Lucky Month?

I may or may not have already won two blog giveaways this month.  Believe me, I really don't know how I got that lucky.

One of the giveaways has me officially inspired.  Thanks to Julia at The Urban Slant's first giveaway, yours truly will soon be the proud owner of this little gem from Heartfish Press.

{via} 

There were so many fun colors to choose from, but I ultimately went with grey because I want it to be a piece I can use wherever I want in the long run.  After doing some more Etsy searching, I found a print that could compliment this piece well.  

 {via}

I envision these two prints mixed with some black and white photos in all different sized frames: black and white. I also have a confession for you.  While typing this, I absolutely bought this amazing print from the talented Jen Ramos, blogger behind MadeByGirl.  I got really stressed out because there was only one left.  That's always a sign right?!

Now back to my lucky streak...although I am still in Florida, I got a text today that my new Tory Burch Patent Small Cosmetic Case has arrived from the great ladies of sorelle in style.  It was their very first giveaway.  Maybe that's the trick? Find every blogger who is doing his or her first giveaway? It's worked thus far.  Not only do I love the case, but it matches my TB wallet and all so I think it was meant to be.

So for the time being, I will continue to enter every blog giveaway I can possibly find before my luck runs out. And also stare at Etsy shops.  Any you would recommend?

Striped Maxis + Hair Tutorial

First and foremost, you will all probably be getting a new follower on your blog this week (maybe for your second time).  I decided to switch my email address and sadly my old Gmail and Blogger accounts will not sync.  So bare with me. I guess I just love your blogs twice as much now?! Thanks for understanding.

After yesterday's post, I uploaded a video to YouTube with a sock bun tutorial. Enjoy!
(Sorry in advance for the occasional stink eye.  My family and friends always point it out, but I've never seen it in person.  Good stuff. I should really just wear my glasses.)

On a completely different note, I first spotted this gem thanks to Mackenzie at Design Darling, and I've had my eye on it ever since.

Rachel Pally Stripe Cutout Dress | $238

Then I got an email from Ann Taylor about a 40% off sale using the code NEWYEAR.  Let me present to you two different strip maxi options:

Stripe Maxi Tank Dress | On sale: $70.80

Asymmetrical Hem Striped Maxi Tank Dress | On sale: $70.80

...........

Also on sale from Shopbop, a piece that can be both a maxi skirt or maxi dress. Two for the price of one.  Yes please.  These maxi skirts can be paired with a casual white tee and a necklace or just sweater.  I think it's a must have piece, and you will find it to be very versatile + cozy.

 Splendid Mixed Stripe Maxi Dress/Skirt

 Splendid Mixed Stripe Maxi Dress/Skirt

xoxo Carly

Weekend Snapshot

As I mentioned earlier, Boyfriend B and I made our way to Florida this Friday.  We couldn't have asked for better weather upon arrival.  Of course I had to do some prep-work before our departure though.

On Thursday, I got a much needed manicure and pedicure to prep for the days at the pool and beach.  OPI Mod About You is one of my favorite opaque pink polishes.  That and Essie Fiji of course, but I couldn't find it at the salon so Mod About You it was.  On Thursday, I had every intention of going to E Street in Mequon to get a birthday present for a friend, but I left with a new pair of rag & bone jeans.  Remember when I was obsessing over colored denim?! I finally found a pair to call my own.  Not only do I love the color, but they are now the most comfortable pair of jeans in my closet.  Did I mention that they were 20% off too? Ya, I love them even more thanks to that.  I paired them with my Tory Burch Reva flats that I got for Christmas.   On Friday, I traveled with my favorite up-do.  It kept my hair out of the way and was high enough that I could attempt to sleep on the flight. 

 

[photos from my iPhone via Instagram]

Since our travel day, we've enjoyed quality time with B's family.  I would be lying if I didn't say Florida was beautiful. See what I mean:

 

 

[photos from my iPhone via Instagram]

Hope you all had an incredible weekend! It sounds like the Midwest has been plenty warm considering it's almost the middle of January.  Has anyone else barely had to wear their long Northface this year?

I'll be linking up with a {little} dash of ash for her Instagram Link Party! 

Sunday's Best

Oh how I would love to be wearing this little number out and about in Florida this week.  And it's on sale. What's a girl to do?

 

[Parker Long Sleeve Dress] 

Vacation within a Vacation

I'm writing this post from the sunny state of Florida on this beautiful Saturday morning! Boyfriend B and I are visiting his amazing/hilarious grandma for the week.  So yes, I may still be on winter break, but I get to spend my last week of it in Florida! I'm all smiles.  

I'll be poolside for the next week and can't imagine anything better.  Good weather, good food, and of course good company.

I took this on our family vacation to Daytona in 2010 so not quite where we are right now, but I love a good sunset. 

Hope you're all having a fabulous first weekend in 2012! What are your plans?

Friday's Fancies::Best Foot Forward

This week's Friday's Fancies is focusing on shoes.  While I love a good pair of heels since I'm 5'2" and I like to know what it's like to view the world as if I were 5'6", flats are my new friend.  Let's get serious, they are much more comfortable and can be just as fun.  I have yet to make a purchase from Topshop (I know, I know that's an entirely different issue), but after finding this assortment of flats, I'm ready to go.  I was majorly inspired by Lauren at Stylized Existence when she posted some of her Topshop favorites so my bank account thanks you Lauren.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

Are you a flats or heels type of girl? Have you made a purchase from Topshop before? Are the flats comfortable? 

Check out more Friday's Fancies at {long distance loving}.

Banana Bangles

I would be lying if I said I was not a frequent Banana Republic shopper.  I love the products and most importantly love that I can usually get 40% off their items.  I refuse to buy a piece from the store if it is not on sale because I'm pretty certain I will get an email the next day with a coupon.

I think they have really outdone themselves with their current selection of bangles.  I don't wear many bracelets because I have these oddly small, child-like wrists, but I would love to add some of these to my collection

Love this pattern and color combo:

find it here

Would very much love to add some cobalt to my wardrobe:

find it here 

Gold + twist:

find it here 

My favorite:

find it here 

Pattern + color combo:

 

find it here 

Would you wear any of these? Do you have any other bangles you have your eyes on? Need a Banana coupon? I'm your girl.