Summer Shopping List

Summer is right around the corner and like every season, there are a few items I just can't wait to add to my wardrobe. Besides denim shorts, tees, and maxi's, these are the five items I will be picking up for the warmer months:

[Featured]: TUNIC: The Webster at Target $29.99, ESPADRILLES: ASOS $13.92, DRESS: American Eagle $49.99 BLAZER: Ralph Lauren, NAIL POLISH: Essie $8

1. Tunics: When I shop or browse online, I noticed I  have been gravitating to tunics in bold, fun prints. I imagine them simply with a pair of shorts and a flat sandal for a casual day out. 
2. Flat espadrilles: Espadrilles are the footwear of summer. Lots of walking make a flat pair an essential for my summer wardrobe.
3. Lace/crochet tank dress: I love the LWD (little white dress) for summer. I like the idea of one that is crochet or lace (that's not too heavy) for a simple summer look. My favorites are this lace dress and this crochet dress from American Eagle and this crochet LC Lauren Conrad dress from Kohl's.
4. Navy blazer: I love the nautical look and have always wanted a navy blazer with gold hardware. I think I will pick up this one from The Webster at Target.
5. Essie nail polish: Hello. My name is Alyssa and I am (severely) addicted to Essie nail polishes. It seems that every time I go to to Target, I can't help but browse (and often buy) a new polish. To make matters worse, I just found out that Macy's is now carrying Essie as well. I am owning it and adding these two new colors (Going Overboard and Cute as a Button) for a fun pop of summer color.

What are you looking forward to purchasing this season?

Finally...

(my grad dress, the colors of my hood, program,  tassel)

This week has been such a whirlwind of events and emotions. I can't believe that I have finally graduated from college with my B.S. in Business Management and Marketing! The last few years have been tough, but in a strange way, I am grateful for all of the struggle. For once, all the phrases I hear about perseverance and learning from life experiences don't sound like a cliche, but the truth. I have learned and grown so much in the last few years that even though it was tough, I don't think I would change the way it all happened. It was great to spend the day with my family, who has been there every step of the way, and given me so much support. I am so lucky and blessed to have them in my life. 

I will probably have pics of my grad dress up next week. Until then, have a great weekend everyone! 

Currently Loving: Mint

Do you ever find yourself loving a color and not even realizing it?  I have always loved the Essie shade "Mint Candy Apple" and over the last few weeks, I have noticed my love of the color has grown significantly. It should not come as a shock that when I went shopping today, two of the three clothing items I bought were shades of mint. Of course the color love has spread from clothing to decor and yes, to food (the amount of mint in my fridge right now is a little much.) What can I say? I can't get enough.

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What colors do you find yourself gravitating to lately? 

Adventures in Bra Fitting

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Back in March when I had spring break, there were two things that were absolutely imperative that I had to do: sleep and get fitted for a bra. I have known for some time (read since last September, at least) that I was in desperate need of new bras, yet what put me off from the process was because it is just that, a process. But since spillage is annoying and not cute, I mentally prepared and set out on my adventure. 

And so it begins.

My plan was to go the department store I have been going to get fitted and buy bras from for years.  However, before I got there, I got the feeling that it just wasn't going to be a good experience. After finding the less-than-enthusiastic-about-anything sales associate, my doubts were confirmed when she measured me and told me my new bra size...the same ill-fitting size I was wearing. I thanked her for her time and waked away baffled. Not that she got the same bra size but at the way she measured me. I am no rocket science but measuring the bra cup? That doesn't make any sense. Determined to complete the task at hand, I came up with a plan b: Nordstrom.

As I made my way to the lingerie department, I was hesitant, yet optimistic. The bra fit specialist (BFS) greeted me warmly and after I told her what I was there for, she gave me a quick rundown of the process and then took me into a fitting room. To measure me, she had me remove my shirt, and measured me in just my bra, much more practical than the other "fitter." Next, to ensure I got the best fit, she brought in two bras of two different sizes for me to try. After trying them both on, she determined my correct size. To be honest, I was shocked when she told me the size, but looking in the mirror in the test bra, I knew it was "the one."

Once my size was determined, it was time for the fun: finding fabulous new bras! The BFS was fantastic because she picked up on my style right away and brought me a bunch of bras in different styles and colors, all while explaining how to properly care for them etc. The other thing I really loved was about halfway through the process, the BFS brought in a fitted tank top for me to try on with the bras to see the difference. It was like night and day. I looked taller and leaner. And they were so comfortable! Dispelled was the myth (in my head anyway) that a proper fitting bra would be uncomfortable. 

After all the bras were tried on, the BFS left me alone (no pressure, thank God!) to pick out my favorites. The ones that I tried on and loved/bought were the plunge underwire by Freya, this sassy balconette by Panache, and this convertible t-shirt bra by Chantelle. I couldn't be happier with my picks and how the entire process went. I highly recommend going to Nordstrom to get fitted and for fabulous new bras. You will not be disappointed.

*all views expressed in the post are solely my own and based on my own experience. I had to share because it was just so amazing!