Vacation Snapshots

It's hard to believe that we only have 5 days left here in Oregon with our families - the time has certainly flown by, but we've had so much fun and made enough memories to last us until we get the chance to come back again.  Here are just a few pictures from my vacation thus far:

California lemons from my Aunt's backyard

Jumping waves on Huntington Beach with my kids

(had to borrow my husband's t-shirt halfway through the day because even with SPF 50, I was getting burned!)

Amazingly realistic backdrop for the "Cars" ride at Disneyland (which we waited in a 4-hour-long line to go on)

Exploring the Lan Su Chinese Garden on a sunny morning
{Wearing: StyleMint tee, I Heart Ronson skirt (last seen here), Target belt, Dolce Vita sandals (here or similar for less here), Tinseltown Denim Couture jacket (via TJ Maxx), c/o JewelIQ necklace (last seen here), Vintage bracelets & ring, gifted Ray Ban sunnies}

Creative photo display centerpieces at my husband's grandma's 100th birthday celebration

The coolest boardwalk in downtown Portland
{Wearing: H&M top, Mossimo jeans (similar here), MRKT wedges, c/o JewelIQ necklace, Banana Republic & Vintage bracelets}

One of the most peaceful places on earth - the front yard of my parent's 1900's farmhouse

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Dress Code: From Day to Night

For this edition of Dress Code (see previous posts here and here), we are featuring two looks each and showing how we would transition one piece from a day of shopping/hanging with girlfriends to a night out on the town.  (Kate & Katie are skipping this month but will be back with us in August!)  Take a peek at the other girls' looks here: Lynzy & Danielle...and be sure to let us know what occasions you'd like to see us cover in future posts!

When planning the day look, my number 1 rule is dressing for comfort - that means flat shoes and light layers (since the air conditioning in most stores/malls can make it quite chilly).  And for my night out look, I also want something that is easy to move in & doesn't feel restricting, but still looks polished.

After much debating & rummaging through my closet, I decided a knit sheath dress was the perfect solution for both...since it is lightweight, super-comfortable and flattering (I found mine on major clearance & plan on taking it to the tailors for a few alterations so it will fit better).  You can use this same styling idea with any shift dress you own - sleeveless, printed, etc.  All you have to bring along with you is a change of shoes, statement jewelry & a clutch and you're ready to go!

What I'm wearing:

Ann Taylor dress, J. Crew shirt (similar), Forever 21 necklace (similar) & tote (here), Old Navy oxfords (similar), Michael Kors watch, Vintage & Monet bracelets, Dockers aviators (on sale here)

What I'm wearing:

Ann Taylor dress, BCBG heels (similar), Expressions NYC Miniaudiere (similar), Forever 21 necklace (similar), Flea market ring (similar)

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Mirrored Florals

I first shared this top with you in a recent purchases post (here) and I was so excited when I found it.  I completely fell in love with these mirrored prints when they first came down the runways, but most of the pieces I'd seen online were way out of my price range.  So, the fact that this one was in a classic shell shape & under $25 made it virtually impossible to pass up.  {This is my go-to hairstyle for hot & humid summer days...it's easy to do, stays put & looks chic!} 

What I'm wearing:
H&M top & pants, ALDO pumps (here), ASOS clutch (similar), Target sunnies, Bracelets: Monet, Vintage & Banana Republic/DIY (instructions here), Nails: Sally Hansen Shrimply Devine

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Tricks & Tools

These products are definitely the less-glamorous side of fashion, but are all completely necessary at one time or another...just ask celebrity stylists!  Some of them I've been using for years and others are just recent discoveries of mine that are too good not to share.  Here's a few of my favorite tools (all under $20) for perfecting my look & protecting my wardrobe:

1) Static Guard Static Cling Spray - $3.89

2) Accessory Dots Double-Stick Tape - $2.49

3) Leather Hole Punch Tool - $16.43

4) Band-Aid Friction Block Stick - $5.99

5) ALDO Suede Protector - $10.99

6) Brighton 6" Necklace Extender - $6.00

7) ALDO Speedwell Outsole Grips - $5.79 (also in black)

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Neon Striped

This vertical striped skirt is one that I found on eBay months ago and has just sat unworn in my closet.  The neutral black/white pattern and classic pencil shape make it incredibly versatile, so I'm not sure why it took me so long to pull it out & wear it.  But, when I brought home this linen sweater, I realized the bright neon hue would strike a perfect balance with the skirt's graphic stripes.

What I'm wearing:

J. Crew sweater (here), White House Black Market skirt (via eBay), BCBG sandals, ALDO clutch (on sale here), J. Crew necklace (via eBay), Bracelets: Vintage & Forever 21, Mudd sunnies (on sale here), Nails: Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet, Toes: Essie Bikini So Teeny, Lips: Revlon Blase Apricot

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Steals Under $30

Since you all loved the "one piece, two ways" look I featured for the last SUT post (here), I decided to do it again!  This time I focused on skinny cropped trousers in a not-too-bold color that are flattering and easy to dress up or down.  As always, everything you see here is less than $30!!

1) Club Monaco Irene V-Neck Tee - $25.00

2) Mango Floral Scarf - $29.99

3) Mossimo Stretch Ankle Pant - $24.99

4) Forever 21 Peter Pan Collar Blouse - $19.80

5) ALDO Watte Tote - $19.99

6) Merona Boyfriend Watch - $16.99

7) LOFT Metallic Bangle Set - $14.50

8) PixieMarket Geometric Sunglasses - $28.00

9) Rock and Republic Pyramid Stud Earrings - $12.00

10) Tinley Road Lelina Sandals - $19.97

11) Arizona Frankie Flats - $20.00

12) Mango Quilted Messenger Bag - $29.99

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Summer Sweater

I realize this term may seem somewhat like an oxymoron, but for those slightly cooler & cloudy days, there is nothing better than a lightweight airy knit.  This one has just the right amount of stretch, slouch & sheerness to it, plus the color is so versatile.  Tuck it into a pencil skirt, layer over your swimsuit & cutoffs, or dress up with bright trousers as I did here...the possibilities are endless!

What I'm wearing:
Sweater c/o StyleGodis (here), LOFT trousers (last seen here), MRKT wedges, Vintage clutch & necklaces, Michael Kors watch, Bracelets: Tasha (similar) & Forever 21, Dockers aviators (on sale here), Lips: Revlon Lip Butter Candy Apple

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Neutralized

If you look back through my recent outfit posts, it isn't hard to see that I whole-heartedly embrace colors of every kind - whether they be bold primary shades, neon hues or pale pastels.  But every now and then, it's nice to tone things down a bit with a simple palette of neutrals - just tiny pops of color on the lips and nails + my new favorite pieces of jewelry.  Be sure to check out JewelIQ if you haven't yet - they have amazing & affordable pieces all under $25, plus free shipping!

What I'm wearing:

LOFT top (here), Vintage skirt (similar here or here), Target belt, Dolce Vita sandals (here), c/o JewelIQ necklace & bracelets (here), Rafē New York clutch (via eBay), Lips: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Rendezvous, Nails: Essie Lollipop

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A Little Getaway

I will be leaving on vacation tomorrow for 2 weeks!!  First, we are heading to California for a family reunion & the kids' first trip to Disneyland...then driving up to our home-state of Oregon to celebrate my husband's grandmother's 100th birthday.  It's been 2 years since we've gone back to visit, so I couldn't be more excited!

Most everything here at PPF will remain the same - posting will continue as usual (thank you to my husband for helping me get them all done in advance) & you can still leave comments and email me...though I may not respond as quickly as I normally do.  Also, I will be unable to update the Sales Alerts page during this time, but you can check out the fabulous See Chloe Shop - she keeps a great list of current deals on her site.  Thank you so much for your understanding and I hope you enjoy the posts I have scheduled while I'm gone!

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Bits & Pieces

Just a little glimpse at a few outfits that never made it to the blog + some of my favorite things lately.  

{I'm beyond thrilled to be guest posting on The Pink Peonies today - head over to Rachel's site & check out my go-to summer look!}

Breezy Sunday morning headed to church

{J. Crew sweater (here), The Limited dress (worn as skirt), Mossimo clutch (here), c/o  JewelIQ necklace, Tasha & Sonoma bracelets, Mudd sunnies (on sale here), Nails: Orly Lemonade}

Fun summer manicure

{Essie Bikini So Teeny + Sally Hansen Salon Effects Pink-a-Dot}

Dressing up some DIY cutoffs

{H&M blazer (last seen here; similar on sale here), Bar III top (on sale here), Mossimo/DIY shorts (similar), Michael Kors watch, Vintage & Monet bracelets}

Latest vintage finds: striped clutch + dainty necklaces

Saturday trip to the farmer's market

{Gap sweater (on sale here), Thrifted shorts (similar), Forever 21 fedora, Dockers aviators (on sale here), J. Crew & vintage bracelets}

Subtle sparkle

{L'Oreal Walk on the Beach + Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Set the Stage}

Print-mixing on an unusually cool & cloudy day

{Old Navy tank (on sale here) & cardigan (here), c/o Ann Taylor pants (on sale here), Forever 21 trench (here), Mossimo pumps, Target belt, c/o JewelIQ necklace}

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Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered my reader appreciation giveaway and thank you again for your amazing support of my site!  Our winner is...

Peggy Searcy

Congrats Peggy - I will be emailing you shortly to get your mailing address so I can send this fun package your way!  More fabulous giveaways coming in the month of August, so stay tuned...

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Buttoned Up

This trend has been around for a while now and it was one that took me a little time to warm up to.  But, I think it is a fun way to change up the look of a simple button-down blouse and the effect is very modern & chic...especially when you have a statement necklace (or two!) peeking out from under the collar.  What are your thoughts on this style & have you tried it yet?

What I'm wearing:

Moda International blouse (this season's colors here), H&M pants (last seen here; similar on sale here), Forever 21 tote (here), Mossimo pumps (on sale here), H&M necklace, Michael Kors watch, Forever 21 bracelet (here), Target sunnies, Lips: L'Oreal Colour Riche Volcanic, Nails: Orly Lemonade

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PPF Wish List

Today I thought I would share with you the items that I'm loving right now & my method for keeping an eye on them until a sale pops up!  When I am browsing online and find a piece that I love but isn't in my price range, I save the link as a favorite bookmark into a folder labeled "Sale Stalking".  Then I go back and regularly (about once a week) check those items to see if they've been marked down yet.  Also, because I update my Sales Page every day, I am always aware of discounts/deals being offered at all my favorite stores, so that helps me too.  

It doesn't always work - there are times when I've waited for a sale/markdown to buy something and by the time it's affordable for me, my size is all sold out.  And there are times when that's happened and I've lucked out & found that same piece months later on eBay for less.  But, it's all part of the game when you're budget-shopping!  So, with that being said, here are the things I'm currently wishing for & watching closely (note: with the current J. Crew sale, I'm seriously debating pulling the trigger on #3 and/or #9)...

1) Me Too Patty Flats - $58.90
2) Elaine Turner Bella Linen Clutch - $82.50

3) J. Crew Stripe Linen Sweater - $59.99 (extra 40% off with code OURTREAT)
4) Tinley Road Faux Leather Peplum Top - $89.00
5) Zara Side Studded Trousers - $79.90 
6) Gap Scalloped Lace Mini Skirt - $89.95 (15% off with code GAPGIFT)
7) Type Z Lark Flats - $70.99
8) Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Shift Dress - $78.75
9) J. Crew Cafe Capri in Silk Foulard - $129.99 (extra 40% off with code OURTREAT)

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At the Beach

I was born & raised in Oregon, where the beach was just a short drive away.  The ocean water was usually freezing cold and the wind brisk, but I have so many fond memories of family day trips there - jumping waves, building bonfires and watching the sunset.  Now that we live in upstate New York, this is the closest beach that we have.  Being a lake-front instead of the ocean means it isn't quite the same, but it's still a fun place to come spend the day.  And every time I watch the kids playing in the sand & splashing in the water, it brings to mind all those special moments I had growing up.

What I'm wearing:

Ya Los Angeles dress c/o KiwiLook (here or here), Forever 21 shirt (similar), Dolce Vita sandals (here or similar for less here), Bracelets: Vintage, ASOS, Express (here), Dockers aviators (on sale here), Lips: Revlon Colorburst Coral

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