Fashion – Page 2 – Phileo Life & Love

December 8, 2015December 8, 2015

Holiday Gift Ideas under $20

Believe it or not, there are only TWO shopping Saturdays left before Christmas. As much as I love this time of year, I hate how fast it flies by. Time is starting to run out for all of you on-line shoppers (unless you’re Amazon Prime members, of course). If you still plan to place an order and/or snail mail gifts, just take into consideration that some modes of shipping still require 7-10 business days.

Chances are your calendar is also filling up with holiday parties and gatherings with your friends, meaning there is less time to shop around or wait in the never-ending lines at the register. In need of a gift exchange item, small gifts for your girlfriends or just a little something extra for under the tree? Here’s a few ideas under $20 from Ross & T.J. Maxx that will help you get in and get out of the store fast:

Blanket Scarf

We couldn’t get enough blanket scarf this season and that won’t change as the wind whips harder and temperature drops lower going into the winter months. Typically, this cold-weather accessory will run you about $22+, unless of course, you check out a discount retailer. The scarfs on the left are from TJ Maxx and go for $19.99, the one on the right is from Ross and costs $12.99.

Delicate Laying Necklace

Another big trend this season is layering delicate necklaces, regardless of metal (i.e. a short silver necklace paired w/a rose gold drop). I’m loving the selection at T.J. Maxx, like this Mia Fiore for $19.99.

Kate Spade Tumblers & Mugs

What girl doesn’t love Kate Spade? This Tumbler, priced at $9.99 and retailed at $15.00 encourages ladies to make headlines; a gift especially appreciate for PR pros like myself (hint, hint friends). The mug runs for $12.99, compared to $20.00. Both were spotted at T.J. Maxx.

Monogram Everything: Candles & Cups

Look around on any fashionista’s IG page, and you’re bound to come across a gold-trimmed monogram cup like this one – found at T.J. Maxx for $3.99 (compared to $6.00). These sweet-scented monogram candles are also a perfect gift (and price) for just $2.99 (compared to $6.00 at Ross.

Inspirational Notebooks

Know someone that likes to write, make lists, etc.? Then consider one of these. From scriptures to words of encouragement, this notebooks make a great gift and are super cheap ($3.99 at Ross compared to $6.00).

Picture Frames

Another gift you can never go wrong with – a picture frame! This particular selection from Ross are also adorned with positive sayings, giving your recipient the option to fill the frame or leave it as is. Prices range from $4.99 – $7.99.

Clutches

I’m obsessed with this gold clutch ($12.99) from T.J. Maxx but convinced myself to leave it on the shelf in case you wanted it instead:) Great gift that can be used throughout the holiday season.

Slippers

These Jessica Simpson slippers from Ross feel so comfortable, come in a variety of colors and styles, and only cost $12.99 (compared to $20.00).

Happy shopping!

XO,

December 7, 2015

Shopping my own Closet

In anticipation of a move a few years back, I boxed up most of my life, including fall and winter clothes aside from a few staples and backed them away at my parents’ house. Eventually, I forgot about all of the boxes and added to my cold seasonal wardrobe with new clothes (and more new clothes).

We had been storing the clothes at a second home that my parents own and just recently got word that it will be rented out, so it was time for me to finally move “out,” which meant going through everything and either keeping, donating, or chucking the items in storage. Much to my surprise, I uncovered four huge bins of fall and winter clothes – items I had completely forgotten about over the past few years.

Going through the buckets felt like I was shopping in my own closet – being reunited with some of my favorite pieces and coming across items that still bore tags. With all these “new” items back in my possession, I decided one way to curb the shopping habit (esp. during this holiday season when I’m constantly in the stores) would be to rediscover gems I already own. So, starting today, I’m trying with all of my might to turn to clothes I already have instead of buying new clothes for the rest of the winter. Let’s see how long this lasts! I was able to get rid of bags full of clothes that will be donated, but I still have way too much clothing and there’s no sense buying new when I have perfectly good old!

Have you ever made it a point to “shop” your own closet instead of going to the store to buy things?

I bought this Polo sweater a few years back from the Polo outlet store. You can get some great deals on sweaters there if you wait until the holidays are over – typically Jan. or Feb. when the store is trying to make room for the Spring collection. I paired it with a gingham button-up purchased at TJ Maxx for $19.99.

November 4, 2015November 4, 2015

InVESTED in Fall Fashion

This is quite possibly my favorite fall outfit. I have a weird (and expensive) habit of not liking to wear things more than once in a season but for this one, I’ll make an exception.

The plaid button up and navy vest both came from Marshall’s. The button up was $19 and the vest just $24. At full retail, we’d be looking at a combined retail over $80. The boots were another awesome steal I found at Belk two years ago. If you want a new pair of boots but don’t necessarily NEED them, then wait until the day after Christmas to make the purchase. The longer you can hold out, the better the deal. I purchased these at the end of January for about $20.

As you may have realized, I’m not one to pay full retail and am always searching out the best deals. But sometimes, like allowing yourself to re-wear a season staple, you’ve got to bend the rules. These DL 1961 jeans came from StitchFix and ran around $100 but were well worth it. The fit and feel are perfect.

Thank goodness the shopping deals are more reliable than this truck!

October 21, 2015

Heavy Metal

Today is one of those weird, warm fall days where you’re not quite sure whether to wear a dress or bundle up in a cozy sweater. The Wear What Where October Style Challenge was enough to convince me to go with the latter. The theme is Metallic Miss and I had the perfect necklace for the occasion.

Starting with this statement necklace as the focal point (as pretty as it is, I swear it adds 10 lbs.), I built out an outfit that accents the shimmery hues. I purchased the necklace at Nordstrom Rack for $19.99, which is a steal for something so intricate in design.

I found this sweater last fall at T.J. Maxx and it is easily one of my favorites, minus the itchy wool. It was around $30, which is honestly more than I would normally spend on a sweater but also a fraction of what it would have cost in a department store. The jeans were only $10 during T.J. Maxx’s end of season markdowns last year. Shopping hack: T.J. Maxx is offering free shipping right now if you sign up for their newsletter.

The booties are beauties. Retailed at $129, I picked up these Jessica Simpson taupe fringe booties at Marshalls for just $49.

Though the temperature is supposed to rise throughout the day, it started off chilly, giving me an opportunity to break out this stunning new wool coat. Another T.J. Maxx find, the coat was purchased for just $49 (retailed at $72). I saw a woman trying it on and basically stalked her until she bought it down. Have y’all ever done that before?! It might have been slightly creepy but well worth it: )

October 20, 2015

Return of the shoulda been returned

While I feel most in my element when wearing a sundress, I have to admit I’m glad to welcome back the season of leggings. They are just so comfortable and with the right pairing, can be appropriate for both work and play.

For today’s ensemble I mixed a little old with a little new. The Cynthia Rowley top was found at Marshall’s (priced at $19, retailed at $29). The print has the slightest blend of blush and tan, lined with black.

I bought the jacket at the beginning of last spring and after bringing it home, decided I just wasn’t in love with it. I threw it in my trunk to return on my next trip to T.J. Maxx. But, I am the absolute worst at returning things. The intention is always there, but the memory is not. So, needless to say I was a bit surprised to find the jacket when cleaning out my trunk and more surprised to find that I actually love it now. Guess it was just meant to be! It’s a Max Jeans jacket, priced at $49 and retailed at $120.

The leggings are Lauren Conrad for Kohls. I’ve had them for two seasons now and even after much overuse, they’ve stood the test of time and are still in perfect condition. I’d highly recommend her leggings but don’t jump to make the purchase; they often drop down to 50% off retail and then you can use a site like Retail Me Not to get an additional percentage off (card holders get even steeper discounts). I bought the booties last year at Ross for just $19.99 and have seen them there on this shelves again this season! The hat and necklace are both from H&M.

Do you have any pieces like the jacket that are a dual-threat, suitable for both spring and fall?

October 19, 2015October 19, 2015

Grey Street

I instantly felt a twinge of regret for wishing away the summer heat over the weekend after the nighttime temperatures dipped into the 40’s. But, as someone who dresses for the season instead of the weather, at least my wardrobe is finally temperature appropriate.

I usually shy away from scarves because I find the accessory to be unflattering for my body type. However, with cold days upon us and blanket scarves abound in the stores, this is one occasion when it’s acceptable to choose brains over beauty.

Most blanket scarves I’ve seen range from $24 and up. This gem was just $12 at Ross and there was a huge assortment of colors to choose from. I paired it with this cozy long-sleeve shirt from T.J. Maxx – just $16.99 (retails for $36). The jeans (which are a little too baggy this season thanks to the intense Kayla Itsines workout regime) were only $20 last season at Target. That’s a great spot to find basic comfy denim. The boots were only $24 at Marshall’s, in comparison to the full retail price of $50.

I’ll admit I was at a loss on how to style a blanket scarf because they are HUGE! When in doubt, I turn to YouTube and found the blog Extra Petite to be a helpful how-to resource.

My coat could only come off for a few minutes in this frigid air, just long enough to snap the shot. Despite living in the South, winter coats are my downfall. At last count, I had 80 jackets but it’s so easy to forget about them when they’re packed away so I keep adding to the collection. The newest addition is this light gray Jessica Simpson coat. It was only $69 at T.J. Maxx (retails for $140).

The sleeves are the best part. The coat has slots for your thumbs to keep hands warm, especially during the early part of the cold season when you’re not quite ready to break out the gloves.

The color of the scarf pairs well with the coat but there’s also a hood in case things get really chilly.

Can’t wait to share more fall fashion finds with you all soon!

July 23, 2015

Another Notch on my Belk: Killer Deals on Jessica Simpson, Tahari, Cynthia Rowley and more

Over the past few months I’ve significantly cut back on shopping because I’m in the process of finding a home (stillll waiting for the right one to come along). While I slip every now and then, I’ve been able to avoid any major splurges. Until I entered the doors of Belk; I’ve got a serious love-hate relationship with that place. Even though I spent a little more than I planned, I walked out with almost $700 is savings, so that’s a win-win in my book!

Here are some of the amazing deals I scored, all for under $200!

This Tahari dress, originally $138, picked up for $27.60 (after getting an additional 20% off for opening a credit card which is also probably something I should not do while home searching!). Paired it with an adorable statement necklace from Wal-mart for just $5.

Found this Jessica Simpson dress, originally $128, for $25.60. Paired it with a birthday gift jewelry set from my parents and a pair of shoes I haven’t wore in years but had to because the color matched so perfectly.

This lace CeCe by Cynthia Steffe dress, which I saw at Nordstrom earlier in the season, was the best deal by far. Retailed at $148, I brought this gem home for just $14.80.

With football season right around the corner, it’s time to start stocking up on tailgating dress. Garnet and black hues dominate my wardrobe during the fall. Got this Kensie dress, retailed at $99, for just $9.59. Here it is at Nordstrom “on sale” for $39.

I’ve been looking for a kimono that was flattering to my body type for a while and found the perfect one in this Jessica Simpson style. At an MSRP rate of $69, I found this one for only $13.60 and matched it with a pair of Cynthia Rowley shorts for $11.60 (originally $59). I found the Michael Kors bag a few months ago at Ross for just $89 and this outfit is the perfect reason to finally break it in.

Saving the best for last, I am absolutely obsessed with this Jessica Simpson maxi. Originally priced at $148, I purchased the dress for just $29.60. The picture does not do it justice.

The sales clerk told me another major markdown is expected at the end of this month so while I’m be doing my best to keep my distance, I’d highly recommend stopping by if you have a Belk in your area!

July 21, 2015July 21, 2015

My Best Friend’s Bachelorette Bash

As I prepare for my best friend’s bridal shower I realized that I still haven’t posted the rest of the deets from her amazing bachelorette party in Asheville, NC.

After arriving at the cabin in the woods, Catherine, the bride’s little sis and co-MOH, made a delicious steak and pirogi dinner – Diana’s favorite! We quickly scarfed it down and headed to the first surprise adventure of the weekend.

A childhood friend who now resides in Asheville recommended the LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour. The regular tours run throughout the day and at night, it switches over to haunted comedy ride. Sounds a little abstract, I know, but this was the funnniest thing I have experienced in ages. We could not stop laughing the entire time. You can bring wine and beer on the bus and while that sounds like an awesome idea, it turns into a terrible one after all the laughing you’ll do!

After the LaZoom tour, we hit the down. One of Asheville’s most notable attractions is the Friday night drum circle. Upon arrival, we couldn’t tell if we were witnessing a scene from True Blood or one of the coolest things ever. We jumped right in. When in Rome, right?

The best word I can use to describe the city of Asheville is eclectic. It was a mix of everything artsy, natural, hipster and southern.

The next morning started off with brunch at Posana; the place was on-point. There was a whole lot of food envy going on at the table because each meal looked better than the next.

It was time to burn off the calories after brunch, so we headed over to Di’s next surprise: Asheville’s Amazing Pub Cycle. And amazing is the best way to describe it. We followed that up with a PYT serenade by street performers and more day drinking at Wicked Weed Brewing.

To keep pace (and survive), we headed back to the cabin to relax for a bit before venturing back down town that night. At the recommendation of our local friend, we ordered in via Gourmet Valet; you can choose between more than 60 restaurant options and they deliver it right to you. We did a quick online search for a coupon and got 20% off. After we were ready, the first stop was the Piano Bar where Diana got another serenade on stage.

I made last fling ring/checklist for Di out of a wreath Styrofoam, spray paint, paper and glitter. The front said “List of last acts before you become Matt’s” and with a little participation from the groom, the back said “Do these things one more time before you become mine.” She had to carry it around all night and check off the actions like take a picture w/a stranger using the selfie stick, take a pic w/another bride and hand a guy a note that says, “Call me, maybe?”

A night like Saturday called for a homemade brunch at the cabin. Since most of the trip was a surprise, we wanted to give Diana a say in the festivities for Sunday so we gave her a few options in the form of an infographic (yes, I take planning too far).

She selected a lazy cruise down the river via Zen Tubing. It was such a relaxing experience…until the thunderstorm came.

For our last dinner, we ate at Corner Kitchen. It’s where President Obama ate on his trip to the city!

The weekend wound down with an evening of games and wine. We played one game where Di had to guess which sexy item came from whom, and I’m now questioning her friendship because she didn’t know the Jessica Simpson PJs came from me! We also played a really fun ladies night card game where someone reads the descriptor (something like who would be most likely to survive in the wilderness) and then all the girls name the bridesmaid that fits best. I’m also questioning my friendships after the cards I got! 😉

Just two more months to go until the big day!

July 14, 2015

They’re officially ours, and he’s officially old – celebrating a birthday & adoption

Yesterday was a very special day for our family – we got to celebrate the adoption finalization of my brother’s two children and my dad’s 75th birthday (still convinced I was a mistake).

Though he’s got a knack for being the center of attention, my dad absolutely hates surprises. But for a birthday as big as three quarters, we had to celebrate in style! My mom and I have been planning a surprise for months – one where we gather just immediate family and the closest of family friends – to celebrate the milestone occasion. The secret was kept until I accidentally blurted it out over the Fourth of July holiday in front of him, quickly covering my tracks when I saw my mom jumping up and down, whaling her arms to get me to stop talking. I recovered from “…dad’s party…” to “…”you know, the one he is throwing for the kids’ adoption!”

To give you some background here, my brother and sister-in-law, after trying for several years to have children of their own, recognized their calling to become foster parents with the goal of eventually adopting. Early last year, they received word that their family would soon grow and in the summer, we welcomed two beautiful children into our family. While a joyous year, the months have been filled with ups and downs for the new parents. But, the moment we have been waiting for for what seems like an eternity, finally came and now the kiddos officially share our name and have to put up with us for good!

So back to yesterday. We were doing great – were able to keep my dad occupied outside while decorations chronologizing his life were set up. The guy had no idea; or so we thought. We get inside, tell him “You think everyone is here today to celebrate the children but actually, we’re here to celebrate YOU! Surprise!” Just then, he hands my mom a folded up piece of paper: “Hey Carol, thanks for the surprise party” (only he types in ALL CAPS, ALWAYS). He had known for the ENTIRE week! When asked how, he quietly points to me. Before my mom could say anything to me, he jumped in with “she could have played it off if I didn’t feel the wind of you jumping around and waving your arms behind me to get her to stop talking!” Team effort, momma!

Here’s a peek into the elements that made this celebration one to remember (unless you’re 75, then you have an excuse not to remember.
There he is, with proof that nothing slips by this old guy!

My dad grew up in Minnesota, lived in California (among other places), settled down in New York, retired in Virginia and sends his heart to Columbia, SC each Saturday during football season. That being said, he’s got friends in low, and high, and medium places. My brother and I reached out to friends and family across the country – those he knows now and those that he hasn’t seen in years – and asked them to send in a happy birthday video message for the special day. The end result? An amazing video compilation of so many that were a part of his life on this 75-year journey.

We adorned the windows and fireplace with pictures of his past and even put together a video montage to capture his first year as “Grandpy.” Note: The video pic is intentionally cut off; we don’t share pictures of the kids for their safety.

We lined the table with newspaper clippings touting some of my dad’s lifetime accomplishments.

Inspired by Pinterest, I created this chalkboard to highlight the differences between today and the day he was born, 75 years ago. A lot has happened during the 27,375 days he’s been around but what will never change is how much we love that man.

I’m sure one of things that makes him more proud than anything is the ability to pass his family name down to these two amazing kids.

I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am to have this man in my life. I thank my lucky stars every night that I have had him by my side during my 29 years on this earth and recognize how fortunate I am that I can say that. I’ll never stop learning and laughing around him, and being the best woman I can be because of him. I love you, Keithypoo! Happy 75th!

P.S. because fashion is one of the primary purposes of this blog: I have been dying to wear this Taylor dress for weeks. Retailing at $158, I picked up this gem at Ross for just $29.99! Clearly, I did not get my fashion sense from my father;)

July 2, 2015July 2, 2015

Red, white and ooh lala

One of the genes I inherited from my mom is a love of Navy blue. No matter how hard she tries to add new colors to her wardrobe, anytime you open up her closet you’re still bound to drown in a sea of Navy. Luckily, the family default color comes in handy two weekends a year – Memorial Day and Fourth of July.

Naturally, everything I’ve packed for the long weekend boasts a blend of three colors: red, white & blue.

Taking a professional approach to Patriotism for the last day of work, I chose a classic Anne Klein dress that I purchased at Ross two years ago. While I’m embarrassed to admit it probably bears resemblance to something in my mom’s closet, it is SO comfortable. I can’t remember the exact price but know it was under $20.

The focus of Friday’s outfit is a sweet red dress I found on the clearance rack at Charming Charlie. Originally $30, it was marked down to $14.99 and then slashed in half – $7.50 for a dress that mimics expensive southern brand Mud Pie (who did actually make the big hat – gotta splurge every now and then). The Navy shoes, retailed at $40, were only $19.99 at Ross.

Fourth of July means it’s time to go all out in our country’s colors. This comfy Enfocus Studio dress was found at Ross for $9.99. It’s not an expensive brand to begin with, but still, at that price, you can’t go wrong with something you’ll only wear once a year.

It’s rare to catch me in something other than a dress during the summer months. For this weekend’s anomaly, I paired crown & ivy (Belk’s signature brand) shorts with a simple tank, a Charming Charlie fedora and Sperry Top-siders I found at Ross for under $40. For a day on the go, something to carry items is a must. I’ll admit I was hesitant to give into the backpack style because I hated them as a kid but man do I love this thing. Retailed at $120, I picked up the bag at Ross for just $19.99.

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