Because I shop Too Much

It's official everyone, Because I Shop too much is now live and ready for all of you to use and enjoy! For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, here's a bit about the site:

If you’ve ever had the desire to look through your most fashionable friend’s closet and borrow her style for a day, you will no longer have to leave the comfort of your own bedroom thanks to the launch of Becauseishoptoomuch.com. The site is a customer-focused, interactive marketplace that allows users to buy, sell, and swap clothing and accessories from their closets at no charge. Because I Shop Too Much aims to combat the fragile economy by providing users with an outlet and opportunity to attain the low cost of high style.

Becoming a member is simple and starts with the user creating a profile on the site followed by a PayPal account. Once users have signed up for both, they can begin uploading photos of the items they wish to sell or swap.

“It’s not just about selling & buying clothes” assures Lisa Fergus, Owner. “We’re meeting lots of females out there – especially today – that are on budgets for a variety of reasons – family, school, the economy. They are bold, creative, & want to look great without paying premium “And the fact that friendships & social circles are being formed along the way,” as Kaitlyn Fergus, Owner points out, “well, that just may be the best part.”

I love that so many of you have stumbled upon it in the past few weeks. I love that we already have sizes xs-xxl up for sale on the site and I really love how many boys have closets! I am so proud to say myself and Kaitlyn have made our baby come to life! So go check it out!!! Shop, create a closet and sell your stuff, and let us know if you have any questions or suggestions! ENJOY!! 

*Site currerntly for US citiziens only but expanding soon!!

Rad & Refined Summer Launch Party

I had the most wonderful time at the Chicago Blogger Network Rad and Refined summer launch party event over the weekend. This is what I wore:

Dress: Swap w/ Kaitlyn (Discovery), Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Bag: C/O Just Fabulous , Watch and Silver bracelet: C/O Kristin Hassan, Skull Bracelet and Necklace: Baublebar, Colored stackable ring set: gift, Stackable silver ring set: Shop Jules, Heart Ring: Self Made (I SPY DIY project)

As a fan of not only Rad and Refined but also both blogs Natalie off Duty and Color Me Nana, I was in blogger heaven this night. Truly!

Natalie, myself, and Dylana

There was shopping to be done, drinks to be had, food to be eaten, and photos to be taken! I had my eye on a maxi dress all night and could not stop coming back to it! I'm so predicable. lol

Myself and Jacqueline of Rad and Refined, me totally dorking out with Natalie (or making her think I'm a total dork, however you want to say it ;) and finally me passing out Because I shop too much cards to the girls! Hopefully they will set their closets up soon! ;)

Jessica and Jill of Style Juncture and myself

Delish cake pops from Coco Mori

And the night would not be complete without a little photo booth action compliments of Shutterbooth!

I was so happy my hubby came with me (he got a glimpse of my world), I hope I didn't make too big of a fool of myself as I am a super fan of both Natalie and Dylana, and I am beyond pumped at the new maxi dress I bought! Obviously you will be seeing it soon on the blog! And obviously I needed another maxi dress. No, seriously I did! ;)
*To book an appointment to shop Rad and Refined Chicago email info@radandrefined.com

Outfit: Everyday Wear

Top: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Shoemint (similar) (similar), Necklace: T plus J Designs, Ring: Guilty Star, Bracelet: C/O T plus J Designs

I love being able to swap clothes with my sister (in-law). We use super cute "Friend Swap" bags (which you can buy here), and it's like having new clothing on a bi-monthly basis. This top is awesome and I didn't really want to give it back to her....I did though. ;) Love the sheer shoulder!

To finish the look off I added eye catching flats and great statement jewelry.

Outfit: Dinner Out

Top: Banana Republic, Skirt: Swap w/ Kaitlyn (Express), Shoes: Shoemint (similar) (similar), Bag: C/O Just Fabulous, Cuff: C/O Kristin Hassan, Bracelet: C/O T plus J Designs, Necklace: ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service

This outfit put a little spring in my step. You know when you like what you are wearing so you feel good/pretty in it, well, that was me this day. Love the mixing of blue hues with pinks and gold. Now on to the good stuff...

The winner of the EShakti giveaway is: #5
Cacy

Congrats Cacy! I sent your email info to EShakti and they will be contacting you. A big thank you to EShakti for hosting this giveaway and everyone who entered. xo

Outfit: Autism One- Day 2 of 3

I told you about my first day at Autism One a few days ago. Here is what I wore to the second day I attended:

Top: Alloy (old), Shorts: Old Navy, Shoes: Forever 21, Bag: Coach (similar) (similar) (similar), Earrings: Swap w/ Kaitlyn, Wrist Wraps: C/O Kristin Hassan, Gold Band ring: Kohls, Sunnies: Loft (similar) (similar)

I did much better at the second day of Autism One. I was beyond overwhelmed the first day and truth be told I woke up not wanting to get out of bed.
I obviously did, made myself go back and listed to a lecture titled "Food With Benefits" given by Sueson Vess.  I am so glad I did, this was a great lecture! I took so many helpful notes, met up with the speaker, and got her cookbook after it was over (I also got a few new food products that I'll share with you here when I try them out).
The most important info I took away from this day was:
-Eat food from plants, not made in plants. (eat foods that will rot)
Seems obvious right? Well I can't tell you how many times in the past few days I've went to eat something and been made aware of the fact I'm not as healthy as I think. Try it, go through your day and see how much processed food you actually eat!
-Eat animals that ate leaves/plants.
-Eat fermented foods (good gut bacteria)
There were so many more helpful hints given to me at this lecture, but if I can pass the best info along, it's the above 3 points.
After listening and then shopping, we (myself, Nicolette of Momnivore's Dilemma, and a new mommy friend) then went to whole food and got a few items too. All and all, I finished this day feeling much more positive and more importantly, hopeful. ;)

*Check back tomorrow for my third and final day at Autism One. (I met Jenny McCarthy!!)

Outfit: Autism One- Day 1 of 3

I attended Autism One this year thanks to the persuasion of Nicolette of Momnivore's Dilemma. Here is what I wore to day 1:

Dress: E Street Denim, Vest: Express, Belt: Forever 21, Shoes: Target, Earrings: swap w/ Kaitlyn, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules, Ring: C/O J Good, Watch: C/O Kristin Hassan

She told me in advance how overwhelming it would be, but I thought she meant overwhelming like a lot of info to take in, lots of vendors, etc. It was overwhelming emotionally and mentally as well (which I was NOT prepared for) and I cried after leaving the first day.

I guess I thought I was doing a good job(ish) by my son so far. I know we haven't gone full on bio medical yet, but I guess I didn't realize how far away I was from it either.

Needless to say I had a mild panic attack while sitting in a lecture called "What's Next? Exploring your options by Anju Usman, MD. I literally left the room with my notes full of words I needed to go home and look up! I felt guilty, I felt under prepared, I felt like I needed to make changes...NOW!  I immediately went and bought new vitamins and probiotics. It did make me feel a bit better. ;)

Check back Thursday and Friday for day 2 and 3 of my Autism One Experience.

**Check out how I styled this dress for a night out on the Sisters Marie Blog!

Dressing to Music: Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know

I know this song is all over the radio, but since I don't listen to the radio it's new to me. ;) I love everything about it, but my favorite is when they sing together. This is the look I styled as I listened to "somebody that I used to know": 

Top and under tank: Brandy Melville, Shorts: Express (similar), Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Wrist Wraps: C/O Kristin Hassan, Ring: Swap w/ Kaitlyn

*In other news, my #PassportToStyle Athens Collection Video came out yesterday. Check it out! ;)

Outfit: Neons and Neutrals

Pashmina: C/O Pashmina International, Dress: Swap w/ Kaitlyn (Forever 21), Shoes: Shoemint, Wrist wrap & Earrings: Kristin Hassan

I was given this beautiful wrap by Pashmina International for review and it couldn't have come at a better time. We are having some cooler weather right now and the only thing I love as much as a great blazer to finish off a look is a great pashmina. (I have a nice collection ranging from black and gray to teal and animal print.)
This green color is perfect for Spring and gave my outfit just the right amount of pop! The quality is amazing and I couldn't be more happy. If you haven't already, you should check out their website. They have a great selection.
They have also agreed to do a giveaway later in the year for fall (so exciting!) so be on the look out for that as well!

*even though the pashmina was gifted to me that in no way effected my opinion and review.

Lake house chic

Top: Alloy (swap c/o Kaitlyn)
Tank: Express
Jeans: E Street Denim
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Jewelmint
Ring: Lia Sophia
Sunnys: MNG by Mango

We were at the hubby's family lake house over the long weekend and this was my outfit for walking and heading down to the lake. I don't wear flats super often, but when you're doing a lot of walking you have to be smart. (let me say though, I could and have walked miles in some of my heels....I'm just saying ;)
I got these jeans the day before at E Street Denim. I love this store! What I love even more is a great sale. Jeans were all 50% off and if you buy 2 or more pair they were 75% off! I just got one pair, but I'm in love with the wash and color. I also love that I don't have to alter these, as I alter most of my jeans! Double yay!