T.J.Maxx finds

There is nothing like spending a Saturday shopping. I have been in desperate need of a great puffer coat, so I was on a mission to find a great one. I looked at Marshall's without success, so I decided to try T.J.Maxx to see if I'd have any more luck. Thankfully, I did! 

This Laundry by Shelli Segal puffer was hiding on a clearance rack. I snatched it up to see it was only $49 and knew I had to have it! You can get it at Macy's right now (in aubergine or black) for $280 $149. I love how lightweight it is, but the down really keeps you cozy in chilly weather. Today's forecast of freezing rain and cold temperatures was a great test run to try it out in! If you're looking for something similar, there's another version in different colors: Nordstrom $258 $170; Century 21 $260 $87.

I always love looking in the beauty sections at discount retailers such as T.J.Maxx because everything is usually in great condition, but it is from last season or has a small defect. Perfect example: the bottle of NARS nail polish in Back Room that I found for $3! This goes for $20 on the NARS website, so it was a total steal. The reason it was so inexpensive was that the cap had a chip on it. Thankfully that didn't affect the polish at all, and I ended up getting the same product for 85% off. 

Note: I had never used NARS polish before, but let me tell you, I am sold. I'm usually an essie fan, but I might be a convert after trying this out! It dries quickly and has great coverage.

Last stop: the shoe section. I've really been wanting to find a great pair of menswear loafers, but I haven't found any in my price range that I love. I spotted the Franco Sarto 'Joella' Flat and knew it would be a great compromise. I slipped them on and immediately I could tell how comfortable they were. I love the feminine pointed toe that makes for a very interesting yet classic everyday shoe. They come in a number of different colors; I purchased them in saddle for $35, but they are also available online:

Amazon $100 $50

6pm $100 $50

Nordstrom $100 $70

Shoebuy $100 $75

XO

Amanda

Pinspiration: wire baskets

There are so many great ways to make use of wire baskets, and I've been finding them in stores everywhere at every price point. Whether you use them for storage or decor, it can add a fun detail to your room. If you go with the imperfect thin wire baskets, the look is rustic and vintage. If you go with a sleek metallic basket with straight wires, the look is more chic and pretty. No matter which you go with, you can definitely make good use of these without spending a fortune. 

     

H&M

Large Wire Basket $18

Small Wire Basket $13

     

Crate & Barrel

Large Wire Basket $17

Small Wire Basket $15

World Market

Large Wire Basket $25

Small Wire Basket $20

Target

Large Wire Bin $18 $15

Small Wire Milk Crate $15 $13

One Kings Lane

Metal Wire Basket $50 $22

Rectangle Wire Basket, Gold $32 $19

Gilt

Large Wire Basket $35 $18
Small Wire Basket $27 $12

Oblong Wire Basket $27 $19

XO
Amanda

Summer investments

Who else is getting tired of bundling up? When I woke up this morning, I checked the weather only to see a chilling 12° temperature outside. This has been causing me a lot of stress because dressing for winter gets hard; you don't want to wear flats and expose your feet, but you don't want to be stuck in boots day after day. You have to wear long sleeves or risk hypothermia, but how many sweaters does a girl really have? 

I'm ready to look forward into the year and find some great pieces that I can look forward to wearing when the temperatures are a little closer to 80° and I am a lot warmer! Because we're in the middle of a huge cold-weather time, there are a ton of really amazing deals on warmer-weather items from any brand you could want. I've been wanting a pair of Jack Rogers, and it looks like it's the time to buy while retailers are trying to clear out their inventory to prepare for new lines in the coming months. You can find great deals at J.Crew as well, as they still have some summer items left to buy! 

J.Crew Neon Tab Bandeau Top $44 $12 code SALENEWS

J.Crew Neon Shrunken Lowrider $44 $12 code SALENEWS

This bikini is such a steal; I got one for myself in neon mango! I love the thick tie in the back, and the shrunken lowrider bottoms are surprisingly flattering. I can't wait to use it for some much needed sunbathing this summer.

Jack Rogers Georgica $128 $72

This classic Jack Rogers sandal is great for slipping on when you're in a hurry. They're appropriate to dress up or down, which makes them a perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Cole Haan C6059 Sunglasses $78 $19

These slightly cat-eyed tortoise shades will go with any outfit and make you look chic (even when it's cold).

Rachel Zoe Gwen Sandal $195 $51

A great pair of nude sandals will come in handy when you don't feel like choosing a shoe. These will go great with shorts or a sundress. 

J,Crew Tassel-Trim Top $98 $30 code SALENEWS

I love the flowy fit of this top, and the accent tassel gives it a little something extra. I'd pair these with navy chinos and a pair of neutral sandals.

Kate Spade New York Iberia $298 $120

Going out and want to keep things beachy casual? This is your go-to shoe. The 3.5" heel is the perfect height, and the chunkiness keeps them toned down. 

Tory Burch Robinson Pebbled Mini Fold-Over Cross-Body $225 $158

A bag to keep all of the little necessities. I love the pebbled leather, and the ability to switch it to a clutch at a moment's notice.

XO

Amanda

Invest in the classics

If J.Crew knows nothing else, they know classics. Lucky for us, there are a ton of them on sale now! I am looking forward to investing in more classics as I get older; spending money wisely on things I know I will wear for years is better than having to replace the inexpensive items you get over and over again. Some of these aren't for January, but in a couple of months you'll be glad you have them. 

CLASSIC J.CREW PICKS

CODE

SALENEWS

1.
Downing Tote $168 $95

2.

4" Chino Short $45 $18

3.
Gold Braid Cuff Bracelet $65 $36

4.

Merino Wool Belted Cardigan Sweater $90 $18

5.
Wool Melton Peacoat $288 $78

6.
Trapper Hat $50 $15

7.
Shelby Small Satchel $198 $115

8.

Chelsea Rain Boots $68 $21

9.
Dix Tab Ankle Boots $248 $84

10.

Nightshirt in Polka-Dot Flannel $68 $30


XO
Amanda

Comfortable fashion

These days, I am all about comfort. I still appreciate four-inch heels and tight jeans, but those tend to be the exception not the rule. I asked for a new robe for Christmas, appreciated the many pajama pants I received, and can't stop cuddling up under my new faux fur throw. Thankfully there are a million ways to dress up while feeling comfortable, even when you're not able to sit on your couch watching Netflix all day.

1. LEGGINGS UNDER DRESSES

This seems like a no-brainer, but it took a little while to get me there. I have always hated tights (they tend to get a run just minutes after they touch me), but I reluctantly continue buying them when the colder months come, because bare legs in January is not okay. However one day I paired some leggings and black riding boots with one of my dresses and - voila! - I was warm and still looked appropriately business-casual. This also works really well with a great pair of ankle boots.

Dress: Zara $80 $50

Leggings: J.Crew $35

Boots: Calvin Klein $159 $96

2. THE CHUNKY WEDGED HEEL

Gone are the days of stiletto heels; my feet have been spoiled by wedges and very chunky heels, and they may never recover. I really love these Sperry Top-Sider Harlow wedge booties ($120 $96) for a great choice for the season. These won't leave your feet feeling sore after a long day, and they look cute, too!

3. BLANKET SCARVES

These things are incredible. You basically get to wear a blanket all day, keeping you warm and looking chic! Pair one with a long sleeve top and a belt for a tailored look.

Target $17

Abercrombie $38 $19

Urban Outfitters $44 $31

ASOS $38

4. SWEATER DRESSES

On the days that you just want to stay in your pajamas as long as possible, try a sweater dress. They are just about as comfortable, and they're easy to dress up with a statement necklace.

Old Navy $40 $27

XO
Amanda

Staying fit all winter long

No matter what exercise you choose to keep you fit this winter, there are clothes out there that will make you look amazing while you're doing it. I love getting new workout gear because it gets me pumped up to work out more consistently; who doesn't like wearing new clothes? 

I recently re-joined The Y after moving home, and away from the gym I usually used in my office. Now it's nice to be able to have a light snack in the afternoon on my long trip home, then be energized to work out by the time I get back. I try to keep healthy snacks such as almonds or granola bars in my bag to keep me going after a long day.

    

Whichever workout you prefer, see some cute gear that you can get for less!

IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Under Armour Micro G™ Engage $80 $60
Lululemon Wunder Under Pant $92 $59

C9 by Champion® Sweater Fleece Jacket $30 $23

C9 by Champion® Performance Tee $13 $10

GYM SESSION

Old Navy Active GoDRY Graphic Tanks $15 $9
Reebok ZRX TR $100 $50
Reebok Strappy Seamless Sports Bra $30 $18

Reebok 3" Compression Shorts $20 $11

LOW-INTENSITY CLASSES

Lululemon Core Set Bra $52 $29
The North Face Women's Pulse Tights $50 $26

Old Navy Active Strappy Tanks $15 $9

Gaiam Citron Sundial Yoga Mat $30

XO

Amanda

Ann Taylor Flash Sale

Who can say no to 70% off sale? Ann Taylor has that going on right now, and the deals are truly amazing. I shopped the same sale a few weeks ago and got some amazing metallic leather pumps for only $138 $30, as well as a striped strapless dress for $228 $42 that will be perfect for a wedding in coming months!

This time around, I am loving something from every section on the site. I especially find the shoes to be the best deals from Ann Taylor because they are high-quality, comfortable and cute! The sale ends tonight at midnight, so make sure to check the sale out before it's all gone.

Ponte Zipper Dress $129 $110 $33

Marin Suede Pumps $128 $115 $35

Stripe Oversized Shirt $80 $60 $18

Faux Leather Shorts $80 $70 $21

Brilliant Beetle Statement Necklace $98 $90 $27

Jorja Leather Riding Boots $298 $270 $81

XO

Amanda

Stay organized in 2015

Well, it's official: it's 2015. I can't believe how quickly time has passed since starting my first job over a year ago (!!!). One of my favorite parts of starting a new year, as Type-A as it may be, is starting fresh with new calendars. I am a person who loves to stay organized, so keeping things in order with a calendar or two is definitely necessary. 

Last year I went for a kate spade new york spiral agenda, and I loved how it was organized by the hour. This year I personally chose the adorable gold Target x Sugar Paper planner ($8) because I can't resist anything gold, and it's the perfect size to keep in my bag. For my desk, I love the Rifle Paper Co. floral wall calendar ($26) so I have plenty of room to write. Plus the paper is very good in quality and the pretty floral decoration makes it pretty up my workspace.

How do you plan to stay organized in 2015?

Target x Sugar Paper 2015 Daily Planner $8

Jonathan Adler 17-Month Agenda $20

Rifle Paper Co. 2015 Appointment Wall Calendar $26

Sugar Paper 2015 Kate Desk Calendar $56

Lilly Pulitzer 2014-15 Large Agenda $28

Garance Dore 2015 Les Femmes Calendar $26

kate spade new york 2014-15 Large Agenda $36

XO

Amanda

Year in review

What a year it has been. I could not have foreseen all of the fun adventures that 2014 brought, but I'm looking forward to everything that will come in 2015! See my year in review:

Celebrated entering 2014 with friends and loved ones.

Used MyFitnessPal the entire year and kept up with my healthy eating and exercise routine.

Turned 23 and treated myself.

Watched my little sister Mary receive her First Communion.

Went to a ton of amazing weddings.

Celebrated Eric's college graduation.

Moved to Washington DC.

Met my fun roommates.

Saw Mary win second place in her karate competition.

Took a lovely two-week beach vacation.

Went to numerous happy hours.

Celebrated five years with Eric.

Went to my first gala.

Completed my first 10k.

Celebrated Christmas with family.

Here's to the next year being as incredible as 2014 was!

XO

Amanda