Stepping Away From the Norm

Today I'm stepping away from the norm to give light to an important day for me and many others. I love writing about fashion, and I promise to keep majority of my posts on topic.  However, today, October 15th is pregnancy and infant loss awareness day, and I believe it is very deserving of our attention.  Please keep those who have experienced loss in your thoughts and prayers.  Many choose not to discuss their experience so it's quite possible you know people suffering in silence. At 7pm light a candle to join people worldwide in a wave of light.

I experienced my first miscarriage in July of 2013. In April of this year I lost another baby due to an ectopic pregnancy.  I know it's tough for people to know what to say, or how they can show they care.  Every woman is different, but for me it's been nice to receive cards, to hear "I'm sorry", "I'm thinking of you", or "I'm praying for you".  It's a lonely feeling when your loss is avoided.  My best advice is to let those close to you know you're there for them.  

Yours Truly,

My Top Ten from the Shopbop 3 Day Sale - Going On Now!

Shopbop 3 Day Sale by amyhfaust 

If you are looking for designer pieces then this is the sale for you!  The collection above features my top ten favorite pieces from the sale.  Please note that majority of the items found on Shopbop.com are quite pricey.  However, if you like to invest money in good, quality pieces then this is the time to shop.  It's not very often that you can receive 25% off your favorite designers.

Whether you are looking for purses, clothes, jackets, jewelry, or accessories they are all on sale!  Let me know if you find any great deals!  Remember it's never too early to start your Christmas shopping!

Yours Truly,

Fall Femininity: Bows, Polka Dots, & Heels . . . Oh my!

Fall is my favorite time of year, but  the temperatures haven't been cold enough to pull out all my chunky sweaters, flannel shirts, jackets, and boots.  I wanted a fall look, but something to go with the high 70 degree weather.  I chose a sheer blouse with a fun pleated skirt. This outfit is a perfect date night look! 

 

This Michael Kors skirt was a "Maxxinista" find from T.J.Maxx; 

one of my all time favorite guilty pleasure destinations.

 

 

 

I've had this Michael Kors bag for about three years now, and it's still one of my favorites. There are slight changes made to the bag every year, but Michael Kors still offers a similar style.

I added pearl earrings to give my look yet another feminine touch. These cluster pearls came from one of my favorite local boutiques, Two Chicks and Company.

 

 

 

 

I snagged these Calvin Klein heels at the 6pm/ Zappos outlet store in Shepherdsville, KY last year.

 

Look: Polka Dot Blouse: Francesa's (old, similar here), Skirt: Michael Kors (here in black leather- I found mine at T.J. Maxx), Wedges: Calvin Klein (here in black, gray is no longer available), Bag: Michael Kors (old, similar here), Pearl Cluster Earrings: Two Chicks & Company.  

Yours Truly,

Military Inspired Look

I recently attended the biggest high school football rivalry game in the state of Kentucky: The St. X /  Trinity Game!  The game typically draws in about 35,000 fans, but attendance was a bit down this year.  I always cheer for Trinity since my Dad is an alum, but I wanted to pick a neutral outfit. Both schools share a shade of green in their school colors so I opted for an army green hue. It was the perfect fall evening: family, friends, tailgating, and football.

 

I found this JAG vest at Macy's during one of their recent sales.

 

 

These Banana Republic skinny jeans were a recent purchase from the new outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. 

 

I recently purchased this "Love" ring at the St. James Art Festival.

 

The hood on my vest came in handy as the temperatures dropped and the wind picked up.

 

I found these Lucky Brand wedge booties at TJ Maxx.

 

 

My clutch is an oldie, but goodie from The Limited.

 

Look: JAG Military Vest: (soldout at Macys, but I found it here at Zappos), Jeans: Banana Republic (similar here), Long Sleeve Shirt: Nordstrom Rack (similar here), Wedge Booties: Lucky Brand (similar here), Clutch: The Limited (old), Earrings: Versona (old).  

Yours Truly,

Tory Burch Friends & Family Sale

Tory Burch Friends & Family Sale by amyhfaust

Today is the last day to receive 25% off your Tory Burch purchases during the Friends and Family sale by using the coupon code, "friendliest".  After looking though the website I put together my top ten favorites.  Comment below to let me know what items caught your eye!

Yours Truly,

Stacking Jewelry: Arm Candy Edition

Stacking Jewelry: Arm Candy Edition by amyhfaust

I put together an inspiration board for stacking jewelry after receiving a request from a viewer asking for tips. In the viewers words, they needed help figuring out how to wear multiple pieces of necklaces and bracelets "without looking like Mr. T" and without breaking the bank. I decided to do two articles: one with arm candy ideas, inspirations, and suggestions and one for the necklaces.

First, I'm always willing to invest money in a good watch.  A watch is typically the main attraction in my arm candy collection.  The watches I wear most often are the boyfriend style so that's usually my widest piece.  I compliment it with skinnier pieces. If I'm not wearing a watch I usually pair one wider bracelet with thinner, daintier pieces.

Second: The accompanying bracelets.  I tend to spend less money on bracelets. If you are looking for inexpensive places to buy jewelry I would suggest Versona, Target, or check out the junior department at Von Maur (they have surprisingly cute, on trend jewelry, at very reasonable prices).  I tend to steer away from buying jewelry at H&M or Forever 21 because in my opinion the cheap prices also come with a cheap product, and you may end up with jewelry that changes color, or leaves you green.

If you're looking for more versatility, for $19 a month you can sign-up for RocksBox.They'll have you fill out a survey to better understand your style and then they will loan you a box of jewelry to keep as long as you'd like.  When you're ready for new pieces you mail it back, and they send you a new set.

Brands such as Bourbon & Boweties and Alex and Ani also sell great stack-able jewelry (see images below).

 Image Source: Alex and Ani

 Image Source: Bourbon & Boweties

Here's some of the arm candy I've been rocking:

Tip for Mixing Metals: This Brighton bangle also works well with my gold watch. Since the ends are gold it pulls everything together nicely.

Look 1 (left to right): Bracelet 1: Brighton (here), Bracelet 2: Gift from my husband, Watch: Fossil (similar here). 

Look 2 (left to right): Bracelet 1: Cindy Borders (view website here), Bracelet 2: Target (old), Watch: Fossil (old). 

 Look 3 (left to right): Bracelet 1: Von Maur (old), Watch: Michael Kors (here), Bracelet 2: Kate Spade (old).

 
 Look 2 (left to right): Bracelet 1: Cindy Borders (view website here), Bracelet 2: Dandelion (gift- view their website here), Watch: Anne Klein (their current tortoise shell watch here). 
 
Here's some more of my favorite jewelry designers:

-Loren Hope
-Kendra Scott
-David Yurman
-Wrenn Jewelry

Where do you love to shop for jewelry? I'm always interested to hear about new designers and shops.

Stay tuned for my next article on stacking necklaces.

Yours Truly,