Outfit Post: Tropical Print Top + Leather Skirt

Last week, I got to talk about some spring and summer essentials on My Carolina Today (view that post here) One of the items was this tropical print tee. Would you believe me if I told you this was from the Nicki Minaj Collection for KMart?!? That's what I love about fashion... there's always a surprise in store! Anyways... I plan on living in it this summer. Why? Because there are so many ways to style it! Here's how I wore it for the segment and the rest of my work day.

Nicki Minaj Collection printed mesh tee (gifted)

Zara coated faux leather skirt (old - almost identical option)

Zara sandals (old - similar style)

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Pashli (splurge option)

Sole Society "Danielle" sunglasses c/o

J.Crew classic pave bracelet

Caravelle New York gold tone watch

I absolutely love the colors and the print on this tee. It's so bright and summery! But to make it office appropriate, I paired it with a pleated midi skirt and black heels. This kept it dressed up enough for work but still fun and cheeky. If your work doesn't allow open toe sandals, just swap them out for some pumps. 

P.S. I'm REALLY into these fab sunnies from Sole Society. I love the retro-ish shape! So perfect for casual beach days or dressed up occasions. 

Did you guys have a fabulous vacation? I'm still recovering from Key West. Let's just say... I'm not as young as I used to be! Hope you guys enjoyed it - I'm just excited about this 4 day work week. We're already halfway there! Happy Wednesday! xoxo

linking up with: The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, I Feel Pretty, Book of Leisure, The Stylish Housewife, Mid Week Muse, Oh Hey Girl!  Tucker Up, My Girlish Whims, Style Me Wednesday, Classy Yet Trendy, Cappuccino & Fashion, || Style Sessions Why I Do DeClaire. Elegantly Dressed & Stylish, & Garay Treasures||

Outfit Post: Back in Black For Fall

Target Merona "Favorite Shirt" in Polka Dot

Express "Stella" Jegging in Pitch Black

Sam & Libby for Target Paxton Buckle Bootie (last year - similar from Sam Edelman)

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Pashli Crossbody (super similar at Target now or splurge option

Half United "The Jasmine" necklace c/o Reeds Jewelers || Michael Kors "Bradshaw" watch in Rose Gold 

Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in Shocking Coral

Happy First Day of Fall! I can't believe it's already almost October, but I for one am SO excited about Fall. I can't wait to wear oversize sweaters, boots, drink tons of pumpkin coffee and eat soups until my heart is content. 

I already got the ball rolling on fall dressing with this all black ensemble. You know I'm a color lover at heart, but sometimes a girl just needs a good black outfit [that doesn't involve a funeral dress.] I scooped up this polka dot blouse on major sale at Target while shopping for the Altuzarra for Target collection last week. I can't wait to wear it with skirts and tights or underneath sweaters over the next few months.

What's your favorite part of fall? Have a great Monday loves!

{shop my basic black outfit below!}

Trend Spin Link Up Challenge - Sandals

J.Crew Hello Tee (sold out - similar option at Revolve)

Zara Pleated Accordion Skirt (sold out - similar ASOS option)

Judith March Embellished Fox Belt c/o

Prabal Gurung for Target Sandals (old - almost identical version or budget option)

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Pashli (sold out - splurge on this) || J.Crew Pave Link Bracelet || Jennifer Zeuner Cursive Nameplate Necklace {gifted}

Sally Hansen "Calypso Blue" nail polish || Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in "Vivid Rose"

 I'm so excited to be hosting this week's "Trend Spin Linkup" with both Laura & Erin! The theme was sandals and we all know how good I am at following the rules ;) I decided to wear my favorite high heel sandals because.. well because I can! And they're just so dang comfy. My pair is sold out but I've found some awesome similar options for you to shop below.

Also let's discuss the amazingness of this crystal belt. It's so whimsical and fun! I've been wearing it with as many dresses as possible lately. It's technically from the fall collection but I think it's one of those pieces that can easily transition from season to season! And let's get real... we all know I love my sparkles!

Now for the fun part - it's time for you to link up your sandals look! If you're lucky, the ladies just might feature your look on their sites! Here's the link up - just make sure you're following everyone before adding your link. Happy Tuesday everyone!! xo

April 3 for $30 Challenge & Giveaway: Pastels

 

{Bedazzles After Dark || Diary of A Southern Belle || The Style Optimist}

Okay so I know you must be thinking I don't know what the heck pastels look like.. but I promise I do. If you look real close my fabulous Peter Pilotto for Target shoes and nails have pastel colors in them. The truth is I don't love the way pastels look on my skin tone so I had to make this challenge work for me and my style!

 

 

H&M Cobalt Blazer (very old but extremely similar at BooHoo)

Target Boyfriend Tee

Express "Stella" Jean Legging

Peter Pilotto for Target Slip On Sneakers (on clearance!)

Phillip Lim 3.1 for Target Handbag (splurge option at Net-A-Porter)

Sally Hansen "Mint Sorbet" nail polish || Vintage Sunglasses

 

I wore this outfit before I got my hair done in Raleigh a few weeks ago. It was so comfy and I can't believe how much this self-proclaimed heel lover is enjoying her slip-on sneakers! I'm even trying to figure out how I can wear them to work... I loved this blue pair so much that I got the black and white pair too (also on clearance!!)

 

As I mentioned before I don't know if a full head-to-toe pastels look is right for me, so when Candy challenged us to wear these Easter-like colors I decided to buck the norm and make this trend work for me. Nail polish is also another one of my favorite tricks to do when I'm a bit hesitant to dive head first into a new style. So I rocked my Mint Green nails with my pastel-ish muted yellow/green shoes. Just proof that you don't always have to conform ;)

 

The 3 of us are also hosting a giveaway for this fun 3 for $30 challenge including a $30 Visa giftcard! Woo-Hoo!! You can enter below!

 

If you're interested in participating in July '3 for $30', please send your name, blog title and URL to: Candy at diaryofasouthernbelle@gmail.com

 

Happy Monday!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Outfit Post: Florals & Chambray

 

H&M Floral Print Trousers (old - similar)

Old Navy Chambray Oxford

Boutique 9 "Orson" Pump (old - updated style here & here)

Phillip Lim for Target Mini Crossbody (sold out) || Nordstrom BP "Flash" Sunnies (splurge option) || Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Rose Gold Watch (dreaming of the gold/black & the matte black version) || Maybelline "Fuschia Fever" hot pink lipstick

 

You can't really ever go wrong with chambray and floral print. It's like peanut butter and jelly. It just makes sense.

 

The whole time we were flying to Los Angeles, I kept singing the Diddy song "I'm Coming Home" until Bill just about wanted to punch me in the face. The backdrop from these photos is the perfect reason why - one of my favorite streets in Santa Monica. We had absolutely amazing weather while we were there and I wish we could go back all the time.

 

I know I've raved about it before, but let me say how much I heart this Maybelline hot lip lipstick. It's the perfect shade I was searching for and I'm tempted to go back and get the neon orangey color too. Sometimes I'm so brand loyal that I have to remember to step outside the box and try some new things every now and then. Thankfully this lipstick trial was a success! Do you have a favorite brand/color lipstick that you can't go without?

Outfit Post: Floral Print Blazer & Cutoffs

 

Prabal Gurung for Target Floral Print Blazer (sold out - love this Nordstrom option) || 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Bag (sold out)

DIY Cutoff Shorts

Target Sparkle Tank (old - similar version here)

Zara Studded Back Ankle Booties (budget option at 6PM)

Amrita Singh "Rosaline" Bib Necklace (on sale!!) || Apricot Lane Cat Eye Sunglasses || Caravelle by Bulova Rose Gold Watch c/o LuckyFABB || Blu Bijoux Pearl Gold Bangles c/o Max & Chloe || Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in "LoveSick"

 

If you've been a BAD reader for a while, you know how much I love the month of October. But I am NOT happy with this burst of summer weather NC seems to be experiencing. A high of 86 today?!? And tomorrow...? And Friday?!? AND SATURDAY? Not cool mother nature... Not cool. Looks like I'll be wearing sporting shorts sans tights for the next few days. *Sigh* Such a rough life I lead.. ;)

 

In other news... I wore this look a few weeks ago. I seriously love this blazer - it's super fun and bright and totally me. It was in constant rotation this spring/summer so I'm trying to figure out some ways to wear it through the fall/winter. What do you guys think? Any outfit ideas?

 

Oh! And I have a winner for the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Crossbody Giveaway!!

 

 

Congrats Shira!! I'll be contacting you later today. Thank you to EVERYONE who entered!! Happy hump day!

 

linking up with Pleated Poppy & I Feel Pretty

Giveaway: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Satchel Giveaway!

 

Okay lovelies.. I hinted about a major giveaway happening this week and here it is! If you slept through your alarm, arrived at Target too late or don't want to pay triple the price on eBay.. today is your lucky day!

 

I am giving away one Grey 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Crossbody Satchel! This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Target, but just my way of saying "Thank You" to all my lovely readers out there! These bags are completely sold out online and most stores. This little guy is a MUST HAVE addition to your closet - trust me when I say how happy I am with this bag. If you don't take my word for it, check out all the different ways you can wear it:

 

{Myself || Lyndsey || Hallie || Meghan}

 

 

Okay now for the giveaway deets! It's through Rafflecopter so you can enter up to 15 times. The more entries you do, the better your chances are at winning! Giveaway is open to US residents only (sorry international readers!) The giveaway will run until Saturday September 28th and the winner will be chose at random through Rafflecopter. Good luck ladies and I can't wait to see who wins and how they'll style this mini beauty! xoxo

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fine Print:

Giveaway is open to **U.S. residents only**. Up to 15 entries per person. Winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter generator. Giveaway ends at 12:00 AM [midnight] EST on September 29th, 2013. I will announce the winner in a blog post. The winner must respond within 3 days of announcement to claim the prize. If there is no contact by the 4th day or the winner did not follow the entry rules (i.e. is not a follower) I will choose another winner at random.

Outfit Post: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Pashli = #Limsanity

 

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Pashli Crossbody Satchel (sold out)

YOOX Graphic Tee (last seen here) c/o LuckyFABB

TopShop Leather Panel Leggings (maternity version here)

Express Tuxedo Blazer (old - obsessed with this Victoria's Secret option)

Yosi Samra Erica Neon T-Strap Studded Ballet Flat c/o LuckyFABB

Black Cat Eye Sunglasses from Apricot Lane || Revlon "Fire & Ice" Lipstick || Caravelle by Bulova Rose Gold Watch c/o LuckyFABB

 

Whew - yesterday was a doozy. My twitter feed/instagram practically blew up with #Limsanity (oh yes, it has it's own hashtag) and sounds like you girls were out for blood bags. So you bet your target-loving-booty I wasn't about to miss out on that!! After previewing all the pieces online, I decided I couldn't live without the mini Pashli look-a-likes and the Printed "Boom" Sweatshirt. Turns out the mini bags are FAB. I got the black & the grey - but I am kind of kicking myself that I didn't get the mustard yellow (hello! So perfect for my BADxGameDay series)

 

You can still buy quite a few of the items online, but if you're looking for a handbag, you're probably out of luck... HOWEVER I'd stay tuned to the blog.. I may or may not be giving one away to a very lucky BAD reader!! Check back later this week if you might be interested in that...

 

Wore this ensemble last night for our Breaking Bad date with my BFF and her husband. I love that my graphic tee and leggings are casual but the tuxedo blazer and pop of color from my fav neon flats give my outfit a polish finished. Who says you can't be comfy and chic? Happy Monday lovelies!

 

linking up with Real Girl Glam