Search Results for: label/look-for-less

Dressing Room Diaries

September 4, 2015

Cheers to Friday, friends! Today I’m excited to share the next installment of Dressing Room Diaries. You guys seem to like the occasional dressing room snaps I post on InstaGram and Facebook using #HSPDressingRoomDiaries, so I thought it’d be fun to expand it for the blog.

The shots aren’t good, the lighting is bad, my hair is usually past it’s expiration, and many of the items aren’t a good fit for me…but it’s real life, real girl, real clothes…and hopefully helpful for you to see them this way, instead of perfectly styled on a model. There’s also a few ridiculous Mr. SP (and his sidekick, Little Miss) photobombs!

Sidenote: The shoes and jewelry I’m wearing in these pics just happen to be what I had on that day, not necessarily what I’d pair with the outfits.

Side note to the sidenote: Everything fits true-to-size unless I indicate otherwise.

This striped cardigan was hands-down, my favorite find. And from the response on social media, it was a favorite for most of you! It’s the same brand as my beloved kitten-cardi, but a completely different weight and feel. It’s thin and a bit stretchy, with no front closure, and longer in the back. It comes in a few color options, but stripes are my weakness.

You may remember this dress from yesterday’s {Trip Report}…I couldn’t wait to get this baby to the beach. But instead of putting it away when we got back, I paired it with a jean jacket for work (see that look here). I wear it braless, but you could convert your bra to backless with this strap, or pasties if you need some coverage.

Fit Tip: I ordered up one size, my usual size made breathing difficult.

Spotted Dress (on sale!) | Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

I love a feminine plaid, and this one is spot-on. The material is crisp, yet soft, and the color is so flattering.

Fit Tip: These are my go-to brand of jeans…some styles suggest sizing down, but I stick with my same size for each. Some do run a little bigger, but I just reach for those on my bloated days. #justsayin

I loved the pattern of this dress, but I’m not a fan of mock turtlenecks, or turtlenecks with sleeveless tops. For me, if it’s warm enough for sleeveless, then I certainly don’t want to be wearing a turtleneck! #hotflash But the thin, stretchy knit makes up for the hot factor, so you might love it.

Brushstroke Dress (on sale!) | Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

This dress has a similar shape, minus the turtleneck. It’s also lined, making it more suitable for wearing {Day to Night}. Note too, the shape of the straps…it’s so flattering when they cut in showing more of your shoulder. This dress also has a good work-appropriate length, and would transition easily to Fall with a cardi and booties.

Swing Dress | Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

This flirty number screams {Date Night Style} to me, and I really wanted to take it home, but am on the fence if the color is good for me or not. I let the mock-turtleneck pass since it’s for the fun tie in the back.

Pleated Swing Dress with Tie-Back | Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

I really wanted this dress to work, but I think the pattern is a little overwhelming for my frame. I’m also wearing the wrong size in these pics (it runs true-to-size, they just didn’t have my size in-store). I did love the sleeves, front pleat, and length…so I’m hoping one of the solid colors will work better.

Floral Dress | Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

I love a good shirtdress, and I’m having a love affair with this olive color lately. This dress is a good sturdy material, and would be cute belted, and worn with low booties.

Shirtdress | Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

This pull-on skirt has a fun stripe, and handkerchief hem…and is on super sale.

Fit Tip: It was a tad tight around the wide waistband, but not enough to size up. Now that I think of it, I’d just had tacos for lunch. Yes, it must have been the tacos.

Cute chambray shirtdress, with conservative length and cinched waist, but runs a little big.

Fit Tip: If I were to buy this, I’d go with their Petite sizing online.

Shirtdress (on sale!) | Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

The picture doesn’t do this skirt justice…it’s the perfect a-line shape, and the sturdy material means you can wear it into the Winter with tights, as well. The sleeves of this tee are a flattering longer length, and has the cutest zipper in the back for a touch of edge.

If I didn’t already have a utility jacket I loved more than my luggage, I’d scoop this one up! It is a bit thicker than mine, so it could serve as both a cute layer, and an actual jacket. Seriously, it’s a good one! And trust me, you’ll wear it constantly…I’ve got a {5 Ways} coming up with one.

Fit Tip: If you prefer yours fitted, size down. I’m wearing an XS in the pics.

Here I am, reaching for this olive color again…it’s just too good for Fall, and pairs well with every other color. These roll-tab sleeves are my favorite part of this blouse, and the shape and drape is subtly sexy. And who doesn’t want to look subtly sexy?? (Pssst, it’s also 50% off!)

Fit Tip: Size down or go with Petite sizing.

Roll Sleeve Blouse | Straight Leg Grown-Up Jeans
Leopard Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Watch

My old standby combo…stripes and floral. Both of these pieces are soft against the skin, and would mix and match with a large percentage of your closet.

And let’s focus on the jeans in this pic (and the one above)…many of you ask for denim options outside the Juniors dept, and I’d highly recommend these! They are straight-leg, so you don’t feel like you’re being squeezed into pipe cleaners, the rise is a bit higher, so no muffin-top, and they are a soft denim with just enough stretch. Flattering and grown-up, but not a ‘mom jean.’ #winnerwinnerchickendinner

Fit Tip: I sized down, and went with petite sizing so I wouldn’t have to hem. (I’m 5’4″ish)

I wasn’t real impressed with the new offerings at Old Navy, but I found a few keepers…starting with this striped cross body bag. Talk about a {Look for Less}…check out the similarities to this pricier one! And this knit sheath dress would be an easy work staple.

Fit Tip: Size up one in the dress if you don’t want a body-conscience fit (I’m wearing a Small).

Cotton Knit Sheath Dress (not online yet!) | Striped Crossbody | Leopard Sandals
Necklace | Earrings | Watch

Another great {Look for Less}, and one I think will sell out fast, is this darling buffalo check vest! Expect to see it in heavy rotation around here. I mean, how cute would it be paired with the black skirt I showed above?

I love a cozy, easy-to-wear draped cardi, and this one fits the bill. I prefer to pair them with a low tank so the collarbone and neck stays exposed. And according to Mr. SP’s body language, my time is up!

Did you notice how good my black earrings looked with every single thing I tried on? I had no idea I wore them that often…but now I know why I reach for them all the time.

So what are your favorites from this installment of Dressing Room Diaries? See anything you want to try for yourself? And don’t worry, Mr. SP, I don’t buy all the clothes, I just enjoy sharing them! (I also return them all back to the racks…I remember what it’s like to work retail!) Happy long weekend, love bugs!

P.S….It wouldn’t be a holiday without major sales! Many of the items shown above are on sale, and here’s a round-up of my favorite retailers, and their big blowout end-of-season sales!

{Labor Day Sale Round-Up}

Amazon // Additional 20% off already reduced clothes, shoes and more

Anthropologie // Take an additional 30% off sale items with code EXTRA30

Furbish Studio // Take 15% off your total order, full-price & sale items, with code LABORDAY

Gap // Everything 40% off

Hotels.com // Take $50 off when you spend $300 on September travel with code LABOR50

J.Crew Factory // Everything 50% off

Loft // New Fall arrivals 30% off, plus 50% off Summer styles

Nordstrom // Huge Summer clearance with up to 40% off

Old Navy // Up to 60% off everything

Pottery Barn // Buy More, Save More Event with code SAVEMORE

West Elm // Buy More, Save More Event with code SAVEMORE

Look for Less

August 20, 2015

I can’t even express my gratitude and joy for all your amazing comments, emails, texts, and posts regarding the Redbook cover. Your genuine joy knocked me over, and I’ve been choked-up and teary-eyed for the last few days. I realize how lucky I am to be given these opportunities, and also how completely obnoxious they can be to hear about…so thank you for your enthusiasm and support!

It’s been awhile since I rounded-up some of my favorite Looks for Less, so I thought I’d share a few with you today. Fall will be here before we know it, so soon it’ll be all about the transition pieces (see my formula for transitioning to Fall here). I trolled the internet looking for deals on great, classic pieces…I love finding lower-priced items that give the same impact as their higher-priced counterparts! Remember, to be fair, I don’t list sale prices.

If you’ve been following my blog for more than a minute, or ever seen a Sugarplum Style post, you know I’m addicted to my utility and jean jackets. I challenge you to find an outfit that doesn’t benefit from one of them! I have, and adore, the Low version shown below of both. Do we need a {5 Ways} post on each, just to demonstrate my point!?

Classic Trench: High Low

Utility Jacket: High Low

Jean Jacket: High Low

Nude wedges are both comfortable and flattering, and I have a sudden urge for the peep-toe bootie! I’ve had a similar pearl cluster necklace for years, and love it paired with both dressy and casual outfits…remember this one?

Nude Wedge Sandal: High Low

Nude Peep-Toe Bootie: High Low

Pearl Cluster Necklace: High Low

Two more Low version tops I own and love…the cami (available in 14 gorgeous colors and worn here), and gingham shirt.

Cami Blouse: High Low

Geo-Embroidered Tote Bag: High (on sale for $64 right now!) Low

Gingham Shirt: High Low

What’s your favorite Look for Less this go-round? Have you spotted any good ones lately? Send them my way so I can share with the class.

See more posts in this series here.

Look for Less

June 16, 2015

Well you guys made it pretty clear you love these Look for Less posts, and I’m more than happy to troll the internet looking for deals…so it’s a win-win for us both! It’s like a challenge to find lower-priced items that give the same impact as their higher-priced counterparts…and I love a good challenge!

That doesn’t mean that I always endorse the lower priced item, but it’s good to know your options. In some instances it’s worth it to pay a little more…that’s when I stalk and wait for a good sale! Remember, to be fair, I don’t list sale prices.

Striped Maxi: High Low

Jade Maxi: High Low

Update: Total typo on this one…the Low End striped dress is actually $32 (on sale for $15!), but ain’t nobody got time to correct graphics! #oops

Miracle Suit: High Low

Striped Shirt Dress: High Low

Sandals: High Low

Shell Earrings: High Low

Floppy Hat: High Low

Perforated Tote Bag: High Low

Tribal Graphic Tote Bag: High Low

What’s your favorite Look for Less this go-round? Have you spotted any good ones lately? The Tory Burch sandal look-a-like was actually shared by a reader…so let me know what you find!

See more posts in this series here.

{Kitchen} The Last Bit of Renovation

May 20, 2015

I can’t even thank you guys enough for your outpouring of kindness in yesterday’s post! I am so overwhelmed and humbled by your comments…I was seriously reading them all with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I honestly love creating for this blog so much, and am just thrilled that you find inspiration here, too!

I was also thrilled to hear that you love the mix of topics…which is good…because I am certainly a mixed bag! You could call it Blogger ADD, but it’s my blog, so whatever. 😉 I know you’ve been waiting for the final Kitchen reveal, but between life and the {One Room Challenge}, it took awhile to finish up the last of the renovation details.

But halleluiah, when my contractor was over helping Mr. SP hang the drapes in the Master Bedroom, he also installed the final piece of the puzzle….the faucet!

There was nothing wrong with the previous faucet, per say, but the style and finish didn’t really jive with the new space, not to mention, the little filtered water spicket thingie didn’t work.

I knew I wanted a bridge-style faucet, but prefer a single handle in the Kitchen since I’m usually using an elbow to turn it on. I also wanted it shiny chrome to match the bling of the other hardware. Oh, and a sprayer is non-negotiable. Those criteria narrowed my options down to only a few…and most were uber-pricey. #awesome

Even though the faucet is so visible in the room, I still couldn’t bring myself to spend a ton on a it…so I was thrilled to find this one on Overstock. I danced a jig when it arrived…as it was so gorgeous, and I patted myself on the back for finding such a great Look-for-Less. My contractor was less than impressed by the quality, but I waved that off. After all, the faucet’s only job is to turn the water off and on, right?!

Yeah, um, wrong. From the beginning, the water pressure was about half…and then a few days later, it sounded like a pig being drug behind a pick-up every time we turned it on. Make that a drove of pigs, because you could hear it all the way upstairs.

Sidenote: For the record, I’ve never actually heard a pig being drug behind a truck, but I’d imagine it sounds similar to my cheap faucet.

Side note to the Sidenote: I actually had to Google the name of a group of pigs, and if you’re curious, it’s drove, sounder or litter. So there you have it. #asyouwere

There are a lot of places to save during renovations (like tile and hardware), but turns out, faucets aren’t necessarily one of them. Maybe I happened to get a lemon…that might normally be a perfectly functional faucet…but we bit the bullet and ordered the real deal the second time around.

And truthfully, it doesn’t look a whole lot different than the cheaper option, but the way it feels, operates, and more importantly, doesn’t sound, helped me realize you get what you pay for with these things. And I am over-the-moon happy with all it’s tall, shiny, classic regalness!

The next thing the Kitchen needed was a long runner in front of the stove area. I wanted something with a genuine vintage look, without a vintage price tag. #goodluckwiththat

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Renovation Progress

It’s hard to judge scale in pictures, but the length of the floor on that side of the Kitchen is 13 feet. Every time I found one I liked, that was both affordable and long enough, the pattern was too busy for the backsplash.

Finally, eCarpet Gallery had a 50% off sale, and I nabbed one similar to these, and Hello, Pretty! It’s perfect, and old-looking, but not old-smelling, with a bit of color, but not an overwhelming pattern. I’m back to patting myself on the back.

So that leaves us with one last detail before we can officially call this renovation complete….the switchplates! All 14 of them! I hate that they interrupt the flow of the backsplash pattern, but pulling off this genius trick isn’t really an option either. I’ve got it down to three contenders:

Ivory | Black | Light Gray

I think of the three, I prefer the black…but don’t like the glossy finish. One other option would be to spraypaint them the same matte dark charcoal of the backsplash. What do you think? Thanks for hanging with me on this room…once I get those switch plates on, it’s reveal time!!

Playing Catch Up? Start here:

We Bought a House!

The Kitchen: Befores

The Kitchen: Plans

The Kitchen: Inspiration & Direction

The Kitchen: Renovation Progress

The Kitchen: More Renovation Progress

The Kitchen: The Renovation Continues

The Kitchen: We Have Floors!

The Kitchen: Bling & Hiccups

The Kitchen: To Paint or Not To Paint

{SALE ALERT!}