Chiara Ferragni Flirting #FTW

 Shoes: Chiara Ferragni "Flirting" c/o Lucky Magazine // Backpack: c/o Splendid  // Chain necklace: H&M // Sunglasses: eBay //Dress: Nordstrom Rack (this cute BCBG one is under $90)

I'm so excited to show you guys these Chiara Ferragni Collection "Flirting" slip-ons!! They are the kind of shoe you see in the department store window and think "I can't spend nearly $300 on winking glitter slip ons! I'm a grown woman!"

But then Lucky Magazine steps in and saves the day! They ran an Instagram contest and I was shocked when I found out I won. Like, literally squealed at my desk all by myself after school when I saw the news pop up on my phone. 

The best part was when I had them shipped to school and all my students wanted to see them. They were THE talk of the 5th grade! They wanted me to wear them immediately but it was still all gross and snowy outside, and there was no chance I was going to ruin them! 

Finally by June the snow had melted for good, and I was ready to break them out. I think there was a trail of glitter down the halls that fine day, and I was totally ok with that. All day my students were freaking out about the shoes, and well, so was I. The glitter is so eye catching and the winky eye is just so fun! It's pretty hard not to smile while wearing these shoes, so maybe that's a good enough reason to go out and get a pair...or maybe just the matching phone case!

**Thanks to Lauren (check out her swim week going on now!) and Shaheen (the genius behind the jumping shot above!) for the photos!

Fourth Weekend Sales

One of the best sale weekends of the summer is upon us, and I've got my favorites for you!

Want a little advice from this personal shopper? My strategy I like to share with clients for sales like this is: buy now, return later. You know that feeling where you regret getting that piece you've had your heart set on, on sale, or you buy one size in something but you needed one bigger or smaller and now it's sold out? Buy it now! And buy it in multiples, then just return the excess. That way you at least ensure you get what you wanted. And when you order more, usually that leads to a free shipping deal! Sounds like a win win!

Another great reason to stock up with online shopping sales is that the online version of stores like LOFT and Gap offer their items in an extensive array of petite and tall sizes which you can't get in stores all the time.

So go ahead, buy that dress in two lengths, those jeans in 2 sizes, and that top in multiple colors! Bring the fitting room home to you (and delivered to your front door) and return what you don't want!

And now for the shopping!

LOFT: 60% off sale

J. Crew Factory: 50% off everything!!!

J. Crew: 40-60% off final sale styles with code LONGWEEKEND

Old Navy: 30% off with code VERYGOOD and free shipping on order of $25 or more, pluse tons of $2, $4, $6 and $8 deals for the whole family!

Gap: Up to 50% off and an extra 40% off sale with code FOURTH

Boohoo: 30% off everything, like my favorite off the shoulder dress for under $30 using code TREATS

Club Monaco: 30% off sale and 40% off clearance with code SALEONSALE

Vera Bradley Blue

Tunic: H&M // Bag: Vera Bradley Quilted leather Emma Satchel // Sunglasses: Forever 21 // Necklace: Forever 21  // Sandals: Target

Every year we go down to the lakefront and grill out with friends and watch the fireworks for the 4th of July. This look would be perfect for lounging out by the water and waiting for steaks to grill. Yum!

This new blue quilted satchel of mine is pretty gorgeous, right? It's part of the new Vera Bradley collection and is proving that they are really stepping up their handbag game. It's perfect for work, but also goes with a casual outfit like this. 

Hope you all have a fun 4th of July weekend!

Lou and Grey Opening

Skirt: H&M // Silk Blouse: Joe Fresh // Necklace: Forever 21 // Jacket: Lou & Grey // Belt: J. Crew // Silver heels: Banana Republic

It's no secretI'm a big fan of pencil skirts. This one was from H&M, but is sold out online. The other piece I can't get enough of is silk blouses. This one here is from Joe Fresh, who makes my favorite silk blouses for under $50 bucks. If I had my way I'd own the whole rainbow of Equipment brand silk blouses, but since I don't have that kind of budget, which I'm sure most of you don't either, these Joe Fresh ones are the perfect substitute!

This outfit here was worn to the opening of the Lou & Grey store over on Southport. If you are not familiar with the Lou & Grey line from LOFT stores, this stand-alone shop caries a store chalked full of super cozy, comfy pieces that still look put together. My jacket is Lou & Grey and may look like a tailored jacket, but it actually feels more like a sweatshirt. Pretty genius, right. Just imagine a whole store of pieces like that, and that pretty much sums up the new Lou & Grey store. Seriously, you need to go check it out. 

Thanks to Lauren for snapping these photos!

Silky Trench Coat

Skirt: Zara // Blouse: J. Crew // Trench: Forever 21 // Suglasses: Forever 21 // Necklace: Vintage // Purse: Aldo // Lips: Nars "Heatwave" // Belt: Thrifted

Date night looks are are taking over this week. Being off for summer vacation is leaving a lot of time for Andrew and I to actually eat dinner together at the same place and time, which rarely happens during the school year. 

This outfit was worn on a date to the Looking Glass theater and since it was still a little chilly out, this silky trench was the perfect lightweight addition. The best part is that it's from Forever 21, so you know it's affordable.

Any great date night recommendations for us? I'd love to hear them! I have plans to cram a whole lot of fun into the next two months!