So what are your thoughts on mules? A mule is generally a closed toe, slide shoe. Truth be told, I really hated when this trend came back. And very quickly I succumbed to it…..and I have at least 6 pair these days! I love the slip on factor, and the fact that these shoes can transition from spring all the way through the fall! So I rounded up my favorite mules in a variety of colors and materials to get ya’ there! Here are my favorite summer mules under $50.
If you’re on a budget, my suggestion for a more micro investment would be a cognac brown or black pair, and a metallic pair for a great accent to any outfit. ….and truth be told, I can’t live without my snake print… (more evidence here). Shoes priced under $50 that will get me through almost 3 seasons seems like such a bargain!
What are your thoughts on my picks of summer mules under $50? Do you think the trend will stick? Be sure to follow me on instagram and the Like to Know It platform to keep up with all my latest looks!
Hey Friends! Can you believe it’s time to begin thinking about winter weather?? Well, I can because it’s already snowed 3 times in Denver this year! Thought I’d take a minute to share with you a few of my Winter Weather Necessities (and favorite accessories) that are great to have on hand, and are great for gifting too! The holidays will be here before we know it. Yikes!
A Good Pair of Snow Boots
Whether you’re on your way to a ski vacation or maybe you just moved to a colder environment, a good pair of waterproof snow boots is a must. I have experimented with a few brands, and by far Sorel boots are my favorite. They’re both warm and functional, and truly water proof in 10 inches of snow! Because I live in a climate where we get sometimes 10+ inches of snow in ONE. DAY. so I prefer a mid-calf height.
A Functional (and hopefully fashionable) Parka
I had no idea what would happen to my cold-weather coat situation when I moved to the mountains – well, close to the mountains. It quickly became essential to upgrade my winter coat game. I like down jackets (or down alternative) because of the warmth they provide. Also, I prefer it a little longer, just because it provides that much more coverage. Here are a few of my faves.
One thing I’ll add, as a bargain shopper, I found it difficult to commit to the cost of a truly warm jacket. I’d expect to spend around $150 for a warm, functional jacket, and if you can get it on sale for that price – even better!
A Great Hat, Scarf & Gloves – gotta keep every part of you warm!
I’ve never really been a hat girl, but when they’re functional, They’re SO important and truly help keep you warmer. I keep a beanie in the pocket of my ski jacket for post-helmet hat hair too. Functional AND fun. 🙂 Here are a few of my faves. For warmth, I’m partial to beanies. An easy way to add some personal style to a sometimes drab snowy landscape is a bold pattern or pop of color with your accessories. Personally, I love anything leopard print, snake print, or a large printed pattern, like houndstooth.
A Stellar Collection of Layering Pieces
Talk about winter weather necessities and “layers” ought to be the first word that comes to mind. Whether it’s a vest, a fleece pullover or base layers (formerly long underwear) these are a must, especially on a mountain vacation or ski trip! The black base layers are a bargain from Academy even at full price! I personally own the teal Stoic brand, and the quality & warmth has been awesome for skiing.
Have y’all seen all these animal prints coming out for fall??! What do you think?? I can’t get enough!
I did a quick roundup of all things snakeskin for you and am posting below! I’ve had a little obsession with snake print shoes, but I don’t discriminate against types of clothing or accessories…
Full disclosure, I’ve been incorporating animal prints into my wardrobe for quite a while. Leopard is a neutral, right?! [PS be sure to check out my favorite leopard finds for the season, here.] Well, so are all things snakeskin. I included a bunch of budget friendly options – some from boohoo.com, and some from Amazon. You can even pick up some locally, as many of these are from Express!
I love incorporating a good snake print shoe, because they go with almost any outfit. These are a few of my faves for the season:
Have you looked into wearing snake print? Too bold? Nah- you can do it! Pair a bold printed skirt with a sleek suede or leather jacket and some solid booties. One thing I’m sure to do, is balance my looks. I don’t breach too far on the wild side – ha! Pardon the pun! – so I’m conscious to pair a bold tunic top, or dress with some solid colored or subdued bottoms, shoes and accessories.
What are some of your favorite fall accessories for the season?? I’d love to hear!
You know I love a good pun! 😉 I don’t know about you but my feed has been overflowing with lots and lots of leopard print for the fall, so I wanted to share a few of my affordable faves with you all. Shop the post below by clicking on the item.
I had a discussion with a friend yesterday who told me that she had just bought her FIRST – yes you read that correctly, FIRST pair of leopard shoes – or leopard anything! I was floored, since most of the time I find myself removing a leopard item rather than adding one! haha.
Most of these items I’d pair with a neutral color palette, and could easily be worn to work! I treat leopard like a neutral, though since it can be a bolder print, I tend to tone down the rest of my outfit when I tone up the leopard. Check out my like to know it posts for a visual. But if you’re really adventurous, pair the leopard with a bright or bold statement color to really make a fashion statement!
Many of these pieces are under $30 and so affordable to add to your summer into fall transition wardrobe. I linked a few extra leopard trending items below if you’re looking for some summery items. What are you wearing that’s spotted?!
Hi again friends!, Today I’m sharing some of my current favorite beauty finds with you i.e. the routine I use every day! I received a complimentary Smashbox Foundation to trial via @influenster, and that sparked the idea for this post! PS all items are linked via clicking the graphics below.
The Face: create a great canvas!
First let’s talk foundation – since that was the beginning of it all. Well wait – first apply the Smashbox primer which is just a stellar product. You only need about a pea sized amount for your entire face, and your products will stay on allllll day long.
Now we can talk foundation. The Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage claims to be waterproof, sweat-resistant, and full coverage. In addition to full coverage for 24 hours. I have trialed this foundation for a few days now and am nothing short of impressed! It definitely stayed on all day, and even looked good after my workout! This has a very defined matte finish – which I love – and you only need the tiniest amount for application of your whole face. I used a squeeze about the size of a tic tac! I do recommend application with a foundation brush vs a sponge. I trialed both, despite the product recommendation for applying with a stippling brush, and the coverage with the brush definitely looked nicer! I’m wearing color 2.12, a light neutral.
7am, just applied…so tired …lipstick needed.
midnight, time for bed!…so tired again
After the foundation I follow with a concealer. I’ve been using tarte cosmetics shape tape concealer for about a month and am in LOVE! I don’t see that this product seeps into the tiny creases under my eyes, and it applies more like a salve with a beauty blender.
After the foundation & concealer I set it with a finishing powder. This one’s great, and very inexpensive. Check out my previous post on budget beauty buys for more details.
The Cheeks – Add a little color!
Along with the setting powder, I also included the e.l.f contour palette, in my previous post about budget buys. This palette only contains 4 colors which makes it so easy to use for amateur makeup artists like myself!
For cheeks, blush is a must for my routine – I think I look a little lifeless without it! I love the NARS product line, and trend toward more of an orange color myself.
The Eyes – the windows to the soul, or so they say!
I was introduced to several of these products through beauty subscription boxes …. surprise! I love the it cosmetics universal brown eyebrow pencil because they literally have a single color to choose from!! Takes all the work out of it! And the fact that it has a smoothing brush on the opposite side makes it easier to find your tools! 😉
I love ALL of the naked palettes for a super basic eye color, and shared this one specifically because it is 100% matte colors. I use this regularly, so much that I usually run out of my two favorite colors to blend.
Lastly, Eye Liner & Mascara – I’m a big supporter of liquid liner. This felt-tipped option seems to last forever and is so easy to use – it’s like a marker! I have it in both black & brown. And the Mascara, I often switch up, but I love this product because it makes your lashes so full & fluffy.
The Cleanser – I swear by this Aveeno Foaming Cleanser and the L’Oreal Eye Make up remover, and have for years. Though this foundation is “waterproof” it comes off so cleanly with the Aveeno Cleanser & I always seem to be removing my mascara with Q-tips to avoid rubbing my eyes. Great for cleanup!!
Have you tried any of these products before? Do you swear by any of these in your own beauty routine? Share your favorite beauty finds with me! 😉 I’m always looking for a great new product to incorporate.
I realized I have a handful of weddings this summer so what a better opportunity than to shop! (I know, right?, from the girl whose closet is practically overflowing…) I wanted to share a few affordable dresses for Wedding Season! or really any semi-formal occasion of the summer 😉 And generally my definition of “affordable” is under $50!
Polka Dots – Super in for the season, and SO many colors & styles to choose from. Considering these recommendations are for wedding guest dresses you wouldn’t want to outshine the bride! So I linked a few subtle options.
Oversized / Prominent Buttons – Super in for the season! And I’m hoping these stay in style for a while, because I’ve invested in ….let’s say a few!
Jumpsuits – I love a good romper but struggle with jumpsuits due to the length of the inseam (I’m 5’10” just as a reminder) But these are certainly cute enough and fancy enough to jazz up for a summer wedding!
Midi Dresses – Not a maxi / Not a mini / Not even knee length… I didn’t think these would be my thing because I feel like below the knee dresses kind of cut off the leg line. That was until I wore one. Love, love, love!
Lilac – Ok so this may not be the color of the year, but I’m obsessing over it for one of the weddings I’m attending in a few weeks! I love these couple choices from Nordstrom & Macy’s. The AX option runs large, so I’d order a size down. The one I wore fits TTS.
The Little Black Dress – A twist on a classic LBD – Honestly, can you ever go wrong with an LBD? Love the extra detail that these selections offer!
