The S Word

I love the S word. And I love the S word even more when Holiday is in front of it. 

Holiday Sale. 

But, I also know that I am a sucker for good prices.

The only way to save my debit card from going into the negative is to create a list.

If I don’t, I end up with summer blow out pieces that I don’t know how to wear in fall.

About 2-3 weeks prior to any holiday sale, I start taking notes of all the things I want.

For Labor Day, I am looking towards fall fashion. 

I then play around in my closet a little bit, seeing what I can create with what I have and what my closet is lacking.

I also try to see what non-traditional fall colors are being used this fall to try to buy some of those pieces on sale.

This year, I’ve seen a lot of light pink in fall trends.

I’ve also seen a lot of blues- bright, dark and light.

Light pink and light blue are colors used during summer, so I may keep my eyes out for them.

Here are some sales that I definitely plan to take a better look at-

The Limited: 30% off Markdowns (no code needed)

The Loft: 50% off full price items (Code:SHOP50), 50% off sale items (no code needed)

Forever 21: 50% off SELECT sale prices (Code: LABORDAY) **careful, this is for select pieces- not all sales

Express: 40% off every single item (no code needed)

At a quick glance, here are some of my favorites...

$15 at Loft

$17.44 at Loft

$17.44 at Loft

$31.49 at The Limited

Happy shopping!!

<3 Nicole

If you're going to Europe...

... You're going to need a fanny pack.


One of my best packing decisions for Europe was my American Apparel fanny pack. Donnie picked it up for me last minute and it was amazing.

I love fanny packs for so many reasons.
1. You have nothing around your arms- hello freedom.
2. It limits the things you can bring- travel lightly.
3. It is safe- goodbye pick-pocketers.

So if you're going to Europe, do yourself a favor and bring a fanny pack!

This little blog of mine...

Every time I come back to this little space of mine in blogland, I am overwhelmed with emotions.
It makes me so happy to see that people come and visit this little piece of real estate, regardless of how bad I am with posting- which makes me sad, because I then realize that I am miserable at posting.

I've been thinking about this little blog of mine quite a bit lately- does it define me?
Does it accomplish the goals of its intent?
Does anybody care?
And here's what I have decided...

I love blogs for so many reasons, but the biggest reason is the inspiration I find in them.
I find honest moms inspiring- they help me put some serious thought behind how to raise my future Poffs,
I find fashion bloggers inspiring- they encourage me to think outside the box and create clothing combinations that build my confidence,
and I find home and craft blogs inspiring- they allow me to day dream about my current and future nests.
But I also find other blogs inspiring; business, design, life, food, etc. If it's a blog- I probably love it!
I love the communities that blogs build- the sharing of the ideas and tips, the encouragement; it's a community that aims to help others in all areas of life.

So what does that mean for my blog?
Real Life Dress Up.

It means that this little blog of mine is no longer just for clothes.
This little blog is about dressing up your real life- making it the life you want and have always wanted.
For me- I dress up my life through clothes, recipes, crafts, home decor, work, living, and being the best wife I can be.
I think everyone plays real life dress up in their real life.
So join me on this adventure where I share ways in which I dress up my life...

Speaking of.... wedding planning is finally over....
:)

Army Strong.

Hi lovies!

Happy Monday! I have been seeking a pair of army green pants for probably a year now. All of the army green pants I find either have pockets on the sides, are too casual, or fit weird. I knew that when I found these- they were it. I love versatile items and these pants have proven themselves to be just that- I casually rolled up the legs this weekend and paired with flats for a relaxed look and then added heels and unrolled when Monday morning came about.

I bought them from a little store that sells Forever 21 and target items for $10 each. Unfortunately, it looks like the only locations are in San Diego and their online website doesn't seem to be working or really up to par with the actual store. But, in the event that you're ever in Southern California, make sure to visit M's Clothing. It's addicting like high buns on a Monday morning.

Naked Feet

Two things about this outfit:

1. The whole thing cost less than my left shoe. 

2. My shoes are the best things around and everyone should go buy a pair or 5 right now. 

Besides the fact that I look like I don't have shoes on, these shoes are the best thing since sliced bread. They are $20 at Payless, but literally the most comfortable things that my feet have ever been in. I have them in this tan color and then a nude with a black toe and I get a million compliments on them. I would have paid $40 for them. They are squishy inside and offer way more support than most flats. You can find them here . Don't believe me? Read all of the reviews. 

I am obsessed with my shirt and it's colors. Best $6 ever spent. And my skirt? $2 at Charlotte Russe. I was there the other day with Donnie and scooped up on about 7 pencil skirts- all on sale for $2 each. Boo ya. 

Fate Spade

Hello blogland!

I can't even begin to explain my excitement for posting today! Being back on this little piece of the internet that is mine makes me feel so happy. Between finishing up my Master's degree, moving, planning a wedding, and various other things, my blog has been quite neglected. I wish so badly that I could commit to being more consistent- and maybe now I can. To be honest, I started to feel overwhelmed when I was blogging. I felt like I needed to provide outfits that everyone could wear/alter to fit their lifestyle, but that became extremely exhausting. I am finally ok with putting outfits up that I wear on a regular basis. Spontaneous pictures that show how I dress on a regular basis- preppy, preppy, and a little more preppy.


Speaking of preppy. I stalked followed a girl wearing the cutest pink striped dress at the mall the other day. When I realized it was a $400 Kate Spade dress, I felt my heart break a little. When I found this dress at forver 21 yesterday, I knew it was fate. Fate Spade. I love this dress more than the original dress and wish they had every color in the rainbow- I would buy them all and never wear anything else. This dress is that amazing. (Ignore the bad quality)

Forever 21 $27.80  {on the left}

Kate Spade $398 {on the right}

I've also decided to share a couple random outfits from my phone. Phone quality pictures= sorry about the quality.

New York and Company Shirt  styled 3 different ways. This shirt is one of my favs and on sale for $20 right now. It also looks cute with jeans and untucked.

My favorite Vera Wang sweater with TULLE underneath it! $14 at Kohls!

$8 Target skirt (also shown above)



That's all I have for today! But boy does it feel great to be back!!! 

xoxo Nicole

The best accessory, ever.

Well hello there, blog land. It has been quite some time since I have posted anything in this little space of mine, but it isn't without reason.

While I have been away, I have found the best accessory. I have an impressive collection of jewelry, scarves, etc., but nothing beats this one. So what have I been up to?

My engagement ring. Pure bliss on that 22nd day of June. It started when my boss picked me up from my house at 6am to attend a "work event". We ended up at the airport, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Lake Tahoe. Little details along the way, like a scrapbook and a message on my ipod, led me to believe it was going to be a special weekend- but I couldn't begin to have dreamed of the weekend that Donnie had in store. That ring of mine is forever my favorite accesory.

Wedding planning has kept me busy, finishing up my Masters degree and graduating has kept me busy, the death of our cousin/roommate and the events of moving have also kept me really busy. I am thinking of changing up my blog a little, putting it more in line with all of my goals/hobbies. DIY around the household, wedding planning, learning how to be a good little wife- things like that. Thoughts? I surely have missed this little land of blogs.