May Favorites

It’s so weird to me that it’s already June! I felt like May went by so quickly, but I’m excited for the summer weather to come. Here’s a quick run down of my favorites from May.

1. Jessica Simpson Emerita Sandals

I found these heels on sale at Belk, and couldn’t pass them up since I needed an open-toed heel for the wedding I was attending. They were surprisingly comfortable to wear for hours and I can see myself wearing them with many other outfits moving into the summer season.

2. Madewell Stitchtake Dress

If you’ve seen my last post, you already know I love this dress. I’ve only had it for not even two weeks down and I’ve worn it 3 times. I know I’ll continue to love this easy dress for quite some time.

3. Trader Joe’s Salt Water Taffy

I really do love saltwater taffy, and Trader Joe’s is one of the only places I can find it at a reasonable price. All of their variety flavors are delicious and they always have it in stock.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This was my first visit to Philly and I really did enjoy it. The city is very walkable, and all of their shopping areas are so pretty. I would definitely recommend visiting if you get a chance, and I can’t wait to go back!

5. Madewell Zip Transport Tote

This bag was perfect for traveling. While I love my transport tote and I carry that around everywhere, this bag was the perfect carry on size, and it made me feel better that it zipped up. It was great to carry around to ensure the safety of all my things while I distracted myself with all the sights I was seeing.

6. Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray

I mentioned this sunscreen recently, but I really did love this stuff this past month. I used it a lot while I was traveling because I spent a lot of time outside walking around in the sun. It smells great, doesn’t leave you feeling sticky at all, and legitimately works, and you can’t go wrong with that.

7. Crispy M&M’s

Michael and I picked some of these up at the M&M’s store in Times Square, and I didn’t even realize they were back! I’ve always loved the crispy M&M’s and I’m excited that I can enjoy them again!

8. New York City

I mean, do I even have to say why this was a favorite of mine this past month? I’ll just leave it at that.

9. Alex Studio June Subscription

Me and my planner addiction really enjoyed the surprise set of stickers and extras from The Alex Studio. It’s such a cute idea to have wacky holidays for each day of the month (I love that stuff!), and now I have a reason to buy donuts this Friday.

10. Midtown Nail Spa

This nail place in North Hills will definitely be a place I go back to in the future. Their staff was very friendly, and I went with Ashley and we both had an awesome time. The price was also comparable to many other nail salons in the area, but they really cared about keeping friends with friends (we’ve been to places that separate you…not ok!).

And now I’m going to get myself excited for all the things to come in June!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

What’s in my Closet: Embroidered Shiftdress

Guys!  It’s June!!!  How has the time gone by?!  I apologize for being completely off the grid this past week.  I was out of town for a wedding and we made a short trip to NYC after and once I got back home, readjusting to my usual schedule was harder than I thought.  But, I’m back now, so get excited! 🙂  Moving right along…

I really love an easy dress, and this one is probably going to be my favorite dress through the summer.

 It’s always great when you find a dress that you can just throw on and feel comfortable in, but this one takes it a step further with it’s delicate embroidered details and pockets!

It’s very easy to pair this piece with any type of shoe.  While I was in Philly, I went from wearing my Birkenstocks during the day time, to wearing strappy heels with it during the night.
I’m almost always wearing this delicate Gorjana necklace, but this dress doesn’t even need a layering piece because it’s detailed enough to stand alone.

[Shop this look: Madewell Stitchtake Dress, Birkenstocks, Madewell Skinny Bar Double Ring, Gorjana necklace, old, similar here]

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynda

 

 

Lately with Lynda

What a week!  I’m not sure about you, but my week was filled with work, errands, being tired, and drinking as much coffee as possible!  Hopefully next week will be a lot more relaxed.  I hope everyone has a great weekend…here’s a small peek at my week this week.

Spending my day off at North Hills with my fur baby taking in the sun.

Planning out my week.  I thought a cow sticker was appropriate for my dinner date tonight at a steakhouse.

Celebrating Earth Day making moss terrariums.

Casual outfit for the day + coffee, of course.

More planner decorating.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynda

What’s in My Closet: Floral Kimono Blouse

Spring is here and it’s in full swing! With all the stores having spring clothing options out for a while now, I grabbed this top from Anthropologie for only $29.95 (originally $118!) and I couldn’t be happier with it!

It’s easy to pair this top with dressier pants for a night out, or with a light-wash denim for an easy spring day. It even pairs well with a pencil skirt for a simple work wear option.

I wore this outfit for a Saturday full of exploring, errand running, and enjoying brunch our new neighborhood.

[Shop the Look: Blouse: Anthropologie, Sunnies: House of Harlow 1960, Necklace: Gorjana, old, similar here, Ring: David Yurman, Earrings: Kate Spade, Denim: Madewell Skinny Crops, old, similar here, Shoes: Madewell, old, similar here]

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynda

Spring Fashion on a Day That Feels Like Winter

Sometimes the weather just doesn’t match the season.  And when that happens, it’s hard to figure out what to wear, because you want to wear all those new seasonal clothes, but the temperature outside just doesn’t allow for it.

I like pairing my warmer and brighter pieces to match the spring season, while still staying warm when it feels a bit nippy outside.

Wearing my bright scarf, keeps me warm in the less than desirable temperature, but still adds spring color.

Shop this post: [Hat: Kooringal, Necklace: Nordstrom, old, similar here, Scarf: Nordstrom, old, similar here Sweater: Madewell, Jeans: Madewell High Risers, Shoes: MIA, old, similar style, different brand here]

What are some of your favorite spring trends for this year?  Let me know!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

 

What’s in my Closet (for the 1st Day of Spring!)

Happy First Day of Spring!  Well, technically spring starts at 6:45pm, but still, it’s the first day of spring, so I’m going to treat it that way (regardless of what the weather is like outside)!I’ve already been wearing my white denim this year, but I thought it was appropriate to wear them today to celebrate our saying goodbye to winter!  I paired them with a classic denim jacket, and my spring sweater with a floral accent at the top.White denim and my denim jacket are definitely staple items in my closet.  I think everyone should have each of these because they are so versatile!

While I wish it wasn’t still sweater weather, spring does sometimes require them, so wearing a lighter sweater is a great way to transition from those bulky winter sweaters to lighter weight spring options.

 

[Shop the post: Madewell denim, old, similar here, Madewell denim jacket, old, similar here, Lauren Conrad Sweater, old, similar here, Kate Spade purse, Madewell shoes]Have a great first day of spring, and a great weekend!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

February Favorites

I’m going to go ahead and blame my absence these last few days on Kevin Spacey. Typically, I post my monthly favorites on the last day of the month, or the first day of the new month…but I’ve been slacking this weekend because, well, Kevin Spacey. And that damned dress (if you don’t know what I’m referring to, just click here).

I’m back and at it, so here are my favorites from the month of February.

1. Lucettegrace

I was going to make my first favorite the Valentine’s macarons I got from here, but then I realized I should just make the entire business my first favorite (and to be honest, it’s probably going to be my favorite for a while). It’s located in downtown Raleigh, and if you live in Raleigh, or even in the triangle, you should definitely check this place out.

2. U.S. Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath

This was the bubble bath I received in my February Pop Sugar box. I recently ran out of my bubble bars from Lush, and this was much needed for my relaxation baths at night and came at just the right time. I also think it was the perfect scent for Valentine’s Day.

3. Madewell Flea Market Flares

I am so glad that flares are back in style again. I’ve always loved a really wide leg pant, because I’m 5’4” and pants like this with heels underneath makes me look so much taller than I really am. And sometimes it’s fun to walk around all day acting like I’m naturally 5’7”.

4. Bauble Bar Arrow Necklace

For obvious reasons, I love arrows. And this necklace, also from February’s Pop Sugar box, is one of my favorite necklaces! For the longest time, I’ve been trying to find the perfect tiny little gold arrow necklace, and I’ve never been set on buying one when I see it, because I think there might be a better one out there. But this one just came to me, so of course I love it. Pop Sugar made my decision for me.

5. Skinny Girl Nutrition Bars

I recently tried these, because I found them while at Marshall’s when I wanted a snack, and they were delicious. I’ve purchased more boxes since then from Target, and I love throwing these in my purse as a quick snack in the middle of the day when I need a pick me up.

6. Vineyard Vines Down Jacket

I’ve had this jacket for some time now, and it never lets me down in the cold weather. With the frequent snow we’ve had this month, this jacket has become by blanket while outside. Also, I love that it’s navy, because it matches everything and lightens up my sometimes all black outfits during the winter.

7. Sephora Fragrance Sample Bag

I received this with one of my Sephora orders, and am so happy to try all of these scents. Thanks to this little pouch of scents to test, I have an idea of some new spring scents to try out in T minus 19 days! Unfortunately, this deal is no longer available, but they do sell fragrance sets that come with a voucher for one full sized bottle of the sample vials you test out.

8. Sugarfina Bento Box

If you know me well, you know I love sweets. I ordered these and just so happened to receive them on a(n) snow ice day in the middle of the month. The packaging is absolutely adorable, it comes with a handwritten card, and all the candy tastes delicious. Plus, it feels like you’re really snacking on elevated candy (because you are!).

All opinions in my favorites posts are my own and I am not asked to make these posts by any brand or company listed in my favorites each month. I am also not compensated or sent any of these items for free, and if I were, I would most definitely let my readers know!

Happy March!

Lynda

What’s in my Closet: Flares

Yesterday, it was actually warm outside.  Well, warmish.  It was comfortable enough to walk outside without a jacket, so I took full advantage of that.  Unfortunately, today the weather matches the still melting ice/snow outside, so I have to bundle up again. Sigh.  At least it’s less than one month til spring.

I’m so glad flares are back in style.  I’m 5’4″ and flares give me the look of having legs for days, even though I don’t.

It’s definitely a change from the typical skinny jeans everyone is wearing, and I love it.

 

Want to shop this look? [Vest: French Connection, Shirt: French Connection, old, similar here, Necklace: Heather Belle, Denim: Madewell, Watch: Michael Kors, Shoes: Nine West, old, similar here, Bag: Madewell]

Thanks for stopping by!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

What’s in my Closet: Winter Whites + Blue Florals

If you see me on the regular, you know I’m always wearing one of three colors: black, blue, or gray. Recently, I’ve tried to expand my wardrobe to include white. Gasp. I know. Most people have white as a staple color in their closet. But not me…spending years and years working at a coffee shop pretty much scared me away from anything with a hint of white on it. Not so long ago, I noticed that I barely had any white in my wardrobe, so I decided to change that by adding some winter whites, while still incorporating my go-to color: blue. This is one of my favorite pieces that I’ve recently added to my closet, and inspires me to continue dressing for the winter, while looking forward to spring!

[French Connection Dress, Madewell Tux Leggings, Franco Sarto Booties (similar), Sparklepop Necklace, Veda x Madewell Leather Jacket (similar)]

 

Thanks for reading and following along,

Lynda

November Favorites

Holy cannoli, it’s December already?! I usually try to have my monthly favorites posted on the last day of the month, but November 30^th really snuck up on me, so it’s going up today tonight!

1. Orange Blossom Cloister Honey

For the past two years, I’ve been attending the annual Shopping Spree in Downtown Raleigh at the Convention Center as a start to Christmas shopping, and both years I’ve been, Cloister Honey from Charlotte has been there as a vendor. I bought honey from them both times, and without fail, they keep me wanting more. They are my favorite small business honey makers for sure. This year I purchased the Orange Blossom honey, and have been using it all month in my tea, and also on top of my pie crust cookies (the recipe I shared recently).

2. Archer Farms Skirt Steak

This was actually in 2 WIAW posts not too long ago. It is honestly one of the easiest dinners I’ve made in a long time. I put these skirt steaks in my Crockpot with a small amount of water, turn it on low before I leave for work, and when I get home, it’s done, and ready to serve! It’s so delicious and I love how easy it is to make.  They also have about 5 flavors to choose from and my 2 favorites are Garlic and Herb and Carne Asada.

3. Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy

For about two weeks in November, my lips were so chapped that it felt like they were constantly burning. Nothing I had at home would make the burning stop, and sometimes at night, my lips would crack open when I was sleeping (lovely image, I know). In years past, my basic chap stick options would fix this, but not this year. I discovered the Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy and began using it at morning and at night, and it worked wonders on my lips. No more super chapped lips. Yay!

4. NARS Blush in Orgasm

Gotta love the color names of NARS products. 🙂 I’m sure every beauty guru has mentioned this product at some point or another, and if you’re even somewhat obsessed with makeup, you either already have this product, or have seriously contemplated purchasing it. I only have one other blush that I use, and it’s a matte pink shade in a bronzer/highlighter/blush palette, so I finally made the plunge, and purchased this one, and have been wearing it every day since. It really is a great basic blush for all skin tones.

5. Hollywood Fashion Secrets Sweater Saver

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have mentioned this thing to someone and raved about how awesome it is in the past month. Seriously. If your sweaters are pilling, go to Target or Ulta right now, and buy this bad boy. It’s a lifesaver. I mean sweater saver.

6. Mine Chalkboard Soy Message Ceramic Candle

I got this in my October Pop Sugar Must Have box and wasn’t sure about how excited I was about the scent. Lo and behold, I’ve burned the entire candle already! So now it’s an empty chalkboard jar that I’ll probably turn into a pen holder on my desk. Who knows…DIY project to come!

7. Madewell Sidney Boots in Pecan

I believe I purchased these boots in September, but I’ve probably chosen to wear them 3 out of 7 days of the week every week since. They are extremely comfortable if you’re on your feet all day, and they are also the perfect shaft width if you have no calf muscle whatsoever like me. The brown is also a great color as well and balances well even when wearing a lot of black.

8. Russell + Hazel Desk Calendar

I don’t know why I needed a new desk calendar a month and a half before the end of the year, but I did. I saw this one in The Container Store when I was shopping for Christmas presents, and I had to have it. It’s completely blank. You fill in the days, the month, and pretty much do whatever you want to it. No fancy designs or anything. Which to me, is awesome, because I love doodling and designing my own organizational calendar. There is also a section at the bottom for notes, and a section on the side with each day of the month in a “to-do” list form.

9. Sephora Pro Precision Smudge Brush #29

I needed a new eye shadow brush. I did. I needed it. Because the only other ones I have are by ELF (which for a very affordable brand, has some really good quality items), but the brushes I have from them have bristles that occasionally fall out. The brushes are also meant more for sweeping one color all over your eyelid, and not necessarily providing precision placement of shadows, and ya know, sometimes, I like putting multiple colors of shadow on my lids. This Sephora brush didn’t let me down! And it even comes with a brush cap, so it can stay safe and clean while traveling.

10. Merrick Natural Wet Dog Food

This one isn’t necessarily my favorite, but rather, one of Gabi’s favorites, but I’m putting it here for the world to see. The names and packaging of their wet dog food options are awesome, they are grain free, and they make little cans (which say they are for toy breeds, but really it’s just because of the size of the can) that I can feed to Gabi all at once mixed into her dry food. She’s kinda picky when it comes to wet dog food that has been sitting in the fridge. She even got a Thanksgiving Day Dinner flavor for Thanksgiving!  If you live in Raleigh, you can pick these cute little cans up at Phydeaux.

Let me know if any of you love any of these products as much as I do! And Happy December!

Bows and Arrows,