OOTD: VV Chicago

Chicago is getting preppier day by day! Recently Vineyard Vines opened a Chicago and Oakbrook location. Seeing how I am OBSESSED with Vineyard Vines this is fantastic news! I first went to the Chicago location with my boyfriend from our trip to the city (check out the post on it here!). Since he is just as obsessed as I am it was quite a fun trip. 

At the Chicago location I ended up getting a nautical shep shirt as a gift for my birthday from my boyfriend! I love love it! We recently went to the Oakbrook location after getting dinner and let me say that store is heaven on earth. The store is HUGE! It has practically everything from the website in one amazing place. Don't get me wrong, the Chicago store is awesome but he Oakbrook store for sure has a wider selection and is overall larger. 

At our last visit to the Oakbrook store we my boyfriend and I picked up I whale Chicago shirts. I have been dying to get one but I haven't been able to find a shirt small enough. So, when I saw this XS I was dying! 

This shirt will be perfect just to lay around or for a casual look. 

For this look I paired my tee with simple white chino shorts and classic Sperrys. I also layered a ton of bracelets to dress up the look. I am also wearing my new rope bracelet from Ford Designs! I recently picked it up from an Instagram sale and I love it. It's a great nautical touch to any look. 

Where it's from: 

Shirt: Vineyard Vines (Oakbrook location also available in Chicago location) 

Shorts: J Crew 

Shoes: Sperry Topsider 

Belt: Target 

Necklace: Moon & Lola 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Lilly and Laura, and Ford Designs 

Sunglasses: Ray Bans 

Croakies: Vineyard Vines 

How would you style this tee? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Lilly Pulitzer Hits Chicago

It's the moment I have been waiting for.... the Lilly Chicago store has arrived! This past Thursday was the opening day of the Lilly Pulitzer Chicago which is at Oakbrook Shopping mall (a regular place that I shop). Recently I have been having good lucky because a Lilly opened, two Vineyard Vines locations opened, and a Kendra Scott is coming to the Chicago area. Does this mean Chicago is going preppy? We can only hope.

But, for now I will enjoy being one of the few preppy gals around town. 

After my trip to the aquarium with my best gal pal Maureen we stopped at Oakbrook to check out the store. I will admit I was expecting more for my first Lilly experience (customer service wise hate to say it) but I was so in awe with the store that I put that aside. Everything was bright, colorful, and gold!!! I was obsessed to say the least. I ended up purchasing two things: a giraffe print tank top (will be super cute with white jeans, shorts, or basically anything) and then a navy and white trimmed skort. It sounds weird but its totally adorable. I will be for sure wearing that skort to death. Navy is such a neutral that I thought it would be a good investment piece and something I could wear more then just in the summer time. 

For now I have splurged enough at Lilly so I think I will wait around to have some more $$$ for my next visit. 

What has been your Lilly shopping experiences? Have you been to the new Chicago store? Let me know in the comments!! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Mastering the Instagram Theme + Instagram Round Up

Recently I have been trying to create a more cohesive Instagram account. For the longest time I have been adding white strips on the sides of all of my pictures. But, I found that it doesn't really make for an appealing theme like the all square photos. So, I decided to change it up and I am now creating my photos using all square pictures! 

One way to achieve this look is to take any photos you want to post to Instagram in the square setting on your phones camera, well at least for iPhone users. This way you know exactly what space you have to work with which means none of your photos will get cut off! 

Instagram themes are all the rage it seems like now and days. A lot of fashion bloggers or Youtubers have been obsessing over having all of their photos look cohesive. So, I decided to create my own theme with my new and improved square photos.

I put all of my edited photos in a folder to help see if they fit into my theme! (see last step)

Now when it comes to making all of your photos cohesive looking it can present some problems. However, I have a few tricks that I use when I edit all of my pictures..... 

• Always use the same editing app or combination of apps. I find that if you always use the same editing tools your photos will come out the same. I use Afterlight which I consider your non-stop shop when it comes to editing photos. Using the same app can help prevent different affects that make your photos seem random. 
• Make similar editing changes to all of your pictures. When I edit my pictures I always turn up the saturation (makes photos more colorful) and add a blue tone. This will assure that my photos all have a similar base. From there I adjust the exposure, brightness, clarity, and other fixes based on the individual photo. But, I tend to like my photos bright and fun. It's all about creating a routine and sticking with it when it comes to editing your pictures! 
• When it comes to filters.... mix it up! In Afterlight I try and change up the filters I use on each photo. But, I always make sure they are in the blue tones. I chose to make my Instagram photos blue in tones. If you prefer less bold colors I suggest going with red orange tones. 
• Keep an Instagram folder on your phone.... Recently I started adding all of my edited pictures into a folder. This way I can see how my photos will look as if they were on my Instagram page. If I see that one photo seems out of place I go back and make some changes to it. Although this is an extra step, if you are totally committed to creating an Instagram theme I think it is a great way to see all of your photos together. 

Watch this helpful video from my favorite Youtuber Sarahbelle93x!!! 

Instagram Round Up.......

Here are a few of my recent Instagrams. As you can see they all have similar filters or colors in the photos. My feed currently features mostly blue, aqua, and pink. But, I like to stick to fun bright colors. 

Be sure to follow my Instagram to keep up with all of my exciting adventures on a daily basis! 

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW

Leave your Instagram account link in the comments so I can check out your accounts!! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

OOTD: Hello Sunshine

Yellow is normally not my thing, but I am loving this lace yellow top from a local Ames boutique that I got for my birthday! I paired it with these adorable chambray polka dot shorts to add a fun print to the look. Adding a bright color to a neutral pair of bottoms is a great way to add some color to your look if you are a little color shy. 

This look is perfect for hanging out with friends, going on a shopping trip, or for a casual dinner date. I love mixing more formal pieces like this top with casual comfortable shorts. It makes for the perfect combination!

To add an extra pop of yellow I wore these super bold yellow statement earrings from J Crew. I love these earrings because they are so unique and add a  punch of happiness to any look. 

Where it's from: 

Shirt: Portobello Road Boutique (Ames) 

Shorts: J Crew 

Bracelets: Kendra Scott, Alex and Ani, & Lilly and Laura 

Shoes: Jack Rogers 

Earrings: J Crew 

Sunglasses: Ray Bans 

Croakies: Lilly Pulitzer

Whenever I am having a bad hair day I love pulling my hair back into a chic low pony. Since I cut my hair it's a cute way to fix a bad hair day!

What is your favorite way to wear yellow? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Trip to the Aquarium

My mom, my friend Maureen, and I always make a trip to the aquarium during the summer. It has been a long standing tradition and it is such a fun trip. I know that going to the aquarium may not be the most exciting activity for two college gals to do but we love it! I love seeing all the animals and just walking around and exploring. My favorite are the beluga whales SO CUTE! I mean who doesn't love a close relative to the Vineyard Vines whale? Here are a few pictures form our trip and what I wore for the day of festivities.....

What I wore: 

Pullover: Vineyard Vines 

Shorts: Dry Goods 

Shoes: Sperry Topsider 

Sunglasses: Ray Bans 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Lilly and Laura, and KJP 

Watch: Kate Spade 

What is your favorite summer activity? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Who doesn't love a sale?

News flash, it's flash sale time! If you are an accessories fan you are going to want to stay tuned for NEELY by VNB 5 days of flash sales! Each day this week (up until Sunday) there will be a new sale going on at NEELY by NVB. But, each day these sales will be a surprise! So, be sure to keep checking back each day for new and exciting deals. 

NEELY by VNB is an online boutique that carries a wide range of accessories for the contemporary woman. My favorite piece from the website is their Evie bag! It is perfect for any preppy or classic girl. But, I think it could also be edged up with the right outfit. My personal favorite color is this gorgeous tan, white, and navy bag but there are so many colors you can choose from! This purse would be adorable with this bracelet, a pair of colored chino shorts, a button down, and my gold Jack Rogers! 

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SALE

Want to learn more about NEELY by VNB? Watch this awesome video to get the scoop! 

What do you hope is on sale this week? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

ANNIVERSARY SALE PICKS

It's officially the most wonderful time of the year, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! For as long as I can remember I used to go to the Anniversary sale to pick out new shoes for the beginning of the school year. Now, it is my favorite sale to stock up on designer pieces for great prices. This year I was pretty successful when I went to the pre-sale with my mom. But, here are my top picks for accessories and shoes from the sale! Normally I stick to accessories, shoes, and outerwear/ workout wear at the sale. 

This year I picked up a lot of great pieces that I am going to use on my study abroad trip to London! My from my picks above I picked up a new pair of sneakers (I was in desperate need!), the short rain boots, the black ankle booties, the Kendra Scott necklace, and the small dangle earrings (in an iridescent color).  I also picked up a few more pieces! Be on the lookout for an upcoming haul with all of my purchases. 

What are you picking up from the sale? What are your top picks? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Spongelle Body Buffer REVIEW!

Body buffer: A body buffer is infused with luxurious shower gel which gives a fabulous shower experience.

A few days ago I was sent these awesome body buffers from Spongelle. Beyond the adorable packaging and amazing smell these body buffers are fabulous. Spongelle body buffers are like having a spa in your own shower! They are such a unique and exotic product unlike anything I have seen before. 

Basically, these hard shapes turn into soft and luxurious sponges once they meet water. Once you add water you can lather yourself in amazing scents like mandarin mint and ginger bergamot. I love these because they leave your skin feeling great with a light gorgeous scent. It's the perfect way to pamper yourself after a long day. 

Particularly I am in love with the pedi-buffer. It exfoliates like a foot stone but leaves your feet softer and smelling great. 

Spongelle is a body care brand that strives to give their customers a luxurious experience and I would say they succeeded! I would highly recommend these products to someone who loves indulging in shower goods like Lush or H20.  These body buffers are the newest way to cleanse and reveal amazing skin. The best part? You can use these body buffers more then once! The body buffers last around 14 washes while the pedi-buffers last around 30. 

A photo posted by Miranda Pollitt (@miranda_pollitt19) on Jul 6, 2015 at 1:24pm PDT

Be sure to follow Spongelle on Instagram!

Have you tried any Spongelle products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

This post is powered by Brandbacker. All opinions are my own. I was gifted these items by Spongelle.

Trip to the City

A few weekends ago I went on a trip to the city to celebrate my birthday with my boyfriend! We had a fabulous day filled with shopping, food, and exploring the city. 

For my outfit, I kept things simple with my typical summer look. I paired a bright blue Polo button down with these adorable lavender chino shorts. To tie the two colors together I wore a bold J Crew statement necklace that has blue, purple, and orange tones. For my shoes I kept things comfortable because a trip to Chicago requires a lot of walking. My arm candy of the day included my usual Henri Bendel watch, Kendra Scott cuff, and Alex and Ani bangles. 

Where it's from: 

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Polo 

Shorts: J Crew 

Necklace: J Crew 

Belt: Target 

Shoes: Sperry Topsider 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Kate Spade, and Kendra Scott 

Watch: Henri Bendel 

Sunglasses: Ray Bans (Sunglass Hut) 

To start the day off we spent an hour or so walking around Millennium park. They had so many gorgeous flowers everywhere! I couldn't help but snap a few photos. Also, while we were in the park we took a few photos that turned out perfect. We were lucky to have great weather while we were down there. 

For the first meal of the day we stopped at Shake Shack just off Michigan Ave. Since I ate there in DC a few years ago it has been my favorite place to get a burger! Jeremy had never been so I knew I had to take him. I always get a hamburger with shack sauce, fries, and their signature chocolate custard with brownie, fudge, and other delicious bits. 

After Shack Shake we shopped around Michigan Ave. We stopped in Water Tower, J Crew, Kate Spade, and a few other places. Then we decided to take a break and pick up a sprinkles cupcake. We ended up splitting a milk chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting. 

After we went to Sprinkles we were debating on where to go next. Then, we saw a few girls walking towards us with Vineyard Vines bags. Naturally I start practically running down the street to find the new Vineyard Vine Chicago store! Jeremy andI are huge fans so naturally it was a big moment. We ended up doing some MAJOR damage but we were very excited to get to visit a store. 

L: A shot of the new Vineyard Vines store! 

R: Dylan's Candy Bar on Michigan Ave. 

After shopping at Vineyard Vines we made two more stops at Brooks Brothers (for Jeremy) and at Nordstrom to pick out a new watch! Then we wondered around until it was time for dinner. We ate at my favorite Italian restaurant Volare. If you are ever near Michigan Ave. I highly suggest it! It's delicious! 

To complete the perfect day I FINALLY got a pink whale hat from Vineyard Vines! I have been wanting one of these since I was introduced to the brand and now I finally have one. I was pretty excited about it for something that was free.... But none the less thats off the bucket list! 

What are your favorite spots in Chicago? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda