Thursday, March 22, 2012

A Birthday and Total Awkwardness


Yesterday was a milestone birthday for one of my most favorite ladies in the entire world.  We have been buds since my freshman year of college and were pledge sisters in our sorority.  We have been in each other's weddings, watched each other's babies come into this world, made some crazy traveling memories {most recently, our Vegas trip}, laughed and cried together and most importantly have been by each other's side through our most trying moments.  I consider her more of my sister than my friend.  So, this post is dedicated to her.  I am so lucky to have shared your birthday with you, and for those who know the story...she likes to party like it's 1998! 

 


Before dinner I had the Hubs snap up a few pictures of my outfit.  Okay, I must say, this was total AWKWARDNESS!!!  If you have been reading my blog, you know that most of my outfit posts are taken in the comfort of my backyard.  WOW!  I give props to you ladies that go out and shoot pictures in public.  I am not a shy or introverted girl, but I felt like a HUGE DORK posing on the sidewalk in downtown Austin.  People were seriously staring and giving us the, "you are so shallow for taking all these pictures of yourself look." All I wanted to do was shout out, "This is for my blog, people!!"  Oh well, at the end of the day, who really cares, but I will say again, big high fives for all of you that do this all the time...I think I am going to head back to my little piece of privacy.

Dress: c/o Strut in Austin | Blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohls | Shoes: Steve Madden | Jewelry:F21
   
Can you tell that I look a little nervous in the pictures? Through my super fake smile, I was telling the hubs to hurry up and keep snapping! God love him for putting up with me. I know most of us bloggers depend on our devoted {and annoyed at times} better halves to be the men behind the scenes! Let's all go home tonight and tell them that they have been promoted to co-producer.  Do you think they would accept or decline the offer? 

Cheers to birthdays, backyards and better halves!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Round Two with Jason Wu

Okay, ladies here is another one of my Jason Wu for Target purchases.  In case you didn't already know, I was one of the crazies that got up early and was at Target when they opened.  I snagged this little dress and this one too {here}.  

Oh, and if you thought your mind was playing tricks on you, it's not, I am a little darker in these pictures! And I am NOT wearing hose!! 

I used a self tanner last night that I am loving, just need to work on my feet...kind of turned out Oompa-Loompa style! Regardless of my piggies, this is the best self-tanner I have found and it doesn't stink!!  It's called Xen-Tan and I got it at Ulta. Do you have one that you swear by?  I am tired of my Elmer's Glue legs, feet, arms, hands, elbows, neck, face, fingers, toes...you get the picture! I am ready for some "real" color!


Dress:Jason Wu for Target | Cardigan:Nordstrom | Shoes:Target | Bracelet & Ring:F21 | Necklace:Thrifted

Cheers to a real tan and of course Jason Wu for this fun and affordable clothing line!



Today I am linking up with these lovely ladies.  Hop over for some additional inspirations!


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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

My Lunch Break with Jason Wu

I wish I could have lunch with Jason Wu.  I am just happy enough to wear a dress from his new line at Target.  I actually was on a lunch date with my husband in these pictures {thanks, hubs, for snapping my pics}. We rendezvoused at 11:30 AM at one of our favorite local Mexican eateries.  It was worth every single calorie and fat gram...chips, salsa, queso, jalapeno ranch and a big, steamy, greasy plate of cheese enchiladas!  I needed a serious siesta after that treat.  

I must admit, that I was one of the "crazies" that hit my local Target store {okay, two Target stores} bright and early on Sunday morning to snag up as much Jason Wu for Target as I could. I am not exaggerating, it was all gone in a matter of minutes. You know what I mean if you were in the stores that day. I was lucky enough to grab a few dresses and a black pleated skirt.  I am sure you will be seeing my purchases in future posts.

I replaced the black tie that came with the dress with a thin, pink leather belt.
One of my favorite, cooler weather looks...tights with black ankle boots.
I kept my accessories to a minimum.  I didn't feel like I needed too many extras.



Dress:Jason Wu for Target | Cardigan:Mossimo | Tights:Forever 21 | Boots:Payless  
Sunglasses:XOXO | Necklace & Ring:Forever 21 | Belt:Target
Watch:Fossil | Bracelets:Vintage from my Grandmother

If you missed out on the Jason Wu goods, there's still hope!  I heard, from a reliable source, that Target is going to slowly replenish their stock online this week.  I am almost positive the actual retail stores will not be receiving any additional merchandise.  So, be sure to check online to see what's been added.  I must admit, there are a couple of items that I still REALLY want.  Fingers are crossed that they will be available soon!!

Cheers to Mexican food, the person that invented queso and Jason Wu for Target!

Today I am linking up with:


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Friday, January 6, 2012

No Heavy Metal Here

There is no need for "Heavy Metal" when it comes to the Spring 2012 Metallic Trend...let's focus more on low-key metal songs like "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" from Poison or "Patience" from Guns & Roses.  Let's not go crazy with the metallics....stay soft, subtle and simple.

In case you didn't already know...take this as your warning...these metals are everywhere!  They are fun, and you and I both, could easily get carried away.   Please, in the name of hair bands, don't be caught in public in head-to-toe shine.  It's okay to mix metals together and even layer copper over silver...just keep it elegant and muted.  A good example of this is shown below.  You will see that the entire outfit has some sort of metallic flare, but it doesn't shout out "disco ball"...it's elegant.

Metallic


Because this blog is about affordable fashion and beauty, I decided to mosey on over to the place we all love and adore...Target!  It's the GREATEST place on Earth.  Take a look at all the metallic inspired items below, take a mental note and look for these amazing finds next time you are there...which I am sure will be tomorrow!

Cheers to shining like a penny in the sun!  Cheers to being a twinkle in the sky!
Cheers to NOT being a disco ball on the dance floor!

Shanna Schneider

Metallics from Target


Strapless dress
$70 - target.com

Short sleeve shirt
$23 - target.com

Sandals
target.com

copper at Target
target.com

metallic at Target
target.com

glitter at Target
target.com

metallic at Target
target.com

metallic at Target
target.com

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2012 Spring Fashion Trend - #2 Feminine Florals

Everything is coming up roses (and daisies and orchids and even daffodils) in 2012.  When the floral trend first appeared last year, I was like really?  Floral patterns, UGH!  It reminded me of Little House on the Prairie and I wasn't digging it....until recently.  As the trend has grown, more designers and lines are creating pieces that I actually like...A LOT!  From tops to dresses to accessories, floral prints are everywhere....even on shoes!  

The fab news is that you won't have to worry about looking for that perfect floral top or dress because the stores are making it easy on all of us...the prints will be everywhere!

Like I always say, keep it simple.  Pick one key item and work around it, add simple accessories like cute a pair of shoes, fun nail polish and minimal jewelry.  You don't want to look like The Secret Garden.

I put together two outfits below to give you an idea of what I am talking about. As always, they are affordable fashion suggestions and true fashion on a budget.  Remember, the bargains always show up at my doorstep.

The first is fancier & dressier. I call it "Jackie O." meets "Pretty Woman" meets "The Girl Next Door".  I love the boldness of the dress and the femininity of the accessories.  BTW, I found the dress on www.modcloth.com.  This website is a dream!  Everything on here is so cute, unique,  "boutique-y" looking and best of all AFFORDABLE

Now, are you ready for a "Because Shanna Said So" tip?  Target has almost the exact same shoes that I have featured below for $30.00. I saw them today and fell in LOVE.  I plan to go make my purchase this week!  I tried to find them online, but they aren't listed yet.

Feminine Floral


Retro vintage dress
$90 - modcloth.com

Steve Madden platform heels
$130 - heels.com

Forever21 clutch bag
$21 - forever21.com

Forever21 beaded flower ring
$3.80 - forever21.com

1928 pearl bangle
$14 - 1928.com

Forever21 faux pearl earrings
$1.50 - forever21.com

Forever21 floppy brim hat
$11 - forever21.com

Dorothy Perkins snake skin belt
$11 - dorothyperkins.com




This next creation shows how you can take two simple floral elements, a scarf & ring, and be current with the trend.  This is a relaxed, let's go shopping & have a margarita on the patio kind of look.  I bought this scarf at Forever 21 and it can be dressed up or down.  Also, you can see that I mixed stripes with the floral....it's okay and will be applauded when you overlap patterns.  
 
Floral Weekend Wear


Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cotton t shirt
£27 - matchesfashion.com

Skinny jeans
$24 - kohls.com

Glitter flat
$35 - modcloth.com

Forever21 zippered tote bag
$27 - forever21.com

Color craze gold bangle bracelet
$10 - jcpenney.com

Forever21 flower ring
$3.80 - forever21.com

Forever21 teardrop earrings
$4.80 - forever21.com

Forever21 floral scarve
$8.80 - forever21.com

Forever21 alligator belt
$2.80 - forever21.com



So, go out there and start planting your botanical garden because Spring is around the corner and Because Shanna Said So!

Here is an added bonus...extra floral inspirations that caught my hazel eyes.  Cheers!

Shanna Schneider

DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT BY LET IT BE BEAUTIFUL