Monday, March 31, 2014

Buttercup







Top: Anthropologie | Denim: J Crew | Shoes: ZooShoo | Bag: Forever 21
Sunnies: Shop Ruche | Earrings: Baublebar+Anthropologie | Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets: J Crew, J Crew | Lip: Candy Yum Yum + Girl About Town gloss | Nails: Cute as a Button, essie

Yellow is an obsession of mine. So when I found this gem while browsing Anthropologie, I couldn't help myself. The lace and chiffon underlay were just too adorable to pass up. I was also a nervous wreck due to my dress fitting being postponed an hour... That's just not something a gal wants to wait for. 

Rough weekends always call for rule breaking... so once again I am rocking the white denim before Easter... sorry not sorry. I am obsessed with my Reid jeans from J Crew... and I will not stop wearing them just because of some "silly rule". 

Open toes were necessary when our original forecast for rain and snow Sunday turned to sunshine. Hallelujah! I cannot take any more cold! Let's just hope it's here to stay.

Thanks for stopping by!

Be sure to follow along via the links below and find A Glimpse of Glitter on Bloglovin.

XO-L



Thursday, March 27, 2014

Army Chic...





Jacket: Zara, similar | Peplum: J Crew (on sale!) | Denim: J Crew | Wedges: Zara
Bag: H&M | Sunnies: Tory Burch | Pearls: J Crew | Watch: Michael Kors 

I feel like my outfits lately have been one extreme or the other... super bright florals or neutral spring layers. There is not really much in between, but that's how I like it! Each piece of this look is an absolute must have investment piece of mine. The great thing is that most of them were major bargain finds: denim under $100, top for $15, Jacket $75 (last year), wedges $90, and bag $35.  I like to keep my trendy pieces on the cheaper side since I won't be wearing them long, but for staples... I can justify a splurge here and there. With these pieces, I had some amazing luck. I talk often about cost per wear. That is really the most important building block for me with wardrobing.... why spend over $100+ per wear for something that will be off trend in just a couple months? That just doesn't make sense to me....

For these pieces the estimated CPW is under $5 and for many is less than that. I always feel so accomplished when I know I have saved money and also found a quality product... that just leaves more to spend on other things, right?

Our weather has been crazy here this week.... so no open toe shoes for me until the weekend most likely. I'm just ready to be warm on the regular... this winter has not been good to me! Just pray for no more snow! It's gotten so bad this winter that Luke is serving a couple Saturday school sessions to make up for time! Sadness!

I hope you have a wonderful day & thanks for stopping by!

Make sure to follow via the links below and on Bloglovin.

XO-L

ps- Don't you worry, Wedding Wednesday will be back next week! We will be posting on the regular.... promise! (Trust me... this is my venting space... and I'm sure Luke could use a break from the stress talk!)


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Preppy Plaid





Button Down: J Crew Factory | Denim: J Crew (now 25% off!!!)  | Wedges: Zara | Necklace: J Crew
Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J Crew, Blush Bazaar | Sunnies: Shop Ruche | Bag: H&M | Lip: Good Taste (MAC)

A pair of white jeans is nearly impossible to find... Usually I encounter many issues: see through, too stretchy, no stretch, and sometimes they will even have a very unattractive grainy effect to them. These J Crew jeans fit the bill! I am obsessed with cropped denim as I have stated a million times before and knew I wanted to bulk up my collection. I found these a couple weeks ago when they were recommended to me by an associate at our local J Crew store. I was a little weary before trying them on because for me J Crew denim has never been a great fit. I was actually overjoyed when I slipped them on! In Love!!! One hangup, they do stretch out... so I wish I had gone down a size. They fit perfect initially, but will be the kind of jeans you wear once and then wash... otherwise I am thrilled.

I also have a serious obsessed with this shirt! I almost missed out on this the week it was pushed onto the sales floor at J Crew factory because when I went in they had 1 more left... in the wrong size. The team there was kind enough to hunt one down from another store and have it shipped to me. I love it so so much! It has a madras effect... and I know it will be perfect for our Martha's Vineyard honeymoon. 

In other news... it's snowing here?! What?! So insane! Luke is actually out of school... which is very irritating for us as they keep adding more time and taking away actual days to make up for all the missed days for snow! I officially hate you snow! GO AWAY! (Ya feel me?)

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

Make sure to follow via Bloglovin and stay tuned for Wedding Wednesday tomorrow! 

XO-L

Friday, March 21, 2014

Blues Traveler














Top: Forever 21, similar | Denim: Level 99 | Flats: Sam&Libby for Target | Bag: Asos (obsessed) | 
Necklace: Benevolent Jewels (use LFCODE20 for 20% off) | Watch: Michael Kors | Lip: Pink Neauvou


Happy Friday!!! I feel like I say this every week, but I am really ready for this one! Ready for a new week, ready for a fresh start, and ready for a full week of spring!!!

Peak of the week: this bag! I have loved the scallop look for such a long time, but really never found a great non-designer bag that didn't have a cheap look to it. When I saw this bag on Asos.... I just had to have it! I don't tend to wear much of this shade, but knew it would be a great color pop for neutral outfits and look amazing with my frequent pink palette. The quality is amazing considering the price (under $40!!!)

I've been living in denim crops the last few weeks... I think I just love the effect of longer legs. (I'm only 5'5") These were an amazing find last spring, but they are still available. I've purchased many items from Level 99 (the denim line made by Anthropologie) and have yet to be disapointed! The fit is amazing and the quality makes them a building piece for any wardrobe.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Don't forget to follow along via the links below!

XO-L

PS- reason for title today=  Old School Music played during my commute today! Loving it!


But I want more than a touch I want you to reach me  And show me all the things no one else can see So what you feel becomes mine as well And soon if we're lucky we'd be unable to tell What's yours and mine the fishing's fine And it doesn't have to rhyme so don't feed me a line But you Why you wanna give me a run-around Is it a sure-fire way to speed things up When all it does is slow me down- Blues Traveler







Thursday, March 20, 2014

Flower Power





Top: Asos (sold out) | Denim: Level 99 | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Heels: old, similar |
 Sunnies: Shop Ruche | Watch: Michael Kors |Earrings: Benevolent Jewels Use LFCODE20 for 20% off | 
Bracelets: J Crew, Blush Bazaar | Lip: Candy Yum Yum

It's finally here!!!! Spring! I feel like I've been dressing for Spring for months, but the fact that it is actually finally Spring and Easter is right around the corner makes my heart happy!

Speaking of things that make me happy: this top! OMG! I am in love! I found this when making other purchases from Asos and it popped up on the sidebar for things I might be interested in... I thought, $18??? I'm in! I feel like I'm channeling my Mom in this because the print is so 1960's. I love how bright the floral pattern is and the volume around the sleeve and neckline makes it a really fun piece! I'm so sad that it is sold out now!

I love mixing patterns in an unexpected way so the leopard pumps were just the right touch.

I hope you have a wonderful first day of spring! Make sure you check out yesterdays post, here & stay tuned for a new post tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to follow on Bloglovin!

XO-L 



Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Week 3: Unconventional




Welcome back to Wedding Wednesday! Today's post is going to be a bit more personal. If you follow me on instagram, you'll know that this hasn't been the best of weeks for me... and honestly the reason for the somber tone is also the reason I am what most would call an "unconventional" bride. 

Yesterday marked four years of life without my Mom. She passed away March 18, 2010... just when I was wrapping up the last of my college courses. To say it happened at the worst possible time would be an understatement, but there isn't really a "convenient" time for things like that is there? 




I'm not going to go and write you a novel with the entire backstory, but I feel like it is necessary to know that things were not great in our relationship when she passed. Actually much worse than "not great". That made it all the more terrible. 

Thinking that she left this world without really knowing how much I loved her breaks my heart everyday, but right now especially... since I wish so badly that she could be here through this planning process. 

I've had to make a lot of changes to the "normal" planning process to make things a little easier on myself emotionally. First, for the actual wedding... we will not be having many guests.... for a number of reasons: the largest being that I can foresee a complete emotional breakdown if I had more people there than I could handle. I will already be seeing many family members for the first time since Mom's funeral and I know that will bring up some old memories... I can only imagine how that would be amplified if I added more people into the mix. 

I am already a serious cryer... I cry over the littlest things... I don't really want our wedding photos to be made up of 90% raccoon eye Lacey and 10% "I look like a bride" Lacey. I also get slightly overwhelmed when I am in large groups of people during important moments... hence my sob-stricken maid of honor speech at my best friends wedding... I can't help it! Serious moments + emotions of any sort = enough tears to fill the ocean. 

Another change I've made... I bought my wedding dress all by myself. No one was there with me... I'm sure that sounds like the weirdest thing you have ever heard, but I really couldn't handle the thought of myself in a bridal shop crying because I wanted my Mom to be there... that doesn't sound at all like a good time I want to remember. 

I did have that "this is it" moment when Luke's Mom and my two best friends went with me to the first fitting. It was much more low key and a very happy day for me... much more memory worthy. 

I've fought with the idea of sharing this for quite some time... because it is such a large part of my story, but also something very personal for me. I finally realized it was time to share when I started to really be affected by the absence of my Mom and the near approaching date of our wedding this past week. 

I've literally done nothing but work and sleep. (repeat for about a week). Please note: 1. that is so not healthy & 2. I know I'm not alone. That's the reason for sharing.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

When I talk with others about losing my Mom at such a young age, I am always so surprised by the number of people who have also gone through the same thing. Knowing that means that there are other girls out there missing their Mom's through this process just like me. 

I want to know how others cope... and also how your loved ones will be included. For me: I can't have a podium off to the side with a burning candle and picture of her... I WILL lose it, trust me! I do want her to be recognized though. My worst nightmare is feeling like this day went on like she never existed. I'm thinking of sharing a reading from one of her favorite poems (she was crazy deep) or dedicating scripture to her in the ceremony. (thoughts??)

Thank you for letting me share my story with you and for your support and understanding! I appreciate it so much. I hope this gives more insight to our planning process and reasons behind our adjustments. 



I will share more updates on this in the coming weeks. We are approaching the two month mark and have so so much to do! 




Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to follow on Bloglovin!

XO-L

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Week 2: Alternative Gifts for the Bride to Be





Sunnies & Tank: c/o Flaunt Boutique

Hi there and Welcome back to Wedding Wednesday! Today I am so excited to share exciting alternative gift ideas for the bride-to-be. As I stated last week, I am not your average bride... and I know there are some ladies like me out there. There are several ritualistic events that take place for most brides before the big day... and one of those just is not me. That event would be a lingerie shower. 

Yes, I know... when else are you going to get fancy lingerie in your life? Truthfully though, I would be awkwardly uncomfortable opening lingerie in front of anyone... I'm just weird like that. If you are going sans lingerie shower though, what are your friends to do for your bachelorette party? My answer: Monogram it! Find me a lady out there that doesn't love a monogram... especially when hers is about to change. For me, that's been the most exciting thing.

How perfect are this tank these sunnies? Especially for a bachelorette party! I can see myself wearing this in the afternoon before getting ready to hit the town as a bathing suit cover up. I'm obsessed with the glitter background for the monogram and think it's a unique piece that would make the perfect shower gift. 

Don't get me wrong, if you want a lingerie shower.... do it! I just want other brides like me to know that you don't just have to opt in because it's what everyone else is doing. Be yourself. Remember that your wedding is meant to be unique to you and your personality, don't just cave to every suggestion in hopes of being a crowd pleaser. 

Flaunt Boutique is the perfect place to find your monogram items and so much more. Currently, live Facebook auctions Sundays at 7pm are the way to grab their perfect pieces. Orders always include free shipping. Make sure to check them out! {The jewelry pieces are also to die for!}

Thanks for stopping by Wedding Wednesday! See you next week!

XO-L

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Utilize It...






I have to admit, I'm usually not one for military style vests.  I've loved the trend from afar the past couple seasons... but couldn't bring myself to purchase one. I always felt as though Camo and military-esque attire just wasn't really "me".  I somehow always find a way to make a trend I truly love work for me though. In this case, I went simple. By adding something I tend to crutch on  {stripes} the look instantly has a personal touch.

I can see myself wearing this over summer sundresses and even into fall as a layering piece. I love finding budget-friendly pieces that will stand the test of time... calculating a cost per wear into pennies= (true happiness}. Another obsession of mine... these Sole Society flats. I can't even count the number of compliments I have received while wearing these. The major draw for be was the ballet styling. These remind me so much of my ballet shoes. I also dying for them in leopard. {here)

If you're in the market for some adorable spring finds at budget-friendly prices, make sure to check out Old Navy. Another jackpot shopping spot right now: Sole Society! Amazing quality and comfort at a fraction of designer prices: can't beat it! 

Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by! Don't forget Wedding Wednesday Tomorrow! Exciting things coming your way!

XO-L



Monday, March 10, 2014

Essential Florals






Dress: Dorothy Perkins, similar // Scarf: Kate Spade Saturday, similar // Shoes: Zara //
 Bag: H&M // Watch: Michael Kors // Bracelet: J. Crew // Sunnies: Ruche  // 
Lip: All Fired Up // Wearing Luxy 120g set in Dirty Blonde

I am obsessed with bright floral patterns. This scarf was actually a TJ Maxx find, but with Spring styles swarming stores right now similar ones can be find everywhere. Red is a must have for me so I didn't have to think twice about bringing it home with me.  The dress is a Dorothy Perkins find from last spring. It looks like a typical sundress, but it's actually denim. There is a similar style on the site right now for 25% off. Don't let that pass you by. I have worn this dress several times in the year I've had it. Pockets, a tie back, and classic print... can't beat it. The similar style I found is actually just straight denim and would be such a great foundation piece for your wardrobe. 

I'm also so in love with my new Zara wedges. I was looking for the perfect nude wedges for Spring  and in my search found these. While I'm still in need of a classic nude, I couldn't pass up these cuties! They remind me so much of moccasins... but a more stylish way to wear them! The wedge is the perfect height and I know I will wear them out this summer!

Lastly, these sunnies are amaze! I ran across them on the shopruche website and quickly realized what a great Karen Walker dupe they are. I have been dying for som Karen Walker shades since last summer, but opted for these aviators first. Girls on a wedding budget must prioritize fashion wants, am I right?

It officially feels like Spring! Can we say AMEN? I am so happy to have a little extra time in the evenings and to no longer be frozen every day of my life. Winter always seems to get the best of me... I really need to move somewhere warmer!

I'm glad to finally be feeling better and moving on to a new week. I think we should just erase the last one... bad news!

Thanks so much for reading pretties! Have a wonderful day!

Xo-L


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Week 1: Planning Essentials


Hi there! Welcome to Wedding Wednesday. From the moment this blog was started, I've talked about our wedding and the process we are currently undergoing. I also promised to share my experiences and add in some how-to/ what I've learned type posts. So here we are! Enjoy!

I wanted to start the series off with what is really the most dry portion of the process: Planning to plan! Before decisions are made, there needs to be a clear plan of action that you can follow through the process to ensure that little details don't get lost in the mix. The biggest thing I've realized thus far is that the things you think will be no big deal are actually much more time-consuming than you realize. This is even more true when planning a "destination wedding" or in our case... a wedding closer to family.

For a little back-story... Luke and I live in Tennessee, but the majority of my family lives in the tri-state area (Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania). With us always being so close to Luke's family, we tend to spend much more time with them during holidays and other important events. So, for the wedding... I was very set on having the wedding closer to my family. I was born and raised in Tennessee, but my grandparents are my home... wherever they are. That place just happens to be Delaware. We will be getting married in Dover which is very convenient for most of the family in terms of travel. 

The one hang up I've encountered through the planning process is the fact that most of my vendors have been found via the internet. My grandparents spend the winter in Florida (JEALOUS of them always!) and are not able to visit vendors in my place. So, from a bakery for the cake to music for the reception... thank God for the internet. 

My Nana has been my saving grace because she did a little research before they left for the winter to give me a head start in the searching process, but there is only so much you can tell from a photo on the web. For most things, I won't have a first viewing... simply the night before to get it right!

Here enters a severely heightened stress level...

Step 1: Find or make a list to follow through the planning process. The list below has been such a lifesaver. I found it via pinterest, but it is from a wedding website called marrythis.com. The website also has other free printable items that would be helpful for any bride!



Step 2: Grab yourself a May Designs planner. Below is the design I chose for mine. The great thing: you can order a planner specifically made for brides! There is no better way to plan a wedding than having something with you at all times in your purse for when you have those flash thoughts of something you need to add to your to-do list. There are also a million different style options to choose from that will fit any bride's style. 


Step 3: The most important of all! {Decide what is most important to you}. Every wedding is different. We are having a small ceremony and reception since our wedding is taking place over 10 hours away and then having a welcome reception for our family and friends in Tennessee. There are several other details that make me more of a non-traditional bride that I will share throughout this series. If you do one thing through your planning process: prioritize. Also, do it for yourself! This is your day girl! Do what you want! 


                        





Please comment below and share what you would like me to share through this series. I'm so excited to share the details of our wedding with you!

Thanks for stopping by!

XO- L




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