CBN Event: Dots

The Chicago Blogger Network teamed with Dots for a night filled with shopping, a styling contest, professional photography, cupcakes, champagne, and candy! I had a blast! Here is what I wore to the event: Dress: via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Shoes: C/O Just Fabulous, Jacket: C/O Sheinside, Necklace: Windsor, All Braceltes: Kristin Hassan, Ring: J Good, Bag: Coach

 Dots just opened a Hillside, IL location (The Hillside Town Center, 120 S. Mannheim Rd. Hillside, IL 60162) and I was blown away! They literally carry anything you could possibly need. Appeal, shoes, belts, under garments, jewelry, bags, and even lip gloss & nail polish! Everything (with the exception of some shoes and outerwear) is under $40!! Score! And to be honest, most items were either $14.80 and $18.80. They have all sizes 0-24 and everything seemed age appropriate for teens through mid 40's. Here are some shots of the store and the amazing treats they had waiting for us:  

I like to call this area SHOE HEAVEN! ;) The selection was truly amazing. How did I not know about Dots before this?!There was a style challenge and this is the outfit I tried on. I had better pictures taken of me by their photographer and will post them when I have them.

 It was my first time wearing print pants and I ended up buying them. Kinda LOVE them. They are so light weight and I adore the fit.  

In the end, I walked out one happy girl! ;) Lots of new clothes, a $50 gift card (which I used right away), and some other goodies too!
 

Outfit: Taking Care of Business

Blazer: Urban Outfitters (similar) , Tee: Stylemint, Jeans: Level 99 via ThritySomethingFashion Box Service, Boots: Dolce Vita, Necklace (similar) & Bag: Windsor, Watch: Fossil, Wrist Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan, Red Bangle: C/O Baublebar

This is what I wore for our first (of many) business dinners for BISTM (you can follow us for updates on Twitter and FB).
 It was a very casual dinner so I wanted to put a cute twist on jeans with a tee.
I am in LOVE with my Dolce Vita boots. They are probably the lowest heel I own (I'm no kitten heel girl), but I am over the moon for them. I am also super digging my red denim. Great shade for summer for sure don't you think?
The meeting went amazing and we have lots to do in the next 2 months, but it's all very exciting! 

Outfit: Stripes and Elbow Patches

Sweater: C/O OASAP, Skirt: H&M, Vest: Forever 21, Shoes: Sole Society, Necklace: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Watch: Fossil, Wrist Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan, Bag: Windsor, Heart Ring: Jewelmint, Sunnies: MNG by Mango

How amazing is this sweater?! It was given to me by Oasap.com and I am smitten with it. I love the elbow patches, the color, and the fact that we still have cool enough weather to wear knits here in the Chicago land area. ;) 

I had actually never heard of Oasap prior to them contacting me, but I am so glad they are now on my radar! They have very awesome selection of clothing, accessories, and shoes. I highly recommend you check them out. 

Outfit: Blush, Mint, Blue, & Gold

Top: Closet swap w/ Kaitlyn (Forever 21), Jeans: Gap, Cami: ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Belt: Threadsence, Shoes: Shoemint (similar) , Watch & Bag: Fossil, Louvre Leather Wrap: Kristin Hassan, Heart Ring: Jewelmint, Necklace: Windsor , Sunnies: Loft

Yet another example of everyday wear. I don't care what time of day it is, it's always time for 6 inch heels! I'm also totally digging this muted color pallet. Such good colors for this time of year, being Easter tomorrow and all. ;)

 And, do you spy my Paris #PassportToStyle wrist warp?! Who else ordered? Such a beautiful collection.
 I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter tomorrow! Here are some eggs we decorated. The top pic are the eggs my kids did, the bottom pic, I did! ;) Do you like my "love egg" and tie dye egg?! lol

And if you don't celebrate Easter, a wonderful weekend to you and yours as well! xo

Outfit: Dinner With a Fellow Blogger

Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA, Blazer: JC Penny, Shoes: Shoemint, Bag and Necklace: Windsor, Watch: Fossil, Wrist Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan, Ring: J Good

I met up with one of my favorite mommies and had dinner and drinks on Monday night. I love Kristin. Not only is she a super talented clothing designer, jewelry designer, business woman, blogger, and mom, but she is also just a great friend. I am so glad to have her in my life. 

 Now lets talk fashion. ;) I think everyone needs to own this t-shirt dress. It's great for layering and hugs the body in all the right spots. It's one of my new favorites. Yes, it's a splurge item at $98, but once you put it on you'll agree it's worth the $$! 

 What do you think of my braided top knot? I finally spent 10 minutes and not my usual 4 minutes on this style. I usually just twist it and pin it but this time I teased my high pony and wrapped and pinned it to look more like a bun. To finish, I braided a small section and wrapped that around the base. I liked it so much more then what I usually do! Can you tell I haven't washed my hair in 3 days?! lol Me either, which means this hair style is a success!
**You can now "stalk me" on Currently obsessed!

Outfit: Mini Photo Shoot for BISTM

Myself and Kaitlyn had a mini photo shoot over the weekend. We saw an amazing picture over on Pinterest and knew we wanted to recreate it for a stock photo to be used on our new website. Here is what I wore:

Top: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Tank: Express, Jeans and bag: Windsor (similar jeans), Shoes: Lulus (similar) (similar), Bracelets: Baublebar, Heart Ring: JGood, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules

On Kaitlyn: Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Watch Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan

I realize this outfit does not match, but I was going for a bright, over styled look for the photos! ;)

Here are the photos that we came up with:

What do you think? We super love them!

BecauseIShopTooMuch.com is coming along great. We finally have an official launch date of June 1st. Yes, it is taking forever, but we want to give you the best possible site so we promise it will be well worth the wait! For updates you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook or comment below with your email to be added to the email list.

*Photos taken by Mike Agnew