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A Morning at Clothes Mentor Wexford

All college girls love a great deal. Free pizza? I'm in. Even if it means attending a meeting for a club that I'm hardly a part of. I was beyond excited when Andrea from Clothes Mentor Wexford invited me to visit her store and shop around. Mention the words "J.Crew" and "Kate Spade" and "discounted" in the same sentence and I'll try and be there as soon as I can.

Clothes Mentor focuses on buying gently used better brand-name fashions and accessories, and their selection is fantastic. Some of my favorite finds were pieces from J.Crew (shocker, right?), Kate Spade, and Banana Republic. Not to mention that everything in the store is in great condition. It's perfect for college girls who want to incorporate trendy and high-end products into their wardrobes without having to deal with the prices that usually follow. Trends may come and go and wardrobes are always changing anyways, so why spend the full price when you can experience high-end resale? 

Andrea proposed that we try a challenge: to see how many fabulous outfits we could put together for about $100 -- we ended up picking out 3 ensembles (dress, shoes, & accessories) that are perfect for spring events. 

Look #1: Little Black Nanette Lepore Dress

Guys, I am absolutely OBSESSED with this entire outfit. I actually ended up buying the dress and heels since it took me a little too long to stop twirling around in them. My go to trick for styling little black dresses has always been to incorporate a pop of red, usually with red lipstick and shoes. In this case I decided to switch up the pop by using a bold pattern in the same neutral color palette as the rest of the outfit with my choice of shoe.

The Betsey Johnson choker statement necklace was also a really bold move for me since I usually opt for simpler accessories with this kind of neckline. I loved how edgy and young it made the dress feel, while remaining extremely classy.

Dress : Nanette Lepore - $45

Necklace : Betsy Johnson - $35

Shoes : Nine West - $24

(bonus: Dolce & Gabbana handbag)

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Total : $104 

Look #2: Blue & Yellow Eliza J

I fell in love with this dress from the second I walked into Clothes Mentor. I usually don't opt for pieces that are incredibly bright, or yellow, but when in Rome, right? Inspired to create a look that was bold for spring, I contrasted a royal blue necklace and matching suede shoes against the lemon color (a little hard to see, sorry!) I also really loved the texture in the dress, which made it feel incredibly appropriate for spring and summer. I also fell in love with these heels, which have a navy pleather accent on the toe and felt like a modern take on a vintage design.

Dress: Eliza J - $14

Shoes: Ralph Lauren - $24

Neckace: Talbots - $10

Bracelet: Nordstrom (x2) - $6 each

(bonus: Lenvin handbag - $750

& Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses - $99) 

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Total: $60

 Look #3 - All Pink Kate Spade

My dream world is entirely Kate Spade everything. I seriously wish I had a lifestyle where I could wear their dresses everyday. I was so excited to have found this dress as it combines a few of my favorite things; Kate Spade, tweed, and the color pink. It reminds me of Elle Woods or Jackie O, and the second I tried it on I felt so chic. Adding all pink accessories, including the Kate Spade handbag made me feel like Barbie, and I loved every second of it. 

Dress: Kate Spade - $85

Heels (not pictured, but here): Julianne Hough - $24

Bracelet: Talbots - $12

(bonus: Kate Spade Handbag - $40)

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Total: $113

I ended up leaving with the Nanette Lepore dress, two pairs of heels and two bracelets for exactly $100! I was beyond excited, and can't wait to style these pieces with my own wardrobe for you in the future!

For more information on Clothes Mentor Wexford, you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website at http://www.clothesmentor.com/stores/wexford/

Which was your favorite look? Let me know in the comment section below!
xoxo

Pittsburgh Guest Blogger: In Pursuit - Chic Cruise Comfort

Today’s post comes from Jessica of In Pursuit, and is part of a special day of shenanigans from other Pittsburgh Bloggers. You can see my post over on Beezus Kiddo, where I discuss my top 3 favorite brunch spots for anyone who wants some really great Pittsburgh finds for 3 different price ranges! What college student on a budget wouldn't want some really tasty and reasonably priced brunch?

Hello, everyone! My name is Jess, and while I normally post over at In Pursuit, I am thrilled to be coming to you from Pittsburgh & Pearls as part of the great Pittsburgh guest post swap! This is my second year taking part in the event, and so much has changed – the biggest being that I now regularly post about style and fashion, which is how I ended up writing for a food blog last year, and a fashion blog this year!

And talk about a whirlwind year. In the next six months, I am:

• Adopting a corgi puppy with my fiancé
• Attending 4 weddings
•  Helping to plan two baby showers
•  Releasing a children’s book
• Enjoying my bridal shower
•  GETTING MARRIED
• Spending a two-week honeymoon in Germany, Austria, and Italy

But before ANY of this happens… I’m going on my first cruise! We set sail in nine days for a week-long cruise through the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Mexico! While we have a turtle farm and ancient ruins on the itinerary, the main purpose of the cruise is to see my friend Sam and her fiancé Cam say “I Do” on the high seas!

I knew I wanted to share my cruise attire with you, and I considered doing a styled shoot to make that happen. But when I had to cancel on my photographer last-minute, I realized that I actually DID want you to pack my bag with me… and so, I got together everything I needed for the cruise, and snapped photos with my Galaxy phone.

Before I kick off my cruise looks, I want you to know that I spent months cultivating the right looks for this cruise. My fiancé and I haven’t gone on a vacation for longer than a long weekend since we started dating, and DANG I want to look good and enjoy it! But at the heart of everything I wear is comfort. If I feel uncomfortable in something, it’s not going to look right on me. Confidence truly does make an outfit. And so, these are the outfits I’ve put together for a comfortable Caribbean cruise. (Oh, and don’t miss my secret to keeping completely organized while traveling at the end of this post!

Each outfit set includes a daytime look and a formal evening look.

Look 1:  Exploring Chichin Itza // Party on Deck

When it comes down to choosing an outfit to explore ancient ruins in, I want to be cool, comfortable, and not held back by my clothing. That’s why I chose an earthy looking tee and shorts combo, along with some wooden jewelry. I’ll be wearing some simply leather flip flops with this. For my formal look, I went with a dress that featured a flowy, blinged-out top, and a bodycon skirt. Because the top of this is so loud, I’m just going to wear this with silver illusion earrings and nude heels.

Shirt: Loft | Shorts: Loft | Necklace & earrings: Old Navy | Bracelet: Thrifted

Dress: JCPenney | Earrings: Loft

Look 2:  Turtle Farms and Tortuga Rum Time

Everyone, it’s time that you learn something about me:  I love bralets. There is something so carefree and boho about them, and I love adding lace detail to any outfit. For my adventure to a turtle farm and a Tortuga rum cake tasting, I went with some comfy capris, a sheer Army green top, and a dark gray bralet. For my formal look, I chose a leopard print skirt with a plain black tank and silver chain… plus some cute nautical earrings.

Capris: Old Navy | Tee: Old Navy | Bralet: Old Navy | Necklace: Loft

Skirt: Loft | Tank: Old Navy | Chain: Thrifted | Earrings: Chloe & Isobel

Look 3: Coastal Casual

You can’t go wrong with a really great fitting pair of jean shorts. And with so much commotion going on over the Zika virus hopping from place to place… you can’t go wrong with a little extra coverage. This lightweight shirt pairs with a cami is perfect for staying cool while staying covered. For my formal look, I chose a comfy gray floral dress that looks great on any body type.

Tank: Aerie | Shirt: Old Navy | Shorts: Old Navy | Necklace: | Bracelet: Kate Spade

Dress: Loft

Look 4: Sailing that Ocean Blue

Confession: I hate swimming. So it’s safe to say that I probably won’t be spending a ton of time in the pool. But I AM excited to check out everything else the ship has to offer, including a great view. For hanging out on deck, I chose a pair of navy shorts, a green tank, and a lightweight scarf. For my “formal” look, I went with a pretty casual striped jersey dress and a pineapple scarf. (I’m allergic to pineapples, so I can only enjoy them on clothing!)

Shorts: J. Crew Factory | Tank: Old Navy | Scarf: LOFT

Dress: Target | Scarf: Francesca’s

Look 5: Sun & Stars

I haven’t shopped at American Eagle for YEARS. But when I saw this shirt, I had to have it. It’s hard to tell from this photo, but it’s a fringed crop top, and I’m pairing it with some high-waisted jean shorts. I LOVE the faux ivory look to the necklace and earrings that go along with this, and I cannot wait to explore Cozumel in this! For my formal look here, I chose scalloped black shorts and a flowy, floral shell. Who said shorts can’t be formal?!

Tee: American Eagle | Necklace and earrings: Thrifted | Shorts: LOFT

Tank: Who What Wear for Target (Similar) | Shorts: LC Lauren Conrad (Similar)

Look 6: Tickled Pink

I like to expand past the jean short in the summer, so I always try to pick up some fun colors, like this salmon. I paired it with this denim tank and peach scarf, and it’s one of my favorite looks for the trip! I have some cute white sandals to wear with this one to the casino. For my formal look, I have a tribal-looking maxi dress with a colorblock wooden necklace.

Tank: Old Navy | Shorts: Old Navy | Scarf: Francescas

Dress: Kohl’s | Necklace: LOFT

Look 7: “Caribbean” is the “C” in MC Hammer

I completely love these harem pants. Not just because they are cute and lightweight, but because I got them for $7! For this formal look, I went with a jersey dress that is easy to dress up or dress down. I’ve worn it with heels to a wedding and with chucks and a denim jacket to run errands!

Tank: Similar | Pants: Target

Dress: LOFT

Bonus Look: A Splash of Swimwear

Yes, I AM bringing swimsuits with me. And I’m really into high-waisted bikinis at the moment. I’m a size 8, so hardly a Victoria’s Secret super model, but this style makes me feel on-trend AND comfortable, and you can’t ask for more. The Kenneth Cole suit is from last year, but I just saw it for sale on Zulily in coral for a total of $20! The nautical one is this year’s addition to my collection.

Green suit: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Towel: J. Crew Factory

Nautical suit: Burlington Coat Factory | Towel: J. Crew Factory

 So there you have it. Seven looks for my 7- day cruise. And how do I keep it all organized? For each day of my trip, I put all of my clothes in an individual laundry bag – the ones used to wash delicates or shoes. One bag will include undies, one day’s outfit, and the formal outfit for night. After I’ve worn the clothes, I sort them back into the laundry bags by color and just toss them in the wash when I get home.

It’s SO simple and keeps my luggage nice and organized.

     Bon voyage!

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