Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Fuchsia lace...







Dress: Mint LA Boutique, similar and love this | Heels: Nordstrom, similar and similar | Bag: J.Crew, similar and similar under $100 | Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Kate Spade, Alex and Ani, J.Crew Factory | Earrings: J.Crew Factory  


One of my new year's resolutions (remember those?) was to wear more color, and this dress from Mint La Boutique is definitely BRIGHT and colorful! I love the feminine lace detail and the color is one of my favorite shades of pink. The open back is also super flattering and adds a little spice to such a sweet dress. This look would be perfect for a bachelorette party or a girl's night out! You can order this dress from Mint LA Boutique but I've linked two options that have more conservative hemlines below!

In other news, I'm gearing up for a fun week of event coordinating starting Saturday. You could say my stress levels are steadily climbing...but I love all the excitement before event days :) A few of the events include an outdoor concert for 3,000 people, a cocktail party at a classic car museum, and coordinating day-to-day activities for 32 amazing college students. You can follow along on my snapchat @libbyglaser for daily updates and behind the scenes action! 


Photos by Jordan Stumbo

Monday, July 27, 2015

Multi-Season Hats (for under $20)...






Tank: Francesca's, similarsimilar version under $30! | Denim: 7FAM | Pumps: BCBG (under $70!) | Hat: Nordstrom | Bag: Tory Burch, similar under $100 | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Kate Spade, J.Crew Factory, Alex & Ani | Necklace: Kate Spade | Lipstick: MAC - Creme Cup (totally melted off... darn humidity!)

I'm not going to lie, it took me awhile to warm up to buying one of these hats. I've been lusting over wide-brimmed hats since last fall, but truth be told, I think I've attended too many Kentucky Derby-themed sorority parties in one's lifetime that I was semi terrified I'd look like a southern belle wanna-be. :/ Not kidding, I have pictures from sophomore year of college at a derby party wearing a really bad white hat and a much too orange spray tan. I wish I could chalk it up to being loyally in character, but the whole look was just in (very) poor taste. Fast forward almost 4 years and I've faced my fears of wide-brimmed hats with relief and a little regret that I didn't try this trend sooner! This hat has quickly become a weekend staple item in my wardrobe, especially during the hot summer months when my roots tend to get greasy due to the humidity! It's a great quick fix for bad hair days :) There's quite a few similar hats at great price points available, which is always nice when trying a new trend! Mine is under $20 and available in three colors, and I've linked some more similar hats under $50 below!

Have a great day! Thanks so much for stopping by...

My outfit: 

More hats all under $50
Photos by Jordan Stumbo

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Shades of Lilac...







Dress: J.Crew | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Clutch: J.Crew, love this & this under $50 option | Earrings: Kendra Scott (small), the size I'm wearing here | Necklace: Kate Spade | Bracelets: Alex & Ani, Kate Spade, J.Crew Factory | Lipstick: MAC - Creme Cup

Excuse me while I do a happy dance because my laptop is finally back in my possession!!!!! 

You're probably wondering how I lost it, and no I didn't lose it myself but TSA did and I'm thrilled to have it back because I thought for sure it was a goner. So if you've been following me on Instagram you know that I've been traveling for work the last few days. When I was packing for the trip, I decided my Tory Burch tote was large enough to carry all my necessities and that I wouldn't need a carry on if I put my laptop in my checked bag. Well somehow during my layover and connecting flight my luggage got misplaced in the Chicago airport :( I arrived in Dayton, OH with literally nothing besides the clothes on my back, my purse and a half empty bag of almonds :/ This has never happened to me before, and I was traveling alone, so you can imagine I was a little frazzled! I went to baggage claim and they had no idea where it was but knew it was somewhere in Chicago, and I was told it would make it on the next flight. Well I think it took a little more searching than that because my luggage didn't make it to my hotel until 6pm the next day and by that time all my meetings were over so I didn't even need it anymore! Long story short, I'm never putting my laptop in my luggage again just in case my luggage does get lost! I think the only good thing about it was that I had a legitimate excuse to raid Target for new work dresses and pajamas! :)

Ok on to the outfit... this J.Crew dress is not only comfortable and cute, but it's so different than any other shift dress I've owned. I love the extended sleeve that's a different pattern and texture than the rest of the dress - it definitely helps make the dress interesting and stand out from the rest. Also the angled zippers on the front...yes. They add just the right amount of edge to such a classy shape of dress. PS it's on SALE!! For sizing, it does run BIG. I ordered a small and it's almost too big on my size 6 frame. 


Have a fabulous Thursday! Thanks for reading. 

More LILAC dresses:
My outfit:
Photos by Jordan Stumbo.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

What I Bought: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale



Yesterday I got home from work, and to my surprise my purchases from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale had arrived waaaaaay earlier than originally anticipated! It was a very pleasant surprise to say the least :) Anyways, I thought I would give you guys a sneak peak of what you'll see on the blog in the near months. I want to point out that 5/7 items I bought are under $20, so a lot of these pieces are super affordable and budget friendly! 

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public tomorrow, and all of my picks (and a lot of other amazing items!) are still in stock. Grab 'em while you can!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Pre-Fall Basics...




Top: Piko | Jeans: J.Brand, similar under $60 option here | Shoes: old, similar & affordable style here | Bag: Tory Burch, more affordable option here | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Necklaces: Kate Spade, J.Crew Factory (similar) | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Lips: Lipstick - MAC Patisserie, Lipgloss - NARS Turkish Delight 


OK I know summer is only half-way over and we still have a lot of hot days left, but fall always has a way a sneaking up on me, so I'm stocking up on some of my favorite fall pieces now! I've owned this Piko top for a few years and OMG is it versatile. I like tunics that are long enough to tuck into jeans or skirts, and it would also be super cute untucked paired with leggings and boots. Oh and this faux fur vest paired with this outfit would be ah-mazing! It is veeeeery stretchy though, so I would size down. I bought a small! UPDATE: For all my Iowa gals, I bought this top at Spotlight Style Boutique and Salon in Cedar Falls, IA, and they have this top available in heather gray! Check out their website to order.

J. Brand jeans are also my new fav denim brand! The dark blue shade is great for any season, and they're surprisingly comfortable for having a lot of structure. I ordered a size 28 (size 6) and they fit like a glove. 

Hope everyone's having a great week so far! I'm headed to the local radio station this morning for work - if you're listening in NW Iowa I'll be on the air live at 103.9 KUOO at 8:30am!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Weddings Gifts: How to Keep it Simple, Chic and Affordable






I've quickly discovered that summertime in your 20's means LOTS of weddings, showers and bachelorette parties! The dancing, the feeling of romance in the air and wearing fancy outfits will always be my definition of a good time, especially when you're celebrating the marriage of family or friends. I love weddings - I am an event planner after all - but attending so many events that require gifts can get a liiiiiiiitle pricey for this 23 year old! Although it may be tempting to buy each friend who's getting married an amazing $400 gift because you're JUST THAT EXCITED, it's much more practical to buy affordable but chic gifts that fit the couple's personality! I've come up with a few options that the couple and your wallet will love! 

1. Mapiful Custom Map: I'm a little obsessed with this idea because it's customizable for each and every couple! Basically you can create and design your own map that showcases the couple's "love journey" - so for example, a map of where they met, where their first date was, where he proposed, etc. It's a completely out-of-the-box gift idea that would be perfect for a sibling, parents of the couple, or even the bride or groom to give to each other. And, BONUS, it's only $60!

2. Personalized Lacquer tray: I love this option because it's stylish yet simple and it's easy to pair with other gift items, like personalized wine glasses. Plus who doesn't want anything engraved with your new initial, monogram, etc.?! 

3. Home State Glass Coaster: Again, a great mix and match option! And how CUTE is the engraved Iowa? This would be especially adorable if the couple is moving out of state immediately after their wedding!

4. Kate Spade "two of a kind" glasses: Anything "his and her" will always be appropriate for a wedding or shower gift! Plus how cute would that be to have on the head table at the wedding?

5. Wicker Picnic Basket: This is one of my personal favorites because it's so unique and a little bit of a throw-back. There's something so romantic about going on a picnic with someone you love (or is that just me??), and you could even include your favorite bottle of bubbly for the couple to open on their first picnic.

6. The Newlywed Cookbook: So this cookbook might seem obvious, but it's way more than a bunch of recipes. The book is actually written by a couple who put together all of their cute, romantic but mostly witty "newlywed" stories all in one big cookbook where the serving sizes are meant for two! This gift is especially great for couples who love to cook together or do a lot of entertaining. It's also a very good way to get an invite to come over for dinner post-nuptials :)

7. Stack of Mugs: A very functional gift for coffee-loving couples! And they'll fit in tight living quarters too!

8: Kate Spade Mr. and Mrs. frame: This frame is definitely a keep-sake item for couples to put their favorite wedding photo in. Plus the Mr. and Mrs on the side adds the cutest bridal touch!

Thanks for reading! 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Lemon Lime...






Chambray: H&M (old), similar | Skirt: J.Crew (on sale!) | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Bag: old, similar & similar | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade | Lips: Lipstick - MAC Patisserie, Lipgloss - NARS Turkish Delight


A lemon lime skirt and (the start of) a summer tan seem to be a complimentary pair! This skirt happens to be extremely flattering and, BONUS, it's on sale! The pleats give it an a-line shape (a great cut for all body types!), and it's on the shorter side making it perfect for hooooooot days like today. It would be so cute with a white t-shirt and flats to make it more causal too! It comes in a pretty pale pink shade that's on SUPER SALE, but the lemon lime is definitely a show stopper! :) For sizing purposes, I ordered a 6 (I'm usually a 4-6) but it's a tad big, so if you're between sizes I would size down!

 Hope everyone's weekend was a good one! I took a three hour nap yesterday after my cousin and his friend left town... clearly I can't hang with the college kids anymore ;) I'm actually excited for early bed times this week! 

Friday, July 10, 2015

White Tee and White Jeans...







TopLush | Denim7FAM | JacketOld Navy | BagTory Burch | ShoesJ.Crew Factory | SunniesRay-Ban | NecklaceKate Spade | BraceletsKate SpadeJ.Crew Factory, Alex and Ani | WatchMichael Kors | LipsLiner - MAC CherryLipstick - Sephora N20

It's FriYAY!!! Woohoo I'm doing my happy dance! :)

It's been abnormally chilly lately so I've been living in jeans and t-shirts! This Lush t-shirt is quickly turning into one of my favorites. It's casual enough for every day but it's also made of chiffon-like material, so it's dressy enough to wear in more formal settings too. It would be so cute paired with a midi or pencil skirt for the office! And can we talk about these jeans... I'm shocked at how comfortable they are. They feel more like a jegging than denim, and they don't lose their shape after washing! Good white denim can be hard to find but I bought these online from Nordstrom this spring and I'm soooooo happy I did - I wear these weekly. 

Hope everyone has fun weekend plans! My cousin is coming to visit and I'm excited to get some lake time in!

Photos by Jordan Stumbo.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

My Picks: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale...

Handbags:
1 | 2 | 3  
Coats:
 1 | 2 | 3 | 4


Denim:
1 | 2 | 3 

Sweaters:
1 | 2 | 3



The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of my favorite sales of the year. It's a great way to get all of your fall shopping (or early Christmas shopping!) done, and even better, everything is marked down 30% - 60% off! This amazing pre-fall sale is open early for Nordstrom Card members, now - July 16th, and everyone else gains access next week. These are just a few of my favorites from the sale! 

Have a great day and happy shopping! 

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Anchors Aweigh...




Dress: Shoptiques | Jacket: Old Navy | Booties: old, similar & similar | Bag: Tory Burch
Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Bracelets: Alex & Ani, J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors 

So I've debated putting this dress on the blog because I've had the hardest time finding it online, but I've linked two different stores below that I KNOW had it in stock in the last month! I would definitely call them to see if they have it. I wear this dress weekly - it's one of the comfiest dresses that I own and it's not super thin material. I've washed and dried this dress more than a few times and it hasn't lost it's shape at all! One of my friends was complimenting me because it has an anchor on it and she's a Delta Gamma (their symbol is the anchor!) and she loved it so much she was offering to buy it off my back! I'm not selling mine because I love it too much, but you should be able to find it at one of these two stores :)

The Look Fashions: Spirit Lake, IA

Mint LA Boutique: Ankeny, IA

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Neon Florals...







Dress: Nordstrom (under $50!) | Shoes: old, similar & similar | Bag: BCBG, save option & splurge option | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex & Ani, Kate Spade, J.Crew Factory | Lips: Lipstick - MAC Creme Cup, Lipgloss - NARS Turkish Delight

Three words. NEON. FLORAL. MAXI. I've been eyeing this dress for awhile and I couldn't resist after taking a good look at the price - $42!  I love how it flows in the wind when you walk... it kinda makes me feel like I'm windblown without getting lipgloss all over my face and in my hair! Ha! The dress is lined so it's not see through at all, even though the fabric is on the lighter side. It comes in a lot of other solid colors too - I also got it in an icy blue shade! For sizing purposes, I'm usually a 4/6 in dresses so I ordered the Medium. And BONUS - it has adjustable straps. Also check out the shorter version here!

 I wore this dress while shopping at the Mall of America last month and it looked just as cute paired with casual flat sandals. People were stopping and asking me where I got it and it was a treat to tell them I got it at my favorite retailer just a few steps away. :)