Tuesday, July 31, 2012

RueLaLa

Lilly Pulitzer is on RueLaLa tomorrow starting at 11:00am! I never understood shopping on RueLaLa but in the recent months, they have had some amazing steals. From Jack Rogers to Vineyard Vines, I have scored several amazing deals on this site.

The trick is that you need to get the things in your size and checkout ASAP so you can score the best that RLL is offering. If you missed something that you really liked, chances are, they will have a "shoe sale" or "dress sale" with extra merchandise later in the month. That is where I scooped up a pair of Jack Rogers flats for $60, originally $150... over half off!

Lilly is one of the brands that sells out quickly, so it is important that you log in with plenty of time to spare. So, if you don't have a RLL account yet, set one up here, so you will be ready to shop tomorrow!

Also, Ariat is Thursday. I've never seen RueLaLa offer cowboy boots so this is awesome! I really think that they are getting better brands! I have no idea what the price points will be, but cowboy boots are a pricey investment so this would be a great place to find a good deal (seriously, how cute is the second pair from the right). Unfortunately, I'm back in the north and have two gorgeous pairs so I won't be shopping Ariat, but this is where I would be shopping if I needed another pair!

Do you shop RueLaLa? What good deals did you score? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, July 27, 2012

Currently Obsessed

I'm not sure if you ever noticed, but there's a widget on the right sidebar that has different products every time the page gets refreshed. It's appropriately called "currently obsessed". If you haven't noticed before, here are a few things that scroll through that I need for fall ;)



Just click the arrows to scroll through and if you see something that catches your eye, click the picture and it will take you to the source, how cool is that?! Have a fabulous day!
Yours, sCe

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Bass

No, I'm not talking about the fish, but the shoe company G.H. Bass. They have everything from classic Weejuns to more trendy styles and the quality is great, especially for the price point. Here are some shoes that I have added to my fall wish list:





I have these and constantly wore them last fall! 

What shoes are you loving for fall? Have a fabulous day! 
Yorus, 
sCe

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Just Madras Christmas in July

Just Madras Christmas in July sale is here once again! I love this time of year with so many companies having really great sales. Is it just me or do the sales seem extra good this year? Well, Just Madras, a favorite brand of mine, is having some great deals. 

 The Kyle skirt in silk is the most fabulous piece I have ever seen. It's only $45 too, which makes it even more fabulous!

The seersucker Jennifer is a steal at $50. I love the ruffle detailing at the hem.

I have this clutch in a different print and love it. This would look fabulous with a navy monogram!

What are your favorite Just Madras pieces? Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tote-Ally Fabulous

Four years ago, was a summer of change for me. I was leaving high school and all of the best friends that I had made my entire life. Leaving a place of comfort and a my only home. I remember it being a weird time and it is so crazy to me that it was four years ago... I was 18. Four years from now, I will be 26 (that sounds so old to me!!). Time really does fly the older you get. Well, this summer is definitely a summer of change. I am not used to not logging on to JMU's e-campus and editing my schedule. It's weird not to pick out a suitable meal plan and it's weird that I'm not getting geared up for rush. It's all just a little bit weird

I honestly can't say that it saddens me that I am not going back to school because I am not sad. I am happy in the place that I have ended up. I was very ready to move on from college and grow up and make my own life and success (not to discount the absolutely incredible college experience that I had).

Around this time for the past 4 years, I have spent time choosing about an appropriate tote bag to carry around campus. There are a ton out there! There are the unique options from Etsy, the designer options such as Louis Vuitton, the classic option from L.L. Bean, the sorority prints from Vineyard Vines, the bright print from Lilly Pulitzer, the grosgrain from J. McLaughlin, the fold-able from Longchamp, the classic leather from Frank Clegg, the fun prints from Scout, the adorable madras options from Just Madras... the list could go on forever. This year is no different... well, I guess it is because a new tote won't be holding $100 text books and 20 page papers. But I am totally lusting after the Tipsy Skipper totes. If you are going back to school, these are classic with a showstopping twist.


This is one of my absolutely favorites! I think this would be my choice-- very collegiate and very fall appropriate. 

I have the matching flats to this tote so this might be necessary. This would be extra appropriate if you are a KKG!

 What tote will you be using for school this year? Have a fabulous day! 
Yours, 
sCe

Monday, July 23, 2012

Simply Chic

In the midst of arm parties, pops of color, statement necklaces, boyfriend watches and all of the other "trends of the moment", I find a breath of fresh air looking back on vintage photos of women such as C.Z. Guest, Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Montgomery etc. 
 
The above photo is one that I found on Tumblr and I knew I had to do a post on how chic this look is. Take a day off from your arm parties and bright handbags and instead, showcase your own true beauty instead of your clothes and accessories. I occasionally opt for this simple look, but even for me, it has become more and more obsolete. My favorite neutral, simple outfit is a white Ralph Lauren oxford and J. Crew's cafe capri  in a neutral shade such as black, navy or khaki (Note to self: I really need a pair of khaki cafe capris!). As for shoes, I go with simple, un-embellished ballet flats or loafers and a simple watch or monogram ring. 

This is one of my favorite pictures of Grace Kelly. Ever. Her pearls are classic, her black dress understated and the headband pulls the hair out of her face. This outfit shows off her true beauty. 

This is one of my favorites of Jackie O. She looks stunning in the dark turtleneck and understated, classic watch. Taking the focus off of her style and accessories really helps to show off her natural beauty.
 
This is another Tumblr picture and again, so simple but so chic. I love the windblown hair, no jewelry, and simple navy and white color scheme. Very nautical and classic! I have both the striped classic boatneck top and the navy shorts so this will be very easy to recreate!

So my goal is now to recreate these simple, understated looks. I will post them in an OOTD post coming soon. What do you think of the simple look? Do you sport it? Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Friday, July 20, 2012

Words of Wisdom a la Reese

"My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it's not moving, monogram it." - Reese Witherspoon

Smart woman, that Reese is. 

Moving on to un-monogrammed business...Normally I don't shop RueLaLa, however, they have been on the ball lately. Today they are offering two of my favorites: 
 Herve Chapelier

Invicta
I have two Invicta watches and love them. They are so well priced and good quality for the inexpensive price. They are also doing women's watches today, but I recommend checking out the men's section because men always have more fabulous, big, shiny watches.
Need an invite? Click here.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Yours,
sCe

Thursday, July 19, 2012

So Clutch

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If I ever say that I need a new clutch-sized handbag, then I have truly gone crazy (look at this one from Southern Beaus!!!). The above picture is of just a few of the clutches that I own. Now, in my defense, the two on the top were "college clutches" which were inexpensive and meant to be spilled on and misplaced.... except that never actually happened to either of them. What can I say... I'm careful!
(Blogger won't let me flip the first picture.. WHY?!). Anyways, I just had to post about this clutch find. The other day I was walking through Macy's and I spotted it in the sale section for $50. I have been looking for a neutral, dressier/trendy-ish clutch to use when out at night. This one was inexpensive and had an expensive/luxe look to it. 

Usually, I am not into buying "cheap" handbags (I'm a bit of a handbag snob). I like real leather, name brand/designer. However, since I was going for a more trendy look to take out with me, I didn't want to spend a lot. I have a very similar Kate Spade bag but I don't like to take it out at night because it is too nice for bars... People need to learn how to keep their drink IN their glass! I digress...

This is a brand that Macy's carries called Olivia and Joy. I have never heard of it but they had a really cute section in Macy's that caught my eye. I was also debating on whether or not to purchase the Swanky Satchel in green (It looked like a $300 handbag). However, I decided that I needed to save my money and add to my Louis Vuitton fund (yes, this exists). Anyways, the above clutch, named the "Rendezvous" is fabulous (fabulous clutch, weird name.. someone on the naming committee needs to get booted). It has just the "edge" and grown-up look that I was going for and is also huge! This clutch is something I think I will keep my necessities in and then toss it in a larger bag/tote when I'm on the run.
How do I store all of these bags? I have several of these woven baskets that I use. I had them in college and used them for other things, but now they are perfect for storing handbags. I also have a really large storage bin and two entire shelves in my closet to hold all of my other handbags.. but that's another story for another day ;). 

Have you shopped Olivia and Joy? How do you store your clutches? Have a fabulous day! 
Yours, 
sCe

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Skinny Jeans

These, ladies and gentlemen, are my skinny jeans. No, they are not a skinny cut, but they are my denim that I wear when I am my thinnest. They're an old pair of Sevens circa 2005. they have always been tight since the day I got them and I have gone periods through college where I couldn't fit into them. Practically my entire senior year of college, I couldn't squeeze into them.

I never weigh myself. In fact, I've never owned a scale and we don't have one in our house. I have never been concerned with my weight as a number but more about how I look and feel. Senior year I put in a ton of work with my classes while also doing an internship. And of course, my social schedule was more than packed. On top of my busy schedule, I had to cook for myself because it was my first year living off campus and not having a meal plan. I hate cooking. I hate hate hate it! I love eating and unfortunately, I love eating stuff that is too hard to cook (well for me at least). Plus, I would go to the grocery store to buy groceries and when I would go to the check out and spend $80, I would think of a lot better things I could do with that $80. The entire situation backfired on me and I definitely gained around 8ish pounds while in college. Whether I gained it all my senior year, I'm not sure.

When I came home from school, I made a change. I started running again and eating healthy (my mom's home cooked, healthy meals...not Taco Bell). I can easily slip into my "skinny jeans" now. I am so happy and relieved! I am no expert and am definitely not up on the latest diets and the healthiest, trendiest foods, but here are some tips that I followed...
  • Soda intake is bad, bad, bad. At school I would drink Diet Coke but second semester I started to cut way back and now I rarely drink Diet Coke or any other soda drink. If I am craving something other than water, I turn to hot green or black tea with a little bit of Splenda. This is what I turn to when I want a late night snack as well. Instead of reaching for something with calories in it, I make a nice cup of tea.  
  • I don't eat fast food. Ever. Literally, I would probably eat fast food at least once a week at school. To some, I am sure that sounds disgusting. But people, I love Taco Bell. Plus, since I didn't know how to cook and I had little time to eat, I often just "grabbed" Chipotle or Taco Bell (excuses, excuses). Now, I probably eat it once a month, sometimes not at all. 
  • I eat a small lunch. Usually I make something light like soup or a salad or a sandwich. Except instead of bread, I've turned to lettuce as my "bread". I've even been doing this when ordering at restaurants and have never had any that were unable to accommodate the request. I've also been using lettuce to dip into hummus instead of pita which, in my opinion, is a perfectly good alternative.
  • My snacks consist of hot tea/black coffee, fruit, hummus, pickles. Craving a salty snack? Grab a pickle. Craving a sweet snack, grad some watermelon or strawberries.
  • After dinner, I used to eat a dessert item almost always. Now, I've learned to curb my sweet tooth and probably only eat dessert one night a week (sometimes not at all).
  • I started using the My Fitness Pal app for iPhone during the first few weeks back from school. I recommend it for anyone, not necessarily to keep up with your food intake, but just to see where you could cut things out. I quit the app after about 2 weeks but it really helped me to see where I could edit my diet and exercise plan.
These are just things that I did that I think helped my to get back into shape. I am by no means a doctor or a health expert. What do you do to lose those few pesky pounds? Have a fabulous day!

Yours,
sCe

**P.S. Happy Birthday to the best Daddy in the entire world! I love you SO much!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

412

It's no secret that I love my city...I mean look at all the posts I've done about this great town...
There is one thing about Pittsburgh, though, that I have yet to cover... so, here we go (this post is reading intensive!).

I remember my freshman year of college (Fall 2008). It was first semester and every freshman was required to take a public speaking course entitled "GCOM". Being in a new state, far from home, not yet acclimated to college life, I was extremely nervous to speak in front of my peers. The first assignment was to write a casual speech about something that you strongly believe in and in turn, persuade the class to believe what you are saying.

As the homesick little freshman that I was, surrounded by cowboy boots, southern frat boys, country music and people confusing Pittsburgh with Philadelphia (there's a BIG difference!!!!), the only thing that came to mind at that point was that I believed in Pittsburgh, my home. I then turned the speech into persuading the class to never forget the city that they grew up in because it is in part of who each person is today.

Because I was emotionally invested in this speech and because I was scared to death to speak in front of the class, I worked really hard to compose a speech that would convey the love that I have for my roots (I mean, 4 years later and I still have most of this speech memorized, that's how hard I worked!). 

Long story short, the speech was a success. I remember it being one of my first A's. The reason I bring this up is because in any public speaking course from middle school and beyond, you first learn that they key to addressing any public is to create an "attention getter". In middle school I remember lots of classmates would use songs to start out and then as we got older and wiser, quotes, statistics and stories were employed.

Well, for my "attention getter", I spoke with an accent. A Pittsburgh "accent". Also know as a "yinzer". For those unfamiliar with Pittsburgh, there is a certain dialect in southwestern Pennsylvania where it is common to hear "you's guys" and "yinz" (similar to a southerner's "y'all"). Funny enough, I ended up sounding like I had a bad southern accent... but it still worked... Here's an excerpt of my intro (said with an accent):

"I'm from a place where three rivers meet. The Ohio, the Mon, and the Allegheny. I shop at Giant Eagle for chipped ham, pop and jimmies for my ice cream. My favorite food is Primanti’s “sammiches” and my grandma's Sunday night “sketti n'at”. As far as I’m concerned there is only one football team and that is my beloved “Stillers”; six time Superbowl champs. To this day, I still wish the “Bus” would come back and play just one more game. On Saturday mornings, I go to the “strip” and on Saturday nights, I go “dahn” to the “sauth side” to drink some “ahrn city buhrs”. My favorite musicians include Donnie Iris, The Clarks and Wiz Kalifa. During the summer, when it finally passes 50 degrees and all of the “slippy" ice has melted, I head to Kennywood for the Potato Patch fries and to Idlewild for company picnics. I tie my hair back with a “gumban” and my favorite “kellers” are black and gold. I may be “nebby’ but I am definitely not a jagoff like the city of Cleveland. On Sundays, I grew up to the voice of Myron Cope on the radio, cheering the “Stillers” to victory."
I am unfortunately and fortunately not a yinzer. Most suburban-dwelling Pittsburgher's don't have an accent, but for some people it is thick (if you are interested, YouTube (yes, I use that as a verb) "Myron Cope" and you will get a heavy dose of the accent). Here is a brief lesson on how to be a yinzer (words that I may actually use):

Buggy: A shopping cart
Dippy Eggs: Sunnyside up
Jimmies: sprinkles
Kennywood's Open: your fly is down
Nebby: Nosey (my mom always tells me to stop "nebbing around" around the presents during Christmas)
Sweeper: vacuum cleaner
N'at: (I use this one jokingly) "and that".. "Let's get some hoagies n'at"
Babushka: Scarf worn atop a woman's head
Pop: soda
Blinkers: car's turn signals
Clicker: Television remote
Rag: wash cloth
Hankering: a craving "I've got a hankering for Primanti's"
Sherbert: Sherbet (ex. orange sherbet)
Living Daylights: "You scared the living daylights out of me!"
Tubes: tunnels
The T: subway/metro/train
Buccos: The Pittsburgh Pirates, "let's go bucs"
Press: to iron clothing
Yak: to talk a lot "she was yakking away"

Do you have any sayings or words that you use that may sound unfamiliar to people in other regions? I am always curious as to what words differ by geographic location! Have a fabulous day!

Yours,
sCe

Monday, July 16, 2012

I'm in Love

A representative from Graphic Image contacted me to let me know about their Christmas in July sale that is today only! Everything on the entire site is 50% off which is a great deal.

I have never shopped Graphic Image before, however, it is the sister company of GiGi New York which has great quality products. I have heard many bloggers rave about Graphic Image's datebooks and accessories. I am loving the iPhone case in orange (very Hermes-esque, no?!).
This case is originally $48 and for today only, it comes down to $24 (which is a steal in my opinion). This case is definitely a breath of fresh air compared to all of the plastic/silicone printed cases that are so popular. Definitely a more classic, luxurious, grown-up case. I love the personalization options and the many bright color choices. I am thinking these would make perfect Christmas presents as well (the 2013 datebooks are another fabulous gift idea).

Next up is my footwear dilemma: I don't really like shoes (go ahead, gasp!). Sure, I appreciate a great heel or the perfect flat, but once I have one pair of great heels and the perfect pair of flats, I kind of just stop there. 

I love clothing, jewelry and handbags, but the love dissipates when I get to the shoe department. I don't know what it is about my aversion to shoes, but I just don't get all excited about shopping for them. In fact, I go days, sometimes even weeks where I wear the same pair of shoes (more so in the summer). My bank account appreciates that I don't do much in the shoe department, but I realize that I need an update.
I'm in love. I have never in my life been in love with a pair of shoes before. Sure, I've liked many a pair; however, these are the pair. I now know what other women feel like when they fall in love...with a pair of shoes. They are totally me in shoe form. Sensible because they are neutral, classic because of the cut... but then there is that glittery, sass at the toe that adds some personality and interest.

Pretty, pretty, pretty!!! These Ferragamo beauties are a hefty $500. Will I buy them, doubtful, but I will stare at them until I can get over them. 

What do you think of these pretties? Are they worth the $500? Are you shoe-obsessed?! Is there anyone else out there that isn't crazy about shoes? Have a fabulous day! 
Yours, 
sCe

Friday, July 13, 2012

Words to Live by...

via Tumblr

I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”  
―Albert Einstein

That Einstein really was a smart guy, wasn't he?! Have a fabulous and safe weekend! 
Yours, 
sCe

Thursday, July 12, 2012

So Charming

The other night, I was spending time at my Grammie's house and she showed me her gorgeous, custom charm bracelet that she has had for a very long time! I had to snap some photos because of how gorgeous each charm is and to show how timeless a charm bracelet is.

 Clockwise from top left: My grandparent's house, a calendar with a stone in the date, the back of the calendar with her initials, a Hofbrauhaus stein because my grandparents visited the one in Germany. 
I love that each charm is so personalized. My grandfather's friend specialized in engraving and my grandfather gave each charm to my Grammie as gifts. The one of my grandparents house is definitely my favorite, which got me to thinking that cCm and I need to have charms made with Mac's face on them (too cute!!). 

Clockwise from top left: my Grammie's monogram, the back of the monogram which was given to her on Valentine's Day, 1962, a cut-out monogram which was given to her on Easter 1964. 
These two charms look very similar to charms that you can purchase today, proving that gold monogram jewelry is a staple in any woman's jewelry collection! 
Clockwise from top left: Africa because my grandfather went there on business frequently, a plane to represent one of their many trips to Florida, hands in prayer, the back of the hands in prayer is a beautiful prayer. 
I have a charm bracelet but no charms! I actually don't like dangling on my wrist because of the noise it makes and how it rattles on surfaces, but this charm bracelet is so beautiful and meaningful that I may just have to start the one that I have had for 10 years!

Do you have a charm bracelet? What is your favorite charm?  Have a fabulous day! 
Yours, 
sCe

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Concert Ensembles

Yesterday I posted my summer playlist, so today let's talk more music. In my opinion, summertime is the most fun season to see a concert. There are so many great tours going on, no matter what you're into, there is a concert for you!

I remember my first concert. I was in Atlanta, GA visiting my aunt and uncle. cCm and I were really young; I'm thinking I was 10 and cCm was 6. Our parents surprised us with tickets to Hanson. I mean I was obsessed. I took it to a whole new level. I remember having dreams that I would marry Zac (he had long hair... what was I thinking?!). I had all of the teen magazines with their pictures and the little chapter books about them.

Well, I put together some really cute but practical looks for wherever you are headed this summer to enjoy your favorite tunes!
Coldplay Concert



This look is one I put together for a Coldplay concert. I went to one several years ago and it was an incredible show! The J. McLaughlin dress is fun and flirty but the super comfortable material makes it practical.


Country Concert

This look is if you are headed to the Brothers of the Sun tour with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw. cCm went to the concert a few weeks ago and said it was amazing. In Pittsburgh, it's held every year at Heinz field and sells out every single time. This look is practical because cowboy boots are comfortable and the side satchel is a must when tailgating or in large crowds.

Dave Matthews

Saturday I am headed to the Dave Matthews concert. In high school, I went to the concert every summer... along with almost every other student that went to my high school. Junior year, two friends and I went to NYC to see Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds at Radio City! I like his music a lot and never seem to tire of it. I haven't been to a concert in 4 years, so it is about time! This dress is super simple and casual. I'll definitely be wearing flat, comfortable sandals and carrying my GiGi New York side satchel. 

What do you wear to concerts? Do you have a go-to outfit? What concerts do you have planned this summer?! Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Summer 2012 Playlist

I have done several playlists in the past three and a half years of Summer Wind (some examples: 1, 2, 3 ). I love all types of music from classical to indie, classic rock to country. So here is what I am listening to this summer. 
You can click the picture to enlarge if necessary. Most are upbeat and catchy. I have had Ho Hey by the Lumineers on repeat for days. 

Mac Miller is a great rapper. I am not really into rap but he is a Pittsburgher and has great remixes to songs (Spins is really fun). Just beware about Mac because he uses a lot of inappropriate language. At first, I found myself appalled and then, I got used to it and it became kind of catchy. Definitely not something that you would play with "adults" or children around. 

I've also been really into classical music lately. The Pandora Symphony station is great and then I also have a lot of classical music in iTunes.

What are you listening to? I am always looking for suggestions! Have a fabulous day! 
Yours, 
sCe

Monday, July 9, 2012

Shop Mimi's

To start off this lovely Monday, let's pick a Be. Designs monogram pillow winner, shall we? Drumrolll please... 

Haley Bacon! 

Congratulations Haley, please e-mail SummerWind41490@gmail.com to claim your prize!! A big thank you to Amy of Be. Designs and to all who entered! If you did not win this giveaway, no worries, a new giveaway will be happening very soon! 

Next up on the Monday agenda... let's talk costume jewelry. I can't get enough of it! The lovely ladies at Mimi's sent me several pretty pieces and I need to share the fun with you! The pieces are very inexpensive and mimic trendy, pricier pieces. They are the perfect addition to any outfit, and with the great prices, choosing several is a no-brainer. 

This leather wrap bracelet ($18) is my favorite piece that Mimi's sent moi! It is not something I would necessarily pick out for myself, but it reminds me a bit of Hermes. 

I added an orange J. Crew enamel bangle and a gold link chain for a fun arm party. The leather mixed with the metals added great texture!

This is another fun leather wrap bracelet ($9). I love that it wraps several times... it makes a complete arm party all by itself! Both of the leather wrap bracelets are a steal. At such low prices, I was skeptical of the quality, but these are really nice and don't look or feel overly "cheap". 

Because I either always wear my monogram necklace or pearls, I never spend much on statement necklaces. While I love looking at them and have fun wearing them, I always seem to grab the classics when it comes to necklaces. This piece ($40) is gorgeous. It is a standout piece and looks so great with a tan. I paired it with a simple DKNY silk shell and white J. Crew shorts and received many compliments. The outfit looked too plain and boring with my usual necklaces so this was the absolute perfect piece. 

These earrings ($15) are definitely the perfect neutral statement earring. I have yet to wear these because they are a bit dressy, but I just got a cute lace dress from Nordstrom and the earrings and dress together make a great outfit. I was watching an episode of "The Pitch" the other day and the woman in the episode that worked for one of the agencies was wearing the above earrings! 

This bold cuff is a statement piece because of how thick it is. The best part? It's $5! I think these would make fun party favors. I haven't worn this yet, but plan to pair it with a Talbots sequined tee and also with simple outfits to add some interest. 
Have you shopped Mimi's? What is your favorite piece? Have a fabulous day! 
Yours, 
sCe

Friday, July 6, 2012

I Dream of... Rocks











All images via Seaman Schepps
Yours, sCe
 

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