Monday, August 19, 2013

Urban Finds

If you're a devoted Urban Outfitters shopper, such as myself, you likely got butterflies upon realizing their 3 Day Free Shipping special going on right now!  With fashion transitioning toward becoming an e-commerce world, 'free shipping' is enough to make or break a purchase decision for fashion frugalistas such as myself.   

UO is known for their kitschy product lines that cater to the modern bohemian hipster with eclectic pieces that can be worn all year round.  And while I stand by this being one of my favorite stores, I will admit I only shop during their sale promos.  The plus side to that is they are almost always having a sale promo.

Peep below for my personal picks from their current sale, all pieces under $20!  Apply promotional code KOOLSKOOL at checkout and enjoy an additional 10% discount on your order.  Happy Shopping!     


Love this extremely versatile piece that you can layer for the upcoming cooler months.  If only I had those legs...

Okay this one isn't exactly fall-ready, but I'm obsessed with tie-dye.  Perfect vacation piece!  And very Madamederosa, non? 

Yes, you read that correctly.  These babies are less than $5!  Go on ladies & get your Man Repeller on.

Someone tell me when the overalls phase is dead.  Until then, why not?  

Sparkle & Fade Silky Ombre Maxi Skirt $14.99 (also love this one and this one)
Maxi's are my absolute favorite piece to wear year-round.  I have 117 and counting. 

This skirt is perfect for a lazy day.   

Love me a cute headwrap for those non-participating hair days.  

'Cause you can't have enough 'Merican pride.

Thanks for reading!  
Xo, 

Amy  




Sunday, August 18, 2013

Pretty In Pink


Quick outfit post from this past weekend!  I attended a rooftop wedding of a colleague and the weather was perfection!  I had to sport this beautiful Yoana Baraschi Gypsy number, originally $395 that I got on sale for only $25 (TJ Maxx, you are always so good to me)!  Upon spotting this piece in store, I envisioned the beautiful pseudo tan it would give me and I knew I had to have it.  My steals didn't end there as these metallic shoes were on sale at H&M for only $5.  They will be on repeat for the rest of my life.  

 I didn't have time to upload the rest of the photos as I am currently negotiating with my laptop to not commit suicide.  If you see a post in this next week, consider my impact successful. 




Shoes: H&M
Accessories: H&M / F21 / M. Kors


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

10 under 10


It's really no secret that the majority of my wardrobe can be considered budget friendly fashion finds.  Today I thought I'd share some of my more recent bargains with you guys.  This post was probably one of my harder ones as almost everything I buy falls in the "Under $10" category.  Expect more of these to come!
 5 Panel Hat; Urban Outfitters: $5
Not everyone understands my preference of hats, including myself.  If I see something unique or crazy, I basically have to have it.  I call this recent find my 'Animal Kingdom' hat.  It has been on repeat.  LOVE.
  
 Clutch; Urban Outfitters: $5
Probably one of my FAVORITE finds as it is acutely reminiscent of traditional Hmong patterned stitching.  I adore the bright colors on this clutch and carry it with me every where I go.  Everyone seems to love it just as much as I do!  

 Pink Drop-Waist Dress, Urban Outfitters: $5 
Perfect piece for this summer! Although if you live in Minnesota like I do, you might be putting this on hold for just a bit longer (or forever).
 Brown Booties; Forever 21: $8
These are the superlative pair of boots to go with any pair of jeans.  The height is just short enough to make walking comfortable and tall enough to give your legs that extra 'wow' factor.  They are also running-man friendly so consider that the icing on the cake. 

 Knit Cardigan; Mango: $7
Everyone needs a grandma cardigan in their life!  This one is great for throwing over a summer dress or t-shirt.  I got it from my momma who got it from her momma :D

 HELLO BROOKLYN tee; Urban Outfitters: $7
Word to Jay-Z for this one.  You can never have enough t-shirts.  Or in my case, you can and you do, but you are just in denial and won't accept it.
 Linen Shirt; Target: $7
Pair this with everything!  Shorts, pants, skirts, short pants, long pants, skirt pants, no pants, etc.  You get the idea.  LINEN SHIRTS RULE THE WORLD.
 Clear Clutch; Supplies Store: $2
Yes I carry clutches inside clutches.  When they are all this beautiful, the world needs to see each one.  I'm still in the process of finding some cute zipper accessories for this one, but it is absolutely one of the coolest and unique finds ever.
Leopard Print Trousers; Target: $8
I prefer the leopard trousers over the leopard print denim as these prevail to be much more comfortable.  Pair these with that linen shirt circa 2 photos ago and you are officially everyone's desire.
Gold Sequin Pencil Skirt; Cotton On: $5
I saw this gem and almost died.  It's as if the Fashion Gods knew that this skirt and I were star-crossed lovers destined to meet.  The last time I wore this, I paired it with a flannel (naturally) and baseball cap.  This versatile piece is a must-have!  

Xo, Amy

Monday, June 10, 2013

Up, Up, & Away!



Attended a wedding shower of a close friend this past weekend and I had to share photos of their super cute decor!  She themed her shower around one of my FAVORITE movies of all time "UP".  Could not have been more honored to share such an important day with a great friend.  Wishing Nicole & Nhia all the love and blessings in the world!  



[The beautiful bride!]




 [Our own little Russel onsite!]




Monday, May 13, 2013

Athletique



Had a wonderful weekend with the family for Mother's Day!  Hope you all did as well.  We had a large festive dinner at my sister's house to celebrate all the mothers in my family.  My drawstring shorts ended up working in my favor as I helped myself to one too many servings of carbohydrates -_-  I purchased these sweat shorts this past weekend & decided they'd make their debut at Mom's Day dinner.  They were rightfully paired with heels (of course) and a tailored blazer.  I scored this clutch last year from Francesca's extra 50% off sale for only $15!  It's the perfect pop of color to any muted outfit.  Props to my 6 year old niece for the photos.  She makes me look good!

Fun Fact: All photos that are off centered and/or are taken at artistic angles are actually because she had to pee really bad and kept shaking the camera.  Her genius is beyond our time. 







Blazer: Banana Republic | Tank: H&M | Shorts: H&M |
Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Clutch: Francescas |
Shoes: Charlotte Russe (old) | Sunnies: Ray Bans.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Casual Friday


Today was beautiful out!  It was still a cool 60 degrees though, so my Casual Friday ensemble consisted of warmer attire.  Denim x denim since the weather hasn't let up.  It's going through a tripolar phase where it can't decide whether it wants to be warm, cold, or snow.  In my safety kit (aka the trunk of my car) there are currently ski masks, snow pants, and a variety of swim suits - all of which, have an equal chance of being worn this week. Anyway, I went for a simple look today.  I'm in love with this ombre chambray (someone please forward that to Busta so he can put that rhyme in his next hit) that I purchased at Macy's a few weeks ago for only $11. The jeans are Free People, also from Macy's and were only $17!  Holler at my dealfinds though.

Finals are underway so I might go missing in this next week.  My new photographer, whom I've just signed to a 2 year contract (also featured in this post, below), though is extra enthusiastic about getting some work put in, so I will try my best to squeeze some more posts in.  Happy Weekend!  

P.S. What's everyone getting mom for Mother's Day?









Shirt: Macys| Jeans: Free People | Shoes: Steve Madden, (thrifted $6!) |
Sunnies: Ray Bans | Clutch: thrifted | Accessories: M. Kors, H&M

Ava is wearing everything Target.
For business inquiries please contact avarulesus@gmail.com
She also utilizes FaceTime.  

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Five

Five things I'm currently in love with:





1. Fresh Flowers - I will be the first to admit that I used to hate flowers.  I never comprehended the purport of them serving as particular gifts for women.  Any time I received them I'd loathe the thought of finding a place for them to sit until they withered and died.  That all changed upon getting my own apartment.  Now the house feels absolutely empty without a fresh set to lighten the mood in every room.  Me and the roomie made a conscious effort to buy new flowers for the house weekly this year.  They are the perfect accessory to any and every room!  

2.  Personalized Calendar - This one is extra special to me because it is an entire calendar dedicated to my little brother.  Each month has a personalized photo of us two together and an endearing quote as a caption.  Waking up every morning and seeing this on my vanity always starts my day off right.  (Personalized through Shutterfly.com).

3.  A Good Book - I'm constantly looking for new reads to entertain my already-busy mind.  These are my current reads.  Most of them are graphic novels, due to the fact that I am taking a graphic novel class at school - ALL highly recommended pieces of literature.  

4.  Scented Candles - Candles are as essential to any room as are a fresh set of flowers.  Serving as light & air fresheners, they really are the perfect duo performing accent.  Current favorite scent: Crimson Berry.

5.  Trench Coat - My absolute favorite jacket for many reasons.  1- It can be utilized in almost every season of the year. 2 - Trenches are timeless.  They will never grow old.  I've had this one for 3+ years! 4 - They're fashion friendly for everyone!  There really isn't any body type that doesn't look good in a trench coat. and 5) This trench in particular was only $12 from Old Navy :)

What are you currently in love with?