PoshMark. an app for the fashion lover.

The past few week I've been thinking a lot about starting a "shop my closet" Instagram account like many of my blogger friends have doing lately. The only cons to it were that I would have to sign in and out every time I wanted to use it as IG doesn't allow for multiple account use from one device (like Twitter does). AND.... to be honest I'm not completely sure the legality of selling items from your IG account. Definitely don't want any trouble there.

Then I discovered the fabulous app Poshmark. With Poshmark you can upload photos of your items straight from your phone, add all the details and run your own closet. It's great because there's already a whole community of shoppers, you can comment and ask questions and invite your twitter, facebook and email contacts to join!

This is a peek of what the main page looks like (from my laptop) but it's all in one column (similar to IG) when you see it from your phone. You see the feed of recently posted items from your friends and can click on each item for more details and photos.

This is my current closet with the few items I've added so far. It's been really fun to see people liking each item and having conversations about what they might want to purchase.

I've also already purchased from two other sellers so far and what's great about Poshmark is that even though they take a small percentage from the purchase, there's a flat shipping rate of $7 and once someone makes a purchase; they send the seller a pre-paid shipping label. Also.... the seller doesn't receive money until you've gotten your item safely in the mail, made sure everything was ok and confirmed it on the site.

Listing an item is super easy also. First you hit the "Sell" button (the camera icon in the bottom middle). It goes straight to the camera so you can take up to four pictures.

See the camera? 

Then once your pictures are set you fill in all the other details about the item: price, size, details, etc.

Fill in the details

And then you're done!

It's great because I feel more secure about not only my sales but also what I'm purchasing. If there's anything wrong with something I've ordered; I know Poshmark is there to take care of me. On #shopmycloset sales on IG there's really no guarantee.

Check it out. Tell me what you think. And use the code:   HJSQU   when you register and you'll get a free $5 credit to use toward your first purchase!

Mani-Monday

So I LOVE getting my nails done. I kind of have the worst/ugly habit of biting my cuticles and when I get my nails done.... it keeps me from biting so much because I want to keep my fingers looking pretty.

OPI-Big Apple Red

But, getting your nails done every 2 weeks or so (especially if they grow faster) can be quite expensive. Usually I'll use deals on things like Living Social or GrouponNow to save a little money but you can end up going to a lot of different salons; some with not so great results.

Plus for me (as a bartender during my "working" hours), I really have to spend some extra $$ when I get my nails done because I always opt for the gel polish. If you haven't tried this option you really should. It usually costs about $15 extra, you ONLY need it for your nails (no toes) and it lasts for at least 2 weeks without a single chip or scratch. Albeit can be a bit more challenging to take off and you'll probably need to hit the salon again for them to remove it professionally; but it's dry the second they finish your manicure and I seriously swear by this stuff.

What happens when you pick at your gel//All freshened up with a sparkle touch. 

Getting my nails done is that little treat I like to give myself if ever I have the extra cash, or if I'm going out on a girls day and want the ultimate relaxing experience while chatting about clothes and boys. Ha, yes you can still do that at 26 years old while dating the same guy for 4 years. Trust me, there's always plenty to talk about.

Something a bit darker for the *HOPE* of Fall soon arriving in LA.

But like I said before.... I'm no millionaire and so obviously as much as I love kicking back in a massage chair and letting someone pretty up my phalanges for me; sometimes I just have to suck it up and do it myself. Of course my own manicures never last as long, take FOREVER to dry and I ALWAYS smudge or chip them in the first day..... but you can still do fun stuff with the help of a few embellishments and some good polish.

Mustache Mani by yours truly.

So this little mustache mani was created by yours truly after a day of deciding that it just wasn't in the budget this month for a day of mani/pedi in the salon. The color is "eiffel for you" by LOREAL and the awesome mustache decals were obtained through my LoveClub box a few months back. BUT, don't worry because they are made by Made by Munchies Mama and you can purchase them here for just $5 AND in a variety of colors. There are also other cute designs like bows, chevron and and stripes.

So whatever your mani style, be sure to enjoy it and have fun. And if you hate the results.... no worries. You can always change the color. Or go nude. ;)

Linking up with:

 

If you love Pinterest....

So I'm camped out on the couch again today. Everything started normally but then around lunch I started having SHARP pain in my belly. This has happened once before. That time I spent a very expensive uninsured day at the hospital. They ran a ton of tests, doped me up on drugs that I HATED {my body doesn't respond well to heavy drugs....lots of puking involved} and after a CT scan decided that I had ovarian cysts. Long complicated story short.... I get cysts that detach, wander my body and then burst suddenly and very painfully. So today... I assume that was the issue again. I don't have the insurance I need to confirm it but either way there's not much that can be done. I just have to sweat it out, taking only short breaths {unable to take deep ones}, trying to move as little as possible and taking sharp pains to the gut like contractions. Fun.

So what did I do to occupy my mind? Read blogs, answered emails, skimmed Pinterest and downloaded some new apps for my phone. I stumbled across a new app called Manelo. Never heard of it but sounded cool and figured since it was free I'd give it a try.

I. AM. IN. LOVE.

Like, pretty sure we are serious.

This is a must-have if you love Pinterest.

www.manelo.com

First check out the site. {yes, there's an egg before the chicken or was it the chicken before the egg, either way} The site is simple, straightforward and SUPER easy to set up as I'm pretty sure it was modeled after our dear-old Pinterest. The biggest differences for me are that while all the prettiness is still there in front of you to "save" to separate collections; there's also the option to buy. Save, or buy.

Easy peasy.

Mind you.... NOT the place you want to be if you're feeling rather shop-a-holic. BUT, you still need to check it out. Also... get the app for your phone. Because why don't you need yet another time suck for your life? I promise this one is worth it. And even though I feel like I'm cheating on Pinterest; I can't help it. It's just so pretty.

The App

Ahhhhhhh. So join. So we can be friends. And I can follow your pretty thoughts as well.
And find me here.

***I was not compensated in any way for this post.... I just REALLY love this site!

{Sponsor Love} Poshlocket + giveaway!

I'm one of those girls who has never been really great at accessorizing. I own all sorts of necklaces, headbands, scarves, earrings, rings..... all of it. But when it comes down to planning out what I'm going to wear; basically as soon as I'm not naked I feel ready to go. :)

But the older I become (ugh, older, such an ugly sounding word).... I realize that I like looking good and that involves accessories! But when you want something beautiful and quality that will last you a long time... it's gonna cost ya.

I have your solution.

This adorable online store is not only filled with gorgeous unique jewelry of kinds; BUT it's also SUPER affordable. And that couldn't come at a better time when the holidays are fast approaching and I have almost NONE of my shopping done! Eek!

Here are some of my favorite items:

{1} {2} {3} {4}

And I also am loving my new Starlite Stud Earrings they graciously sent me last week.  They are simple yet elegant and can either dress up an outfit or just be worn casually on a daily basis {which is great for easy-going, non-accessory-prone girls like moi}. 

AND, the lovelies at Poshlocket are graciously wanting to give one of you a pair of the gold starlite studs! So how do you enter to win those beauties?

::How to Enter::

  

*Must follow my blog, does not count as an entry*

{1} Subscribe to Poshlocket's mailing list and leave a comment letting me know you did.

{2} Visit their site and let me know what you would buy as a gift.

{3}  Follow Poshlocket on facebook and let me know you did.

{4) Follow Poshlocket on twitter and let me know you did.

{5} Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this givewaway and tell me what you did. 

Feel free to use this:
 Dear Santa, please let there be something shiny from @Poshlocket under my tree or just let me win @TBlendings #giveaway http://bit.ly/ulbEAK

ALSO don't miss out on their 20% SALE {with FREE SHIPPING} happening now with the code: HOLIDAY20

GOOD LUCK! 

Winner will be announced December 16th!

Words cannot express.

Today has been unreal. Today is why I live. Today has left me with a warm heart and a permanent smile. And while I'm feeling this exuberant joy.... I had to tell about it. So I can always remember why I must work hard.

Today I had coffee, aimless shopping and the BEST conversation with a fellow blogger---Jacqui. Jacqui blogs at BabyBoyBakery and reached out to me to see if I wanted to meet up. I've never met any of my friends from this community "in real life" so although exciting... this was also scary in a way. But we absolutely had the BEST time together. We are so similar and can really relate to each other. This new friendship is something that is so invaluable to me especially if you read this post from awhile back. 

I also found a PERFECT xmas surprise for fella and cannot wait now to give it to him. But sorry, can't share a photo of that just yet. ;)

While purchasing said gift, the cashier told me she loved my headband and asked where I got it. When I told her I made it {best feeling to be able to say that} she asked where she could shop and I got to hand her one of my new cute business cards from Moo.com.

THEN, I came home to check the mail {one of my favorite activities ever} and found that my first published article had arrived!!!

I cannot ever describe to you how it feels to see your writing in print and then to also have someone paying for those words. And other people reading them! It was IS the best feeling. I am accomplished and I CAN do THIS.

And just to top it off I found that my friends at ShopKempt have me featured on their site from this post and I just feel so overwhelmed with appreciation to be considered a "fashionable blogger". If you've never visited their site you MUST. They have the CUTEST clothing at the BEST prices. Love love love THEM.

It's such a beautiful day. I'm going to keep the happiness flowing by getting some new products listed in my shop. Who cares if I don't have a swanky nice camera? That's not what matters.

And you should smile too. Tomorrow I will have a giveaway for you from one of my fabulous sponsors, Poshlocket. You will love it.

{Thrifted Thursdays} Week 4

If you are new to this read about it all here. 

This week I'm going to share with you one of the fabulous link-ups from last week and hopefully encourage you to join in with the fun.

The wonderful and super cute Paper Mama has been linking up since Week One and I'm so excited because not only do I la-la-love her blog but I also think she's just such a sweet mama. AND she posts the BEST hair tutorials.  Here's her cute pictures from last Thursday:

LOVE those cute shoes and cigarette black pants!

Also....this week I finally was able to purchase something that had been in my Etsy cart for AGES.

They were way too cute not to get and ON SALE. Plus they are vintage. I think that counts as thrifting of the online and handmade style. Click on the photo to go to the shop and find your own cute vintage items.

Fall Faves

With October first happening....tomorrow... I decided to share with you some of my faves for fall by courtesy of PINTREST and ETSY. This may or may not be a post that's a bit sad for me because honestly, I'm very homesick for the beautiful Portland, Oregon I just came from {with the leaves changing colors, the cool crisp breeze perfect for scarves and warm drinks like pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider}. California does not have much in the way of fall. So PLEASE someone enjoy these beauties. For me. Please and thank you very much.

{1} LuBeth Designs{2} Twillypop {3} Beautiful Blendings  {4} lifeatthetable {5} Naptime Diaries
{6} lunarbelle {7} Sewn Natural {8} calabasascandyco {9} raynajaye

And for some lovely pins....

Source: gallery.me.com via Pippa on Pinterest

I sincerely LOVE this outfit. So cute and looks entirely cozy also.

Source: charminglittlenest.com via Alicia on Pinterest

PUMPKINS! I want a home that I can deck out in cute pumpkins like this.

Source: thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com via Mitzi on Pinterest

What a great and easy idea for decorations. I wonder how long they last!

Source: vogueitgirl.tumblr.com via Russell on Pinterest

Fall is coming. At least for some of you. The end.

what. i'm. wearing.

First of all I want to thank you all for your sweet comments from this post. It was very hard for me to open my heart that way but at the same time, I think it was the most beautiful post I've ever written on this blog. There is more to share about that but I will do so when the time is right. Very soon.

For now I want to show you a bit of what I captured from days last week where I actually had normal clothes on. It's been a rough one the past seven days but my body and mind are over the hump and I am happy for what the future holds. There are many exciting things on the horizon and wow are you going to love them!

Here's what I managed to wear:


TOP: Vintage || TOES: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri {Sonic Boom} || Necklace: TinkerBBoutique

Just Me: Glasses, Braided hair || Love: What My Wall Wore by danielle burkleo || Vintage: We Heart Shops  || Bestie: ADORABLE. 

Help me Pick One

So in a few weeks I have a wedding to attend. My fella is actually a groomsman so he (luckily) doesn't have to think about what to wear. Me.....not so lucky. I don't get that dressed up too often so I want to take advantage of the forced opportunity. Plus I had a wonderful gift certificate to ModCloth from my birthday (in MARCH) and I thought this was the perfect occasion to use it. And look amazing. Tee-hee.
The ceremony is outdoors (in the mid of July mind you) and the reception inside. I have chosen a million four dresses and ordered them. I plan to try them all on and return those that I deem "not-the-right-one" and the one I am left with will basically have been free thanks to my gift certificate. Muah-hah.

But I NEED your help. I am going to show you the ones I finally picked out and I wanted votes on which you think would be best. Keep in mind these embarrassing honest details:

Those are just the facts.

Here are the dresses:

 

via

 

via

 

via

via

Ok so there are the choices. Everyday they post new choices so I finally had to just settle on these four! So frustrating. Can you tell I like to change my mind? A lot.

PLEASE leave me a comment with your fav and why. That would be A-mazing!

I will be sure to announce my final choice (most likely with wedding photos!) Xo.

5 days as 25, 360 more to go

So I had such a wonderful birthday that I felt it was only right to share it with you.

Sorry it has taken me five days to do so.

But I had to see how it felt for a bit. ;)

And so far it feels good. 

So first things first I decided to chop my hair off.

Something I haven't done in 2 and a half years.

BEFORE:

Lots of long dark hair.

It was nice but sort of boring for as long as I've had it.

AFTER:

Short and sassy. 

I've now got lots of blond highlights and side bangs.

Just good to freshen yourself up as you get older. 

Next I had the giant surprise birthday weekend for boyfriend. 

Ps. He is now being referred to as "Sparkle-Beard".

Oi couples are ridiculous.

More on the his birthday fun later.

As it requires it's own blog post.

After his crazy weekend,

I was hoping he'd planned something low-key for my day...

3 days later.

And he did!

I worked in the morning.

Jean shopped in the afternoon.

(every single pair of jeans I'd owned had a hole in them)

I found 3 pairs at Old Navy that totally fit perfect and were super cheap!

$75 for all three!

And then I got all dolled up and met with boyfriend for some relaxing fun.

We saw a pre-screening of...

 

Limitless

It was pretty good except that the first 5 minutes made me nauseous.

But a Coke ICEE and Reese made it better. ;)

Then we caught a late night dinner at 

P.F. Chang's.

 Key Lime Martini

My absolute favorite.

Dessert in a glass. With graham cracker crust.

Drool.

It was a fantastic night.

I didn't get any food pictures because we ate it up too fast.

But I will share with you a couple of my favorite gifts.

I love that people like to get you sweet things because they care.

It's SO not expected or required.

But it feels nice to know someone picked something special they thought I would like.

It's what I LOVE doing for other people. 

ONE. An amazing giftcard to ModCloth

They have the cutest clothes that I just adore.

Can you tell I'm obsessed with the color gray right now?

You may also remember how I raved about them already here.

I am so excited to shop!

Thanks Lesley and Cory.

BEST BOSSES ever! ;)

Then I also received this darling beautiful gift from Cory:

It reminds me of my favorite song from Trisha Yearwood from when I was a kid.

xxx's and ooo's

"She used to tie her hair up in ribbons and bows
Sign her letters with X's and O's
Got a picture of her mama in heels and pearls
She's tryin' to make it in her daddy's world"

I also got a wonderful gift certificate for a 1hr. massage from boyfriend.

So in the next few weeks when I really need it,

I will be making an appointment at Dosha

and getting the best relaxation ever.

It really was a great gift,

because every since my awful car accident,

I have the WORST back pain I could ever imagine.

Thanks babe.

xo.

And thank you to all who wished me a happy birthday

or got me a wonderful gift!

I appreciate your love!

Happy Sunday!

 

LuLu's

Here's a cute website I found that I'd like to share:

LuLu's

It's an adorable clothing store with a fresh blend of vintage and mod.

They have a huge selection and most items are pretty affordable!

Here are some gems that I am obsessing over.....

 

Love the sheer overlay

 

Love this for a summer wedding!

Sorry but these two are sold out! But I had to share because they are to die for! 

  I would seriously love to put this on my credit card for V-day!

(I won't, I can't....no! But I'd really like it)

Had to show the back of this one, so cute!

Love these, on sale and so many different colors!

I know boot season may be ending soon, but I still want these.

They also have amazing accessories! I wonder if this shoulder bag would fit my laptop?

This site is so adorable that I promise you could spend hours checking it all out!

I already did. Oops. 

I think I should be a professional shopper. 

Who wants to hire me?

Happy Hump Day.