Because They Grow Too Fast...

As most of you already know, myself and Kaitlyn have a website call Because I shop too much. 

BISTM a market place where men and women can buy, sell, and swap their clothing and accessories.

Well, we are expanding and our new "sister" site has launched!

Because They Grow Too Fast:

Both sites open to US residents only at this time.

Please "like" our NEW FB page as well!  

House of Gemmes VIP Spring Line Viewing Party

I was invited to the spring line viewing party for House of Gemmes. Kristin invited friends and family over to see and give feedback on what items we want to see going forward and what prices we like. I have to say that is a very smart idea!  

Here is what I wore:

Top: Gap, Skirt: Lauren Conrad, Shoes: Shoemint, Gem Ring: Street vender in London, Bracelets: C/O House of Gemmes, Earrings: Baublebar, Watch: House of Gemmes, Chain Ring: Tiffany & CO, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules

As you can see in the third pic, there where complementary manicures at this party. I, of course, got my nails done (OPI Lincoln Park after dark) before I took outfit pictures. ;)

Here are some pics of the set up Kristin had in her home/home studio:

Check out all the amazing press House of Gemmes is getting right now, so exciting and VERY well deserved!

Below are some shots of the jewelry that were laid out. Kristin had to stock and restock because things were going like hot cakes.

 Look how cool this ear cuff is? The other side was a 3 stone smaller stud, it's part of the art deco collection that comes out this April.

It's so edgy and so different, but that's what I love the most about it. Kristin knows her stuff!

Don't want to miss out on the release dates of some of the items you see above and below? Sign up for their mailing list at the bottom of this page.

 The pile of jewels on the green plate is what I ended up leaving with. So many beautiful items to choose from, I had to narrow it down for sure.

I really love that there are so many new designs coming out, but my favorite is that she is diong some of her staple pieces in different, season/on trend colors.

An example of that would be the wrist wrap shown on my plate above in mint. LOVE it for spring!

 Me and Kristin

Lindsay, myself, and Kristin

The event was so fun. The food was amazing, my nails looked great, and I left with a lot of amazing jewelry too (I can't wait to style it in outfit posts to come)!

Kristin has a really cool concept happening right now called Collection Atelier.

You can vote and help her to create items in the new spring line! Every opinion counts so make sure you vote here.

She is also offering Stiletto and Diaper Bag readers 25% off by using code 25SADBBLOG now through 3-5-13. Happy shopping! xo



Outfit: My Dorthy Moment

I was recently gifted a dress from eShakti's Spring line.

I choose this beautiful navy dress with white dots. It has a wonderful vintage feel to it and I love the cute little pockets on the side.

Here is how I styled my new dress for a look strait from OZ:



Dress: C/O eShakti, Shoes: Lulus, Bag: C/O Just Fab, Bracelet: Baubleber, Bow Bracelet and Silver Bangle: C/O House of Gemmes, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules, Diamond and Black Diamond Ring: Jared, Necklace and Earrings: C/O Silver Speck, Hari Comb: Walgreens

I have to admit I wasn't going for a Dorthy look, I was actually trying to channel a pin-up inspired retro look. As soon as I saw the photos I knew it went the other way. So modern day Dorthy it is! ;)

What do you think? Ever shop eShakti? I just love how they have sizes 0-36W and you can customize the neck, sleeve, and length of your items.

*Get 20% off your eShakti order now through 3-10-13 by using code STLETTSNDD

The winner of the Alginest Serum is Lynda.
The winner of the Hair Cuttery $50 gift card is Laura.
Congrats to you both! I will contact you today for your shipping info. 

Outfit: Birthday Lunch

The past three years on my birthday my mother-in-law has taken me out for lunch.

Here is what a wore for my lunch date:

 Vest: Nordstrom, Blouse: Express, Jeans: 7 for all Mankind, Belt and Watch: Fossil, Bag: Rachel Zoe (similar), Necklace: C/O Sarah Aghili, Chain Bracelet and Ring: T+J Designs, Heart Ring: Jewelmint

My birthday was wonderful this year.

I look forward to my yearly one on one lunch dates with Lake House Lyn. It's always nice to just catch up. I am for sure blessed in the in-law department..they are all amazing and I KNOW not everyone feels that way about their in-laws! ;)

I had a great lunch and then my hubby came home early from work and took me and the kids out for dinner. It was a lovely family day for sure!

What do you do on your b-day?

I think next year since me and the hubby both turn 35 we will be having a big party.



Outfit: Taking Care of Business

This past Wednesday I had so many errands to run.

 With two kids in tote, I knew I had about 20 mins to get myself ready and out the door.

My answer? A maxi dress of course.

Dress: Bloomingdales, Top: Urban Outfitters (similar), Boots: Dolce Vita, Bag: Rachel Zoe, Necklace: Vintage from BISTM, Watch: Fossil

We had an oddly warm day (it got up to 51 degrees!) so I actually wore my thicker top as a jacket. Gotta love that!

Are you a maxi dress lover like me? I NEED them year round! ;)

I Felt Like Such a Mom Today

In the past I have written about my sons best friend Lamby (posts here and here). 

Lamby is just shy of 5 years old now and needed another "surgery".
We noticed how much smaller he was then Lamby two (Lamby two only 2 years old now and does not sleep with him EVERY night like Lamby one does).
My son actually watched me from the top of the stairs and kept asking "what are you doing now? Is he going to be ok? You are doing a good doctor job mommy."
Here are some during shots:

 Look how gross that old stuffing was (shown in background). So glad I switched it out!

They look a bit more alike now and for some reason that made me super mom in his eyes.
I'll go with it.... ;)

I have also recently learned a lesson in having a daughter who loves princess wear. 

I made the mistake of washing one of her dresses with our "wash only" regular clothes and everything came out with glitter on it. 

Yep, my hubby's tees where covered in it. OOPS! 

I now know that princess wear can only be washed with other princess wear. 

I even have a wardrobe rack in my laundry room where they hang dry now too. 

Ahh, the life of a mommy. 

In other news today is my birthday!  I love birthdays. You can not/will not convince me that 34 is old. I am so thankful to be here another year and think people who say "I'm so old" every birthday are funny.

Have you entered my current giveaways?
*Hair Cuttery $50 gift card
*Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum $95 value

Outfit: Movie Night

Let me start by saying my hubby does NOT do chick flicks.

In the 8 years we have been together (prior to this night) we had only seen two girly movies together.

Which is probably why I was able to get him to go see Save Haven with me! ;)

Here is what I wore to our movie night out:

Blazer and tank: Urban Outfitters, Jeans: J Brand, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Watch: Fossil, Chain Bracelet: T+J Designs, Cuff and Earrings: Francescas

For the record he also does not watch sports. Not a one. Which I absolutely LOVE about him (we are more of a music family) so the whole no chick flick thing sort of cancels itself out.

Let's not tell him that though..it was too fun to snuggle and hold hands through this one.

The movie was super cute. Weird and unexpected ending, but really good.

What do you wear to a movie date with you love? Has anyone else seen Safe Haven? What did you think?



Outfit: Chambray, Lace, & Fringe

There is something about denim on denim that I just adore.

Here is how I styled my denim on denim look with a boho twist:

Top: JC Penny, Lace Top and Bra: Free People, Jeans: 7 for all Mankind, Bag: Rachel Zoe, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Necklace: Ax + Apple, Ring: C/O Willow House Jewelry, Stackacle Rings: Shop Jules, Sunnies: Prada

This is a perfect mommy look. I ran out for a few groceries, baked cookies for my loves, and played with my kids this day. Nothing better then a cozy mommy day.

What do you think of this look?

Giveaway: Hair Cuttery: Smart Looks. Smart Prices.

If you follow my blog then you know last April I tried to get the ombre look. This ended in an epic fail followed by a fix but in the end I did not have ombre.

Ever since I have wanted it and yes a year later I still want it.

I was contacted by One2One Network and asked to use a gift card at a Hair Cuttery location nearest me and give an honest review.

At first I was hesitant. I have heard of hair cuttery, but I don't trust anyone with my hair so why would I try a new place? After looking at all the different services they offer I changed my mind. I was so surprised that they do everything from cuts and coloring to hair extensions and keratin treatments.

Here are my before shots:

As you can see the under is lighter and my roots have grown out. Not ombre, but closer now then ever before to the style I have wanted for what seems like forever.

Since they have nearly 900 locations on the East Coast and throughout the Midwest it was easy to find a location close to my home.

Once I got checked in they gave me my own client card. Going forward they just have to scan it (or give your phone # if you forget to bring it) and all your info (who your stylist is, what colors they used on you last, etc) is all saved.

They staff was polite, offered to take my coat and get me water or coffee, and as I sat and waited for my turn I was amazed at how many products that had for sale.

I found out that there are two types of stylists.

Master stylists (they charge a few dollars more per service) but you can make appointments with them as far in advance as you want.

They also have regular stylists that can take same day appointments as well as walk-ins.

I would advise making an appointment. I went on a Sunday and boy was this place busy. What surprised me most were how many women came in. For some reason I thought it would be all guys, kind of like a barber shop, but no, it was a full service salon (even face waxing) with more cost effective pricing.

My favorite price is the $10 kids cuts. This INCLUDES a hair washing and drying. That blew my mind as I have been paying $11 at great clips for just a cut. Never again! ;)

I was paired with the Master Stylist Jackie Esposito who is also the assistant manager at this location.

After our consult I knew she knew what she was doing. We decided to do an ombre and also a smooth down Redken conditioning treatment (that will last up to 3 weeks).

Here are some during shots:

And here is the finished product (and a shot of Jackie and myself):

 As you can see, she did a fantastic job. I no longer have lighter pieces just under and the shading into light is gradual and not blunt.
I LOVE IT!

Now for the giveaway:
One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift card to the Hair Cuttery.

To enter:
Like Hair Cuttery on FB
Follow Hair Cuttery on Twitter
Leave 1 comment below with your email (so I can contact the winner) for each that you do.

Winner will be announced 2-26-13 at 7:00am. Good Luck!

*Through March 4, Hair Cuttery is also offering discounted color packages and 40% off professional shampoo and conditioning liters.

I participated in this sponsored campaign for One2One Network. I received a Hair Cuttery gift card to facilitate my post and monetary compensation, but all opinions stated are my own.

Outfit: Celebrating Four Birthdays

My mom lives about an hour away from me and with 4 brothers and sisters we try to get together at least once a month.

This day we celebrated all b-days between Jan. 27th and Feb. 22nd...and there were four of us to celebrate for (my brother in law Jarrod, by brother Brian, my hubby, and myself).

Here is what I wore to the quad b-day bash:

Tee: Piperlime, Skirt: Sheinside (similar) (similar), Scarf: Threadsence (similar), Necklace: C/O Sarah Aghili, Bracelet: T + J Designs, Watch: Fossil, Ring: Baublebox, Boots: Just Fab

Both my kids and myself had the flu so I went with a casual and very cozy look.

As usual we all ate way too much and had a wonderful time.

Check out the desert spread:

My mom out did herself this year with peanut butter cup brownies, red velvet cake, funfetti cake, and gluten free cake with sprinkles.

Do you get together with family and celebrate monthly b-days as well?

We don't have b-days to celebrate every month (and obviously when it's a kids b-day there is a bigger bash), but as the family continues to grow we do find ourselves eating more and more cake! lol



Free People

As someone who loves the boho vibe, I am a big fan of Free People.

I own quite a few of their dresses, tops, bags, and even underwear.

Today I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorites.

Here are some of my Free People must haves right now:

Printed Lace Slip $98

Dailey Crossbody $48

Vintage Lace Tank $148

Sunset Mesh Tank $68

Vintage Fringe Suede Bag $168

Dress $98

You don't need to buy an entire boho wardrobe, just a few key pieces and rotate them with what you already own. I love the lace tanks and dresses for layering and who doesn't love a great boho bag?!

I have these two bras as well. They are pretty awesome and great for under all those sheer tops and plunging neck tee's.

Secret Garden Lace Underwire $38

U Bra $38

The second is my new favorite. I wear it under everything lately! ;)

What do you think? Ever shop Free People?



Bridal Photo Shoot

Last week I did a post about a photo shoot I did with Style by Bravura and photographer Neil Armstrong Pili.

Well, here are my favorite shots that came out of the shoot:

 

All photos by Neil Armstrong Pili, Dress: David's Bridal, Necklace: Erin Gallagher Jewelry

 

Not sure which they are using for the ad on the website The Knot yet, but I think the pictures turned out great!

To see more photos check out Neil's FB page.

 

*The winner of the Lula Bloom jewelry giveaway is Tiffany A. I'll pass along your info, enjoy your new bracelet!

 

Happy Valentine's Day Loves!
Here is a song from my friend Raine (John, Johnny Don't...whatever you guys call him, he will always be Raine to me! ;)
This song is stuck in my head so now you get to have it in your brain all day too!
Enjoy! xo