The Brunette One

Shopping Cart: Memorial Day Steals & Deals

2013-05-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

My co-worker and I were taking a look at the seven day weather forecast yesterday, nothing but rain on the horizon. Which ruins any plans of catching some rays this upcoming holiday weekend. So with the weather threatening our outdoor plans, so I am leaving you with a few Memorial Day sales to online shop to your heart's content!!

J.Crew is offering $30 off your purchase of $150, $50 off your purchase of $200, and $75 off your purchase of $250! Enter code SHOPNOW at checkout. I just picked up this number!

Nordstrom is having their women's half yearly sale! Up to 40% off selected items!

Shopbop added a ton of new items to their sale!

C. Wonder is offering 25% off orders of $100 or more! No coupon code required. Through the end of May, save an extra 50% off sale items with code SALE50!

Find the perfect Father's Day gift with Poppin, all orders over $35 ship for free!

Joie is having a HUGE shoe sale. I need these & these.

Gorjana & Griffin is offering an extra 40% off sale items now through 5/27 with code SUMMERTIME.

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Live Healthy: Arm Workout #1

2013-05-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

My main goal within the next year is to develop some amazing arms, something a la Michelle Obama for my wedding dress that I get to wear a little over a year from next Saturday. Last week I started taking a barre class at a local yoga studio, Power Life Yoga. Let me tell you something, doing cardio barre in 94 degree heat is hard. But words can't describe how great it felt once the class was over and I realized I survived! I can't wait to go back again!

*tricep extensions, tricep dips, bicep curls

Event: Go Blog Social Conference - Must Haves

2013-05-23T13:03:00.004-05:00

We're talking conference necessities over on the Go Blog Social blog. Have you purchased your ticket yet?!

PS. Meg Biram & Corri McFadden will be speaking at the conference, make sure to check out the schedule to see the full list of speakers. Is it August yet?!

Don't forget a stylish bag to tote around all these goodies:

Nine To Five: Styling a Pencil Skirt with Keaton Row + Forbes.com

2013-05-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the powers that be over at Keaton Row and asked if I would be able to put together a few looks for their new Keaton Row column on Forbes. How could I say no?! My newest side project has quickly turned into my favorite, as I am finally getting to help women discover their own personal style! The first look I put together for the Style Efficiency column was styling this striped pencil skirt for the office.

Shop Karen Walker Sunnies Galore:

Closet Craving: Piamita

2013-05-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

This lookbook from Shopbop has me drooling over these beautifully detailed illustrations by Marcela Gutierrez along with entire Piamita collection {a fashionable meeting of loungewear & daywear}! Those mornings when you don't feel like wearing 'real' clothes but pajamas, the next best thing may be this blouse & tie-waist skirt, a match made in pattern heaven. Adorn yourself in this feminine combo {top + pants} when you meet the parents. This floral maxi dress just breezy enough for the Saturday morning Farmer's Market. Take the risk and mix this bicycle print tank with these black & white pants. What do you think? Are you obsessed as I am?!

My Style: Canadian Tuxedo

2013-05-20T08:14:00.002-05:00

J.Crew Chambray Shirt & Jean Shorts | Sequin & Random Bracelets | Revlon Lipstick | Rainbow Flip Flops

What better way to kick off the week than a little remixing with a few of my favorite Midwest Bloggers. Maya, Lauren, Katelyn and I are over on our Midwest Style Bloggers site remixing the classic Chambrayshirt. I managed to snap these photos right after a bad storm rolled through {hence the darkened sky}, what we do in the name of fashion I tell ya!

Shopping Cart: Tory Burch Sale

2013-05-17T10:01:00.006-05:00

Tory Burch happens to have quite the sale going on, up to 30% off! I just put this, this, & this on my wish list!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Live Healthy: Abs Workout #1

2013-05-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Live Healthy post is all about the abs! The warm weather means one thing, it's getting closer to swimsuit season! Time to get those core muscles in shape! Take note of this ab workout brought to you by Amanda Tyson and you'll be one step closer to this, this, and this suit!

**russian twists, bicycle crunches

Your Life, Styled: The Printed Blouse

2013-05-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Since I started styling with Keaton Row, I have seen client after client come to me with the same dilemma. They have no problem finding great statement pieces but have no clue how to style these items once they get them home to their closets. So first up, the printed blouse. To remix what you may have hanging in your closest, pair this blouse over a flowy dress and add a pair of wedges. If you aren't in a dress mood, pair with these white skinny jeans & heeled sandals, or pair with these Topshop silk trousers & heels.

My Style: Printed Dress

2013-05-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fossil Dress | Kate Spade Belt | Aldo Heels {old} {Similar}

This is how I would have worn this patterned shift dress if it had not been for the eight inches of snow on the ground for my brother's rehearsal dinner a few weeks ago. Hoping everyone had a great weekend. We enjoyed the warm weather with a little grilling & quality time spent with family this weekend celebrating my dad's birthday & Mother's Day!

The Brunette One Gets Married: Receiving Lines

2013-05-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week I'm discussing receiving lines over at Grey Likes Weddings. I've informally polled family members in attendance at my brother's wedding, our Priest, as well as discussed in depth with Cody. We, along with our bridal party and photographer, will be taking a trolly around to snap informal photos in-between the ceremony & reception. That leaves a gap in between events which will be offset by offering a cocktail hour for the guests.

So, do we have a formal receiving line at the church? Excuse guests from the pews? Visit every table at the reception? Or take note of these creative informal receiving line ideas {thank goodness for Pinterest}? Check out the full post over here!

Shop Talk: Red's Outfitters

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of the best parts of writing a fashion blog are the many brands & shops that get introduced to me through readers. A friend of mine recently reached out and told me about Red's Outfitters, a handmade sunglasses company based out of Atlanta, Georgia. An idea created between two roommates and carried into fruition after the tragical passing away of one of the founders after drowning during a breath holding exercise for an upcoming fishing trip. His roommate, along with his surviving brother and another best friend continued his dream, naming the company after his beloved dog, Red.

Inspired by colors to compliment their loyalties {these are my current favorites, as well as these}, they sought to create original handcrafted sunglasses at an affordable price. With a portion of the profits going to a foundation that started in honor of their lost loved one, Shallow Water Black Out Prevention.

Though some of their sunglasses are currently sold out, the team behind Red's is hard at work preparing to launch their summer collection, set to be released July of 2013. For the latest updates, make sure to follow along on Twitter {#REDSLIFE} & Facebook!

*This is not a sponsored post, I just love promoting quality brands that as my friend who introduced me to Red's said best, "They are a good company with a great mission and an even better product."

Images via {Red's Outfitters & Red Clay Soul}

Live Healthy: Lettuce Wraps

2013-05-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to announce a new series on The Brunette One, Live Healthy. I'm notorious for pinning images of work-outs and healthy recipes {though you may notice I have a bit of a sweet tooth}, but never following through with them in real life. I reached out to my dear, dear friend, Amanda Tyson**, who I've met through Kind Campaign and asked her to put together some easy food ideas & recipes for the girl on the go. First up, easy lunches when you need to bring your lunch to work!

Lettuce Wraps:

Take 3 pieces of Romaine Heart lettuce and wash them.

Spread as much hummus as you’d like onto the lettuce

Add low sodium turkey & veggies of your choice

Wrap them up & enjoy!

**I've known Amanda for many years and I've seen her do some amazing things. She courageously auditioned for Biggest Loser Season 12 and was a casting finalist, but did not make it to the show. After that, she decided to take it upon herself to start her own journey of weight loss and self discovery. She has now decided to motivate and guide others in the right direction and encouraging that everyone CAN do it too!

Amanda is my inspiration to start living a healthier life style, to get my butt in shape for my wedding, and to finally start trying these recipes & work-outs.

Your Life, Styled: A Rainy Day in May

2013-05-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

On Friday, I posted my laundry list of to-dos on Facebook. Did I make it through everything...not quite. Saturday, I wore a version of the outfit above {rainy/dreary/snow melting weather} to lunch with my family & had every intention of spending the day at Starbucks crossing things off my list. However, we had such great conversation at lunch we moved the party to my parent's house for another three hours. If you ask me, family always comes first, so sometimes I have to remind myself that there is always tomorrow to get to work on those deadlines!

Shop more hats!

Nine to Five: Office Florals

2013-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Zara Dress, Clutch, Sandals | Ray-Ban Sunglasses | Gorjana Necklace, Ring, Bracelet | Fossil Watch

I promised I wouldn't write anymore about the weather. So I won't tell you how it snowed for 48 hours straight last Thursday & Friday. And how I had to unpack my snow boots, scarf, and snow boots to trek through the parking lot to work. Or how I plan to move to San Diego, I hear the weather's always perfect there. But I will tell you that once Mother Nature decides to play nice, I will be wearing some version of this outfit to work. A feminine & flirty frock with a touch of delicate gold goodness, this girl is desperate for sundress weather!

TBO Gets Married: Gifts for the Mrs. & Mr.

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sharing a few gift ideas for the happy couple over at Grey Likes Weddings!

My Style: Arm Candy

2013-05-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

gifted Vivienne Kelly Bracelet | gifted Zamrie Lace Top | Gap Jeans | J.Crew Factory Clutch {old} | Target Sandals | Gap Sunnies

Monday's post you may have seen a little sneak peek of this beautiful bracelet. Vivienne Kelly was kind enough to send me this beauty. It is the perfect accessory when you are looking to add a pop of color. Keeping accessories minimal, I added a statement piece, this bracelet, to complete the look {how amazefest would this necklace be paired with a plain white tee & boyfriend jeans?!}. Would you wear this bracelet stacked with a variety of bracelets or by itself, as seen here? Leave a comment below, I'd love to know how you would style this piece!

Giveaway: The First Snow

2013-05-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

In my introductory post over at Grey Likes Weddings, I shared our inspiration board for our wedding. I featured an amazing print that encompassed our entire wedding theme by The First Snow. I, just by happenstance, stumbled upon the darling Etsy shop on Pinterest, and included this print in my collage. Darah was generous enough to gift me our 'wedding' print & that I can't wait to incorporate it with our wedding decor {Cody can attest, I can't stop showing it off} & later hang it on our wall gallery {which is currently a work in progress...}.

Now it is your turn! Enter below for a chance to win this gorgeous print from the shop. You have until next Wednesday to enter!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Style: Spring Essentials

2013-04-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

F21 Top {old} | Zara Shorts | gifted Anuja Tolia Necklace | Aldo Handbag {similar} | Target Sandals

A fun fact: I've attempted to DIY this necklace, I tried using gold safety pins strung on a gold chain. It was a DIY fail and I have a million gold safety pins in a craft box in my basement as a result. So when Anuja Tolia kindly sent me this necklace to style, I was beyond thrilled. Like I've said before, I prefer to keep my accessories minimal but highlight one or two statement pieces, often necklaces {I've just added these rings & this bracelet to my wish list as well}. This necklace helped jazz up a little print remix {also seen here} that I wore to drinks {hello patio weather} & a movie {Oblivion - a must see} with Cody this past weekend!

Shop Anuja Tolia:

My Style: Lace Top

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

gifted Zamrie Lace Top | Gap Jeans | J.Crew Factory Clutch {old} | Target Sandals | Gap Sunnies

So, I chopped my hair. At least six inches, gone in the blink of an eye. And.it.felt.amazing. No tears were shed, I promise {though, maybe check back in a few days}. I came to the realization a few weeks ago that it is just hair, it will grow, and by my wedding, it will be just the right length. Time to check this task off on my 25 in 25 list {and add $50 to the savings account}. Other than 'the big haircut', Cody and I spent the weekend enjoying the beautiful weather and I even managed to catch a showing of 'Rock of Ages' with my mom on Friday night. What did you do this past weekend?!

Happy Friday

2013-04-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it to Friday! I'm still recovering from last weekend's epic wedding and hoping that my brother and sister-in-law are enjoying sunny Jamaica right now! Tonight I am spending the evening dining with my mom and catching a showing of 'Rock of Ages' at the Civic Center. Tomorrow will be spent getting a new hair cut (saying hello to a lob- long bob-of sorts - eek!) and babysitting my three little cousins. Sunday will be dedicated to working on all my little projects that I can't do during the week {darn that full time job!} for Go Blog Social & the Midwest Style Bloggers - and hopefully doing it from my porch as there is supposed to be some gorgeous weather this weekend!

Have a splendid weekend!

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Shopping Cart: Rory Beca

2013-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have a thing for jumpsuits {last seen here} and this Rory Beca number isn't helping my case. Paired with this metallic floral necklace, this look is my jam.

Closet Craving: Transition Pieces

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

With warmer temps finally on the horizon, I can finally transition my wardrobe to accommodate the heat {and by heat, I mean low 70s}. This maxi skirt is easily remixed for a weekend at the pool, a lacy top transitions from a sexy/cool vibe to music festival ready, Lollapalooza, perhaps, and that white blouse taken from winter to spring for a summer office look, trendy yet professional. Are you more apt to remix your wardrobe or swap out winter with your summer pieces?

Travel in Style

2013-04-23T20:25:00.001-05:00

Truth be told, traveling often gives me anxiety {lost luggage, delayed flights, etc.}. But the secret to a stress-free trip is to pack just the right carry on. A carry-all tote with a wallet that can double as a clutch, foldable flats to get through airport security, a magazine & laptop to make it through your flight {or being delayed}, a sweater that can double as a blanket, and of course once you land, a swipe of lipstick and shades to mask any sleep lines! Don't forget a cute pair of heels to switch into!

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HP + Intel want you to Pin Your Style! For a chance to win prizes like HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook™ or a gift card to bring your style to life, HP has teamed up with Project Runway. All you have to do is pin a photo collage that includes the HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook™ in correlation with this week's theme, Travel in Style. Then use the Pin It button on the Pin Your Style contest page. Don't forget to share your board with friends to earn the most votes! Click here to enter, happy pinning!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Thank you for supporting content that makes The Brunette One possible.

Your Life, Styled: The Rehearsal Dinner

2013-04-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Dress | Sweater | Necklace | Booties

On Wednesday we traveled up to Minneapolis to get a head start on my brother's wedding festivities taking place on Saturday. Yesterday, it started to do this rain/sleet and eventually snow mix which threw a bit of a wrench into travel plans, however; safely, slowly, and surely guests have started to arrive by planes, trains, and automobiles. We will spending the afternoon getting pampered with manicures and pedicures and tonight we have their rehearsal & dinner to follow. While I didn't quite pack for the weather, I most definitely packed for the events. This dress happened to fall into my hands when I went to get my watch resized, as did a sweater to match. Sometimes you just have to treat yourself, right?

Hoping everyone survives this crazy weather sweeping the midwest, and here's hoping to not writing about the weather next week.