Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Thursday, June 17, 2021

LOFT Sale Top Picks

Oh heyyyyy did you miss me? I haven't been shopping much lately (in case you were wondering where my May budget post is yeeeeeek) but saw there's a huge 50% off sale at LOFT and did some serious credit card damage. I am LOVING this top in red but they were sold out in my size so I went for white (because I definitely needed another white lacy top) and obviously I couldn't say no to this beautiful swing dress... or these pretty & comfy sandals ;)

Here are all my top picks: 







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Monday, August 10, 2020

What I'm Shopping - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Today is the day that I get to access the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! This year, Nordstrom did staggered sale access based on how many dollars you drop there every year. It turns out, I drop medium dollars ;) It seems kind of silly that they set up access this way, because if they wanted to build influencer buzz, they did it 10 days too early for me and 16 days too early for the general public, who get to shop on 8/16.

Anyway, here's what's currently saved to my wishlist - now I just have to trim it down a little lot haha ;) I'm definitely going for these booties in cognac to hopefully fill a hole in my wardrobe, and I'm ordering this coat in a 3T for Mia with the hopes we'll be able to roll the sleeves and get two year's worth of wear out of it.



Are you shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year? What's on your wishlist? Do you have access yet?



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Friday, August 7, 2020

July Budget

I share my clothing budget here every month. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some people or a little to others, but for me feels just right. I include all of my clothes, coats, shoes, and accessories in that budget, but not athletic gear, pajamas, or intimates.


I always sit down to write my monthly budget posts like, "oh, I didn't buy anything this month right?" and then there are like 10 things sitting on my budget Pinterest board. But like, really, I think because we went out of town twice this month, I totally blacked out on everything I bought in July.

The standouts though are definitely the ruffle tank and these jeans! I got the ruffle tank in black and white, and I basically wear both of them once a week. So cute with skirts and pull-on shorts! And then the jeans. Omg the jeans. They might be the perfect skinny jeans. They stretch, they're amazingly comfortable, but they don't stretch out. Just calling it now, I will wear them every day this fall.

Here's the rest of the damage for July:


LOFT Striped Shorts - originally $59.50, on sale $24.75
LOFT Stitched Belt - originally $39.50, on sale $19.75
J.Crew Rain Boots - originally $68.00, on sale $34.00
J.Crew Stone Cluster Ring - originally $29.50, on sale $14.75
J.Crew Ruffle Ribbed Tank (in black and white) - originally $49.50, on sale + used rewards $17.30 x2 = $34.60
J.Crew Dot Chain Bracelet - originally $19.50, on sale $14.25.
J.Crew Stacking Ring - originally $29.50, on sale $14.75
J.Crew Jeans - originally $128.00, on sale $64.00, used rewards $59.00.

Total spent: $215.85


For August, I'm going to be shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with (hopefully) a bit of restraint. I mostly have my eye on these booties, this dress, these sneakers, and this (splurge) bag. I get access on Monday, so cross your fingers for me! If you aren't familiar, the sale opens based on your Nordstrom status on four different days, and then to the general public on 8/19 - full details here.



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Friday, July 17, 2020

Friday Finds

Happy Friday!! This one is especially happy because we are packing it up tomorrow morning and heading out of town. Every year my extended family rents a house up in Northern Wisconsin for a week of fishing, swimming, boating, and board games. This year I'm especially thankful for the tradition, since thanks to the short(ish) drive, seclusion, and extra cleaning precautions we didn't have to cancel. It's just going to be six adults and three kids this year (my brother and his family live in Japan, and thanks to travel restrictions if they came to visit this summer they would have to stay!) so it'll be a little quieter than usual, but also it's three kids ages five and under so it definitely won't be quiet! I'm hoping I get the chance to relax a little and am not just spending the whole trip making sure Mia doesn't kill herself. This week she figured out how to open the silverware drawer and grab stuff out of it even though it's over her head. Pray for us.

Here are my finds for the week:

one / two / three / four / five



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Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Lazy Hazy Crazy


Tee and Hat (identical here for $20 or with a pink brim) - J.Crew / Shorts (or similar) - J.Crew / Sandals - Target


I was looking for something on my computer this weekend and realized I never shared these photos, which if I'm remembering correctly, I took back at the beginning of May! Oh poor early quarantine Kristina, she had no idea what was in store. 

But, on the plus side, that Kristina decided during a nap time to run around and try to self timer some photos of a top that was, at the time, brand new. It's no longer brand new, but lucky for you, it is now on sale ;) I have been loving it because it is tee shirt material so it's really comfortable and feels casual, but then that lace just takes it up a notch. Just what you need for all of those video calls! It's really beautiful, and goes around the back too. 

These also are my favorite shorts of all time. I think I've been wearing them in summer outfit photos since basically the beginning of this blog, because they really are that good. (Awww little 2015 Kristina) The only difference is that this summer, I decided to unroll the hem a little. Apparently Mommy Kristina shows half an inch less leg than 24 year old Kristina. 

Wow, we've been talking a lot about various kinds of Kristina. 

Next time I write a blog post, less wine ;)





Tee and Hat (identical here for $20 or with a pink brim) - J.Crew / Shorts (or similar) - J.Crew / Sandals - Target





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Friday, July 10, 2020

Friday Finds

Happy Friday! Not a whole lot to report over here, our plans for the weekend are a social distanced birthday party for my dad and trying to figure out how to get Mia into the car without her getting carsick! Poor girl - I had extreme motion sickness while I was pregnant and seem to have passed it along to her. Any ideas besides flipping her car seat around?

Here are my finds for the week. I was refreshing my How I Packed for Hawaii in a Carry On Suitcase post because it's getting a lot of traffic again (weird, since I'm pretty sure Hawaii isn't allowing tourists right now) and found a ton of cute summer stuff.

one / two / three / four / five



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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Wednesday Finds

Oh heyyyyy! Coming in early with my finds for the week because we've got a long weekend here in the U.S.A.!! I've got a four day weekend starting in just a couple hours, so I thought I'd sign out early here too. We don't have a ton on the docket, just hitting up the zoo again (what, is twice in six days too much??) and watching the fireworks from our roof. Oh and Jeff went a little nuts and got two giant racks of ribs to grill for the two of us which could get exciting. Cheers to the long weekend, hope you're doing something fun (but safe!) to celebrate!!

Here are my finds:

one / two / three / four / five



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Monday, June 29, 2020

June Budget

I share my clothing budget here every month. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some people or a little to others, but for me feels just right. I include all of my clothes, coats, shoes, and accessories in that budget, but not athletic gear, pajamas, or intimates.


Weren't we just here?

I posted my May budget a couple weeks late, so it really feels like I just shared a bunch of purchases. Don't worry, I still managed to buy a few things since then! If you have a larger chest and are on the hunt for a new bra, I did just have to share that I just tried this one and am in love! Comfortable all day, and with the stretchy cups it's a perfect fit! Plus it's pretty, which doesn't hurt. Bras don't fit in my budgeting rules, but I thought I'd share anyway!

I'm probably most excited, you know, besides the bra, about these ruffled tank tops. I've been wearing them on my conference calls for work and have gotten tons of compliments. They're perfect tucked into a skirt or into pull-on shorts (like these).




J.Crew Ruffled Tank (purchased in black and white) - originally $49.50, on sale + used rewards $17.30 x2 = $34.60. Like I said above, so freaking cute! It's more fitted than most tees are right now, but stick with your usual size.
LOFT Straw Pom Pom Bag - originally $59.50, on sale $23.80. Helloooooo new summer bag! I didn't even realize it's a convertible cross-body, so the chain can be worn long or can be doubled for a shorter shoulder bag. I freaking love the pom poms, so cute. It's not huge, but I have enough room for my phone, keys, sunglasses (without a case), card holder, and chapstick/hand sanitizer.
LOFT Floral Pleated Shorts - originally $49.50, on sale $19.80. So adorable! I sized down because the solid black pair I got in May was stretchy and ran big, but definitely stick with your usual size! These are not a stretchy fabric. I never thought I'd be buying culottes, but you can't beat them for running after a toddler! I've been pairing them with one of the ruffled tanks or just a plain white tee. So easy and cute!
J.Crew Factory Black Denim Shorts - originally $59.50, on sale $9.95. Okay so I definitely bought these because of the sale price, but I haven't actually worn them yet. They just don't feel quite right for spring / early summer! But I have a feeling I'll get a lot of use out of them as summer winds down but the heat remains.
Daily Ritual Romper - $30.18. I realized I talked about this a couple times on Instagram but forgot to include it in a budget round up! It's so soft and comfortable, definitely my go-to for quarantine lounge wear! I suggest sizing down from your usual Daily Ritual size, it runs a little big. Mine did end up shrinking a tiny bit in the wash.
LOFT Weekend Sweater - originally $64.50, on sale $25.80. I always love a lightweight sweater with white shorts for the summer, it's perfect for slightly cooler nights.
Birkenstock Waterproof Sandal - $44.95. Oh my god I can't believe I bought these. But I'm a sucker for comfort these days, and saw a bunch of people raving about these so I caved. They're basically like Crocs, but look like a Birkenstock. I bought them specifically for wearing on our roof while we're doing water activities with Mia, and they really are so comfortable (and cute? maybe?) that I've worn them out of the house a few times too. I was worried that the white would get dirty easily, but I haven't had any issues yet. The soles are slightly darker but that's it. Just a note to go down a size! I usually wear a 10.5/11, and am in the 10-10.5 size.

Total spent: $189.08




Not bad for the month, thanks to all of those crazy sales!

I'm still looking for more easy, lightweight summer dresses (my fav for looking pulled together but still comfy during all of those video calls), but have nothing specific on my shopping list at the moment. July is usually interesting because that's when fall clothes start coming out, so we shall see - could turn into a crazy shopping month if history means anything!





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Friday, June 26, 2020

Friday Finds

Happy Friday!! This weekend we're letting Jeff's parents babysit - eeek!! It'll be our first time without Mia since the first week of March. Going to be SUPER weird but I think it will be good for her to interact with people who aren't us / deal with a little separation. I don't even know what we'll do during our baby free time - maybe go to brunch? Just sit and read in a park? Nap upstairs at Jeff's parents' house while they're with Mia downstairs???

We also got a reservation to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo (the outdoor areas are reopening this weekend!!) so I'm super excited to do something a little different! The last time we took Mia to the zoo she didn't notice the animals at all, but I think it'll be a different story this weekend. Guessing she'll just bark at everything 😂😂

Here are my finds for the week! How freaking cute is that Sunset sweater?! I keep telling myself I don't need it and I have a bunch of sweaters like it... but I have a feeling it'll be flying toward my house soon ;)

one / two / three / four / five





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Wednesday, June 24, 2020

A Summer Dress


Dress (similar dress, similar jumpsuit or a similar top) - LOFT / Sandals - Steve Madden / Bag - LOFT / Earrings (similar) - J.Crew / Sunglasses - Amazon


After just saying it had been nice not trying to shoot outfit photos all the time, it turns out we shot outfit photos! This weekend we were celebrating our wedding anniversary and Father's Day, so we decided to go out to the patio at River Valley for brunch! We hadn't been to a restaurant since March 7th, and it was such a nice change of pace. 

I was a little unsure when patios started opening up in Chicago whether I'd feel safe going to one, (especially since the corner bar across the street from us did not seem to be doing a great job with the distancing). But River Valley was awesome! They had plexiglass up to block us from people on the sidewalk, and they did a good job of actually spacing out the tables. Plus for the most part the other patrons did a good job of wearing masks when they weren't eating/drinking. Brunch tasted that much better since we've been cooking at home so much. I had to get french fries since those just aren't the same when you order takeout! 

Of course, I personally was super excited to have a reason to get a little dressed up and take my new sandals and bag out for a spin. My dress is from last fall (sorry it's old!!) but it's weirdly one of those dresses that works well in the spring, summer, or fall. I don't pick dresses often with Mia in tow, shorts are usually just more practical. But breaking out this dress made the occasion that much more fun. 

Here are a few more pretty dresses for summer: 



Are you still social distancing, or are you starting to go out and see people more? 








Dress (similar dresssimilar jumpsuit or a similar top) - LOFT / Sandals - Steve Madden / Bag - LOFT / Earrings (similar) - J.Crew / Sunglasses - Amazon





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Monday, June 22, 2020

Outfits Lately

Oh hiiiiiii!! Have you missed the STYLE part of this life & style blog?! It's actually been nice not to shoot outfits every weekend, but I do kinda miss it. I've been sharing a lot of my daily outfits on Instagram Stories instead, and thought I'd round up a few of them here for you. Good news - J.Crew and Madewell are allowing me to link stuff again, so I can share a lot more direct links than I've been sharing on Instagram!


Tee (or similar) / Shorts (I unrolled these once to get a tiny bit more length) / Mia's Romper (it came with pretty terrible bows, I snipped them off!) / Mia's Hair Bow








My best quarantine purchase - a super soft romper for lounging! Would also be cute with a denim jacket and sandals for running errands. Go down a size! 








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Friday, June 12, 2020

Friday Finds

Happy Friday again! This weekend we're planning a socially distant visit with Jeff's grandma through the window of her nursing home, and hopefully building shelves in our storage closet so there's enough room for the toddler push car I found out in the alley this week. Don't worry, alleys in Chicago are like curbs in the rest of the world, you're meant to take the stuff you find. Except for that mattress. Never take home an alley mattress.

Here are my finds for this week:


1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5



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Monday, June 8, 2020

May Budget

I share my clothing budget here every month. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some people or a little to others, but for me feels just right. I include all of my clothes, coats, shoes, and accessories in that budget, but not athletic gear, pajamas, or intimates.

Whoops, am I, you know, two weeks late with this post?

It's hard to jump back into posting when the world feels so crazy right now. Is it appropriate for me to be talking about clothes when it hasn't been business as usual and our country is busy fighting for Black lives, protesting, changing mindsets, and focusing on being anti-racist? I still don't think so, I don't really know how to go back to business as usual here. So I really apologize if this post seems tone deaf. I just really don't know what the right thing is to do.

And then I also want to apologize for not being business as usual, since a lot of these are now sold out. I will definitely try to be more on top of things in June!

So without further ado, here's what I bought in May:



Old Navy Pink Striped Tee - originally $14.99, on sale $7.98. Just a cute basic, looks great with white shorts! Size up for a relaxed fit. (worn here.)
J.Crew White Floral Dress - originally $138.00, on sale and used rewards $64.00. Just an FYI, it is a little bit of a weird shape. I got an XL (seen here) and it looks really cute from the front and back but from the side it looks huge. But the drop waist is strangely cuter than I thought it would be. True drop waists can emphasize your stomach area but this one does not.
Old Navy Striped Dress - originally $29.99, on sale $20. I've been wanting more "house dresses" for summer. You know, dresses that are so comfortable they feel like pajamas, but feel put together if you decide to leave the house. This definitely fits the bill. I got a tall and it comes to my knees (I'm 5'9"), which feels a little more like work-wear. If you want it shorter, definitely go for the regular size.
J.Crew Lace Tee (a version with just the lace sleeves) - originally $69.50, on sale $34.75. So so so so cute. This is definitely my cute tee of summer, it feels elevated because of the lace but it still is mainly tee shirt material. You will need a nude cami or something underneath because the lace v in the front goes down really low. Definitely snap this up as it is about to sell out, or grab this other version if you love the blue. (worn here.)
LOFT Pleated Shorts - originally $49.50, on sale $12.54. Okay so once you have a baby you're basically never wearing a mini skirt again, but these shorts give the look of a mini skirt but still let you bend over. Win win. Definitely go a size down as they run big. I think the black may be sold out, but they also have a cute floral pattern (that I may have also ordered!).
LOFT Floral Kimono - originally $49.50, on sale and used rewards $21.75. Super cute with white shorts, the perfect outfit topper for summer!
J.Crew White Jeans - originally $69.50, on sale $34.75. Yes, I bought another pair of white crop flares that look exactly like the pair I bought in April. But these have cute frayed hems! And also I realized once you have a toddler it definitely does not hurt to have backups for your favorite white jeans ;)
LOFT Bird Tiered Dress - originally $80, on sale and used rewards $36.75. This one is definitely sold out now, sorry friends :( (worn here.)
Old Navy Red Blue Striped Tee - originally $14.99, on sale $9.60. I love a good red white and blue stripe, so much more fun than your usual navy! Also really cute with those white shorts :) (worn here.)
J.Crew Ribbed Striped Ruffle Tank - originally $49.50, on sale and used rewards $24.70. Okay I. Love. This. Tank. It's striped, the little ruffle is adorable, and the ribbing makes it more flattering than your usual tank because it doesn't cling. This has definitely been on WFH repeat.
Old Navy Denim Shorts - originally $29.99, on sale $20.00. Super cute, but go with your regular denim size (not your Old Navy denim size).
Old Navy Tie Dye Sweatshirt - originally $34.99, on sale $20. Gah this is definitely sold out in the red, white and blue. Sorry! But there are some other patterns that are also adorable. This is not a soft sweatshirt, it feels more like terry cloth inside (but like, old terry cloth? You know, like the towels you should probably get rid of). It feels like something you should wear on a beach vacation at night. Does that make sense? Man, I really should not write these posts after having a glass of wine...
J.Crew Tiered Tee Dress - originally $49.50, on sale $24.75. Looooove this dress! It also fits into my house dress category, as it feels like pajamas but looks like so much more. I just really should not have gotten the white, as my toddler is hell bent on destroying it. (worn here.)

Total Spent: $331.57


Honestly, I'm really surprised I came in under budget. I keep opening packages of things I genuinely forgot I ordered. Mia currently has four swimsuits for this summer. Send help.

I definitely know I have these shorts and this cute pom-pom bag on the way, but who knows what else.




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