Look For Less // Nautical Chic

She's the It Girl everyone loves to hate and has style we constantly hope to replicate (unintentional rhyming). Olivia's feminine and sophisticated outfits never fail to inspire my next ensemble. Effortlessly chic, I love this simple outfit pictured below, and here is how you can get this nautical look for less!

xo,
Elissa

The Collective Link Up // By Peacoats & Plaid

This week I'm co-hosting a link-up with the fabulous blogger, Bre, behind the blog Peacoats & Plaid. You'll find some amazing blogs here if you take the time to browse around. 

Enjoy! And thank you for linking-up!

<center> <a href="http://www.peacoatsandplaid.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20collective" target="”_blank”"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/bre916/BLOG/thecollective200_zpsb8a6e82b.jpg"/></a></center>

What's On Sale // ZARA

Kelly Green Flare Dress / Scarf Print Tunic / Floral Shorts / Platform Art Pattern Heel / Leopard Heel / Silver Stud Glitter Heel / Colorblock Shopper / Art Clutch / Earrings

S-A-L-E. The greatest four letter word in my fashion vocabulary. I'm thinking those studded glitter heels should come home to me!

Happy shopping!

xo,

Elissa

Orange and Silver + A Pinwheel Backdrop

Here's some orange eye candy to brighten your Tuesday! My lovely coworker Amy and I had the privilege of planning the 25th company anniversary for a fellow coworker who deserves the very best. The 25th year is the silver anniversary and orange is Patty's favorite color so we decided to decorate with all the orange and silver one could possibly imagine! I used this helpful tutorial on Pinterest to create the pinwheels. Most of the items used were found at the 99 Cent store (wrapping paper, candy dishes, flowers, etc.).

{Brandon Medeiros Photography}

{Brandon Medeiros Photography} 

Splurge or Save?

A Claire Vivier clutch, Michael Kors watch, Samantha Wills bracelet, and Valentino heels. You'd think it was Christmas with the amount of luxury items that are currently on my wishlist! As much as I'd love to have the real things, I simply can't justify the fact that a pair of Valentino heels would cost me two months' rent. With that said, see my SAVE picks below, which offer both style and affordability.

Leopard Fold-over Clutch // I was stunned to see how similar this clutch was to Claire Vivier's and at a much cheaper price. I was even more impressed to find so many other adorable items from the Etsy shop, Renee Love & Co, that makes this beautiful clutch.

Turquoise Bracelet // This bracelet isn't an exact match, but it has all the characteristics I was looking for in a turquoise bracelet--and for an incredible price! I love the scalloped silver trim and vintage feel of this arm candy. There is only one of these available, but the seller (Snowflower Pie) has several other unique vintage finds. 

Studded Pointed toe Flats // Now, I know the heel is missing on this pair of studded shoes. But, it dawned on me that a pair of flats would be much more practical for my everyday life (and I had a heck of a time finding an exact pair inspired by Valentino's nude heels). I'm loving the blush undertone of these bargain flats, the eBay seller offers them in several other colors as well.

Tortoise Gold Watch // This gold tone tortoise watch is from Kmart, believe it or not! You can bet I'm snatching I'll be snatching up this steal to fulfill my summer watch craving. 

xo,

Elissa

Linking up with Fancy Things blog for my Four Favorites!

May 2013 // Spending Report

*Most of what I purchase is found secondhand, thus, the images above are similar to, but not the exact item.

Clothes

Vince Camuto Satin Ruffle Heels (similar) // $25 // I scored a pair of pre-loved blush pink heels with a satin ruffle front on Poshmark.

Basic V-Neck Tanks // $20 // I usually stock up on basics once or twice a year. This time around I purchased the coral red color above, lavender, pink, and two plain white t-shirts at Wet Seal.

Sundresses (Similar: Floral & Zigzag)  // Approx. $15 total for both // I purchased two sundresses like the ones above from Poshmark as well. I always like to have them ready for summer!

GAP Utility Dress (similar) // $5 // I found an older style, yet still adorable, olive green utility dress from GAP on, of course, Poshmark!

Hudson White Jeans (similar) // $40 // Yes another Poshmark find, white Hudson jeans for a fraction of the retail price.

Black Cat Eye Sunnies (similar) // $5 // Purchased on ModDeals, but they are now out of that exact style.

Blue Floral Bauble Necklace (similar) // $5 // Yup, you guessed it, another Poshmark deal! My necklace is from the LOFT, but the one above is a dead-on twin.

Floral Headband (similar) // $2 // I adore headbands, they are so easy to wear! I added a floral one, similar to the one above, to my sundress purchase on Poshmark.

Pink Crossbody Satchel (similar) // $5 // OK, OK...I also got a pink Forever 21 bag from Poshmark. Yes, I have an addiction! The purse I purchased actually looks very similar to the Rebecca Minkoff purse above. 

TOTAL: $122

Well, my spending fast went out the door quickly. BUT I did spend quite a bit less than I did in April! WOOHOO! However, the streak must continue. How is everyone else doing with their spending habits? As you can tell, I'm ever the bargain shopper, but tend to go overboard. Being involved in the blogger world, it's so hard not to want every cute pair of earrings and shoes you see! 

In other news, I actually did purchase a Canon Rebel T3 DSLR camera and am in love with it! (I decided to leave it out of my clothing expenses here.) It's such an easy starter DSLR for a newbie like myself. I purchased it on Amazon for about $320. It's refurbished and is an older model, but works like a charm. You can look forward to better photos on my blog in the future, finally!

xo,
Elissa

Today I'm linking up with Style Elixir.

"Maxi-mizing" Your Suitcase Wardrobe

Ronnie and I are taking off to Massachusetts at the end of this month to visit family. I'm excited for long days of sightseeing, shopping, and lounging on the beaches of the small fishing town, Gloucester (Wicked Tuna anyone?). I'm preparing for heat and humidity with the hope of packing light! Currently, I'm brainstorming outfit ideas with interchangeable pieces so I can create several different looks by using the same items. I purchased this black and white striped maxi skirt for only $13 at Charlotte Russe. I've been on the hunt for one and am thrilled about its versatility. 

We'll also be celebrating our 3 year anniversary while we're out there, so I wanted a piece that could translate into an easy date night outfit. Here's what I'm thinking so far!

Skirt | Tank | Sandals | Bangle | Bracelet 

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Skirt | Bustier | Heels | Necklace 

What other multi-wear pieces do you recommend?