I found my camera!

December 7, 2015December 7, 2015Leave a comment

Last week, while I was home for Thanksgiving, my 13 year old brother said, “What are you doing with this old camera?” “Actually, it’s my new work camera…” womp womp. Lucky for you, I found the old gal hiding in a random drawer. That’s what happens with the last things in your apartment when you move, they get tossed in with a whole bunch of other random stuff…

Anyway, I did want to share 3 things that I did to make my move go more smoothly and only (temporarily) lose things.

1.I labelled each box clearly and packed similar things together (OK well maybe not this exact box, but it was labelled well enough to know that there were miscellaneous things packed together…)

2. I put all of my hardware in separate bags, labelled what it was for, and included a tracing paper template to help make rehanging easier. If you follow me on Instagram (sarahashley612) you may have already seen this tip!

3.I packed an overnight bag with all of my essentials. I had 2 outfits, makeup, socks, and candy. Just kidding about the candy. Refer to #1 to make make sure you know exactly where you packed the Mallo Cups…

Meaning of Life

December 6, 2015December 6, 2015Leave a comment

It’s funny-I never think anyone really reads what I post here. Mostly, it’s because I do it for my own fun, and also because there is so much going on in the world, that I don’t think anyone cares about what I am wearing…But, I was recently at my high school reunion (11 years, already?!) and several of the people there said they read my blog, and then my family started saying that they love seeing my posts, and then friends of family were saying the same thing, so I realized that my whole life is about giving people some kind of “beautiful solace” to take them away from everything else in life. It’s why I am good at my job and why I continue to post about clothes when it doesn’t seem to matter.

The confidence that I get from looking my best everyday helps me to be more productive, and sharing my finds with you, helps to give my life a meaning. I will never discover the cure for disease or find the answer to world peace, but I do hope that I can help you feel warm in your homes and confident in the clothes you wear, even if you only have a little bit to spend on yourself 🙂

And in other news: I moved!! I have gotten SO much unpacking accomplished in 2 days, I can’t wait to post about it. But, in the midst of packing, my camera has been missing…so give me a few days to find it and you will get a boat load of clothing pics, along with some new home photos!

Burlington Coat Factory-Is it REALLY more than just coats?

October 28, 2015October 28, 20151 Comment

Over the weekend, I set out to answer this question. Here are the results:

They have quite an extensive jewelry department. I pretty sure my friend, Molly, used to be a buyer for their jewelry division…now she works in bedding 🙂

These driftwood Christmas decorations were the classier options out of their selections:

This zinc monogram letter would be a nice addition above a fireplace, if you’re lucky enough to have one!

These mini mirrors were a modern treasure I found amongst more traditional decor:

And this delicious scented candle was $12.99, although I still wasn’t sold, since Ironman was able to snag the same one at Marshall’s for only $8.99…

And you know no post would be complete without some CLOTHES!!!

Look at these beautiful pants from Philosophy…they were almost denim, but more like a damask tapestry. And they fit me! Unfortunately, they didn’t have any stretch, so they didn’t move with my body, and they were extremely uncomfortable when I wasn’t moving…so I didn’t get them.

But these little denim beauties came home with me, instead. They are soft and thin and a good length. I took photos of the tags, in case you want to hunt for your own pair!

Check out these comfy pants!

They are stretchy, black jeggings, which are good quality, so I can wear them to work with a nice blouse, like this one below!

And look how great it goes with my Francesca’s necklace! It’s like it was MADE to go together 🙂

My overall verdict? I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

I would definitely go back again, maybe to a different location. But out of 20 things I tried on, I only bought 3 (it was much better that way, honestly…) but there wasn’t anything I felt like I left behind. Their candle selection was fabulous, but not cheaper than TJ’s or Marshall’s. Their clothes were just OK. But a deal is a deal, and I won’t ever pass up finding a diamond in the rough and surprising people with the source of my cute clothes!

What I Wore: Late Summer

September 22, 20151 Comment

White Tee: J Crew Factory

Coral Clare Cardigan: J Crew Factory

Necklace: J Crew Factory

Dark Denim: Van Heusen Outlet

Blossom Sandals: BCBG via J Crew

Black Zipper Dress: American Apparel via Once Worn Consignment

Camel Cardigan: C Wonder Outlet

Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet

Suede Camel Boots: Nine West Outlet

Grey Tee: J Crew Factory

Pinstripe Pants: Express Outlet, Editor Pants

Scalloped Blue Dress: City Studio via Macy’s

Mustard Cardigan: Banana Republic Factory

Beaded Necklace: Francesca’s

Leopard Sling-backs: Anne Klein via Greene Street Consignment

White Peplum Top: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

White Lace Tank: White House Black Market

Lavender Clare Cardigan: J Crew Factory

Necklace: J Crew Factory

Dark Denim: Charlotte Russe

Black Beaded Sandals: Naughty Monkey via Once Worn Consignment

Taupe Blouse: Ann Taylor Outlet

Draped Black Pants: Joe B via Kohl’s

Black A-Line Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ Maxx

Necklace: J Crew Factory

Sandals: Unisa via Marshall’s

What I Wore: New School Year!

September 12, 2015September 12, 2015Leave a comment

Happy Saturday!

Now that the school year has started, it was time to step things up a little bit. I have to admit, I was getting excited about Back-to-School Shopping. Especially when you can get deals like the ones I got from Once Worn. This is the perfect time of year for clothes. The summer is dwindling, but it’s still warm, so skirts and short-sleeves are comfortable, but you can still get away with the occasional jeans and t-shirt, or my absolute fav, shorts and a long-sleeve top 🙂

Polka-Dotted Blouse: This sweet Peter Pan collared blouse was from Kohl’s on clearance a few month ago

Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor via Once Worn Consignment

Black Beaded Sandals: Naughty Monkey via Once Worn Consignment

Glasses: Ralph Lauren RA 7044 in 1143 Spotted Pink

Ikat Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Ruffle Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Pencil Skirt: Charlotte Russe

Teal Heels: Nine West Factory

White Peplum Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Pearls: Charming Charlie

Polka Dotted Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Navy Heels: Lifestride via DSW

First Day of School!

Ciao Tee: J Crew Factory (my obvious choice to welcome in my class)

Crystal Necklace: Olive + Piper, Anastasia Floral Bib Necklace

Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor via Once Worn Consignment

Leopard Hide Peep Toes: Anne Klein via Greene Street Consignment

Black Cotton Zipper Sheath Dress: American Apparel via Once Worn Consignment

Double Gold Chain Necklace: gift! via Dynamite, similar This actually came with several individual strands that can be worn together or separately. Theres one that’s even hot pink 🙂 You can see where I wore it with it’s shorter chain friend later on in the week

Coral Cardi: Clare Cardigan, J Crew Factory

Floral Blouse: Express

Beaded Necklace: Francesca’s (it’s new! they were having a crazy sale, where I swiped it for $10) I will be wearing this next week, so I’ll take a close-up shot

Green Skirt: Banana Republic Factory

Striped Peplum Top: Silence + Noise via Once Worn Consignment. See how cute it looks once its on?

Black Pencil Skirt: Express

Black Skater Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ Maxx

Leopard Necklace: J Crew Factory

Cream Cardi: Target

Cream Satin Trimmed Tee: Banana Republic Factory

Nautical Striped Silky Skirt: H&M via Once Worn Consignment

Taupe Drapey Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

Black Wide Leg Pants: Joe by Joe B via Kohl’s

Oh! Hello again, white peplum from Ann Taylor Factory!

Lavender Cardi: Clare Cardigan, J Crew Factory

Necklace: J crew Factory

Dark Zip Leg Denim: Charlotte Russe

Black Beaded Sandals: Naughty Monkey via Once Worn Consignment

Navy Rolled Sleeve Tee: gift! via J Crew Factory

Gold Chains: gift! via Dynamite, similar

Medium Stretch Denim: CAbi Outlet

Brown Sandals: TJ Maxx

On The Hunt: Modern Pantsuit (This One’s For You, Stephanie!)

September 5, 2015September 10, 20152 Comments

A lovely reader, Stephanie, requested that I post about pants suits. Now, this was a challenge for me, as I rarely wear pants, if I can help it (see photo below), and even harder was that I rarely like to match tops and bottoms. But, The Huntress doesn’t stop just because things are hard! I really wanted to help you, Stephanie!

So, here are my inspiration photos from Pinterest:

I love the skinny leg and tailored color block jacket of this suit. It suddenly reminds me of a pair of shoes I had when I was a little girl. They were white with a little gold chain. How fashion forward of me!

I know this really isn’t a pants suit, but I imagined this is what the suit above would look like if you removed the jacket. Additionally, it has such a classic look without the blazer, that I still think can be worn in the same instance as a pants suit. It may require a cami, but the sleeves diminish the need for a blazer.This next one is just as classic as the first, except that this one has the added embellishment. Jessica rocks this sequined trim, but that could easily be swapped out for something simpler, like satin or leather…See what I mean about the leather? It has that polished, yet bad ass look.
This might be one of my faves. Look at that peplum (oh god, I’m obsessed with peplums!) It’s just so darn classy! I will have to recreate this with some pieces I have in my closet! So chic, I can’t stand it!

This suit is more of a stylish combo than a real suit, but I think this is what a modern suit should look like. This pretty patterned jacket is perfectly tailored and the pink pants don’t seem as loud, when paired with the jacket. Everything about this says, “Kate Middleton” to me. This fun jumpsuit is also a great alternative to a pants suit. It still feels very professional, but this punchy color keeps it feeling young and modern. Great for a young office or a day to night look.

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

So enough inspiration-where can you find these things?! Well, Express seems to be the best place to start.

Here is the Micro Dot Suit:

And here is the Black Studio Stretch Suit:

Next up, the Black Collection Drew Simply Straight Pants and 2-Button Jacket from The Limited

Saks Off Fifth had the Purdy Crepe Jumpsuit by Diane Von Furstenberg:

Asos’ Goldie Halter Neck Jumpsuit is also a bright alternative!

The most helpful hint is probably looking for separates from the same places. Check out these shops!

White House Black Market

Chico’s

Marciano by Guess

Seriously, I may go out and buy some pants suits now! Stephanie, I may be a convert!

Art.com SALE!!

August 31, 2015August 31, 20152 Comments

Now, I NEVER post while I am at work, but I had to let you all take advantage of this sale…

Art.com is having a 45% off everything sale today. Just use the code ‘HOPPER’. I just bought a piece for work, but I am seriously considering buying something for myself…

This got me thinking…Is it fate that Iron Man’s credit card was accidentally left in my wallet from over the weekend??

source

On The Hunt: A New Living Room Rug

August 22, 20152 Comments

Hmmm, I found this post from March. Not sure why it never made it on the blog, but, here it is for your viewing pleasure!

Lately, at work, I have been looking at rugs ALL DAY. But when it comes to my own rug, I’m having some difficulty!

Originally I had a beautiful tone-on-tone zebra one from Rugs USA (MAJORLY on sale, obviously!) You can see it peeking out from under the coffee table in this December 2012 photo. Here is the exact one, but it is out of stock, so this one and this one are similar.

I loved this rug, but it was wool and shed shed shed all over the place, all of the time. So, one day in a heated moment, the rug was rolled up and stuffed under the guest bed.

Fast forward a year and I thought I’d try again. So then I found this dreamy jute stunner:

I was so in love! I moved all of the furniture out of the way and unrolled this beauty. Immediately, fibers flew everywhere, along with little brown sticks…hmmm

And, it was a little too yellow next to my lovely Montclair Sofa. So, she was quickly rolled up, stuffed into the bag, and shipped back.

Fast forward a few months, and I’m still rug-less 😦 What’s a girl to do?!

Once Worn

August 21, 2015August 21, 20153 Comments

Remember when I said that my friend, Sarah, and I went on a little shopping adventure after our brunch last Sunday? Well, here is the loot I scored from Once Worn in Northern Liberties. In true Huntress fashion, I ended up with all black and white…

Yeah, that’s right, it’s an Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt for $12!! Whaaaaaaatttt?!?!

I have been wanting some black beaded shoes, and these Naughty Monkey sandals were the perfect find! I think they were only $10…

The $24 Steve Madden fringe wonder is such a great late summer to early fall transition bag. I don’t care if white is supposed to be out after Labor Day. You can be sure I’ll be rocking this long past September 7th 🙂

Another PEPLUM! This striped one by Silence + Noise was snagged for $9.

This feminine dalmatian top by Ann Taylor LOFT was scored for $12.

These next two could be added to my LBD post also!

This American Apparel dress with zipper detail was only $12 too.

And this super low sweetheart dress is by H&M and was $10!

This flirty navy/white nautical skirt was also from H&M and was $8. I know! The prices are insane 🙂

And finally, a beautiful gossamer cream Express blouse for $10I specifically am waiting to wear these cute outfits when the school year starts next week, since I will be teaching Interior Design this semester at my Alma Mater. I’m hoping it will make me feel more confident knowing I look pulled together. Wish me luck!

LBD

August 17, 2015August 17, 20151 Comment

I’ve been looking for a Little Black Dress that I could wear to work or to a wedding. Something that could be dressed up or down. Something that was a classic cut, but not too expensive. TJ Maxx came to my rescue with this Romeo+Juliet Couture dress…for $19.99 🙂

Try this, this, this, this, this, this, this, or this!