Guest Post: The Brunette One

Hi, I'm Samantha from The Brunette One! I want to thank Jenny for having me guest post today! I want to share with all of you how to get the look for less! 


The newest not-so-new trend I'm falling lately is polka dots & thanks to J.Crew, I've been pining over this dress & skirt {seen here}.  And while my head tells me how much I want that pricier J.Crew number, my heart & pocket book urged me to try to find the look for less. 

This is where my new favorite store comes in - Wallis Fashion. The 'save' dress is slightly different the Big Shot dress, but it is the shape & style {dark polka dots on white} I was dreaming of.

J.Crew Big Shot Twill Dress // Wallis White Spot Dress




How to Wear:

Wallis White Spot Dress// Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunnies //ALDO Cross Body Bag // BaubleBar Bracelets {Chevron} + {Heart} // J.Crew Lena Sandals {Similar}


Which one would you pick - the splurge or the save?

Wardrobe Essentials: Classic White

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The second post in the Wardrobe Essentials series is on the classic white button down shirt. It is a staple in any closet and is so versatile (as shown above). You can dress it up or down and I love running errands on the weekend in jeans and a button down - so comfy!!

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There are so many different variations on the classic version you can definitely find one that fits your mood. They are perfect for the summer time since they are so light and breezy.  What's your favorite way to wear the style?

Wardrobe Essentials: The LBD

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This is the first edition of Wardrobe Essentials and there is no better item to start with than the ultimate classic: the little black dress. It is so easy to style and throw color on (like Laureen did of Break My Style with the aqua!) to spice the dress up. 

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These are a few of my current favorites. DVF and Nasty Gal are always at the top of my list! I love details on dresses as well. Gold studs, peplum and mesh are perfectly in right now (and always as far as I'm concerned!)  What style fits your personality?

Murder At The Mansion

These are a few of the photos I remembered to snap during our Roaring 20's party last night. It was hosted in an old mansion so the ambiance was perfection - we even played a version of clue around the house - which just happened to be my favorite childhood game. This party made me want to host a masquerade party for my next birthday! Any excuse to get dressed up right? 

My boyfriend even made top 3 dressed for the men! (You're welcome Nick!) 

Last night I decided I would be completely ok with the 20's style coming back. Happy Friday friends!

Blaze Into Summer

As the heat moves in and summer begins I always get excited about more vibrant, light clothing. One thing I do miss though are my blazers! Thus my hunt for light and fabulously colored blazers has begun.

Here are a few of my favorite inspirations:

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These are a few of my favorites out right now. I love the hot pink - would make you stand out in a second! If you feel like being daring the leopard Tibi blazer will do just the trick. The one I will have to get though is the Dorothy Perkins light pink blazer. It is just so versatile and looks just like my photo inspiration!

Let Me Hear You Roar

How gorgeous does Renee Zellweger look on this month's Harper's Bazaar Russia? Perfect inspiration for this week! Now only if I could find a turban as glittery as hers...

This week my agency is hosting a Roaring 20's party at a nearby mansion. I am so excited because the time period is so glamorous. What with the Great Gatsby being filmed and Downtown Abbey having been on for three seasons it was about time the flapper period made a comeback! I can't wait to get in fashion on Thursday. I love taking past fashions and putting on a modern twist (as these dresses above did!). Below are a few of my current favorites for anyone needing some flapper in their life!

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The Best Gift Of All

Mother's Day is this weekend and I have never been so thankful for my mom as I am now. It has officially been one year since I graduated college and truly being 'on my own' has taught me so much about life (and I told my mom I had it figured out in high school!). I have learned how hard it can be to balance work, friends, family and personal time.  I am so thankful to have been given the mom that I have.

I can thank my mom for:

1) My independent woman, 'hear me roar' streak 

2) Love of all things timeless

3) An appreciation for the small things 

4) The ability to make friends with someone in an elevator - I'm pretty sure my mom does not know a stranger!

While going through old photos last weekend I came across this card and it made me laugh!

My mom and I after a fashion show - always there for support!

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You know I couldn't leave a post without featuring some adorable gifts for moms!

Here's to amazing moms everywhere!

Met Madness

Nina Dobrev looks to die for in this stunning Donna Karen number.

Camilla Belle looks drop dead gorgeous in this sparkling Ralph Lauren number. Stunning.

SUCH high fashion. Karolina Kurkova is a knock out in this Rachel Zoe dress. I am in love with the sparkle and especially love the long sleeves. I can't get enough of the glamour!

January Jones makes this Versace peplum dress look amazing. I think I actually prefer it over Solange Knowles Rachel Roy version!

 (photos credit of Glamour)


The annual Met Gala was last night and my Twitter feed was so full of updates I'm pretty sure I didn't read about anything else (nor would I want to!). Of all the stunning images coming across these four ladies stole the show for me. If you can't tell I love sheer and shimmer when it comes to dresses. The peplum on January is so gorgeous - it makes me want to go out and grab anything and everything peplum!

I hope I can attend an event one day that this attire will be needed for! Who caught your eye? 

Neutrals & Pleats

F21 Blouse, F21 Skirt (similar), BCBG Eddah shoes, Kate Spade Ring


This weekend I wore one of my favorite skirts right now - this Forever 21 pleated color block skirt! It is so feminine and easy to wear.  The BCBG shoes give it a little edge and I think the cutouts bring out the texture in the skirt as well. 


Thanks to my boyfriend (who I asked to snap some photos) I ended up laughing most of the time! I had to include some photos he caught of me in the moment because by the end my stomach hurt from laughing so much. I hope everyone's weekend and Cinco celebrations were great!

Put Your Party Dress On

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With Cinco de Mayo this weekend I started to think about what spring dress I would be wearing. I absolutely love margaritas and guacamole (anyone that knows me can attest to that!) so I know I will be on a patio celebrating the day. I picked out a few of my current favorite dresses - I want this BCBG Maxi Dress so much! I love the color blocking and it would be perfect for the transition into summer.

What are your favorite Cinco de Mayo festivities? I hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

A Well Manicured Woman

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I am a huge fan of Pinterest and if you are on it then you know how many pins are of nails trends. I've been bored with my nails lately am deciding what I want to try next! The Ciate nail trend looks awesome (if not a little crazy!) but hey I've tried magnetic nail polish so why not go for it? 

For my nail fans - I have a new found love for Julep! The local Sephora is finally carrying the brand and I couldn't be more excited! I love their blog and Pinterest boards. Has anyone tried the matte black french manicure?

On another note, last night I began reading the Fifty Shades of Grey.  I was up way later than I usually am because I couldn't put it down! I even kept reading as I blow dried my hair this morning (whoops!). Has anyone else started the series? I can't wait to start reading it again tonight.