Rocksbox #4 - Sparkle & Shine

Slate Chromium Crystal Necklace
This necklace is the definition of a statement necklace and I plan to use it for one of my holiday parties or NYE.

I added this necklace to my Rocksbox wishlist and sure enough received it in my next box. I wasn't 100% sure how it worked but creating a wishlist will definitely pay off for those who are signed up.

Urban Gem Black Clover Earrings
The stud earrings are very pretty but also quite practical so can be worn on any occasion. I love the black and gold colors too (Go Knights!).

Jules Smith Cage Arrow Bracelet in Silver
This bracelet is just my style. Practical but with a bit of sass and it can also be paired up well with my ever growing Alex & Ani collection.

I'm really impressed with my fourth set and considering keeping the statement necklace.

My Rocksbox also came with a pretty surprise that I get to keep - a dainty gold "shine" necklace that I've been wearing all week.

Birthday & Christmas Wish List

My birthday is right around the corner in December and soon after will be Christmas so I've finally finished putting together my wish list for the year. 

The big ticket item on my wish list is this Nikon D3200 Digital SLR camera which we actually just purchased a few weeks ago to have in time for the holidays so you may have noticed some better quality photos are these parts (big upgrade from my iPhone). I love taking pictures and I'm considering it a huge investment for my blog. Now, I just need some photography lessons!!

My Wish List

What's on your wish list?

Rocksbox Love

This is definitely my most favorite box I've received. I was so excited to see the Kendra Scott earrings which is a new line of jewelry Rocksbox has added to their program. I've been wearing the earrings every chance I get and plan to purchase them to keep.


 Kendra Scott Dee Earrings in Cobalt Cat's Eye

Margaret Elizabeth Diamond Bangle in Chrysoprase

Gorjana Chaplin Wrap Necklace in Gold

For those not familiar with Rocksbox, it's a designer jewelry program that sends you a box that includes $200 worth of jewelry based on your style preferences specified in a survey done while signing up. If you love the pieces, you can decide to purchase any or all of the pieces. If you don't love the pieces, you can wear them out as much as you want and then return the box to get a new set of jewelry. 

If you're interested in checking out Rocksbox, here's a link to get 1 month of jewelry for free.

You can also check out what I got in a previous box here. 

Affordable Shopping Finds

It's finally starting to cool off here in Florida so I'm excited to whip out the cute sweaters and scarves!

Some fashion finds that I'm loving from Old Navy:

I already wrote about these Pixie pants last week (perfect for work) that I scored for $25 each and this comfy black peplum top.

And shopping finds that I'm loving from Kohl's:

My recent haul from Kohl's last weekend (my mother made me do it!) plus cute bow sweater from Lauren Conrad.

Where do you shop for affordable fall clothing?

What's in my Rocksbox?

Thanks to Biana for introducing me to the Rocksbox designer jewelry program where you can try out new pieces of jewelry and either buy them or return them for a new box of jewelry as many times as you want. I'm a sucker for pretty accessories so I decided to try it out and see what my Rocksbox stylist surprises me with.

They sent me the gold Sunburst bib necklace, Gumdrop earrings in Blush and Mixed metals Zara rings (set of 5). I love the pairing of this set.

I typically wear silver more often than gold pieces but I do like how these pieces look together and individually so I wore them out and about to work, happy hour and a few other occasions over the past two weeks as well as in Chicago last weekend.

Peplum Top: Forever 21 (similar) --- Lace Legging Pants: Express (similar, similar)

Dinner in Chicago with a dirty martini blocking the full view of my necklace. (typical)

Looking forward to getting my second box of goodies and hoping for some silver and colorful pieces to try out this time.

Let me know if you're interested in trying out Rocksbox and I can send you one free month of jewelry. You can read more how it works here.

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.

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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: