Reader Request: Neutral Wardrobe Pieces, Splurging and Saving

Recently I had a Snapchat friend to request a blog post on neutral wardrobe pieces ... including where to splurge and where to save. She is a mom of three, all 4 and under, so she is looking for easy pieces she can throw together that look chic but are still conducive to playing on the floor with kids and nursing.

camel ruana: walmart

black v-neck: Express (REALLY old)

necklace: kendra scott

jeans: c. wonder

rhinestone flats: off broadway

And truth be told, I am not strictly a "neutrals girl." If you've been reading here long enough, you've seen me wear my fair share of colorful Lilly prints, animal prints, and bold stripes. But there is something simple and classic about neutrals, and truth be told, they are SO easy to pair together that you could *almost* get dressed in the dark, ha!

military vest: target (kids department - I'm in a L for reference)

swing dress: old navy

necklace: laura cox designs

leopard flats: ja-vie

So, where to splurge and where to save. You know I'm all about saving. In fact, I'm only really thinking of one item to splurge on -- jeans! Mainly because I think the cost of a great pair of jeans is justified if you consider the price per wear. 

I have three pair of jeans that I love the most: a pair of C. Wonder jeans I bought in Atlanta (man, I miss that store) on sale for around $60, an elastic waistband pair (more like jeggings) I got for a song at Old Navy, and a pair of Joe's skinnies that I actually picked up at Plato's Closet. That's a great place to find nice designer jeans on the cheap.

ivory textured shell: old navy

khaki shorts: old navy

necklace: laura cox designs

I love to wear black, so I have black tops that are sleeveless, short sleeved, and long sleeved. I also love wearing ivory/winter white and camel. 

Recently I posted about some very inexpensive Faded Glory tshirts that I found at Walmart. I bought several colors but the ones that I wear the most are heathered charcoal gray and a cool military green color (which I totally consider a neutral). 

jeggings: old navy - OLD

booties: target

I don't spend a ton on trendy items (like those $34.99 booties above ... so much easier on the wallet than their Rag & Bone counterpart). I'd rather pick those items up at stores like Old Navy, Target, even Walmart.

I guess the only other pieces I splurge on are jewelry! I think that with a few great long necklaces, a dainty short necklace or two, some nice non-costume rings and maybe some gold bangles, you are set. Oh! And earrings. Diamond or rhinestone studs, one pair of small pearl earrings and one pair of large faux pearls, and a pair of medium-sized gold or gold-toned hoops and you're ... well, golden. 

A pair of funky gold earrings I wear a lot are these Sadie Spear Earrings by Kendra Scott:

Not the cheapest, but great for a Christmas list! They go with everything and make such a statement. 

And of course a shameless plug for my sister's amazing necklaces. Laura has SUCH an eye for color and texture. I'm often wearing a necklace she made. She has great neutral necklaces like the one below, and some awesome colorful wooden bead necklaces that look so pretty over a neutral v-neck and pair of jeans.

triple horsehair tassel necklace

You can REALLY spend a boatload on a statement necklace that is "on trend" ... but that's not really my style. I think Laura's are priced so fairly.

So, in a nutshell....

Cotton t-shirts. (v-neck are my favorite ... feminine, slimming, great for nursing)

A white button-down.

A denim/chambray button-down (I have two, both from Banana Republic).

Skinny ankle-length jeans in a dark wash.

A pair of black workout or yoga pants that suck you in in all the right places (I have both Lululemon and TJ Maxx yoga pants and love them equally)

Black, brown, or dark gray leggings. Thick enough to conceal lumps, bumps, and undies.

Trendy accessories like a plaid blanket scarf, military vest, and booties.

Comfy flats in black, brown, and animal print (Ja-vies are my go-to here).

A few pieces of REAL jewelry to supplement the faux stuff (splurge on nice rings, a pair of real pearl earrings, gold hoops -- Christmas list!)

Pretty, classic makeup -- can't go wrong with long black eyelashes and a wine-stained lip!

What's your recipe for the perfect neutral outfit?

Those Shoes!

I fell in love with the Halogen flats from the Nordstrom sale immediately.

Too darling. Way too darling.

Of course I am now justifying the purchase with a moodboard. #standard
(oh, and all of these items are currently on sale at Nordstrom -- free shipping & returns)

Outfit One

jersey wrap dress // semiprecious stud earrings // wide cuff bracelet // flats

those semiprecious stone studs are less than $18!

Outfit Two

black blouse // kendra scott elle earrings // skinny jeans // flats

Outfit Three

yellow and white blouse // stud earrings // black ankle pants // stone bangles // flats

Hover over links below for prices on all items.

Sidenote, both of those blouses are less than $50, AND the semiprecious stone stud earrings in outfit one are such a steal. They are $17.90 currently and are available in five different stones (here). With free shipping, this is the type of little gift I love to pick up to save in my "gift drawer" for a girlfriend's birthday that pops up on me.

So, I'm thinking the spotted flats are pretty perfect, no? Versatile and inexpensive ... my favorite combo.

Which outfit above is the most like your style?


This moodboard saved on my MY STYLE Pinboard if you'd like to repin!

Hunt For The Elusive "Cool" One-Piece

Last night I sat on the couch with Ian previewing the items that are part of Amazon Prime Day. This day boasts "more deals than Black Friday" -- okay Amazon, you have my attention now.

Amazon Prime is worth every penny ... especially in those newborn days, it certainly has proved its worth. As a new mom, running errands (something I always enjoyed) suddenly seemed near impossible and not worth the hassle. But, during a 2am nursing session, making a quick decision to try out a different brand of baby wipes or a different bottle brush suddenly seemed E-A-S-Y. All I had to do was click "add to cart" and my items were shipped free to me and on the doorstep in two days -- sometimes even the very next day.

So, if you are not an Amazon Prime member, but want to take advantage of some of the Prime Day deals today, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial HERE. If you don't feel like you'll keep it, order as MUCH as you want within that trial to reap the benefits, and then cancel. But, if you're like me, justifying the yearly membership will be a piece of cake. We order so many things using our free 2-day shipping ... coffee, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, diaper genie refills, phone chargers, books, baby gear, etc!

Amazon also has a rocking apparel department. Currently I'm on the hunt for a "cool" one-piece suit. Something that is sassy and sophisticated, but something that stays put. A suit that says I still care about fashion but a suit that says I am a mom ... of a busy toddler. No Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunctions at the neighborhood pool, no sirree.

I'd love your vote on the below options that are all part of the sale today. Today (July 15) only, they are an additional 30% off of the Amazon price, applied at discount. Plus, I can try on in the comfort of my own home (NO flourescent lighting) and send back -- for free -- the ones that don't fit. I am definitely taking advantage of the sale today to pick out a few suits. Not going to let this great sale and free shipping/returns pass me by!

1: Ted Baker // 2: Ted Baker // 3: Ted Baker // 4: Ondademar

5: Nanette Lepore // 6: Trina Turk // 7: Trina Turk // 8: Kenneth Cole

I also just spotted this incredible option ...

Maaji Ride At Night One-Piece Suit

Comes with a removable strap, too.

Oh, and for a coverup, I am loving this cute option from Tbags. Made in the USA!

And, not from Amazon, but at more than a TENTH of the price, this cute option from Choies.

  

So, what's your pick from the Prime Day Sale?

1: Ted Baker // 2: Ted Baker // 3: Ted Baker // 4: Ondademar

5: Nanette Lepore // 6: Trina Turk // 7: Trina Turk // 8: Kenneth Cole

Which one do you think looks the most like me?
Which one would you pick for yourself?

My New Chambray Dress + Other Purchases

Yesterday I popped into Old Navy on my lunchbreak to take advantage of a great sale they were running. I'm all about some light wash chambray this summer. It's great for these HAWT Charlotte days, and any fabric that holds up well after multiple washes is definitely a win in my books.

Note: If you are shopping online, use coupon code SHOPSMART for 35% off today and 30% off tomorrow. You can also get 20% off clearance with coupon code JACKPOT.

The best part about these promotions is that I was able to use BOTH of those codes at checkout when I did a little additional shopping online. It applied the 35% off of my non-clearance items and the 20% off the two items that were on clearance. I feel like it's so rare these days to be able to combine coupon codes at checkout. Even though my adjusted cost was under $50 after discounts were applied, I still earned the free shipping since my original total was over $50.

This is the dress I came home with yesterday ... LOVE the simple style and the fact that I can throw it on with flip flops for an easy day at home.

Chambray Sundress

online here

And if you are in to "mommy and me" styles like I am, then this little baby-sized number is a no-brainer.

Chambray Baby Sundress

online here

Their classic light-wash chambray shirts are my favorite. I own two of these shirts, one a full button-down and one that just buttons down halfway.

Light Wash Chambray Shirt

online here
also available in darker wash

And here are the other items I ordered since they were not in the store in my size. I ordered the palm print shorts in two sizes so I can see which is a better fit.

Black Jersey Swing Dress

online here

(click over to the regular or petite sizes for the black ... not available in tall)

Flat Front Stretch Twill Shorts

online here

also available in black

Palm Print Cami Romper

online here

also available in black

I'm so excited for my order to come in so I can see how the dress, romper and shorts fit! Until then, I will definitely be wearing the heck out of my new chambray sundress.

sundress /// short-sleeved romper /// chambray top /// sleeveless romper

Summer Date Night Ideas

It may not be as easy to get out for date nights these days, but MAN they have taken on a new meaning! The evenings when my mom is in town visiting us are a great opportunity to scoot out of the house and enjoy some husband-wife time. Here is a wishlist of things I'd like to do, places I'd like to go, and what I'd like to wear for date nights this summer.

Charlotte Restaurants I'd Like To Try:

Rock Salt: This small new restaurant in Park Road shopping center boasts super-fresh seafood. It's close to home and we are dying to give it a try! (Nice write-up found here.)

Baku: We still haven't eaten here, and I've heard their cocktails are phenomenal. It's on my must-visit list for sure. You know I'm a sucker for a great cocktail.

Nan and Byron's: I feel like the last person in Charlotte to try out this restaurant. The menu looks incredible, and I recently saw on Scoop Charlotte that they offer half-priced wines on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (full list of half-priced wines at Charlotte eateries found here -- great roundup!).


Charlotte Must-Dos This Summer:

Pops In The Park: Sunday evenings in June. We hope to make it to at least one that doesn't get rained out!

My Morning Jacket Concert: Getting tickets to this for sure!

Whitewater River Jam at the Whitewater Center: I think this looks like the perfect way to spend a Thursday or Saturday evening. Concerts are held May through September, and they are free -- you just pay $5 to park your car.


My Perfect Summer Date Night Outfit:

A long white maxi with double leg slits, my new Kendra Scott Danielle earrings, some gorgeous and classic Jack Rogers wedges, and simple makeup ... Benefit Benetint on my cheeks, strawberry Rosebud Salve on my lips, and a few coats of my #1 fave mascara. Easy, quick, fresh and pretty.

Saturday Sip + Shop

Sip:


photo via Camille Styles

Pear & Thyme Fizz - recipe here
To me, winter and pear cocktails just go hand in hand.

More cocktail ideas on my Cocktail Me board on Pinterest (here)

Shop:



Bobeau One-Button Fleece Wrap Cardigan - available here
That's it, I'm buying another. I have been wearing my purple vine burnout one today (as seen on Instagram - @alizadventures) and these things are just too cozy to not own in several colors. Most are less than $40 and some even cheaper. Buying at Nordstrom gets you free shipping and free returns, so there's no harm in ordering a few colors and sizes to see what you prefer best. Trying on in the comfort of your own home, with non-flourescent lights and maybe a glass of wine in hand? Now that's my kind of shopping.

Saturday Sip + Shop XXVIII

Sip:

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini 

(we made these recently at the lakehouse and they were awesome)

From my Cocktail Me Pinterest board

Shop:

Sole Society Booties

From my My Style Pinterest board

In Love With The Palm Tree

It may be evident by now that I don't like spending gobs of money on clothes. Well, hopefully it isn't THAT evident, ha! I love finding clothes that look nice but that have prices that won't break the bank. You may be familiar already with The Palm Tree Boutique, especially after they sponsored two of the giveaways from our Five on Friday fall giveaway recently. I'm in love with this store and wanted to show you some of their cute pieces for fall.

Additionally, they offer free shipping if your purchase total is $50 or more, and you can now use the code ALIZ10% to earn 10% off your purchase, but only for the next month!

My new favorite shirt is the PIKO Top in Orchid (also available in black, olive, wine). This top is way comfy -- soft and super-stretchy -- and has a wide scoop neck, so you can let it blouse loosely around the neck or let it fall naturally down one of your shoulders. 

Baby drool on the shirt not included.

Today I am wearing this exact outfit. This is the Easy Breezy Tunic in Taupe (also available in black, olive, and red) and I've paired it with brown skinny cords, and oldie-but-goodie JCrew pearl necklace, and Kate Spade flats.

I'm really excited for our next date nite when I can wear my Love Is In The Air Dress in Hot Pink. I love the crochet hem. I got the idea of wearing it with boots from their website, and I also love how that model is wearing it with a scarf around the neck.

They receive new shipments weekly, so the products refresh all the time. I am also loving these new store items:

Shadow Of Love Sequin Tunic - Grey

Just Chill Palazzo Pants

A Day In The City Houndstooth Jacket

Thank you to The Palm Tree Boutique for helping a gal dress well without overspending.

Remember, use code ALIZ10% for 10% off your order, but only for the next month. Happy shopping!

Why I Love Ja-Vie Flats

I'm really excited to share with you my experience with a new line of shoes. I think you'll love them.

My middle sister put me and my youngest sister Laura in contact with a former colleague of hers (ya with me?) who is part of the Ja-vie team -- creators of innovative, stylish-yet-comfortable flats. They sent me a pair to try out in order to give an honest review.

All I have to say is, where was this company when I was walking all over Europe last year?! These would have been perfect for the miles and miles we walked each day! Oh goodness, and when I was pregnant with lower back pain? I would have lived in these. Walking around campus during my college days, I could have actually looked cute without bandaids plastered to the back of my heels.

They are definitely my new favorite shoes. I have the nude/black combo in the top right above, and the animal print flats are already heading my way as the second pair I'll own. The insole is what makes them so undeniably comfortable.

Today I paired them with leggings, a tank, and a cardi-wrap for an easy work-at-home "uniform."

The ironic part of this is that when I wore them outdoors to capture the shot above, they got super muddy. A combination of drizzly rain and a recent aeration of our lawn had red mud pellets stuck all over the bottom of the shoe. An unintentional way to truly put them to the test for this review! Never have I been so happy for the machine-washable quality of these shoes.

As you can see, they were bad off.

I just removed the  leather insoles, tossed the shoes in a laundry bag and put them in a cold-water quick cycle. Thirty minutes later, they were good as new, and they air-dried surprisingly quickly. The photo below was taken after they were all washed and dried. Clean as a whistle.

Regarding sizing, I typically wear a 7.5, and the size 38 fit me perfectly. If you wear a half-size, they recommend sizing up, and their site contains a helpful sizing chart.

Starting today, they have just added a lot of new colors and patterns to their line. You can find your favorite style here.

Shipping is very reasonable on their site, however you may use the code SMIDGE for free shipping (up to $15) through Saturday, October 4th.

Additionally, my sister Laura of The Reedy Review and I are teaming up to host a giveaway for a pair of shoes! Here's how to enter to win a pair of Ja-vies of your choice:

+ Visit the Ja-vie website to browse their current shoe designs

+ Leave a comment below with a pattern or color idea for a pair of Ja-vies that you would like to wear (ex.: I'd personally love to see a black and white striped pair)

+ One comment per person, please

+ Giveaway will run through midnight on Sunday, October 5th

+ Laura and I will announce the winner on our blogs on Monday, October 6th.

Good luck to you! I can't wait to hear your experiences with these shoes. :)

Ja-vie on Facebook

Ja-vie on Instagram