Essie Nail Polish ~ Summer Collection

I love to indulge in "me time."  Who doesn't?  I deserve it.  I work.  I have kids, a husband, and a house to take care of.  So my one regular indulgence that I partake in is getting my nails done.  

I am apparently addicted to pink nail polishes.  I swear I must own like 15 different shades of pink.  They range from light to hot to deep.  

I usually have my nails painted in a light pink, like Essie's Ballet Slippers.  I save the "fun" pinks for my toes.  For some reason, bright colors on my hands make me nervous and I tend to put them in my mouth (former nail biter...I admit it).  

Recently, I purchased Essie's Summer Collection.  It's a box of four mini nail polishes from a collection.  Mini is the perfect size in case you get aren't sure if you like a color.  

The colors for this summer have really cute names, as all Essie's nail polishes do.  Each of these new summer colors have a slight shimmer to them.  There's Sunday Funday.  This tangerine coral crush polish helps me to veer from my normal pink.  Naughty Nautical is a marine blue-green color.  Full Steam Ahead is a medium toned lilac shade.  And then there's The More The Merrier; it's a lime green color...so fun!

These colors are so bright and cheery...they totally fit my mood this summer.  (Fun and carefree!)  My plan is to pick a different one of these polishes each time I get my mani & pedi.   

I started with The More the Merrier.  COMPLETELY out of my comfort zone!!  I'm loving it though and definitely adding new colors to my repertoire! 

Are you a nail polish dare devil or do you stick to the same shade every time?  What's your favorite Essie color? 




Alexis

My Newest Color Obsession

Do you have certain colors that you are attracted to during certain times of the year?  Whenever I'm shopping, I feel inclined to gravitate toward whatever color I happen to be wearing that day.  It's almost like the power of suggestion.

I was recently shopping for a dress to wear to an upcoming event.  I started shopping with nothing in mind at all.  I like to do this so that I am "open" to everything.  Well, I tried on this dress that was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.  Let's not talk about the fact that it didn't fit & they didn't have another one...  Well, the dress was orange and since then I've been completely obsessed!

Maybe I'm obsessed because it's a trend for this summer, or maybe it's just a happy color that keeps drawing my eye in.  All I know is I'm not the only one who likes it...

Photo from Trendnstylez.com

Photo from HowAboutOrange.blogspot.com

And this vibrant color is not just for fashion.  I love it for the home as well.  Changing up the colored accents in a plain room is so great!

 Do you love orange like I do or are you gravitating towards another color lately?

Alexis

Great Clothing Sites That Fit Your Wallet

Now that the holidays are over and I'm sure everyone spent more than normal, it's time to do some "belt tightening."  No, not to try and squeeze the fat out of your belly, but to curve the spending...

I don't know about you, that's great on paper, but what will I do for my shopping fix?  I'm a shopping junkie.  I have a complete euphoric reaction when I buy something...anything.  I'm even excited to go shopping for my husband's and kids' upcoming camping trip (I'm SOOO not a camper).

I've stumbled across a few of websites that have inexpensive clothing so that I can stay trendy while staying on my budget!



2020AVE is a great site has everything from cute tops to awesome shoes.  And everything is reasonably priced!  I love the relaxed nature of the cropped collar slip blouse.  It would be great with jeans, shorts, dressy pants, pretty much anything!  And there are some great "going out" pieces as well.  My favorite:  the sequined hot shorts...now if I could only get back to my high school figure....

Scoop neck basic tunic $6.99

cropped collar slip blouse $16

sequined hot shorts $27

Vestique is a fun inspired clothing site that has great dresses and amazing jewelery.  Most of the clothes are so flowy...perfect for my South Florida life!  The neatest part is the "gameday" section where you can find fun clothing to support your favorite college teams instead of team jerseys. 

Bringing Buttons Back $14.50

Kick Off Cutie in burgundy $24.50

Ruche is a vintage inspired clothing and accessories site.  The clothing is so classic. Not to mention I love vintage style because it's meant for women, you know, with curves.  The First Glance Colorblock dress would be great for work or play.  And imagine the All That Glitters Pencil skirt with a t-shirt and sandals or heels and a white blouse...either way, beautiful!

All That Glitters Pencil Skirt $42.99

First Glance Colorblock Dress $34.99

Where do you like to shop for inexpensive clothes that are still stylish?  Please share...this "shopaholic" needs to save some cash!

 
Alexis

Pay it Forward Friday ~ Fabulous Summer Bottoms: Dorothy Perkins Edition

Amanda is a South Florida based stay at home mom to a beautiful 15 month old girl.  Being an "AntiMom" is not a baby or mom hater, or all things “mom”.  But since finding out she was pregnant, she vowed to never become the type of mom that loses her identity just because she now has a child.  "I didn’t do things the conventional way my entire life, why would having a baby change that?"  You can check out her website The Anti Mom Blog or find her on Twitter @AntiMomBlog or Facebook The Anti Mom Blog. 


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Fabulous Summer Bottoms: Dorothy Perkins Edition

I know as a mom, we put everyone and everything before ourselves.  Along with this neglect, our fantastic children slowly suck the life out of us during the day, leaving us tired and covered in something sticky.  My mission in life, well since having my daughter, has been trying to find the balance between being a great mom and still being able to stay true to my pre-mom self.  One of those things for me is shopping. 

I have a slight problem/obsession, but I love fashion and the way a great outfit makes me feel.  Some might think of that as vain, but when you look good, you feel good...a trendy domino effect, if you will.

Now that summer is here and slowly melting us away here in South Florida, I like to keep up on deals and great finds for all the latest summer trends.  I came across this great website called Dorothy Perkins and am in love!  Fashion-forward trends for great prices can’t get any better than that!  

Since summer is in full swing, you have to have a few staples beyond a bathing suit.  A good pair of shorts or cropped jeans are a must.  Here are a few pairs of bottoms that everyone should add to their summer wardrobe and they are all under $50!

Jean Bermuda Shorts $39

Jean Bermuda Shorts
These are my absolute favorite this summer!  I wear mine practically every other day.  If you are chasing after kids or meeting a friend for lunch, these are perfect for any day of the week.  And if you want to go on a casual date night with your significant other, throw on a pair or cute wedges for that extra "oomph."

Colored Jean Shorts $27

Colored Jean Shorts
Along with the bolds, sweet pastels are making their way into the limelight.  Try a cool mint color or even a light peach.








 
Colored Jeans

Colored Jeans $39

Color is in and is everywhere you look.  They are showing fantastic bold and bright fabrics that can give an outfit that extra pop.  A great pair of colored denim jeans, like these blue ones, paired with a simple white tee will make a great summer outfit.  The white – well they are classic summer all the way!


 

Maxi Skirt – Striped $35

Maxi Skirts
I love love LOOOOVE these skirts!  You can dress them up or down with either a pair of wedges or cute sandals.  So breezy and cute…and beyond comfortable!


 

Rompers starting at $21

Rompers
It’s not summer without a cute romper!  I love these things and they are everywhere.  Great for cover ups or just a quick outfit when you are in a rush.  These 3 are great options.  Whether you like shorts or capri length, rompers are perfect for a relaxing BBQ or a fun summer party!

 



These great finds will help spice up your summer wardrobe without breaking the bank.  Double bonus!

I want to thank Alexis & all her fab Exhausted Mom readers for having me!  Be sure to come check me out over at The Anti Mom for more weekly fashion postings on the latest trends (next week will be the top 5 summery tops under $20!) and of course some other random shenanigans!




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As a way to share the blogging love and meet new bloggers, I have "Pay it Forward Friday."  This is where I periodically feature fellow bloggers with different interests and from new areas.  If you are interested in writing a guest post for "Pay it Forward Friday," feel free to send me a message!  I would love to feature you!!

Alexis

"Not So Mommy" Trends for Summer

Yeah, I'm a mom.  But that doesn't mean I have to LOOK like my mom.  

But since I AM a mom, I choose comfort instead of high fashion.  I need room to move when I'm chasing the boys from one place to another.  Not to mention I live in steamy South Florida, so I need thin fabrics that breathe.  

Here are some trends that work well with any mom's summer plans from staying home to traveling around.  All with the kids in mind!!

JCrew Camp Popover shirt $69.50

My go-to outfit for summer is a t-shirt and shorts or jeans.  I really love the look of a white t.  This top from JCrew is a nice alternative to the almighty t-shirt.  It also makes the look a little more "finished." 

A-line Maxi Skirt from Gap $49.95

I said that I love comfort and t-shirts, what better way to combine the two than with this maxi skirt from Gap.  You can pair these type of skirts with a simple tank or one with more pizazz.  Add flip flops or wedges to change the mood.

Utility jacket from Gap $79.95

Change your every day outfit by adding a jacket with color.  I LOVE this utility jacket from Gap.

Nautical Hobo Bag from Forever 21 $22.80

The nautical look is all buzz this summer! Try adding this piece to your wardrobe even if you can't make it to a boat.  It's also nice and roomy in order to carry your kids' needs as well.  

When looking for trendy accents, I like to shop at Forever 21.  The prices are just right that even my husband won't get mad.

Colorblocked Bangle Set from Forever 21 $7.80

Sam Edelman Gigi sandal $65

And no look would be complete without the right SHOES!  I love getting neutral shoes that I can justify by wearing them with many outfits.  These Sam Edelmans are just that...comfy and go well with everything! 



What are your favorite summer pieces?  How do you change your favorites so that you don't look so "mommy-ish?"



Alexis