Bootie Dilemma: Save or Splurge?

Perfect, right? I fell in love with them the moment I spotted them in a Piperlime ad mailed to my house. That ad had a 20% off coupon attached, so I just knew I could make these booties mine. With the discount, the total comes to $228. Now, if I wanted to return another pair of shoes I bought recently with some birthday money (ahem, Rachel Roy), I could certainly have them. But I haven't made that decision yet. While exploring other options, I came up with these less expensive alternatives that are worthy of consideration.

1. Dolce Vita $88 // my final price: $20

2. Dolce Vita $99 // my final price: $29

3. Sam Edelman $130 // my final price: $54

4. Dolce Vita $190 // my final price: $100

All of these are available on Amazon, which bodes well for me. I also have a 20% off coupon for Amazon, plus a $50 gift card.

I can't decide if it's a good or bad thing that I over analyze things like this. I may end up not being able to get the Hudson's out of my head, thus returning the Rachel Roy's to be able to buy them. Or I maybe I choose the most reasonable option and settle for one of the alternatives. 

What do y'all think? Do you love the Hudson's? Do you love the Rachel Roy's? Do you think any of the alternatives would be a good decision?

A Few of my Favorites: Hair, Skin, & Nails

Pureology 'volume' shampoo & Pureology 'hydrate' light conditioner: I use a volumizing shampoo and a hydrating light conditioner every other day. I've had to train myself not to wash my hair every day (it's still hard!) and I like Pureology because it doesn't leave my hair feeling weighed down. My hair tends to get oily, so it's important for me to use a conditioner that conditions without making it greasy.

Moroccan Oil hairspray: Hairspray is the only product I regularly use in my hair. I'm fortunate to have manageable hair without tons of product, so after shampooing and conditioning, all I do is blow dry it, style it, and set it with Moroccan Oil spray. It has a strong but flexible hold and doesn't make my hair crunchy or sticky.

Lush cuticle cream: I discovered Lush while on vacation in Chicago this past July. We were at the Benefit counter and couldn't help but notice there was quite a ruckus happening across the aisle. Naturally, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and walked out with a purchase! This cuticle cream was just what my dry, cracked cuticles needed! I use it at night when I get in bed. Bonus: It smells incredible!

Mac wipes: I'll let you in on a little secret: I hate washing my face at the sink. I use a facial cleanser when I wash my hair in the shower, but since I don't wash my hair every morning or ever at night, these Mac wipes have been my saving grace. It's so easy to wipe all over my face and they even take off my eye makeup. I've been using them for years!

Benefit total moisture: This has got to be the best moisturizer on the market. I am obsessed with it! It smells AMAZING and leaves my face feeling incredibly soft. I mainly use it as a night cream because it's kind of thick, but I've started to use it some mornings, too. The only problem is, I never want to put makeup on over it! My face just feels too clean and soft! Like my hair, my skin is also very oily, which has made it difficult to find a moisturizer that doesn't make it even more oily. Benefit's description says it's intended for normal to dry skin, but my oily skin loves it too!

Aveda hand relief: Hip hip hooray for Aveda products! They're the best! In fact, I should probably try more of their products... They just smell so good AND they work! I love this lotion because it has a subtle scent that isn't overpowering. Here's another little secret. I hate lotion. I have tons of it, but hardly ever use it. I just hate the greasy feeling lots of other lotions leave. This Aveda lotion isn't greasy, which makes it a win in my book! Especially when it comes to my hands, I don't want to feel like I can't touch anything after I apply lotion. This soaks in within a few minutes and my hands feel instantly softer!

I would love to hear some of your favorites!

*These are products that I love and use regularly. I was not compensated in any way for sharing my opinions. I genuinely enjoy sharing about outstanding products that work for me :)

Style Inspiration

Sweatshirt $118, Pants $98, Flats $298

Is fall fashion not the best? Everyone knows the September issues of fashion magazines can't be missed and the new J. Crew style guide did not disappoint. I think I flagged almost every other page! This look in particular stood out to me, and although the total cost tops $500, I think I've found a near identical alternative for less than $100! That means, instead of buying just the J. Crew camo pants, you can buy alllll this... and still look like you stepped out of a magazine.

Forever 21 sweatshirt, ReWash pants via Macy's, Gap flats

August Shopping

My birthday was a couple weeks ago, and I'm still trying to decide what to spend my birthday money on! Why is it when I don't have money, I want SO many things... Yet when I do have some money at my disposal, it takes me forever to decide what to spend it on! Please tell me this happens to you, too. There's something about the feeling of having that money to do with what I please and not wanting that to end! Because when it's gone, it won't come back until Christmas. So, I need your help! What would you spend your birthday money on (if your birthday was in August)? Would you scour the summer sales or dip into the new fall arrivals?

Look For Less: Ankle Boot Edition

DV by Dolce Vita // Rag & Bone 

You can't go wrong with a good ankle boot. They go with anything, from dresses to jeans and can take you though fall, winter, and spring-- at least in Tennessee. I have one pair, last seen here, but I can't rule out purchasing a second pair in black. I'm not usually one to gravitate toward black, but this pair from Dolce Vita incorporates a little cognac, which I can never resist. Plus, they're a dead ringer for one of the most coveted ankle boots, the Harrow by Rag and Bone. If you're looking for some even cheaper, this pair, also from DV, are really similar! I also have my eye on these-- They look so comfortable! 

I know it's not technically fall until the end of September (and probably won't feel like fall in Memphis until October), but I can't help but drool over all the new fall arrivals that are out already! It's my favorite season!

Nothing like a good deal to get my blogging mojo back, huh? :) 

Summer Beauty

 In the past couple years, I've toned down my makeup routine quite a bit. I don't really know what caused the change, but I think it might something to do with having to wake up early for this big girl job I have. Less time on makeup = more sleep! Especially in the summer, my makeup routine is super simple and natural. Today I'm sharing my favorite products that I use on a daily basis! 

Face: neutrogena oil-free mouisture // benefit "boi-ing" concealer // mac mineralize bronzer

I've been using neutrogena's moisturizer for years and I love it. It's light, non-greasy, and has a little SPF to protect my face. Since I don't like wearing foundation in the summertime, a good concealer to cover imperfections is crucial. I just ran out of my mac concealer, and I'm planning to try benefit's "boi-ing" next. To finish off my face, I dust a little bronzer all over to warm up my complexion.

Eyes/Brows: too faced brow pencil // benefit "they're real" mascara

For me, my stand-out features are my eyes and brows. I don't wear eyeshadow or eyeliner daily, but I always have to shape my brows and put on mascara. I use too faced's brow pencil in "blondey" which is a few shades lighter than my natural brow color. For my lashes, I always curl them first and then add 1-2 coats of "they're real" mascara by benefit. It really helps lengthen my lashes but isn't too much for a natural look. (I am looking for another mascara that adds dramatic volume for those times I want a more glam look. I need recommendations!)

Lips: fresh sugar lip balm

Lastly, I usually swipe on sugar lip balm from fresh, which gives a light color and extreme moisture. Occasionally, I'll switch that out for a bright lipstick. It helps me feel a little more put together but not overly so in the summer heat. :)

What are your summer beauty must-haves? I'd love to hear your beauty recommendations!

* I was not compensated by any brand for this post. I use and love all of these products and wanted to share them with you!

Designer Necklace Giveaway from Belcho USA

Belcho USA textured bar necklace

I'm so honored to introduce to you Belcho USA, whose dainty & feminine jewelry is handmade in Los Angeles, CA. For every piece sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to various animal rescue groups and St. Jude Research Hospital. That alone is enough to make Belcho USA a winner in my book! I've been on the hunt for dainty necklaces to wear in the summer, so their textured bar necklace turned out to be a perfect fit for me! I can imagine wearing it with flirty dresses and cotton tank tops alike. 

I'm happy to announce that Belcho USA would like to give away one of the textured bar necklaces to one of my readers!

Requirements:

Follow The Sequined Spaniel via Bloglovin'

'Like' The Sequined Spaniel on Facebook

'Like' Belcho USA on Facebook

Leave a comment stating that you completed these requirements and be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Extra Entry:

Follow The Sequined Spaniel on Twitter

Follow Belcho USA on Twitter

Leave another comment letting me know you completed both requirements for an extra entry.

This giveaway is open to all U.S. residents and will conclude on Tuesday July 9th at 11:59 pm CST. 

The winner will be selected at random and will be announced here on Wednesday July 10th. 

And the winner is... Jessica from Poppies and Polka Dots! Congratulations! 

Thank you to all who entered!

J. Crew Mari Sandals

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you know that I got an amazing deal on the pink J. Crew Mari sandals... As in, 74% off the retail price of $228... My total price was only $60! I was so unbelievably excited! J. Crew has the best customer service! They arrived only 2 days later and as soon as I put them on my feet, I fell in love. The kind of love that makes me buy them in another color, the portabello mushroom, which is a neutral tan color. And the best part? I got them for only $40! That's more than 80% off! (This is the kind of math I can do...) 

Wanna know the secret? 

For the pink pair: I saw them online on sale for $179 and they had a 25% off promotion going on at that time. I went to Google to learn more about the fit and found out that they were marked down even more in-store. I called customer service and they honored the in-store price of $69 and also took off 25%. They did charge $5 for shipping, but I didn't complain! Total price: $60!

For the nude pair: I went to the store and used the red phone to order these. They are still full price online, but they gave me the same sale price of $69 and at that time, all sale items were an additional 30% off. I also got a 15% student discount. Total price: $40! 

Have y'all found any unbelievable J. Crew bargains lately? When I went to the store this past weekend, they had SO much on sale. I almost left with a $28 pair of yellow Cece ballet flats (which are also still full-price online) but I reluctantly walked away from them. 

Now THAT is self control. 

Designed for Good + Cutest Pet Contest!

Y'all know how much I love my dogs. One look at my Instagram feed and you'll be convinced. When Bella was a puppy, I would literally rock her to sleep at night like a baby and carefully lay her inside her kennel. And she also had a real baby playpen she used for about two months (until she learned how to climb out). While she's three years old now, she'll always be my little baby Bella even though she doesn't particularly enjoy being rocked to sleep anymore. Instead, she has no problem falling asleep in bed with us, usually hogging my pillow. When Bentley came along last year, I couldn't have predicted how different he would be. He's the sweetest little boy but unlike Bella, he still wants to be held all the time and struggles with trusting strangers. They both have such sweet yet different personalities. I really don't think of them as dogs. They're members of our family as much as human children are.

Dogs are forever trusting, loyal, forgiving, and loving no matter what. I'm so passionate about animals and hate seeing strays or hearing terrible stories about abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Or even worse, animal testing.

I don't understand why innocent animals have to endure such cruelty when there are alternative methods. I don't understand because I can't identify with heartless people who harm animals. While I can't stop companies from animal testing, I can support companies that make it their mission to provide products not tested on animals, contain no animal by-product, and are pet friendly. Enter Method.

Method is in business to change business. Their challenge is to make sure that every product they send out into the world is a little agent of environmental change, using safe and sustainable materials, manufactured responsibly. And that also means no animal testing.

Method believes that guinea pigs should never be used as guinea pigs. That’s why they never test any of their products or ingredients on animals, never use animal by-products, and make products that are safe for cleaning up after your pets. Their newest "Designed for Good" hand wash duo tells this story, and, they hope, helps raise awareness for the fair treatment of animals. As always, the naturally derived, biodegradable formulas are 100% vegan + cruelty-free.

Method so generously sent me both "Designed for Good" hand washes and now I'm hooked. They smell so good and I love that I'm supporting a cause that I'm truly passionate about.

To further support the cause, Method and Soap.com are teaming up to donate 15% of Method product sales on Soap.com in June to the ASPCA®, whose mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.  

During checkout, use the code PAWPRINT at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase at Soap.com!

This is a great time to try Method's products at a discounted price, while also supporting 2 wonderful organizations dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and raising awareness for the fair treatment of animals. I promise, you won't regret it. 

Method is currently hosting a cutest pet contest! Share a photo of your pet to be eligible to win two "Designed for Good" hand soaps and a $50 gift card to Soap.com. Method will choose one winner each week through the end of June!

To enter via Facebook: Visit Method's Facebook page and find the 'pet photo contest' tab and follow instructions for uploading your photo. Note: smartphone & tablet users, use this link.

To enter via Instagram: Follow @methodhome and post your pet’s photo using the hashtag #methodcutepets.

The contest will begin on June 11 and end June 30. Method will select one winner each week to receive the two “designed for good” soaps and a $50 gift card to Soap.com. Only residents of the US and Canada (excluding Quebec) are eligible to win.

This post is sponsored by Method. This is a cause I truly believe in and all opinions are 100% my own.

Day to Night

New York and Company blouse, American Eagle jacket, J. Crew Factory skirt, Steve Madden wedges, Target bag, Gemmy Junky necklace, kate spade earrings & sunnies



I'm so excited to be the first participant in Laura's new series, Day to Night! We have exactly the same skirt, so we decided to share two ways to style it, whether you're out running errands or going on a hot date!

I took the daytime look and chose to pair my skirt with a boyfriend style jacket and espadrilles. Looking back, I should have worn flat sandals, but since the skirt is a bit long on me and I haven't been to the tailor, I wore wedges to add a little extra height. Ideally, I'd throw on my leather & glitter sandals!

To see Laura's outfit details and more photos on how she styled her nighttime look, visit her blog here.

It Needs To Be Said

Today I came across a terrible website where people come together under anonymous user names and discuss their hate for blogs. And by "discuss their hate" I mean hand out insults left and right. They don't discriminate; they insult every blogging community: fashion, lifestyle, fitness, and parenting alike. It's sickening really, especially when explained out like this. Simply put, they're cyber bullies that hide behind internet anonymity while defaming bloggers.

Right now, I'm taking a stand against cyber bullying and standing up for all of my fellow bloggers. 

To the cyber bullies,

It’s sad to me that you spend your time this way. Does spreading lies and negativity about others make you feel better about yourself? All the bloggers you are insulting have had the confidence to put themselves out into the world, use their real name, and share their lives, photos of themselves and their families. That takes courage. You, however, hide behind your catty user name.

Not everyone will enjoy every blog. There are blogs I don’t particularly care for. But you know what? I just don’t read them. It’s that easy. Personally, I don’t see the point in spending my time reading blogs that irritate me and discussing the reasons. I can think of so many more enjoyable and meaningful ways to fill my time.

I’m amazed at how many participants of this site admit they are bloggers themselves, yet say such spiteful things about their fellow bloggers. Blogging should be a community where we build each other up and share constructive criticisms, not rip each other apart. Blogging has led to so many great things for me, both professionally and personally, with the best being new friendships. I am thankful for the connections I’ve made during this short time and look forward to many more. I’m always more than happy to associate with bloggers that are kind, helpful, and encouraging.

To all my fellow bloggers, you are awesome. You are tenacious. And you are beautiful. There will always be people who don’t like you and want to bring you down. There will always be people that are jealous of you. Don’t let them steal your joy! Share on your blog things that bring you happiness and inspiration, and please, please don’t visit sites that engage in cyber bullying.

Tuxedo Jacket

Jacket: Express // Tee: J. Crew // Jeans: Loft // Wedges: Jimmy Choo // Bag: Francesca's // Bracelets & Necklace: J. Crew // Sunnies: kate spade

I love mixing dressy and casual pieces together. I think it always adds an interesting and unexpected element into your every-day style! Of course, this tuxedo jacket goes with dresses and sequins, but it also pairs just as easily with tees and jeans for an effortless daytime ensemble.

Check back tomorrow to see how Laura and I style the same skirt for day and evening looks!

Black & White

I am thrilled to feature a collaboration with Tara from Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes! She's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, and I've loved getting to know her! We've been discussing a collaboration for a few months now, and I can't believe time has flew by so quickly since we first started emailing. Bad weather happened, Baby Gibby happened, moving happened... life happened. Nonetheless, here it finally is! We decided to showcase a black and white outfit... Something we both hardly ever wear! We love us some color :) Once I started looking in my closet, I realized how little black or white clothing I actually have. It was a bit of a challenge, but I am pleased with how classic the end result is. 

What goes better with black and white than red? Tara has her red hair... I went with red lips! Can never go wrong with a red lip :) To keep the pencil skirt from being too stuffy, I added a fun pair of heels and a statement bracelet.

I'm loving how fun and bold her outfit is and those Zara shorts... too cute for words. Be sure and visit Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes to see more of Tara's outfit!

Top & Skirt: Express (old), Heels: Sam Edelman, Bag: Francesca's, Bracelet: J. Crew, Lips: Mac "Ruby Woo"

Memorial Weekend Recap + My Favorite Maxi Dress

Collective Concepts dress, ancient Aeropostale denim jacket, Target belt (similar), J. Crew inspired necklace via eBay, Target clutch, JoJo Loves You earrings c/o, J. Crew bracelets, Vince Camuto heels, kate spade sunnies

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Mine went by entirely too quickly :)

Friday evening we went out for Mexican and Saturday was spent enjoying downtown Memphis & cheering on the Grizzlies! Sunday we went to church, had an outdoor lunch, took the pups to the park, napped, & grilled steaks, and Monday, we ran errands, went to the movies, and went to the Majestic Grille to celebrate a secret accomplishment I can't reveal just yet :)

The weather was gorgeous and I kind of regret not spending every minute by the pool... What did y'all do on Memorial Day weekend?

This dress is already on heavy rotation and it's not even officially summer yet! I picked it up at a boutique in Charleston last year, and while it's a size too big, I just couldn't pass it up! I predict you'll be seeing a lot of it this summer!

Thank you for reading! 

Festive Nautical

Modcloth dress, Target hat, Tory Burch clutch, kate spade wedges & sunnies, J. Crew necklace, earrings, & bracelet, kate spade bangle

Happy Memorial Day! Whether you're aboard a lavish houseboat party, attending a low-key barbecue, or simply spending time with family & friends, I hope you're having a great holiday! 

P.S. How flattering does this dress look? It would be perfect for so many occasions. For Memorial Day, I would let red take center stage, keep the jewelry simple, and stay cool in a large hat! 

God bless the USA! 

Memorial Day Earring Sale!

Earrings: c/o JoJo Loves You

Today I'm excited to introduce to you JoJo Loves You, a jewelry company that has the most amazing earrings! Their earrings come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors that you're sure to find one (or eight) that you like! Shop my top picks below.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

See any you can't live without? You're in luck, because JoJo Loves You is currently having their annual Memorial Day sale! From now until Monday, you can get 3 pairs for $60 (includes original blings, party blings, mini party blings, navette blings, and oval blings) or 3 pairs for $50 (mini blings).

Happy three-day weekend! Thank you for reading! 

Well, it's one for the money, Two for the show, Three to get ready, Now go, cat, go.

Who would ever imagine blue suede shoes would be so versatile?! Definitely not me, until I started brainstorming ideas for different occasions, and these are only two of the many outfits you could put together around blue heels. Now I'm thinking these may need to make an appearance in my closet! 

For brunch, choose a dress with a playful pattern, an armful of bracelets, a blush satchel, and sassy pink lips! Blue heels will really make this outfit pop!

On date night, let your blue shoes stand out with a flirty LWD, a modern metal belt, crystal statement jewelry, and a classic black and white clutch. Finish off the look with fiery red-orange lips!

Only one more day til summer Memorial Day weekend! I'm SO excited to relax and enjoy the gorgeous weather! It's safe to assume I'll also try to hit up a few sales... Speaking of sales, ShoeDazzle is having a Memorial Day sale today through Monday! All sale items are an additional 30% off and all full-price items are 20% off! New members: you can still get 25% off your first item with the 20% taken off subsequent items! I'm telling you... THIS weekend is the time to shop ShoeDazzle!

P.S. Now I have the urge to listen to Elvis.

This post is sponsored by ShoeDazzle.

Orchid is a color

Tee: J. Crew // Skirt: Everly // Necklace: Bauble Bar (similar) // Sandals: Gianni Bini // Sunnies: Kate Spade

If you look closely in the background, you can see Bella peeping out the window. I just love my sweet girl :)

Evidently I like to pair shades of purple with this skirt... With lavender in this post and orchid this time! (At least I call this tee's color "orchid"...) Something about the pairing just works! 

Speaking of, look at my pretty orchid Tyler gave me! I've kept it alive for about two months now and I'm so proud especially since people have told me how finicky they can be! Now I just need to research on what soil it needs so I can re-pot it. Does anyone have experience with orchids?

I hope you all are having a wonderful week! Only 3 more work days to go 'til the 3-day weekend! Woop!