I Didn't Cheat, I Swear

So, as the title says, I didn't cheat, I swear. 

Allow me to explain.... 

For those new here (hi and welcome!) I gave up shopping for myself for 2019 as a New Year's resolution. Dumbest thing I've ever done, to be clear. It. Is. SO. Damn. Effing. Hard. Seriously. 

I am a shopper. It's what I'm known for. Heck, it's what I live for. 

When making this resolution, I gave myself a few exceptions. 
1. I could still buy myself necessities and if I ran out of something I use, I could replace it. 
2. While not shopping, I was also going to spend the year purging my home (closets, basement, you name it) and getting rid of nonsensical things just taking up space. 
3. I had a wish list of things I could get if I found them for a good deal and I gave myself time to think and wasn't impulsive. 
4. If I had credits, coupons, or rewards to shop technically "for free" than it wasn't considered shopping since I wasn't spending money. 
5. At the end of each month, if i went the entire month without shopping for myself, I could reward myself with a little something off of my wishlist. 

Now, I know most people do this to save the environment and be less wasteful and focus on more sustainable brands. But I will be brutally honest here, more power to them. I want to do all those things, but sometimes I want something fun and frivolous and sustainable brands can cost a pretty penny. 

So, wondering why I didn't technically cheat. Well, you might think I did but after discussing with two of my advisors, they both agreed this wasn't cheating. 

I have wanted a sequin blazer foreverrrrr. I mean forever. I blame my friend Jenn who showed up to a fashion show in a sequin blazer, white tee, jeans, and fun heels and looked AMAZING. So, this is her fault. Ha! 

I received an email from ThredUp that I had a coupon code to come back for 40% off an item. It didn't tempt me. I then got an email that same day from them letting me know I had credit in my account that was about to expire if I didn't use it by month end. So, I went on their site and searched for a sequin blazer. And sure enough, one I had "loved" a while ago was back in stock! So, I clicked on it, applied my code and credits, and was left owing 53 cents. 

Yes, 53 cents. 

Would you spend 53 cents on this?! 

Now, you might be shaking your head and thinking to yourself, "No, Naomi, you were doing SO great! You totally blew it." But, I didn't. See reason number 5. I have gone five FULL months without shopping for myself. And here I am trying to justify my 53 cent purchase to myself. Obviously, I'm doing amazingly well in this challenge as most people wouldn't even flinch. 

But I spent serious thought dwelling on this and decided to go for it with these reasons:
1. It's less than a dollar. 53 cents. LITERALLY 53 cents out of pocket. 
2. I could have found that amount of change in the seats of my car or on the ground of a parking lot. 
3. It's less money than a lottery ticket and that's just flushing money down the toilet. 

Now give it to me straight, do you think I cheated and blew my resolution? Or is it a justified purchase based on my rules. 

Love Loft

I will be the first person to admit Loft wasn't a big store for me a long time. I felt it was very "mommish" and I wasn't really dressing "like a mom". But BOY have they changed!

I started to creep in a little when they started the collaboration with Lou & Grey and the whole 'athleisure' trend started to take over.

Then, it started to get more preppy yet trendy without being overbearing.

So here we are today, overshopping and loving everything I put on. Whoops!

Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals, and more neutrals. I was looking for staples for my fall wardrobe, pieces that could mix and match easily, and pieces that would get me a good bang for my buck.

First up, this striped Lou & Grey sweatshirt dress. Runs SMALL. As in, I am wearing an XS. That's right folks, this is an EXTRA SMALL. I wear a size 12 petite usually. Hence that smile right?! Totally bought this one. Plus the inside is a sweatshirt material too!

Sale rack find! For $9 why not?! This blue romper simply ties in the back so getting naked to go to the bathroom is pretty easy versus those annoying snaps and hook-closures.
It's not available online anymore, but this one is cute and on crazy sale!

Not only do I take selfies of what I love but also a giant effing disaster. This jumpsuit was just that, a disaster. It was huge and baggy and long and just a NO on me.

You're gonna want to live in this dress people. Trust me. And if you see me in it every day, don't judge me. It's the same as the striped one above. If you love it, why not get every color, right?!

I wanted to love this top. The back has ruffles down over the butt and on the sides. But sadly, just no shape on me. Maybe for an average or tall person!

This blush sweater vest was on crazy sale and while I liked it, I couldn't figure out what I'd wear it with. Plus, it was a bit sheer for me. So tell me, what would you wear it with?!

I've seen 1,000 blogers on IG wearing this turtleneck poncho sweater saying YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT. I don't get it. It's like a giant house. Yeah, it's comfy and cozy but what else?!

I was unsure about this camel sweater cardigan with my skin tone but after multiple people saying it's a MUST, I caved and got it. I'm glad I did. Classic simple and how do I not have a camel cardigan yet?

The first item on my list of what I went in for was a new white sweater cardigan. I had a cream one I wore often but retired that bad boy last year. This is a bit of a thicker sweater material so it'll be great for fall and winter. I wanted more of a winter white vs cream and this baby was a winner!

The lapel cardigan was a great style and super flattering but as I stood in the dressing room admiring it, I kept thinking I had something similar, almost identical. It's a good weight, not too heavy, and the contrasting collar is fun. I was good and a grown up and passed on it. But someone needs to get it!

Are you a Loft shopper?! I was fortunate enough to spend my morning with some other local bloggers for a private shopping event at the Loft in Evergreen Walk. I cannot encourage you enough to check out their new fall collection. It's flattering, affordable, versatile, and works for ALL shapes and sizes!

Friday Favorites: Flip Flops

I am a flip flop junkie. Perhaps it's because I'm from Florida. Perhaps it's because my feet get hot easily. Perhaps it's because I'm too lazy to tie shoelaces. Whatever the reason, I wear them from the time there's no more snow on the ground until pretty much Christmas.

1. Tory Burch flip flops

I have quite a few Tory Burch Miller sandals that I wear on a daily basis but when I'm running around and need something quick, these Tory Burch basic flip flops are my go to. I have pairs in brown, navy, and black, and I'm debating a fun print this year. I treat myself to a new pair every summer and because they hold up so well, I have multiples!

2. Old navy flip flops

Can you really beat flip flops for like $3 a pair?! Nope, you can't. Beach, pool, water park, these basic flip flops are a staple in almost every woman's closet, including mine!

3. Havaiana flip flops

They look like Old Navy ones, I'm not going to lie, but they feel SO MUCH BETTER! I discovered them in high school, living in Florida, when surfers were all about them. I got my first pair in college and almost 20 years later, I still have them! They're a bit worn, which doesn't say much, but they've held up beautifully and are worth the investment. And recently I've found them at Kohl's for crazy cheap too!

What are your go to flip flops?

Friday Favorite: Everyday Sparkle

It's Friday Favorite time! This week, say hello to my new favorite everyday sparkle, the Duchess earrings and necklace.

These pieces are available through Stella & Dot and are a perfect set for every day.

The earrings are a halo style of sparkly CZ stones in a shiny sterling silver plating. They are roughly a full karat and have a fine jewelry feel to them. At $29, they're the perfect price to fool everyone into thinking they're the real deal!

The necklace is a simple pendant that moves on the chain. It has the same halo design as the studs and the sparkle is simply beautiful. At $39, it is an affordable addition to your accessories wardrobe.

The Duchess set is possibly my favorite from our summer collection. It is a great everyday basic for pretty much any woman you know, including yourself!

My Favorite Tees

I am alwaaaaaaays on the hunt for the perfect tee. One that's not too short so you can see my button on my shorts and not too long that could be mistaken for a dress. Plus, not too sheer yet not too heavy but just right. It's like Goldilocks trying to find her porridge. Ha!

Here's my four go to tees of the moment and why I love them.

Madewell Whisper Tees

At roughly $20 per tee, they are on the pricier end of a basic, run around tee. But girrrrrrl let me tell you how comfy, cozy, soft, and just delish these are. They are my FAVORITE and when they go on sale at Nordstrom, I buy in bulk!

JCrew Striped Tee

The be all and end all in striped tee will always and forever be JCrew. Seriously. The stripes are always spaced out perfectly, in the best shades that complement everyone, and are the softest cotton around. And when I say go to JCrew, not JCrew Factory, trust me on that. Some things you can get form factory but the tees are worth the splurge at JCrew.

Old Navy Luxe Tees

Always on sale. Always with a coupon code. Always comfy. They do shrink a little when you wash and dry them, so be prepared. Also, this is a bit odd, but the petite ones actually run a little big and long. Which surprises me. I can totally pass with a regular size large instead of a petite. Make that note!


Target A New Day Tees

Target, what did I ever do before you existed?! And how will I ever survive if you go away?! The A New Day collection is just simple, classic, basics that every woman needs. And, they're $5 a piece. Yup. You read right. FIVE whole dollars. So why not get them all in every color?! Don't hate me. Love me.

Where do you find your favorite tees?

The Best Tee

We're always on the hunt for the perfect tee. Not too sheer, not too slouchy, not too fitted, but JUST RIGHT. Here'a a few of my go to favorites right now.

Target: A New Day Tee

This tee is super light weight and ridiculously affordable. I mean right now it's only $5, so why not get one in every color. If your toddler gets paint on it, who cares?! It's cheaper than a Starbucks!


Madwell: Whisper Tee

I will admit it. It took me until last year to learn what Madewell was. What took me so long and boy was I missing out! What I love is that Nordstrom carries Madewell now, not just Madewell stores. This tee is comfy, cozy, a bit of slouch, and it has this feel to it that's almost like pajamas. Who doesn't love pajamas?!

Old Navy: Luxe Hem Tee

Old navy for the win, yet again. These tees have a curved hem so there's no need to tuck in. The cover the pooch perfectly and yet still show enough booty without showing allll the booty.

JCrew: The Perfect Stripe

When in doubt, and you want/need/must have a striped shirt, JCrew never fails. Their crewneck striped shirts are just the right size stripe and have just the right placement of the stripes to be flattering on everyone. I swear. This coming from a busty gal.

Where do you find your favorite tees?! I'm always on the lookout for a good tee so please share your finds!