Happy Feet: Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks are the new Jack Rogers. Okay, that might not be totally true, but it is for me right now. Given all the foot issues I've been having (for basically my whole life) I really need to start trying to wear more practical shoes, especially as I recover from surgery. At the end of last summer, my platinum Jacks finally broke and I just assumed I'd get a new pair this summer, instead, I ended up with a pair of platinum Birkenstocks.
When I first had to start wearing Birkenstocks in 2nd grade, they were not cool, there were not a lot of styles for girls, and I was pretty bitter about having to wear them. Today, I really can't complain because there are some pretty cute Birkenstocks out there. If you are allowed to wear sandals to your summer job (i.e. retail) I would highly recommend these because they are so supportive, unlike almost all other pairs of sandals.
I featured a couple of my favorite pairs here on the blog, but there are tons of options and each style comes in a bunch of different styles. I just got a pair on Amazon with Prime shipping, which was great. Zappos also has them, as does their website, so you can usually find your size and ideal style through one of those avenues.

shop the set here

Happy shopping for happy feet...seriously, so comfy.

xx
erin

Mother's Day Shopping: Kate Spade Sale

Sorry for my absence on the blog this week. I have been busy with job hunting and catching up on classes after surgery. Oh, and of course, I was having some pain in my foot, went in to student health, and found out my surgery site had gotten infected! No worries, it looks like the meds are working and I am being diligent about the care right now, but it's never good to get a surgery site infected. On that note, if you ever feel some pain in the region of a surgery site, get it checked out. I almost didn't go to Student Health about it and I am so glad that I ended up doing so because I don't want to know what would have happened if I hadn't gone.
Onto happier subjects, my bed rest has allowed plenty of time for me to scour the internet for some of my favorite new summer pieces. I have so many items to share with y'all so check back throughout the week. To be honest, I have resisted most shoe shopping though, since I am pretty restricted after surgery, but I do have a post about them coming out. One sale that caught me by surprise, in a very pleasant way, was the Kate Spade Friends and Family Sale! I love when this site has sales because her items are so cute and 25% off is a great deal...especially if you're still looking for a present for Momma! Here are some of my favorite pieces from this sale to shop. One thing that I do want to mention is that they have changed the clasp on watches so that it is still a butterfly clasp, but it has side release, so it is less likely to just pop off randomly!

watch // purse
earrings // shoes
tote // phone case

What are your favorite pieces from this sale?

Happy Shopping!

xx

erin

Shopbop 25% Off Sale

Today is the last day of the Shopbop sale. If you use the code "SPRING25" you will get 25% off your purchase and there are some great items in this sale. For those who haven't shopped on this site before, it has a bunch of different designers and covers a wide variety of styles and fashion tastes. I didn't end up getting anything in this sale because I am currently just looking for a few specific items for upcoming events, but I do love a lot of the items they have right now. I rounded up some of my favorites for y'all to shop. Personally, that Ella Moss swimsuit is sitting really high on my wishlist right now. I think I want a one-piece and I love the cut and pattern of it. Happy Shopping, friends!

Re:named crop top and skirt // Rebecca Minkoff bucket bag // Ray-Ban sunglasses // Tory Burch studs // BB Dakota romper // Ella Moss swimsuit // Kate Spade pendant // MICHAEL Michael Kors wedges // Birkenstock sandals // S'Well water bottle

xx
erin

Sporty Chic: Styling Sneakers

Yesterday I posted a picture of me in jeans and a sweater on Instagram. Pretty standard, right? Well, except for the fact that instead of a cute pair of flats on my feet, I was wearing sneakers. Guess what? I am wearing sneakers again today. Yesterday I went to the podiatrist back at home about a foot problem I've been having and found out that I get to have surgery again. I haven't talked about it before, but I have pretty terrible feet and had surgery on them both in High School. Ideally, it would have been over after those surgeries, but it looks like I am going to be needing another one.
So, this means that my shoes of choice for the next couple of weeks are sneakers and Birkenstocks. I have to admit though, while it is a bit limiting to have to wear sneakers all the time, I kind of like the sporty look. Plus it is super comfortable to walk around like this all day...or at least it would be if my toe didn't hurt so much...

all items listed here

Do any of you wear sneakers with jeans?

xx
erin

Summer-Weight Jewelry

Oh my gosh is Florida the perfect escape from the Virginia cold. We have had amazing weather and seen a couple of great baseball games so I would definitely call it a success thus far. That being said, the heat is a bit overwhelming at times. I mean, I don't wish it was cold or that I don't like having to wear shorts every day, but my body is not used to this heat.

One of the things that this weather has me thinking about is summer-weight accessories. It's not technically a category for accessories, but it should be because there is no way I could wear a big piece of jewelry right now. Aside from the more delicate jewelry being better for tan lines and the heat, I have really just started to prefer the simple jewelry. So, while I sat next to the pool avoiding getting splashed by a college baseball team (and their football that kept getting overthrown in my general direction...) I decided to round up a few of my favorite simple items. One awesome place to get these is via Rocksbox so definitely consider using "sugarsnappearlsxoxo" to get your 1 month free trial. I have barely taken my Gorjana bracelet off since I got it last week!

{all items linked here}

Sorry for rubbing the Florida thing in your face if it's cold where you are...I'm just really loving life right now!

xx

erin

Ten Things to Pack for Spring Break

One week from today I will be on a plane heading south to the sunshine state for some baseball and the beach. Spring break cannot come soon enough because I am so tired of seeing wool sweaters and snow. Technically I have enough time to pack next week, but I know that if I don't start planning now then I will end up with some random items taking up valuable space and leaving behind some essential item (last year it was my Yankees hat). Plus, I am beyond thrilled to have an excuse to go through my spring clothes! I haven't laid out any outfits yet, but there are a few things that I know are crucial to pack after 4 straight Florida spring break trips.

{get everything here}

One: Cute, Lightweight top

This can be used for day or night, but the key is that it is lightweight. If you're going to a game, like me, opt for cotton because at least it will dry if you sweat a bit (which you will).

Two: Neutral Flats

I love wearing my jacks when the weather is nicer. However, a cute pair of flats is perfect for going to and from the airport. They can also be a nice change of footwear for a chilly evening or just to take a break from sandals.

Three: Hat

Another one that doesn't need much of an explanation. I showed a baseball hat because they're easier to pack in a suitcase than a sunhat. 

Four: Sundresses

I don't think this needs an explanation. Bring a few of these because they take up no space and are perfect for any occasion because you can dress them up or down.

Five: Makeup with SPF

I always wear makeup with SPF because my face is pretty sensitive, but it is especially important to protect your face if you are going to be in the sun all day.

Six: Bathing Suit

Don't be one of those people who goes to the beach, forgetting the one essential item.

Seven: Statement Earrings

It is hot in Florida, at least it is hotter than Virginia. I usually opt for fun earrings over a fun necklace because I don't want anything sitting on my neck that doesn't have to be there. Plus, bracelets and necklaces have been responsible for their fair share of unfortunate tan or burn lines.

Eight: Sandals

Get a pedicure (or give yourself one) and throw on those sandals that have been sitting in the back of your closet all winter. Is anyone else beyond excited for sandal season?

Nine: Sunglasses

Don't get crows feet from squinting your eyes. The sun will reflect off the sand and water so it will be even harsher than usual.

Ten: Cute Sweatshirt

The Florida evenings are much chillier than the days. I always bring a cute sweater or sweatshirt when I go out to dinner because the breeze really gets to you. It is really nice to be able to sit outside for meals in Florida, but, especially by the water, it is chilly enough to want a sweater and jeans.

xx

erin

How To: Styling an Oversized Men's Button-Down

I have a confession: my favorite shirts are men's shirts. Not just any men's shirts though, preferably ones that are a size or two larger than I am. It's an unspoken rule in college that wearing a large shirt over norts is 100% socially acceptable, but sometimes I want to be that comfortable in my cute clothes. My solution to this is wearing men's button-downs. I have a couple of my brothers old ones, both dress shirts and flannels, and constantly wish I had more. The flannels are saved for winter finals or cozy winter nights because there really isn't a way for me to make them super cute, but I love styling the dress shirt hand-me-downs. There are so many different ways to style these shirts and everyone has a different preference. Some people can get away with wearing them without a belt, however since that is my slimmest part of my body, I really prefer to still keep some emphasis on it.

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There are plenty of women's stores out there that sell buttondowns for prices that probably exceed what you want to spend on a comfy, casual outfit. TJ Maxx or other discount stores (including thrift stores) will have just as good of a selection in their men's section. If you want the fit to be oversized, you may as well go to the source where that fit is guaranteed.

xx
erin

The Perfect Shirt: Piko Tops

One of my friends had a Piko shirt last year and I remember thinking it was cute, but I never realized they would become as popular as they are now. Seriously, I feel like all of my friends are wearing them now, and with good reason. These shirts are so cute and so comfortable. 

I got my first one in the mail the other day and I just wanted to wear it and never take it off. The lavender color I ordered is perfect for Spring and I can't wait to add more of these to my collection! For those of you not familiar with the brand, they're a bamboo shirt which is why they are so soft. While I ordered a springy color, there are tons of options and they can definitely be worn year-round. The length is great to throw on over a pair of leggings or white jeans as the year goes on. Now, if you've seen this brand in boutiques near you, you may notice that the shirts are almost $30 and the tunics can be as pricy as $35, but if you go to piko.com, you can get them for $20-21! If the shirt doesn't sell itself enough already, the price definitely should. They have all different sleeve lengths and cuts depending on your preference. I really love the long-sleeve, rounded neck that I have, but you can't go wrong with any of the styles or colors. 

Personally, I am really excited about this shirt for Spring Break because Florida is an absolute sauna compared to Virginia this time of year, but at night it definitely cools off and I prefer a more covering top. I am thinking of styling it with some cute wedges and fun jewelry. It would also be a great shirt for the plane ride because it is cute and comfy, the perfect outfit to cope with any layover.

shirt // necklace // jeans // clutch // shoes //find everything here

I can't wait to style the shirt throughout the spring. Do any of y'all have one of these? Which one should I get next?

xx

erin