How I De-Stress

Like it or not the stress of this semester is creeping up on us and after the insanity of last semester (I still have nightmares reliving the finals week from hell) I refuse to let all that stress bring me down. 

So, I've started to do a little personal research on what exactly helps me to destress and the results were quite overwhelming...so of course, I had to share them! Duh!

• Have a Cup of Tea: Now, this might just be the fact that I was meant to British and the stork just got lost on its way across the Atlantic but there is really nothing more calming, warming, and relaxing than a nice cup of tea. It really is a great way to wind down from the day. I seriously suggest a vanilla chai, but that's just me. 
  
• Yoga: I freaking love yoga! So much so that I'm actually researching yoga a little right now and do it whenever I can fit it in, I may have done it in the shower while waiting for my deep conditioner to set in. :) Plus, it's way more than just stretching, like it's kinda mind blowing. I highly suggest you look into yoga a little for yourself because you just might find that it's a really great relaxation tool for you too!
• Make a List: Seriously, though even making a list of the tasks at hand or goals for the week can help my stress levels drop. Also, nothing is better than checking off those pesky tasks. It's a good way to keep yourself on track too. And yes, I have "Make a List" typed out in a list, deal with it. 
  
• Take a moment: I cannot stress how important this is for my destressing. I've realized that a lot of my stress is actually caused when I start to panic about things that are a little nerve racking or just not something I want to do. So, in those times of stress I just step away for a second and do something I actually want to do. Depending on my mood that can be anything from Tumble a little, text a friend, creep on Instagram, or get a few yoga moves in. Find what works for you but remember not to let your responsibilities slip away from you (ohemgee, I sound like my mother!).
• Dance it Out!: I'd like to thank the girls of Grey's Anatomy for this little habit I've developed. (seriously, if you haven't seen stressed out surgeons dance around in their underwear than I don't know if we can be friends.) It sounds a little ridiculous but even picking one song and just dancing around your room can get you moving and your blood flowing. Plus, what did we learn from Elle Woods in the Brooke Windham trial?
  

I hope some of these tips can help you keep your head on straight this semester! Good luck, lovelies!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

My Latest Obsession: Ashley Brooke Designs

In case you couldn't tell from the title, I am obsessed with Ashley Brooke Designs and just have to share her amazingness with you guys! 

I honestly can't remember where I first heard of this diamond brand but I follow her on Instagram 

(If ya wanna see some extra cute sneak peeks at her blog posts and product offerings you should definitely follow her too!)

and she blows me away with how she styles her products. Speaking of her products, she sells the cutest most swoon-worthy items on her website and my dream would be to own one of everything!

Seriously, how cute are these mugs? They're all over Instagram and Tumblr!

Dream Big Mug, Miss Fancy Pants Mug, Dollface Mug

Something else that's just downright fabulous about ABD?

She does customizations and brand consultations!

Translation: You can work with her directly to create your own personalized Ashley Brooke Design and even get ABD to help you build the perfect brand for your blog or business!

I am in love with the personal stationery she has available.

The Tailored Collection: Fancy Girl is kinda the perfect way to get your name out there and would make a really great addition to your own personal stationery collection.

I'm hoping to pick up a few of these for my Monogrammed Magnolias contributors! Too cute!

Speaking of Monogrammed Magnolias, how perfect are these Collegiate Couple cards for all you belles and your beaus? I'm partial to the Crimson couple (Roll Tide Roll!) but there are plenty of other color customizations available too!

In case that doesn't have you hooked yet, she even has t-shirts and tanks...

(if this Work It tank doesn't get you motivated I don't know what will)

...and she has notepads that are a blogger's dream. A pretty place to write down all my Happy Thoughts and Brilliant Ideas? I'm totally in and will be picking up some very soon!

I hope y'all check out her site because by the looks of it, it's only going to get better!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

OMG! I forgot to include one of my absolute favorites!
Every month ABD shares a free download on her site to use as wallpaper for any of your devices from your phone to your desktop.
This month's features from favorite quote from Inception.

Click Here to download your own from the site (be sure to do it from a desktop) and check back every month for new goodies!
Whew, glad I got that in! 

all pictures above are from Ashley Brooke Designs and ashleybrookedesigns.com.

This was not a paid or sponsored post, all statements above are my own personal opinions.

The Essentials

With the semester finally underway we are yet again faced with the ultimate struggle...early mornings with nothing to wear! It's a girl's worst nightmare and it happens quite often, surprisingly enough.

However, I've got the end to all that pain and agony! 

I would like to present to you my no-fail formula for the perfect outfit, featuring elements that can be mixed and matched to fit every mood or hectic morning. 

Here are The Essentials!

(PS: You can check out all of the items featured in each look on my Polyvore page!)

A Classic Pop of Color

The ingredients for the perfect outfit are pretty much well explained by the picture above but let me break it down further for you.

1. Start with a basic white cami. When you find these bad boys on sell I suggest you stock up because you can literally wear them with anything!

2. A colorful cardi is both comfortable and stylish without being trendy.

3. A good pair of jeans. Whether you love a dark wash boyfriend jean like those featured above or skinny jeans that feel like a second skin, find your perfect match and add them to your Essentials.

4. A great pair of flats will never lead you wrong. I'm in love with this nude pair from Tory Burch because they can go with anything and a little birdie told me once that nude shoes make your legs look longer and we all want that!

5. A great bag can take you from school, work, and every event in between.

6. Adding a trendy element is the statement necklace. Most of these are classically understated like this pearl ribbon above.

Comfy Classy Cool

How comfy would this outfit be? A waffle knit card and boyfriend jeans, you just can't go wrong.

Ivy League Comfort

I love how classic and cool this style looks. Are you heading to class or your summer home in Rhode Island? No one will ever know!

Leave me comments letting me know what your go-to pieces are when you're getting ready in the morning!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

My Netflix Favorites

First of all, let me just explain that my Netflix queue (or My List, I liked queue so much better) causes me anxiety. Yep, that's right, actual anxiety. 

I don't know about you but I love Netflix! I'm a TV and movie junkie and Netflix just fuels that. However, there just aren't enough hours in the day for me to watch all the things I want to watch, therefore my queue just stacks up! It might sound crazy but I actually schedule times to watch certain things so I've accumulated quite a collection of favorites which brings me to the birth of this post! I'm going to share with you some of my current faves on Netflix as well as what's on the top pf  my watch list!

Scandal: If you don't know who Olivia Pope is I suggest you log on to Netflix right now and figure it out because she is ah-may-zing! Seriously, go!

New Girl: Not only does Zooey Deschanel make my heart melt as Jess but her gang of hilarious and loyal guy roommates makes me extremely jealous. It's worth the watch simply for Schmidt's one liners.

Greek: aka the show that made me so excited for college I couldn't stand it! While real life proved to be a little less exciting I oh so wish this show had stayed on air but I'm glad I get to relive the episodes while going through my own struggles in college now!

The Carrie Diaries: I would just like to state, for the record, that this show is absolutely amazing and dare I say just as swoon worthy as it's predecessor Sex and the City! Carrie Bradshaw as a teenager? What's not to love! 

Clueless: uh, favorite 90's movie of all time! Duh! 

You can't go wrong with a girls night flashback to Cher at the mall! 

21 and Over: My sister, her friend Ashley, and I watched this one night over summer break and it is hands down one of the funniest movies I've seen a long time. Plus, Skylar Astin from Pitch Perfect and Miles Teller from That Awkward Moment take the cake with this one! 

Sleepover: Who doesn't love this movie?! Alexa Vega and her friends take on the mean girl in an all night scavenger hunt that leads them to uber cute Steve Phillips aka Sean Faris. If you haven't seen this one then I really don't think your childhood was up to par. 

Wish Upon A Star: In case you haven't caught on, I love a good flashback and this movie goes old school all the way back to the Disney Channel's Original Movie of the month in 1996! Let's just say that Alexia Wheaton was one of my biggest inspirations growing up, you should probably watch this one to find out just how bad that really is...oh, did I mention that Alexia is played by none other than Katherine Heigl?!

Orange is the New Black

Is it just me or is everyone talking about this show? I am dying to see it!

Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23

All I know is James van der Beek apparently plays an exaggerated version of himself in this and I love my little Dawson Leery so much that I just have to see it for myself! 

Dexter

I use to watch Dexter all the time but let it slip away from me when I started college so it's been on my list to start up again for a long time. I can't wait to see how it ends!

Side Effects

Four words: Jude Law, Channing Tatum...and that's pretty much it!

Black Fish

This is at the very top of my list of documentaries to watch but I'm saving it because I'm afraid I might break down in tears when they go into the cruelties these animals face. If you thought you loved Sea World as much as I did you might want to take a look at this movie. 

The Iron Lady

This probably seems really random but I'm a History major and I've been dying to see this movie ever since my British History prof recommended it while she was lecturing on British Prime Ministers. I'm in love with everything Meryl Streep does so I'm sure her turn as Margaret Thatcher will not disappoint.

That doesn't even begin to touch on the massive list but I hope you've enjoyed this peek at what I'm watching and I hope it's given you a few suggestions. 

Let me know in the comments if you like any of these as much as I do or if you have more suggestions for me!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

Spring Semester Trend Report 2014

Winter Break is officially over, say it ain't so! :(

Ahhh! I don't want it to end but sadly that pesky "real world" everyone keeps talking about is knocking on the door and we've all gotta answer. 

Just because I'm sad to see the end of my lazy days doesn't mean I'm sad to see the start of a new semester though! There's just something about the spring semester that gives everything a more optimistic turn and I'm taking that bit of optimism and running with it. 

That's why I've compiled a look into some of my favorite trends for this upcoming semester. Now, these might be trends you already know and love but that's kinda the point, these are trends that make me happy and excited to get dressed in the morning so let's have at it!

Who doesn't love a great statement necklace? I mean, they're kinda awesome. They have the ability to turn a casual tee or sweater into a glam outfit and add a brilliant pop of color to any outfit. In fact, I'm wearing a school spirited statement necklace from Charming Charlie (similar) for my last first day of classes!

If by some miracle I happened upon a large sum of money I would most likely spend the majority of my fortune on Tory Burch flats, I'm just being honest. Sadly, I do not have the kind of cash to blow on these little beauties but that doesn't mean flats are completely out. I LOVE flats whether they're Tory Burch, the Gap, or Target I love 'em all! A.) they're super comfy, B.) they can really dress up an outfit, and C.) they come in all different shapes, colors, and styles! What's not to love?!

I vow to start stepping outside of my comfort zone with flats, maybe I'll pick up a cute red pair like those pictured above!

In case you couldn't tell, this next trend is inspired by the lovely sarahbelle93x!

(You should totally go check out her YouTube channel, stalk her on Twitter, then crush on everything she does on Pinterest!)

I follow Sarah on like every social media platform...ever, so that pretty much means that I just drool over her incredible style all day, every day. Take this look she posted to her Instagram last week for example. Uhh, polka dots and camo?! Girl can style anything and that's why I've made mixing prints one of my trends to watch. It's time to be fun and fearless because well...YOLO!

Yes, that just happened, go with it.

 

This next trend is probably one only actually trending by me but I adore leopard print (that is just the print, not the actual fur. We're pro-animals 'round here!).
I will literally wear leopard print with anything. In fact, I'm wearing leopard shoes from Target right now! They're kinda my staple, I've had at least one pair of leopard print flats or Toms or something since I was a freshman in high school.
I might even try tossing in some leopard with another print soon to tackle that whole mixing prints trend from above. I'll keep ya posted on how it goes!

Good luck to anyone out there starting your spring semester today or very soon!

until next time, darlings.
xo
Merisa

The Golden Globes!

It's Awards Season, y'all!!!

I'm so excited, I love the Red Carpet and I can't wait to see all the fabulous dresses, hunky guys, and all around style inspiration going on!

I'm a little ashamed to say that I haven't seen most of the movies nominated for the Golden Globes this year but after tonight I will definitely have a long list to catch up on.

If you all are watching along with me tonight let me know who you pick as winners and also you picks for Best Dressed this year!

Lady Mary, aka Michelle Dockery, is doing Downton proud in her classy Oscar de la Renta frock

Momma to be, Kerry Washington is just too precious not to include! Love her!

I must say that my pick so far is Twelve Years a Slave star, Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren

to die for!

Good luck to all the nominees out in Hollywoodland!

(Pssst, I'm pulling for Jennifer Lawrence for Best Supporting Actress all the way! #girlcrush)

Also, keep an eye out for the fabulous Miss Golden Globes 2014, Sosie Bacon! 

That's right, Kevin Bacon's daughter!

until next time, darlings.

xo

aFm

What We Love Wednesday Haul

Just a quick disclaimer, this post has morphed into something much bigger than I intended. What started off as the usual What We Love Wednesday post turned into something crazy when I realized a.) I have way too many favorites at the moment and b.) my Lilly Pulitzer stuff came in today! 

Uh, hello! Of course I had to include Lilly in this post, because I love her! haha!

So, that's when I realized I was just going to call this a What We Love Wednesday Haul since it included so much stuff I've either picked up recently or received for Christmas. 

So here we go:

Makeup Favorites

For some reason the picture below is showing up really red on my screen even though it wasn't like that on my camera or when editing it so I'm sorry if that's the case for you too.

I'm also sorry for jamming everything in one picture, I was trying to hurry. Wow, this is becoming more of a disclaimer post. I'll stop now. 

Most of these products pictured below were new to be in December and they all became quick favorites.

• Let's start with the pink bottle (great packaging) of L'Oreal Paris Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray. I'm going to be perfectly honest with you, I bought this because it was pink and sparkly. I know, I know, typical white girl. But, seriously, this product makes you reach for it on the shelves if just to shake up the bottle and see the sparkle. Now, when I say sparkle I don't mean there's glitter or anything it's like the product has an iridescent shine to it that's really eye catching. I really like that this product is a 2-in-1 with color and heat protection, but it also seems to really nourish my hair and almost works as an added conditioner which is always a plus in my book.
• I picked up this next product last week when I spotted it in Walmart and I haven't looked back! It is amazing! I first heard of this type of brush in a few beauty guru YouTube videos when they mentioned the Tangle Teezer. I googled the product and then soon realized that it had yet to be released in the US and was a product mainly found in the UK. I was absolutely delighted to find this Goody dupe in the haircare aisle (for about half the price) and couldn't wait to take it home and try it out. Well, it's awesome and has totally replaced my glitter brush because I can use it on both wet and dry hair, which is what makes it so awesome!
• I have never been a huge Twisted Peppermint fan but for some reason that all changed this year when I got a whole bag of Twisted Peppermint goodies from Bath & Body Works for Christmas. This hand cream is amazing and I am so glad B&BW are finally making separate hand and body lotions. It's also the perfect size to throw in your bag, which is what I do because what's my motto? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
• Going back to the little problem I mentioned in My Night Time Routine post about my eyes, I have been on the hunt for a really great, full coverage under eye concealer and I believe I have found it in Hard Candy's Lite Bright Whipped Brightening Concealer. I picked up the medium shade and I'm so glad I didn't go any lighter because as far as medium shades go this one is pretty light but it truly is a full coverage concealer and is perfect for brightening up your under eye area without drying you out.
• I have found my perfect setting powder and it is Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder in Silky Beige! I love this stuff! It truly is stay matte and I will probably never use another powder, ever...well, until something better comes along, I suppose.
• It's no secret that I love my girl, Britney Spears, but what I love more is her perfumes! ahh! I just love them all, especially Fantasy and I absolutely love that I got this little travel spray in a gift set for Christmas (Thanks, Best Friend Beth!). I love that it's a travel bottle but not a roller ball, because I'd much rather just spritz this stuff all over than roll it on.
• These next two products are my absolute favorite lip colors from the past month and I am rotating between the two. The first is Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 103 (I hate that they don't have actual names). This is my favorite pink shade at the moment because it is just a few shades darker than my natural lip color, I don't know why that appeals to me so much but it does. I don't know if it's just me but when I put this on I taste/smell cucumbers. I don't know if there's cucumber in the product or if I'm just going crazy but I don't hate it, something I do hate is that this lipstick is a little on the drier side but if I put a good balm underneath or lip gloss overtop I don't seem to have too much trouble. The next color is Covergirl's LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Jam Twist 255. I was really stepping outside of my comfort zone with this color as it looked super dark in the store but after getting it home I loved it so much I wanted to go even darker. I love glossy lip crayons and I love the bright berry color of this balm, it's super smooth and super easy to apply too!

Random Favorites

Now, time for my random favorites, as if I didn't have enough already! haha

I am obsessed with these Blow Pop Minis, in fact I'm snacking on them right now as I type this! :)

They're like little tiny blow pop hard candies and I can't get enough of them.

You might recognize the candle from My Night Time Routine post earlier this week. I love this Champagne Toast candle from Bath & Body Works, the scent is not too overwhelming and the yellow wax actually adds to the glamorous glow when the candle is lit. 

I have been obsessed with list making and note taking lately and my sister gave me this adorable little metal notepad the other day and I've already jam packed the first few pages with my chicken scratch. It also helps keep my adorable chevron iPad stylus/pen handy in my bag!

Another random favorite is this awesome box set that I got for Christmas, it features the first four books of Cassandra Clare's Immortal Instruments Series. I've made it through a few chapters of the first book, City of Bones, and I honestly can't put it down. I'm definitely taking these suckers with me to school next week just in case I actually find a moment to finish them because they are too good to just sit in my room at home unloved.

Now for the real fun!

My Lilly Haul

If you happened to read my January 2014 Shopping Guide then you will have known that this past Monday & Tuesday marked the Lilly Pulitzer New Year Cheer Sale on lillypulitzer.com

Well, I went a little crazy and by crazy I mean I woke up at 8 am to be the first to shop the sale, and it paid off!

I scored this adorable tote in I've Got Butterflies for less than $30 and I must say it was well worth it. This bag actually seems much sturdier and durable than my other Lilly bags that cost much more. 

None of my beloved Lulu items were on sale but I just couldn't help myself, I picked up the iPhone case to match my iPad mini case (which I got from my roomie for Christmas! Thanks, Little Beth!) and my agenda!

I also couldn't resist the little ear buds in Lucky Charm.

When I spotted the Lilly Christmas Stockings on sale I just couldn't pass it up! I was a little worried because I wasn't allowed to pick which print but I'm beyond satisfied with this 'Tiger Lilly' print. :) Cute, right?

I can't wait to get this monogrammed! In the meantime, Audrey will keep her company. 

I hope y'all have enjoyed this peek at my favorite products and my favorite steals from the Lilly sale.

till next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

My Night Time Routine

So this post came about when me and my sister were discussing our skincare routines. She almost died when she found out a.) just how many products I use and b.) that I don't use face wash at night. 

Yeap, that's right, I've gone against every beauty blogger out there and don't actually wash my face at night.

Gasp!

That doesn't mean I don't clean my face though!

Since my sister found this rundown so interesting and this routine actually works really well for me I thought I would explain myself here.

Let's get started!

Usually I light a few candles before bed. Right now I'm really liking (clockwise from the top left) Red Velvet Cupcake, Champagne Toast, and Marshmallow Fireside from Bath & Body Works.

I also usually have a cup of sleepytime tea before bed but I don't have any at the moment. :( 

Next, I use the Equate brand Night-Time Soothing Makeup Remover Towelettes which are comparable to Neutrogena Night Calming Cleansing Towelettes. I use to hate makeup remover cloths before finding these! I tried a bunch of brands, including the Neutrogena ones, and found that they were all either too rough of my skin, didn't actually remove any makeup, or were way to dry.

These are perfect! I can remove a whole day's worth of makeup in one sweep if I want to with these bad boys. I really enjoy the night-time soothing kind because they really are soothing and don't irritate my face, plus they're super cheap! 

Sticking with the Equate products, I remove my eye makeup and waterproof mascara with the Equate Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. This stuff is an excellent dupe of the Neutrogena Oil-Free Remover, it's seriously the same product but cheaper. 

To get any left over product off of my face and just leave my skin refreshed I put a little bit of the Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water on a cotton pad and wipe over my face. 

I just realized that I didn't actually include my moisturizer in any of the photos I took and that's probably because I just recently starting using a new brand. I found that my skin was especially dry as the temperature started to drop so I invested in the L'Oreal Paris Ideal Moisture Dry Skin Lotion. So far, so good with this product. I've only been using it for a few days and I've already started to notice a difference in my skin's hydration.

Which brings me to my next step which involves my mantra you all should know and love by now:

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

I can't say it enough, you have to keep your skin hydrated! That's why I put lotion on my body, moisturizer on my face, and lip balm on my lips before I go to bed, so my body can soak in that hydration overnight!

The Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Super Rich Body Cream was a part of one of my Christmas gifts and came with 2 other Soap & Glory lotions in the Good, Butter, Best set from Sephora, this proved to be the best! When this says super rich, it means it! I can't wait to use up my other lotions so I can purchase the full size version of this. It smells amazing which is saying something coming from me seeing as it has a light citrus scent and I've never really been a fan of citrus, but for some reason I'm really enjoying this. 

For my lip balm I use CO Bigelow's Classic Rose All Purpose Salve and I LOVE it! I've used this stuff since high school and it is my go-to lip balm. I also use it on really dry skin around my elbows and knees too. 

Now, back to the face. I am having some serious eye issues at the moment. Between my crazy school schedule, the new puppy (which you will hear more about very soon!), and my lapse in judgement with the tanning bed (I know, I know! I'm suffering the consequences now, for sure!) I've had some issues with dark circle, puffiness, and even...wrinkles! 

My mom thinks I'm going crazy but I seriously have spotted some crazy crow's feet creeping up around my eyes, which I of course blame on the tanning bed. Fake Bake for me from now on!

So for night's when I'm feeling a little wrinkly I use Miracle Worker from Philosophy and stick with You Won't Believe Your Eyes from Soap & Glory on other nights. 

After all that, I usually curl up with a good book or more recently, my iPad mini to fuel my Pinterest obsession before bed.

I hope y'all enjoyed this look into my nightly routine, comment below if you did and I might just show you the wackiness of my morning routine next! haha!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

December Ipsy Glam Bag!

I have recently made a switch from Birchbox to ipsy! I decided to do my December ipsy glam bag post just before the January glam bag ships out, there will be a January review as soon as it comes to my mailbox :) 

Must I say this is one of the best decisions I have made thus far! I didn't hate Birchbox but I feel that the December glam bag helped me realize that ipsy is the way to go, it is simply more my style. I think my fellow blogger/ monogram magnolia, Merisa would definitely agree with me there! 

First things first, the glam bag that my products came in is absolutely fabulous in itself. The sleek black look is very cute and the size of the bag is pretty good too. 

I really cannot pick a favorite from this months bag because everything was so perfect. I feel as if my bag came to me at the best time because I was in need of a new eyeshadow brush, wanted to try a new set of fake lashes, needed a new black eyeshadow and I am obsessed with red lipstick and all of those things came in my bag! 

The ipsy bags are specifically created for your personal look and your features which is the coolest thing about it! 

If you're looking for a new set of lashes to try, definitely pick up a pair of salon perfect lashes in your beauty isle. You can get them at Walmart or any type of Walgreens,Rite aid or CVS!

This picture shows me wearing the salon perfect lashes :) 

xoxo

dSl

                 

January 2014 Shopping Guide

Let me just say that 2014 already has the makings of an incredible year! 

This New Year's has seriously changed my outlook on life and I am so grateful for that, it just seems like everyone around me is being extra optimistic and particularly inspiring. 

Part of that different outlook is actually sticking to my New Year's Resolutions for once and a part of that was saving money, well that's incredibly hard when there are so many ah-may-zing sales going on. 

I seriously grieved over a baseball cap on J.Crew's site earlier today simply because I needed it but didn't want it. 

Then I realized that thinking is so not me! So, while I did talk myself out of the $50 hat I talked myself into taking a step back and thinking about how I can re-vamp my wardrobe in the most sensible manner. 

That's when I compiled this lovely shopping guide for all of the upcoming, beyond amazing sales going on from my favorite brands!

J.Crew

Since I've already mentioned my affinity for J.Crew's chic baseball hats (yes, they're actually chic) we might as well start with them and the deal they have going on right now where you can get 40% off their sale items with the code: shophappy. 

The aforementioned baseball hat was actually in navy but I found this option in burgundy and I have to say I might just like it more, the $19.99 price tag doesn't hurt.  

How fabulous is this bronze glitter belt?! Answer: pretty darn fabulous, especially with it being less than $25.

I love, love, love this mini-bows sweatshirt and can only imagine how comfy and soft it is, plus with the 40% off sale prices it's less than $50!

Anthropologie

I am obsessed with all things Anthropologie! Like, seriously, I just want my entire house to look (and smell) like an Anthropologie store! Right now they're having a Winter Tag Sale on all of their sale items with 25% off sale clothing, shoes, and accessories, and 50% off all home accessories with the code: warmup

This Bowtie Shimmer Clutch is just amazing and is totally why I love Anthropologie, they cater to every girl whether she's boho chic or a glitzy glamazon. At less than twenty bucks pre-25% off it's a steal!

How cute are these little monogrammed key chains? I have been loving tassels this year and I think the monogrammed detailing on these would be perfect for any Monogrammed Magnolia!

The Daria Shearling Slides look beyond amazingly comfortable and bring a little style and class to our most laidback moments (they even come in a red option that is super fun!). These are a little pricey but they are also quality material and sure to last a heck of a lot longer than those slippers your Nanna got you for Christmas.

In case you haven't caught on yet, I'm a sucker for anything British. From boys to Big Ben my heart belongs across the pond so I could not pass up this artsy London Landmark Ring Dish, and with the discount added it's under $5! I might just have to break down and pick this on up.

Marley Lilly

Attention all Monogrammed Magnolias: Marley Lilly, aka the Mecca of Monograms, is having a 

FLASH SALE! 

Click Here to enter to win a $100 Gift Card to be used during the sale!

Marley Lilly has become pretty famous for their Flash Sales, so much so that people are now twitter begging for them. Well, I'm grateful for that because they've decided to have a 3-day long Flash Sale this weekend from January 4th to January 6th. It's hard telling what exactly will be on the sale but I thought I would throw out some of my favorite picks from the site just in case.

I got the Monogrammed Taylor Necklace this summer and it has barely left my neck since, I love this necklace and combined with the Taylor Ring it has become a signature piece of jewelry for me!

I'm pretty certain that the Penny Cross Body bag was my first purchase from Marley Lilly about a year ago and I have to say that it's one of my bags of all time and I highly recommend it! 

Lilly Pulitzer

I have been stalking the Lilly Pulitzer twitter feed for days now desperately seeking any news about the New Year Cheer sale and I was finally rewarded just as I began to think all hope was lost when I saw this:

I may have actually screamed! Ahhhhh!

The New Year Cheer sale is beyond amazing and probably the BEST sale Lilly Pulitzer has to offer for the entire year! Last year I set an ungodly early alarm for the sale (this is serious business) and was actually able to nab a few items before the servers freaked out. This year I'm hoping to do the same so I signed up for the email from the twitter link and am keeping my fingers crossed for some epic info in tomorrow's inbox!

While nobody really knows what will be in the sale I couldn't resist showcasing my favorite Lilly pieces, and which ones I'm hoping to nab this year!

(you might notice a recurring theme)

I want this Coastal Tote so bad I get actual anxiety just thinking about it selling out! Plus, it's in my favorite print from this season, Lulu!

I told you Lulu was my favorite print!

The Call Me Wallet has everything I could ever want from an iPhone wallet and has been completely redesigned from the last one (which was a complete bust). 

And of course my Lulu collection wouldn't be complete without a phone case!

This, my darlings, is the holy grail of iPad cases and for those of you who don't know that is Lilly herself (my her colorful little soul rest in peace) gracing the front of her very own product. Uh, props to the Lilly designers because for girls like me that is complete and utter genius! Of course I want to pay homage to one of my idols and inspirations by carrying her around with me everyday, I'm totally for it!

I hope this little guide has helped you prepare yourself for the long shopping struggle ahead and if you're trying to save like me I hope it's helped you narrow down your splurge choices.

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa