Running Out of Options

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. I posted an almost identical look here a few months ago. I am running out of cold weather options and keep going back to the same pieces over and over again. As much as I love my wellies, scarves, coats and pants, I am getting somewhat bored. Believe me, as soon as temps go up past the 60 degree mark I am dumping the repetitiveness you have been seeing. Doesn't Mother Nature know that I have spring clothes that are lonely and ready for some attention?

Xhilaration Blue Coat (option here and here) // Kiki La'Rue Sweater c/o // Apt.9 Pants (option here and here) // Banana Republic Wellies (option here) // Ruche Bag // Forever 21 Scarf (similar options below) // Banana Republic Beanie (option here and here) 

I know that this scarf and two others from Zara have been some of the most wanted accessories I have ever witnessed. No lie when I tell you that the coveted blogger plaid, blanket scarf from Zara is going for over $100 on eBay. Seriously? That is INSANE to me. It's a scarf, people. If you stop and really think about it, this whole blog world is pretty dang influential. I 100% admit that it definitely influences me and a handful of my purchases, but I never would I spend $100 on a scarf that retailed for $40. Too bad I didn't stock up when I saw it. Kidding, just kidding.

If you missed out on the Forever 21 blanket scarf or the over sized magical Zara ones, I found 10 similar options that you might want to scoop up before you start bidding on eBay or paying way too much on Poshmark. Happy shopping, have a fabulous weekend and stay warm out there.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Dad!! I love you and can't wait to celebrate next weekend!!

PANTONE Proud

The Spring 2014 PANTONE colors were announced several months ago. Way back when we were focused on comfy sweaters, cozy coats, riding boots, crocheted beanies and holiday shopping. Now that warmer months will be arriving, hopefully sooner than later, I figured now was a good of time as any to bounce around online to see if my favorite brands and retailers were listening to Ms. PANTONE (I am assuming PANTONE is a women because how many men like to play with colors? I am guessing they are few and far between.) 

Freesia Cardigan (14 color options) // Sand Clutch // Cayenne Flats (3 color options) // Dazzling Blue Earrings // Placid Blue Scarf // Violet Tulip Dress // Celosia Orange Necklace // Paloma Pleated Skirt // Radiant Orchid Wellies // Hemlock Belt (6 color options)

I was pleasantly surprised that my tried and true stores were indeed listening. I discovered that almost every color on this year's list was offered on their websites. If it weren't for this whole marketing ploy, announcing a "color" list every year, I would go about my business thinking, "That yellow cardigan is fun", "Love those pink flats", "Ooooh, that grey pleated skirt can go with so many things". I haven't even used of some of these words in a sentence until PANTONE published them. Celosia? Hemlock? I guess I can consider it an educational lesson. I am all for learning something new.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I did my first post on playing with color palettes for your wardrobe. Even though I didn't share a personal style or outfit inspiration today, after looking at all ten shades side-by-side, I have come to the conclusion that the Spring PANTONE line-up makes quite the happy family.

Last September, I did a post on this same topic. I was head over heels for the Fall 2103 shades, but they didn't quite mesh together for me. As in, I didn't think there were countless of options in terms of combining colors.

The upcoming season is a whole other song and dance. I already dreamed up several combinations with the pieces rounded up today. This PANTONE go-round offers vibrant brights, natural neutrals and soft, feminine tones. It's a fashion lovers dream. Okay, maybe I am coming across as a little too excited.

Or maybe it's just because I am ready for bare legs all day, sandals, Easter eggs, warm sunny skies, green grass and some color on my skin.

We are in the home stretch, ladies. I promise!

Fun Floral & Sweet Clover

Another Wednesday and not much random for you guys. Sorry that I have kind of fallen off the wagon for this link up. Really and truly life has been pretty un-random. It has actually been quite monotonous. Not that's that a bad thing...just chugging along being a mom, wife, helping with homework, wishing I had a live-in housekeeper, selling Girl Scout cookies, blog work fun, answering emails, gearing up for busy weekends, washing clothes, paying bills, wishing said bills would take the high road, counting down the days until Gus gets home and planning birthday parties. You know, the normal every day stuff. This is actually where I like things...calm, cool and collect. No unexpected interruptions or situations that throw us off our route.

Forever 21 Floral Maxi Dress (option here and here) // Papaya Cropped Jacket (option here and here) // Charlotte Russe Boots (option here and here) // Target Glitter Cross Body (option here and here) // Sweet Clover Necklace c/o // Sweet Clover Bracelet c/o // Michael Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Forever 21 Heart & Arrow Ring (option here) // Forever 21 Sunglasses (option here)

Just like everyone else, I am ready for spring and over the warm one day, freezing the next day weather. I know I sound like a broken record lately. Anyway, I came across this Forever 21 floral maxi dress and immediately added it to my cart along with a handful of other items. I had gift cards from Christmas burning a hole in my pocket. I couldn't wait to wear it, so despite the cool and windy weather we had yesterday, I slipped it on and added a cropped jacket to cover my back and shoulders. I think this dress might make another appearance before the heat wave hits. I am picturing it layered under a sweater to give the illusion of a skirt. Even though this is a bold, floral print that makes a lasting impression, I see myself getting plenty of wear out of it. I am positive it will be on constant rotation for lunch, shopping, outdoor events and last minute errand running. It's super comfortable and I am obsessed with the back. I am wearing a medium. It fits like a glove and glad I didn't end up going with the small. It's also fully lined and not see through at all.

Other items on constant rotation are two pieces from Sweet Clover Jewelry. I am pretty sure that you have seen this bracelet about 10 times either on my blog or Instagram. It's one of those pieces that goes with everything and adds the perfect amount of party to your wrist. You have also seen this necklace before when I layered it with another piece and again today.

Shelli with Sweet Clover Jewelry and I have been friends for over a year now. Her Etsy shop is filled with some of the cutest and most affordable items that I have come across. She just added lots of adorableness to her shop. It's the perfect place to find Valentine's Day accessories, jewelry for bridesmaids, birthday presents or Mother's Day gifts.

Today Sweet Clover Jewelry is offering you the chance to win a $30 shop credit. You can also get 20% off your order when you use the code SHANNA20. I have several of her pieces and love every single one. I know you will too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 

 

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Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.