Style Challenge & A Giveaway Part 1

Free People Dress | Alternative Apparel Bag | Restricted Footwear Wedges (gifted) | Warby Parker Sunnies (gifted) | Color by Amber Cuff (gifted) |

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

Restricted Footwear and MSV have teamed up for a 4 week Spring trend challenge. With  four shoes to work with, I'll be showing you my four favorite trends of the season. So be sure to check back each week to see! This week's trend is one of my favorites, boho. It's definitely my go to look in the Spring time.

And lucky you (actually four of you!), you get a chance to win one of the shoes featured. All you have to do is like Restricted Footwear and My Style Vita on Facebook. Giveaway ends on June 20th at midnight. US residents only, must be 18 years or older to enter.

Bonus points for following us both on Twitter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Lessons To Be Learned

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography
 

Being presented with a style challenge from TJ Maxx has taught me many things from how to be a better stylist to how to master a discount store. I have to be honest here, I was never a discount shopper. I think I strolled into one every few months only to get frustrated and storm out and headed to the nearest boutique for perfectly merchandised clothing.

However, I learned some very valuable lessons on this journey that I thought I'd share.  Discount stores don't have to be stressful or intimidating. As a matter of fact I found some amazing pieces that I'm really excited about thanks to this challenge.  Here are my 5 no fail tips to conquering a discount store.

1. Grab one to two sizes in everything - Discounters receive inventory from companies for many reasons and fit can sometimes be one of them. This doesn't mean the clothing won't fit you right, it just means you may need to go up or down a size to find the PERFECT fit. So be sure to grab at least two of something if they have it. You'll be more likely to find the right size this way.


2. Shop The Perimeter FIRST - Just like a grocery store, the perimeter of a discount store is the sweet spot. This is where the new product is and it's usually merchandised nicely with other pieces. You'll get more of a department store experience by doing this first. Head into the middle when you're ready to dig.


3. Get Friendly With the Store Clerk - Have no shame in asking the check out lady when they get their shipments in.  This is key to finding the BEST stuff first.  My Tj Maxx gets a new shipment on Fridays, so when I remember, I head there on Friday versus any other day to make sure I'm seeing what's new.


4. Shop In Order - Leave the shoes, accessories and home stuff for later. You can't take it in to the fitting room anyway so focus on clothing first. Try it on, figure out what you like, then head to the other departments.  Breaking it up will seem less daunting, plus you'll be able to match your new bag and new shoes to your new outfit. A better way to get more for your money if you ask me.  


5. Bring an Assistant Friend - Sometimes I like to think my bestie over at One Life, Balanced is my assistant, but she's really just in it to borrow my clothes.  But trust me, you need someone with you to help you make better decisions. You can easily get excited over a heavily discounted item, but it may not fit right or be worth the splurge still. Having a friend with you to keep you in check is a great way to find pieces you'll love forever. 

See all my TJ Maxx looks here.

These are some of my favorite tips for shopping in discount stores. How do you stay on track and don't end up with the wrong items?

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Currently Coveting | Everything Bailey 44

I recently started following Bailey 44 on Instagram and noticed that everything that they post I'm obsessed with   It seems like their entire collection is full of black and white color-blocking which always gets me excited. Their dresses are stunning and simple, but can easily transition from day to night. This color-blocked shift dress from Bailey 44 is the perfect dress for so many reasons. Wear it as is to make a bold color statement or add a leopard belt, boots, sandals, whatever. I truly can't think of any way NOT to wear this. Add tights and boots for fall and voila. This little shift is a must for every closet and won't put a huge dent in your wallet.

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Instagrammed

Even though Instagram generates ZERO traffic to my blog, it's by far my favorite social media platform. I think because it keeps peoples opinions away and simply is a vehicle for pretty photos, it's become my favorite. Here are a few highlights from this week And don't forget to follow me on instagram HERE!

1. A muddy mess at the Shaky Knees Festival with some friends.

2. Celebrating Cinco di Mayo with Nugget, my niece.

3. More Cinco shenanigans at El Taco with the bestie.

4. Celebrating birthdays with Grandma and my big sister.  This was my first baked Alaskan and it was AMAZING.

5. Writing some overdue thank you notes with my Breathless Paper Co. cards (courtesy of).

6. Received a fabulous chevron clutch courtesy of a local blogger/designer Pocket of Presh.

7. Checking out some designer dresses at the Rent The Runway event last night.

8. Sporting a new anchor necklace courtesy of Hearts.com. Use code MYSTYLE30 for 30% off your entire purchase!

9. A slew of new Sally Hansen nail polishes, lip color and NYC goodies too. Officially painting my nails on my lunch break today.

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You're Invited | lululemon Event

FINALLY! I'm so excited to announce this amazing event I'm hosting with  my blogging friend (and actual friend) Rachel of One Life, Balanced on June 2nd. The few things that make me happy in life are CrossFit, tequila and animals.  So I'm happy to announce that this event will encompass all of these things and more.

Head on over to lululemon at the Howell Mill location in West Midtown on June 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm to enjoy complimentary Sinless Margaritas, Cawoods Nuttybutter samples all while shopping the latest arrivals at my favorite place, lululemon.  But wait, there's more...

We don't want you to leave empty handed, so two lucky shoppers will win a goody bag filled with Cawood's Nuttybutter, Sinless Cocktails mix and a $75 gift card to lululemon. Yes I suppose there's a catch. In order to be entered to the raffle, you will have to purchase a $1 raffle ticket. 100% of the proceeds of this raffle will be remitted to the Atlanta Humane Society. So you'll be saving puppies! Yay! There is no maximum raffle tickets you can buy and all donations are welcome.

Hope to see you there!

RSVP by emailing me HERE.

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