Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Dream Chasers: b. lovely

This is a very fun and special edition of Dream Chasers, because I get to feature a friend. Her name is Lyndsey and she runs the boutique b. lovely. We got introduced by a mutual friend and I have not only loved shopping her pieces, but getting to know the lady behind the store; seeing her passion and drive to make it succeed!

You currently can shop b. lovely on Instagram or Facebook --all you have to do is comment on the picture of the piece you like, and she will send you a Paypal invoice, and get the item sent out! It is really simple and fun--she is also working a new website--so look for that in the future!

These sequins pants from b. lovely are now going to be in serious rotation in my closet, you can dress them up or down! And, any excuse to add a little sparkle to my day is a good thing in my book :)

So without further ado--






{Pants: c/o b. lovely} {Cardi: Target} {Necklace: Loft}
{Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington} {Shoes: Gianni Bini identical}

1. Tell me about your business and why you choose to get into this field of work?

b.lovely has been a dream of mine since I was in middle school. Of course there's been some tweaking of what that dream looked like but I always knew I wanted to own my own business (when I was little I used to sketch plans for all kinds of businesses I want/wanted to own) and knew I wanted to sell items I was excited and passionate about. In high school I really started to get into fashion and playing with different looks, I never really had a specific "look" I would gravitate towards, I loved being someone different everyday based on my mood; one day I could dress preppy, the next day bohemian, the next day rocker, etc. Throughout college I really started to fine tune the dream and realized owning a boutique was what I really wanted to do, especially after I ran my blog (thats sadly been abandoned due to time constraints but feel free to check it out www.alovelylittleblog.com) I became all my friends, co-workers, families go-to person about fashion advice and where to find something. I myself have always been a big boutique shopper, I love the experience of shopping in boutiques and I knew that was the kind of experience I wanted to have on a regular basis. I love knowing my customers names, and thier tastes, I love knowing when I get a new item in which of my customers to alert based on thier tastes and preferences. It becomes such a wonderful relationship and something I truly love doing. 

2. Is this your full time job or do you have 9-5?

Unfortunately at this time I work a few jobs to pay the bills, and b.lovely is my full time passion project. b.lovely just celebrated its one year birthday in December 2014 so there is a lot planned for 2015/2016 a far as expanding and opening a physical store front. I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me to do b.lovely whenever it is needed, but I can't wait till the day I can focus solely on b.lovely and really give it all my energy. 

3.What is the most rewarding part of owning your own business?

Honestly I would have to say my customers. I have only been in business for a little over a year and the people I have met have been so outstanding. I love getting to know them, what they like and don't like. I love being able to help them feel confident or step out of thier comfort zone by trying new things. Obviously it is great owning your own business as well because its empowering, it feels good to give back to my community, and I only have myself to answer to, or myself standing in my own way of moving up on the ladder. 

4. What are some challenges you have faced?

There are always challenges in owning your own business. I started this business with all my own money. I did not crowd fund, or take out a loan, I worked really hard at my job (and still do) so I could make b.lovely a reality and my full time job. It's really hard when you work full time, and sometimes the last thing I have energy to do is more work, but it helps that it is work I love and am passionate about. With b.lovely not having a physical storefront (and not having the time to run a fully functioning eCommerce site) it is also hard to think of new ways to reach new customers, and get the shops name out there, but thankfully there are lots of wonderful local business that support each other, and bloggers like you who support local business owners like me!

5. What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?

Do it! If you have a vision and a dream, just do it! You will never feel "ready", there will always be something else that could be better or perfected but you can improve upon those things as time goes on. In just one year I have already learned so much about my business, and am so glad I stopped waiting for the right time, or more money, or whatever other excuses I was using to hold myself back and just went for it. 

6. What is your favorite item in your shop? 

Oh man, that is truly hard because as the buyer I obviously love all my items!! My favorite all time item would probably be this open knit sweater from last season - though no longer in stock :( but i have a lot of other favorites along the way including this quirky watermelon top from the summer, this body-con dress, and some new arrivals I'm really excited to share at the Pop-Up Shop on February 11!

P.s. All my local ladies--Lyndsey offers trunk shows!! She literally brings the shop to your house (or anywhere you choose) and you and friends can shop until you drop--its super fun (I had on for my 27th birthday this year!). The hostess can also earn up to 30% depending on the sales of the party. 

She is also hosting a Valentines trunk show on February 11th at a local tanning salon in Stow, Ohio that is open to the public--you can find the event info by clicking HERE! I plan on going--so let me know if you decide to join!

Linked with:
Random WednesdayWIWWGYPOMid-Week MuseStyle Me WeeklyO Hey Girl

oxox,
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Monday, January 26, 2015

The Perfect Snow Day Attire and a Giveaway!






{Poncho: c/o Mint Julep Boutique} {Boots: Jessica Simpson similar and on sale!!}
{Necklace: Express similar} {Watch NY&Co. Splurge/Save} {Bracelets: c/o Misha's Creations

Well Ohio never disappoints when it comes to snow--to bad this girl is not a fan! And normally, I am not a huge fan of hood either. But, when Mint Julep Boutique was kind enough to send me this fabulous poncho--the hood came in handy!

As you can see the snow is swirling, and as normal, I was unprepared! So my hair was kept in tacked walking into church and running errand by the use of this very hood.

And I have to say--I kinda love how it looks too! 

What are your thoughts on hoods?!

Plus, The Mint Julep Boutique is giving away a $25 Gift Card for their shop. You can enter below through the Rafflecopter! They have so many great things--I am in love with this tunicthe perfect mint vest, and this fun cardi


Linked with:

oxox,
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Friday, January 23, 2015

Letting Loose for the Weekend






{Skirt: Francesca's Save/Love} {Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington} {Shoes: Target LOVE}
{Earrings: Francesca's Splurge/Save} {Necklace: Versona So Cute}

Anyone else really happy it's Friday?! I had a short week, but somehow it really didn't feel like it. I am ready to let loose this weekend. 

Does it make me sound really old that I am beyond pumped that I get to go to Ikea this weekend?! Screw the bars, bring on the furniture stores! 

The closest one is in Pittsburgh, so me and my friend are making the small trek on Saturday--and I have already got a list of all the things I want :)

Anyone have any good suggestions of place to eat in Pittsburgh while we are there?
Have a fabulous weekend Fashionistas
oxox,
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Scarf that wont Quit





{Scarf: Zara Love/Great Colors} {Dress: Target Similar} {Boots: Ugg}
{Sunnies: Aldo} {Bracelets: old Similar}

Anyone else sick of seeing this scarf on everyone?!

I can't get enough--it literally goes with everything. You can wear it with jeans, a dress, sweatshirts, and blouses! The one I am wearing is the official Zara blanket scarf (which seemed to be the first on the market), but now there are a ton of good choice out there from all types of brands.

It has been a go to this winter for me and I plan on buying a few more colors at end of season sales :) 

Also, I will never give up my Ugg boots--they are here to stay. I love my Hunter's but they are never going to be Uggs!

Anyone else have a fashion trend they will never give up?
oxox,
28




Monday, January 19, 2015

Girly Girl Gone






{T-shirt: Old Navy So Cute} {Sweater: Old Navy Similar
{Shoes: Old Navy Leopard Version}{Jeans: Old Navy

I have always loved to dress up--give me some sparkle, tulle, pearls, and high heels, and I am in heaven.

Sometimes though, especially on the weekends, I just want to be comfy. Wear something over-sized. Forget the eye make-up. Screw the uncomfortable shoes. And just be effortless.

That is where an outfit like this comes in to play. I threw it on before going to see American Sniper with the hubs and some friends. Which, not to get off on a tangent, but was FANTASTIC! Anyone else see it?!

And now I am too distracted by the thought of Bradley Cooper to even talk about my outfit (sorry hubs ha!), but come on--ammiright ladies?!
Hope you all have a fabulous Monday
oxox,
35




Wednesday, January 14, 2015

5 Winter Wonderland Essentials

So calling the weather we have been having in Ohio a "Winter Wonderland" might be pushing it--it's more of a "frozen tundra of grey snow and ice"--but you get my point!

So, since keeping warm has been a #1 priority, I thought I would share with you some of my essentials.

  1. Boots
  2. (Thick) Socks
  3. Gloves
  4. Hats
  5. And the heaviest Coat you can find
These items above are on my wish list--I mean, come on, they are practical AND fashionable. That's a win/win in my book!

oxox,
22




Monday, January 12, 2015

Work to Play






{Shirt: Limited, sold out online, but should be in stores! Purple Leopard} {Coat: Old Navy Similar}
{Jeans: Daytrip Splurge/Save} {Necklace: Limited Similar}{Shoes:Gianni Bini So cute}

What's a girl to do when the temps have been in the negative and snow covers the ground?

Put on the brightest shirt she owns and call it a day!

I love shirts that can transition from work to play--and this blouse from the Limited is one of those. The silky material, and cut, make it office appropriate when worn with dress slacks and heels. Then when I come home (and decide go to happy hour or the mall while avoiding the gym ha!), I can slip on some jeans and cute flats and be back out the door in five minutes!

Plus, leopard of any color makes me happy--I don't discriminate :)
Hope you all have a fabulous Monday
oxox,


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Friday, January 9, 2015

Let's Get Real

Recently I was talking to a new friend about the dangers of perfectionism, and how it not only steals your joy, but also your creativity. We were talking about how sometimes we don't post or publish things because we don't deem them "good enough".  We worry what others might think.

But, then I realized, I don't blog for anyone but myself. 

I do it because I love it.

So lets get real today and have a good laugh at some outtakes that were never "good enough" for the blog! 

Life is way to short to take ourselves to seriously...

1. No, I am not expecting a baby!


2. My chin is giving Jay Leno a run for his money ha!


3. I am learning to love my thick thighs..


4. Honestly though, this is my best side!


5. Very creepy face to show you how EXCITED I was about this outfit...


6. The "hold you arm naturally" pose has never worked for me--ever :)


7. Holy Wind


8. Why so serious?? (especially when that only makes your shirt look ironic)


9. When your shorts are riding up during a shoot--not cool!


10. I am sure I was being a little grouchy and yelling at my favorite photog here--sorry Leah :)


Moral of the story--I am not perfect, though I am 100% sure that before this you thought I was! *insert sarcasm* 

You know what though, I always am having fun! And that is what blogging, and more importantly, life, is all about!

This year, let's not sweat the small stuff. 

Have a fabulous weekend
oxox,

26




Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Gossip Sesh

So when I took off most of the month of December--I swear, I had good reasons :) I want to share them with you and have a little gossip sesh today on what I have been up to!

1. Our New Home
    So this was totally before the snow has taken over Ohio--but this is where we are living and loving life right now. I can't wait to revealed the inside, but we still have TONS to do. I forgot how time consuming putting the house back together can be! P.S. if you remember me complaining that my hubby wouldn't hire movers, and I argued that we might die, because we would definitely be moving in blizzard conditions--it was sunny and about 60 degrees. I am never living that down...


2. My baby sister turned 23 and is in her last year of nursing school! She amazes me everyday with her dedication and talent. I can't wait to see where she decides to work and where life will take her in the next few months.
 3. No tree at our house due to moving, but Mom to the rescue. I spent as much time as I could at their perfectly decorated, Christmas filled home over the holidays!



4. Also got to spend time with my nieces and in-laws. We went and cut down a tree, saw a Christmas Carol, and had a marvelous Christmas Night playing lots of duck-duck-goose! And I got my butt kicked by a 3 year old...




5. Planning decorations for the house has been so fun!! We are keeping a lot of what we had and using it in new ways. However, I am making my office/blog room into the girliest, goldest, sparkliest room you have ever seen :)



6. We had a marvelous NYE spent with our friends. The night was filled with Cards Against Humanity, which I have never played, and I don't think I stopped laughing the whole time. I found the perfect skirt to wear from one of my favorite boutiques, @shopblovely



It was a great time, filled with a lot of stress, a lot of excitement, and a whole heck of a lot of memories! 

Linked with:
Midweek Muse

oxox,
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