Show & Tell: Shopping

Two Monday's in a row for a link-up?! Well, okay then! *Okay, so I didn't quite make it to finish my post for the link on Monday so I'm doing it today!*

I used to be such a shopper. Loved it. Went a lot. I made my money and I would spend it. Not to the point of danger but I liked nice things, cute clothes and taking care of myself. Then I got older, married, bought a house and had a baby. Let's just say my shopping habits have calmed down. Quite a bit. Anyhow, I though it would be fun to chime in on the shop talk anyway.

1. Tell us your favorite stores to shop at.

My all-time favorite clothing store to shop at is Nordstrom. I love how nice their stuff is, the return policy and how organized everything always is. I can't stand shopping in a mess. I definitely don't shop at Nordstrom as much as I used to but if I do have some spare money or want to update with a couple items you can most likely find me there because I like to buy classic pieces that will last. I also enjoy going to Target. I'm sure this is a popular one but they usually have some in-style stuff for cheaper and I do think their items have gotten a little better quality. I also like a lot of their home items if I am looking for those kind of items.

2. What are you "signature pieces" to wear.. your go-to outfits?

I definitely wear jeans a lot. I actually just got a new pair of jeans that I would call everyday jeans. I have been lacking a pair of these for awhile so I was so happy to see when one of my favorite brands {Lucky} were at ... yes... wait for it...Costco! I am absolutely in love with them--perfect fit, perfect wash, just great! So, anyway, jeans and a sweater, jeans and a flannel or jeans and a cute zip-up are all at the top of my list for go-to fall/winter outfits!

3. Show us your style through pictures {of you or pinterest finds}.

Source: dressinterest.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Source: dressinterest.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Source: dressinterest.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Source: dressinterest.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Allyce on Pinterest

This kind of makes me laugh because there is a definitely pattern with all of these looks. I chose everyday looks and I like to think I branch out a little if I am dressing up or for different events. However, my everyday is pretty casual right now!

4. Show us your favorite celebrity style icons.

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5. If you had to spend money on clothes or home items, which would you choose?

For where I am at in life, I would definitely say home. We have a few remodeling-type projects we are looking forward to so it would be nice to have a little extra to spend on those!

6. Show us your favorite accessories.

Link to all

If I wore no other accessory other than earrings, I would be a happy girl. They complete me. Except, with an almost 11 month old my ears have been naked lately for fear she will rip my ear off. Sad.

7. Tell us in one sentence your philosophy behind shopping. {What makes you buy an item

How much will I use this?

Finally, Some Hair Bows

So when we found out we were having a girl, I didn't race out and buy tons of headbands, hairbows or accessories. I don't really know why. Don't get me wrong, I love a baby girl with a headband or hairbow just as much as the next person but I just didn't get the itch to do that.

Well, when I met my baby, she greeted us with a full head of dark hair. To me, right away, that distinguished her as a girl. I don't know why I thought that because I know there are a lot of boys born with lots of hair to but for some reason, I still didn't accessorize her head much.

I also would always think,"Oh, we are just at home, we don't need to put anything on her head," or ,"I don't want to put something on her head and then have her rub it off in her carseat or have it irritate her." I think I just didn't have a lot of logical thought for awhile, so let's face it, my cute baby girl, wasn't accessorized much. She also wore a lot of jammies. Hey, it was winter, okay?!

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I was checking out one of my favorite daily reads she talked about one of her sponsors and a really cute website to get hair accessories. Okay, I will also confess right now, I think that a lot of hair accessories for babies are way overpriced. Hence, my new love for Polkadot Posies! Her products are great quality, inexpensive and I ordered them, I think on a Monday or Tuesday and they arrived that Friday. I ordered two headbands and three bows that can be interchanged. My total, with shipping was around $10. Awesome.

Excuse this cell phone pic. Just wanted to get
one of the actual model! ;)

I really would love to be creative like this girl and make cute hair accessories {I mean, seriously, her bows are the cutest!} and, guess what? I bought some supplies to do so thinking it would be nice to have a quick and easy craft during Eleanor's naptimes but then she starting the whole napping-on-mom-quite-often thing so that hasn't worked out quite yet. I did make her a quick clip one day:

Anyway, I was not compensated to write this, I don't even know who is behind Polkadot Posies, but I just wanted to share my find, it's cuteness and affordability and thank AP!

WILW: Spring!

I am linking up with this lady today to declare that I am loving all things spring! Spring is such a fun time of year with winter slowly coming to an end, little peeks of bright sun here and there, a fresh new season and fun, bright colors.

First of all, I am loving that we got some seeds started inside and are already seeing sprouts.

I love these fun jars-turned-vases. I am definitely trying to do some in some springy colors.

Source: thecsiproject.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Love this fun top with a cute cardigan over.

Source: when-im-older.tumblr.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Definitely a good spring nail polish color.

Source: nailstah.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Layers work well here for spring.

Source: wendyslookbook.com via Allyce on Pinterest

I think I have posted this before but I still love it: cute ol' rain boots.

Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Allyce on Pinterest

Yum, asparagus.

Source: simplyrecipes.com via Allyce on Pinterest

I am also loving:

::having more motivation to work out.

::borrowing library books on my Kindle.

::feeling more like myself.

Go link up, it's fun!

The Oscars, E and Me

I actually watched a whole Academy Awards show. I always think I am going to watch a full awards show and then I don't. It may be on but I'm not really paying attention, or I completely miss it, or one year our friends had an Oscar party so I wasn't really paying attention to the show much because we were busy having fun.

Last night Ben had two basketball games so E and I stayed home and enjoyed the awards show. Well, she kinda babbled on, rolled around, fussed and I watched the show. I could probably say that I could just watch the red carpet and skip the show. I like all the interviews better than listening to a bunch of categories.

Anyway, here are a few of my favorite red carpet looks:

I just love Emma Stone. I have liked her in all movies I have seen her in and liked her even more after she presented last night. I thought she was down to earth, funny and not too over the top. She was trying to lighten the mood. I wish more of the presenters could throw a little more humor in the mix. And her dress was gorgeous.

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Michelle Williams seriously does not age. This haircut is beautiful on her, the lips, the eyes and of course the dress. I think she looked wonderful and just like a star. I really want to see My Week With Marilyn.

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I don't know if I love this dress but Jessica Chastain's hair and make-up were literally flawless. Her skin is so beautiful and she looked just like a doll. She wore the dress beautifully, I just don't know if I would ever choose it.

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I always love Natalie Portman and last night was no exception. Beautiful, classic and timeless.

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Those were just a few of my favorites. I would have to say that next year for the Oscars I will most likely tune in for the red carpet coverage and for the last hour of the show for the big awards. It is fine to have on in the background but it just isn't quite entertaining enough to hold my attention for too long.