.:Last Days of Summer:.

//Sweater:  J.Crew Factory// Skirt:  Banana Republic (identical)// Pumps:  Sam Edelman (similar)// Necklace:  J.Crew (identical)// Clutch:  The Providence Story//

I've been enjoying the last days of Summer weather here by wearing some of my favorites while the weather still permits.  Nothing beats a girly skirt and some leopard!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Holy Chic:.

//Tee:  Old Navy // Blazer:  J.Crew // Brooch:  Chanel // Jeans:  Paige (similar) // Flats:  Steve Madden // Necklace:  TJ Maxx // Handbag:  Celine //

I'll be honest.  Sometimes, I'm that crazy girl that tries things on in the dressing room, rips the tags off and walks to the register to pay for them with the clothes still on.  Sometimes, I just can't stand to wait to wear them.  This was the case on Friday when I tried this shirt on in the dressing room at Old Navy while waiting for my husband to get off work so we could go to dinner.  Somehow, the shirt seemed like I should have been wearing it with the outfit that I had on and I couldn't imagine taking it off.  That being said, I happily pranced myself to date night in it.  The following day, I felt like utter hell and proceeded to wear the exact same ensemble.  I did this for two reasons:  I felt like crap and didn't want to pick out a new outfit AND I firmly believe that when you are feeling horrid, you will feel better if you at least look like you tried a little…even if it's only your dog that sees you.

I have a feeling that this outfit is going to be on major repeat.

xoxo,

Abbie

.:TJ Maxx Finds:.

//Shirt:  J.Crew Factory// Necklace:  TJ Maxx (similar version)// Skirt:  Kate Spade via TJ Maxx (similar)// Shoes:  Nine West//

I have to admit that TJ Maxx and Marshalls are some of my favorite stores.  You never know when you are going to find a treasure in one of them.  Both stores have always been my favorites for finding things for my home.  However, within the past year or so, I have found myself gravitating toward their clothing (and jewelry at TJ Maxx).  I love my Nest necklaces so very much (and actually think that they are more than worth their price tag as I wear them so much).  I was so elated to find this gem at TJ Maxx!  Also, this girl loves Kate Spade…but I'll be honest, I can't always afford a $300-$500 skirt.  In the past few months between TJ Maxx & Marshalls, I have found two incredible Kate Spade skirts in my size for WAY less than retail.  As you can imagine, I've totally fallen for these places and they have become one of my best shopping secrets.  Do you have any shopping secrets that help you score amazing pieces?

xoxo,

Abbie

.:unusual pairings:.

 //Sweater:  Loft (on mega sale in store) // Skirt:  Francescas (I purchased mine in store this week; dress version here)// Shoes:  Christian Louboutin // Necklaces:  J.Crew (old) & J.Crew Factory// Nails:  Essie Bikini So Teeny//

I had lunch with my mom today and after telling her that I felt like my outfit didn't necessarily "match"

but I liked it that way, she reminded me that that is how I always was as a child.  She took me down memory lane discussing how I always had some crazily mismatched outfit on that I had concocted.  While it wasn't always what I'm sure that she preferred that I wore as a child, I am so thankful that she fostered the sense of wear what makes you happy.  To me, dressing is an art form…I'm terrible at drawing, painting, and the like.  However, mixing & matching pieces together to create something glorious is where my heart is…I literally spend hours in my closet piecing things together when I need some uplifting feelings to present themselves.  

xoxo,

Abbie