Dressed for Time | Spring and Summer Style Tips from a Chicago blogger

Aid Through Trade Beaded Bracelets Giveaway

December 18, 2017

This post was sponsored by Aid Through Trade. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Hi, loves!
I’ve just returned from my first Staycation with the SoCal Blogger Babes and I have to say, I am happily wiped out! We made so many fun stops all around Costa Mesa, and I look forward to sharing all of the details on here soon!
I’m excited to share this look with you all, first because I adore it for this still in-between weather we’re experiencing, but also because it was shot by my boyfriend! I was warned by several of my blogging friends that they’ve had less than pleasurable experiences being directed by their S.O. but we actually had a blast and I took him out to lunch after.
I built my look around these “rose all day” bracelets from Aid Through Trade. They reached out a little while back and let me choose any of the stacks on their website, and these instantly grabbed my attention. I love that the stack has some shine and shimmer to it, but isn’t super showy. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a bold statement piece on the regular, but I also like pieces that whisper instead of shout.
The best part of Aid Through Trade, aside from their adorable and versatile roll-on bracelets, is the message behind them. They are created by over 200 female artisans in Nepal, and every purchase helps provide them with a fair income and benefits in a safe work environment. Nothing is better than a company that strives to give back and improve lives!
I’ll be doing a giveaway for any roll-on stack on the Aid Through Trade website starting tomorrow! Head on over to my Instagram for all of the details.

Vest / Daniel Rainn (similar) // T-Shirt / old // Jeans / Mavi USA // Bracelets c/o Aid Through Trade // Sandals / JustFab // Bag / Forever 21

Plaid Swing Dress & Studded Ankle Booties

December 8, 2017

This post is sponsored by Gozon. Items were sent to me for reviewing purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hello, loves!
Long time, no post. Sorry that I’ve been a little silent on here, but if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll already know why! I’ve been an active member of the SoCal Blogger Babes community, attending a lot of their networking meet-ups, holiday parties, launch events, and hanging out with some of the baddest blogging chicks around! I truly do miss getting on here and sharing my stories, styling tips, and new outfit finds, and I’m happy to say that I will be back on a more regular basis.
First up on my roster of fall outfits, because the season has most definitely rolled in, is this adorable plaid dress from Gozon. I adore the muted shades of grey with the pop of the red stripes, and how easily it can be dressed up or down. I paired it with black tights, studded ankle booties and a lightweight trench, but I can easily see it with a glam statement necklace and heels. It also has pockets, so, winning!
I’ve started to look to Gozon for reasonably-priced basics and on-trend items, like ruffle-sleeve tops, high-neck dresses and crushed velvet everything. They also carry plus-size items, most of which are the same as the straight-sized styles, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. It’s so annoying when brands offer like 10 not-cute items in plus to say that they have a plus line, but Gozon offers hundreds of styles for the extra curvy babes, and just as adorable and of-the-moment. They’re also currently offering 30% off and free shipping with code GOZONCY30 at checkout.
Styling tip, the sizing runs on the roomier side for this brand. I’ve ordered a Large in everything so far, and I usually skew towards an XL but everything has fit just right.

What would a post from me be without at least one shot attempting a twirl?!
Dress c/o Gozon // Jacket / H&M // Ankle booties / Simply Be // Bag / Botkier // Necklace / Thrifted

Shot by Holli Z Photography at the Mitten Building.

November Adore Box

November 23, 2017

This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links or purchasing items through them may provide me with a small commission. Products in this post were provided to me for reviewing purposes.

Another month, another fun new subscription box to try out!
I recently received the November Adore Box and have had fun playing around with all of the goodies inside. To be completely honest, the knit headband isn’t totally my style but I know it will make a fantastic gift for one of my friends. That’s one of the things I’ve always loved about these subscription boxes… If there’s ever something in it that isn’t totally my style or I know that I won’t ever use it, I can store it aside for when someone’s birthday is almost forgotten, or I need a hostess gift on the fly.

I received in my box two skincare samples from Hippie Skin, and although they look small, the product is quite concentrated, so you really don’t need a whole lot. I’m always looking to try out innovative new skincare brands, and I’m excited to see what else this one has to offer. The little jars are also perfect for traveling!
I have not tried out the blister balm yet, because I tweaked my ankle and haven’t been able to wear heels recently, but I will definitely be utilizing it during these upcoming holiday months.

I would say that the most impressive item, and the one I will use the most often, is the cuticle oil pen from OPI. I have been doing the powder dip technique on my nails for the past couple months, and find that my cuticles do need a little extra love. This one is in a super convenient click-pen, with a brush that lets you disperse as much product as you want, where you want it. I can’t tell you how annoyed I get trying to squeeze out oil from a tube only to have it squirt out everywhere. Definitely a repurchase when I run out.

All in all, this box was worth the $15 it sells for and more, especially since I got to try out a new skincare brand, and have a gift for a friend in a pinch. If you’re interested in signing up for Adore Box, you can take 50% off your first month with code HALFOFF.

Paprika One-Shoulder Top and Shredded Denim

November 19, 2017

Hello, my lovely babes!
To be completely honest, I had never really been a fan of yellow or orange tones before this year. I feel that I am so fair, they usually wash me out. My theory hasn’t really changed on the golden tones, but I’m really starting to warm up to shades of rust, saffron, and persimmon. I think the richer hues are SO gorgeous for fall. I was surprised when I gravitated towards this top during a recent Nordstrom Rack “Steal the Rack” sale. I had been wanting to experiment more with the one-shoulder trend because I think it looks adorable on some of my fave babes on Instagram. This top was definitely a winner for under $10 during the sale!
I’ve found the way to make shades like this work is to pick a section on your body to focus the color, either the top or bottom, not both (like a dress). Neutrals like faded denim, black pants, or even a leopard print would work well with these tones, the reason why I styled this look the way that I did, also to keep from looking like a pumpkin 😉

Side note, I just returned from a party and overnight stay at Hotel Indigo in Downtown LA, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The rooms are so spacious and luxurious, with not one detail overlooked. We dined at the hotel restaurant, Metrapole, and I would say the popcorn shrimp is a must-try. It was almost like a mini stay-cation, since we are only an hour away, but didn’t want to worry about driving home after the party. I loved hearing the backstory of the design choices, from the art on the walls to the decadent touches in every room and the nods to Prohibition.

Top / Halogen at Nordstrom Rack (sold out) // Jeans / STS Blue from Stitch Fix // Necklace / eBay find // Clutch / Nordstrom // Shoes / Franco Sarto from Nordstrom Rack // Sunnies / Quay // Rings / LA finds

Shot by Holli Z Photography.

This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links or purchasing items through them may provide me with a small commission.