Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Scalloped Edges: Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I love anything with a scalloped edge. It's dainty, cute, and fun. Here are some clothing, shoes, and accessories I found recently, all adorned with this feminine design.

$59

On sale $19.99 (originally $36)

$198

$110

$78

On sale $24.99 (originally $29.95)

$68

$175

Monday, July 21, 2014

Review + Haul: Orla Kiely with People Tree Dresses

Before I get into my review, I must first comment on the adorable packaging from ModCloth.

This is my first purchase from ModCloth and every single detail in the packaging is absolutely adorable.


Both dresses came attached with a People Tree tag, with a short description of the company and the process behind making these dresses.



I got a size UK8 in both dresses, which is about a US4 or size small.

The dresses are made with organic cotton in India, and are machine-washable, which is a great plus.

A closeup of the prints. Each is a version of Orla Kiely's Flower Girl print, which I believe is from the SS12 collection. I also have the Jeanie Bag in this print, which is probably one of my favorite patterns.




For reference, I am 5'3", 110 pounds, 32A bust, typically a size XS in tops, 0-2 in dresses, 25-26 in jeans.

Both dresses are made with soft organic cotton, although the material on the black dress feels a bit thicker and more substantial, probably due to the dyes needed to create the larger pattern. Again, both dresses are a UK8, the smallest size available at ModCloth. They do fit but...I still think a UK6 would've been better. They feel fine around the waist, which has a fold over detail on the front and elasticized in the back, but the bust area could be taken in a bit (then again, I do have a small bust, but I'm wearing my most padded push-up bra and there's still some extra space). In the photos above, you can see that it sits a good inch away from my side (you can see it more in the first photo of the pink dress). There's also slight gaping in the back (again, more noticeable in the pink dress). I love the cutout, which has perfect placement as my regular bra does not show through. My bra is also easily concealed by the thicker straps, making this a super easy dress to throw on. I would say it'd look great belted, but then that would take away from the cutout in the back. I also appreciate the modest neckline and the knee length, making me venture to say that this dress, when worn with a cardigan or blazer, would be work appropriate. However, I can't decide if I'm going to wear this to work yet (I'm a high school teacher) simply because the print is very loud and fun. I'll probably wear this dress for weekend outings and date nights. 

Aside from the slightly larger fit, the only con I can think of is the fold over waist detail on the pink dress. It came with a thick crease that multiple presses with my iron couldn't get out. Maybe after wearing and washing, the crease will naturally fade. It's not noticeable at all, except of course to me because I'm just a stickler for details like that.

Overall, I LOVE these dresses and I'm looking forward to wearing them on casual outings with my friends or dinners with my husband. The pink one is still available at ModCloth, but in limited sizes. The black one is sold out, but you can still purchase it at People Tree. There's actually even more dress styles featuring this print, all adorable, so check them out here!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Review + Haul: Orla Kiely Tilda Sunglasses

$69.99 at Costco (retail $245)
I recently wrote about how I'd discovered that Costco sells Orla Kiely frames. I finally got around to opening a membership and purchasing a pair, specifically the Tilda Sunglasses in Bone (Costco has the Grace Sunglasses available for $69.99 as well). My membership fee with taxes was about $55 and the sunglasses with taxes was about $75, bringing my grand total to $130, which is a great price considering these sunglasses retail for $245.


The sunglasses come with an equally cute case.


And a lens cloth. Honestly, I was probably just as excited about the case as I was about the sunglasses. Orla Kiely is great about all the little details, even when it comes to packaging.

Side note: When I purchased these sunglasses, the cashier noted how they matched my purse (seen above). I told her I collected this particular brand, and she said she'd never heard of it. I tend to get that a lot, but then people will always compliment how cute the prints are.

The color of these sunglasses is listed as "bone." The top portion with the stems is more opaque white, while the rest of the frame is more of a see-through white. The lenses have a dark blueish-black tint.



This is my first pair of polarized lenses. I'm honestly not entirely sure I see a difference, but my husband swears by polarized lenses and thinks it's the only way to go.

An Orla Kiely logo on the inside.

One of the reasons I love these sunglasses is the fun stem print at the top, which up close appear to be navy blue.

Although the sides appear black in the photos above, they are actually a dark navy blue, matching the stems on the front.

They're very comfortable on and do not slide down my nose. They also sit far enough away from my eyes so my eyelashes don't brush up against them when I blink (I tend to have this issue with some of my other sunglasses). They are also a good size - just the right amount of oversized without being cartoonish.

I love the retro shape and how they add just a hint of fun to any outfit.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2014: My Picks

Today, Nordstrom kicked off their annual anniversary sale, which features many new fall items at discounted prices for a limited time (prices go back up August 4). It's a great way to purchase items for the upcoming season, instead of waiting for them to go on sale after the season. Below are my favorites from the sale. 

Anniversary price $495 (after sale $695)
I am absolutely obsessed with these boots. I love the "mole grey" color and the subtle Burberry print peeking through. The wraparound buckles also add a nice touch. These boots just seem so cozy and comfortable and would look great paired with leggings this upcoming fall season.

Anniversary price $179 (after sale $265)
I love the classic black and the more subtle logo. If, like me, you've been wanting a pair of Tory Burch flats, now's the time to buy!

Anniversary price $131.90 (after sale $197.95)
Great to wear with jeans or skirts, and the slight V down the front helps to elongate your leg instead of cutting it off, as most booties tend to do.

Anniversary price $62.90 (after sale $95)

Anniversary price $31.90 (after sale $48)

Anniversary price $89.90 (after sale $145)
I love the retro cat eye shape and fun striping detail on the inside.

Anniversary price $129 (after sale $228)
I love anything with a scalloped design.

Anniversary price $87.90 (after sale $132)
I've always liked these baseball-style tees, but this one's even more unique because the sleeves and hem have a fun plaid print.

Anniversary price $52 ($93 value)
This is my go-to nightly cleanser, and such a great price. The smaller 8 oz. bottle is normally $23 alone at other retailers, but with this duo you also get a 32 oz. bottle with pump. This is pretty much the only cleanser you'll ever need to remove all your makeup, and one 8 oz. bottle alone has lasted me several months, so this could potentially last me all year. 

Anniversary price $149 ($221 value)
I have been itching to get one of these Clarisonics. I've read such wonderful reviews on them, and every time I get a facial or see a dermatologist, they're always recommending these to me. I'm opting for the "capri blue" color because my husband actually wants to use it, too :)

Anniversary price $29.50 (after sale $40)
I absolutely love walking into Anthropologie and smelling these Voluspa candles. They rarely go on sale, so now is a great time to purchase these wonderful-smelling candles.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Orla Kiely Sale at Gilt: Bedding and Bath

Gilt is hosting another Orla Kiely sale, this time focusing on bedding and bath items (and a rug!) Check out my picks from the sale below or click here to shop the entire collection. If you're not a Gilt member yet, click here to join and receive $25 off your first order.

Size 5.7 x 7.11
Gilt price $1499 (originally $2984)
Isn't this rug amazing?! This would make such an awesome statement piece in a living room or dining room. 

Available in sizes twin, full, queen, and king
Gilt price $135-$199 (originally $175-$263)
I already have the Scribble Stem Print Duvet set, but I love this mushroom color. I think it's a great neutral against the abacus print.

Tiny Stems Shams, set of 2
Available in standard or king
Gilt price $49-$55 (originally $64-$73)
I prefer these shams over pillowcases because I love the border it creates around the pillow, and I also like the fact that the entire pillow is enclosed with no openings on the ends. 

Gilt price $44 (originally $56)
I recently painted and redecorated my bathroom using a palette of blues and browns, and I think this bath mat would be a great complement to my color scheme. 

If I could, I would buy every single thing from this sale and decorate my entire home in Orla Kiely! Admittedly, it's already starting to look that way as I have bits and pieces of Orla Kiely in every room - they're just such great pieces to add cheeriness and a touch of retro to any space. Even my husband doesn't mind (too much). Happy home shopping!