STYLE STORY: FOURTH OF JULY SALES

As promised, here is my compiled list of the best sales this weekend! The best part, there's some great sales for the gents too! I put together a list of my favorite pieces, so feel free to click through and see what you like!

Travel/Style Story: Hong Kong Style Haul

So sorry for the short hiatus. A couple days after I left Hong Kong, my dear grandma passed away. It was a tough time for me since she was one of my favorite people and her love for God was infectious. She always spoke of being with Jesus one day, and it brings peace to my heart knowing that she is no longer suffering and is now in the comforting arms of Jesus. I'm dedicating this post to my grandma since we share a similar love for fashion. Her style icon was Audrey Hepburn & she always kept up with the latest fashion while also being a smart shopper. She was brilliant with sewing and knitting allowing her to make her own clothes & for her family. Basically, she was amazing. There are so many memories with her that I will always cherish. I love her and miss her so much, but I'm thankful that this goodbye is not forever for us.

As you may have read from previous posts, I was in Hong Kong for a much needed vacation. And as always, shopping sprees are involved when I'm visiting this city because it is the place to find incredible clothes for a steal. Also, it's a chance to get a good look at new fashions and quirky Asian fashion which is always fun.

Life Story: Valentine Gift Ideas

Happy week before Valentine's Day!

I know, I know. Some may think of it as another Hallmark holiday, but sometimes we need a reminder to tell someone you love them, whether it's your significant other, your friends or a stranger in need.

For those of you who are procrastinators or struggling with Valentine gift ideas, hopefully this post will help you out. Today I'm sharing my top 5 favorite Valentine gift ideas.

Style Story: Work Appropriate Friday

Hello friends! Here is my Friday addition of my mini work outfit style series! I'm linking up with Lauren again for High Five for Friday.

I hope all my styling tips this week have been helpful & given you ideas of how to put together what's in your wardrobe and/or the new investment pieces you plan to buy. Check out tips #1, 2, 3, & 4, if you haven't yet! If you've made it this far, I think it's time to make things trickier but more fun!

Tip #5: Mixing patterns can go all kinds of wrong (oops! guilty here!), but with practice, it becomes easier. With trial & error I've learned that, while it's okay to mix multiple bold patterns in a magazine photoshoot, it's more difficult to wear it in reality. The trick is to start with one loud printed item and pair it with a simpler pattern. Loud prints are usually those with multicolors, non-repeating patterns, etc; while simpler patterns typically translate as two-toned stripes, polka dots, etc.

Hope this helps! And remember, "One of the most important responsibilities in life is to care about others, smile at them, and be a friend to the friendless." (James Dobson)

Top: The Limited | Skirt: Forever 21 | Cardigan: White House Black Market | Shoes: DSW

Top: Loft | Pants: Old Navy | Shoes: DSW | Necklace: gift | Bracelet: c/o ILY Couture 

Bracelet: c/o ILY Couture | Ring: JewelMint

SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS:

Patterned tops:

Patterned skirts:

 

Printed pants:

 

Leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions for another mini style series!

  

Life Story: A Bittersweet Friday

Normal people love Fridays. I used to, but I'd say today is more "bittersweet". The bitterness stems from the fact that it's the last day of blissful electives month and I'm back to 3.5 months straight of actual rotations (exams? yuck).

The sweetness rises from all the memories I've made this past month. I'm so thankful for all the time outside of school I've had to meet up with friends, new and old, and try new things while not have a nagging voice in my head telling me I should be studying instead.

I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five For Friday for the first time to highlight my favorite 5 things this past week! Although it's supposed to be this past week, I'm going to make this 5 highlights from this past month instead, just to make it more challenging for myself...Here we go:

1. Favorite Eat

Au Cheval's burger. I'd give it a 15/10. It's that good. Oh, and I also ran into Andrew Belle while I was there (no big.) and he carried on a conversation with me.

2. Favorite Sounds

My first favorite transitions me nicely into this topic. I'm loving Andrew Belle's new album Black Bear! It's so good even when you consider it follows his last full album, The Ladder, which was stellar. If you haven't bought it, get it now. I mean it. My favorite song of his at the moment is "Pieces".

Ben Rector's new album, The Walking in Between, came out the same day and charted top 5 on iTunes for a while! Well deserved, Ben! Take a listen to a snippet of one of my favorite songs from his album and you'll know why I'm obsessed with this guy's music and voice!

I know I'm totally cheating so far in this category with more than one favorite, but this song is too powerful & beautiful to miss. This week I heard an acoustic version of "Oceans" by Hillsong United and since I first heard it it's been on repeat. Such powerful words & a great reminder that "where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, [God has] never failed." And it renews my heart's cry to trust God without borders wherever He has called me and for my faith to be made stronger.

3. Favorite Outfit

Hands down my blue lace Anthropologie dress I wore to my friend's wedding. I think my favorite part was the fact that I got it for $40 when it was originally $328. Score! I paired it with Forever 21 accessories that people always comment on saying that they look more expensive than they actually are (under $10). Now I need to find more occasions to wear this dress!

4. Favorite Memory

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen the few pictures I posted getting my hair and makeup done. I had a fun opportunity to model for a future feature on The Urbaness, one of my favorite Chicago lifestyle blogs. It was a blast hanging out with the other models and the talented people behind the scenes. For more details you can check out a fellow model Erin's perspective of the fun day.

Behind the scenes: Photographers Katie & Lynn hard at work while The Eventful Life creates the beautiful scene

5. Favorite Quote

"Do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa. A beautiful reminder of my purpose in life and how I should walk everyday. With overflowing love for people no matter what I'm doing. I think the world needs more love, a selfless love that extends mercy & grace to those around us.

Source

Thanks for reading! Please follow me with Google connect for more stories! I also just joined Bloglovin', so if you'd like, please follow me through that media! :)

I have a really fun series of posts starting tomorrow!! I'm excited to share it with you guys!

Style Story: July 4th Weekend Sales!

ILY Couture: Up to 75% off!
I'm eyeing this stunning Basilissa Pave Bracelet. PLUS you can get the Bubble Statement necklace that I love so much for $16 using the code JULYBUBBLE.
(Sales end July 9th)

Bloomingdales: This sale is offering 25-65% off a huge selection of merch.
I love these shorts! Perfect & fun go-to summer shorts for the weekends.
(Sale ends July 7th)

Photo source: Bloomingdales

Forever21: Up to 75% off a great selection of clothes!
There are so many pieces I want! But I'm definitely eyeing this Satin Jacket. Adorbs and perfect for layering! They also have it in white which would be perfect for wearing at weddings over your dress when it cools down at night.

Photo source: Forever 21

Sleeping At Last: One of my favorite songwriters/musicians is having a merch sale! EVERYTHING is 20% off! Use the code OOZMAKAPA. 
All soon-to-be parents to be should invest in this adorable onesie with a great message! 
And if you collect Vinyls and/or just love good music with brilliant lyrics, the Keep No Score vinyl is a MUST buy.
(Sale ends July 9th)

Photo source: Sleeping At Last

Some shopping background music. This is the song my sister and I recorded with Sleeping at Last!

He's so talented, right?

Have fun shopping & have a great weekend!

Style Story: Dressed to Impress with a Not-so Impressive Budget

Top: Forever21

Skirt: Target

Being a student (for life...so it seems), I often feel guilty when I shop for clothes because I'm spending money I don't have. But you don't EVER have to break the bank to get your hands on stylish pieces! I often forget this when I'm drooling over other style blogs and seeing these fashion bloggers wearing pieces of clothing costing $100s/1000s. But then I walk outside with my $40 or under outfits (total) and get compliments right & left on them; I'm reminded that while it's nice to have brand name clothing, it's even nicer to have clothes that are budget-friendly, guilt-free and still fashionable.

While I'm often tempted to buy every cute and budget-friendly pieces that I see, I have to remember that even sales prices add up. It's important to have an idea of how the piece will go with clothes that already reside in your closet and visualize a few outfits before you buy anything.

I bought this adorable peplum + peter pan collar sweater ($15!) online and I thought I could pair it with:

• Faded jeans for a casual look
• Colored (pink, yellow, lilac) pants for work, date night or church
• Simple pencil skirt for a business casual look 

And then I found this cute polka-dotted pencil skirt at Target on sale ($15!) and my instant outfit ideas were to pair it with:

• A plain white T for girls night out
• A plain colored blouse for work
• The peplum sweater for a business casual look or church

I love how these two pieces turned out to be a perfect match!

Hope this helps all you fashionistas out there :)