Utilize It...

Vest / T-Shirt / Denim / Flats / Bag /  Necklace / Bracelet / Watch / Sunglasses

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

Kidogo Kidogo: Cases that Care + All Things Thursday

Hi pretties! Today I am so excited to be sharing with you something I've been absolutely loving lately: Kidogo Kidogo phone cases! When Kim and Kristen sent these over, I was so incredibly thrilled! These ladies are seriously inspirational, just read through the about us portion of their site and you will realize why, but especially for the reason that they are helping women make a difference and create a better life through technology! For every two cases purchased, a woman in Tanzania is given mobile technology access. This is something we take so much for granted, but in reality a cell phone gives us the world at our hands: we can run a business, manage our banking, and keep contact with the world. 

Women in Tanzania shouldn't be withheld this great tool. The great thing too, is that the cases are adorable and outstanding in quality. Please reference the photos below to see the true quality and overall look of these cases. Kidogo Kidogo means "little by little" in Kiswahili, the language spoken in Tanzania. I find this to be so true with everything in life. Every little bit helps in reaching a larger goal. Please check out Kidogo Kidogo and support this amazing effort that Kim and Kristen have started. They are truly to be commended for the amazing work they are doing! 

Case 1: GO FISH c/o Kidogo Kidogo // Case 2: SHELL OF A CASE c/o Kidogo Kidogo //

 Top: Old Navy, option // Denim: Old Navy // Necklace: Benevolent Jewels (use code LFCODE20 for 20% off!) // 

Watch: Michael Kors // Bracelets: J Crew, Blush Bazaar // Lip: Stila "Poppy" // Nails: Essie "Lovie Dovie"

I am also so excited to be co-hosting ALL THINGS THURSDAY this week with Elise of Hunters of Happiness and  Kati of Glitz and Gold. Welcome to the ALL THINGS THURSDAY LINK PARTY!! Thanks for all those who linked up with us last week! We are having so much fun and hope you are too! As a reminder, we will pick two links to feature each week and when you are featured, you will have the opportunity to co-host the link party with us. Those who link up will also be required to follow the co-hosts. We are excited to see what you have in store for us this week! Thanks for linking up and inspiring us!

Check out what your hosts have been up to this week:

Weekend Happenings with Hunters of Happiness | GroopDealz Spring picks with Glitz & Gold

Now, for our lovely features and co-hosts:

Lacey of A Glimpse of Glitter

We love this casual, yet playful look that Lacey of A Glimpse of Glitter has put together. We especially love the subtle leopard detail. Too cute!

Dani of Love Me, Dani Marie

Okay - we can't get enough of Dani's outfit! First of all, we are obsessing over those boots. The gold toes and buckles are to die for! Next... high waisted jeans, so flattering and last, the leather detail on her top is just too perfect. We love the edgy yet flirty combo that Dani has going on!

 

Remember to follow our All Things Thursday Pinterest board. We will pin the looks of those we feature!

 

Now... read the guidelines below and then:

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

 

FOLLOW YOUR HOSTS & CO-HOSTS HERE: Follow Hunters of Happiness via BlogLovin' HERE Follow Glitz & Gold via BlogLovin' HERE Follow this week's Co-Host HERE and HERE

You may use our button to link your post back to one of our blogs:

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Casual Date Night

Dress. J Crew Factory (on sale!!!)

Flats: J Crew (on sale!!!)

Clutch: K slademade (on sale!!)

Belt: Target

Scarf: J Crew

Bracelets: J Crew, Blush Bazaar

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Anthropologie

Lippie: Candy Yum Yum + Girl about Town gloss

Linked up with: 

Three-fer Thursday, Favorite Fashion Friday, All Things Thursday , 

As you get older... things start to change. I'm going through some major changes this year and it really just hit me that this will be my last "single" Valentine's Day. So crazy to think, but I really went through a page roll in my mind of all my past Valentine's Days and how this one is different. This one is different because it is finally sinking in... I'm about to get married. Hey, don't get me wrong... I'm over the mood excited!!! I'm also scared though... just like with any other big change life is about to get a makeover. I know I'm going to be one happy lady... and I also know I found someone who will make every day of my life the best ever. I just don't know what to expect... how I will feel.... what will be the big "change".  Life is already pretty awesome! Luke treats me like a princess and he is already my number one. Sorry to ramble, but I know I'm not the only person who has gone through this and would love to hear your stories. Love is a journey and everyone's is different. I'd love to learn about you and your love story... maybe it will help me along my own journey.

Now on to some lighter reading... to be honest, casual date nights are more my thing. When Luke and I go out to somewhere low key for dinner and I wear flats and a simple dress I feel the most myself. He always tells me he likes me best when I'm undone.... he also could do without all the lipstick (ha!). 

Chambray is kind of a necessity in life. Dress it up with heels... or down with flats... you can really do no wrong. I had wanted a chambray dress last spring, but apparently had things higher on my wants list... so I snatched this up a couple weeks ago from J Crew Factory. Better late than never right? Since I'm loving red and black so much these days... why not pull the three together. My K slademade clutch added the perfect touch of color and I added an old J Crew scarf from my closet to pull it all together. 

I hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for reading! 

ps- Don't forget to share your stories below! I can't wait to read them! 

XO-L