Wednesday Wish List

After hitting up the outlets this past weekend I was getting so many ideas for fall. Currently it's 90 degrees out so it's not like I'll be sporting any fall-wear anytime soon but it's still fun to look at all the new styles and get ideas for what I want to invest in once the weather decides to take a turn for the worse.
This year, for me, it's all about items that can be mixed and matched so I get more bang for my buck. I've never been afraid of a pop of color but I'm going to try and focus on some neutrals this year that will help me get through the long winter months with more outfit options. Also on my list this year are plenty of vests. I picked up a navy quilted puffer vest this past weekend and I can see myself getting so much use out of it during fall, but the above army green lined vest is also something I'm looking to invest in as well.

What are you looking to invest in this fall?

Navy Buffalo Check Shirt // Mint Coat // Booties // Lined Vest

Black Skinny Jeans // Skull Pendant // Leopard Slip Ons

xoxo

Nordstrom Rack is Coming to Albany!

Today is an exciting day for those living in the 518 because we're finally getting a Nordstrom Rack. For years the only major department store we had in our area was a Macy's, and I was thrilled last year when we get a Lord & Taylor, but today is the grand opening for Nordstrom Rack and I finally feel like I can get access to these brands that I've been only been able to shop online for. I was so tempted to go into work late today so I could attend the grand opening at 8am but I was on my best behavior and decided to wait until this weekend when I could shop their Labor Day Sales. 

While browsing their website I picked out a few items that I already have my eye on. Although this isn't a full Nordstrom, I'm still excited about the deals that will be available to me, just in time for fall to arrive. High on my list are those navy suede booties pictured above. I felt like brown and black boots are so common but a navy boot would be a fun twist for fall!

Do you have a Nordstrom in your area?

Navy Suede Booties // Sunnies // Wool Military Coat

Plaid Top // Ring // Keds // Weekend Bag

xoxo

Rainbow Pops and Crossbodys

Happy Hump Day!

So if I had to tell you what my two most worn summer pieces (besides a bathing suit) has been this summer, it would be this tank and crossbody bag. If you're looking for a decent sized crossbody bag that is classic and affordable, then I couldn't recommend this bag more. I originally brought the brown bag to take with me to Chicago and got so much use out of it that I just ordered it in black as well! Currently, the bag is $32 at Nordstrom (plus free shipping everyday) and I'm so glad I invested in it because I've brought it with me everywhere. As for the popsicle shirt, I got it on the clearance rack at Lord and Taylor (still available at Nordstrom online). I loved the fun graphic on the front and it's a great tank to throw over my bathing suit on the way to the pool, which as you know is my favorite weekend activity.

Anyway, last night I got dinner with friends at the new Druthers Brewing Company in Albany. If you're in the 518 area, I definitely recommend checking out their new location. For those of you who are beer fans, they brew plenty of options in house that pack the plenty of flavor and their food menu is just as amazing. They specialize in macaroni and cheese in a variety of flavors, but they also have plenty of other menu options including burgers, sandwiches and wood fire pizza. It's definitely a great gathering for friends with an awesome atmosphere. 

Rainbow Pop Tank // Shorts // Sunglasses

Ring // Bangles, old

Crossbody Bag // Flip Flops

xoxo

Zebra Stripes

Happy Monday!

I was so excited when my dress from the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale arrived on Saturday, especially when they said that it could take up to three weeks for delivery. This means I get the chance to wear it before Labor Day when it gets packed away for another year. First let me say I am obsessed with this pattern and bright colors. I haven't bought anything from Lilly in two years, mainly because it's out of my price range with the exception of the semi annual sale they have every year. I love their summery patterns but I'm not about to pay $200 for a dress, it's just not my style. However, I did jump at the opportunity to get this dress on super clearance and I'm so glad I did. 

I always get nervous shopping the After Party sale, mainly because everything is final sale and I would be crushed if my package arrived and it didn't fit, however I strongly recommend reading the reviews because they often give great advice as to what size to order. In my case the reviews said to order one size up because the dress runs small and thank god I did, because after sizing up the dress fits like a glove. This will officially be my last summer purchase, next stop... new fall arrivals!

Dress, Lilly Pulitzer // Sandals Steve Madden, old

Clutch Michael Kors Outlet // Sunglasses

Ring // Gold Bangle // Necklace Ann Taylor, old

Did you pick anything up at the After Party sale?

xoxo

Workwear Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!

Now that it's mid-August, I start to get a little bored with my summer work wardrobe. However, I need to make this very clear I am in no rush for summer to end. I'm already starting to see all these fall clothes out in the stores and it makes me panic. I know everyone loves fall, but when fall arrives winter is around the corner so I will take the sunshine any day of the week. Anyway, whenever I'm feeling that, "I have nothing to wear" moment when I'm getting ready for work I always have a few go-to dresses that I always pull out of my closet and this green and navy number is one of them. Kelly green and navy have always been one of my favorite color combos and the gold zippers on the pockets add that extra detail and makes the dress a stand out. 

Dress Michael Kors, old // Sandals Steve Madden, old

Similar crossbody options here // Necklace J Crew Factory, old

Sunglasses Kate Spade Outlet (similar option here)

xoxo

Peachy's Got It

Hi.

Remember me? 

My apologies for the lack of posts last week but I could not pull it together. After getting back from Chicago late Monday night I was so exhausted. The entire weekend was such a whirlwind of fun, but whenever I'm with that group of friends I feel like it takes me an entire week to recover from the shenanigans. The rest of the week I was super busy at work and either had stuff to do at night or I was in bed at 7pm, so long story short blogging took a major backseat. I barely even touched my personal computer last week and I'm just now catching up on emails and getting organized. But, today is a new day and I'm looking forward to getting back on the blogging track this week.

This tunic dress that I picked up at Macy's a few weeks ago is currently on clearance, so it's a great time to pick up a lightweight dress to get you through the last remaining weeks of summer. After browsing my closet I realize that I tend to gravitate towards blues and greens but I don't have a lot of pinks or corals so this dress is a step in the right direction when it comes to mixing things up. The embroidered top allows me to go light on the jewelry. This dress is perfect for a day at the beach or strolling the boardwalk.

Dress // Sandals

Sunglasses Kate Spade (similar option here)

Clutch Kate Spade, old // Jewelry Ann Taylor, old

xoxo

Catching Some Zzz's

I've been pretty vocal about my love of Aerie's swimwear line. Not only does it promote a great message of loving your real self, but they had so many cute styles this summer at a very affordable price. But today I'm here to talk about their equally fun sleep line. 

I'm sure I'm not alone in the fact that I tend to choose comfort over quality when it comes to my sleep options. I still have so many ratty old tee shirts that I grab when I'm ready for bed. But, Aerie's line brings the comfort while still having some personality. There are a variety of items for under $20 including a ton of printed boxer sleep shorts, the macaron print ones are my personal favorite. They also have cotton nighties that button up and can double as a light bathrobe to throw on in the morning. Aerie's new line has finally motivated me to throw out those old pajamas and invest in some new options that won't break that bank.

Macaron Boxers // Pink Seersucker Shorts // Seersucker Nightie

Joggers // But First Coffee Tee // Bootie Socks // Bralette

xoxo

Heads Up Cover Up

Similar Navy Tunic  

Are you sick of me talking about how much I love to be by the water yet? This photo basically sums up my weekend activities in the summer time, except normally my butt it firmly planted in a float and I have a magazine in my lap. But, when I'm on my way to the pool, it's not usual for my to throw on a cover-up before I make my travels. Cover-ups are my pool and beach savior because I don't care if they get wet and their lightweight and easy to throw on over your swim suit. 

Lately, I've seen so many cute cover up options in the stores that won't break the bank so I thought I would share with you some of my favorites. Some are even so fashionable that they're perfect for getting post beach drinks at your local beach bar. My advice, if you're looking for a cheap but fun cover-up I would head to Francesca's where they have plenty of $30 and under options. If you're looking for something a little more heavy-weight that you won't mind spending a little extra money on, I would head to ASOS because they have a huge selection of caftans and tunics. 

Check out my favorite cover-up options below:

  Pineapple Cover-Up // Striped Cover Up 

Palm Leaf Kimono // Striped Jersey Hoodie

Floral Kimono // White Embroiders Caftan // Lilly Tunic Dress

xoxo

Blue & White Stripes, Shocking Right?

By now I'm sure we've all read about those trouble at J Crew, and while I agree that a lot of their products are too expensive for the trendy pieces they are putting out, their recent troubles have allowed me to scoop up a few items on the clearance rack at a fraction of their original price. J Crew really needs to get back to the basics and start going back to their original classic look for affordable prices (nobody needs a $400 bedazzled skirt) and I think this top I picked up last week is a great start.

Classic striped tunics never go out of style and I can already think of a million ways to dress this top up or down. Today I'm showing it off with a pair of basic navy shorts, but just last week I wore it to work with a linen skirt and I already have plans to pack it in my suitcase when I head to Cape May in a few weeks! The shirt is currently on the clearance rack, so this would be a great time to stock up.

J Crew Top // Factory Shorts

Striped Bangle, Kate Spade (another cute option here)

Ann Taylor Gold Bauble Bracelet

Necklace, Ann Taylor old // Sandals Vince Camuto, old

Sunglasses Kate Spade Outlet (similar option here)

Bag Michael Kors (similar option here)

xoxo

Summer With Lilly

Yesterday marked the first official day of summer and the first day of summer always corresponded with National Wear Your Lilly Day. Well, seeing how yesterday I never got out of my pajamas (whoops) I decided to show off my Lilly Pulitzer a day late. I picked up this tote a few years ago during the big Lilly end of summer sale for a fraction of the original cost and I've been using it ever since. Big tote bags are always my go-to summer bag because I normally have a bathing suit and change of clothes with me at all times.

Now let me take a minute to discuss this amazing light weight dress (which is currently on clearance at Gap). My mom and I ended up buying matching dresses because we loved it so much. This is a different length for me, normally I'm either in a full maxi dress or a slightly above the knee dress, but this dress hits below the knee reminding me of a midi skirt. I see this as a perfect vacation dress because its super comfortable and can be accessorized so many different ways. You can never go wrong with a classic navy dress and this one is a quality piece that won't break the bank (bonus: it's lined!).

Tote Lilly Pulitzer (new prints available here)

Gap Dress (currently on clearance!) // BaubleBar Necklace

Kate Spade Bangles, old // Ray-Bans

Tommy Hilfiger Sandals // Belt Akira, old

xoxo

What to Pack in a Beach Bag

Tote c/o

I have not been shy about my feelings about spending time near the pool and beach during the warmer months. It's terrible, but I put off all my important errands and chores until fall because it's just too hard to be inside on a beautiful weekend day (or weekday for that matter...). Personally, I keep a packed "pool bag" handy at all time for a last minute trip to plop myself down in a float and my pool tote becomes my second bag in the summer, I always have it close by.
Since I officially have less than a month before I ship off to Cape May for a week with my family, I'm already thinking about what I'm going to carry with me to the ocean. So today I'm giving you some ideas on what I like to have handy when I'm relaxing near the water.

1. Comfy towel -- Oversized towels are a must, you want something that will be soft on your skin and keep you dry after a dip.
2. Cover-up -- During my trips to the ocean I trade my shorts and tank tops for easy light weight cover-ups that I don't mind if they get wet. Lately I've been especially loving the kimono trend for when you're hanging out by the pool.
3. A good book or trashy magazine-- I get so much reading done when on vacation. I like to switch between reading the latest celebrity gossip and all the book recommendations I hear from you guys!
4. Sun Protection (beauty edition) -- Ocean sun is no joke, being by the water really increases the suns power so it's important to protect yourself with a good sunscreen and end the day with after sun lotion. I swear by Banana Boats: Aloe After Sun Lotion, it has been a lifesaver of mine and don't leave home without it.
5. Sun Protection (fashion edition) -- A funky hat and cute pair of sunglasses are a must when you're trying to protect your face from those rays. Go for a cheap pair that you won't mind losing if you decide to brave the ocean waves.
6. Music - A good playlist only makes sitting by the water that much better and luckily there are so many lightweight travel radio options that are perfect for dropping in the sand.

What are your beach bag must haves?

Kimono // Bikini Top // Bottom // Sunnies // The Vacationers 

Sunscreen // Towel // After Sun Lotion // Do Not Disturb Hat // Portable Radio

xoxo

Friday Favorites: Tommy Hilfiger Summer Collection

TGIF!

These past few days have been hot ones in the 518 so I've been choosing a lot of lightweight dresses and shorts to keep me cool during this 80 degree weather. Finding pieces that will keep me cool but are still work appropriate can be tough but luckily the Tommy Hilfiger summer collection has come to my rescue. They have so many amazing pieces that transition well from day to night. Plus, when you shop the collection at Macy's they're always having great sales (and the option to use a coupon on top of it!). 

Of course they have plenty of striped options that I immediately gravitated towards, whoops. But, one of my favorite parts of their new collection is the introduction of the color orange. I don't own a lot of orange but it's one of those colors that look great with a tan and these pieces definitely inspired me to add more orange to my wardrobe. So if you get a moment, be sure to stop into your local Macy's to see the new Tommy collection, you will find plenty of great pieces for summer.

Navy Drawstring Dress // Embroidered Orange Dress // Embroidered A-Line Skirt

A-Line Maxi // White Split Neck Top // White Blazer

xoxo

Summer Must-Haves at eShakti

It's been a little over a year since I was first introduced to eShakti, an online store dedicated to making the most beautiful dresses for every shape and size. They offer customizable dresses for women size 0 through 36 and they pride themselves on quality items that won't break the bank. If you remember, I raved about my eShakti dress I received last year in a post discussing my obsession with the ability to pick details in every part of the process, including length and the ability to add pockets, to create the perfect dress. These dresses are really well made, and I was especially impressed with the fact that my dress came lined, something you don't see in affordable dresses very often. Since receiving my eShakti dress I've worn it on multiple occasions and always get great compliments on it, this dress literally fits me perfectly!

Well, eShakti is at it again, this time adding new lines including a Contemporary and Bohemian section, along with a variety of new custom jumpsuits, pants and shorts. I might finally get my wish of owning a black jumpsuit that actually fits my short frame! As much as I originally fell in love with eShakti's line of dresses, I am even more obsessed with their other summer options including a resort wear! By now you all know my love of being my the water so finding great maxi dresses and tunics at eShakti is a dream come true.



eShakti has something for everyone this summer no matter your style. I always tend to gravitate towards fun patterns in the summer so this Gingham Cotton Dress and Striped Blouse immediately caught my eye. Bonus: with wedding season upon us, they have a variety of Bridesmaid and special event dresses available cheaper than you'll ever find in any wedding shop! I promise you that you won't be disappointed in what eShakti has to offer.

Are you ready for the best part of all? eShakti is giving all Monster Misa readers a $35 coupon that is valid until June 21, 2015 with the code: MONSTERS35! 

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

Special thanks to eShakti for sponsoring this post. I was compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed in this post were my own.

Bejeweled

What I'm Wearing

TGIF!

One of the biggest trends this summer has been the embellished sandal, and I was quick to jump on the bandwagon. First of all, I loved how it made the typical sandal appear dressier, especially now that I have to get more dressed up for work. As a girl who gravitates towards bright jewelry, I saw this as an opportunity to "bedazzle" my feet without being tacky.

If you're looking for an comfortable and affordable pair of embellished sandals, I can't recommend the ones I'm wearing in the above enough. They're G by Guess and I got them at Macy's. The best news is they're currently on sale for $30 (you can get them for $20 if you use a $10 off of $30 coupon, which is what I did), can't go wrong! I've gotten so much use out of mine already.

Check out some of my other favorite embellished options below:

Have you jumped on the embellished sandal trend?

Gold Multi-Colored Jewel // Coral Bejeweled

Gemma Jeweled Sandal // White Topshop Sandal

Black Double Strapped Sandal // Felix Crystal Sandal

Cobalt Blue Sandals

xoxo

Draper James

TGIF!

Not sure if you have heard yet but actress Reese Witherspoon recently started a new line called Draper James. It's focused on clothing and accessories with a few fun home goods like blankets and stationary. Although the items can be a little pricey, they definitely give me plenty of outfit inspiration.

Draper James styles I'm looking to recreate this summer:

• Nautical Stripes- I love the light blue and navy mix, a fun twist on the traditional navy and white stripe.
• Bright Florals- Coral is a color I don't own a lot of but I fell in love with coral and cobalt combination from that bracelet and phone case. 
• Statement Accessories- From bold rings to funky hats and cheeky totes, I like to have one conversation piece on at all time this summer.
• Wicker Handbags- Straw and wicker bags give the ultimate beach look for these warmer months.

Striped Dress // Floral Stripe Tee // Rose Ring

Bangle // Boat Hat // Navy Wicker Bag

Phone Case // Tote Bag

xoxo

The New Summer Accessory: Tattoos

We all know by now that I'm a sucker for a good accessory, especially statement jewelry. However, with summer right around the corner I will be spending a whole lot of my free time somewhere near the water whether it be a pool or the beach. That means the probability of me leaving the house with jewelry on is slim because I don't want my jewelry to get lost or damaged from being in the water. This is where Flash Tattoo's come in, it's jewelry inspired temporary tattoos that became the answer to my dilemma.

 Flash Tattoos are perfect to the beach, the pool, parties, festivals and concerts and they take minutes to apply. Remember when you were a kid and you would get those temporary tattoos out of the gum ball machines at the grocery store? You would place them on your skin, add warm water, wait two minutes and peel off the paper to reveal a flower, peace sign, or character tattoo that would last a couple days and eventually wash off. Well this is the exact same concept but instead of child prints you have gorgeous metallic patterns that add a little personality to your summer wardrobe. 

(ignore the sunburn)

I was first introduced to Flash Tattoos in St. Maarten where a friend of mine brought a couple packages of them for us to try. I was immediately hooked and knew they would be my new summer accessory obsession. I had the metallic tattoos on all week long and would reapply different ones based on what we were doing that week. The best part, is each day can be a new tattoo because you can wash them off with a little scrubbing in the shower. A package of tattoo's will run you $22 and it will offer you plenty of options that will last you all summer long, so it's a great cheap investment to make. 

Check out some of the ways you can wear them below:

After wearing them all week long in the sun I ended up coming home with a vine tan line, guess you could say I was definitely hooked!

Would you wear flash tattoos as an alternative to summer jewelry?

Sofia Flash Tattoos // Zahra Flash Tattoos // Goldfish Kiss Flash Tattoos

xoxo