Fall Booties

I'm loving booties this fall. I always love pulling out my boots in the fall and winter to warm up my freezing toes. I love that they dress up an outfit but are still comfortable to wear all day long.

Three of my favorite looks are these...

1. Trolley boots. These might be the perfect fall boots for me this season. I love that they have a classic, sophisticated look but could easily be dressed down for a more casual look.

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2. Ramiro boot. I have been dying for a pair of glitter heeled boots since I first saw these appear on fashion blogs and pinterest last winter. They would be so fun to pair with jeans for a night out or even a simple coffee date.

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3. Phillip boot. I stumbled upon these at Nordstrom and love the rustic, woodsy feel and look of these Frye boots. And there is nothing rustic, woodsy, or outdoorsy about me, but I still love them. I wouldn't mind any pair of Frye boots while we're talking about them.

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These are a few of my picks for this season. What boots are you loving? 

Cyndi arrived!

Remember when I told you about Better Life Bags and how much I love them? I received my Cyndi bag and absolutely love it. It is gorgeous, the perfect size, and I love who I'm supporting: local women in Detroit in addition to low income entrepreneurs in developing countries.

I ordered the Cyndi, chose custom colors for the outside and inside, chose the brown leather option, and added an inside zippered pocket. The quality of this bag is amazing. The leather is incredibly soft and durable and the size is perfect for toting items without becoming a massive grab-all bag. 

I originally ordered this bag as a "work" bag but have been using it everywhere I go.

Carrie - Better Life Bags

And if you follow Better Life Bags on IG then you know that she just released the newest bag "Carrie" that's a cross body bag. I'm in love with it. I'm hoping this beauty will be under the Christmas tree this year. *hint hint*

This review includes all of my own opinions. Better Life Bags has no idea who I am.

June Stitch Fix

I shared with you my first Stitch Fix box and the disappointment that came with it. But thankfully, a little referral credit built up, so I decided to give it another try. My second box was much improved on the sizing and style.

I did forget to write the names of the items down. #bloggerfail.

This top was a great fit and similar style to something I'd pick, but I just didn't think that it would get enough wear. Being a nurse, I never dress up for work, even when we have meetings it's pretty casual and this isn't exactly what I would wear for a date night. But if I was in a more dressy job, I would have kept it. Returned.

This navy and red striped top was incredibly comfortable. I loved the material and the sleeves were cut slightly dolman which was a nice change. I liked it but wasn't in love. Returned. 

For this box, I specifically requested to not receive anything outside of my comfort zone. These are most definitely outside of that zone. White stars with tears? Definitely not my style. The fit was ok, so it's too bad they weren't a dark wash. Returned.

This flower necklace was cute but it felt very cheap. Like something I'd buy off of Very Jane for $10 but it was $35. Returned. 

This top I loved as soon as I opened the package. This is my color. I have a few tops in this shade but nothing exactly like this.

I love the eyelet. It creates a delicate, sweet look and the side detail is precious. Thanks IG friends (aileenpp) for convincing me to keep it.

Overall, I was impressed that everything in this box fit and most of the items are things that I would consider wearing. I'm now considering getting another box to try.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? Here's an invite in case you're intrigued.

Fair Trade Fashion

I have been slowly getting through 7: A Mutiny against Excess. It is definitely a hard read, not because it's difficult to physically read, but it's extremely challenging and thought provoking. Through this book, I have been challenged to think differently about how much I have been blessed with in life.

I've been challenged to start making purchases that support fair trade and women and wanted to share three businesses for today's Wearable Wednesday.

FashionABLE works with women in Africa helping to create sustainable business to fight against poverty.  Purchasing a scarf is a great investment in others' lives, and I'll be making my first purchase when we get home.

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Noonday supports raising money for adoptions and providing funds for orphan care. They have fabulous jewelry as well as bags, scarves, and home decor items.

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I am in love with Better Life Bags and have my eye on the "Molly" bag that can be customized. It is the perfect size and shape for around town, traveling, or for going back and forth to work. And this bag is made all the sweeter because it supports low income workers in Detroit with other giving to entreprenuers in developing countries.

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You should check these shops out and support their causes!

Clothing & Accessory Blog SALE!

I'm so excited to co-host this blog sale with Ashley and shop your closets! And I hope someone will be able to use items I have loved.

To sell your items, link up with your blog post below! Be sure to include photos of each item and sizes, whether it's jewelry, accessories, shoes, or clothing, with your price. Please be clear with your buyers about what form of payment you're accepting and whether shipping is included. And please remember to link back to Ashley and me, so we can reach more shoppers.

I've posted lots of clothes, so let me know if you're interested by leaving a comment or emailing me at sparklysweetblog@gmail.com. Just remember, I will only be accepting payments through PayPal.

Happy Shopping!

Target Mossimo
size: S
$15 + shipping

Gap jacket
size: XS
$15 + shipping

Lucca top
size: S
$10 + shipping

Target Mossimo top
size: XS
$5 + shipping

Target: Mossimo Tissue Tee
size: M
$5 + shipping

Kohl's: Lauren Conrad top
size: S, new with tags
$10 + shipping (originally $40)

Kohl's top

Old Navy navy turtle neck
size: S
$3 + shipping

Banana Republic ruffle cardigan
size: Petite Small
$20 + shipping

Target Mossimo short black cardigan
size: S
$8 + shipping

Target Merona green casual pants
size: 6
$10 + shipping 

Target Mossimo gray cardigan
size: XS
$10 + shipping

Target Mossimo stripped 3/4 length top
size: S
$8 + shipping

Target Mossimo long sweater
size: XS
$8 + shipping

Bill Levkoff Style 110, color: Pewter
size: 2, worn once
alteration done: extra fabric behind shoulder removed
see here for more photos
$80 + shipping (paid $215)  

Gap grey dress
size: 2
$10 + shipping

Target Mossimo polka dot dress
size: XS (but fits like a small)
$15 + shipping 

Target Mossimo brown dress
size: S
$10 + shipping 

Old Navy yellow and navy dress
size: XS (worn twice)
$15 + shipping 

Melissa Sweet gold dress (strapless)
size: 4
$50 + shipping 

Gap black strapless dress
size: 6
$15 + shipping 

Ashley and I are not responsible for any sales conducted through other blog posts.

Clothing Sale

If you're like me, I've been looking for great deals on spring outfits. What better way than to search through your favorite blogger's closets?

Next Wednesday, May 8th Ashley and I will be hosting a blogger clothing sale link-up. 

The Link-up: 

This is a great opportunity to clean out your closet and sell gently used or new women's clothes, jewelry, shoes, or accessories. Simply take photos of your items and write a blog post to link-up with us. 

How you sell your items (whether you use PayPal or another form), it is up to you. If you're interested in swapping with someone else for items, that is again up to you! Just be sure to note in the post whether or not shipping is included. 

So, get your closets ready for Wednesday, May 8th!

Ashley and I aren't responsible for any sales conducted through other blog posts.  

Stitch Fix

I promised to share my Stitch Fix and am finally getting around to doing it for today's Wearable Wednesday. 

I received four clothing items and one necklace in my first package. 

First up was a floral wrap style dress. In the online form, I specifically requested not receive anything with floral, but I tried it anyway to see if I liked it. You can't really tell in this but the top was way too big, and it highlighted my hips which is not something I'm into highlighting.

I tried it with a blazer and heels, as they suggested, and liked it more but not enough to keep it.

This top would have been a keeper except that just like the dress it was too large. Seemed to be a problem with my fix this time.

While I love chambray, I hated this top. It was my least favorite of the clothing pieces. I know some of you are into the tying of the shirt but it takes me back to middle school, and I just can't embrace this style.

My favorite item was this dress, and I really appreciated your comments on IG (aileenpp). I almost kept this one but a few people mentioned that it looked too big on top and that the side pockets made the dress look disproportional. I re-tried the dress on and completely agreed. I wanted to love this one because of the polka dots and the fabric was soft and light, but I didn't want to invest more money into alterations.

So, I ended up not keeping anything from my fix. To be honest, I was a little disappointed because I've seen so many girls with fabulous pieces in their fixes. I just didn't love that everything was too large on top and most of the pieces just weren't "me". Even though this fix wasn't the best, I'd like to give it another try and hope for a few keepers next time. Have you tried Stitch Fix? Did you love and keep any of your pieces?

Warby Parker

I love the idea TOMs has about buying a pair and giving a pair of shoes.

Warby Parker has the same idea except with glasses. I love this concept because I'm super blind without my glasses, so I'd love to give a pair to someone else with my purchase.

I love Warby Parker for a few reasons...

1. They are very affordable at $95 per pair with the possible $35 extra if you have terrible eyes like me and need the recommended slimmer glass.

Mallory

2. Warby Parker offers a wide, stylish variety of glasses.

Ballard

3. You can order five In-Home try on pairs for five days. Here are the five that I chose...

Benson

Downing

I currently wear a black pair of glasses that are smaller and more rectangular, so I was looking for something a little more hipster. My friends help push me outside my style box, so I went for it.

Ainsworth

Which one do you like best?

I placed my Warby Parker order and hopefully will be getting my new frames soon!

This is my own opinion and I wasn't sponsored to write this post.

Easter Wear

The days are getting longer, the sun is warming us up more, and there are scents of spring on its way.

This year for Easter, I'll be working, but if I wasn't I would love to wear one of these cute dresses to church on Easter morning. 

(Well, I might still go but don't judge because I'll be wearing scrubs and have tired eyes from night shift). 

I love this precious mint dress that looks so comfy and light, plus if you haven't heard mint is the color for spring this year.  

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I love the lace on the hem of this dress; it's a little bit dressier for afternoon lunch with family and friends.

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While black might not be everyone's first choice for Easter morning, I can't help but love the chevron and how classic the white and black are together.

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I'm usually not a huge floral girl, but I love this fun, bright dress. It would be perfect for Easter morning.

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And who wouldn't want their Easter date to be dressed to a T as well? I'm loving Vinyard Vines' bow ties, especially this Easter bunny one. I'd love to see the chef in one for Easter service

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