Bewitching Bows with LuLus.com

Gift Basket Taupe Shift Dress: c/o LuLus.com; Kitten Heels: Nine West (similar style); Necklace &; Ring: Forever 21; Watch: Kenneth Cole; Tights: Target; Photos by: Tim Wong

LuLus.com sent me this darling Gift Basket Taupe Shift Dress and it quickly became one of my favorite ones to wear. I love the color combos, and the fact that the dress is simple, but still alluring in the the details. But what do I love most? That beautiful back bow! I can't express enough how easy it is to slip this dress on and just walk out the door feeling comfortable and complete. It was sold out for a while, but luckily for you, LuLu's just restocked! And don't worry if taupe isn't your color,  because it also comes in red, blue, and mint green! I'm already contemplating getting it in another color... hmm.

This is my final look in my series with LuLus.com. If you missed any of the other other posts, you can check out them out here and here. A big and special thanks to the lovely team at LuLu's for the opportunity!! 

And, for all of you, get 15% off your total purchase when you enter PANCAKE at checkout! If I were you, I'd start with this dress ;) Valid from 3/29/12 - 4/05/12 for US and Canada residents only.

Wisdom Wednesday

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.” -- Wayne Dyer

"Springside Bowl" Look Book, LuLu's, Spring 2012

The other day, I read this quote that a friend had posted as a status. I sat there for a few minutes really contemplating whether or not I liked the quote. Then I came to the conclusion that its raw and tough-love-like nature was a perfect reminder for all to hear.

I can never understand why people always complain so much. Here we have a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black, because I'm quite guilty of whining over things from time to time. I would like to think that I have been much more mindful of it, as of late, but that might just be wishful thinking. In any case, complaining can only take you so far. You whine, you feel sort of better after letting go of some inner angst, and then you think about it again and feel upset. Sound familiar? If not, it certainly does with me. But really think about the act of complaining. What does it get you aside from maybe 10 minutes of relief after you've expressed your dissatisfaction for a certain situation or a certain someone? Nothing, really. So why not just channel all the anger, sadness, worry, pain, whatever it is you feel towards something better? Let it motivate you. Let it help you. Do not wallow in pain and don't let someone dictate how you feel. You are in charge of you. Be better. Waste your time crying over spilled milk, or clean up the milk and get moving to get some more. In the end, all the choices we make are our own. So, be miserable, or be motivated.

>> And as a special Wednesday treat, don't forget that you still have time to get 15% off your total order when you enter STACKER at checkout on LuLus.com! Valid from 3/22/12-3/29 for US and Canada Residents only. <<

Lucky in LuLus.com

When LuLus.com generously sent me this beautiful Winding Vines Striped Green Skirt, I knew I wanted to do something fun with it. The rain finally went away long enough to do some outdoor outfit shots, so Tim and I got straight to it. We got to scouting in Hayes Valley, where I knew we'd find some whimsical things. It seemed as though at every corner we turned, there was another wall waiting to serve as the backdrop to another photo, which made shooting this outfit that much more fun. Aside from the bright pop of color, one thing I really love about this skirt is the flattering high-low cut. A high-low skirt is definitely a staple in any closet. I purchased the heels a long, long while back and if you can believe it, this was my first time wearing them out. They're fairly comfortable, which leads me to wonder why I haven't already worn them. All in all, I think this outfit was a perfect choice to ring in the spring! Anyhoo, I hope you enjoyed part two of three with LuLu's! If you missed part one, you can check it out here. Stay tuned for part three! It's coming soon :)

Also, I know that St. Patrick's Day is over, but that doesn't mean your luck should stop there. Save some green by entering STACKER upon checkout on LuLus.com and you'll get 15% off your total purchase! Valid from 3/22/12-3/29/12 for US & Canada shoppers only. 

Wisdom Wednesday

"The most important lesson I have learned from my parents is to live what you love, and love what you live. Discover your strengths and find what truly brings you happiness. All you really need is already within you, you just have to be daring enough to find it and courageous enough to pursue it. Life has no limitations, except the ones you make." -- Nicole Warne via Refinery 29

"Day Tripper" Look Book, For Love and Lemons, Spring 2012 

Life is such a beautiful thing, full of inspiration and potential. I think once you realize that the only person who can hold you back, is yourself, that is when you really open yourself up to each and every opportunity. If you want something, go for it. If you don't get it, try again. There are so many things that can happen, but the important thing is to start. And once you've reached something, don't get comfortable. Keep working towards the next thing, like you never had the first. When you love what you do, and do what you love, then you have found they key to success. 

Wisdom Wednesday

"A lot of people ask me, ‘How did you get to where you are? How do you have this career?’ and I always say, ‘From a series of complete and total failures.’” -- Sharon Montrose

"Day Tripper" Look Book, For Love and Lemons, Spring 2012 

As a child, I think I would have had a complete and mental breakdown if I ever received an F. Seeing the big red "F" written in felt-tip marker on other children's work already caused close to a complete distress is my miniature body, so if I ever received one I can't imagine what kind of madness would have ensued. Fast-forward to present day me, and well, I still freak out a little if I fail at something. I get a little sad when things don't seem to work out as planned and I wonder about how things will be. But, that's to be expected. We all feel that way. Post-college me still wonders when I am going to land the "dream job," or when things are going to "begin." Then I realize things are already well on their way and began when I first dreamed of becoming what it is I want to be. I honestly cannot name one person in the world who didn't fail 9 times, only to find success on attempt number 10. You only fail if you don't try and you  fail when you sell yourself short. Nothing is really ever a failure unless you didn't learn from it. And failing is always something that I think wakes up the senses. It says, "Hey you! Something isn't right here!" So, if something is wrong, don't be afraid to start all over to make it right.  As for me, I am still not where I want to be, but I know in time, I will be. And failing? Well, it just means I'm one step closer to winning.

Cape Crusading with LuLus.com

As you might know, online shopping sometimes makes me a little nervous. I have a somewhat irrational fear that I will lose my package, the clothes won't fit, or that if I need to, returning will just be too much of a hassle to deal with. I think a bigger truth is that I am a bit impatient and just like the instant gratification of knowing that my new goodies are already in my hands. Now, having said that, I have to admit, I still online-window-shop to my heart's content. One online shop I have always frequented is LuLus.com. So, when they contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in shopping their store, I couldn't help but jump around with glee! For those of you who might not know know about LuLu's, they're an amazing online store filled with the latest trends in women's fashion. You can expect fun and fabulous items at reasonable prices, but you do have to move fast, as items sell out quickly. The shipping is fast, returns are easy, and I guarantee you will jump for joy when your items arrive.

Wisdom Wednesday

“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” -- Dr. Seuss

Images via GoJane

I've very much taken to the philosophy that even though "every day may not be good, there's something good in every day." And, I find it so important to see the "something good" in every single day. I'll admit that things aren't always perfect. Life is hard and worries come my way. But, regardless of what isn't working, I still remember that they're working that way for a reason. My mom has always said that when something doesn't work out, to be patient; something better is on the way. If you close your eyes to all the bad, you'll shut out the lessons. If you only open your eyes to the good, you'll shut out appreciation. Open your eyes to every moment... but really open your eyes. This moment, right now, will never happen again. The same goes for all the ones that have passed and all the ones to come. Open your eyes so you can see each one. Really though, why would you want to miss out on life, the best thing of all? 

And that's my wisdom for this Wednesday. As always, feel free to leave me your words of wisdom down below. Also, I just wanted to say thanks so much to every single person who has tweeted me, sent an email, or left a comment on my blog. I've been a little busy with a few projects, but I do plan to get back to each one soon! :)