Better Than Tax Free Weekend with Carolina Premium Outlets

{J.Crew Factory linen stripe top, LOFT scallop shorts (similar) Banana Republic Factory crossbody bag}

Hi Loves! I can’t believe we are already in August! As summer is starting to come to a close, it’s time to start thinking about Back To Fall. I said that because some of us aren’t in school anymore (or have kids who are old enough for Back to School) but with the change in seasons usually comes transition in your wardrobe. Which means it’s time go shopping!

Lucky for you, Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield is having their Better Than Tax Free weekend today through Sunday! Which means added bonus savings on top of already amazing discounts. So what better way to prepare for the cooler weather than to score some majorly awesome deals! I’m going to share a few of my favorite fall trends that I scooped up while shopping and that you'll be able to find too! Here we go..

This right here is like my dream fall outfit. An easy breezy dress. Denim jacket over top, Ankle boots. I mean - does it get any better than this? I just had to have this combo dress from LOFT. The soft t-shirt like top makes it feel casually comfy, but the pretty skirt makes it feel oh-so-girly and fun! Did I mention the skirt reminds me of Rose Quartz, which is the color of the year for 2016? Holla! You've got to make a stop into LOFT when you visit CPO! 

I've told you guys this before, but I recently re-discovered American Eagle Jeans as the best fitting jeans ever! Their "short" length is perfect for petite gals like me and I don't know why, but the distressed options are so danm good. They also have this new line of "Soft & Sexy" tanks and tees. Like "budda" in your hands. This adorable peplum option may or may not have made it's way into my dressing room (plus 3 more colors too!) Obsessed! 

I think that I love tanks for fall because the weather is so up and down you never know which way it's going to go. With a blazer or jacket over top, this one from Banana Republic Factory is appropriate for work with a cute pencil skirt. But loose the jacket and throw on jeans and pumps and you've got an instant weekend look too. You can always reach for the blazer again when the temps start to drop at night. This gold will also go really well with my #BADxGameDay series that is starting back up soon. I can't wait!

Watches on Watches! I don't think I ever really noticed how fantastic the watches are from Fossil until I visited their store at CPO. They have some ah-mazing styles! You have to head over to CPO's Facebook to see which one I picked (such a good fall color) and with all the Better Than Tax Free savings you'll REALLY save big!  

One motto I tend to live by: A gal can never have too many ankle boots (just don't ask my husband if he feels the same.) When I stopped into Nine West, I thought I fell into ankle boot heaven with all the options they had. These black mirrored heel babies went home with me and I plan on wearing them with everything this fall season. Dresses. Jeans. Shorts and tights. I mean everything. Did I mention they were on MAH-jor sale? Yes, Please!

Back To Fall is also a great time to buy workout shoes. I don't know why, but I feel like the end of summer season means the deals on sneaks on better. I loved this periwinkle-ish blue color. It's not something I had picked out before, so it was fun to try something new. I've been seeing this marbled print on everything lately, so when I spotted it on Nike apparel and shoes, I knew it was going to be a good Fall Trend. I only wish I was actually going back to school so I could rock this marbled backpack!

Mirrored Sunglasses aren't just for the 80's anymore! They are back with a vengeance and won't be leaving anytime soon. Find modern styles like this pair from LOFT to keep you in 2016. I adore the tortoise print and the cat eye shape frames my face nicely. If you follow me on instagram you know I haven't taken these off from the second I scooped them up! 

You guys... there are so many more deals where that came from. I haven't even shown you everything I found! So make sure you're following Carolina Premium Outlets over on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see everything I scored (that Levi's Jacket is the bomb) Then head over to the center (it's like a 25 minute drive from Raleigh!) or your local Simon Shopping Center to save big on Fall Trends! 

disclosure: this post was sponsored by Simon and Carolina Premium Outlets. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Simon or Premium Outlets.

Mother's Day Gift Guide with Carolina Premium Outlets

Mother’s Day is literally right around the corner! So when Carolina Premium Outlets reached out about putting together a Mother’s Day gift guide, I knew my mom would be so excited. I mean, what’s better than a mother daughter shopping trip? (side note: we used to dream about being on Supermarket Sweep together. Anyone else remember and LOVE that show?) There are so many fantastic stores at Carolina Premium Outlets, that you’re bound to find just about anything for your mother, wife, aunt, sister, grandmother, friend to thank them for being an amazing mother, friend, and just all around person!

Ready, set… let’s shop!

First stop… shoes! What mom wouldn’t love a great looking pair of shoes that are also super comfortable? Aerosoles has a ton of options that are perfect for just that. I love the canvas fabric on this pair, making them durable. But the block heel and peep toe make them stylish and on trend. She’ll love them!

Banana Republic is THE place for petite shoppers like myself and my mom. Their petite section is chock full of many items found in the regular section, tweeked and tailored just right to fit us height-challenged ladies. When shopping for clothes for your mom, make sure you think about what she’ll get the most wear out of. Can she wear it for work? Date night? Church? Casually? I think half the fun of finding a good find, like the petitie blouses here at Banana Republic, is sharing with my mom all the ways she can wear them!

Sparkle, Sparkle! If you’re wanting to gift the woman in your life with a little some shiny for Mother’s Day, Zales is definitely the place to stop in. Jewelry can be so personal and the associates at Zales were incredibly helpful in talking about making our gift choice special. How beautiful are these glittering gold hoops?

My mom and I are CONSTANTLY gravitating towards the same exact styles when we go shopping. We’re always picking up the same dresses, shirts, purses, skirts…. Does this happen with anyone else? That’s why we love shopping at GAP. Their selections are fantastic for any woman [or man too!] no matter what your age or personal style is.

We both selected this super fun chambray denim shirt dress! It’s a great spring/summer piece but I’ll also pair with dark tights, booties and a chunky sweater come fall. I'm sure my mom will too!

Let’s be real…. A woman can never have too many shoes (whoever said that was VERY smart!) Whenever we shop at Carolina Premium Outlets, we always have to stop in at Nine West. We found a pair of heels that came in the perfect height for me (around 4 inches) and the perfect height for my mom (2.75 – 3 inches) We also drool over their bags and wallet section (hello great deals!) With variety and versatility, Nine West is one of the stores where you’re bound to find just the right thing for your mom no matter your budget or her style.

Another fab place I love to shop with my mom? LOFT! What started out as an extension of Ann Taylor, has really taken off in terms of affordable and fantastic clothing. A lot of what I find at LOFT can play two roles: work and play. And with my mom’s busy schedule, that’s exactly what she needs – double duty styles. I’ve been trying to show her how many different ways she can wear a great graphic tee like this one. Jeans and boots for play or pair it with a fitted pencil skirt and tailored blazer for the office. How playful and fun!

While we were at CPO, we stopped in at the Jockey Store to get measured for our “RealFit” bra. Jockey’s custom real fit system is based on your body’s measurements, giving you a specific size that’s tailored and custom just for you! Shout out to Ashley, the assistant GM and the rest of her team for making this process super simple and enjoyable! We love our new Jockey RealFit bras!

If you want to see more of our shopping trip and a few other gifts we looked at together, make sure you're following Carolina Premium Outlets on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! There are so many fabulous Mother’s Day gifts to be found and I'll be sharing my favorite items over the next few days. What are YOUR favorite gifts to give your mom?

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms/grandmas/aunts/sisters/friends/wives out there!

disclosure: this post was sponsored by Simon and Carolina Premium Outlets. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Simon or Premium Outlets.
 

{Holiday} Gift Guide: For the BFF (Under $50)

 

Not sure what to get your bestie this holiday season?! Don't worry.. I've put together some of my favorite options that will show her just how much you love her without breaking the bank!

 

For the Newlywed:

Mr. & Mrs. Cocktail Bar Glass Set - $18

These adorable glasses are just the item to get your recently hitched gal pal. I love the moustache and lip imprints - so cheeky and super cutesy! Pair with mini liquor bottles or a split of champs for twice the excitement!

 

For the World Traveler:

Sole Society Natassia Vegan Satchel - $50

We've all got that jet setting friend. She's here one week, gone the next. So get her something she'll really appreciate like this all purpose satchel. It has a detachable shoulder strap, will fit all her carry-on items (ipad, magazines, books, scarf etc..) and double as a handbag while she's jet-setting around town.

 

For the Sparkle Lover:

J.Crew Crystal Button Earrings - $36

She's a classic kind of gal. Loves LBD's, martinis & a great red nail polish. These floral crystal beauties will be the perfect addition to her everyday look. She can pair them with jeans and a tee or for a fancy date night out on the town.

 

For the Girl With Everything:

Sole Society Smythe Sunglasses - $25

What do you get someone that seems to have everything their heart desires? A great pair of sunnies! It's something she can use year round and these slightly oversize tortoise frame look amazing on just about everyone. Bonus points if you wrap them in a hard case!

 

For the Social Media Obsessed:

Kate Spade "Be Dazzling" Glitter iPhone Softcase - $35

She is a twitter wizard and an instagram selfie pro. So why not share in all her electronic glory by gifting her with a super girly and chic case like this one. Just make sure she's looking at you and not the screen during Girl's Night Out

 

For the Fashionista:

Shop Dandy #OOTD T-Shirt - $25

You know that girl who isn't afraid to pull off anything (including a damn paper bag) Trust me, she will love this one! Bet you 100 bucks she can come up with at least 5 ways to wear this sassy shirt immediately!

 

For the Hostess With The Mostest:

Target Threshold Fox Bowl & Serve Dish Set - $16

She's always throwing the best parties and get-togethers, right? Chances are she will think this playful fox serve ware is just as charming as you. You could wrap it up for her to open.. or fill with olives and nuts, bring it to her holiday party and then let her know it's hers to keep! Love that idea!

 

So what do you guys think - any of these BFF options tickle your fancy?

{Holiday} Gift Guide: For The Guy

1: J Crew Cashmere Scarf $88. 2: Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer Sunglasses $145. 3: Sperry Top-Sider Oxford Boot $100. 4: Fossil Messenger Bag $278. 5: Brixton Leather Belt $45. 6: Pentax Vintage Inspired Digital Camera $250. 7: L'Occitane After Shave Balm $30. 8: Nixon "51-30" Chrono Watch $375. 9: Imbibe! Book $20. 10: North Face Down Jacket $200.

Let's face it... Men are hard to shop for. Every Christmas and Birthday I'm continually stumped about what to buy my husband or father or brother. It seems anything they want, they either already have or buy it themselves. So this year I wanted to include a few options and ideas that may help you find the perfect gift for that special guy. I'm loving that digital camera that looks like a vintage collectable or a fabulous pair of classic sunglasses. Or if your guy appreciates whiskey as much as my husband does, reach for a fabulous read featuring stories and drink recipes dedicated to the first pioneer of the American bar. What guy wouldn't love that? Good luck Ladies!!

Ask Bedazzles: Holiday Outfit - Trousers

If you're searching for a new look this holiday season, why not try a menswear chic piece that can update any closet in an instant. A pair of tapered, skinny trousers are the perfect polisher for finishing off any ensemble with a touch of glam. My personal favorite right now is J Crew's Minnie Pant (they're only $80 bucks!) The minnie comes in a variety of shapes and shades, that create a rich and colorful style. Here, I've highlighted the bright and bold flame color and picked feminine accents like a sheer top, bow detailed shoes and lace clutch. With a look like this, you'll be the center of attention during this yultide season. Or try a classic color and add a playful twist with glittered pumps and a leopard clutch. This type of pant is so versatile and can be dressed down just as easily as we've dressed them up. For an everyday work look wear them with flats and a jean jacket for a casually cool vibe. Happy Dressing! :)

{Holiday} Gift Guide: Sparkles

1: J. Crew Pavé Link Bracelet $118. 2: Juicy Couture Stardust Glitter iPad Case {on sale} $47.60. 3: Madewell Moonlight Sparkle Bib Necklace $108. 4: J Crew Glitter Skinny Belt $30. 5: Essie LuxEffects Collection Glitter Nail Polish $6 each. 6: Kate Spade Sparkler Missy Crossbody Bag $155. 7: Jimmy Choo Glitter Luggage Tag $195. 8: Ban.do Back & Forth Rhinestone Bobbi Pin Set $25

"When in doubt, Always turn to a sparkle" Words to live by if you ask me. So naturally, when you're stuck on what to give for a gift this year, just remember that sparkles are your friends! Continuing on with our Holiday Gift Guides I've chosen a few pieces that will add a dash of dazzle to any present. Plus, a gal can always use a little shimmer. Look to colorfully flecked nail polish, glittering luggage tags or a shining iPad case for a little holiday glitz and glam. It's easy to insert some bright details into your world with these options - trust me she'll love it!!

{Holiday} Gift Guide: Leopard

 1: J Crew Leopard Perfect Shirt - $78. 2: Dolce Vita Nariko Leopard Smoking Flat - $165.

3: dELIAS Skinny Leopard Belt - {on sale!} $13.65. 4. Guess Faux Fur Jacket - {on sale!} $133.

5: Kate Spade Leopard iphone Case - $40. 6: ASOS Leopard Rhinestone Heart Earrings - $18.

7. Topshop Leopard Scarf - $32. 8: J. Crew Invitation Leopard Clutch - $138

I just love the holidays! The smells, the music, and just the general feeling that this season brings. And yes, with this time of year comes gifting! I know that sometimes it can be hard to find great gifts that won't break the bank. So I'll be spotlighting a few special Holiday Gift Guides that can point you in the right direction. Wow the wild woman in your world with a hint of special and super fun leopard print! Whether it's a simple skinny belt, trendy pair of loafers or a glamorous faux fur coat these budget friendly options are sure to add a dash of style to her Christmas morning. And if you need a little inspiration on how to wear a leopard button down - visit Ashley over at Pursuit Of Shoes who styled her J. Crew shirt 6 different ways! Happy Shopping!