What's In My Purse?

Hello, blog world!  I've recently been obsessed with watching "What's In My Purse?" You Tube videos, so since I don't make videos I decided I'd make a blog post about it!

I recently purchased a Kate Spade Cedar Street Small Harmony tote in the color mahogany.  I'm in love with this bag for fall and winter!  I had an Amazon gift card which helped me get this bag for a steal!  I'd tried to purchase last year's version back in the winter during a sale on the Kate Spade site, but missed out!  Oh well, this was a better deal!  This is my second of the Small Harmony Totes and I love this size.  Don't be fooled by the word "small." It's large enough to fit a lot of essentials without being too overwhelming.  I have a medium tote from Kate Spade and while I love it as well, I use it more for when I need to carry larger items like my laptop, notebooks, etc.  The only thing that would make this bag better is an exterior zipper pocket for my keys and phone, but oh well!

I try not to carry too many random unnecessary items with me if I can help it.  I hate weighing myself down with stuff that I don't need!  

Makeup Bag - I'm pretty bad about letting this bag get cluttered, so I usually do a clean out once a week or so.  My travel makeup bag essentials include powder, mini concealer, a neutral lipstick and lip gloss, lotion, and usually a neutral eye shadow palette.  Let's be real, sometimes I'm finishing my makeup on the go and sometimes I need to do some touch-ups later in the day.  I don't need my whole arsenal of makeup with me, but these basic usually keep me looking fresh throughout the day.

Sunglasses - I'm a sunglasses hoarder.  I don't spend a lot of money on sunglasses because without fail I lose them or break them.  My favorite places to pick up reasonable sunglasses are Loft, American Eagle, and Charlotte Russe!

Flair Pens - Not pictured is my Erin Condren Life Planner...  I don't carry it with me 100% of the time, but it's definitely with me a lot!  With 2 jobs I have to keep my life organized and in order, so my beloved pens and planner help keep me in check!

Wallet - I've switched back and forth between my smaller pink snap wallet and my larger back zip wallet.  (Both are Kate Spade deals that I scored at Nordstrom Rack.)  I like things about both.  I recently picked up a small gold card holder at Francesca's (a similar one from Kate Spade is pictured) and I use that for cards or gift cards that I don't use as regularly that I don't need in my main wallet.  I'm on the hunt for another small pouch for coupons since my old one recently fell apart!

Phone & Phone Charger - I upgraded to a Galaxy S7 and I love it!  I've had an S3, S5, and now the S7 and I really don't regret not being an iPhone girl!  I've also recently started carrying a phone charger with me because I hate worrying about my phone dying.  I had a dual battery case for my S5 and kind of miss the double battery life.  The S7 has great life, but I still like to be prepared!

Orbit Gum - Always Orbit.  Always either Sweet Mint or Winter Mint.  Always!

I've also been into purse charms and accessories.  I found the cutest little tassel in the Dollar Spot at Target for only $3! I'd also like to pick up a cute little poof to attach on there as well!

What's in your fall purse?  What are your essentials for this time of year? 

What's In My Purse? by conolley featuring Paper Mate

Kate spade handbag
macys.com

Kate Spade clear bag
neimanmarcus.com

ToyShades tortoise shell glasses
silkfred.com

Leather key chain
$5.61 - newchic.com

Urban Decay mascara
macys.com

Urban Decay lipstick
sephora.com

Urban Decay concealer
belk.com

Soap Glory lip gloss
beauty.com

Rimmel face powder
walmart.com

Soap Glory body moisturizer
beauty.com

Kate Spade home decor
katespade.com

Paper Mate office accessory
amazon.com

Makeup Revolution Girls on Film Salvation Eye Shadow Palette
ulta.com

Importer520 Hot Pink Mini USB Home Wall Car Charger Micro USB Data...
amazon.com

kate spade new york Scallop Card Pocket
macys.com

Modella On a Bad Day There is Always Lipstick Purse Kit - A001792LDC -...
londondrugs.com

Getting Away

One thing I love about being off work for the summer is that I have the flexibility to spend time with friends and family.  I've actually had a quite a few busy weekends with weddings, showers, birthdays, and just spending time with friends.  In a couple weeks, I will be traveling out of town to spend time with some friends and family for a few days.  I'm not going on an actual vacation this summer since I'll be going on a trip for a good friend's wedding in September, so this little getaway is going to have to satisfy me until then.

My trip is going to consist of a baby shower / BBQ, shopping, eating at yummy restaurants, and more shopping.

Weekend Getaway featuring American Eagle Outfitters

I'm going for cute, comfy, and casual here...

• Striped dress & denim jacket - This is pretty much my favorite kind of outfit.  I love cute knit dresses and they're perfect topped off with a denim jacket.  I plan on wearing this to the baby shower / BBQ and maybe out to dinner.
• T-shirt and jeggings - I'm only going to be driving about 3 hours away, but I still want to be comfy yet cute and ready to go out and about.  I love this tee and my AE jeggings are pretty much the yoga pants equivalent to jeans.  
• T-shirt & scarf - I'm a sucker for scarves and I still love them this time of year in lightweight florals.  I've been wearing this one from Aerie a ton lately.  It's a nice way to dress up a basic tee without piling on the accessories.
• Striped blouse - This was a great buy back when I last visited the J.Crew Factory store in Oklahoma.  It's become one of my favorites because it's kind of dressy, but still comfortable and versatile.
• Metallic sandals - You know you made a good choice when you get asked if these are the $150 sandals in the J.Crew catalog...  Nope, they were less than $20 from AE!  These seriously go with everything and add a teensy bit of glam without being over the top!
• Crossbody purse - I love crossbody purses for traveling and shopping.  They're so convenient!  I bought this black one from Coach last summer, but they brought back the same style this year.  I wish I could justify getting another color (or 3)!
• Go with everything necklace - I have a very similar necklace that was a $2 Forever 21 clearance find several years ago.  It goes with everything and I get compliments on it whenever I wear it.  It's proof that you shouldn't always discriminate against inexpensive jewelry.  
• Versatile makeup palette - I'm currently loving my Too Faced Natural Eye palette and their Better Than Sex mascara.  I can create a lot of looks with this palette.  I love that I can go with a lighter look during the day, but then add some darker colors on top for the evening.  Plus the packaging isn't super big and bulky so you can still stash it in your purse if you want it on the go.

What are your go to outfits / accessories / makeup for a weekend getaway?  

Makeup Monday: Makeup Faves

Current Everyday Makeup Faves

I'm a huge makeup fan and I'm always looking for great products and good bargains.  I haven't done a post about makeup in months and some of my favorite and most used products have changed.  I had someone suggest that I do more posts about makeup, so here you go!

1. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream for Eyes - This is a new favorite that I was introduced to at Spehora a couple months ago.  The coverage is great without being too thick or thin and I love that it has some skincare benefits in it as well.  
2. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - This has become one of my favorite powders ever.  It does a really nice job of setting my makeup and also has pretty good lasting power throughout the day.  
3. NYC "Sunny" Bronzer - I'd seen a lot of great reviews of this inexpensive gem and decided to drop the $3 on it when my other bronzer ran out.  I love that it's a matte bronzer and it's great for adding a little color and blending out my makeup for a more natural sun-kissed look.
4. NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss - I'd neglected my NYX lip glosses for a while and recently went back to them.  I've been into neutral makeup looks lately and these have been just perfect!
5. Smashbox Photo Finish Light Primer - I've sampled this one a few times, but always went back to my Benefite POREfessional.  I gave this one another try recently and came to really like it so I used some Birchbox points to purchase a full size.  The "light" version is prefect if you're worried about your skin being sensitive or breaking out.
6. NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray - If you're a fan of the Urban Decay setting sprays, you definitely need to give this one a try.  It works just as well, but is a fraction of the cost.  The only complaint I have is that the bottles are smaller, so I have to repurchase more often.  Despite that, though, it is much better deal for an almost identical product.
7. Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation - I recently picked this up during a 50% off sale at Walgreens after hearing a few reviews.  I figured for $2.50 it was worth a try, so I grabbed it instead of my Revlon Colorstay.  I really like it!  The coverage is a perfect not-too-thick but not-too-thin and I haven't even been using concealer expect for under my eyes!
8. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - I snatched this one up as soon as it hit Sephora's website.  I love having the rosy and pinky color options.  I wear this palette or my Naked 2 pretty much everyday!  
9. Smashbox 24 Hour Limitless Cream Shadow (in Topaz) - I've been using this as a base for my powder shadows and it works really well.  It gives a little color, but does the same job as a primer.  On days when I'm running behind, I can get away with wearing only this and I don't have to rock the completely naked lid look.
10. ELF Blush - If you haven't tried ELF blushes, you need to!  For $3 each, they're a steal and although they do have some fall out, they last a long time!  

I get asked a lot about the brands that I use and if I go for high-end or drugstore products.  I honestly use a good mix of both.  My Naked palettes are my most expensive purchases, but I bought both of those when I had coupons to Ulta or Sephora.  For me, some items are worth the extra cost, but there are also so many great drugstore products out there!

What are your makeup must haves?  
I'd love to hear your faves and get suggestions for new items to try!

Fashion Friday: First Week

School starts in less than 2 weeks! I really have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that my summer vacation is pretty much over.  Wednesday starts 3 straight days of meetings, which is probably one of my least favorite parts of going back to school.  *sigh*

First Week of School 

I've been trying to come up with some outfit ideas for the beginning of the year.  Outfit planning really speeds up the getting ready process, so I try to lay out my clothes or have a close idea for what I am going to wear ready the night before.  When I feel stuck in a style rut, I turn to my Pinterest boards or Polyvore and look for ideas on how to combine items I already have in my closet.

Our first week of school is only 4 days and Friday is a jeans and t-shirt day.  Monday night is Open House, though, so I need to have a nicer outfit ready that I can change into at school since I don't want to drive home in between.  

I came up with these outfits almost all of which are items I own (or dupes of what I own).  Comfy is pretty much the trend here since I'll be pretty active and will have to be outside for recess and busy duties.  I don't know if I'll actually wear these exact outfits, but they're a starting point!  (The striped dress is one that I tried on last weekend at Target, but didn't purchase...  I'm thinking I'll go back for it, though, because it's perfect for school!)

What will you be wearing back to school?  
Do you style and plan outfits ahead of time?

Fashion Friday: I Don't Do Pencil Skirts

I Don't Do Pencil Skirts 

I follow a few fashion bloggers who are fellow teachers.  All of these girls have wonderful style that I love (I wouldn't follow them otherwise), but a common item I see in many outfits is pencil skirts.

I don't do pencil skirts.

My body was not made for pencil skirts.  These hips and this waist just don't fit that silhouette.  I've given them multiple tries at multiple stores and, not matter what, I can never find one that fits me the right way.  Too big in one place and too small in another...  Welcome to my life shopping for pencil skirts.

In all honesty, I don't think I'd really fit in at my school wearing one anyway.  We've got very fashionable teachers, but I can't actually think of one time I've seen a pencil skirt in our hallways.  Out staff dresses nice, but not super dressy or formal.  My style as a teacher is dressy, but cute and comfortable.  I need to be able to sit on the floor with the kids, walk around, and be outside without having to fuss with my outfit.

Here are my wardrobe essentials:

Comfy tees for layering - Tees don't have just be casual wear.  I wear colorful tees all the time and layer the with other items or dress them up with accessories.  Never underestimate a good tee!

Lightweight sweaters - I'm obsessed with J.Crew's Tippi and Charley sweaters and we all know that I'm a cardigan addict.  Not only can these polish up a look, but they're also essential when you have very little control over the temperature of your classroom!

Comfy, go-with-anything skirts - Skirts are a great alternative to pants, especially when it's still 100 degrees and you're outside for recess duty!  To keep it school appropriate, go for skirts that fall at the knee or below.  (This is where being short has some definite advantages!)

Flat shoes - When you're on your feet all day and walking all over carpet and tile floors, comfortable flat shoes are a must!  Simple black flats are a must and TOMS can be a super comfortable and cute way to add some fun to an outfit.

Black skinnies - I've found myself wearing my skinnies a lot more than my wider-legged black pants.  They're more slimming and just as comfortable.  Once again, make sure they're not skin tight or if they are on the tight side, pair them with a longer top (or a too short dress).

Denim jacket / vest - I wear a denim jacket at least once a week on average...  It's just an easy outfit topper and it's also perfect for those days when you're not feeling so hot and want to be a little more covered up.  I recently invested in a denim vest and a light wash denim jacket to give me a little more variety.

Colorful pants - This is a trend I'm working on getting into more.  Colored khakis (and even colored denim) are a fun way to break away from the usual black, khaki, or gray pants.

Fun accessories - Accessories can totally make an outfit! I have plenty of super plain outfits that take on a completely different look when I top it off with some cute accessories.  I've been loving statement necklaces and they're the perfect way to dress up some basics.

I hope that gives some of you some ideas for things that you can pick up for your own teacher (or whatever) wardrobe during the back to school sales!

What are your work wardrobe essentials?

Fashion Friday: Travel Style

I'm preparing to go on a slightly last minute vacation and have been trying to plan out my outfits.  Let's put it this way...  I'm not sure what I will be doing other than that there's probably going to be a trip within a trip, so I've been kinda keeping my packing to basics.  

For my traveling days, though, I decided I wanted to be as comfortable as possible without looking like a complete slob.  My first flight leaves at 6 a.m. since I'll most likely be surviving on 3 or 4 hours of sleep, I'll probably be napping it out on the plane.  

Traveling In Style (& Comfort)

Here's why I chose this look:

1. It's incredibly comfy.  I mean, it's basically like wearing a long t-shirt or blanket.  
2. It involves layers.  Airplanes are known to be cold, but I've also been on flights where the air wasn't working properly and it was unpleasantly warm.  I'm actually traveling to a cooler climate, so the jacket will come in handy once I get there.
3. It's not scrubby looking.  The last time I had a super early flight I wore holey jeans, a K-State tee, and a baseball cap.  (Which I think actually makes for a cute combo...)  I got to my destination around lunchtime and it ended up that my friend and I immediately met up with her mom for lunch at at somewhat nice restaurant.  I really hadn't planned that out and felt like a scrub...  A cute scrub, but a scrub, nonetheless.  Since this flight will be the same way (arrive around lunchtime), I want to be presentable for whatever the rest of the day brings.  (I might add that I will probably pack some denim crops in my carry-on just in case the need for pants arises for some reason.)

After a long search, I finally found a black maxi skirt that I liked!  (I had the worst time finding on that was short enough, not slinky or clingy, and that was a reasonable price.)  I found this one from Target, but since my store didn't have my size in the black I ordered it online.  I also broke down and bought a light wash denim jacket from Gap with a reward coupon and the teacher discount.  Both items are good basics that will transition perfectly into my everyday wardrobe and my teacher wardrobe.

Need some more inspiration?  Check out these pins!

What's your travel style?

Fashion Friday: Flower Power

One trend for spring that I've overlooked until recently had been floral prints.  I'm a huge fan of florals in my home decor, but I can pretty much say that is something that is very much not represented in my closet.

One thing that I love about floral prints is that you can pair them up with so many items.  These prints usually have a lot of colors to work with, which allows you a lot of fun possibilities when it comes to pairing it with different items.  I think florals are also great for pattern mixing and can give you some fun options mixing it up in that way.

Flower Power 

From Top:

I've been eyeing this pink Aerie tee every time I've worked there in the past couple months.  It's a cute, casual tee, but I've seen several girls dress it up a bit more.

I bought this VS Pink tote (shhh...  don't tell the Aerie girls) before my road trip last month.  I loved the print and it's the perfect road trip tote / teacher bag / beach bag / gym bag / whatever bag.  It's very sunwashed and neon and I just stinkin' love it!

This J.Crew tee is simple and perfect for someone who isn't looking for a crazy pattern.  It would be cute with jeans and flats or dressed up with a skirt and cardigan.

I think accessories are one of the best ways to ease into a trend.  Floral scarves are a great way to embrace this trend without getting too crazy.  

I loved this Gap dress online and loved the pattern even more in person.  It wasn't a match made in heaven for me, though, but I still think it's super adorable!

The floral button down from Gap, though, was a winner.  I fell in love with the shirt-dress version, but alas it was HUGE on me.  Thankfully I found the shirt online!  It's out of my element, but I think that's why I'm so excited to have it.

J.Crew's collaboration with Liberty had a lot of (expensive) winners in that collection.  I have a Liberty tote from the Target collaboration a few years back (much more in my price range) and I always get compliments when I carry it.  If you're willing to pay the price, Liberty florals are to die for!

How stinkin' cute are these cosmetic bags from Forever 21?!?  I had to resist the urge to get them!  

Have you been loving floral prints this spring?  If so, how have you incorporated them into your wardrobe?

Happy Friday & have a GREAT weekend!

Fashion Friday: Fails

I think of myself as a somewhat fashionable person.  I don't follow every trend that crosses my path, but I also feel like I embrace some earlier than other people do.

My motto when shopping and trying things on is to give pretty much anything a chance at least once or twice.  I've definitely learned what works and looks best on my body type, but sometimes I just have to try something "just in case."

The following are some of the items I've found to be a personal fashion fail on me.  These are things I wish looked good on me, but are just typically fails.  They're all cute items, just not what works for me.

Fashion Fails featuring a knee length pencil skirt

Button-Down Shirts - I love the look of a cute button down shirt layered under another shirt.  I just don't love that look on me.  Those kinds of shirts just don't work well on me and without fail when layered add about 20 pounds of visual weight.  Not good.

Hi-Low Hemlines - I was excited about this trend at first and then I actually gave it a try.  Major fail.  I'm too short to pull this off.  I've tried this one repeatedly and have failed every time.

Loafers - Target has had the cutest loafers over the past year.  I bought the most fun bright pink pair on sale last spring, wore them once, and it was one of the most painful work days ever.  My feet are wide-ish and those shoes literally rub me the wrong way.

Pretty Much Anything Silky (& Non-Stretchy) - The overwhelming majority of these tops just don't fit me and my curves.  I feel like my proportions are always off when it comes to shirts like this.

Pencil Skirts - Another thing that just doesn't work for my body type.  I tried some at J.Crew recently and it was bad.  Really bad.

What are some of your fashion fails?

Winter Weekend Getaway

I've been itching to get out of town for a while and ended up working a lot over my Christmas "break" so I decided to take advantage of the 3-day holiday weekend.  I decided to hit the road head to KC to visit some friends and family and, of course, do some shopping!  

By the time you read this, I'll probably be on my way back, but I thought I'd share a peek at what I like to take for a short weekend away.  I did a similar post last fall, but a few things have changed, plus it was still pretty hot then and I was going to a wedding.

Winter Shopping Weekend by conolley featuring a double zipper wallet

Since I stayed with 2 different friends on my 2 nights there I tried to keep my packing pretty simple and go for multitasking items.  I've totally left my entire cosmetic bag at a friend's house up there before!  The weather was cool, but mild, so I opted for Columbia fleece jacket and left my big puffy black coat at home.  (I hate shopping in that puffy coat!  It gets sooooo hot!)  

I'll be sure to post my purchases when I do this month's Budgeting Bloggers post in a week or so.  This was kind of my last big shopping excursion for a month or 2, so that's going to be a pretty big post!

I must say, I love road trips...  iPods and GPS make them even better these days!  

What do you pack for a weekend away?

HAPPY MONDAY!