Category: Shopping

Converse Shopping

SadieLeave a comment

This blog is slowly turning into “stuff Sadie wants” but bear with me. I’ve had kind of a busy spring that has left little time for baking and other adventures, and I know Carrie has been busy getting the B&C ready to open for the summer. But I’m hoping for more diverse content this summer, so stay tuned!

On that note, I want new converse. Over the past probably five years or so, I’ve had personalized slip on Converse. The first pair was navy blue, and the second pair was grey. After a couple years of wear, they both eventually broke down and got a hole along one of the seams. So now I have my eye on a new customized pair.

This is what I’m thinking:

Converse

A mint color, gold eyestays, and a pink stripe on the back where my name goes. I think they’re fresh and fun, but still neutral enough to wear with most weekend outfits.

 

What do you think?

 

Shopping for Summer Dresses

SadieLeave a comment

I know it’s only starting to feel like spring but I’ve already got summer on the brain. I have a few weddings to attend this summer, and my new hobby is dress shopping. I’m having trouble making final decisions though, so I need some help.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • Probably printed or floral, because I’ve overdone the lace overlay trend, and I don’t want to look like a bridesmaid in a plain dress.
  • Somewhat structured, at least in the bodice. I dream of a big flowy maxi dress, but if it’s not cut well for me, I know it will look like a huge tent. So I need to be strategic.
  • Budget friendly, but not a cheap throw away dress. I have limited occasions for a non-work dress, so I don’t want to break the bank.

Here are some of the top contenders:

Anthrogreen

This maxi from Anthropologie seems interesting and summery even though it’s a darker green. It’s pricy at $198, so I’m wondering if it’s worth it.

anthrotier

Another one from Anthro. It’s a little less structured, but there’s a chance that the tier on top is flattering. I think it’s really pretty and priced pretty well at $128.

nordstromfloral

This one from Nordstrom seems like a perfect spring/summer luncheon/event dress. I love a sheath dress, and it’s a decent price at $118. I think I could even pull a day to night look with it if I had an event to go to right after work.

 

NordstromdressAnother Nordstrom dress by the same designer as the one above: Adrianna Papell. I like this because it’s a twist on the standard sheath with an interesting geometric print and different neckline. Also decent price at $118.

Nordstromdress2If I were to go a lace direction, I think this option is a nice spin to the standard lace overlay. I know it looks a little blobby in this picture, but I think up close, and in person it would look a little better. It’s another Nordstrom find at $138.

 

So the question is, what do I chose? What dresses or spring/summer trends are you gravitating towards this year?

 

The Self-Tanning Solution

CarrieLeave a comment

I have two weddings coming up in the next three months.  Due to my fair skin type, I am unable to tan by sitting underneath the sun’s bright rays.  It’s actually a blessing in disguise since skin cancer runs in my family to begin with.  Due to the fact that my sunburn will never turn into a tan, I have to resort to other means of tanning.

The Tan Spray Stall – In preparation for a wedding in the past, I went to a tanning salon with a friend.  Talk about comical.  The spray tan booth is simply intimidating.  I entered the booth completely naked which is always an uncomfortable situation for me even if there isn’t really anyone watching (although I always find myself seeking out the exact location of the hidden camera…I have yet to find one but I know it is somewhere!).  Then a little voice comes out of a speaker telling me which way to face and how to put your arms.  The 16 year old working there who tells me the positions before I go into the room is a pro so she glides right through it and I’m thinking “Where do I put my hands? Which way do I turn my body?”.  I basically know I’m screwed from the start.  The spray session takes about 8 minutes, which included the application of the bronzer.  There was so much liquid covering my body that I had to take paper towels and even the application out.  When I emerged from the room, my friend was laughing.  I looked like a raccoon in the dark.  The whites of my eyes were glowing.  They said not to take a shower until the next morning but I decided to nix that and I took my shower about 4 hours later.  I managed to get a pretty good tan without look too unnatural but I must say I was freaking out the whole time.  I thought I was going to have to scrub myself with a Brillo pad to remove an orange streaky tan.  Luckily, I was able to pull it off but I never want to experience that again.  You can tell I have a nice healthy glow in the pic below.

IMG_0294

St. Tropez Self-Tanner – My love of QVC comes in handy again.  Since I vowed never to go back to the spray tan booth, I decided I would have another go at the self-tanner.  I have tried Tarte’s version before but I don’t think it achieved the tan I was hoping for.  It just so happened that last week, one of the Today’s Special Values was St. Tropez Deluxe Self-Tanning Mousse.  I watched the presentation and saw instant results.  Needless to say it came yesterday and I made my first application this morning.  I made sure to exfoliate in the shower and then apply lotion to the areas I planned on applying the mousse.   I then applied the mousse evenly in a circular motion and saw instant results.  I am going to let it set for at least 8 hours before I take my next shower.  The results are amazing and I can’t wait to apply another round tomorrow to achieve an even darker richer color.  I don’t have any pics now, but I’ll be sure to post the wedding pics as soon as possible.  I can’t wait to go to this wedding in San Antonio with my beau (that’s for you, Karla).  Texas, here I come!

st. tropez