A Forever Friend

Top:Lauren Conrad @ Kohl's | Skirt:Forever 21 | Shoes:Lucky Brand | Jewelry:Forever 21

If you have been reading my blog, you know it's no secret or surprise that I have a slight addiction to Forever 21. Many of you have commented that you don't ever have any luck shopping there.  I am not sure if it's because the one close to you doesn't carry a large selection or if it's because yours is too big and you don't know where to start.  I also think people tend to shy away because there is a perception that Forever 21 is geared toward teens, women in their early twenties, for the super slender and is not well made...for lack of a better term, cheap.

I am here to defend my shopping mecca.  I have numerous pieces that I have purchased from there that still look brand new.  In fact, no lie, I have a khaki pencil shirt that I purchased there nearly five years ago. Yes, my friends, Forever 21 actually carries timeless, classic pieces. 

I receive more compliments on a $29.00 dress I get from there than an $100.00 one from Banana Republic.  It never fails and people always seemed shocked at the fact that it came from Forever 21.

And their accessories, I almost refuse to shop for jewelry anywhere else.  I am not going to say that I have never had a necklace break or a ring discolor my finger slightly, but for the most part their jewelry is pretty durable and you just can't beat the prices.

I can't stress enough that with all their different lines, there is something for every lady, no matter your size or shape. The best part, being the budget shopper that I am, is I can walk out of there with a bag full of goodies for $100 or less.  

If you don't have a Forever 21 close buy; their online store is pretty fabulous.  I have found the accessory section to be much larger online than in stores.  Take a peek, you just might be surprised at what you find!

I will hold this store dear to my heart.  We have a very strong bond...somewhat of a monogamous relationship. Well, I say that until the day (hopefully in the VERY near future) that H&M finally opens in Austin. Then, I will have to seriously rethink my relationships.

What store could you be a spokesperson for?  

My Best Investment

Want to know what I think every girl should invest in?  Nope, it's not a white dress because you can find one anywhere.  It's not a statement necklace because you can grab a cute one at Forever 21 for under $15.00.  Well, what's left in this outfit?  You guessed it...my boots!  Some of you might be rolling your eyes right about now or clicking your way onto another blog. I am okay with that, but I am sticking to my guns on this one.  

Ladies, you do not have to be from the South, live on a farm or know how to two-step to rock a pair of cowgirl boots.  My only suggestion is to invest in a quality pair that will last you for years to come.  I promise, whether you believe it or not, you will wear them more than you think.  Something about slipping on a pair of boots makes me feel a little sexy and sassy...and that doesn't happen very often {the sexy part}.

You can wear them a million different ways {here} and {here} and add your own twist to finish off the look.  Out of everything I own in my closet, my Lucchese boots are by far my best investment and if that makes me a Country Bumpkin, so be it.

Dress:T.J. Maxx (old)  | Boots:Lucchese | Necklace and Ring:Forever 21| Earrings:My wedding gift from Ross               

Doesn't this picture make you want to buy a pair just so you can kick up your boots?  

I also wanted to share some quick pics from my date night with Ross. We went to see Alan Jackson Friday night.  I have been a huge fan for years. So, I was pretty pumped to finally get to see him "live" and he didn't disappoint. If I haven't mentioned this before, I love country music {really, most any kind of music} and love it even more when it's live. Needless to say, we weren't feeling too hot on Saturday morning.  Let's just say the $4.00 pints got the best of us.

 

What has been your best investment related to clothing?
I know we all play favorites to something in our closet.

Cheers a little "Boot Scootin' Boogie"!

Today I am linking up with these fine ladies!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Happy Good Friday!

The title of this post is not an understatement in my world backyard.  We have the most amazing, sweet smelling, bold colored roses blooming up in our yard.

I was able to snip off several this week and there are so many more that will be ready in a few days.  I am not a gardener or have anything resembling a green thumb...believe me!  The rose beds were planted long before our time!  We inherited them when we bought our house.  Luckily, they do not require much maintenance.  We just water and they do their thing!  That's my kind of gardening!!

So, today's outfit inspiration comes from my pretty little bed of roses that don't need much attention.  Oh, how I love Spring and all that comes with it. 

Every now and then, it's nice to take the time to stop and smell the roses!  Cliche, I know...I couldn't resist.

Top:Old Navy | Skirt:Forever 21 | Wedges:Express | Earrings:Target | Ring:F21 | Clutch:F21

If you follow me on Instagram {@becauseshannasaidso} you got a glimpse of my bloomed beauties. Let me share in case you missed them.

Gorgeous, right!?!?

Did I mention that I LOVE this time of year!?!

Happy Easter! Please remember it's not about the decorated eggs, a bunny or baskets with straw.

We are celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Cheers to outfit inspirations, not having a green thumb, the Easter Bunny and

most importantly Jesus Christ!

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!!

Today I am linking up with Long Distance Loving and her ever so famous "My Friday's Fancies".

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!

A Little Ray of Sunshine

So, I have been posting about some of my Jason Wu for Target finds over the last few weeks {here} and {here} and we are now on Round 3.  This is my most fave find, the yellow peplum top.

I can say with all honesty, that I did not get lucky enough to grab this from the store or website. I actually have to give all the props to my blogger friend,  Tara from fabulous but evil.  She let me in on the Jason Wu  Facebook group called Jason Wu for Target :: WuSistas & Mistas Exchange.

If you missed out on the Jason Wu craze, just click on the link above and ask to join the group.  I was accepted immediately.  I guess it's because I am "cool" like that. No, really, anyone can join! 

There are are almost 750 members of this group. It's people looking to buy or sell his merchandise.  The sellers aren't looking to make profit like those eBay scoundrels!  I got this top for retail cost, plus shipping.  If you have some stuff to sell or just want to buy, create a post and voila, people will start responding ASAP.  I posted that I was looking for this top and had 4 people respond to me in a matter of minutes.  Oh, the joys of Facebook!

The girl I bought the top from sent it to me immediately, and of course I had to wear it IMMEDIATLEY!!  I call this outfit a "Little Ray of Sunshine".  It’s bright, cheery and perfect for the warm weather we having been experiencing in Texas. Plus, can we say color blocking? Loving this trend...it let's us all be creative with our wardrobe!!

Top:Jason Wu for Target | Pants:Express | Shoes:Target | Jewelry:Forever 21 | Clutch:Forever 21

Are you tired of my Jason Wu for Target posts yet?  I hope not, because I still have a few more!

Cheers to a little ray of sunshine, the Jason Wu Facebook group and tips from other bloggers!!

Today I am linking up with

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!

Bold Blazer and Best Friends

About four months ago some of my best friends from high school and I planned a weekend at the coast.  It seemed like our much needed reunion would never get here.  Finally, last weekend all our plans and countless back-and-forth emails became reality.   I haven't seen some of these pretty ladies in years, so of course we were acting like giddy school girls heading to the prom.   We had enough not-so-healthy food and cocktails to last us a month...perfect way start to kick off the weekend...not to mention we could see the ocean from our seaside cottage.

Sounds like the perfect weekend, right?  Well, coincidentally the company I work for had a state wide convention in the same city, on the same weekend.  How does that happen?  So, guess what?  Yes, you are correct, I had to make an appearance for a few hours while my lady friends sipped on mimosas and munched on {fattening} breakfast casseroles.  Not fair!!  Actually, it wasn't too bad, I got to hear some amazing speakers and actually learned a thing or too.  A few hours later I was back in the saddle with my girls.  Surf's up!

Before I changed into my beach bum clothes, I had my sweet friend Jenny snap a few pictures of me in my company convention attire. 

I paired my dark skinny jeans with a bold blazer and mint colored accessories. This look is timeless and classic.  Every girl needs a solid color blazer in their wardrobe.

Orange and mint seem to be filling up my closet lately.

It was so perfect outside that I decided to stop and smell the flowers!  
{I know, these flowers don't have a scent, just thought it sounded good}

Bird's Eye View - Actually, there were seagulls flying around!

Standing in front of our quaint little sea side getaway

Blazer:Forever 21 (similar) | Jeans:Express | Creme Top: Thrifted | Boots:MIA (similar) | Necklace:Francescas | 

Earrings and Ring:Charlotte Russe | Sunglasses:Target

I felt obliged to post a "then and now" picture of us girls.  I think we look better now than we did back then {I won't mention the year of 'then'}!  I love those girls more now than I did before!

Don't forget to get your entries in for my Stila Cosmetics Giveaway.  The winner will be announced February 5th. 

Cheers to life long friends and a bold blazer!