Motherhood...The Loneliest Job There Is

I'm going to preface this by saying that I love my kids and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I even really enjoy being a mom, most of the time (come on...we all have our moments, moms!), and I think being a mom has made me a better person. But there is one thing that no one will tell you...being a mom is the loneliest job in the world.

I think that my generation of moms is very different than our parents' generation--first and foremost, in general, we had kids later than our parents. That means that we lived our own lives, and created our own identities that are not wrapped up in our children. So, while our children might be the center of our worlds, they are not our entire worlds. I think that this is one of the reasons that the transition to motherhood is even harder for us--all of a sudden, we go from individuals with full lives--friends, jobs, activities (like the gym, yoga, book clubs, manicures, pedicures, knitting clubs, wine tastings...whatever you're into)--to lives that are very singularly focused--what time do I need to feed my child? Why is he/she crying? Does he/she need a diaper change? Is he/she hitting all of his/her milestones?--the list could go on and on forever. You find that you have very little time to do the things you love anymore. I used to read, on average, a book a week--even during the school year. Now, I'm lucky if I read a book every four months, and can only really read in the summer...if both of my kids take naps at the same time and actually nap for the full amount of time they're supposed to.

I used to have time to actually talk to the people who matter to me, but now, getting together with family or friends means that everyone is focused on the kids. Trying to have an adult conversation is like trying to listen to a radio station that is just out of range...you will only hear snippets of what you're supposed to. I have friends with kids, and we do play dates. In theory, it's great...adult interaction with a side of kids. In reality its kids with a very small side of adult interaction. For the great majority of my friends, I can't remember the last time I had a real conversation with them. Thank goodness for email and text because, otherwise, I'd have no friends left. Most of my phone conversations are done when I'm driving home from work, and most of the time it's only Lauren that I talk to...besides the fact that she's my best friend (which is the main reason I call her almost every day), she's the only other person I know who is willing and available to talk at 3:30 p.m.

My husband travels a lot for work...I'm talking 200+ days a year a lot. That means most days I basically feel like a single mom. I have a great support network--a nanny who loves my kids and who they love, parents who live in the same town and who come over daily to give whatever help they can, a mother in law who also lives in the same town and stops by to help whenever she can, friends who pick up the slack when needed (like Lauren, who is a goddess, who volunteered to watch my kids one day because no one else was able to and so I didn't have to take a multitude of days off of work). But, at the end of the day, all of the responsibility, all of the decision making, all of the day-to-day stuff falls on me. I am trying to juggle a career that I love (and yes, it is my choice to work, but see point number one...parents of my age group had their own lives before having kids, and I am fully aware that I am not stay at home mom material), my children, my husband, my family, my friends, my house, and my needs. At the end of the day, something always loses. Usually, that's me.

It's not like I can have a "girls' night out" or even a date night with my husband--usually he's traveling and so I'm always on mommy duty. I don't feel right asking for someone to watch my kids so I can go out and have a good time--especially if my husband isn't home because during that time the people I would ask to help are already pitching in with bedtime and bath and anything else I need. Even when my husband is home, most days of the week I'm too exhausted to even move, let alone meet a friend for dinner or drinks, or to even have a friend come over after bedtime if he isn't. In fact, most nights I'm so exhausted that I actually end up staying later than I intended because I'm too tired to get off the couch and go upstairs to bed (tonight...case in point). Even if I wasn't exhausted, my job demands almost as much of me as my kids do. At least 5 nights a week, as soon as the kids go to bed, the laptop and textbooks come out, and I am doing work right up until I go to bed. Honestly, I feel who I am slipping away. I don't have the time to do the things I love anymore, and I feel like I barely have any adult interaction, other than during my work day. I see my mother every day, and I truly couldn't tell you the last time we had a conversation about anything other than the kids. It's sad--I fear that my relationship with her is slipping away because we don't have time to keep it up.

And so, even though I'm always busy, and always surrounded by people, I'm really quite alone. Now, don't get me wrong, I relish my quiet time when the kids are napping or after they've gone to bed and I can do the things I enjoy (like read or knit) if I'm not working. But, in reality, I typically use that time to  stay on top of all of my responsibilities. I just feel very lonely. I have to imagine that it's not just me, and that a lot of moms feel like they have a very lonely job--a job that leaves them with little time to do the things that made them them before they had children. I just don't think many people talk about it...maybe if we did, we wouldn't feel so lonely.

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Yeah, yeah. I know. I'm about two months late. But, I've been wanting to do this post for a while. However, I went back to work, and life got in the way.

But, the cause of raising money for ALS is one that is near and dear to my heart. I'll be honest. At first, I was skeptical about the ice bucket challenge. I was one of those naysayers who said "Why dump ice over your head? Wouldn't it do much more good if everyone just donated a dollar instead of dumping ice on their heads?" Then I read the statistics. I saw how much money was donated to als.org, and how much attention the disease was getting. This is a disease that flies under the radar. It's not profitable for drug companies. (Just like this guy, here, said. If you haven't seen his video, watch it.)

The fact is, ALS has hit my family hard. One of my mother's first cousins was stricken with the disease and passed away in 1998. Then, another of my mother's first cousins (who is like an aunt to me) was diagnosed a few years ago. Luckily, the treatments have progressed since then, and her disease is moving very slowly. But, there is still no cure.

So, as a family, in August, we did a group ice bucket challenge. (Lauren joined us!)

Lauren and me before the challenge!

The ice water for Lauren & me...ready to go!

So, even though this was two months ago, and I'm just getting around to posting it, I'm hoping that this will continue to help awareness of the disease to grow, and maybe, just maybe, it will keep the fundraising from falling into oblivion. Here's hoping they find a cure.

Enjoy the video of us taking the challenge...and, yes. I am the one in the shower cap!

Love,

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

Our Top 10 Picks for Fall

Well, it's official. Fall is here! The leaves are turning colors and falling off the trees, the nights are cold, the days are chilly, and everything pumpkin (much to Lauren's chagrin) is out on the shelves. So, with that in mind, our thoughts, of course, turn to shopping. It's time to bolster our wardrobes with some great fall finds!

We've scoured the internet to find the best deals for the best items to kick your fall wardrobe up a notch. Each of us compiled a top 10 list with items under $25, $50, and $75. Many of our items can be transitioned from season to season--as you know, the best pieces are the ones that do double, triple, and even quadruple duty! (It's not a bargain if you can only wear it once or once in a while, right?)

Without further ado, here are our picks...we hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Remember, if you click on the "Polaroids," it will take you directly to the item.

Happy shopping!

UNDER $25:

1) I have discovered the best t-shirts in the world. Yes, I'm serious. Gap has a line of t-shirts called "super soft" (their Bowery collection). My mom bought me one last year, and since then I've been stocking up like it's my job. Well, this is the newest addition to my collection. As you all know, I'm a stripes girl (seriously...survey my closet. I'd say, at minimum, 1/2 of my shirts are striped!), and I tend to lean towards the striped varieties of the Bowery collection tees. This one, in particular, caught my attention because, although it's another striped tee to add to my wardrobe, it's unique in that it's a boatneck tee. With a boatneck, you can dress it up with a pair of nice khakis or dress pants, or dress it down with jeans or leggings. It's totally versatile! It comes in navy (my particular favorite) or red...and at $24.95, you can afford to get both!


2) As you know, Lauren and I are both knitters. But, our lives are busy, and sometimes we just don't have time to knit ourselves (or each other) a cowl! Just because we don't have time to knit ourselves a cowl doesn't mean that we don't want new ones to add to our ever expanding scarf collections. So, we try to look for ones that are cozy, classic, and a steal. (That way we won't feel so guilty about buying ones when we can make them!) This infinity cowl from Old Navy totally fits the bill. It's $10...seriously, we could spend that amount just on the yarn it would take us to make our own cowls...not to mention the time and effort! I prefer the grey, but it comes in other colors as well. Grab this steal before it sells out!



3) To me, nothing says fall more than a cardigan. It's the perfect transition piece from warm weather to the chill in the air that fall brings. Cardigans are easy to throw over a t-shirt with a pair of jeans, or over a blouse with a pair of dress pants. I especially love long, flowy, open cardigans. They are not only comfortable, but totally versatile. This cardigan from H&M is only $19.95, and bonus...it's striped! (It does also come in solid colors for those of you who haven't hopped on the stripe bandwagon.)




4) I love jewelry. I love sparkly jewelry. I love sparkly jewelry that is versatile--I can stack it, I can wear it solo, I can wear it to work, I can wear it on the weekend, I can wear it to a fancy affair. I love sparkly, versatile jewelry that is affordable. That's why I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this gorgeous bangle from Banana Republic. It's just $24.50 in silver ($29.50 if you go for the gold), and I love that it's simple and elegant all at the same time. It has just the right amount of sparkle so it's not gaudy or obnoxious, but it makes you feel pretty! Seriously...what more could a girl want?




UNDER $50:

5) I saw these earrings on Baublebar (yes, I'm a Baublebar junkie...blame Lauren. She introduced me to the site) and instantly fell in love. I had to have them. So, of course, I bought them. When I tell you that I love them even more in person (which I didn't think was possible), that's an understatement. I love the gold flecks on the blue stones...and I love that they aren't symmetrical. I love that they are totally versatile--great with a sweater, a suit, a dress...for work, for play...and I love that they're colors that aren't typical for me when it comes to jewelry. The fact that they're only $28 made my decision to buy them super easy. I would have been a fool not to!



6) Last year, you may remember that I found a fabulous faux fur cowl at Restoration Hardware. (Check out the post here.) So, I decided to test my luck again this year and see if Restoration Hardware had anything interesting in faux fur. They did...lots of awesome stuff from pillows to throws to this gem...a faux fur laptop case. I love that it looks like an oversize clutch, as opposed to a utilitarian laptop case. I would actually use it as a clutch when I didn't need to bring my laptop with me somewhere! It comes in a variety of "furs," and is one of those pieces that I can see being a part of my wardrobe for a long time. It's only $29, which makes it worth every darn affordable penny!



7) This pendant is one that I think will be such a key piece of my wardrobe this fall. The sunburst design will keep me going as days get shorter by reminding me that summer will come back again soon! I love that the accent isn't a gem or jewel, but leather. That makes it edgy while still being feminine and classy. It would look amazing with a t-shirt and jeans, or as a layering piece with a long necklace as well. I can see this piece transitioning from season to season--especially with a cotton dress in summer or a cardigan and dress pants in winter. You can find this amazing piece at Piperlime for $48.




UNDER $75:

8) I think I've spoken of my love of elbow patches before. Maybe it's that I'm a teacher and to me, elbow patches scream academia. Maybe it's because they are slightly nerdy (like me) but slightly edgy as well (not so much like me). Maybe it's just that they're classic and classy. Or, maybe I just love them because I do. For whatever reason, I'm always drawn to them. These leather patches are vegan, which is kind of awesome, especially for you animal lovers out there, but they don't feel cheap or look cheap (yes, I own this one too!). The sweater is long, which I love, so I can wear it with leggings, but it's totally formal enough to be worn to work. I found this gem at Piperlime for $69.


9) Western boots are totally in this season. I found these beauties at Nordstrom. They are stylish, beautiful, well made, and most of all, affordable. One of my favorite fall looks is tall boots with leggings or skinny jeans! I can't wait to wear this pair in particular with skinny jeans or leggings and a cardigan on the weekend or with dress pants and a cardigan (I told you, I'm a cardigan girl!) to work. At $69.95, I will totally get my money's worth with these.





10) This shirt isn't quite sweatshirt, isn't quite t-shirt, and isn't quite sweater. What it is is awesome. On Piperlime, it's billed as a sweater, but, in person, it's like a super soft sweatshirt, made without the fleece inside. (So, like a thick t-shirt.) I love that it's not your average weekend piece--it's quilted, which sets it apart from the crowd. It also has striped cuffs and a striped hem, which give it a little pop! (And you know how I love my stripes!) I can see this being one of my favorite new fall pieces this year. At $69, it is a great wardrobe addition.

UNDER $25:

1) Full disclaimer. This company is 100% owned by the cousin of one of my closest friends. I've known this woman since she was a child and it's wonderful to see her launch and sustain such a wonderful accessory company (and you know how I love my accessories!). These bracelets are reminiscent of ones I would have worn as a kid. There are many style options; she is continually adding new styles and designs. This bracelet is totally able to be totally personalized--you can choose the color and style of cord and you can change the beads to say whatever you want. This style starts at $24. For other awesome options, or to order this piece, check out the Ryan Porter site!



2) Funny story...a few years ago, I purchased a pair of canvas sneakers from H&M for a post on this blog (see it here). I loved them so much that they became one of my go-to casual shoes. Last winter, my family rescued Olive, the cutest dog ever. A few weeks ago, she decided that my sneakers looked irresistible...and chewed them up. Yup, she eats shoes every so often. So, these shoes would be a great replacement for me...and at only $9.97, I can't pass them up! Neither should you.They were perfect fall weekend shoes--throw them on with a pair of jeans for running errands, playing in leaves, or hanging out with friends. Head over to Old Navy and snag a pair...if white isn't your color, they have plenty of other color choices as well.


3) As you all know, I love my accessories...scarves, bags, jewelry...all of it! Long necklaces are no exception to the rule. I think they make great layering pieces--with other jewelry, or with long cozy cardigans. This necklace from Francesca's Collections is perfect for that! Its turquoise color reminds me of the ocean in summer, so even as the days get colder, I can remember the summer and look forward to the next one! This piece will transition well throughout all the seasons. It's a steal at $16!




UNDER $50:

4) You know I love bags. You should see my collection. Never, though, did I think I would love a bucket bag...but I do. I started seeing this style of bag popping up on other fashion blogs that I love and read on a daily basis. Then I found this great one from Old Navy. I love the color--this green is such a great fall color. And if you're not into the green, it does come in other colors. At $34.95, it can easily fit into your fall budget and fall wardrobe!





5) The moto jacket is everywhere this fall! So many different stores are putting out their own version of this jacket, but I particularly love this steal from Target. Besides the fact that it's only $34.99, it's such a great take on this style of jacket. I can see myself wearing it to the office for day, and then out for drinks at night with the man. All I need to do is change up my accessories & shoes and this jacket easily transitions from day to evening!





6) I have been looking high and low for tan suede booties for the fall...they would look great with jeans! When I saw these from Target, I nearly squealed with excitement! They are totally what I was looking for--I love the edgy style of them, with the buckles and straps. They would be a great addition to my fall wardrobe, and at $49.99, they would be a great addition to yours as well! They come in three different colors, so everyone is sure to find a color that they love.





UNDER $75:

7) When the temperatures start dropping, all I want to do is layer my clothing. Just like Stacy said above, cardigans are the perfect transition piece for fall. This cardigan would be perfect as that last layer to keep you nice and warm at work or during your fun fall weekend activities, like apple or pumpkin picking. Pair it with a fun scarf, and you've got the perfect fall outfit! Plus, I love the soft merino wool...who doesn't love that? You can find it at the Loft for $69.50.





8) Leggings are here to stay, and these denim leggings from the Loft are perfect for any fall outing or casual day in the office. One of my favorite fall looks is a pair of leggings with an oversized sweater or blazer and a long button down. As Stacy said above, she loves to pair leggings with tall boots for a great fall look. I particularly love this wash, and this pair will carry well as a transition piece from fall to winter. They come in right under $75, with a price tag of $74.50, and will be a perfect addition to anyone's wardrobe.




9) I do love a shirtdress (in fact, this is the second top 10 in a row that I featured one! See the last top 10 here.) I find these to be so versatile...it's one of my favorites to wear from fall through spring. Shirtdresses go great with stockings or tights, heels or boots, blazers or cardigans...basically anything! This dress from the Gap is $59.95. I love that it's made of chambray--one of my favorite new materials! It's casual enough to wear for a date night or a girls' night out, but still sophisticated enough to wear to the office. It also comes in red, which is already on sale! Snag it while you can!



10) When I saw this shirt from the Loft, I instantly thought it would go great with the leggings I found, under the cardigan, with a long necklace, warm scarf, and tall boots, and I have a fantastic fall outfit for apple picking, hay rides, pumpkin picking, or leaf watching. When I shop, I like to visualize what I can wear it with. If I can picture it with more than one outfit, I know it's a contender for my closet. I don't like to buy things willy nilly--I'm mindful of how many wears I can get out of an item. (Unless it's a trendy piece...insert sequined skirt here...I totally looked at that and thought, "I need that in my life!" I know. I'm such a mystery.) I love that this top is perfect with a casual outfit (like mentioned above), or with a pair of slacks and ballet flats for work. It's a great fall piece, and at $54.50, it's a steal. I love the clean look of it, and knowing that I can wear it into winter as well--as long as I add a few more layers for those cold days.

Enjoy our fabulous finds! Happy fall!

Love,

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

Ode to My Crazy Family

And just like that, September is here. The long days are getting shorter, the warm weather is soon to turn cool, and the stacks of grading are about to pile up. As a new school year begins, and I sadly leave my kids at home while I trudge back to the classroom (with loads of anxiety about all of the new things I have to do at school this year), I am entering what is actually my favorite time of year. I know, I sound like a crazy person. But, it's not about the weather, the changing leaves, or the great fall flavors. Nope, none of that. It's about what this season signifies for me. Over the next four months, I get to spend tons of time with my crazy family. Honestly, these upcoming months are my favorite time of year.

The cupcake version of my family

My mom comes from a big family, and most of us live in the same town. Those that don't live in our town live no more than 2 hours away. This makes it really easy for us to all get together. Plus, we are all very close knit, in and out of each other's business, and certainly not shy with our opinions. That means our family get togethers are loud, chaotic, and unexplainably fun.

From September through the end of December, we get together once every 2-3 weeks, on average. Between family birthdays, the Jewish holidays, and other family events, we are together pretty frequently. The end of the year is such a let down when we realize we have nothing on the calendar until March or April most years.

So, I write this to say thanks to my crazy family for making the transition into fall and winter the best times of the year for me. I can't wait until our first family get together...and the next...and next...and next!

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

Pinterest Experiment: Take 2

As you guys know, we are Pinterest junkies. We like to find cool craft ideas (and food ideas!) on Pinterest and try them. You've already seen one of our Pinterest experiments (click here to read about it!). We know that in our first Pinterest post, we promised to do one Pinterest project per month. Yup...that was January and we're only on Pinterest experiment 2. We lied. You'll get over it.

That being said, we decided it was time to get over our Pinterest fail and try a new Pinterest experiment.  This month we are doing clay ring trays:

Click on the photo above to go to Pinterest post

We found the instructions here and found this to be a simple and manageable project. After all, there was no glue involved, so how could we fail?

STEP 1:

We gathered our materials...oven bake clay, stamps, stamp ink, gold permanent marker, glaze, ruler and  paintbrushes.

We are ready to go!

STEP 2:

We had two colors of oven bake clay--white and off white. We decided to start with white first. The first thing to do was to take a ball of clay and roll it into a 1" ball.

1" ball, ready to go!

STEP 3:

Take a glass bottle or rolling pin (we chose the rolling pin route) and roll the ball into a circle. The original post called for a round cookie cutter, but we didn't have cookie cutters available, so we just went with whatever freeform shape our clay decided to make.

Rolling out our first ring tray

STEP 4:

Once you have your shaped clay, you are to decide what you want it to look like. Will you stamp it? (Stacy's first one had three bee stamps, Lauren's was plain.) Will you paint it when it's done? Will you leave it plain? After you decide what to do, fold up the edges a little bit to keep your trinkets in place. We repeated these steps four times each--we each made two white trays and two off white trays.

Ready to be baked!

STEP 5:

Bake the clay trays according to the directions on the clay package. (In our case, 15 minutes at 275 degrees.) We learned that when the 15 minutes is up, you have to let them cool completely or they will still be a little soft and malleable. Also, the baking clay has a weird smell. Stacy was not a fan.

A little snack while we waited for them to bake!

STEP 6:

When we took them out of the oven, we really liked the white ones. The off white ones...well, they looked like tortillas. Stacy tried to put a positive spin on it by saying that they kind of looked like stone or marble, but really, they just looked like tortillas.

All baked! Don't they look like tortillas?

STEP 7:

We then decided to add some gold permanent marker and glaze. Lauren decorated her plain one with a gold rim and gold designs in the center. She also took bronze ink and restamped the ladybugs on one of her off white trays because she felt that the stamps didn't show up enough. She chose to glaze her two white ones.

Lauren's trays

Stacy drew a design in gold on one of her off white trays--gold dots around the edge and gold flower-like designs in the center. She tried to outline the owl stamp on her other off white one in gold, but it came out horrible. She named that one "sad owl." Needless to say sad owl will likely end up in the trash. She also has one with purple in it because she tried a purple stamp on a white tray. It ended up not coming out well, but it looked tie dye when it was redone. It was kind of cool!

Stacy's Trays

THE FINISHED PRODUCTS:

Ta-Da!

The score is now Pinterest 1 - Stacy & Lauren 1.

Until our next Pinterest adventure...

Love,

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

Our Top Ten Summer Picks!

The summer is half over, but that doesn't mean the warm weather is behind us. In fact, now is the perfect time to replenish your summer wardrobe--most summer items are on sale, which means beefing up your wardrobe on a budget! Plus, many summer items can easily be transitioned for fall or winter with the right layering pieces!

We have scoured the internet to find our favorite summer steals and our favorite transition pieces under $25, $50 and $75. If you click on the polaroids next to each description, it will take you right to the item. Hopefully you have been inspired to add a few great picks to your summer wardrobe--with items this fabulous at such great prices, you can spoil yourself without busting your budget!

Hope you enjoy our picks as much as we do!

Happy shopping!

UNDER $25:

1) Polka dots...oh how I love polka dots! A few months ago, I bought a skirt very similar to this one and I love the fact that it's so bouncy. It brightens my day each time I wear it! This skirt is a great addition to your summer wardrobe--it makes a perfect pairing with a blouse, t-shirt or cardigan for work or play! Find it at Old Navy for $24.94. 

2) Shockingly, my Top 10 this go around doesn't have a lot of jewelry. I know, shocking! But, Stacy sent me a link for these earrings with the subject line, "these are so you!!" Thank goodness I have a best friend who knows me so well and sends me links to jewelry she knows I will love. Don't we all need a best friend like that? These earrings are perfect to throw on after a long day at the pool/beach. Just throw your wet hair up into a ponytail or bun, and meet your best friend out for drinks. These earrings can be found at Nordstrom for $24. What a steal!

3) About 3-4 years ago, I found a pair of sandals from a brand I had never heard of before--Call It Spring. They were tan flats, perfect to wear for a walk around town with a pair of shorts or a cute summer dress. I still own the sandals, which have held up well over time! Since then, I periodically scan the site for other great shoes...this time I found these! These metallic sandals would be a perfect addition to my summer shoe collection, and if they are anything like the other pair I own from Call it Summer, they will last for years to come, which makes them a super great deal at only $14.99!

UNDER $50:

4) You know that I'm a freak for bags of all shapes and sizes. So, does it come as any surprise that there are two bags on my Top 10? Besides, who doesn't love a good tote bag for running errands on a Saturday morning, hitting up the local farmers' market or hitting the beach? This bag from the Gap is not only useful, but it's stylish enough to have on your arm for any of your daily needs! At $44.95, it's easy to add this adorable tote to your wardrobe!

5) The shirtdress...a timeless wardrobe staple. This one is totally trendy, and the red belt adds a great pop of color. In fact, I own and love this dress! It's the perfect item to run errands, hang out with friends, or go out on a date. It's incredibly comfortable and is a great transition piece into cooler weather--just throw a cardigan over it and you're good to go! You can get it at Macy's for $49.99.

6) They're back!!! Fashion is cyclical, and the jean jacket, like so many other trends, has come back into style. A jean jacket is an absolute wardrobe staple. It's perfect for summer nights and will carry perfectly into the upcoming fall. The dark wash of this jacket is the perfect update on an old friend. Pick up this wardrobe staple at Old Navy for $39.94.

7) Every season I like to buy a couple of items to update my wardrobe. This summer I bought this dress when it was on sale...and it still appears to be on sale! Bonus!! It fits great and is perfect for a BBQ or date night. Put a cardigan over it, and it's perfect for a casual day in the office. Get it at Macy's for $44.99.







8) I love me a good clutch. I tend to let my clutch be the pop of color in my outfits. This clutch, in bold cobalt, is no exception. I love the simplicity of this clutch and the detail of the gold zipper! This color goes perfectly with black, tan, white or grey. In fact, I own this clutch--it was given to me as a birthday present this year! Upon opening my gift, I couldn't wait to break out this clutch and I used it right away. You can get your own at the Banana Republic Factory Store for $49.99.







UNDER $75:

9) A nice wedge? Check! A neutral color? Check! A shoe on sale? CHECK, CHECK!! These wedges are perfect for a night out, a casual day at the office, or a weekend outing with friends. The wedge shoe is totally in right now, and at $59.99, you can easily add these to your wardrobe! Find them at Macy's.

10) Ankle length pants are a perfect wardrobe addition. These pants are versatile enough to go from spring to summer, summer to fall, fall to winter, and back again! All you have to do is pair it with the proper footwear. These pants are ideal for work, but are also a great date night option--when paired with the right accessories and shoes! Find these at the Banana Republic Factory Store for $56.79.

UNDER $25:

1) One of my favorite summer outfits is a simple dress with a bold necklace. This necklace is an amazing summer addition--large purple hued jewels that would look fabulous against a tan, and equally as fabulous against your natural skin color (for those of you who are sun conscious!). The best part about this piece? You can get this for a steal at Nordstrom--just $20 and this piece can go home with you, without feeling guilty about it! The second best thing about this necklace? It's a great transition piece. It would look equally as fabulous with a cardigan and camisole as the weather turns chilly this fall.

2) Full disclosure...I own this navy and white striped maxi skirt. In fact, I think it may have been my best purchase of the summer. I found this on the night before the last day of school for $19 at Cotton On. Yup, you read that right. Just $19. I have worn this skirt the day after it comes out of the wash every single time. Not exaggerating. It is stylish (I get compliments every time I wear it), comfortable, and easy to care for. You can toss it in the regular wash and in the dryer. It doesn't shrink even though it's cotton and it doesn't come out wrinkly. It's such a great addition to your wardrobe and is perfect for those summertime BBQ parties or for a day in the park with your friends.

3) I love bold, bright necklaces. I love them with a tank and shorts to dress up a summer outfit, I love them with jeans and a t-shirt, with a maxi dress, with a strapless summer dress...ok, with anything. This necklace, in particular, is so up my alley. I love the mixed beaded strands. I love even more that this necklace is only $11.50 at Nordstrom. You'd better snatch it up before it's gone!

UNDER $50:

4) I bought this shirt to add to my work wardrobe. When I tried it on, I was so beyond pleasantly surprised! This shirt is so super versatile. It looks great with a skirt, under a suit jacket or with a pair of dress pants. But, it looks equally as amazing with jeans! I love that the shirt is sheer, so you can totally change up the look depending on what color camisole you wear underneath. I prefer this shirt in white, but it's also available in navy or red. For $29.94 at Old Navy, you can snatch it up in every color and not feel guilty!

5) Although I'm typically the girl who loves heels, I particularly love these flats. Why? The patent leather. They give these ballet flats a modern, trendy look, yet they are classic enough to become a wardrobe staple for years to come. These flats are the perfect transition shoe from summer into fall. They would be adorable with a cotton skirt and tank or with a pair of skinny jeans and t-shirt, and would even look fabulous with dress pants and a cardigan. I particularly love the blush color, but they come in a variety of colors to suit everyone's taste. At just $49.95, they will be an amazing wallet friendly addition to your wardrobe! Snag your pair at Nordstrom.

6) I know that come summertime, I break out my big bag. Why? Because I carry everything with me! I always have my kindle so that I can sit in the sun and read if the moment presents itself, I carry two pairs of sunglasses, a bottle of water (for those hot days!), snacks, and an umbrella (for those summer showers). This bowler bag fits the bill! It's stylish, timeless and big enough to carry your entire life in! Find it at Sole Society for $49.95. At a price this low, you can fill your beautiful new bag with all the money you save.

7) These earrings...gorgeous. Plain and simple! They add an instant pop of color and style to any outfit. They are a great year-round staple. The cobalt gem is what makes these earrings really pop! They are a timeless piece that will add to any outfit. You can find them at Piperlime. At $25, these earrings are sure to sell out quickly, so snag your pair before it's too late!






UNDER $75:

8) This dress caught my eye the first time I saw it--the tulip hem, the bright red color, the jersey knit...what an amazing find! I love that this dress is ideal for summer--for cocktail parties, dinner with friends or date night. It also transitions well into fall with a jean jacket or tights and a cardigan. If red isn't your thing, it also comes in blue. You can pick it up at Piperlime for $69.

9) Lace is the hot material these days. You can find it in every store in every iteration possible. But, I find that I am drawn time and again to the lace tank, just like this one from Loft. It is perfect on it's own with a pair of jeans or skirt, under a blazer for a day at the office, or with a cardigan for a fall outing with friends. The lace on this tank is beautiful, well crafted and totally fashionable. It also comes in pink if white isn't your thing. It's only $69.50 and will be a timeless addition to your wardrobe.

10) This blazer? Drool. I. Love. It. Why? Because of the zipper pockets. It makes a wardrobe staple playful and modern, while still appropriate for the office or date night. In fact, when I found this at Asos, I quickly purchased one for myself. At $54.15, I didn't even feel guilty about it!








Enjoy these fabulous, budget friendly finds!

Love,

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com