My Forever 21 Finds

I'm usually a fan of braving the crowds for Black Friday but for some reason, I could not motivate myself to leave the house. I decided there wasn't anything major on my list that couldn't wait till the madness died down. I did however venture out Saturday morning and wander into my local Forever 21 store. I was browsing the website the day before and had a mental list of items that grabbed my eye. Since their sizing can be a bit off for me (and since you can't return anything for a refund), I wanted to actually see these items in person before dishing out my debit card.

 

 

 

The Items I Left Behind:

 

 

High-Low Satin Pocket Top

 

This top looked like it would be a cute top to throw on and the fit was alright, but I wasn't sure I liked having a black satin square on my lady parts.

 

 

Glittered Cross Tee

 

I really loved this top - it looks much better in person than in this photo. I had it in my hands all the way to checkout but decided to pass because it was bigger than I would have preferred (it was from the Forever 21+ line). But for $12, I may just have it taken in.

 

 

Bejeweled Collar Necklace

 

I have NO idea why I left this behind. It was so gorgeous and the quality was much nicer than you would expect from Forever 21. And how perfect would this be for the holidays!?

 

 

 

The Items I Brought Home:

 

 

Buckle Tab Utility Jacket

 

I have been on the hunt for a utility/military style jacket like a crazy person! But because it's not something classic like a blazer, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it. I happened to see this on a random rack and immediately tried it on. I loved it! It's a tad bigger than my normal size but I think it will work out great with whatever I wear underneath.

 

 

Heart & O Rings (not seen online)

Round Rhinestone Ring (black)

 

 

Black Triangle Earrings (not seen online)

 

 

 

It had been some time since my last Forever 21 visit, but I was pleasantly surprised by some of the finds within the store. I think it's a great place to find some current trends at such an affordable price point!

 

 

*Not a sponsored post - just my own opinions!

Luxe for Less - J. Crew Pave Link Bracelet

Today's "Luxe for Less" post is dedicated to the J. Crew Pave Link Bracelet.

 

 

 

 

This gorgeous blinged out bracelet has been on the wrists of fashion bloggers everywhere (well except this one...she's been waiting for the price to go down a bit!). The bold links feature two shades of glass crystals and retails for $125.

 

 

You can find a really nice dupe of this bracelet at Hello Fab for $65.

 

 

 

 

Same sparkly style for about half the price!

 

Current Wants: J. Crew

I have become a recent lover of all things J.Crew. I didn't really fit their style in the past - I felt it to be too grown up, too proper, too classic, too preppy. But as I have gotten a bit older and my personal style has evolved, I have found that the reasons I stayed away from J. Crew in my twenties are the reasons I am drawing nearer to it in my thirties. I love their simple & colorful crop trousers, their lightweight sweaters & cardigans and all the ladylike touches infused in their inventory. Here the latest items I am crushing on.

 

Collection Cafe Capri in Jade Jacquard

 

 

 

Hothouse Floral Dress

 

 

 

Maddie Ballet Flats

 

 

 

Bow Coat

 

 

 

Crystal Burst Bracelet

 

 

 

Chiffon Dot Top

 

 

 

Collection Sequin Tweed Pencil Skirt

 

 

 

Collection Sasha Snakeskin Pumps

 

 

 

Cafe Capri in Tiny Dots

 

 

 

Fall Floral Crystal Necklace

 

 

 

There are about a million other items that I could have added onto this list - like this, this and especially this....wowza! - but then this wish list would be more like a wish catalog.

 

And I don't have an unlimited stash of cash to make this wish list a reality.

 

 

 

Oh J. Crew, why do you have to be so expensive?

 

 

Friday's Five

My five favorites this week...

 

 

#1 - I love this dark ladylike look by Atlantic-Pacific. It totally proves me wrong about combining navy & black together.

 

 

#2 - Maya Brenner's iconic pieces are now on BaubleBar. I totally love the state pendants & teeny, tiny initial necklaces!

 

 

#3 - Bath & Body Works "Leaves" candle. The perfect scent for fall.

 

 

#4 - My 'little' brother was in town this week and I totally enjoyed every moment we had with him. Lots of family time at our parent's house. And just before he left, we got some good news! I'll share it once I get the ok. :)

 

 

#5 - Today is "Pink Day" at work in honor of those who have battle & survived breast cancer. I'm wearing it for my mama who has survived it twice.

 

 

 

 

Shades of Grey

Jason Queen Pants / Too Faced Eyeshadow Duo / Yves Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc Handbag / Acne Canada Scarf / Miu Miu Ankle Boots / Movado Watch / House of Harlow Necklace / Belle Noel Ring /  Luciano Padovan Heels / Sweater / Earrings / Coat / Burberry Prorsum Skirt

 

Peter Pan Collars

Peter Pan collars have become a regular in the fashion scene as of late, but it's not easy to find classic pieces with this collar that will live on once this trend is behind us. Finding necklaces in this shape is an easy way to be trendy yet not be locked in forever.

 

Check out these options:

 

 

 

Topshop

 

 

Wallis

 

 

Hot Topic

 

 

Carolee

 

 

Topshop

 

 

 

 

I personally love this new trend - it's an easy way to dress up a plain dress, tee or sweater.

It adds just a touch of glam to something that may be a little less dressy on it's own.

 

 

Peter Pan collars - a do or a don't?

 

Luxe for Less - Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Love Pendant

Today's "Luxe for Less" post is dedicated to the Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Love Pendant.

This gorgeous pendant features the word love in Paloma's own handwriting. It comes in 18k gold for $650 and sterling silver for $200.

The Love Script necklace by Erica Anenberg comes in at $130 for 22k gold. I personally love it and I own it! It's worn in heavy rotation.

(*Hint - I got it for much less on Hautelook! Her designs are featured there often.)

The most affordable option featured here is this Gold Love Necklace by T+J Designs. I am a huge fan of this jewelry line (and it's founders, sisters Tiffany & Jennifer). Their option is just $28 and comes in 14k gold plated with crystals to make it even dressier!

So what's your pick?

Tiffany & Co., Erica Anenberg or T+J Designs?

Dress-y Stripes

Every once in awhile, I like to put a dress on. It's not usually my go-to uniform (I tend to feel more comfortable in pants), but I don't think there is anything more feminine than a dress. I snagged this dress from J.Crew a few weeks ago (and on sale!) and was pretty excited to throw it on this weekend. Ryan was impressed - he kept on complimenting the outfit throughout the night! Maybe I should wear dresses more often...

Dress: J.Crew (on sale!)

Cardigan: Target

Shoes: Aldo (first seen HERE)

Necklace: Stella & Dot "Metropolitan"

Bracelets: old/unknown (first seen HERE)

Ring: Erica Anenberg via HauteLook

Watch: Bulova

If you follow me on Instagram (@theprettyfactor), then you probably saw these pics too...

(Isn't my honey a cutie?)

So another outfit post. I am still not sure how I feel on doing these....but alas here it is!

Hope you had a happy weekend!

Bauble Swap by Because Shanna Said So

Can you guess what this is??

If you guessed that it's what I received in the Bauble Swap hosted by Because Shanna Said So, then you are correct!

Tasha from twenty-something. was my partner in this Bauble Swap and she sent me this gorgeous mother-of-pearl necklace!

Isn't it amazing?! Tasha purchased it in China and never got to wear it herself - I am so happy that she chose to send me her treasure! I cannot wait to wear it!

Thank you Tasha for sending this beautiful necklace my way!

And thank you Shanna for hosting such a fun swap!

 

Anchors Aweigh

Top Row, L-R:  Mini Skirt, Rope Belt, Vanity Purse
Middle Row, L-R:  Earrings, Print Short, Dress, Necklace Set, Tee
Bottom Row, L-R:  Sequin Tank, Crossbody Bag, Graphic Tank, Ballet Flats

P.S. - What do you think of my first fashion collage?

Florals for Lunch

No I didn't eat florals for lunch....I wore florals for lunch!

Yesterday we had lunch with my Mom (& Dad too) at PF Chang's for Mother's Day. The Hubs and I looooove PF Chang's. Seriously, we would have no problem eating there everyday if we could. We don't even open up the menu because we have the same order every single time. Occasionally, we try something new but that's rare. One of my favorite treats: this mini red velvet cake dessert...yum!!!

Anyways back to my outfit!

(without iPhone flash)

(with iPhone flash - the colors look brighter here!)

Dress: Old Navy

Cami: New York & Company

Cardigan: Target

Gladiator Sandals: Qupid

Gold Watch: Guess (as seen here)

White/Gold Bracelet: BaubleBar

Neon Leaf Earrings: BaubleBar

Love Necklace: (I can't remember!)

Gold Links Bracelet: Spike the Punch

Unfortunately I didn't get any shots with my Mom or Dad. I thought I took a picture of them but it's not on my phone and the one group shot the waiter took was all blurry. But I did snap this one pic of my husband & I....isn't he so cute? :)

Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day!

 

Neon Brights from Express

I was wasting spending time on Express.com (like I normally do) making my wish list of things to try on in store. I came across the tab marked "Full-On Neon" and had my eyes opened wide to all the brightly colored items available. I can't necessarily say that I am a huge fan of neon - I can appreciate the pop of neon in accessories & such - but I am not as brave to wear an outfit built upon it. Still, I found these neon brights pretty appealing.

Neon Burnout Racerback Tank

Neon 2.5 inch Shorts

Floral Mesh Strapless Dress

Zelda Colored Cropped Jean Legging

Bow Front Jelly Flip-Flop

Mini Bead Multi-Strand Necklace

Tiered Ombre Tassel Earrings

What do you think of this neon trend?

Are you in or out?