Dinner with Friends

In our crazy scheduled world, there seems to be no time for simply enjoying other people's company.  We so often run from one event to the next and forget that the meaning of life is not how many sports are kids are involved in, how many things we can volunteer for and how many hours we can work.  The true meaning is developing lasting relationships with people who make you better, support you through the ups and downs of life and become family, not just friends.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the year, my resolution this year is to create more moments like this, slowing down the schedule and making time to gather around the table with special people in our life.  Saturday night was our first attempt and what a night it was.

Babysitters were booked, the menu was planned and we spent 7 uninterrupted hours with some incredible friends.  I honestly cannot tell you all the topics that filled these 7 hours but I do know that I have not laughed that much in a long time.  I also know that no one wanted it to end, leading to me finally getting into bed at 2am.  It was wonderful.  And exactly what the hubby and I intended when began planning.  I cannot wait to do it again.

And thank goodness today is a holiday because this 35 year old cannot bounce back like she used to be able to.

The resolution is off to a good start and such a special reminder of what is really important in life.  

I am already looking forward to the next dinner.

And of course, it wouldn't be a holiday weekend without some great sales across the internet.  Piperlime has a great selection of new Spring pieces and is offering 25% off these items with code HAPPY from now until February 18th.  I have picked out some of my favorites below.

Procrastination

It is Monday and the last full week of summer before the monkeys I have been keeping at home return to their regularly scheduled programming.  Normally, I would be jumping for joy but this summer just wasn't long enough.  I am not ready for early mornings, daily practices, homework, making lunches and not having them around.  The entire thing is throwing me off.  

We are spending this last week of summer out in the desert in 100 degree heat because, well, it is tradition.  We do it every year and I always look forward to it.  Should I be getting ready for school to start?  Probably.  Do I care?  Nope.  We will figure it out I am sure.  This is obviously the confidence of a mother who has been through this before but continues to fail to realize that prepping does help out and will shortly resemble a chicken with its head cut off. 

So here I am, sitting in the desert, procrastinating.  I should be creating and sending the invitation for my Middle Man's upcoming birthday party, completing some items for an upcoming charity event I am Chairing, beginning the planning of my upcoming 35th birthday party (I must tell you that I accidentally typed in 25 there...my brain is obviously in denial of my age) or simply organizing what we need to do next week.  That was my original plan for signing on to the computer.  Instead, in true Sarah fashion, I have put this all off to peruse Piperlime and now I adore these two items.
      

7 For All Mankind High Shine Skinny Jeans

Jack by BB Dakota Clooney Wrap Sweater

Anyone else plan on being productive but then are tempting by too many websites that have too many fun things to look at?  In 100 degree temperatures, there really is no reason for me to be looking at either of these items.  This is true.  BUT, I would like to think of this as prepping so I am prepared and obviously, being extremely productive.  Who wants to get stuck in the middle of Fall without shiny jeans and an oversized sweater?  That is just poor planning.   

Happy Monday.

The Piperlime Lime Tag Sale

One sale that gets me every time is the bi-annual Piperlime Lime Tag Sale.  There is always a ton of merchandise to choose from and incredible prices across the board.  It also falls at the perfect time to update your summer vacation wardrobe.  Win-win for everyone!  These are some of my favorite picks but you can shop the entire sale here.  And make sure you visit soon...the merchandise goes quick!

Mara Hoffman Strapless Mini Dress

Soft Joie Carney

Cynthia Vincent Flora

Clover Canyon Neoprene Skirt

Joie Maretta Linen Pant

Haute Hippie Floral Silk Trouser Short

Trucker

With Spring arriving a little early this year (thanks to Punxsutawney Phil!), it is time to start reviewing those staples in the closet and see what might be missing for warmer weather.  One Spring and Summer staple for me is the denim jacket.  It goes with everything, can work for day time or night time, and lasts for years.  Every denim line has come out with their own version of the denim jacket but I am all for the classic Levi's Trucker Jacket.  I love the classic style, it comes in a number of shades and the price is right.  Plus, you cannot go wrong with Levi.  They are a classic in itself!

Destructed Blue

Fogged Black

Shadowy Dusk

   This all brings me back to the first denim jacket I wanted when I was in elementary school...

The LA Gear Stone Washed Denim Jacket.

Amazing.

available via Etsy

Fall Under $100 - Shoes and Accessories

To wrap up my series on "Fall Under $100", I am going to finish with all of the finishing touches to a wardrobe, Shoes and Accessories.

Though I have ALWAYS believed in the importance of fabulous shoes, it is only recently that I have really embraced what accessories and jewelry can do to a look.  At this point, I cannot stop myself.  In the daily life of a mom, a pair of shoes, scarf, a few bracelets and earrings can take a t-shirt and jeans and completely transform them.  It just makes you look a little more put together.  Like I said, the finishing touches. 

This section could be HUGE but I am keeping this to 5 of my favorite items that you will be seeing me wear this Fall.

DV by Dolce Vita Lunna - $79

Paisley Hill Scarf - $52

Dimensional Drops - $48

Abigail Stripe Scarf - $49.50

Pyramid Tube Pendant - $17
Save 25% until 9/9 with code DPFWD

That is it!  I hope you enjoyed the series!  

Here are the rest of this week's "Fall Under $100" if you missed them.  

Have a great weekend!

Fall Under $100 - Denim

Fall Under $100 - Leather and Fur

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Fall Under $100 - Leather and Fur

Here it is.

If you are a true follower of this blog then you knew it was coming.

The "Fall Under $100" focused on Leather and Fur.

Of course you are going to hear about my favorite trend!

For the most part, I would consider these items investment pieces.  Not only because of the hefty price tag but also because once you invest in them, they tend to last you forever.  I believe that leather pants, fur vests and leather jackets are staples for every closet and if you are going to invest, this is the year to do it. 

That being said, many designers are recognizing that not everyone is obsessed with the investment part of this trend and have therefore created some INCREDIBLE faux versions that are a quarter of the price and no one would know they were not real (for example, this little purchase I made).

BB Dakota Scotlyn Textured Faux Fur Vest - $92

Faux Leather Skirt - $69.90

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Peplum Top - $98

MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Neck Warmer - $59.50

Steve Madden Asymmetrical Faux Leather Jacket - $98

Here are Monday's and Tuesday's "Fall Under $100" if you missed them!

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

For today's "Fall Under $100", I am going to focus on The Sweater.

When it comes to sweaters, I tend to lean towards oversized and neutral.  I like the idea of them fitting over whatever I am wearing AND coordinating with the majority of my wardrobe.  This way, when the temperature drops, I can have one of these ready to throw over everything without having to think much about it.  

Though sweaters are a constant staple, it has been fun to see them created with Fall trends in mind.  These sweaters are the normal "everyday" sweater with a twist.  By embracing some of the trends we are seeing, they are given a little personality, still go with everything and can give any outfit a little more style.

THML Clothing Embellished Shoulder Pullover - $69

BB Dakota Maya Lariat Cardigan - $83

Slouchy Bands Sweater - $88

French Terry Pleated Coat - $98

Tippi Sweater in Polka Dot - $89.50

For more "Fall Under $100, check out yesterday's post, The Pencil Skirt by click here.

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

It is extremely sad to see summer go but I cannot help but get a little excited for all that Fall fashion has to offer.

Even though I have expensive taste when it comes to fashion, I tend to be very financially savvy on the items that I actually purchase.  I leave the big purchases to the hubby.  In order to help transition your wardrobe from summer to Fall, I thought that I would run a wardrobe updating series this week, titled "Fall Under $100".

I will share some of my favorite trends for Fall, along with some pieces I am loving, which will all be under $100.  You get to go shopping, your closet gets a pick-me-up and you don't break the bank.  PERFECT!

My first item is the Pencil Skirt.

This has been a staple in my closet ever since I graduated college.  A pencil skirt has so much flexibility when it comes to adjusting from day to night, casual to formal all the while, providing a sleek, classic look.

Though I am a huge fan of the classic black pencil skirt, I also think it is fun to shake it up a bit with different colors and patterns.  Here are some of my favorites for Fall. 

BR Heritage Silver Sequin Pencil Skirt - $98
Save 30% until 9/3 using code FALLCALLS

Greylin Viv Ponte Pencil Skirt - $75
Save 20% until 9/3 using code SPLURGE

Oasis Lace Pencil Skirt - $68.12

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jaguar Print Skirt - $79.50

Frill Peplum Skirt - $35
Save 25% from 9/2 to 9/9 using code DPFWD

I Went Vegan

Not literally!  I could never do it!  No, I am talking about clothes.

I know that I have mentioned numerous times that leather is one of my favorite trends this Fall (have you seen my board on pinterest?) but I have really held back on pulling the trigger on anything.  This is mostly because when it comes to high priced items, I leave them for my hubby to purchase.  That way, I do not feel guilty about buying it and he basks in the triumph of getting me something I LOVE.  

One item that I have been keeping my eye on though is this Tinley Road Vegan Leather Pencil Skirt.  

Not only it is not real leather (which won't piss off my animal-loving friends) but you cannot beat the $79 price tag.  Add a few Gap rewards to the final price and you can just call me "Budget Babe" (this is a name my hubby has NEVER called me).

Rachel Bilson also agrees with me, as she selected this as one of her picks for Fall.  See, great brunette's think alike.

Best of Fall with Piperlime

Though Nordstrom has owned the "sale on Fall clothing prior to it being Fall" market with their Anniversary Sale, more and more retailers are beginning to see just how beneficial this can be.  Piperlime is one of them with their "Best of Fall" sale.  Even though it has been at 100 degrees for the past week and I am not ready for summer to leave just yet, I am still having a great time updating my Fall wardrobe.  Here are just some of my favorite picks.  For the entire sale, click here.  And make sure you check it out soon because all prices go back up to regular price on Friday!

Joie Brea Lace Mini Dress
Sale: $261.50 After Sale: $308
Lace is HUGE this Fall and wouldn't this be great for all those holiday parties?

Tibi Lucas Suiting Straight Leg Trouser
Sale: $252.50 After Sale: $298
I am SO happy orange is sticking around!

Splendid Always Shirting Pocket Tunic
Sale: $69.50 After Sale: $88
Shown in tan but there are a number of colors available
I have this in navy and wear it ALL THE TIME.
It is an absolute staple and one of my favorites in my closet.
If you buy anything, this should be it.

Tulle Single Breasted Coat
Sale: $68.50 After Sale: $99
A red coat makes any outfit more fabulous.
I actually want everything you see here.

Free People Lake Tahoe Cardi
Sale: $89.50 After Sale: $128
I am a sucker for a striped cozy cardi

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Shift Dress
Sale: $79.50 After Sale: $119
If you are following me on Pinterest then you know my obsession with leather.
And even better, this is not even real leather, which my Best Friend K would appreciate.

Don't forget to enter It's Just Darlin Mason Jar Glasses giveaway!

Only a few more days to vote!

Random

Here are just some random items across the web that I am eyeing.

Pour La Victoire Fabia Sandals
On sale at Bloomingdale's

Trina Turk Orange Swirl Bracelet
Trina Turk for Banana Republic collection

Pretty Penny Nautical Knot Top
On sale during Piperlime's Lime Tag Sale

Mara Hoffman Embroidered Romper

Make Something Up

What do you do when you have a formal event coming up and cannot seem to find ANYTHING to wear?

If you are me, you order this top.

Sabine Vintage Lace Blouse

And this skirt.

A.L.C. Natasha Skirt

And then you take it to an amazing tailor and have them create the look of a fitted long dress.  

Is it going to work?

I have no idea, but it was worth a try.

Don't worry, I will let you know how it goes.

If it works, you will see pictures from the event in a few weeks.

I am already planning my "Angelina" pose.

CROSSING FINGERS!

Don't forget, this giveaway is only open a few more days!

Enter now!

Florals

Floral print are EVERYWHERE this Spring.  From denim to blouses to accessories, you cannot escape the racks of wallpaper (or perhaps Grandmother's tablecloth?) inspired prints.  What are your thoughts?  Are you embracing the trend?

Ted Baker Beach Jumpsuit

Alice + Olivia Silk Floral Pants

Tinley Road Floral Tie Front Blouse

Citizens of Humanity Mandy Floral Roll Up Jeans

Zara Floral Print Handkerchief

I personally really like it.  Nothing says Spring more than floral prints.  There can obviously be an issue of "too much of a good thing" but when worn appropriately and in moderation, it offers a delicate sweetness to any outfit.