This Week

One of our favorite things about Texas is Bluebell icecream. We let Tate indulge in our favorite treat last week and I couldn't help but snap a few shots.

Here are a few things to take you into the weekend: 

I was shocked at where I found these sweet wedges on sale (you can bet I brought them home!)

I love this easy and clever polka dot DIY.

I would be happy to sport this fabulous striped bag.

I must try this super simple crown braid tutorial. 

I think these shoes are the prettiest things I have ever seen (and they are on sale - big time).

And in case you haven't noticed, I am happy to point out the brand spanking new URL. Do you see it? That's right, I am the proud owner of uberchicforcheap.com. Many thanks to Mary & her hubs Christian for tracking down the occupied URL for me. You two are the best!

Refashion: Night Gown to Day Dress

To say that I am over the moon with this refashion might be the understatement of the year. Contrary to the appearance of the photo, I did not lose 40 lbs. I just took a thrifted 3XL night gown and trimmed it into a sweet little day dress.

thrifted & refashioned dress - $4 | similar here | similar on sale

thrifted belt - $1 | similar here

urban outfitters pumps - $15 | sorta similar here

Things to look for if you want to take on a similar refashion:

To give yourself a break look for a nightgown that has finishes you can reuse. I maintained the original hem, sleeve hem, and neckline, and it saved me a lot of work. Obviously, look for a print and fabric that you like and that is in good condition (this actually still had it's original tags). In the end, belting your nightgown/dress will make all of the difference!

What do you think?

Have you refashioned anything lately? Leave a link so we can all check it out!

Spied: Polka Dot Capris (+ 20% Off)

I don't think I can tell you how excited I was to stumble on these polka dot pants. After spotting those fabulous Anthropologie dotted pants, I became a little obsessed with finding my own pair. I ended up thrifting and refashioning my own pair, but I am so excited to share these with you guys:

Printed Capris - Old Navy - $22.35 $27.94

(this print also available in shorts)

Old Navy's selection definitely has an ebb and flow. Sometimes I love everything and sometimes I shrug at the whole lot. But I am happy to announce that their new batch is noteworthy. Here are a few of my other favorite things:

Polka Dot Button-Front Cardi

Striped Halter Swimsuit

Buttoned Tie-Waist Shirt Dress 

Ruched Button-Front Top

  

Plus, Old Navy is having a 20% off sale online. Coupon code | ONBIG

Reader Request: Maxis Under $30

I got a request for my favorite sleeveless maxis under $30.

1 - Popover Challis Maxi Dress - Boscovs - $19.99 (Orig. $58.00)
2 - Mossimo Challis Maxi Dress - Blue Print - Target - $29.99
3 - Jersey Tank Maxi Dress - Old Navy - $29.94 
4 - Everything to Me Dress - Dr. Jays - $18.99 (Orig. $35.00)

For those of you looking for an option with sleeves, try one of these:

Short Sleeve Colorblocked Maxi

Kaleidoscope Print Maxi Dress

Floral Surplice Maxi Dress

Peasant Top Maxi Dress

Must Have: Anthropologie Swim

I was poking around the Anthropologie sale section and stumbled on a few one piece suits I would just love to have (and that are massively discounted).

Macrame Halter Suit - $49.99 (Orig. $198.00)

Pidot Maillot - $49.99 (Orig. $198.00)

Damsel Fish Maillot - $49.99 (Orig. $188.00)

I am partial to that little orange number. Which is your favorite?

PS - I also found these wedges, and I kind of love them.

This Week

As I mentioned last week, we hit up a sea turtle hatching at Padre Island. It was the coolest. We had to get up before dawn and drive 40 miles, but I would do it again in a heart beat. 

Here are a few of my favorite shots:

Here are a few things to take you into the weekend: 

 I adore these bike & heat friendly hair tutorials.

I am loving mix & match swimwear right now. This top and bottom are a lovely pair (and on sale).

I just found this jem of a modest fashion blog.

I want this lovely dress (in cobalt).

And I am totally coveting this bauble necklace.

***

Also, guess who graduated to Toddler Times?

Changing Tate's diaper is becoming increasingly like wrestling a bear cub.

And my favorite breastfeeding perk expired. (I couldn't be more irritated).

We are planning to paint Tate's bedroom this weekend. What are your weekend plans?

Spied: Retro Zigzag Skirt

It's official: Forever 21 is my favorite place to find modest skirts.

Today, I am loving this one.

Retro Zigzag Skirt - Forever 21 - $24.90

I love the color palette and isn't a bit reminiscent of Missoni?

As usual, F21 has come out with a whole new batch of modest skirts.

 Here are a few good ones (all under $25)

Midi-Length Polka Dot Skirt
Pyramid A-Line Circle
Accordion Pleated High-Low Skirt (in a very pretty coral)
Lace Circle Skirt 

Many of the skirts I have featured in the past are still in stock. 
Click here to see other posts in this series.

Look For Less: Navy Stripe Calypso Toms Wedges

I received and email from blog reader, Clare, alerting me to this spot on look for less.

Navy Stripe Calypso Canvas TOMS Wedges - TOMS - $69 (Sold out)
Wanted Anchor Striped Wedge Pump - DSW - $34.94 (Orig. $50.00)
(Available in more colors and patterns here)

I think the style is adorable and the budget option is a dead ringer. What do you think? Would you wear them?

Video Tutorial: Single Twist Gibson Tuck

A few months ago, I posted a tutorial for the double twist gibson tuck. 

The series of pictures could only explain so much about the mechanics of the hairstyle. So, I decided to make a short video tutorial of the slightly less complicated, but equally attractive, sister hairstyle - the single twist gibson tuck.

Click through to see the video.

Inspired: J.Crew Style Guide + 30% Off

J.Crew put out a new set of looks to love, and well, I love them. Here are some noteworthy pairings (with my favorites marked with a *)

And since we are talking J.Crew, I should mention they are now offering 30% off of their clearance section. (Coupon code | SHOPNOW)

Here are a few things to check out:

Sunlit Sequin Tank

Jersey Maxiskirt

Daisylace Tee

Patent Leather Skinny Belt

Painter V-Neck Cardigan in Stripe

Look for Less: J.Crew Ink-Dip Popover

I stumbled on this look for less and wanted to share:

Ink-Dip Popover - J.Crew - $72.00
Split Collar Woven Shirt - Forever 21 - $18.90

I prefer the faded quality and details of the J.Crew version, but think the F21 is a great match for the price. I especially like the bargain version in light blue. So chic.

This Week

Tate's face in this picture is killing me dead.

Here are a few things to take you into the weekend:

I am loving this new blouse (and it's on sale).

I highly recommend these smart tips for growing out your bangs without going bananas.

I desperately want these pants.

I am so impressed with DIY look for less.

I absolutely must have these wedges (preferably in gold).

PS - Don't forget to enter the Blowfish Shoe Giveaway. 

We are planning to watch a sea turtle hatching and hitting up the farmer's market this weekend. 

What are your weekend plans?

Our Life: Family Photo Shoot

I mentioned last week that we had a few family pictures taken. My friend Amy was kind enough to take them and I couldn't be happier. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

on me:

old navy button up - $12 | similar here | here | and here

charming charlie necklace - $20 | similar here | and here

shade skirt - $15 | similar here | here | and here

old navy wedges - $25 | similar here | and here

on Tate:

arizona button up - $7 | similar here | and here

carters pants - gift | similar here | on sale here

on Steve: 

tasso elba linen sportcoat - $99 | similar here | on sale here

kohls button up - $20 | similar here 

dark blue jeans - $20

lacoste sneakers - $40 | similar on sale here

Request: Keeper Chambray Shirt

My cousin, Melissa, asked if I could find a more reasonable option of this shirt for her.

{keeper chambray shirt - j.crew}

Here are my best finds:

1 • Merona Breezy Chambray Tunic • Target • $20.00
2 • Bar None Denim Shirt • BTY • $44.00
3 • Route 66 Long Sleeve Medium Wash • Kmart • $11.99 (Orig. $22.99)
4 • Tencel Denim Shirt • Chicos • $24.98 (Orig. $89.00)
5 • Lightweight Camp Shirt • Old Navy • $17.50 (Orig. $24.94)
6 • Indigo Shirt • J.Jill •$39.99 (Orig. $59.00)

Which do you like best?

Welcome Blowfish Shoes (Giveaway)

*Giveaway Closed*

I am so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor. Blowfish Shoes has a fabulous selection of stylish shoes at reasonable prices. They were kind enough to send me a pair of monica sandals.

old navy blouse - $12

charming charlie necklace - $20 (similar here | and here)

anthropologie shorts - gift (similar here)

monica sandals c/o blowfish

(The face on the left is the special goober look I save for Tate who was lurking behind the camera. 

He had to get in at least on shot, and he was not amused.)

Today I get to do one of my favorite things, offer all of you a giveaway! Blowfish is offering any pair of shoes to one lucky winner (open to US residents only).

Here are the rules:

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your first name and a valid email address so we can contact you if you win.

Each entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog.

• Like Blowfish Shoes on Facebook.

Bonus entries:
• Visit Blowfish Shoes and leave a comment listing your favorite shoes.
• Follow Blowfish Shoes on Twitter.
• Follow Blowfish on Pinterest

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, June 17, at 10 PM (Central Time).

Good luck.

Must Have: Summer Blouses

I don't know about you, but I'm already tired of sporting tees every day. It's obviously too hot to layer - unless you work in an office with A/C on overdrive. Lightweight blouses are just the thing to spruce up your summer wardrobe.

Here are my favs:

1 • Charmeuse 3/4-Tab Sleeve Top • Old Navy • $17.00 (Orig. $29.94)
2 • Smocked Floral Print Blouse • Forever 21 • $19.80
3 • Oversized Peter Pan Collar Top • Forever 21 • $19.80
4 • 3/4-Sleeve Bow-Back Blouse • JCPenney • $18.00 (updated link)
5 • Box Pleated Top • Forever 21 • $22.80
6 • Sailboat-Print 3/4-Sleeve Top • Old Navy • $14.99 (Orig. $29.94)
7 • Boxy Distressed Stripes Top • Forever 21 • $17.80
8 • Roslyn Blouse • Alloy • $19.90 (Orig. $24.90)
9 • Crepe Flutter-Sleeve Blouse • Old Navy • $19.00 (Orig. $22.94)

What's your favorite?

This Week

I took this snapshot while a friend was taking a few family pictures for us.
I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Here are a few things to take you into the weekend:

I brought this pretty little tee home with me.

I adore this vintage-inspired photoshoot.

I am admiring this dress from afar.

I can't get over how pretty this necklace is.

I am so impressed with this look for less.

We are planning to soak up some sun at Rockport Beach today. What are your weekend plans?

Inspired: Anthropologie Knit + Floral

I spotted this image on pinterest, and just fell head over heels for it. I love the oversized knit and floral pants - not to mention the windswept side braid.

{sweater | pants | necklace | bracelet}

My look for less:

Oversized Pointelle Sweater • Forever 21 • $17.80
Cropped Conversational Print Pants • Forever 21 • $24.80
Faceted Stone Bracelet • Forever 21 • $10.80
Dimpled Crescent Necklace • Forever 21 • $5.80
Adrienne Studded Sandal • Alloy • $24.90

I am especially smitten with the pants (no surprises there). What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.