Friday Favorites

Happy Friday lovelies!

Hoping this week treated you well. Mine was draining and I just couldn't seem to get enough sleep so I'm excited to say hello to the weekend. The countdown is on...10 more hours!



I have a few fun things on the agenda for this weekend but we'll just have to wait until Monday to recap that. Since my brain feels fried and my week was fairly uneventful other than work, I'm going to get right into some weekly faves for Amanda's Friday linkup.
 
Favorite Nails:
I just got these pretty "Ka Boom" nail wraps from Jamberry in the mail to get my nails prepped for 4th of July weekend... which is only a week away! Is anyone as excited as I am for the long weekend next week? Vegas on my mind + full review of Jamberry nail wraps coming soon too.

Favorite Fashion Find:
I'm in need of a compact purse for traveling and I'm really loving this Michael Kors crossbody which comes in twelve different colors. I do already have a cute Kate Spade crossbody but it's bright pink and not very practical so I'm leaning toward a more neutral color. 

Favorite Tattoo Ideas:

I have one tattoo that I got during freshman year of college. It's a hummingbird on my ankle (the thought behind it was "island girl flying away to college/better things"). It's old and faded and I don't particularly like the location I chose. I've been thinking of ways to brighten it up and I'm loving the watercolor look for tattoos.

Favorite Recipe Find:

Quinao Wrap with Black Beans, Feta and Avocado from Skinny Mom. We eat super healthy dinners during the week but our recipes seems to be on repeat (which is why I end up posting more cheat meal recipes from the weekend). My focus is to get back on the healthy train on the weekends too because #summer #bikinibody.

Summer Outfits: 
I'm always on the hunt for cute outfit inspirations. I'm definitely one of those girls that feels she has nothing to wear yet my closet is full and I have enough accessories to dress up an army in drag. Instead of buying new things, I need to learn how to transform old pieces and make it into a new outfit.

Favorite Quote:

Enjoy the weekend!

Swimsuit Coverups

The warmer days are here I'm excited for more pool days, beach trips, and Vegas for 4th of July weekend where we plan to lounge by the pool so I've been on the hunt for cute beach coverups. These are some of my favorite picks.

Jessica Simpson Lattice-Back Cover Up

 

La Blanca Crochet Trim Kimono Sleeve Cover-Up

 

Miken Crochet Tunic Cover Up

Anne Cole Short-Sleeve Printed Cover Up

Miken Crochet Pullover Tunic Cover Up • $14

 

Raviya Crochet Back Kimono Cover Up

 Raviya Mixed-Print Beaded Tunic Cover Up

Miken Printed Kimono Cover Up

Summer Rompers

I stumbled upon Sheinside's website randomly last week (from a Facebook ad) and clicked over to find a page full of rompers that I immediately fell in love with. Almost every single one of them were unique and gorgeous and they're all in the $14 to $20 price range. The have a great variety of styles but these are probably my six favorite rompers for summer days and well now in Florida (it's currently in the 90s during the day).

 

one / two / three/ four / five / six

I'm really trying not to shop at the moment but I do need outfits for our upcoming trip to Vegas in July. Needless to say it's going to be hot so I'm in need of some light outfits and coverups to tour the strip and go to the pool. Their buy one, get one 50% off and free shipping makes it even more tempting to purchase all of them.

And some dressier options for nighttime wear (not from Sheinside).

one / two /  three / four / five / six

Spring Things

This weekend we spring forward on Sunday and I'm looking forward to many things but mainly the change in weather. I know us Floridians don't experience brutal winters like many of you but we do get the sweltering heat of Summer so Spring brings comfortable yet sunny temperatures to enjoy more activities outdoors. Of course, losing that extra hour of sleep on Monday morning is the toughest part but once we recover from that, there's so much to enjoy.

My Spring Favorites: 

Reaping the benefits of strawberry season and trying some refreshing cocktails such as this Strawberry Basil Margarita recipe.

Colorful nails and Easter-themed designs.

Hosting our annual Easter dinner party for friends. I finally get to dust off and make use of all those serving dishes and the turkey carving set we got as wedding gifts.

Cadbury Mini Eggs have always been my Easter candy guilty pleasure. So glad they only come around once a year.

Spring cleaning and Easter decorating. I particularly love fresh tulips and Easter lilies to decorate at home.

I'm always excited to bring out cuter outfits that don't require layering with heavy sweaters and jackets.

                   

What's your favorite thing about Spring?

Things I'm Loving Lately

Michael Kors Cicely Cork Wedges - I just purchased these shoes because I needed tan wedges for another wedding that I'm in next month and I think they'll also be comfy shoes for work and other occasions.

Buddha Bookends - If you walk into my house, my love for Buddha becomes very apparent. I think these bookends are super cute to add to my collection although it would help if I had a bookshelf.

Clinique 'True Bronze' Pressed Powder Bronzer - I've been using this bronzer for over 4 years on a daily basis to add some color to my fair complexion. After losing my compact somehow on my recent trip, I realized just how much this bronzer is a staple to my makeup routine and immediately ordered one from Amazon to be shipped soon. The color I use is "Sunblushed".

Tropical Print Strapless Dress - Because I need some floral in my life. The picture really doesn't do the dress justice because it's way prettier in person.

Tan Towels - Kerri introduced me to these tan towels and I think they work excellent to get a subtle tan especially during the colder months. 

L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Primer -  I just started using this anti-redness primer to control my pink undertones before applying light foundation to my face. I like how it works compared to others I've tried.

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow - I love shimmery eye shadows and, after the girls at The Sequin Notebook did a review recently, I fell in love with the colors offered in this NARS eyeshadow collection. The $29 price tag is a bit steep but the palette looks like it'll last a long time. 

Portofino Blouse - Express has come out with a new line of Portofino shirts in every color and pattern imaginable. These are perfect for work and I'm planning to purchase a few when I run into a few extra dollars.

Kate Spade Crystal Heart Dial Watch - I really don't need this in my life but it's definitely is a looker. I'm going to keep it on my radar because I like the dainty look for special occasions but wouldn't wear it as an everyday watch.

Pretty Peplums

Is it Friday yet? We're not quite there but close enough so that makes me happy.

I went shopping last weekend (mainly window shopping) and it got me eying so many new styles and looks. I often don't have the patience to go to the mail and end up doing 90% of my shopping online but it was nice to get out of the house and browse, yet restrain myself from splurging on every pretty thing I saw. Peplum tops caught my eye though...

They aren't a perfect match for every lady out there but I happen to think they're flattering for my body type . I don't like skin-tight tops and sometimes loose-fitted tops can be a bit too baggy (although I do love some loose-fitted tops). Anyways, peplums can often give you that happy medium which is something that makes me feel comfortable yet dressy enough for the occasion. 

I picked up a few cute peplums at Express over the weekend which I'll have on the blog tomorrow.

What do you think about the peplum look?

The Perfect Jewelry Holder + $50 Amazon Giveaway

I want to thank the lovely ladies over at The Sequin Notebook for introducing me to this wall-mounted jewelry rack and organizer. They posted about it a couple weeks ago and I knew right away it was the perfect solution to my problem. 

I've collected so many pieces of fashion jewelry over the years and simply have no good place to store them. My bed-side table drawer has been the storage spot for the past few years but I've always felt guilty for just shoving my pretty pieces in there. This jewelry holder is the perfect solution to help me organize and display my statement necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. 

This is the one I bought from Amazon for $16.99:

Black 13.5" Wall Mount Jewelry & Accessory Storage Rack Organizer Shelf

The top of the jewelry rack can also be used as a shelf to display perfume and other decorations.

Last weekend I had K help me install the jewelry rack in our master bedroom above my armoire where I keep my smaller and more dainty pieces of jewelry.

Giveaway Time!

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card hosted by the lovely Steph from Life According to Steph.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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.