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Shop Hope’s Business Casual Picks

shop hopes dresses

Shop Hope's
If y’all haven’t heard of Shop Hope’s yet, you’re missing out! I found this store through Instagram about six months ago and been obsessed ever since. With new arrivals twice a day AND free shipping, they’re pretty much perfect. They have so many amazing items, so I decided to show you my favorite business casual picks.

With summer internships beginning soon, having an office-friendly wardrobe is essential. The dresses below would all look amazing paired with crisp blazers and the shoes pictured below.

Lyss discount code

Lyss discount code

I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.
4 Comments
April 22, 2014 by
Fashion

Printed Skirt & Allyssa from Life With Lyss

Print Skirts

Print SkirtsI am so excited about this collaboration with Allyssa from Life with Lyss! We both have adorable printed skirts from Charlotte Russe, so we decided to style them for this post. Allyssa was one of my first blogging friends and definitely somebody I look up to. I really encourage you all to check out her blog which features the best fashion and outfit inspiration – very classy and sweet!

I decided to actually show off two ways to style my tribal print skirt – from day to night. I kept it casual with the daytime look by adding a flowy white t-shirt, combat boots, and a chunky scarf. For night, I threw on a sexy black tank, some sky-high wedges, a bold statement necklace, and then some red-hot lipstick to top it all off.

Be sure to go onto Life with Lyss to see how she styled her floral printed skater skirt here!

Day to nightDayDayNight1Day to nightHere are some more pictures of how Allyssa styled her skirt! I love everything about it! The necklace she’s wearing is so gorgeous and it adds a nice pop of color. She looks stunning as always! See more pictures on her blog, Life with Lyss!

Allyssa

 

 
11 Comments
April 19, 2014 by
Fashion

Etsy Favorites

vjs

If you’re familiar with my blog, you know that I love Etsy. I appreciate that it is a platform that artists can share their creations and profit from truly beautiful pieces. Sharing the stories of small business owners is one of my biggest joys. I have found a few of my favorite shops on Etsy like 8:38 Designs and Plum Paper (see my posts about them here and here).

I wanted to share two more favorites with you: Pure Impressions and Vintage Stamp Jewels.

Pure ImpressionsPure Impressions

Pure Impressions (website here) was created by Laura Hunter. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, she now lives in Casper, Wyoming. Laura was such a sweetheart to send me the rings, bangles, and keychains pictured below! She loves creating handmade jewelry and says it is one of the most rewarding things you can do. She is also a full-time mom with a full-time job. I love stories like Laura’s because despite her extremely busy life, she still finds time to do what brings her the most joy – which in turn brings her customers joy! Not only will she work with you to create exactly what you want, she will also make and ship everything super fast.

I’ve loved working with her and highly recommend her store – it’s perfect for bridesmaids, graduation, wedding, and birthday gifts!

Follow Pure Impressions on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Big, middle, little sis

Vintage Stamp Jewels was created by Monica, a stay-at-home mom of three. In her spare time, she loves to create this beautiful jewelry.  Her pieces are perfect for brides and bridesmaids.

I requested a layered necklace for my older sister who was recently engaged. The first layer of the necklace had a simple elegant heart and the second had her new initials “CLS.” My sister loved it so much.

Monica was so generous and threw in a stunning personalized ring for me as well. I wear it everyday and receive so many compliments on it. She is so accommodating and you can tell she genuinely cares about getting her customers exactly what they want.

Follow VSJ on Twitter and Facebook!

vjs

Vintage Stamp Jewels

Vintage Stamp Jewels
5 Comments
April 17, 2014 by
Fashion

Ultimate Guide to Formal Dress Shopping Online

Formal Dress Shopping

Formal Dress Shopping

It’s the best time of the year: FORMAL SEASON! That’s right! Whether you’re in a sorority or plan on getting yourself invited to a fraternity’s formal, this is your ultimate guide to finding the perfect dress online at an affordable price (tips, tricks, and favorite stores).

Here are some rules of thumb:
  • Look at the size chart every time and actually know your measurements. You won’t know how the dress will fit until you actually try it on, but this is the best way you can guestimate
  • Check the store’s return and exchange policy – many require you to pay postage. Look for stores (like the ones listed below) that offer free returns and exchanges.
  • Try to find stores with free shipping or discounts for first-time users
  • Google search coupons and promo codes for that store (RetailMeNot.com always has great ones!)
  • See if any sisters/friends want to buy with you if there’s a large shipping fee

tobi logo

Tobi is GREAT! This is my #1 recommendation by far. I ordered my semi-formal dress from here along with another dress as a backup. Not only did they ship incredibly fast (within a week!), but the dresses were such high quality. I love Tobi because they have something for everybody – from super scandalous cut-out dresses to modest work-appropriate dresses.

The main reason I ordered through them was because they offer free returns and exchanges. Also, they offer 50% off your first order AND free shipping! You just can’t get a better deal than that.

I do have to say though, their dresses do run small. I am usually a size small/medium in dresses, so I ordered a medium to be on the safe side. My dress was skin tight – which was fine, just not what I had anticipated. I would recommend ordering a size up. Worst case scenario, you can exchange it for free for the smaller size!


Nordstrom LogoI will always stand by Nordstrom. With free shipping and free returns, you know they are dependable. They are known throughout the industry to have the highest quality and customer service.

Mod Cloth

 

ModCloth is another super cute online shop with free returns and exchanges. Their dresses are unlike any you will see. If you buy a formal dress from here, I doubt anybody else at your formal will have the same one!

urban-outfitters-logoWho knew Urban Outfitters had free returns and exchanges? Not me! They have super cute dress options as well especially if you’re going for the more boho look (I’m looking at you, Little!)

Where are your favorite places to shop online?
11 Comments
April 15, 2014 by
Fashion

8:38 Designs Discount & Necklace Giveaway

Cali Love Necklace

8:38 Designs creates gorgeous handmade jewelry that can be personalized beautifully. The owner of the store, Leslie, was incredibly generous in sending me some of her stunning work. Oh and guess what else? If you enter promo code SMALLTOWNROOTS between April 14th-18th, you will receive 20% off her amazing designs! I also have a giveaway for the California Love necklace pictured, so keep scrolling! 

Cali Love Necklace

I adore the California necklace Leslie sent me. Since I am moving out of the state in the fall, I thought this would be the perfect item for a giveaway! The contest begins at 12 a.m. on 7/14 and ends at 12 a.m. on 7/21. Entry is extremely easy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

She has been working on expanding her state collection – her Arkansas bracelet was even featured on Country Living Magazine and the Valentine’s Day Etsy newsletter!

Leslie sent me California necklace and wrap bracelet at my request but then she threw in the bangles as a surprise for me! She is just so sweet and listens to exactly what you want in terms of personalization. I asked her to print C+R on the wrap bracelet for my sister Chloe and her finance, Ron. When I gave my sister this gift, she was so beyond thrilled!

The jewelry from 8:38 makes perfect gifts for people because it’s beautiful and easy to customize. There’s something really special about giving somebody you care about a personalized gift.

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I was provided with all of this jewelry from 8:38 free of charge in exchange for a blog post/shop review. All opinions are my own. 

 

 
26 Comments
April 14, 2014 by
Fashion

Romping in Hot Pink

Charlotte Russe

Charlotte RusseCharlotte Russe has some incredible new spring arrivals and this romper is no exception. I’m completely in love with everything about it from the hot pink color to the flattering shape to the lace accents. This is the first romper I’ve ever owned because I was convinced they were the least flattering thing for any woman with hips or thighs. However, I was pleasantly surprised when this fit me like  a glove and accentuated my small waist. It highlights my curves in all the right ways! The chunky chain bracelet I’m wearing is too cute and guess what? It is also from Charlotte Russe!

Romper: Charlotte Russe | Chain Bracelet: Charlotte Russe | Shoes: G by Guess | Blazer: Forever 21 | Watch: Kate Spade | Rings: Vintage Stamp Jewels and vintage

 

Charlotte Russe

Charlotte Russe

Charlotte Russe

 

Charlotte Russe sent me this romper and bracelet free of charge. They did not ask me to write a review. All opinions and images are my own.

 

 

 

 
13 Comments
April 12, 2014 by
Fashion

In Love with TexasRoots Boutique

Dress from TexasRoots Boutique

Texas Roots Dress

Who else is in love with this stunning dress from TexasRoots Boutique? I can’t decide what I love most about it – the bow back, mint color, or flattering shape.

TexasRoots has an incredible story behind it that I’ll share later in this post, so keep reading!

I have a few more posts featuring items from TexasRoots to be sharing with you over the next few weeks including a giveaway for a gift card! Be sure to stay tuned for that because I can’t wait to show you all more of these amazing pieces.

Dress: TexasRoots | Shoes: Forever 21 | Bracelets: Forever 21 | Earrings: Forever 21 | Pointer finger ring: Vintage Stamp Jewels | Middle finger ring: Vintage

Texas Roots Dress

Texas Roots Dress

I feel honored to share the story behind TexasRoots. Created by the lovely Kelsey Keefer in September 2013, the boutique has flourished into a great success. I came across Texas Roots by simply searching around on the internet for cute boutiques with country flair. When I found Kelsey’s shop, I fell in love with everything. From adorable dresses to unique accessories to even cool home decor, Texas Roots reflected my personal style right on point.

Kelsey took a break from college the second semester of her junior year to pursue her passion of opening up a clothing boutique. Being just twenty years old, Kelsey has a lot of life ahead of her and big plans for her future. When I’ve talked to her, she seems incredibly happy making a living doing what she loves. She enjoys every aspect of the challenge of building a business from scratch. When obstacles occur, it keeps her driven and motivated to always continue to learn and improve. To her, there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from a happy customer.

These are the kind of stories I love. Hearing about a woman my age starting her own business is so inspiring – it really motivates me to dream up some big plans for myself. When I hear success stories like this, I just feel so inspired.

Please check out TexasRoots and support this amazing woman. I can’t wait to see where she goes from here. Stay tuned for future posts featuring clothes from there coming soon!

Texas Roots Dress

 

 

This dress was provided to me by TexasRoots free of charge. All opinions are my own. 

 
12 Comments
April 11, 2014 by
Fashion Lifestyle

A Few Favorites

Charm and Gumption

Charm and Gumption Charm and GumptionMaybe because I love tea or cozy afternoons or just pretty things – but I LOVE cute mugs. Charm and Gumption has an abundance of adorable mugs with sayings like this one. There’s even one that says “What Would Beyoncé Do?” and other silly, inspirational, and pretty designs. Check it out – they have stationary, office supplies, cute prints, and more.

I’m also obsessed with my Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in “As You Want Victoria.” It’s the perfect shade for spring and actually hydrates your lips.

Finally, I really liked this copy of Cosmopolitan. It had a whole feature story about how to succeed more in all aspects of your life. I love when magazines like Cosmo surprise me like this – usually they’re full of dating tips and silly quizzes that will tell you what your kissing style is. It was a great article – I recommend checking it out!

 
5 Comments
April 8, 2014 by
Fashion

A-List Greek Giveaway

A-List Greek Giveaway

A-List Greek Giveaway

I’ve teamed up with A-List Greek to bring you an amazing giveaway! A-List Greek makes adorable sorority and fashion jewelry. Their pieces are perfect for big/little reveal, graduation, or birthday gifts! They can be customized for your sorority, which I love.

I received this Kappa Alpha Theta necklace from them and I never stop wearing it. It’s so simple and beautiful. I really appreciate how they incorporate the letters into our national symbol – the kite.

I highly recommend checking their store out! (Boyfriends of sorority women: you’d get super huge bonus points for shopping here…just a little hint for you)

The giveaway begins at 12 a.m. PT 4/7/2014 and runs until 12 a.m. PT 4/14/2014

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The Kappa Alpha Theta necklace I received is PERFECT!

1Win this necklace from A-List Greek

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with the Kappa Alpha Theta necklace free of charge and the blue heart necklace free of charge. The blue heart necklace was given to me for the purpose of a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

18 Comments
April 7, 2014 by