Shopbop's Insane Sale Ends Tomorrow- Here are My Picks!

Who else is ready for sundresses and sandals?  Unfortunately, I’m still having to carry a jacket with me each day because the New York weather is staying cool.  It's days like this I miss living in Houston, Texas where there wasn't any need at all to own a coat.  However, I know sunshine is right around the corner, and a look at Shopbop’s spring sale this AM has me extra excited for warm days ahead.  The sale is pretty unbelievable in terms of savings- 20% off all purchases with the code “EVENT19” at checkout, and 25% off all purchases over $500.  Unfortunately, the savings end tomorrow so it’s time to get shopping…!  I pulled together a few of my favorite pieces from the sale below:

SHOP MY PICKS:  

(Please note, all pricing below takes in to account the 20% discount code of "EVENT19" at checkout.)

1.) Light Blue Wrap Dress, $118.40

2.) Orange Watercolor Floral Dress, $388

3.) Furla Black Mini Crossbody Bag, $238.40

4.) Blue Vince Ribbed Pullover Sweater, $276

5.) Karen Walker Tortoise Sunnies, $200

6.) FEMINIST Soludos, $68

7.) Overalls, $48

This is cracking me up.  So glad these classics are part of the sale.

These are adorable for upcoming summer parties (or Memorial Day!)

loving this, this, and these, too!

5 Woven Handbags Under $50

I'm all about joining in on a seasonal trend, but not at an exorbitant cost. That's why today I rounded up some of my favorite woven basket bags, all under $50! With the majority of August still in front of us, and if you're very lucky, a warm September too, I think now is still a great time to invest in one of these bags.

1.) Urban Outfitters Roseanne Straw Bucket Bag, $49

2.) Etsy Round Straw Basket Bag, $49

3.) Zara Raffia Bucket Bag, $19.99

4.) En Shalla Basket Bag, $47.50 (and a more neutral option that's just a bit over $50!):

5.) Round Wicker Basket with Double Leather Handle, $41:

6.) Ahava Small Handwoven Straw Bag, $40:

BONUS:  My favorite is this vintage beauty originally from Bali, for just a bit more ($78):

...And, a cute tote that could also conveniently be used as a basket in your home, $35:

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: My Style Picks

The big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has begun for Nordstrom card holders, and soon it will be open to everyone this Friday.  This sale is different than most normal sales because they slash prices on the hottest items from the approaching season.  After the sale is over, the items won't simply disappear from the website- they'll still be listed, but back at the regular prices.  When retailers have a crazy sale, it's typically because they're trying to get rid of items left in inventory that aren't moving at their current price.  Swimsuits 70% off at the end of August are great, but you likely won't be able to enjoy them till the following summer, when newer styles will be out.   I always utilize the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to purchase essential pieces I know I'll wear all fall and winter, like a smart winter coat at 30% off or the designer "it" bag for nearly half off.  Here are a few other favorites from the sale:

Shop Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks:

1.) Madewell Checkmate Fringe Scarf $38.90 (Normally $59.90)

2.) Skagen Anita Leather Strap Watch $99 (Normally $155)

3.) Precious Metal Earrings $29.90 (Normally $46)

4.)  Kensie Skirted Tweed Coat $139.90 (Normally $218).  And I also love this guy.

5.) Halogen Corbin Genuine Calf Hair Slide $59.90 (Normally $89.95) 

6.) Wool Blend Missoni Scarf $139 (Normally $212)

7.) Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Nuback Crossbody Bag $149.90 (Normally $255)

8.) North Face ThermoBall Prima Lift Hooded Parka in Eggplant $169.90 (Normally $230)

9.) Vince Camuto Fileana Split Shaft Bootie $99 (Normally $149.95).  For a taller option to carry you through the winter, I love these.

10.) Mother Denim High Waist Crop Bootcut Jeans $149.90 (Normally $235)

11.) Rebecca Taylor Cotton Shirtdress $196.90 (Normally $295)

12.) J. Crew Tipped Pajama Shirt $57.90 (Normally $78)

13.) Michael Kors Mixed Media Hooded Jacket in Khaki $109.90 (Normally $168)

Happy Shoppin!

XOXO,

Sam

Fashion File: Still Loving Maxi Skirts

I once thought being seen in a maxi skirt was only acceptable if you were a devout Mennonite or a Pentecostal woman.  I was surprised to see them in lots of style forecasts a few years back and now it appears they are here to stay.   In fact, I've grown to love this universally flattering garment.  However you define your style and whatever occasion you're dressing for, there's a maxi waiting to work it's magic on you.  For work or other nice occasions, opt to go with a more structured maxi:

{Atlantic-Pacific}

Love this look?  Here's a similar casual option, and also a similar midi version.  Pair a structured maxi with a crop top for a night out:

{Lee Oliveira}

 Polyester maxis are versatile.  To me they're that "in between" style where you easily dress them up or down based on your mood.  For a more put-together look, pair the skirt with heels and a cool leather jacket:

{Zanna Roberts Rassi, Sr. Fashion Editor at Marie Claire}

Or, dress it down by pairing this maxi with sandals and a tank:

{Glam Radar}

Sporting a maxi is also great for casual situations.  Running errands, relaxing with friends on the weekends, or traveling calls for a linen or cotton relaxed look:

{Merrick's Art}

...and here's my own take on the maxi skirt:

I wore this Zara floral number this past weekend in the Hamptons. It's supposed to be a "midi" skirt, but even in heels it looks like more of a maxi on me.  Oops!  #shortpeopleproblems.  I wore it with these sunnies, this tank, and these heels.  That hair tie around my wrist is très chic, no?

What's your favorite maxi style?

My 5 Favorite Buys of 2017

I'm a big proponent of the motto "Buy less, choose well."  I don't shop very often, which made composing this list both very hard and very easy.   I mainly spend my "fun" money on dinners out, weekends away, or new books.  But today, I wanted to share my 5 favorite fashion buys of 2017 thus far.   You can trust me when I say I really do love the hell out of the 5 following items. 

1.) Superga Cotu Classic Shoes, $59

I was introduced to my first pair of sparkly Supergas through my aunt Jennifer (who owns Cakewalk Style Shop in Houston, TX) a few years ago.  I find that these sneakers are versatile enough for casual work days, running errands in on the weekends, and work well with rolled jeans and a tank. I love the beigey-gray color, too:

2.) BaubleBar Lariat Choker Necklace, $21.60

I've been secretly praying that chokers would become a "thing" again since I was 12.  Now that they are finally back, I've purchased a few different inexpensive chokers online only to sadly return them.  The one version I adore and think you will too is by BaubleBar, of course.  The Lariat Choker (only $21.60 right now) has two gold tassels at each end that can hang loose or be tied in a cute bow.   I wear this baby everywhere!

3.) Target Crochet Midi Bikini, $40

Also known as, the world's most flattering bikini.  My go-to for swimsuits always has been and always will be good ol' Tar-jay.  They have a million styles to choose from, you can conveniently try on each bikini, and they are all fairly inexpensive.  A win-win-win!  I found this crochet two-piece at a Target in Indianapolis when I was freelancing for HGTV in March, and finally got to wear it out to the Hamptons this past weekend.  The adjustable straps and ties are forgiving and the push up is a nice little perk (pun definitely intended).

If army green isn't your thing, they also sell this bikini in black: Top & Bottom.

4.) Eberjay Gisele Short PJ Set, $102

I am fairly certain I've included this PJ set in a "best buys" post before, but even so, I can't miss an opportunity to rave about them again.  I was gifted this set at Christmas and I feel like I haven't taken them off since.  The material is so soft it nearly feels like silk, even though it's a durable rayon/polyester mix.  I have the navy set but after browsing through the Eberjay website to prepare for this post, I realize I now need this gray version with chartreuse piping:

5.)  Frida Tote by Lumi, $139.95 

The Frida tote in lime green has become my official bag of summer.  It carries everything, has short handles or long shoulder straps, and is such a fun color.  I attached a floral scarf keychain to mine:

{also pictured is my favorite bag of all time- the YSL sac du jour}

And 3 things on my wishlist that are under $23 - these pretties, this, and this.  And if you love the matching top and bottom look as much as me, you'll probably love this too.

Happy Hump Day!

XOXO,

Sam

My Favorite Buys of Summer 2016

TGIF and Happy Labor Day Weekend!  I know there will be a plethora of Labor Day sales right around the corner, but before that I wanted to pause and share my all-time favorite buys of summer 2016.  As I've gotten a bit older, I've become much more thoughtful about how I spend my money, and in truth I do not buy a lot in the way of clothing or impulse purchases (believe it or not).   I'm no Dave Ramsey and would never claim to be a penny pincher, but at the same time I believe everything you buy should really add to your life and stick around for awhile.   First up- this summer outfit was on repeat for me most weekends:  Tobi Back Story Dress (now only $17),  Clubmaster shades, Prada handbag, and DVF wedges (old, but similar pair here):

{Tobi Back Story Crochet Dress $17, Rayban Sunnies $160,  DVF heels (similar here)}

In full disclosure, Tobi gifted me this dress and a few others but I was under no obligation to post about it or share it with you, it's just that I genuinely love it!  Sometimes when products come in the mail they look nothing like you expect, but this dress is the perfect amount of loose + fitted. I'm wearing a small in the photo above and love the bright color. 

This summer I upgraded to the iPhone 6+ after mocking how big the screen is for months.  Apparently my dad was on to something by purchasing the larger one when it first came out, because I had to follow suit when I was due for an upgrade this past July. I now prefer the bigger screen (that 2009 Lasik surgery is starting to wear off) and a larger phone meant an opportunity to find another cute phone case.   Minnie and Emma cases are my new favorite, and after perusing the website several times I decided on their Rose Stripe phone case with my monogram (ignore the rose):

               

And here's a close up of the case- I just love it!

In May, one of my best girlfriends and I took a trip to Jamaica, and I sported my Tuckernuck tassel earrings for all our outings the entire weekend.  I wear this pair at least once a week, and want to invest in the other colors one of these days.

{Tassel Earrings $98, Mara Hoffman 2 Piece Set (old), similar options here}

I first spotted the MZ Wallace Medium Metro tote at my Equinox gym, and thought it was a cute bag that could easily double as an everyday purse.  However, I had trouble justifying paying $215 for a bag that would likely end up carrying my gym clothes.  After walking by it on display in the gift shop several times, I finally caved and purchased one in black and I'm so glad I did!  Living in New York, you never know what a day can bring.  If I want to wear heels at work, I throw them in my bag and put them on once I've gotten to work to save my feet during my commute.  I also carry my gym clothes and shoes in the Metro tote to change in to after work.  It can easily fit so much but at the same time doesn't feel bulky. The arm strap also is very soft and has a nice padding where it hits your shoulder!  This has become my everyday bag and a few of my friends have begged me to switch it up with a clutch when we go out at night because they are tired of seeing me it.... so I'd consider this purchase a success:

{MZ Wallace Metro tote in black $215}

Although I technically didn't buy them this summer, I have to say Chloe scalloped flats are the most comfortable flats I've owned.  I was a big believer in Tory Burch's Revas for awhile (weren't we all?) but they often rubbed blisters on my feet.  This is one situation where the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true, as these babies haven't let me down a year later after purchasing.  Here's my daily uniform- black dress + Chloes + MZ Wallace Bag:

{Chloe Scalloped Flats $495, MZ Wallace Metro tote $215}

Have you come across any great buys this summer you're happy you made?  If so I hope you'll share the deets with me!

Get the Look: White Hot for End-of-Summer

Happy Thursday!  I am so thrilled to have my good friend and New York PR star Vicky back to guest post today.  I trust her fashion sense more than anyone else I know, so I felt that having her share her favorite end-of-summer white dresses with you would be a perfect topic.

{Vic in the white romper, Christy of Crowns by Christy teaching us to make flower crowns}

Hi Peak of Tres Chic readers, happy to be back talking fashion before the summer season is over!  I can’t believe we only have two more weekends to sport that pretty little white dress hiding in the back of your closet, or to purchase a new one! Whether you are spending the weekend out east in the Hamptons or enjoying the city (or wherever you call home!) while it’s just a tiny bit emptier than the rest of the year, make sure to take the time to enjoy these last few wonderful weeks of summer. There are a few adorable white dress options still on the market:

From Top, Left to Right:


Gili Island Dress $105/Tassel Earrings in Turquoise $98/Off-the-Shoulder Poplin Dress $895/Emerie Cut Out Dress $268/Tularosa Meave Dress $150/ASOS Missguided  High Neck Lace Dress $96.74/

With so many places to shop and so many different online retailers, I still find myself going back to good ‘ol ASOS.  The quality of their dresses is always on point, the selection is always stylish, and the shipping is quick and easy. I also can’t help but lust after the gorgeous dresses on Shopbop and Net-a-Porter, so I might be making an impulse end-of-summer purchase to make myself feel better about the impending fall.

In my selections above, there is something for every occasion- a beach party, a night out, a daytime picnic or even for work!

Thanks Vic for posting!  I hope everyone is having a good week so far.  It's almost Friday...

The View Through My Lens: 29

I'm still very much in the honeymoon phase when it comes to my relationship with New York.  I feel a bit starstruck still-  I'm stopping and pinching myself on a somewhat regular basis.  The opportunities that arise here and the people you meet never cease to amaze.  I'm also very much in a phase in my life where I'm open to new experiences.  My new favorite response is, "yes!"  Want to tag along on a weekend in the Hamptons?  "yes!"  Ok, but are you okay with sleeping on an air mattress?  "yes!"  Want to check out the new Parish museum?  "yes!"  Want to go on a girls trip to Tulum?  "yes!".  Can you work late to take on an extra project? "yes!"  I know the popular phrase these days (at least when it comes to business opportunities and overworking yourself) is to "just say no," but I find "yes" to be more of my vibe lately.  The other funny thing about New York is the opportunities that come up.  I'm constantly finding myself in situations where I'm pinching myself.  "I definitely don't belong here but I'm happy to be here" is a common thought running through my mind.  Case in point:  I got invited last Friday to tag along with a few friends for an intimate dinner in the Hamptons to celebrate summer with Vestiaire Collective.   The event was hosted by Athena Calderone of Eye-Swoon in her gorgeous Amagansett backyard: 

The dinner was absolutely beautiful and one of the most special nights I've had while living here in New York.  And the weekend was just starting!  Amy, Gabby and I stayed at Baron's Cove in Sag Harbor Friday and Saturday evening and it was dreamy:

4th of July Sales + Steals!

Happy 4th of July!  I am soaking up the heat in Austin at the pool and the lake with my bestie, and it's making me seriously miss Texas life.  This weekend has been so much fun and relaxing and I'm going to try and enjoy every minute of today before flying home tomorrow.  With any holiday comes a few great sales, and 4th of July is no exception:

Furbish Studio- 20% off Site-wide with code FIREWORKS at checkout

Urban Outfitters- Extra 30% off all sale items 

H&M-  Lots of cute items for only $4, like this off-the-shoulder top

J Crew- 40% off all sale items


Macy's- 20% off items with code FOURTH at checkout

Wildfox- Free Shipping with code FIREWORKS at checkout

Shop My July 4th Sale Picks:

Sabina Ruffle Black Wrap Dress $49/Bella Tassel Earrings $41.50/Wildfox Blue Romper $154/Sabina Pink Throw Pillow $55/Steve Madden Lace-Up Flats $70/Ellie Striped Essential Bath Towel $25/

What to Pack for Memorial Day Weekend

Although I just came back from Jamaica and am thoroughly relaxed, I am looking forward to the 3-day holiday weekend.   I'm heading back to Oklahoma to see my family and my adorable niece and nephew for Memorial Day, but most of our time will be spent outside by the pool.  Here's what's on my packing list:

I'm a sucker for a good Target bikini.  I personally can't seem to justify the more expensive options like Agent Provocateur or Marysia because every summer I want a new look and it doesn't make sense to splurge on a swimsuit.  However, I am open to spending on cute, versatile summer pieces I can wear season after season like this loose Splendid number and Anthropologie's denim dress.  A cute beach tote seems to be the "it" beach accessory this year, as well as sun hats with cheeky sayings.

Shop My Packing List:

Sam Loves: 11

Happy Wednesday!  I arrived home late late late last night in New York from Jamaica and I'm not ready to face the real world yet.   The Jamaican weather was perfect.  It was sunny every day until about 3 pm, and then it would rain a bit, just in time for us to go back to our room and take a nap before dinner.  By sunset, it was always back to clear skies and tropical weather.  I went with my best friend from college, and it was the perfect chance for us to catch up while also celebrating her new masters degree (she graduated earlier this month).  With clear blue waters still on my mind, I'm inspired by all things seafoam and coastal right now:

From top to bottom, left to right:

In the Mood

As I've mentioned before, I am 100% a warm-weather person.  It makes you wonder why I'm in New York, but to be honest, I've actually gotten used to the cold temperatures and don't mind them (as much).  Even so, I feel like I have more energy and come alive once it's spring.  This week has been beautiful in Manhattan, and one of my best friends is coming to visit me this weekend, so I'm excited to bust out the cute sundresses (with a jacket of course).  I'm also looking forward to going to Montego Bay in 3 weeks with one of my closest college girlfriends, so I've been in the mood for resort style, sunny skies, and cute beachwear:

{Conde Nast Traveler}

{Chronicles of Her wearing Matin Studio}

This campaign is giving me all the feels:

{Sir the Label}

{Similar bikini here}

I love Palme's cheeky tees.  I'm thinking I need this one for Jamaica:

{Palme the Label}

{Tuula}

Vyshyvanka by Vita Kin is my new favorite fashion line for vacation- if only the price tag wasn't so steep!  I love this pink embroidered top from their collection:

{Harpers Bazaar}

{Janni Deler}

And speaking of being in the mood, here are a few beach-inspired pieces I'm crushing on:

Pool Reflections by Christine Flynn $189:

Mitla Striped Blanket $105:

Solange Drops $38:

Bungalow Sleeveless Cover-Up $49.50:

Topshop Strappy Crossback Bikini $35:

Who else is ready for vacay?

Happy Thursday!