(ps- my adorable phone cases are Kate Spade- I got one from the Verizon store directly and one from Dillard's on major major clearance!!!!)
XOXO,
MEA
If you know me, you know I am oh so faithful to my piko tops. They are comfy, they literally match anything, and they are so easy to order. Most of mine these days come from the website directly, piko.com, but I also love to purchase them from Dress Up (shopdressup.com) because they have awesome deals on them. So, check out some of my great pairings below. As you can see, they go with jeans/pants/shorts/simple jewelry/fancy jewelry and all else! If you do not own pikos they will rock your world. They are so soft and comfy, are tighter in the arms, and flowy throughout. I don't like tops that are super restricting because #sweatstains and especially in the summer I like to be able to move and breathe in what I am wearing. I hope they inspire your next piko outfit or purchase (or both)!
(ps- my adorable phone cases are Kate Spade- I got one from the Verizon store directly and one from Dillard's on major major clearance!!!!) XOXO, MEA
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With Holiday parties, church services, and family dinners quickly approaching, I decided to throw on some of my go-to looks and share them with you! (many of these I will probably actually wear this upcoming holiday weekend).
Outfit 1- This outfit is perfect for pretty much anything! I personally would rock this at a family dinner/gift exchange or a casual church service (depending on your church). Red Piko // Dress Up Fur Vest // Uptown Cheapskate Monogrammed Necklace // America's Apparel Mart American Eagle Jeggings Brown Booties // Dress Up Outfit 2- This outfit is an alternate outfit for #1! This one would also be great for dinner, a gift exchange, or anything really! I love this one because it is essentially a great way to dress up some comfy leggings. You won't have to worry about being uncomfortable in your tight skinnies in this outfit! Gray Top // Dry Falls Outfitters Leggings // Old Navy Black and Creme Boot Socks // Parsons Black Boots // Belk Pearl Necklace // Atlanta's Apparel Mart Initial Pearl Bracelet // Dry Falls Outfitters Outfit 3- This outfit is for all my girls wanting to show off their Greek letters this holiday season! This outfit is perfect for a casual outting and is also so comfy and simple. You can exchange the jeans for some leggings for a more casual look, also! If you aren't greek, grap your favorite go-to tee or solid top and throw it on with your cardigan. You can't go wrong! AOII Double Back Tee // somethinggreek.com Gray Cardigan // Old Navy American Eagle Jeggings Black Booties // Dress Up Outfit 4- Last, but not least, here is a more dressy outfit for your holiday season. This outfit is perfect for a more dressy church service or holiday party. Black Piko Dress // Dress Up Burgundy Fleece Leggings // Dress Up Knee High Boots // Belk Plaid Infinity Scarf // Jane.com I hope these holiday outfits inspire you to look extra fabulous and cozy this holiday season! Nothing could make this time better than sharing a great look with your loved ones! XOXO, MEA This post is one of the most requested posts amongst my followers and has been in the works for quite a while now. In almost all of my OOTD's, I have on items from the same group of stores, usually consisting of Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Charming Charlie, and then special items from various boutiques and high end stores (Dress Up, Lilly, Parson's, Jack Rogers, etc).
Old Navy Most of my wardrobe comes from Old Navy as they have great basic tees and shorts that can be paired with SO many different items and can be dressed up for a fancy look or dressed down for a casual look. When making a purchase, I think about what I can pair the item with. For example when buying a shirt I think about will I need a tank top underneath, is it too long to pair with shorts, what kind of necklace can I pair with it, can I pair it with only one item or can it be worn with multiple outfit combos. By doing this, I am able to get the best bang for my buck. My biggest tip with Old Navy is NEVER pay fully price. If you go in today and see a shirt full price for $24.95, forget it. Go back in a week or a few days and it will nearly always be on sale. Subscribe to their email list and see the deals and rack up on items when they are giving out super cash (basically free money to spend another time). Old Navy is such a simple, main stream store, but when you pair it with the right accessories you can really complete an outfit. Along with regular clothes, I also own a lot of jewelry from ON for the same reason, it's great deals! I always try to scope out the clearance jewelry or when they have a buy 2 get one free type sale going on (which is nearly every week). Charming Charlie SHOP THE CLEARANCE. Unless you need a specific item, go straight to the clearance section! Stock up on simple silver chains with pendants or a simple chain with a colored stone or basic earrings because you can always pair those basics with various types of shirts. If you need a specialty item that's full price, purchase it when the store is having a BOGO sale or some type of discount. Also, sign up for their rewards club. I shop there so often that nearly once a month I get $5 in rewards to spend on whatever I want, it's the best! Lilly and Jack Rogers With "higher end" brands, it can be more difficult to snag a good deal, unless you play your cards right. The biggest thing I've learned with these brands and others is to just be patient when there's something I want. With Lilly, the after party sale is always the way to go, or shopping at the end of a season when things go on clearance. With accessories, agendas, and school supplies, I try to buy these at stores that have coupons that include Lilly. If I'm able to buy these smaller items at a lesser price I can reason through paying full price for a dress. Along with prices, I make an effort to buy Lilly and Jacks that will last for a while and aren't just a fad item. I try to get pants in a color and print I can pair with a lot or I know I'll still love a year from now. This allows me to get the full amount out if the items. There is always a way to find something on sale, at a department store, or online if you search the right places at the right time. SHOP SMART! Boutiques: (Parson's, Dress Up, Francesca's) I get it, email and mailing lists are not fun and often spam, but with smaller stores, that's the only way you'll get a deal! These small stores thrive off their sales and discounts because they're so small and are always trying to keep up with the trends and get in new inventory. For example, every month Parson's has a coupon in the county magazine for $10 off a regular priced item of $20 or more and you best believe I use that coupon EVERY month. Whether I'm spending right at $20, or I'm spending $40 or $50, it's a GREAT deal! At Dress Up, they have weekly deals on BOGO dresses, 20% off, and something new every week. These small stores also ALWAYS have a deal for holiday weekends. Just play the game, check the emails, print off the coupons, and your closet and wallet will thank you. Although sometimes you have to pay full price for an urgent item, most things can wait. If it's not on sale now, don't fret, just go back later and get it. You and your wallet will feel so much better knowing you saved money, even if it wasn't even that much. When you're shopping, also think realistically about the items in your cart. Are you buying this just for a single event, or will you wear it more than once and can pair it with multiple items you already have? This prevents your closet from being filled with items you'll only wear with certain shoes or for certain events. These items are great to have and required for certain things, such as formal heels, but a sparkly silver dress only for New Years that costs $75, probably isn't worth it when you have 12 other dresses, or another one in the store just like it for only $30. Happy (smart) shopping! XOXO, MEA The day after Christmas is one of the classic days that stores put everything on sale. Usually during this time, many people only think about returning items and buying discounted Christmas decor when in reality there is so much more out there to take advantage of.
1. Wrapping paper and boxes Let’s just get this one out of the way because were all gonna buy it whether we need it or not. This is the perfect time to buy Christmas paper, boxes, bows, and gift tags as they will usually be discounted 50%. 2. Wreaths and decor This time is the BEST for purchasing a new wreath. These are usually not cheap, so any discount you can get on an item like this is worth it. Also during this time, stockings, stocking hangers, ornaments, and anything else you might need for decorating is going to be on sale, too. If you go ahead and buy these items that you need for next year now, you can box them up with your current decorations and you’ll already have them ready to go for next year. 3. Christmas Tree Lights This year due to not having the proper lights upon putting up our tree, we had to make a late night run to buy more strands, only to see that they were also not the same color as the other lights. So now our tree has two different shades of white lights. Don’t be tacky like us. When you take your tree down this year, check to see what kind of lights they are and if any of the strands have bulbs out or just need to be tossed out. Take a picture of the box they’re in or write down if their LED or not so that when you go to the store you’ll get the right thing. This prevents you from having to stop in the midst of decorating next year to go get new lights. 4. Little Black Dress Right after the holidays is the perfect time to buy that gorgeous dress you’ve been eyeing down since Thanksgiving! Now that holiday parties are out of the way, many stores will discount their dresses and formal wear so they can clear out this section for new things coming in the spring. Many stores like Macy’s have great deals on little black dresses or anything else you might need. This is also a great time to start looking for prom/formal dresses you might need or just brainstorming what you like. 5. Lotion/Body Wash Gift Sets You know those lotion sets from Bath and Body Works that that one family member gives you every year? Yeah, we may find them initially cliché and annoying, but then we find ourselves using all of it within the next month. These sets are going to be discounted everywhere as they’re gift sets and usually were put on the shelves just for Christmas shoppers. Snag these up now while they’re discounted and add them to your “Re-Gift Bag” to give to someone next year. 6. Items for Re-Gifting My mom and I have compiled a bag that we call our “Re-Gift Bag.” This bag consists of items we receive that we literally want to re-gift, or items that we find throughout the year that are a great deal and we don’t know exactly who to give them to yet. This bag is a life saver when it gets close to Christmas and you just need a little something extra for a gift or realize you forgot someone’s gift altogether. 7. Baking Containers During this time of year all those little decorated tin cans for sweets are everywhere! Although they are usually pretty cheap already, you might as well buy them while they’re even cheaper because you know you’ll be using them! Also, you might find solid colored Tupperware and various other dishes that will be on sale, too! 8. Winter Wear Scarfs, gloves, boots, and jackets will be the BEST deal you’ll find after the holidays. This is the perfect time to rack up these items as the ones on the shelves now will probably be the last ones of this season. As you replace all your old winter items with new ones, keep in mind local clothing drives that collect these items as January and February cold weather approach. 9. That one thing you didn’t get Christmas morning We’ve all been there, that one thing we wanted SO bad and didn’t get. Well now it’s probably on sale, so go get it! Along with buying that luxury item, this is also the perfect time to exchange items that don’t fit or aren’t exactly what you wanted as you can return it and get something new while it’s still discounted! Happy Shopping! XOXO, MEA When we think about a monogrammed gift, we often resort to tshirts, jewelry, and baseball caps. These are all great to receive as you can never have too many monograms, but how about spicing it up with something they won’t have for once!
1. Hair Brush We all use them, so you know you can’t go wrong with this. This would be an adorable gift paired with some spa treats for a themed gift! 2. Pajama Pants Sure, we all have 10 pair already, but we don’t have a monogrammed pair! 3. Candle Candles are usually a dud gift, but if you find a clear jar to place one in and you get it monogrammed with a monogram or a family name, they’ll love it. 4. Oven Mit This is a great housewarming gift, wedding gift, or just something special. 5. Blanket No one wakes up one day and decides their going to go buy themselves a new blanket. (Unless you regularly visit Target and if so then you've done this many times) This is a perfect gift that you know they’ll use. 6. Clipboard This one is perfect for teachers or just the obsessive planner in your life! 7. Coffee Mug This is perfect for mom or anyone that you know loves coffee 8. Stationary Similar to the blanket, stationary isn’t something we're always thrilled to go buy for ourselves. We all use it for thank you notes or whatever else, and will definitely need them in college. These also make for great housewarming and wedding gifts. They may not appreciate this gift initially, they will cause it’s monogrammed, but in the long run they’ll wish they had more! 9. Makeup Brush Container I have seen many patterned and monogrammed buckets containing make-up brushes that are so adorable! You could also pair some make-up brushes with this gift or anything else that you know they might use the bucket/jar for. 10. Scarf Scarfs are still all the rave right now, you cannot go wrong with this one! 11. Picture Frame This one might be a little harder to find (there’s always Etsy though), but would make the perfect graduation gift! Add a picture of you and that special someone and they’ll love it. 12. Keychain Everyone wants to have keys that are adorable and pretty! These are also super easy to find. Despite these suggestions, you can’t go wrong with anything monogrammed so just go for it! XOXO, MEA With Christmas a short 4 days away, I've decided to compile a quick and easy guide for last minute Christmas gifts that your family and friends will love! 1. Spa in a Jar This idea is one of my favorites for birthdays, gift swaps, thank you gifts, and also works perfect for Christmas! All you need is a mason jar and then you can fill it with little items such as lotion, Chapstick, nail polish, loofa, candies, hair ties, and you can always throw in a Starbucks gift card for an extra touch! This gift also works for guys and can be filled with razors, Chapstick, candy, beef jerky headphones, key chains, or anything else they might love! 2. Oven Mit Goodies Some of the hardest people to buy for are your mom and grandparents! They never want to admit what the want, so the least we can do is get them something they need and will love! All you need is an oven mit and then you can fill it with colorful kitchen items! This is an extra last minute idea when you need a little something else to give to someone! 3. Lottery Ticket Tree One of my family's Christmas traditions is to exchange lottery tickets in lieu of stocking stuffers at my grandparents house each year. This gift is not only fun to receive, but even more fun if you win! A lottery ticket tree is quick and simple to put together, and your loved one will obsess over it! 4. Movie Night Bucket What's better than a gift you love is a gift you can share with someone else all while spending the night at home! In your movie night bucket, make sure to include candy, sodas, popcorn, and of course movies they'll love! For an extra touch you can also include a throw blanket or a movie theatre gift card! 5. DIY Throw Blanket All you need for this is two pieces of fabric and some scissors! Just lay the two sheets together and cut slits on the edges and tie the blankets together! This gift is thoughtful and allows for you to put a special touch on it for what they love. Whether it's based on their favorite movie, sports team, or color they'll love it! I hope you loved these last minute gifts and that they'll inspire you!
Merry Christmas! XOXO, MEA ~Round neck with decorative sleeves or bottom + Long simpler necklace
Pair with some denim or khaki shorts and gold jewelry/shoes to complete this look! ~Round neck solid colored shirt + Long bulky necklace Pair with some shorts that match a color in your necklace and then some flashier jewelry and simple shoes ~V Neck solid shirt + Short statement necklace Pair with some denim shorts and jewelry that matches your statement necklace and simple shoes ~Round neck patterned shirt + Short simple necklace Pair with colored shorts and simple jewelry and shoes (I recommend pearls and jacks for this look) These are just a few examples, but the easiest way to pick a necklace is by looking at the shirt and determining what the main detail about it is. For example, the black ruffle sleeves are the highlight of the shirt on the far right. By pairing the shirt with more simplistic jewelry, it doesn't take away from the shirt and instead compliments the color scheme. A solid colored shirt like the blue one can be paired with nearly anything. The key to this shirt is to pick larger, bolder jewelry. This makes up for the lack in the solid shirt and completes the outfit. A patterned shirt is best paired with simpler jewelry and colored shorts as the bulky jewelry will most likely clash with the pattern. If your lost for what to pair your shirt with follow these quick steps. 1. Pick the shorts 2. Silver or Gold Jewelry? (this is personal preference of which you think would match the outfit best) 3. Try on the shirt and look at the neckline 4. Determine if you need a short or long necklace depending on the neckline and the type of pattern on the shirt 5. Once a necklace is picked, choose jewelry that matches the necklace (simple necklace = simple earrings, bracelet, ring, more bulky jewelry looks great paired with simple or bulky other jewelry, it just depends on where you're going and if you feel the look is getting too busy or not) 6. Pick some shoes! (Simple jewelry = flashy shoes, bulky jewelry = simple shoes) 7. Put it on and go! (As always, if you're stuck picking an outfit, I'm always willing to help!) XOXO, MEA |
Maddie ElzeyMonogram enthusiast, lover of all things navy and pink, future teacher, sister of Alpha Omicron Pi, daughter of the King, and promoter of constant sass. Want to know more?
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