21st Birthday Look

This is the outfit I wore for Emily's 21st Birthday.  It was perfect for any type of party really. I got the top and skirt from Nordstrom.  Something I love about Nordstrom that most people don't utilize much is their customer service.  They take pride in their customer service.  So if you have an awesome shirt or some unique bottoms that you aren't quite sure how to wear, bring them with you when you shop at Nordstrom.  Their fashion consultants are there to help you!  They work partly off of commission so they want to help you!!!   Also, they offer a completely free service that I don't think most people take advantage of. If you call Nordstrom ahead of time you can make a free styling appointment.  They will ask you some basic questions to figure out what price range you are interested in spending and what you are looking to buy.  Then you come into the store at an appointed time and you will get a completely FREE personal shopper and stylist.  Nordstrom is your friend!



Okay enough praising Nordstrom. For this outfit I wore a sheer black tank.  It was from the TopShop Department in Nordstrom.  I purchased it on sale for $12.  The skirt I wore is a black body con skirt that is accented with gold chevron print. It is also from Nordstrom, BP, $34. I wore a gold necklace and a black cuff bracelet.  My heels are black suede peep toe from Charolette Russe, $10.

21st Birthday Party - Peacock Theme

For Emily's 21st Birthday we wanted to throw a fun, classy, (cheap), party.  We were able to host the party at our friend's beach house.  The party theme was peacock.  We decided that this would be a classy (not trashy) 21st birthday, so we kept the decorations simple and the food classic. Here is how we threw this party!  

For the main decorations, we used the colors hot pink, teal, and black.  Not your usual peacock inspired colors, but it went so cute together. I went to Hobby Lobby for most of the party decorations. I used their coupon code online to buy a lot of the items for a discounted price.  Hobby Lobby is the place to go for cheap crafts.  They always have a coupon online and they rotate their sales in store weekly.  

I got peacock feathers and two daisy flowers, making a little bouquet in a mason jar (is there any other way to make a flower arrangement??) I wrapped a little bit of lace around the jar and tied it with a teal ribbon.  

To really make the decorations cute, but affordable, I made a banner.  It reads, "Happy 21st Birthday Emily."  For the flag banner, I cut triangles out of black paper.  Then I used a peacock design paper to cut out the letters.  I also drew a couple of peacock feathers to jazz it up a bit.  To attach the flags to the twine, I used a hole puncher and strung the flags through the twine.  Helpful hint: tape the flags to the twine so they don't move around in transport or when they are hanging!  

For the food, we had a veggie platter and spinach dip with sourdough bread. The bread was from Boudin's which is Emily's favorite place for bread! People ate it up!





Lastly, the CAKE!  You cannot have a birthday party without the cake.  Kelsey, our dear friend, had this idea and was in charge of the cake.  It is called a Trashed Barbie Cake.  They are all over Pinterest.  But basically you take a barbie/doll and destroy her clothes/hair/makeup and place her on the cake.  It is perfect for a 21st Birthday Party!  

I would like to take this time to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!  I hope you enjoyed your party!  It was classic Emily: sophisticated, flirty, and fabulous!  Please share if you have any good 21st birthday party ideas!  

Birthday Specials

My (Emily) Birthday is tomorrow 9/5, and this past month I have been searching far and wide for "Birthday Specials" which give either free items or coupons to the special birthday girl (or boy). Here are my top 4 favorite Birthday Specials!

Victoria Secret

• When you register for PINK NATION you receive a $10 off coupon to use during your birthday month. 

  

  I bought 2 bra's for $49.99 so with this coupon I only spent $42 with tax!

• PINK Nation 

Sephora

• When you register for Sephora's Beauty Insider you recieve a free gift which you can pick up two weeks before or two weeks after your birthday. This years gift: 

I recommend the WHAT'S UP stick to EVERYONE it is amazing

•  Beauty Insider

Coco's

• This Birthday Special gives you a free slice of pie! Just register for Coco's eclub. 

YUM! Lemon Meringue!

• Coco's eClub

Starbucks

• Well...I am a coffee addict so this Birthday Special is my FAVORITE ! When you register a gift card and start receiving My Starbucks Rewards you will receive a free beverage of your choice on your birthday!

I don't usually get Frap's but...it's my birthday so I can do what I want!

• My Starbucks Rewards

First Last Day of School. EVER. Outfit

Today was my last first day of school.  Yes I made the cheesy facebook and instagram post.  I was just too excited not too!  This year I am living off campus (I'll be posting on my new apartment soon).  It was such a different feeling to drive to campus today, instead of walking to my class from my dorm room.  Here was my outfit!  Please share if you have any ideas of the perfect back to school attire!

White lace dress - Lauren Conrad from Kohl's: $34

Cheetah print backpack - Target: $29.99

Teal Beaded Necklace - Forever 21: $9.99

Brown Sandals - Payless: $9.99

Silver Ring - Kohl's: $9.99

Nicole's Maxi Dress Outfit

Black Maxi Dress $50 Nordstrom (One of my most favorite items of clothing I own!)

Chambray Ombre Long Sleeve with Studded Collar $19.99 Forever 21

Long Chained Necklace $10 Forever 21 

Steve Madden Black Sandals $40 Off Broadway

Nicole's Wedding Look

Rachel Roy Hot Coral Dress $14.95 Macy's

Tan Heels $19.99 Charolette Russe

Gold Dangling Earrings $5 Charming Charlie's

Bag (not in picture) $9 Charming Charlie's

Amazing Party Dress Find

A while ago I had a wedding to go to.  Emily and I decided to hit up the mall, but agreed that we wouldn't try on anything that was over $20. Challenge accepted.  We began digging through the sales racks at Macy's.  Emily found this absolutely gorgeous dress.  It was marked down to $40.  However, I made an exception to the rule, because it was truly amazing.  

We did a price check and it was marked down to $14.95, original price you might ask? $120!  I tried it on and it fit perfectly!  One of the best deals that I have ever found.  See post about this outfit on our Outfit Inspiration Board.