I hate spending a lot of money on sandals. No matter how much you spend on them they will be dragged through sand, doused with sun tail oil, drenched in chlorine – ultimately meeting their demise at the end of every season. These three pairs are stylish and cheap!

Jessica Simpson Dusty Blush Jaqcui Flip Flops: I found these cute braided flip flops with rhinestones at Marshalls for under $30

Yellow Box Jessica Flip Flops: Nope these aren’t the $195 Tori Burch Sandals – but you could have fooled me!

Merona Emily Braided Strap Gladiator Sandal: My co-worker just grabbed this adorable pair at Target for her upcoming trip to Jamaica! I cannot believe they are just $15!

What are your favorite sandals this spring?

Hope you guys enjoyed my short little style post!

Everything I’m wearing I got from Marshalls!

{top + bottom: Marshall’s (fave store)} * I finally found the perfect tribal leggings and chambray shirt. I have been looking EVERYWHERE and managed to find them at a decent price (both under $15 each).

{both tops: JC Penneys} *I am really loving mint green and teal for spring and summer and found this shirt at JCP. I can’t wait to start styling it with different pieces in my closet. 

{All shorts: Hollister} *They were having a 50% off clearance sale this weekend and I managed to snag there new bottoms (all from clearance) just in time for spring and summer! I have been looking for high waisted shorts everywhere but they were all over $40 but I managed to snag these at under $20 each.

{dress: Urban Outfitters} *This is my graduation dress! I had found one earlier with my mom but when I wondered into UO, I just fell in love with it. Although it was a bit pricey for me, I splurged because hey a girl only graduates college once and I rarely do major splurges on myself (I am a bargain shopper!).

{MakeUp Forever: With summer coming up, I wanted to get a new foundation to combat my oily skin. I heard so many great reviews about MakeUp Forever that I was excited to try it. I will do a review later on how it worked on my skin}

{From left to right: Rouge Volupte – 09 Rose Caresse; Rouge Volupte Shine – 14 Corail in Touch; Rouge pur Couture – 09 Rose Stiletto}

{I splurged a little bit on makeup too but Sephora was doing a 15% off everything sale this weekend so I jumped at the opportunity. I never really splurge on high end makeup (I am a drugstore makeup kinda girl) but I just wanted to this one time because my sister gave me a gift certificate that I’ve had since Christmas but I never really found anything I wanted till now. This will probably be the only post for a while with high end stuff.}

Well thats all I bought this weekend. I hope you enjoyed my haul and found some new inspiration for spring/summer. I never really spend like this but this weekend was special because it was shopping for graduation. Until next time … XO

** Leave a comment if you guys have used any of the makeup products or what trends you are excited to try this summer!

Black and white outfits are one of my favorite pairings. It’s classic and chic and when you’re someone like me who just one day decided to wear all variations of said color, it doesn’t come off as a hot mess. Aside from the hair, because that deserves a whole different topic on its own. Oh wait…. matter of fact I did right here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Dress-Thrifted/Sweater-Target/Glasses-Rayban/Heels-Dolce Vita via Marshalls/Scarf-H&M/Belt-Ann Taylor/Cuff-J.Crew

Ahhhhh..is it seriously Monday already? My my, does the weekend just fly by like a blink of an eye or what? If it’s any consolation, I hope it kicks off to a good start. As always, thanks for reading!

-Doan

{Yellow sweater: Marshalls (similar here) // leather jacket: La Marque // bag: R&Em (c/o Little Black Bag, similar here) // green jeans: H&M (similar here) // boots: Lucky Brand via Marshalls (similar here)}

I so wanted it to be warm this weekend but it was still chilly. So unfair that nice weather only sticks around during the work week, right? Anyways, I think it’s safe to put my puffers and furs in storage (please, please don’t get that cold again NYC) and stick to lightweight jackets from now on.

I wore this to brunch on Saturday. I love the color of this sweater that I found last weekend at Marshalls for just $15. It’s also got a kind of sporty-chic vibe going on with perforations.

Anyways, happy April 15th! Hope you have all finished your taxes!

The DC weather is seriously warming up and it’s almost warming up so fast that I’m not sure how to dress! I was afraid that the temp would drop drastically as the sun went down so I quickly threw on some jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt and a light jacket. Both the jacket and t-shirt are from Old Navy and definitely spring staples in my wardrobe! Plus I’m loving the teal color, seems to make me smile just a little bit more.

Tshirt (similar here and here)/ Jeans, via Marshall’s (similar here or in a bright polkadot version here)/ Jacket, Old Navy (old)/ Purse, Coach (vintage)/ Sunglasses, Tory Burch (here)/ Wedges, Dollhouse (old)/ Earrings, Forever21

While cleaning my shoes today (yes, I do regularly wipe down and polish my shoes on Sundays… call it soul, er, “sole” cleansing) I came upon an epiphany. If I continue doing a shoe from my collection on a weekly basis, I’ll run out of Sunday “Shoe of the Week” posts before the end of the year. That means my blog expires in less than a year! While I would love to feature a shoe per week for many years on end, I am no Imelda Marcos. Although for the record, she did state “I did not have three thousand (3,000) pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty (1,060).” There it is, she could write a shoe blog for 20 years without featuring the same shoe.

Yesterday I visited Marshalls, a store offering designer items at a discount. Marshalls finally ventured onto the Canadian retail scene on April 4th 2013, when they opened 7 stores across Canada. This particular store just opened in South Vancouver and can be found on 8137 Ontario Street (at the intersection with Marine Drive). We drove into the new complex housing a Best Buy and Canadian Tire (Starbucks was there too!) and checked out the new Marshalls. My first impression was that this store very much resembled Winners, another designer discount store. To the left of the entrance was the Shoe Section, where I instantly made a beeline towards. My attention was captivated by a “Wall of Designer Lust”. Gucci! Dior! Valentino! Tod’s! Coach! This wall section had only luxury shoes from high-end designers. I saw a group of women just standing before the wall, obviously drawn to it like flies to honey. We all stood there… transfixed. Mesmerized. Everyone murmured how expensive the retail price tag was on these shoes. No one dared to touch the display shoes, for fear of ruining the moment. I, of course, instantly snapped a couple of pictures and slipped the Valentinos on my feet. YOLO (You Only Live Once). That started the shoe frenzy, lol. Fun times.

The first picture features a Dior patent leather sandal with stiletto high heels. It has a noticeable leather covered platform and a T-strap (very trendy for this spring) design with 3D metal and leather cutout flowers adorning it. In the middle of the central flower was a “CD” logo imprinted into the metal button, in case you missed it was “Deee-Orrrrrrr”. Leather insoles and leather soles. The black patent leather was so shiny it was simply scrumptious!

Retail = $700

Discount Price = $499.99 Canadian plus 12% tax = $559.99

The second picture features a Valentino rockstud leather slingback sandal, also with stiletto high heels. Favorite child of fashion bloggers and fashion magazine editors alike, this strappy nude sandal with gold-tone studded leather straps captured my heart. We all know that nude skintone colored shoes elongate the line of one’s leg, giving a slimming effect that is usually best achieved by lengthy sessions on the treadmill. Instant long legs? Yes, please.

Retail = $550

Discount Price = $399.99 Canadian plus 12% tax = $447.99

Now, the real question begs to be asked and answered. Are these discounted prices really a great deal? Could you not find the same prices at Holt Renfrew during their seasonal sales? What about shoe sales on websites that offer online shopping to Canadians like Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom? Ebay? I walked away from the store empty handed that day. The shoes are absolutely beautiful… on the shelf.

As a reward, I bought myself some clothes that actually fit =)

New Clothes Make Me Feel So…

My first goal weight goal is only three pounds away! I feel like I’ve come such a long way from the 163lbs that I was back in October. Feels good =)

I’ve realized throughout this process that the little things like saying ‘no’ to that delicious piece of candy or second helping and choosing water over pop really do go a long way in making a better you. Not only have I made healthier choices but I’ve also gained some self respect and discipline back.

My confidence has gone through the roof and it can only go higher.

Only you can make the decision to do your best and become better than before. Don’t let life’s circumstance provide a lane of excuses for you to stumble along in.

Have to raise kids? Me too. Have a job(or a few)? Dido. Have homework, projects, ect. to do. Trust me, I know. YOU are important. Don’t cheat yourself away from greatness.

Be your best self.

The details of each of the outfits will also be below the pictures. If you have any comments or suggestions, leave them below!

{scarf + watch: Target; top: Marshall’s; blazer: H&M; bottoms: Zara; shoes + bracelets: Old Navy}

{top + bottoms: Marshall’s; sandals and purse: Target; tank top: Sears}

I live for sunshine, blue skies and warmth, there is something about spring and summer that induces an internal happiness.

Tis the season to get pedicures and start looking for cute sandals! For anyone that is familiar with Boscovs department stores they are having their annual Buy one pair of shoes get one for $1.00 sale on April 20th. Ill be scoping the goods this week… I’ll share my finds, stay tuned!

Some of the trends this year are:

•Wedges(always a fan favorite)
•Metallics (jewelry for your feet)
•Black and White (your new neutral, wear with anything)
•Nude (the answer to “what shoes should I wear- nude sandals are a no brainer)
•Pops of Color (for anyone who has a very neutral wardrobe. Colored shoes are the easiest way to update your daily outfits)

Here is a little ‘Shoe-spiration’ for your spring shopping!

(All shoes pictured above can be found on www.piperlime.com

The photo above is the latest edition of my room makeovers. I’m a big fan of parisienne, as you can see.

I love this color scheme, it’s super relaxing and very chic at the same time. I bought the brown comforter (which is extremely think and soft, by the way) at Walmart for about $17. The body pillow was just old stuffing that I put into a suede-textured case that I purchased at Walmart for $4! The two pink flower pillows were from Hancock fabrics for $12 each, and the C’est Moi pillows were around $18-$20 each from TJ Maxx. The Couture magazine covers were from Home Goods, about $30. The “Gorgeous” and Eiffel tower with heart stickers were about $23 all together. The bedside lamp was $21 at Target, and you can stack books in the base.

The cat is free, but you probably won’t find one that awesome anywhere.

I love Walmart, Target, and Tx Maxx because if you are shopping for a color scheme, especially pastels- you are are likely to get a great selection of well made products that are very inexpensive compared to even shopping at a Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

I posted this, #1, to show you where you could get a cute chic Parisian set up, and #2, because I was so proud of it.
Also, my cat looks pretty gorgeous here.

I got this little number at Marshall’s a couple years ago and it’s still going strong as a summer staple. It looks great over every pair of pants and under every layering piece and it’s comfy and pretty but casual and UGHH!! I can’t get enough of it. I also wore my red All Stars and threw on the little green cardigan I got at the Salvation Army on Saturday because I’m falling in love with it too. 

Perfect for an evening at the theatre!!

Why do we use the phrase, “smile, say cheese” when taking pictures…”CHEESE” really, isn’t there another word in the English language that makes you wanna smile?

#1 son is my photographer and all he does is point and shoot, he never tells me to say “cheese” or “smile or even “hold in your stomach” (which is obvious in these pics), so this morning I decided not to smile and this is what we got.

How does your photographer get you to smile?

Look at these legs – they need some sun badly!

I am so thankful for yet another beautiful day which makes it hard not to smile!

Linking up today with Katherine’s Corner and Thankful Thursday – come on over and meet a new blogger.

Have a fantastical afternoon – Smooches!

]]> http://smilingaswespeak.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/work-it-girl/ Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:08:44 +0000 smilingaswespeak http://smilingaswespeak.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/work-it-girl/ i have been working since the age of seventeen ( more or less). 

my first REAL job, besides babysitting/petsitting, was for Wal-Mart.

I was seventeen, a senior in high school, & working a part-time job. at first, this was incredibly overwhelming, but I loved it. I did eventually quit a couple months before my high school graduation because I was becoming behind in my AP english class, & that class meant A LOT to me, & since Wal-Mart is such a huge corporation, they wouldn’t allow me to work under ten hours a week, so I was outta’ there! 

I graduated high school at the age of eighteen, & I was unemployed for a good while. almost a year to be exact. 

until I found Rita’s. 

Rita’s is a water ice corporation that is mainly set up on the east coast. new england & a little ways south! 

we sell water ice of all delicious flavors, & custard. custard is like soft serve ice cream BUT A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER. OH MY GOSH. it’s thick, creamy, doesn’t melt, & ADDICTING.

we even mix the two together & call it a gelati! 

but I started to work there right when I turned nineteen. I worked there for the entire summer. the first month that I worked there I was apart of the ‘treat team’, which meant I was like the cashier/made the treats. but shortly after being there a little over a month I was promoted to manager! it was so exciting! so now I make the ices, count the register, open/close the store, & fill up the custard machines! it’s so much fun, really.

as fall was approaching, I was scurrying around, trying to find a job to have in the fall/winter.

I applied to Marshalls, & was quickly accepted.

Marshalls in apart of the TJX companies! it’s a GREAT store!

I was a cashier there & I loved it. I LOVE RETAIL. that sounds so silly to say, but it’s true. I am in love with clothes, & ringing them up, & hanging them up, & everything! 

I LOVED working there. but I did end up leaving early of last year after being there for almost two years.

if the hours/pay were just a tiny bit better, I’m sure I would still be there. 

so last summer, I worked at Rita’s almost eighty hours a week. I basically lived there. it was a lot of fun. 

but since the summer ended, I’ve been unemployed. 

Rita’s is starting back up in a couple of weeks, so I will be employed once again, & will be farewelling my social life, but I’m thinking of getting a second job.

I have two interviews this friday. 

I hope they work out & work with me around my summer job, but if not, I will always have Rita’s!

I love to work & be around people. I love being productive & feel as though I am contributing in some way. hey, money is nice too!

(: 

Today would have been my sister’s 50th birthday and as kids I would call her “Glori” , so what could have been a gloomy day turned out to be a Glori-ous one, my Angel still shines brightly - Rest In Heaven Glori!

It took a little longer to get dressed this morning because I’m still not wearing heels and the weather forecast called for temps in the 80′s .  As much as I wanted to break out the summer gear I held back.  Decided on this thrifted polka dot skirt from GW Boutique, red sleeveless top from Ross or TJ Maxx/Marshalls and Red Stripped Wedge shoes from Avon.

Silver Accessories from my jewelry box

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde (WIWW) - come on over and meet a new blogger

Enjoy the rest of your day – Smooches!

This is going to be a short outfit of the day because my camera was dying, we were running late, and my mom was behind the lens. One of her close friends had her baby shower this past weekend and I was SO excited to get dressed up for it. I actually stalked this dress for 25 minutes while the girl at Marshalls was putting new items on racks and I was scared (of what I don’t know) to go up and pull it off the rack before she put it out. It’s a combination horizontal stripe and vertical striped fit and flare mini dress which is super flattering. The styling options are truly endless for this dress, but I kept it neutral with a chunky black statement necklace and crazy high nude wedges. If you haven’t checked out my Fabulous 100 Follower Giveaway with a $100 Hope’s Giftcard and wonderful monogram notecards from Harriet Ann Creative!! 

Dress: Marshalls (I like this one and this one!) // Wedges: Forever21 (similar to these Steve Madden’s) // Necklace: Banana Republic (Even chunkier!)

Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon // Toes: OPI Do You Lilac It

Remember to check out my 100 Follower Giveaway!!

xx – Dan

Opening weekend at Comerica Park and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful Sunday. Although the Tigers suffered a crushing loss to the Yankees (payback for having swept them in the American League Championship Series last fall and nearly sweeping them again this past weekend…?), it was a gorgeous day and one that gave Detroiters a welcome glimpse of the warm, sunny spring to come (eventually).

Go Tigers!

Photos by Alex Stencel

On a side note… it’s crazy uploading this pics and seeing me with long hair. If you follow me on instagram you know that I spontaneously cut off 6 1/2 inches and so far haven’t regretted my decision!

Dress, Anthropologie (another option here)/ Faux Leather Bomber, sisters via TJ Maxx/ Booties, Steve Madden (I wore these my entire trip!)/ Wallet, Cynthia Rowley via Marshalls (similar found here in a clutch version)/ Ring, purchased at a boutique in Abbott Kinney/ Earrings, Kate Spade (here)/ Nail Polish, OPI Bare My Soul

One of our passions here at Abby Services is bizarre holidays. Well, April 9th is Name Yourself Day.

I’m the kind of girl who always wanted a cool nickname. Guess who never got a cool nickname, Me.

Today we came up with our own nickname/name. Today Jaimee is known as “Brooke” and Alyssa is “Jane“.

We’d love to hear what names you come up with!

Brooke

Black Dress – White House Black Market Here

Turquoise Shoes – Merona Here

Jane

Floral Shirt – Unkown Similar

Tan Capris - LC Lauren Conrad Similar

Brown Heels - Sarah Jane

Remember, Always Dress for Success

What I’m wearing… Pants, J.Crew (found here)/ Chambray, via Marshalls/ Necklace, via TJ Maxx (similar found here)/ Shoes, Dollhouse (crushing on these)/ Purse, J.Crew (sold out but similar found here)/ Jean Jacket- borrowed from my sister