$25 Ray Bans and Reality

My apologies to those who read my blog. It's been a lean summer. I have barely shopped and when I have been shopping, it's been for household items on a major Dollar Tree budget. I would love it if I had the seemingly endless disposable income of other bloggers, but alas, that is not my reality. So I'm back to share my big score of the summer - Ray Ban wayfarers from the online yard sale that I belong to. They were only $25 and sold to me by a woman who presumably has a disposable income, as she sold Ray Bans for $25. No matter, I needed a new pair of sunglasses desperately, and these are classic frames that will look great for years to come (presuming they don't get lost or sat on). So grateful to have found them!

Derek Cardigan Fluoro Frames

I love presents. Who doesn't, right? But presents are super awesome to me, because my family doesn't exchange gifts anymore and hasn't for years. I basically become a four year old on their birthday whenever I am at the receiving end of an unexpected surprise. So when I got a pair of surprise frames from Coastal as part of their Style Ambassador program, I was ecstatic.

The frames are matte, purple, yet kind of clear. Super modern and fresh, and perfect for summer. Like all of my other Coastal frames, they are also super comfortable! 

Although I have worn them with bright colors and neutrals, I adore how they look with my new favorite cream romper from Forever 21 (still sold out online). Aren't they fun?

A huge thank you to my friend Tammy for taking these photos, and a huge congratulations to her on her new job. Yay! 

Forever 21. You. Go There. Now.

My love for Forever 21 is no secret. I tell everybody to shop there and have no idea how more people (my age) don't shop there regularly. No worries. I've got Forever covered for you.

After stalking this romper for weeks, I finally found it in the store and was pretty amazed at how well it fit and how high end it looked for less than $30. I can't wait to wear this! P.S. Please excuse the dirty Forever 21 mirror. Currently, the romper is sold out, but when it's back in stock, I will share the link!

Next up, the fit and flare scuba dress. Fit and flare dresses are so flattering and easily one of my favorite silhouettes. Add in scuba material and a bright royal blue (plus an exposed back zipper) and I was all in before I even saw the $22 price. I wore this to work today and it's so comfortable and versatile. For anybody who wonders how this material washes, the answer is easily and well. 

Solid finds. I kind of wish they made both of these in every color of the rainbow. Rest assured, I will let you know when they do! 

The Cutest Wedding and a New Dress!

I love going to weddings. Celebrating friends and family and dressing up for a day? What's not to love? With a few weddings coming up this year, I was on the hunt for a few new dresses. A few weeks ago, I found another gorgeous Tracy Reese dress on eBay and after some more hemming and hawing, I bought it. Totally fell for the mixed media print, beading and pocket detail. I didn't realize it had tulle underneath for added fullness in the skirt, but that just made it an added bonus for me!

When my friends Scott and Kim got engaged and Kim started pinning her ideas online, I knew it was going to be a fun and beautiful wedding! Not only was the setting (an historic farm in central Pennsylvania) amazing, but the attention to detail was meticulous, right down to barrels with complimentary water and beer for the outdoor ceremony and the surprise arrival of a food truck for treats well into the reception. Their wedding was absolutely adorably perfect - and a true representation of them as a couple. I couldn't be happier for them! 

Kino Sandals

Last year, my sister moved from California to Florida. Almost immediately, she noticed people wearing pretty and colorful sandals that looked like they were made by the same manufacturer. Finally, she stopped and asked a woman what they were. Kino sandals. The riddle was solved and my sister went online and purchased a pair for herself and my mom. Last night, when I went home to visit my family, these were waiting for me: 

Cute, right? The shoes, not my feet. Anyway, Kino Sandals are handmade in Key West and are crazy affordable. Like $14-$18. For leather sandals! Visit http://www.kinosandals.com. I know, you want a pair, too.  They have so many cute styles in great colors. I'll definitely be buying some for myself this summer. 

$12 Nine West Peep Toe Wedges

I mentioned these never worn leather peep toe Nine West wedges in yesterday's post. I picked them up today and LOVE them. The are such a good online yard sale score. 

I can't wait to wear them to work! 

Sunburst Mirror and Gap Sale!

Whenever I go to HomeGoods or Marshall's (or any other discount store that sells home furnishings) I look for sunburst mirrors. They're always gorgeous and somewhere in the $100 price range. If you know me, you know that price isn't even an option. Nevertheless, I  look. On Wednesday, a gorgeous vintage sunburst mirror popped up on my online yard sale. The price? A cool $5! I picked it up on Thursday and it fits perfect above the small book case in my living room. Love it!

Next up, the annual spring closet switch out is always a daunting task. Winter coats are so bulky and difficult to store. Plus, putting boots and sweaters away is an exercise in creative space manipulation (because that's a real thing).  This year, I also had the painful realization (painful in that my budget is tight) that I desperately need new spring/summer shirts. I always buy great skirts and dresses, then struggle when I need a basic tee. Enter the latest Gap sale. Already reduced prices are an additional 30% off (when you buy four items) and 35% off (when you buy five items). I was able to get four basic spring/summer tops for just $13.93! Happy me! Saving money and freshening up my wardrobe!