code SPRING25 at SHOPBOP's big Friends and Family Sale . If I were you, I'd let the splurging begin NOW!

Dates: April 7 - April 9 @ 11:59pm PST

*Brand exclusions apply: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne Studios, Alexander Wang, Birkenstock, Canada Goose, Gareth Pugh, Giambattista Valli, Herve Leger, Hunter Boots, J. Mendel, Jason Wu, Jennifer Meyer Jewelry, Jonathan Simkhai, Katie May, KENZO, Maison Martin Margiela, MCM, MICHELE, Monique Lhuillier, Moschino, MZ Wallace, Narciso Rodriguez, Nina Ricci, Rag & Bone, Rodarte, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stella McCartney apparel, Stuart Weitzman, SUNO, Tory Burch, Versace, Victoria Victoria Beckham, and WGACA Vintage.

Shopbop Spring Sale Picks

In the market for some new spring pretties? Well Shopbop has got you covered. Lately they have been my go-to for all thing spring. My favorite hot pink new Ray Bans have been getting tons of wear even though its all kinds of icky still out there.

I've also been craving a pastel bag but also want a bold orangy red one too. Talk about inconsistent.  I know my need to carry my life in a tote is real, so I think this Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote in powder blue would be perfect for spring.

And since I'm always interested in a cute one-piece, this Tory Burch one above is pretty great and slimming too (bonus!) and comes to you in a perfect black and white combo which is my favorite paring as of late.

Shopbop has a fantastic sale going on this week where you can save up to 25% off your purchase right now too with code BIGEVENT15! Check it out and stock up for spring!

A Few of My Favorite Things

As per usual my fashion interests are all over the map. Take a peek at all that is catching my attention right now. Some of these items are even in transit to my closet right now! Can you guess which ones?

shopbop sale

It's officially the happiest time of the year! Why? Because the biggest Shopbop sale of them all is finally here! With so many gifts for him and for her, the possibilities are endless! Get that designer handbag you have been pining after or that watch you know she will love. All the savings will make this the best guilt free shopping you've done all year!

And if the budget is tight, don't fret. There is a huge selection of great gifts under $100 (everything you see above!) Another budget tip. Order with a friend to maximize the discount percentage!

Happy shopping everyone!

Let's Talk About Boots, Baby

Let's face it, It's about to get ugly around here. You know it. I know it. So let's get prepared for it. Who wants to caught in the middle of Chicago winter in pumps? Not me, that's for sure. Let's make sure our feet are ready for the snowy mess coming too soon. 

Let's talk options. 

1. Combat boots. I'm not saying relive your middle school "My So Called Life" fashion days. Get a cool, more grown up pair that are sure to help you clomp through those wintery conditions. How fun are those red plaid ones above?

2. Flat riding boots: Keep them gams covered up in buttery leather or luxe suede. Both great choices.

3. Over the knee boots: Besides being incredibly in style right now they add a few extra inches of warmth and protection to your legs this winter!

4. "WOW" boots: You know, big heel, legs for days, making these just as sultry for going out as a pair of platform heels, except your feet will be toasty warm!

There, now isn't that better? And if you see some flurries falling from the sky today, don't say I didn't warn you. Happy Monday!

Shopbop Brands Even a Teacher Can Afford!

After talking with some of my non fashion obsessed yet still totally-down-for-a good-online-shopping-bender friends, I discovered that many of them have either never had heard of Shopbop or simply thought it was full of stuff that was way out of their price range. 

Turns out even a teacher on a budget like myself can afford a Shopbop shopping spree, so I'm guessing you can too!

Pictured below are some of my favorite brands that Shopbop offers at surprisingly affordable prices. 

By the way, I love searching the sale section with the filter set to "priced low to high" by clothing category! You can really find some great deals that way! Especially the handbags!

Shop the brands: 

JOA: The cutest midi skirts and fun and flirty pieces with pieces around $75 a pop!

Adia Kibur: Most pieces ring in at just around and some quite under $100 which isn't much for a statement piece you can wear forever!

 Baggu: I mean who doesnt love a quality leather clutch that comes in classic shades as well as brights that ring in at just $54!

Madwell: Yep, THAT Madewell! the one you know and love but always sells out in store of that item you have your hearth set on! It's here for you to shop as well!

Splurge Worthy Totes

I've never been one to splurge on handbags unless I was truly in love with it, but lately I've got this itch to invest in a quality tote for work in a classic shape and color. It would be something I could use all year and will make for an excellent travel bag as well. Since Shopbop has pretty much ever color, shape and designer a girl could ever want, I decided to start making a little shopping list.

Let's start with these 3 tan totes. The Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote is obviously topping my list since you see 3 of them below (top right and left and bottom middle). It's such a pretty classic with a nice long handle for easy carrying not to mention that cute little tassel. The darker tan has that gets-better-with-age leather but the lighter one on the right has a slight sheen to it which I think would make for easier cleaning in the dreaded winter months of Chicago when everything gets covered in snow. And then we have the Avery (top middle). So gorgeous in the most subtle latte shade. The details are eye-catching, yet I can't see it going out of style anytime soon.

Then we have these black totes. I won't normally invest in a black bag because usually you can find something at a much lower price that looks the same. The problem with this theory is that it has left me with not-a-one quality black leather handbag!  The details on these bottom three beauties and the buttery leather sets them apart. I mean that quilted stitching on that Tory Burch one is amazing!

As you can see, this is going to take some time to decide upon. I welcome any feedback if you care to share. Especially if you already own one of these bags. I could sure use all the help I can get!

By the way, don't forget to download Shopbop's free app so you can shop anytime right from your phone!

Clockwise from left to right.
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6 // 5 // 4

Labor Day Sales

Hot Pink Style has a whole new look, and I'm so excited for you to finally see it! Thanks for being patient while it was getting a facelift.

What better way to introduce its new look than with some great sales! Here's a round-up of my favorite Labor Day sales and items I'm loving from the sites below! So help me celebrate the new and improved Hot Pink Style and treat yourself to some online shopping. You know you want to!

1 Loft // 2  Gap // 3 Boohoo purse, white shoes, black shoes, blue floral skirt // 4 Eshakti // 5 Baublebar Pearl 360 earrings, gold ear jackets // 6 Nasty Gal // 7 C Wonder box and sweater // 8 Target jeans and quilted shoes

Target: Buy one-get-one 50% off on women's clothing shoes and accessories. 25% off home goods

C.Wonder: Get Prepped For Fall with 30% Off Full Price Items.

Boohoo: Get Free Shipping on all US Orders! // Code: LABORDAY14. Offer ends 9/1/14.

Nasty Gal: Pretty much the only good thing about summer ending. 30% off, 50% off, 60% off.

LOFT: 50% off Select Full Price Styles and 50% off Sale Styles.

Baublebar: Labor Day Sale! Jewelry Styles Starting at 50% Off! Now - 9/1

Old Navy: 40% off entire store! Valid 8/29 - 9/1

Gap: 40% off everything site-wide till 9-1

Nordstrom: Clearance sale. 40% off through 9-7.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: My Picks

It's the most wonderful time of the summer, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Nordstrom does a pretty amazing job of making my commoner self feel super-special just for having a shiny piece of plastic. They let you peek inside the tiny curtained areas to grab an early-access preview (July 10-17) of all the seriously discounted merch that we will all be thankful we got our hands on so early come Fall. If you aren't a cardholder, get your shopping list in order because you can shop the sale when it opens to the public starting on July 18th!

I have put together some of my favorite items from the sale below, including my most favorite stud earrings that mimic my engagement ring (I own two pairs of the earrings in case something ever happens to the first pair) and this new Michael Kors watch that I think will make a bold statement with all my back-to-school Fall outfits.

Shop some of my favorites from each of my favorite categories below! And check out my Pinterest board dedicated to the sale as well!

Accessories

Shoes

Beauty

Clothing

Black and Blue

Sometimes inspiration comes from the most random details. Like the other day, I was driving to work and saw a woman on the street wearing cobalt and black together and I loved it. Seems so simple but I was pretty sure I had never tried it. 

Fortunately for me and my very colorful wardrobe, I had the cobalt J. Crew skirt you see below (it's old, but I just picked up this style in two colors - or splurge on this lookalike) and had just picked up this sheer plaid top at the Topshop sale for just 20 bucks. I also had a really fun black feather necklace on from H&M, but once we tried to photograph it outside the wind blew the feathers straight into my face until I had enough and just took it off. It only made it into the first photo. Ah, the joys of the windy city.

If you are looking for a pleated skirt for the summer, try these out. I'm loving this one that is a lookalike of the one I missed out on at Zara. This striped one here is to die for too!

Zara shoes (very similar) // H&M feather necklace // Skirt // Top // Vintage bracelet // La Mer Watch // H&M jacket

Blue Pleated Skirts/ Cat Eye Sunglasses / Pointed Toe Flats // Sheer Black Tops // Motorcycle Jackets

Weekend Shopping Finds

I had an incredible weekend at a Blogger Brunch at the Four Seasons, but more on that later.

After the event, I was left with time to spare on Michigan Ave. What is a girl to do? Oh wait, I know, shop!

There was a great sale going on at J. Crew (where I picked up numbers 1-4 below in the sale section for 40% off the sale price and an extra 15% off with my teacher discount! I had been coveting those shorts for a while now and love the silk crepe fabric since its the same as the J. Crew pleated skirt I already own in three colors from a few years back! And how do I turn down cute tees like this with my recent graphic tee obsession?

LOFT was having their teacher appreciation sale, so I could finally give in and pick up this paisley outfit below that I think looks exactly like a romper (which I am also obsessed with right now).

The striped crop top with the flower edges was too cute to pass up at Topshop.

Lastly, my drawstring purse search has come to a close with this tan bag arriving in the mail when I got home.

Pretty great weekend with a lot of great deals!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

Or just click the image below!

ModCloth Spring Styling

If you've never heard of ModCloth before, it's basically a shopping site that solves all your dress shopping needs for pretty much any event! From everyday dresses to wedding guest looks, this site covers it all not to mention it's huge selection of accessories. Even as a girl who rarely carries a purse (mostly just only my big ol' work bag) I always manage to fall in love with one of theirs even when I'm not in the market for one!

When ModCloth asked me to style this dress you see below I had no problem at all finding cute accessories to go with it on their site. I'm a sucker for a cute umbrella especially when it pairs so well with these clear retro sunnies.  I also love how the flower pattern on the bag plays off the detail on the heels and belt. This look makes me very excited for Spring even if there still is snow on the ground. How about you?

dress / sunglasses / belt / heels / umbrella / bag / bracelet

Here are more feminine dresses to love from ModCloth!

3 Affordable Options of the 50/50 Boot!

The Original 50/50 Boot/ 1: Franco Sarto "Motor" / 2: GC Shoes Riding Boot / 3: Kelly & Katie Turner Riding Boot

You may have heard of these Iconic 50/50 boots by Stuart Weitzman that are celebrating their 20th anniversary this season! With starlets galore backing them and the huge array or color options is no wonder they have gained icon status. Check out the short clip here celebrating these boots staring none other than Kate Moss!

I, like most of my readers would prefer not to pay $598 dollars for a pair of boots, but can truly appreciate a darn good look-alike at an affordable price. Here are my top three look-alikes. And don't you worry, I purchased all three to test out and send back the ones that don't work on me.

So far the leather on the Franco Sartos (option 1) is very nice. I'm leaning toward option 2 considering their measurements are only off from the original 50/50 by 1/2 and inch in height and calf circumference and ring in at only $70! Feel free to ask any questions about all these boots.

Here are some other boot options to shop as well!

J. Crew Sale!! 25% off Everything!!!

Last year around this time I remember being on strike, and at the same time scoring great deals at J. Crew!

Since I live pretty much in the heart of the Loop downtown, there was absolutely NO parking when strike time was over, around three in the afternoon. Instead of having to pay to park in my own neighborhood, I just drove to Old Orchard Mall in the north suburbs and enjoyed some outdoor shopping.

That time of year is upon us again - and I have found some killer deals again. All the necklaces below are gorgeous in person; I know this because I tried all of them on. I bought the one on the top right corner and got a million compliments on it.

Also those wedges I've been wanting all summer finally went on sale too. They seriously match with everything and are so comfortable!

Even better deals await you in-store so get in there before it's too late! 25% off EVERYTHING in stores and online lasts till the 25th!

Shop the post below! 

A Cheetah Heel Dilemma

Yes, I know I already own cheetah pumps from Zara, BUT I still like the idea of these two options here. I was all sold on the Enzo Caswell (top left) with their sophisticated take on the cheetah print and cool metallic accent on the back of the heel. But then I recently saw these Sam Edelman Okalas and reconsidered when I noticed the shorter, more teacher-appropriate heel. I'm torn! 

Maybe I'll just quit being practical and order these ones!

What do you think?

Fall Dress Trends

I may be busy trying to squeeze in a final wear of all my favorite summer dresses and skirts, but I'm still dreaming of fall dresses.

It's that time of year just before the freezing temperatures force us to wear tights with everything. I intend to work a lot of leather accents and prints into my fall attire. Here are some of my favorite dresses I've found that fit that bill, and have me excited for the slightly cooler weather.

From left to right: Color block leopard dress/ Colorblock zebra dress/ Leather sleeved tweed dress/ Brown leather belted dress/ Black & white print dress/ Black and white faux leather colorblock dress/ Plum leather piped dress

Fall Shopping List

While this girl is usually one for color and girly pieces, I seem to be drawn to all these great black-and-white leather and moto inspired peices out this fall. I for one am happy that the leather trend isn't going anywhere, and I hope to mix it with lots of my colorful and more feminine pieces. That's really the fun of fall, layering. So stack that moto vest on top of a plaid shirt (think 90s plaid) or over a silk blouse. And dont forget to add some Cheetah shoes (these flat ones work too) to the mix. They totally count as a neutral!

From left to right:

Top row: Snow leopard heels/ Laser cut leather tank/ Buckle waist wrap jacket/ Two-tone moto vest/ leather blazer/ Two tone zip moto jacket

Middle row: Waxed jeans/ Tan and leather trench (also comes in black on black) / Black side zip boot/ Green moto jacket/ Brown leather-sleeved blazer

Bottom row: Cropped moto jacket/ Gray coat/ Lace-up cheetah heels/ Black zipper coat/ Leather collar coat/ Black moto vest

Get in my Closet!

Since I neglected you (and my vigilant shopping) earlier in the week with my vacationing, I decided to include a weekend bonus post to make up for my absence.

I saw in my emails while gone that ASOS got a  whole bunch of great new items in stock, so naturally as soon as I got back I dug in to my favorite brands, River Island, Oasis,  Warehouse and Awear. Here are all the lovely dresses I discovered.

Which one is your favorite?

1.Oasis Embroidered neck skater dress (what a great neckline!)
2.Oasis Paisley print maxi dress (Vertical stripe down the middle? Hello slimming!)
3. Oasis Sicilian night sundress (I can't get enough of a good travel print dress)
4.Oasis floral print hi lo dress with belt (great for a summer party)
5.Warehouse textured zip back dress (hot red dress in a fairly modest cut)
6.ASOS embellished floral dress (makes me want to twirl)
7.Oasis painted print pleat front maxi dress (just too pretty)
8. ASOS shift dress with embellished fringe (modern girls flapper dress)

Weekend Shopping: Nordstrom Picks

This Sunday I spent a little time at Nordstrom wandering aimlessly after making a few returns. I have been recovering from a nasty case of strep throat so I couldn't think of a better activity to rest my voice than some solo shopping!

Heres what I found...

Which one is your favorite?

1. My favorite bra now comes in pink! So pretty!

2. A great little vacation top and check out the back on this one!

3. Only $12! I got the grey framed ones and they look so chic in person.

4. Can you believe this stunner is less than $40?

5. All kinds of adorable! Love the side detailing!

6. This top has the cutest bicycle print on a sunny background!

Swimwear and Cover-ups on the Brain

Maybe I have swimwear on the brain because our honeymoon to Greece is fast approaching, or maybe it's because we just went to the beach this past weekend. Maybe it's because I own one of these suits below (#7) and didn't get the chance to tell you all how much I love it (yes, that's right I love a swimsuit, the one item that almost everyone hates!)

ASOS is one of my favorite places to go for swimwear. They have what feels like an endless selection and the easiest free shipping and returns. And right now they are killin' it with all their cute options!

I'm being drawn to fun one-piece suits and cover-ups lately so I wanted to share my favorites and maybe save you the three hours of your life you might have spent sorting through the massive selection all alone.

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