A Pinning + Shopping Story

So let's begin the story here. Because she's pretty and is dressed enviably. I saw this picture and quickly put myself to the task of hunting down a similar belt.

I found this brass belt. Bingo.

UPDATE: Thanks to Gaby I found this brass belt on ASOS and bought it. I mean for $26 might as well try...

Then I saw this picture.

And immediately went out and bought more lipstick. Because you can never have too many bright ass lipsticks. I guess some would disagree. But not me. My latest lipstick obsession? Urban Decay's Super - Saturated Hi Gloss Lip Colors. OMG. They are bomb. My two new colors are Punch Drunk and Crush. The girl who rang me up said she can't get enough of Crush, and also loves FBomb. The name is enough for me. I might order it too.

Upon seeing this next picture I decided to start on one of my resolutions, and invited friends over for meatball subs over the weekend. I used this recipe for the sauce and this alfredo recipe (to pour over the top of course). I totally just used frozen meatballs because I don't have that much time on my hands. It was delicious and a grand time was had by all. 

Later I spied this rug and immediately clicked over to eSaleRugs and made a purchase taking advantage of their 50% off sale. Unfortunately this rug was already sold.

  But I snagged this one :)

Lastly, I saw this embroidered closet by Allison Watkins and am smitten smitten. I now dream of her making one for me.

Whew. I'm exhausted :) Happy Monday, Everyone.

Hot Lips

Let's chat about the crazy hot Markus Lupfer Lip tops that everyone (okay, maybe not everyone) dreams of...

Right, they're hot. But the price tag? Well I wouldn't say they're inexpensive.

Sequin Lip Sweater: $418

Lilac Lip Sweater $495

Grey Dipped Back Lip Sweater $525

So then, I found this embellished lips top for just $38 by River Island.

Super cute. But how do you feel about this? Total rip off or okay since lip smacks have been around forever? Designs, ideas, layouts... they are copied and borrowed from all the time. Is it okay? What do you think?

The lovely modeling ladies images in the collage from top left clockwise: Harper & Harley, Urban Gear, Shopping the Trend, Fashion Bomb Daily, Lucky, Gal Meets Glam, This Time Tomorrow, Man Repeller, Gabe, Style.com

Hey 2013, I Resolve To...

You know what? I don't think that beginning a fresh year focusing on all that I need to fix and work on is really all that great of a way to start off. Rather, it's kinda depressing. So let's begin this post with the things that I already do that I feel pretty damn good about. 

In 2013 I resolve to continue...

1. Being optimistic.

The world is much prettier through rose tinted glasses. Just saying.

2. Focusing on my family.

Duh. They're my whole being.

3. Taking a time out with my friends.

I will always make time to be with them. We need each other. Especially after a long day.

4. Following my passion for blogging and sharing with you all. 

I love connecting you with her.

And that brand with that editor.

And that budding artist with that brand new fan. 

I asked Josh for one thing about me that he wants me to continue. In his words...

"Considering your shopping addiction, at least you try to buy "on sale"".

This one surprised me. I guess I have him fooled.

Do I have room to improve? Well, I guess I could start with being more honest with Josh about my shopping habits, ha! I mean, yes, I suppose I do love a good sale. But in all seriousness, I do have one resolution that really stands out in my head.

Shock 'em! Shock myself. I want to do something that is out of my comfort zone. That I wouldn't expect out of myself. And you won't expect it either. So be on the lookout. For what? No idea. But I'm really hoping it's grand enough that you'll be all like, oh snap, there she went and did it.

And I have a couple more resolutions, too...

1. Drop these extra pounds I gained in December before heading to ALT later this month.

It's not a lot, but it's enough that my clothes just aren't as comfy or look quite the same.

2. I'd like to do a lot more fun events with my kids.

The "get out of the house" kind of fun stuff. 

3. I want to entertain at home more.

We're settled now. Is the house how I want it yet? No, but who cares.

4. Not allow unsupportive peeps to get me down.

You know, the friends that don't seem to follow up or rarely acknowledge a success.
I will also focus more attention on my genuine friends.

 5. Focus on completion.

There are a million and one things I need to tie up. Let this be my kick in the ass.

Hey 2013, bring it!

If You Resolved to Stop Shopping This Year

Then what the hell are you doing here? Just kidding. Really though, you might wanna just skip this post.

If you didn't resolve to do such a thing, then you and I are like, shopping soul mates. And maybe you already know about the sales, but they're everywhere. Deals on such good, good stuff. Here are some of my sale favorites.

Can you even believe the prices? Here are some of my favorite shoes and accesories, too :)

Now through tomorrow night Shopbop is offering an additional 20% off of their sale collection with the code "EXTRAOFF". And let me tell you, the collection is e x t e n s i v e.  Happy investing :) Because if you're like me, you've resolved to "invest" in your wardrobe this year.