Buy This - Not That: January Edition

It's time to play...say it with me now...Buy This, Not That! (applause in background)

Here are a few items that caught my eye recently and their waaaaaay more affordable dopplegangers. So gather round, ye vixens of the interwebs, and enjoy some morning window shopping.

Gianvito Rossi "Osaka" Knee Boot ($927)  vs.  Ivanka Trump "Sarena" Over-the-Knee Dress Boot (ON SALE NOW for $111.30!)

Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad in "Fair and Square" ($13.69)  vs.  Tom Ford Eye Color Quad ($96.92)

Dannijo Tessie Ear Jacket ($245)  vs.  Mariposa Ear Jackets ($32)

Lookbook Black Sequined Leggings ($29)  vs.  Juicy Couture Sequined Leggings ($138)

Mason Martin Margiela Wool Pullover ($815)  vs.  Metallic Pleat-Back Pullover in Gold/Bronze ($59)

Gum Drop Strand ($48)  vs. J.Crew Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace ($98)

Rise and Shine Turtleneck Sweater Dress in Light Gray ($78)  vs.  Joie Sweater Dress in Gray ($226)

Gold, Pearls and Pink

Nothing makes me swoon more than a gorgeous piece of statement jewelry, especially if it falls into the vintage category. So, you can imagine my reaction when I saw this late 1970s Sarah Coventry lariat tassel necklace from Southern Vintage, a Northwest Arkansas jewelry and accessory boutique.

Be still my bauble-loving heart. 

Sarah Coventry tassel lariat necklace c/o Southern Vintage // felt floppy hat in brown, (also love this one and this one)  // Fuzzy Knit Pocket Sweater  // Fade to Blue 5 Pocket Skinny maternity skinny jeans // Vince Camuto 'Kain' heels // Prada Saffiano Tote in Caramel, very similar here and here // pearl ring (also love this one and this one) // bangle set 

The chain...the pearl accents...it's downright dreamy, I tell you.

You can stop in Southern Vintage every Saturday at 123 S Main St. in Bentonville from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by private appointment! You can also keep up with them on their Instagram account (username is southernvintagebentonville) and Facebook page, too. 

Right now, Karey is offering complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase, so it's a great way to knock everything out in one stop. You can also pop in and make your own holiday wish list so that you can be sure you get what YOU want this Christmas ; )

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Cyber Monday - The Rundown

Riffraff - 50% off site-wide (Use code BLONDE for an additional 10% your order!)
Savoir-Faire - 50% off site-wide
Maude - 30% off with code MONDAY30 (Plus, free shipping for orders over $75!)
Forever 21- 20% off when you spend $60, 30% off when you spend $100
Loft - 50% off everything with code MONDAY
Ann Taylor - 50% off everything with code CYBER50
Nordstrom - Up to 40% off on women's shoes, handbags and clothing
Old Navy - 40% off everything with code CYBER
Gap - 40% off everything use code CYBER
Banana Republic - 40% off everything with code CYBER

Shop Small, Y'all

So, you've probably heard that some stores may be having some sales or something on Friday. Dunno what that's about... ; ) But seriously, if you plan to do shopping of any sort this holiday season, whether this weekend or later on, I highly encourage you to scope out the stores of some of my friends below.

So why give your business to these small shops this year? If I may, a few reasons:

1) They are ALL women-owned businesses. (Can we say #GirlBoss?)

2) They all have a web or social media presence, allowing you to shop whether you live in Northwest Arkansas (like me), or Timbuktu (like Timbuktuians).

3) They are genuinely nice people you'll be supporting. (A bit of insight: I'm picky about who I work with and promote on this blog. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather buy from people who do right by their customers any day of the week.)

These women and their boutiques are the real deal. So go forth and shop your pants off.

If you haven't shopped from my gals at Riffraff before, the holidays would be an excellent time to do so! Kirsten and her girl gang are breaking records (numbers, not the vinyl kind) and taking the retail world by storm. And the coolest part? The flagship store is still located right smack dab in the middle of Fayetteville.

Riffraff has stocked some darn cute items (per usual) to keep us all in style and on budget this Christmas. Best of all, you can create your own wish list on their site and make sure you get everything YOU want this year.

Find them on Instagram at shopriffraff

I have been collaborating with Maude Boutique on this blog for FIVE years now. Five. That's longer than a presidency.

I can tell you that every year, I'm blown away with their merchandise. (Seriously, Becca and team never disappoint.) The items in stock at Maude currently are no exception. Last year, Maude expanded their offerings to other gift items outside the realm of just apparel and accessories. Don't know what the heck to buy for someone? Call them, hit 'em up on Instagram or stop in and they'll help you select something fabulous for your recipient!

Find them on Instagram at shopmaude and keep an eye out for a 'Very Merry Maude Gift Guide' coming exclusively to this blog soon!

Two words that comes to mind when I think of SF? High style. Tess and the ladies keep their customers looking amazingly chic, but with price points that still allow you to pay your electric bill. If it's big city style - you know, the stuff you see in Lucky every month - Savoir-Faire is your ticket.

I'm loving all of the super fun pieces they just added to their Party Shop! (Takes all the guess work out of planning your holiday looks, doesn't it?) And, their sweaters...my personal favorite section. So many, many options that would tickle anyone on your gift list to pieces.

Find them on Instagram at shopsavoirfaire

If it's a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry you crave, please get yourself over to Southern Vintage. Stop in on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or make a private appointment to stop by on another day of the week! Karey has so many gorgeous pieces that will satisfy any jewelry lover - and for unbelievable prices.

Southern Vintage is located in downtown Bentonville at 123 S Main St., Suite 3. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook for daily pics and inspiration. Stop in and make your wish list or get a jump on your Christmas shopping!

Find them on Instagram at southernvintagebentonville

If you live in Fort Smith or the River Valley, you're probably already familiar with this little gem of a boutique. And if you haven't met HH yet? Well, it's high time. Meagan carries only a few of each piece, so you know that wherever you go, you won't have that awkward "she's wearing my outfit" moment ; )

Meagan and her team at Hazel's Haven can help you choose something special for your friends and family in store OR through their Instagram account. Yep - even if you live in another city or state, you can shop their Instagram account and Facebook page to have a little piece of Haven (see what I did there?) sent to your door!

Find them on Instagram at hazelshaven

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Baby/Blogging/I'm So Emo Update: 

I've reached a point in this pregnancy that I've been dreading: the miserable point. I never felt like this during my pregnancy with Caroline, but I also didn't have a toddler underfoot then either. Physically, this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I wake up exhausted, ache in places I never thought possible, can no longer wear real shoes -- we're meeting with my O.B. about this crazy swelling tomorrow first thing -- and frankly, I just find myself overwhelmed at the amount of stuff I still have left to do before this baby gets here. 

This morning, Caroline was standing at my feet crying and when I went to pick her up, my back just sort of gave out. I couldn't physically do it. Try explaining to a toddler why momma can't scoop her up and hold her like always. After I got her situated with her toys in the living room, I just sat at my breakfast table and bawled the ugly cry.

We are also hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year and the thought of cleaning house and doing food prep brought on an eruption of tears. (This isn't meant to garner sympathy or scare anyone away from having a baby one day (ha!), but I try to keep it real.)

I know that this will all be worth it when she gets here, but man - I'm tired. Real tired.

With that said, I'm going to take the remainder of the week and weekend off from blogging and focus on our family, our home and my ever-growing to-do list. Unless craziness ensues, I fully intend to be back next week.

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Anyway, y'all have a good night and a very happy Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for your readership and your support on this little platform every day.

See y'all next week!

Buy This - Not That: {November Edition}

Back by popular demand, it's Buy This, Not That time! This has quickly become my absolute favorite post of each month, and it seems y'all love a good deal as much as I do. See? That's why we'd be great friends in real life. (Birds of a bargain-hunting feather, we flock together.)

Enough blabbering from this blonde. Here are my picks for the month of November:

Boys Club Sweater in Black & White ($58) vs. Rag & Bone Talia Plunging V-Neck Sweater ($395)

Leopard Fold-Over Convertible Clutch ($34.93) vs. Dune Faux Pony Leather Clutch ($123.18)

Michael Kors Faux-Fur Long Vest ($175) vs. Faux Fur Vest in Ivory ($58 + FREE shipping) 

Tessa Textured Midi Skirt in Black ($30) vs. Preen Line Quilted Skirt ($593)

TIBI Evergreen Plaid Scarf ($175) vs. Buffalo Plaid Infinity Scarf in Evergreen/Blue ($32) 

Sigerson Morrison Janika Over the Knee Riding Boot ($595) vs. Andora Over the Knee Riding Boot in Black ($149.90 + FREE shipping!)

Crystal Posy Stud Earrings ($28) vs. Ben-Amun Small Crystal Flower Stud ($120)

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Now go forth, you bargain-hunting babes and conquer those clearance racks--

Buy This - Not That

Okay, here's a little truth for your Tuesday, (though it will come as no surprise to those who know me best.) In my entire 29 years, I've owned only one "designer" label item. That's it. And even that, I got on sale. (My wedding shoes. A pair of 6" Badgley Mischka stilettos. They looked like heaven and felt like hell.)

Yochi Design Turquoise Necklace ($76) // Shine On Necklace in blue from Riffraff ($28)

Call me cheap. Call me thrifty. Call me an assortment of other words. (It wouldn't be the first time.)

I gives no craps.

Yep, girls. Even my "Louis V" bag is a faux , albeit a pretty convincing one. At the time I bought it in 2010, I lived on a single gal's budget that was tighter than the lid on a pickle jar. Ergo, a faux LV for $250, it was. And, do you know what? I still carry the darn thing.

So, what is this post all about? To teach you how to be cheap resourceful like me?

"Why yes, Dorothy!! It is!!"

Here are a few of my recent picks for summer that look pretty doggone similar to their more expensive counterparts:

Kate Spade Saturday Tassel Heels in black ($195) // GMD High-Heeled Sandals in black ($49)

Aurelie Bidermann Esteban Ring from Barney's ($325) // Vertebrae Quad Ring ($28)

Alice D. Perforated White Leather Tote ($371) // Genuine Leather Shopper Tote ($129)

Diane von Furstenburg Tiffany Shorts  ($112) // Gap Sunkissed Striped Shorts ($49.95)

Anthropologie Cartonnier High-Rise Trousers ($98) // Clinton Greylin Pant from Maude Boutique ($39)

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So how 'bout you? Are you a bargain hunter like me? Where's your favorite affordable place to shop?

What's In My Beach Bag

The Mister and I bought a little ski boat about three years ago, so from May until September, we pretty much live on the lake. I guess you can say that I've gotten pretty good at compiling the perfect bag for a day or night (or both!!) on the water.

(Mind you, this is just the bag for Stephen and me. Caroline has her own because...babies. They require a whole lotta stuff, which merits it's own mammoth bag.)

Old Navy Women's Faux Handled Straw Tote // Jeepers Peepers Jamie Sunglasses from ASOS // Echo 'Happy Days Geo' Cover Up 

I love a straw bag because they dry out quickly, (just make sure to dry them out within hours after they get wet. Otherwise, they can get quite stinky.) I found one like the above at Old Navy last year and it has held up pretty well! Aviators are also a requirement because DUH. And a cute cover-up since we usually eat lunch at the marina's little hole in the wall restaurant after we go out (and no one wants to see this chick put away a big 'ol jalepeno burger wearing a bikini.) 

L.L. Bean Seaside Beach Towel (here) // BurnOut Kids Physical Sunscreen (I got ours on Amazon)

I really like L.L. Bean's beach towels because they hold up after mucho, mucho trips through the washing machine. And this is my new favorite sunscreen (below). It's called Burn Out and, although it is meant for kiddos, I like it because it lasts all goshdarn day. No reapplication needed, folks!

Clarins Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Suncare Oil (here) 

Once I've achieved a little bit of color, I can usually get away with an SPF 30 oil-based sunscreen. I LOVE Clarins Sun Care Oil Spray for my skin and my hair. If you have color-treated hair, spray a little on before you hit the water. It'll keep your color fresh and non-brassy!

It's also important to keep your lips protected on the water all day. I swear by the FRESH brand Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in Sugar Coral.

Other things that require no photos:

-Extra ponytail holders

-iPod (we just plug it into the auxiliary jack and blare whatever we want)

-Water Noodles (I know they're meant for kiddos, but they're darn perfect for sitting in the water without having to tread water.)

-Gatorade (Gotta stay hydrated.)

-Koozies (To keep the beverages cold whilst sipping.)

-Bandaids, Neosporin and Advil (Accidents happen. Be prepared.)

These are just a few of my bag staples, but I'd love to hear what makes the list every time you hit the beach or lake. And, go!

Made in Shades

The sun is a’shining again here in Northwest Arkansas this morning; hope it is in your neck of the woods, as well! And in hopes of seeing more sun this weekend, I thought we’d take a look at sunnies and face shapes.

Round

Round face shapes often get a bad wrap, and honestly, I’m not sure why. Some of the prettiest faces (i.e. Miranda Kerr) boast rounder faces. Another round face perk? Round face shapes tend to hold onto their youthful appearance longer than any other!

These sunnies here.

To add angle to a round face though, I would choose frames with almost architectural lines. A rectangle frame is great on a roundy. Also, look for darker frames, which help create more definition in the face.

Square

You probably have a strong, angular jawline, you lucky duck. Squares usually have amazing cheekbones, too. You might want to avoid glasses with super hard lines that can make your face look a little blocky. Instead, go for a rounder lens to balance it all out.

ClassicRound Sunnies from Forever 21

Long

Hope you love oversized frames a’la Audrey Hepburn because YOU can totally rock this look. Add width to a streamlined face shape with big frames. Plus, you’ll have peeps scratching their heads wondering which celebrity you are.

 Daisy Square Sunglasses here

Oval

I’m an oval. You’re an oval. Your mom is an oval. (Sorry, haven’t done a “your mom” zinger in a while.) But yeah, I'm an oval. 

A link to glasses similar to the above are included in yesterday's post.

To balance the curve of an oval face, oversized frames in a soft square or an aviator frame works wonderfully. (Ovals can also get away with a cat eye. I’m too chicken to try, but I think they’re extraordinarily fun!)

Heart

You’ve gotta lotta heart, you vixen, you. Heart-shaped faces, those with chins that are thinner than their foreheads, should look for shapes to balance the width of their faces. Look for frames a little wider at the bottom.

Mirrored Rose Gold Sunnies, here.

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Caroline loves her new shades from Carter’s, a little something momma scooped up for her this week. We can all only aspire to look as chic in our sunglasses…

AddiBug Designs + Giveaway!

Hey, y'all! I wanted to post about one seriously fabulous little girl hair accessory and hat boutiques - AddiBug Designs!

Recently, I was contacted by the very talented (and seriously sweet) Kristin about sending Caroline one of her beautiful handmade turbans. I took one five-second peek at her Etsy shop and was floored by the cuteness. I mean, the flowers, the bows, the woven preciousness...a girl momma's heaven, friends.

Kristin creates all of her bows, flowers and turbans by hand in a variety of seasonal colors and fabrics. I could not get over the amount of detail that went in to each and every single design of hers.

I'd go on, but I think I'll just let you see for yourself.

And no, the adorable child featured here is not included with the purchase of a turban ; )

The little white bow was one we already had, but I wanted to show how versatile these turbans are. If you have bows with alligator clips, you can easily attach them to the front to make them coordinate with multiple outfits. Hello, options!!

These makes amazing baby shower gifts for friends expecting girls, so keep Kristin in mind when you're buying. Also, Easter is right around the corner, so you might want to think about adding an AddiBug creation to your little gal's ensemble!

And, as promised in the post title, a giveaway!

Kristin is giving away this sweet little Valentine-themed headband set to one lucky reader! I'll announce the winner on Friday. To enter, please do the following and let me know that you did by commenting on this post!

1. Go "like" AddiBug Designs on Facebook
2. Follow ABD on Instagram (username is addibug_designs)

Be sure to also check out her blog, which is chock full of advice for momma's, pictures of her adorable daughter and much more!

That's it. How easy, right?

Check out Kristin's Etsy shop for more goodies, just like the ones seen here today!