March, 2019 - It's All Chic to Me | Houston Fashion Blogger

Save vs Splurge: Walmart Edition

March 28, 2019

Two Walmart posts in a row?! I’ve officially hopped on the bandwagon. Also, I thought it was about time I brought the save vs. splurge series that started on Instagram on over to the blog so that it’s easy to reference back to at a later date. My philosphy with this series is why splurge on the real deal if the dupe is just as good?! I’m all about saving money where I can and I know you ladies feel me on that! So first up in this series, I thought I’d share some of my drugstore make up purchases along with some of the really great dupes I’ve seen at Walmart recently.

CLICK ANY OF THE BELOW IMAGES IN THE COLLAGES TO SHOP

Accessories are something that I splurge on occasionally. I’m talking maybe a designer purse every other year but between those big, more long term, classic purchases I love making smaller, trendy purchases. Straw bags are one of those trendy purchases that I am talking about. I love them for the Spring/Summer but I want a new one every year and when I say I want one, I really want five so saving money is optimal.

Trendy shoes are another area that I tend to save because chances are they will be out of style next season. I love the look of the Sam Edelman woven mules but refused to pay $90 for them so these $14 woven mules from Walmart get the job done.

When it comes to make up, there are some items that I 100% splurge on and others that I will forever pick up on my weekly (er, daily) Walmart runs. Mascara will forever be a save item for me ever since I found L’Oreals Lash Paradise. It is said to be an identical dupe to Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. I’ll never go back to buying expensive mascara now that I love this one so much!

Another product that I will forever use is the NYX precision brow pencil. I used the Anastasia brow wiz for years and let me just tell you the NYX is an identical dupe but has way more product in it. So not only is it less than half the price of the Anastasia, it lasts almost twice as long.

Teacher Outfits

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Outfits, WWW

Best in Class Teacher Outfits from Walmart

March 27, 2019

Casual Work Wear

TANK // JACKET // JEANS // SHOES

Casual Work Wear

DRESS // SHOES

Casual Work Wear

TOP // JEANS // SHOES

My Chick-fil-a and Target runs have recently turned into Chick-fil-a and Walmart runs and boy have I been surprised at some of my recent fashion finds. While I’ve picked up my basic tees and tanks from Walmart for a long time, I’d never really ventured out further than that because honestly your girl is normally making a bee line for the Cookie Two Step Blue Bell Ice Cream. #priorities

I’ve had some requests lately to share casual work wear or outfits that would be appropriate for a classroom setting and while I haven’t set foot in a classroom setting in awhile, I would put money on the fact that teachers are all about the comfort aspect while still trying to look cute and professional. This is normally where I would give a speech on stretchy pants and dresses: two must haves for the comfy lover but I’ll refrain because I know you ladies know what I’m talking about.

As soon as Walmart announced that Maurices was launching on walmart.com, I knew they would have some great casual pieces that would be perfect for the classroom or a casual office setting.

I was pleasantly surprised by these button fly jeggings. They have the look of jeans, the stretch of jeggings and the quality of designer denim. I am wearing the same pair of denim in both the first and last outfits. The only difference is that I cuffed them in the last outfit making them look like an almost completely different jean! These jeans do run on the bigger side so I would suggest sizing down if in between sizes. I went with the XS short and would have done an XXS had they have had it.

I picked up several other pieces from the Maurices line that are not only appropriate for the office or classroom, they are just great basics to add to your closet. I can promise you that this anorak jacket will go with just about anything and everything. I’m talking over basic tees, blouses, dresses and even jumpsuits. I’ve tested this theory and I promise it works and it looks just as cute as can be. The green color option is my personal favorite but it also comes in a pretty blush pink color that is perfect for Spring and has the prettiest eyelet detail.

Next up, let’s talk shoes. Since heels can be a little too aggressive and usually not the most comfortable for someone on their feet all day, I found two pairs of wedges that are super cute, under $20 and the perfect height for the classroom. If wedges are still a little too much of a commitment for you, I found this pair of on trend white mules that I absolutely love. For sizing purposes, if you are in between sizes in any of the Time and Tru wedges, size down. I’m normally a 7.5 and went with the 7s. As for any of the Time and Tru sandals, I size up a half size!

Photography by: BanAvenue

*Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts an opinions are my own.*

Teacher Outfits

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Outfits

Nordstrom Special Occasion Wear for Spring Events

March 25, 2019

Spring Event Dresses

Jumpsuit: Nordstrom | Shoes: Nordstrom

Spring Event Dresses

Dress: Nordstrom | Shoes: Similar | Bag: Similar

Spring Event Dresses

Dress: Nordstrom | Shoes: Nordstrom | Bag: Gucci

Spring Event Dresses

Dress: Nordstrom | Shoes: Nordstrom

Spring has officially sprung and with that seems to come ALL of the events. And with all of the events comes all of the must have Spring event wear. Whether you have upcoming weddings, showers, parties or vacations, Nordstrom is your one stop shop for event wear and I’m sharing why they are always my go to destination.

No matter the occasion, Nordstrom is always the first place that I hit up. Their selection is by far the largest and nothing beats free shipping and returns. I feel a little less guilty purchasing multiple options for my event (whether it be multiple sizes or multiple styles), because I know whichever ones don’t work out can easily be returned. I also recently discovered their buy online and pick up in store option which is actually how I purchased all of the above items. It is a game changer.

Picture this: it’s noon and you realize you have nothing to wear for your event at 8 pm. Panic sets in. Then you remember you can hop on over to nordstrom.com, pick out a dress, and then pick it up in a couple of hours. Instantly relief. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me. All you have to do is filter your online selection by your local Nordstrom address and it will only show you what is available in store.

Something that I also want to point out about Nordstrom during event season is that they have free alterations. All of my fellow petite girls can rejoice! I almost always have to have my dresses hemmed so this little perk is amazing. Want to hear something even better? It doesn’t even have to be from Nordstrom for them to alter it for free. That means bridesmaids dresses! I personally feel like Katherine Heigl from 27 dresses with the amount of weddings that I have been in. I’ve gone to Nordstrom every time I’ve needed one altered and I’ve even had a formal gown altered into a cocktail dress so that I could wear it again. To make an appointment, just go to their website, alterations are quick & easy!

Since I know Nordstrom’s site is a little overwhelming to new users, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite brands that I always check out for more affordable event wear. You can click on any of the below brands to shop their current event wear and then see below for my personal picks for spring dresses, jumpsuits and accessories!

All In Favor | Halogen | Socialite | Leith | Topshop | WAYF | Bardot

*Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts an opinions are my own.*

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Outfits

Spring Outfits for the Office

March 13, 2019

Spring Outfits for the Office

Top: WHBM | Pants: WHBM | Shoes: Sam Edelman

Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking. Name that movie 😉 They say it’s because April showers bring May flowers but I think it has something to do with the fact flowers will never go out of style and they seem to brighten up any outfit. Not only is floral a beautiful print, the colors that normally accompany it are usually bright and happy too! This beautiful blouse can be worn buttoned or unbuttoned and looks just as beautiful both ways.

For sizing reference, I have found WHBM to run big in their bottoms and true to size in their tops. As for this specific floral shell top, I suggest sizing up if in between sizes. I went with the 00 and wish I had done a 0, maybe even 2. They also offer regular and petite sizing which is a God send for all of us shorties! I always opt for the petite sizing in the pants, skirts, shorts and jeans and I am 5’4″ for reference. Tops, blouses and blazers I am typically an XS or 0.

Spring Outfits for the Office

Top: WHBM | Blazer: WHBM | Shorts: WHBM | Shoes: Sam Edelman

One of the trends that I am most excited about this season are short suit sets. I have been seeing them everywhere and in all fabrics and prints too. While this trend might not be appropriate for every type of office setting I still wanted to include it in today’s post because you can bet to see it all over this Spring. And if you do love this particular set, the good news is that it comes in a matching pencil skirt that would definitely be appropriate for the office or an interview. I’m wearing a 00P in the shorts and 0P in the blazer although I wish I had gotten a 0R just because the arms are a little too cropped on me.

Spring Outfits for the Office

Top: WHBM | Pants: WHBM | Shoes: Similar

Spring means all of the bright colors and this pair of pants checks all of the boxes. These are called the “Comfort Stretch Ankle Pant” and they hold true to their name. Not only are they cute, they are just as comfortable as they are cute given their perfect amount of stretch. I am wearing the 00P and love where the hit on my leg- perfect to show off a cute pair of shoes!

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Beauty, Outfits

Spring Make Up Refresh

March 8, 2019

International Womens Day Spring Make Up Refresh

I have been compensated by QVC for this post. As always, all opinions are my own!

International Womens Day Spring Make Up Refresh

Happy International Women’s Day ladies! While I think we should celebrate women everyday, today is a special day for womanhood and how far we have come. Celebrate all of the women who are killing it in the workforce. Celebrate all of the women who are raising babies. Celebrate all of the women who sacrifice day in and day out. Celebrate ALL of the women all over the world who are making a difference for our future. We still have a long way to go but I’m so proud to be a woman today hopefully opening doors for all of the women that will come after me.

I know this might seem unrelated but stick with me here. With Spring around the corner, a few weeks ago I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to try out some new make up products! Coincidentally right around the same time that I decided it was time for a Spring make up refresh, one of my followers asked me a question that sparked a fun idea. The question was, “If you could only use one make up product the rest of your life, what would it be?”. I didn’t even have to think twice about my answer. IT Cosmetics CC Cream of course!

I’ve used IT Cosmetics CC Cream for over 5 years, I’ve tried changing foundations and always go back to it. Always. The same follower asked me if I had tried any other other IT Cosmetics products and that’s when I realized I haven’t! How could I not have tried any other products from the brand I just deemed I couldn’t live without?! So I made it a mission to try out a full face worth of IT Cosmetics products and I’m so excited to share that my Spring Make Up Refresh is comprised of just that.

The more I dove into researching IT Cosmetics, I found out that it was founded by a woman and as a female business owner myself, it always brings me a little more joy knowing that the brand I am supporting was founded by a fellow girl boss! Women should support other women no matter how big or small!

So I’m excited to share that I found all of the products I’ve added into my Spring make up line up on a website that is supporting this mission. In honor of International Women’s Day, QVC® and HSN will be contributing $100,000 to Nest, buildanest.org, a global nonprofit committed to the social and economic advancement of women by supporting female artisans who might not have the resources they need to flourish. We invite you to visit QVC.com to learn more and support Nest—QVC is even matching donations on ALL sales today! Shop all of my new make up products below.

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