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

Anthropologie Top & Black Skinnies

February 21, 2016

DFT- Lipstick Picks - 13 I’ve been asked before where I would shop if I had an endless budget for my wardrobe. The store that always flashes to mind is Anthropologie. They have such a gorgeous collection of printed dresses, embellished blouses, midi skirts and fancy footwear (not to mention their home décor!), I don’t think I would ever get tired of shopping there. Spending $328 on a dress isn’t really where I’m at right now in life, just being honest, so I rarely walk out with a shopping bag after a lap around the store.
The one area where I really shine though, is finding a deal! I recently (like last week!) found some amazing pieces on the Anthropologie website, including this crochet-neckline striped/floral tee. Yes, there’s a lot going on, but in a black & white palette, it totally works. Keeping it simple with black skinnies and ankle-strap flats, this is the perfect casual chic look I’ve been gravitating towards. Read on for the rest of the outfit and my picks from the sale!

DFT- Lipstick Picks - 17 DFT- Lipstick Picks - 16 DFT- Lipstick Picks - 20 Top / Anthropologie // Skinnies / Old Navy // Flats / Sole Society // Bag / Botkier // Necklace & Ring / LA find

Pictures by Holli Zenko Photography.

I also used Raise to purchase a gift card for Anthropologie at a discount (and used a $5 coupon code on top of that!), AND the sale was on sale. This top ended up being about $20!

Amuse Bouche by Bite Beauty

February 20, 2016

I didn’t quite know what to expect when I received a box of Amuse Bouche by Bite Beauty lipsticks last week, but new pretty things to play around with always makes for a good day for me! I’ve amassed a bevy of lipsticks at this point, but was truly impressed by the pigmentation and long-lasting qualities of this new line.
The range of shades is incredible, from a 90’s-tastic mauve to deep garnet and big, bold reds. I received three shades from the brand – Pepper, Beetroot and Gazpacho, all of which are actually pretty amazing on my coloring since I’ve transitioned back to blonde hair!

Here I am touching up the shade Pepper, which in all honestly, I have no idea why they would name a muted satiny mauve lipstick Pepper, unless it was in reference to the band that was mildly popular in the 90’s, an era that this lipstick evokes for me, and I’m totally OK with it.
The lipsticks have a slight citrusy scent when applying, but I couldn’t really detect anything after a little while. I did find the formula to be slightly drying after a few hours and felt the need to search for some balm to add back moisture, even though they boast containing “12 edible oils” and “lip-quenching nutrients.” All in all, I would buy these lipsticks again in the more bold shades, such as Sorbet (Juicy Watermelon), or Radish (Deep Magenta) due to their staying power, but $26 for an everyday lipstick would be at the high end for me. Available at Sephora in 34 shades.

Items contained in this post were sent to me for reviewing purposes as part of my participation in the Influenster program, courtesy of Bite Beauty. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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Rebecca Minkoff Sale

February 6, 2016

I was thrilled to see that so many of the bags being offered up currently at the Rebecca Minkoff sale are in one of Pantone’s color of the year for 2016, Rose Quartz! I’ve always loved the softness of this shade and it’s inherent femininity. I’ve chosen my favorite bags (in this shade & others), jewelry and clothing from the sale to share..

Also, be sure to sign up for their email list for a extra 15% off, and eBates for an extra 4% off your order. If you haven’t signed up for eBates yet, you absolutely should! I’ve gotten $497.33 cash back thus far, and check it for codes and cash back every time I make an online purchase. Feel free to use my code here when signing up.

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

February 5, 2016

As much as I’d love to be one of those people who thinks Valentine’s Day is overrated, a commercialized non-holiday for corporations to make money, etc., I’ll admit I’m a total sucker for it. Everything heart-covered, pink & red decor, and the romantic fuzzy feelings I get from seeing flowers, candles, and a gorgeous dinner with the one I love.. Count me so in.
I wanted this Valentine’s Day gift guide to be full of things that I would absolutely love to receive. I also didn’t want to add anything in that would require your Valentine to guess sizes. These gift ideas work for your any of your “Gal-entines;” your best friend, your sister, your girlfriend, or anyone you want to share some love with this February 14th.
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This adorable necklace from Ellie & James literally spells out your love. I would wear this year-round.

These plush pillows from My French Farm are chic and look amazing on a couch or bed.

Obsessed with this amethyst-hued fringe suede bag. I seriously would buy this for myself this Valentine’s Day! I paired it with a gorgeous howlite purse charm, which I love because it’s like purse jewelry and looks so luxe added to any bag.
Fringe bag – J.J. Winters at BohoCheri
Purse Charm – Luckystar at BohoCheri

Candles are a fantastic way to set the mood for V-day but I also love them as gifts for friends! Paris candle from My French Farm.

Do some good with the purchase of your Valentine’s gift this year by buying candles from Je T’aime Fragrances, available at BohoCheri. They give a portion of the proceeds back to support those with Down’s Syndrome.

For the music lover in your life, I couldn’t find anything more fitting than these one-of-a-kind earrings made from genuine guitar pics. Earrings – Curio & Co. at BohoCheri (many styles available).

An amazing budget-conscious gift idea.. These bar soaps are girly and smell delicious and the dispenser can be filled with lotion or hand soap. Dispenser & soaps – My French Farm

Simple and chic, this gold-tone bangle is perfect for everyday wear and would be a great gift for just about anyone. Bracelet – Ellie & James

These gorgeous decorative crowns are a lovely gift to mom or a best friend to keep on their mantle or dresser and think of you every time they see them. Crowns – My French Farm

My love for all things Rifle Paper Co. runs deep. I picked up these gorgeous notebooks, pads and the book Love Style Life by Garance Dore recently and adore the artwork and quality of each and every one! Clockwise from top middle: Beaute notebook (set of 2), Parisian notebook (set of 2), Rorschach notebook (set of 2), Front Row notepad, Beaute notebook, Love Style Life.

These heart earrings from Ellie & James (modeled by my lovely photographer Holli) would be a fantastic gift for a younger sister or niece. They’re playful without being over the top.

Be sure to share this post with your special someone to help point them in the right direction for your own gift. Whether you’re shopping for others, or want to grab something extra lovely for yourself this holiday, I hope this Valentine’s Day gift guide has covered everyone on your list. I’d love to hear what your favorite gift is to receive on V-Day… Is it flowers, candy, a fancy dinner or jewelry, or something else? Share in the comments below.
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