Tankini Time

Last weekend I posted on Instagram stating that I was beginning a new chapter in my life when it came to swimsuits. I am titling this so called chapter Tankini Time.

Now, I have NEVER been the one to say the words, "I am getting to old for..." because I truly believe that none of us will ever be too old to wear anything. As long as you feel comfortable in what you put on, I say go for it.

But here's the deal, I personally don't feel comfortable in two piece swimsuits anymore, at least in public places like the beach, water parks or at our community pool. Maybe it's because most of the women my age (I'll chat about how old I am later next week in case you don't already know) with kids don't wear bikinis anymore. I kid you not, last summer I was one of the ONLY moms walking around the community pool in a two piece. I notice these types of things. I am by no means saying that I need to conform to what other people do. I just feel as though I should possibly tone it down in front of my kids and their peers. I don't know. Maybe I am looking too much into the situation. I tend to do that, you know? 

I still fully plan to whip out my old "two piecers" when I am in a private setting with just friends and family around. I own an obnoxious amount to just toss out the window.

So, in honor of this new swimsuit chapter of mine, I found four suits, all from JcPenneys, that might "suit" you if you aren't feeling the bikinis this year either. They are all under $40. Score! I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the selection at JcPenneys this year. I randomly popped in one day and discovered many options for all ages and shapes. I suggest you take a look too.

I actually bought the middle two this season and love them. The colors are more vibrant in person and you can remove the halter straps for a no tan lines, bandeau style.

One // Two // Three // Four

Tell me, what is your swimsuit style? What do you feel most comfortable in? Am I being overly conscientious with my new chapter? Be honest.

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One lady friend of mine that needs to have ZERO self confidence issues when it comes to a swimsuit and far away from "tankini-ville" is Miss Erin with Living in Yellow. I mean just look at her....so not fair, right?

 

I am sure she is no stranger to you if you are a fellow follower of blogs. This is girl has it together like a chain link pave bracelet. Erin has become a household name in blog land. She has set the bar for so many bloggers and I look up to her and the genius ideas she conjures up in her brilliant mind. 

From crazy successful link ups, to her mac & cheese obsession, to being a guest speaker at a big blog conference, to starting her own blogging consultation business and being just down right gorg and REAL...Erin knows what's she's doing.

You get a true sense of who she really is in every single blog post. It's like having lunch and margaritas with your BFF every single day.

Honestly, I can't recall how I found Erin's blog, but I am so glad I did. She is a daily read of mine and you will definitely learn a thing or two from her. I can promise you that. Need life lessons? Covered. Want to laugh? Covered. Fashion ideas? Covered. Want to be her friend so she'll invite you to her new lake house? Covered. Erin, I fully intend a lake house weekend invite in my mailbox this summer.

Ladies, go visit Living in Yellow. She will hook, line and sinker you!

Random Wednesday #34 - What's Going On

GET THE LOOK:

c/o Classic & Bubbly The Shop Dress (exact) // Forever 21 Vest (exact) (option) // Target Hat (option) (option) // Forever 21 Necklace (exact) (option) // Forever 21 Sandals (option) (option) // Forever 21 Bracelets (exact) (option)

It's getting random up here in today. I thought I would give you a piece of my life's pie. Hope that's okay.

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to spend the entire afternoon that lasted until the wee hours of the night with some of my most favorite girls on the planet. We ate like it was our job, sipped on some cocktails and relaxed Real Housewives style by the pool. It was a grand time...

...up until I decided to jump into the super shallow end of the pool and seriously mangle my middle toe. I would show you a picture, but I don't want to embarrass myself.

Moving on...

We geared up for a little Taylor Swift last night. If you follow me on Instagram you might have already seen a few pictures. This was our third time seeing T-Swift and girl puts on a killer show.

Ed Sheeran is touring with her and they didn't disappoint with "Everything Has Changed". This song gets me every time. One of my all time faves of ANY song.

If you have a chance to see her live, please grab tickets whether you are a fan or not. I SWEAR, she will convert you. Her show is full on entertainment and her voice is exactly as it is on her albums. I just might have shed a tear or ten during the show. I NEVER do this with anyone, but her story, humbleness, heart and journey is REAL and she hasn't EVER conformed to what mainstream expects; no matter the critics and people that have mocked and ridiculed her. She's stayed true to herself regardless of her embarrassing relationship mishaps. Plus, she is a role model to my daughters. Can you tell that I am fan? She inspires me and her music speaks to my soul even though I could be her mom. Pure genius and "Entertainer of the Year" in my book...sorry Blake Shelton.

Next on the list...

Memorial Day weekend plans. Guess what saddle I am getting back into? It's something you might remember me discussing last summer. It's a little thing I like to call "glamping". Let me break it down. It's camping with all the finer things in life included: a bed, electricity, running water, a refrigerator, showers, restrooms, pool and a few water slides. We are hitting Jellystone again with about 10+ other families from our neighborhood. Here's a little bit of what last year looked like.

Last, but definitely NOT least on the agenda...

One of my very first and BEST blogging friends opened up her new online apparel and accessory store last week. Miss Stesha, man, what do I say about this girl? We have become such great friends. We can chat over the phone for hours, send crazy hilarious texts to one another and most importantly be each others cheerleaders. She has made an appearance or two on the blog and I am so honored to introduce you to her online store today, Classic & Bubbly The Shop.

Stesha's gorgeousness goes well beyond the exterior. Her heart and soul are just as beautiful. I can't say enough how much I LOVE her. And I am doing my best to get her to Austin in August to visit and go to Texas Style Council with me. We have long overdue hugs, cocktails and in person chats to catch up on. What's crazy is that she is MUCH younger than me, but for some reason, our personalities just connect...it was instant...it's been well over a year since we "met" through blogging and our friendship is stronger than ever.

I hope you take some time and check out her new shop and show her some love. Her eye for style is KILLER, just look at some of her blog posts. She will blow you away.

GREAT NEWS, Stesha is offering one reader a $30 store credit to Classic & Bubbly The Shop, plus all friends can receive a 30% discount on all items by using the code SHANNASAID30. Go now!! This dress I am wearing in today's post is a definite must for the summer.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 **If you are linking up today, I kindly ask that you follow my blog and link back to it in your post. Oh, and go meet some new friends!

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Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.

Rumba & The Impeccable Pig Giveaway

GET THE LOOK:

c/o The Impeccable Pig Top (exact) (option) // Forever 21 Maxi Dress (option) (option) // Target Sandals (option) (option) // Target Belt (exact) (option) // Sam Moon Bag (option) (option) // Forever 21 bracelets (option) (option)

I thought I had died and gone to Heaven when when The Impeccable Pig asked me to choose an item to style from their online store. I wanted one of everything. I perused their site for a good hour trying to decide what I thought was "my style" and what I thought you guys would like to see.

And surprise! Well, I guess it might be more like, "Hey, Shanna, you surprised yourself!". I ended up selecting something that I probably would have never given a second look, much less bought to add to my closet.

Now, I am by no means saying that I don't like this top because I do...I actually LOVE it, but it is definitely a piece that I wouldn't normally pick out for myself. Why? Well, I am not real sure. Maybe because it's white. I am not a winner at keeping things clean that are white. Maybe it's because it has ruffled sleeves. Never been a big fan of those. Or maybe because it looks like I am off to do some sort of rumba number on Dancing with the Stars.

Regardless, I was drawn to it the minute I saw it. It was something different. Something that I wanted to style and feel challenged by doing so. I had ZERO clue what I was even going to pair with it. I just knew I REALLY liked it. This is SO not me because typically, I only choose items that I know I can remix, wear with something I already own or feel as though it's a staple.

BUT, this top is so fun and as soon as it arrived I starting playing around with it in my closet. Yes, I play pretend dress up with my clothes. Don't judge. 

Anyway, I ended up with this: layering it over a maxi dress (remember this one), adding a dash of leopard, a pop of color and hoop earrings. Deep gasp....yes, I said hoop earrings. I haven't worn them in years, but for some strange reason I felt like they needed to be resurrected.  

So, where is this post going? Well, I am here to say that sometimes it's fun and daring to step out of your fashion comfort zone and try something new and different. Doing so might surprise you and help you discover new ways to work your closet and style. Plus, I am sticking to my new "Just Do It" philosophy and not turning back.

So, have you added anything recently that you never thought you would wear? If so, spill the beans.

Oh, one more thing, The Impeccable Pig is giving away a $50 store credit to one lucky friend. Just enter with the Rafflecopter below. Good luck and as always, happy shopping!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma. The devastation is catastrophic and I cannot even begin to fathom the pain and sorrow that so many people are experiencing today. May God bless and strengthen all those who have been directly and indirectly affected.