Packing for Chicago in Fall

So this is what I'm packing and isn't necessarily what you should pack since I have never actually been to Chicago in Fall/Autumn before. However, based on some research and weather.com predictions (and maybe some luck), I should be good with these picks. I pray for sunny days and comfortable nights with as little rain as possible. I figured an umbrella is still handy for both sunny and rainy days, especially as we plan to do a lot of site-seeing outdoors.

I think layering might also be key with cardigans or lighter jackets but I'm not 100% sure what to expect especially for nighttime temperatures/winds considering it's called The Windy City. Any and all advice welcomed especially from Chi locals or those familiar with the weather around this time of year!

I can't wait to see you tomorrow, Chicago and I'll catch you next week friends!

eShakti Summer & Print Dresses

Hi everyone! 

Today I wanted to share a new online clothing store that contacted me recently to review their products. The cool thing is that they offer a wide range of sizes from 0 to 36W and their clothes are customizable. Their clothing comes in a variety of styles including feminine, boho chic, contempo, formal, casual, and so on.

I chose the tie-dye print cotton tank dress because it's colorful and the material is very thin and breathable for hot summer days in Florida. You can also customize the measurements and the length.

I'm no fashion blogger nor have a professional camera so forgive me if I look totally awkward and for the blurry photos.

 

 

This is a sponsored post by eShakti but all opinions and style choices below for summer are my own.  I was provided the above dress for free to share with my readers.

Some cute summer and print dresses from eShakti that I have my eye on: 

Check out eShakti for more dresses and cute offerings for sizes 0-36W. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

They've also been nice enough to give my readers a 10% off coupon code valid now until 09/09/2014. Coupon code = martinisbikinis

FYI:
Code has to be entered in the 'promotion code' box
Code can be used any number of times until Sept 9th, 2014.
It can be used with other other promotional offers, gift coupons or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.
The discount code is not applicable on clearance/sale items, gift cards and overstock categories.
Not applicable on previous purchases.
 

Alex & Ani Charmed Arms

I recently started my Alex and Ani collection and I can't get enough of all the different ways to style these bangles. There's definitely a bracelet (or 10) for every girl out there.

via instragram

via instagram

via Pinterest

via Instagram

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via instagram

I tend to like the beach-themed bangles and the seahorse bangle happens to be the bangle of the month so that might be my next purchase. You get $5 off with code SEAHORSE on the Alex and Ani website.

Where should I go from here? Decision decisions...

Tory Burch & Kate Spade Surprise Sales

Two of my favorite designers have popped up with surprise sales this week. How could they do this to me in the same week?!  With such huge savings it's quite impossible to completely avoid browsing the sales. I've already done some "window shopping" online and thankfully I don't see anything I really want or need from TB but did spot a few cute things from the KS sale that don't cost an arm and a leg.  

The Tory Burch private sale is offering savings up to 70% sale now through Friday, August 15th.

Although I think Tory Burch regular priced purses and sandals are over priced, if you can get them on sale or at the outlets then sometimes it's worth it

I recently snagged this pair of TB Tora sandals from Neiman Marcus for $10 off (for signing up to their mailing list) plus free shipping and returns. I like this pewter color and think it will match and go well with most of my outfits.

The Kate Spade surprise sale is offering savings up to 75% off now until Thursday, August 14th at midnight with $5 shipping throughout the US.

I have my eye on a few small items that are pretty affordable compared to their larger purses. 

 Leroy Street Bee Wristlet

$39 (down from $78)

Gatsby Dot Huggies Earrings

$29 (down from $78)

Union Square Thomas Crossbody

$76 (down from $178)

What do you think of these picks?

Do you prefer the wristlet or crossbody purse? 

Summer Rompers Under $25

The summer days are blazing here in Florida and rompers are perfect if you're looking for a light and breathable outfit. I've found so many cute yet affordable styles under $25 for those shopping on a budget, cause I know I'm always looking for great deals on clothing.

Rompers can also be dressed down with flats for casual day or dressed up with fancy accessories and heels for a night out.

I'm loving these comfy looks for summer days.

Beach Style: Swimsuit Cover Ups

Summer Dresses & Accessories

Oh, hey looks who's blogging about summer again! This time I'm sharing some of my recent fashion finds and pretty summer dresses.

I've been to a ton of weddings and different events recently which means I've had to shop for new outfits & matching accessories at an affordable price. Admittedly, I'm no model and I really don't like posing for photos but these are some of my favorites for the year.

 Lily Rose Geometric Maxi Dress: similar, similar
 Patterned Stretch Long Skirt: similar, similar, similar

Hi-Lo Summer Dress: similar, similar

Blue Avenue Swing Dancer Dress: here

Trixxi Strapless Dress: similar, similar 

Target Printed Strapless Dress: similar, similar, similar

Accessories:

Celebrating 4th of July in Style

I'm excited USA's Independence day falls on a Friday this year so we have a short work week.

I plan to celebrate the holiday at a pool party with friends, festive cocktails and good old fashioned BBQ-ing. Just as we did last year as seen here although somehow I showed up to the party wearing pink instead of red, white or blue. Party foul!

 

Everyone loves being patriotic and supporting their country in style whether it's for 4th of July or a World Cup game so here's some festive "stars and stripes" outfits and accessories.

Enjoy your 4th of July festivities tomorrow and be safe!

Blue Avenue Boutique by Jordon

Hope everyone had a great weekend!
I have the lovely lady behind the blog Love Always, Nancy J guest posting for me today! Seriously, Jordon is one of nicest bloggers I've come across and I love her new online boutique. I'm excited to wear my new coral dress while I'm in Punta Cana for a friend's wedding.

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Hey y'all!

My name is Jordon and ramble over at Love Always, Nancy J.

Emily is gallivanting around the Dominican and I am sitting here dreaming of day drinking on the beach. Can you tell I am a little bitter?

Anways,

I am a newlywed that hails from Nashville, TN and a firm believer that hair poofing should be considered an artform.

My husband is the man referred to as T and being married is the funnest adventure I have ever been on..

I recently opened an online women's boutique called, Blue Avenue.

This has been my labor of love and baby for a few months now. 

The store has been an absolute dream and I love seeing all my girls in their fabulous new Blue Avenue pieces!

Today only all Martinis & Bikini's followers will recieve 15% OFF their Blue Avenue purchase!

Use the code BIKINI at checkout and shop away my loves!

Website| Facebook| Instagram
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 Head over to my blog and say hello!

Vegas Style: Daytime to Nighttime Outifts

I visited Vegas earlier this year in January when the weather was a bit chilly but now that it's warming up, I'd love to go back. Although I spent two full days site-seeing (and the rest working a convention), there's still so much I didn't get to do. I didn't get to experience any of those "legendary" pool parties or see any shows at night.

Comfort is key and since Vegas requires A LOT of walking, a good pair of shoes and a sundress, romper or pair of shorts is ideal for me during the day. Or a pretty coverup if you plan to lounge by the pool. Especially in the summer, the weather is blazing hot.

Photo via Aria Resort

Pleated Racerback Romper  •  Ruffled Surplice Romper • 2 Inch Cutoff Denim Shorts • Ruffled Zip Front Romper • Purple Scarf Print Tube Dress •  Ruffled Zip Front Romper

Whether you're going out for a dinner date, to see a show or clubbing at a popular club such as Aria's Haze, people dress to impress at night in Vegas.

Photo via Aria Resort

Lovely Lace Dress • Posh Lace Peplum Top • Colored Zippered Skinny Jeans • Subtle Sequined Shorts • Bombshell Sequined Dress • Parker Red Lip Smack Dress

I think the biggest challenge for me is finding comfortable shoes for nighttime wear. I simply cannot walk for miles in high heels or stilettos.

What shoes do you find work best for nighttime in Vegas or large cities?

Summer Dresses & Sandals

Maxi dresses, rompers and thong sandals have been the object of my affection for summer. I've actually been able to find some cute summer dresses at Kohl's for very reasonable prices including this dress I wore over the weekend to a beach wedding.

I've always wore solid colors but all the new prints now available on the rack have grown on me and who doesn't love a pretty pair of sandals to go with it?

 What's your favorite clothing or accessories for summer?

Sunny Days Fashion Finds

I'm such a beach girl at heart and love nothing more than wearing cute outfits like this. Fashion to me doesn't include layering on clothes but I know sometimes it's inevitable. Luckily, the warmer days are here and I'm excited to wear what I love the most.

Summer Days by martinis-bikinis featuring toe thong sandals

I've actually been on a shopping freeze for the past few weeks because I've been busy attending bachelorette parties and bridal showers and also saving for upcoming trips.

Luckily, I got a small "raise" last week from the j.o.b. with retro-active pay so I think I can now purchase a few new summer pieces. Never been more excited to shop finally!

What do you love most about summer?

Thursdays Trends: High-Low Dresses

I have a slight obsession for high-low dresses especially now that the weather is warming up. They're sexy and sleek and can be dressed up with heels and accessories or worn to more casual places with sandals. I have several beach weddings, bridal showers and other parties coming up and I've been shopping around for the perfect high-low dress. 

Haute Hippie Day Dresses · Nordstrom Cocktail Dresses · Alice + Olivia Day Dresses


Where do you shop for special occasion dresses?

Purple Makes Me Happy

It's a color that I used for my wedding, my blog is designed with purple, and if I could afford a dark purple convertible, well that would have been done a long time ago!  But, purple can also be a bit gaudy if overdone or used too much for decorating.

Luckily it's is a pretty color to accessorize with and I would definitely rock some purple skinny jeans if I found the perfect pair:

M Missoni Denim · Kenneth Jay Lane Necklaces · MICHAEL Michael Kors Totes


What color makes you happy?

City Traveler: What's in my Travel Bag?

I got an email the other day asking what essentials would I pack in my travel bag. I guess the answer to that question depends where I'm traveling to. My ideal vacation typically involves sand, sun and sea but recently I've been enjoying city site-seeing and I've crossed some fun cities off my bucket list (NYC, Vegas and San Francisco).

So, what's in my City Travel Bag?

Angelina Cocktail Dresses · Yohji Yamamoto Jackets · Just Cavalli Halters

Daytime Outfits: 

 ~ Flats, boots & sandals (comfortable walking shoes)

~ Shorts, leggings & jeans

~ Casual tops & sweaters

~ Casual dresses

~ Big purse/bag if you plan to buy souvenirs or go shopping

Nighttime Outfits:

~ Comfortable shoes & heels

~ Dressy tops

~ Warm jacket

~ Skinny jeans and dressy pants
~ Sparkly party dresses

~ Dressy earrings & accessories

~ Crossover purses & clutches to match my outfits

Other Essentials:
PJ's, underwear, cosmetics (deodorant, lotion, shampoo, conditioner etc.), makeup, flat-iron, reading material, phone charger, ibuprofen, granola bars/snacks.

By the way, get 15% off plus shipping with code SHOPSENSE15 at yoox.com.

What essentials do you pack for city trips?

Fashion Friday: Statement Necklaces

Happy Friday lovelies! 

Any big plans for the weekend? I have a charity event tonight for work and hoping to get started on my master bedroom redecorating that I posted about yesterday. 

Other than purses and shoes, one of my favorite accessories are statement necklaces. They help to dress up any outfit and make a statement like the name implies. My collection has been growing recently but these are the top 5 that made it out the house recently.

One: White Faux stone necklace from a local boutique (similar)
Two: Lavender necklace from Forever 21 (similar)
Three: Pink bubble necklace from Macy's (similar)
Four: Black & silver necklace from Charlotte Russe
Five: Turquoise stone necklace from the KOJewelry shop

Where do you shop for fashion jewelery and pretty statement necklaces?

Joining Lauren for H54F and Darcie for Five on Friday. 

Have a great weekend!

Shopping Weaknesses

These are the things that usually drain my bank account although my shopping is on hold after our recent trip to the outlet mall and some bad decisions great finds made while drinking wine and shopping online at Kohls.com last weekend.  Those damn coupons never stop coming! Someone bought herself a new comforter set. Hopefully it's just as beautiful in person when it arrives this week.

3.1 Phillip Lim Satchels · MICHAEL Michael Kors Watches · Lauren Conrad Button Front Tops

If it was even remotely possible, I would own unlimited amounts of:

~ Comfy pajamas
~ VS workout clothes and yoga pants
~ Pretty necklaces
~ Cute tops for work & going out
~ Girly iPhone cases
~ Watches: like this one from Kate Spade.
~ Sunglasses
~ Sparkly tops like this one from Old Navy
~ Extra large purses & wristlets

What's your shopping weaknesses?

What I'm Loving Now: Accessories

I've been on a serious kick browsing online for cute accessories. I really need a new wallet and there's so many things I'm drooling over like that gorgeous Marc Jacobs watch & the Kate Spade thong sandals. If only money wasn't a thing :-/

The good news is I've convinced K to go to the mall with me this weekend as part of my Valentine's gift (not for him to buy me anything, but just to actually go with me which is a huge "chore" for him).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Watches · Kate Spade Sandals · Kate Spade Earrings

Any steals of the week on your wishlist?

Happy hump day everyone!

Valentine's Favorites

While I'm very aware Valentine's Day has become a commercialized holiday that encourages you (or men) to spend money on red roses, chocolate hearts, hallmark cards and so on, I do think it's a good time of year to remember and show those you love that you appreciate them, whether it's your best friends, parents, significant other etc. Cooking a nice dinner at home, watching the movie he wants to see, going bowling or just spending quality time together are just as important.

I'm all for those things but my festive side gets the better of me sometimes and I've put together some gift ideas to go with the Valentine's theme, which would also be cute gifts for birthdays in February.

Hanky Panky Thongs · Juicy Couture Camisoles · Victoria's Secret Gifts & Sets


How do you plan to spend Valentine's day this year?

Fashion & Shopping Finds

Express manages to find their way into my life almost every month. With their ongoing sales and coupon codes sent via email and snail mail, it's hard not to take the plunge.

Express Mini Skirts · Express Leggings · Express Scarves & Wraps

This girl can never resist sparkly tops, cute accessories & their Stella skinny jeans...

Express has also become my go-to store for work pants and tops. This week you can also get an additional 40% off already reduced clearance at Express.com.

Even more so than Express, I think Ulta is my weakness and having hit Platinum status last year gives me all the more reason to shop there to increase my points and rewards. Also having an Ulta store almost a block away from the office doesn't help my case.

My most recent purchase was for my trip to Vegas a few weeks ago where I loaded up on some travel size hand lotion, lip balm, and a few other beauty buys.

Eos Hand Lotion | Nyx Butter Gloss | Maybelline Falsies Mascara |
Eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm | ULTA Makeup Brush Cleaner