Arkansas Derby Day 2017

Happy Monday! After such a weird week last week, it was so nice to have a great weekend! Friday afternoon I called another landscape guy who gave me a quote of $125! VERY different from last week's quote! Friday night was an easy night with takeout and just hanging out and watching TV. 

Saturday was the big Arkansas Derby Day! You guys know how much I love a good derby day... 

Rich and I rode to Hot Springs with our friends Susie and Buckley. Of course, girls sat in the back while the guys sat in the front and discussed really important things. *Eye roll* 

While we were on our way to Hot Springs, Susie and I were taking selfies to our friend Maggie who is in France right now. Major jealousy. 

Unlike last year where the weather was COLD, this year had perfect weather for the derby! 

As soon as we got to Oaklawn Racing we headed to the infield. It's fun to watch the horses run, there are so many people dressed up in all sorts of outfits, and it is just a great environment. 

Because it was a beautiful spring day, we clearly wore our best spring colors and flowers. 

My dress is by Bar III. 

Seriously, it was such a beautiful day to watch the ponies run! 

After a few hours outside, it was time to head inside where we could sit down and watch the Derby race.

Now, for a different view of the ponies! Every year that I watch the Derby race inside I always win! 

This year was no different! The two top horses were no point to bet on because there was nothing to win from them since the odds were so high. 

I bet on horse 11 because I felt confident that there could be an upset. I was *partly* right because 11 came in second place and I had bet on him across the board! My $6 bet turned into $20 so I made $14. That's enough for a Chipotle salad with guacamole! 

After the Derby race, we left and headed back to Little Rock. I was ready to get back and head to dinner because everything in Hot Springs was going to be packed. 

On Easter Sunday I met my parents for lunch. Sunday afternoon Rich and I headed to Home Depot (cue his excitement!!) to pick up some necessities for the house. I also bought some flowers to plant in front of the yard and some basil and lavender for the patio. I'm basically a master gardener now.

Everything will get there in time! 

What did YOU do this weekend???

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StitchFix December Review

Welp. After I said I was done with StitchFix they pulled me back in again ... and I'll admit, I was wrong about their service BECAUSE I LOVED THIS FIX. For $20, I consider it fashion roulette and this time I won.

So, this is my public apology to StitchFix for doubting it's styling abilities.

Also, this is my public apology for the TERRIBLE lighting in this new house. It's going to get fixed soon with canned lights but until then, I have to just deal with it.

Now on to the clothes!

Madison & Lola Twila Faux Shearling Jacket 

StitchFix sent me the SOFTEST, most ADORABLE jacket. Did I buy it? No, but because it was pricey. 

FYI - I found this (I'm pretty sure EXACT) jacket at Sam's Club for $20! 

Fate Kobe Ribbed Pullover

Pink sweaters are my favorite and this one was no exception, I loved this sweater!

RD Style Elly Knit Dress

Ok, ok. This was a cute dress/tunic? Grey is just not for me though because it completely washes me out. 

Kut From The Kloth Brianna Skinny Pant

These black pants I LOVED! They were a bit big so I requested a smaller size. 

41Hawthorn Woodling Faux Leather Detail Blouse

This was a navy top with a cute faux leather detail that was cute, but not stop, drop and buy. 

Everything was priced between $44 - $100. As usual, whatever you buy you receive the $20 credit, and if you buy all five items then you receive 25% off your entire order. 

Overall I was REALLY happy and impressed with this fix! I take back my words of saying that I was forever done. 

For $20, it's still so much fun to receive a box of clothes, especially when you can usually buy all five items for under $250! 

If you've never signed up and wanted to try it, please consider using my referral link. 

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November Trunk Club Review

It's Trunk Club time! If you haven't seen my posts before here's a little recap: 

Trunk Club, owned by Nordstrom, is a personalized clothing service that delivers clothing, accessories, and shoes to your door in a cute box. There is a new, initial styling fee of $25 that goes towards the cost of any item you may buy from the trunk. 

After you signup, you're assigned a personalized stylist. This is the best part to me - you have your own stylist who will chat with you via the Trunk Club app, online, phone or email. My favorite way to talk to my stylist is via the app. Your stylist will ask you a bunch of questions of your style, what you're looking for and what events are coming up.

TRUNK CLUB REVIEW

This time I told my stylist I was interested in sweater dresses, black sweaters, and pink sweaters. Julia (my stylist) DELIVERED. 

Madewell Convertible Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater 

Black sweaters have to be one of my favorite things to wear, and this one was no different. I really liked this Madewell sweater because it was a little more interesting than just plain black. 

Halogen Patterned Cashmere Sweater  (on sale!) - $59.40

This sweater is so classic to me - when I first pulled it out of the trunk I was skeptical, but when I put it on I really, really liked it. 

It's a little preppy, but in a good way. 

Treasure&Bond Plaid Shirt - $69

The first thing I noticed about this top was how it was so well made. I've never bought from Treasure&Bond but this shirt is really, really nice. Honestly, I have a couple of tops like it but I'm thinking about tossing them for this one. 

BLANKNYC 'Easy Rider' Faux Leather Moto Jacket - $98 

I love leather. I love leather pants. I love leather jackets. I love leather details. This jacket is another jacket that was really well made - very impressed. 

Treasure&Bond Turtleneck Sweater Dress - $89 

In real life this dress is gray, in this photo, it's a little green. (Blame the current terrible lighting in this new house.) If you're looking for a roomy sweater dress this is it. 

Halogen Floral Intarsia Knit Sweater (on sale) - $47 

My style doesn't usually consist of a lot of patterns but something about this top makes me happy. Maybe my love of black and white, or maybe it reminds me of an updated, modern version of a sweater my grandmother wore but it just makes me smile. 

Halogen Mock Turtleneck Sweater - $79

I put on this sweater to show my boyfriend and he told me I looked like Steve Jobs. 

Compliment accepted. 

Free People Bouclé V-Neck Cardigan - (Sale!) - $85

Big sweaters are the best for a lazy, yet put together look. Is that an oxymoron? 

Eliza J Cable Knit Sweater Dress

Again. I love a sweater dress especially a winter white one. In real life, this is much whiter than it looks in the picture. 

TRUNK CLUB REVIEW FINAL THOUGHTS

Trunk Club is still my absolute favorite clothing service. As someone who loves to shop but tends to buy some of the same things over and over again, I love receiving a box of clothes to try on in my own home. 

There is a cost of $25 to receive a trunk, but honestly, it's worth it to me. I'm able to speak to someone about what I like/need/want, she sends me 10 items in the mail that I have five days to try on. The $25 is a convenience fee that I will happily pay. 

Also, if you buy anything then the $25 is just credited to your total. Win-win. 

If you're thinking about signing up, please use my referral link. Trust me, this is the best clothing service out there. 

Trunk Club Referral Link: https://www.trunkclub.com/my/invite/G79SAN  

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Review: Trunk Club Styling Service

It's Trunk Club time! If you haven't seen my posts before here's a little recap: 

Trunk Club, owned by Nordstrom, is a personalized clothing service that delivers clothing, accessories, and shoes to your door in a cute box. There is a new, initial styling fee of $25 that goes towards the cost of any item you may buy from the trunk. 

After you signup, you're assigned a personalized stylist. This is the best part to me - you have your own stylist who will chat with you via the Trunk Club app, online, phone or email. My favorite way to talk to my stylist is via the app. Your stylist will ask you a bunch of questions of your style, what you're looking for and what events are coming up.

Trunk Club Review

This month I requested a fall trunk from my stylist because fall weather in Arkansas is really like a cooler summer. I wanted pieces that could transition from summer to fall, from work to happy hour, and classic yet pretty. 

Let's go through the trunk! 

FRAME 'Le High Skinny' High Rise Crop Jeans Sterling - $165 (on sale!)
Joie 'Anatase B' Floral Print Sleeveless Silk Top - $198  

First up: My stylist sent me these Frame jeans. I don't mind the holes in the knees, but since I just bought two pairs of Paige jeans these are going to go back.

She also sent me the Joie top that I love, because I oddly love florals. Overall I really like both pieces. This top would be great with jeans, or tucked into a skirt with a jacket. 

Vince Camuto Zip Front Tweed Suit Jacket - $179

I am OBSESSED with this Vince Camuto Tweed Jacket. When I realized that there was a matching skirt I became even more obsessed. A Chanel-inspired outfit that makes me feel like Chanel from Scream Queens and Coco Chanel at the same time? HOW COULD I NOT buy this jacket? I am a bit bummed they didn't include the skirt, I could order it separately but it's so hard to tell if I'm going to be a cute Chanel, or look like a grandma at church. 

Chealsea28 Print Shift Dress - $119
Mary Jane Pump by Charles by Charles David - $65

So, I LOVE the cut and shape of this Chealsea28 shift dress but the print is not for me. 

But these nude, Mary Jane pumps by Charles by Charles David were surprisingly adorable and comfortable. 

Kate Spade Stripe Please Silk Skirt - $368

This photo is a lot cuter than how I felt when I tried on this Kate Spade skirt. Pleats can be hard, and with the price tag of these pleats this skirt just had to go back. 

Bye bye, pleat pleats.

Eliza J Off the Shoulder Top - $98

My stylist also sent me this Eliza J top that would be perfect if I wasn't so long in the torso. Sometimes normal tops can feel like crop tops so I have to be careful to buy shirts that are a little bit longer. As sexy as my muffin top is, no one needs to see it. 

Felicity and Coco Shift Dress - $88

LOVE this dress! I had no idea how much I would love this Felicity & Coco purple dress, but it's so pretty! Simple and classic is very much my style. After trying on this dress I want to venture out into a few more into the new world of deep purple. 

  

Trouve Tuxedo Jacket - $119 

If we'd like to talk about major obsessions let's talk about this Trouve Tuxedo jacket. This is a piece that I would have never picked out or tried on, but after I did, I was in love. This jacket is fitted perfectly, looks good with skirts, dresses, and jeans. If only it would get cooler in Arkansas so I could wear it!

Dolce Vita Over the Knee Boot (on sale!)

Hi, thigh-highs! I requested a pair of thigh high boots because ... because I wanted a pair. These Dolce Vita boots have a great heel but are also really comfortable. They did go back though because I have my eye on another pair right now, and since I'm on a budget, I can't keep it all. 

Trunk Club Review Final Thoughts

Trunk Club is really great for my lifestyle. As someone who loves to shop but tends to buy some of the same things over and over again, I get into fashion ruts. Telling someone else what I like and then getting those items along with new, interesting pieces is a big pro to me. 

There is a cost of $25 to receive a trunk, but honestly, it's worth it to me. I'm able to speak to someone about what I like/need/want, she sends me 10 items in the mail that I can try on in the comfort of my own home? The $25 is a convenience fee that I will happily pay. 

Also, if you buy anything then the $25 is just credited to your total. Win-win. 

If you're thinking about signing up, please use my referral link. Trust me, this is the best clothing service out there. 

Trunk Club Referral Link: https://www.trunkclub.com/my/invite/G79SAN  

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Why I Am Done with StitchFix

I've tried. I've tried. I have tried SO HARD to give StitchFix the chance to succeed. Two years ago I was really into the idea of StitchFix and someone picking out clothing options for me. It's easy to get into a rut with what I wear so why not have someone else try and pick new things for you? Well... because they can't seem to understand my style which I feel like is pretty easy, I even made them a Pinterest board to help explain it.

I gave it one last shot the past week. One last chance to see what they could send me. I've seen people receive the CUTEST items, why can't it?

Here's what I got:

THML Pierina Colorblock Jacket - $108

Is this jacket terrible? No, it's not, but it wasn't a very good quality for the cost and more importantly, it's not my style. I love jackets, almost as much as I love shoes, but I can't afford/or want to buy a $108 jacket that isn't my style and won't hold up. 

Rails Ellson One Pocket Top - $148

This flannel shirt is really cute ... but it's $148 for a flannel shirt. 

Does anyone else find this crazy? Also, it was SO boxy. Pass. 

BC Footwear Glow Caged Wedge $70

In my StitchFix style card I said I was looking for things/items for fall. Maybe I'm in a bad mood, but $70 for mustard colored wedges is just a silly. 

Market & SpruceCharlisa Zipper Back Knit Top - $44

Ok, I actually really liked this top and even thought about buying it until I realized that it would be $25. The top was $44, minus the $20 credit the shirt was still $24 and now StitchFix charges tax! I just sent it back because It didn't seem that worth it. 

Lila RyanNikita Flare Jean - $98 

These jeans were just so-so. If I had to compare them, they are similar to Loft jeans, except more expensive. 

I ended up sending everything back. The total of everything in the box was ... $468! I really feel like StitchFix was a little cheaper last summer, am I wrong? So, this is the end of my road with StitchFix. 

I'm sticking with TrunkClub for the future. 

What clothing service have you tried and liked?? 

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August Shopping Deals

I love a good deal, in fact, my boyfriend always makes fun of me because I can get anyone to lower a price and only shop using E-bates, Honey and any discount code I can find online. It's not that I can't afford nice things, but if you can get a nice thing at a deal then you can afford to get another nice thing! Does that make sense? 

Since I've been super stressed out about buying a house the past few days, I've been making GREAT life decisions of online shopping. Nothing like knowing you have to scrape around money for a downpayment to make you want to spend money on things online. Somehow I don't feel bad about my online shopping problem because I feel like I am 'saving' so much money... Let that twisted philosophy sink in.

But, since I am going to do it anyway, I might as well share some good deals I have found over my sleepless nights... 

PAIGE 'Transcend - Bell Canyon' High Rise Flare Jeans 

I LOVE Paige Jeans,but to be honest, I can only afford them when they are on sale. Nordstrom is currently offering these jeans for $89.90 and they retail for about $180. HELLO. BUY!

NuMe Curling Wands

NuMe is offering 70% off any curling wand until the end of August! Just use this link and the code ITSONLY70 for a 70% discount AND free shipping. DOUBLE WIN.

J.Crew Factory

J.Crew Factory has been having a lot of sales online the past few days. I used the code GOODJEANS last night and got 20% off my total of $100. Saved some cash!

Tobi

Tobi has been offering 50% off their entire site, though I think it has already ended. However, if you've never shopped there than you can signup with your email and your first purchase if 50% off! Worth it because they have some good trendy pieces that are made of good quality. One of my favorite jackets is from Tobi.

Beauty Box 5 

I blogged about this last week, but you can still get a free eyeshadow with your September Beauty Box subscription. It's $13 and the products are actually good. No bullshit. Click here for my review, or use this link for the free eyeshadow with a subscription. 

ALSO - You have to signup for Ebates if you haven't. It's FREE money back. So many of my friends use it and if you don't then you should too. Signup with my link here. 

SO - what are your good deals and coupons for the month? I am working towards buying a house so I need some good deals to keep my online shopping habit alive and well, yet budget friendly! 

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Trunk Club Fashion Box Review

There are two things in life that I find comfort in ... coming home from a long day and enjoying a glass of wine while online shopping and checking my mail to see that I have a package. Something that's becoming a new comfort is coming home to see I have a package that includes shopping... but with a surprise twist. 

If you're new to this blog or need a reminder, I blogged about Trunk Club in this post and did a Pro & Con list for Stitch Fix vs. Trunk Club here. 

Why am I currently loving Trunk Club so much? Because it's so easy and fun. The idea of having a 'personal stylist' who can pull clothing and shoes for life, work or events is just really handy. It's also nice to have someone just send you clothes that you can try on with what you already own. 



This month's trunk included something that I would have never tried for myself - for instance, the bottom right top is cute, but just didn't work on me because I have a long torso and this turned into a crop top. (Can I wear a crop top at 30?)

I'm still thinking about the flats on the left because they were super cute but something I would have never picked for myself. The two bags were both really nicely made but I sent them back because I only carry Stella & Dot purses since I am a stylist. 

1. Calson tank (on sale $20), 2. Two by Vince Comuto White Jeans, 3. Trouve Olive Dress

These were my FAVORITE picks from the trunk. Yes - they are all more on the 'simple' and basic side, but most of the time so is my style. I like tailored and classic pieces with a little trendy, but mostly easy to wear and go. 

The tank top also comes in a lot of different colors (I may or may not bought more...), these jeans had a great fit (need to be hemmed) and this dress was something I would have never picked out but loved once I put it on. 

That's why I love Trunk Club. You get someone who starts to know you and your style, sends you items you may or may not have picked out for yourself but gives you the convenience to try things on in your own home. I was able to take this olive dress and try it on with a lot of different shoes that I already own. I also tried it on with a few jackets to see how it could transition into fall. 

BLANKNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket

 

I also received this Faux Leather Moto Jacket that I laughed when I opened the box because I already own it! To me, this means that my stylist and I are on the same page of what I like.

Remember: Joining Trunk Club is free. There is no cost for having a personal stylist, receiving a trunk box, or sending a box back. The only thing you pay for are the items that you keep. You can also let your stylist know your budget so they can keep items affordable for your life. 

If you want to signup, here's my referral link:  

(Not a sponsored post. Just my love for receiving surprises in the mail and want to share with everyone.)

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