Designer Look Alike For Less

Valentino // Marciano // Nine West // KOHL'S // Betsey Johnson 

Who hasn't drooled over the Valentino rock stud trend? Sure the fashion house has made every single accessory item with rock studs but it doesn't seem to slow down. From the previous fascination with Rock Stud Heels we have  jumped into bags. Or maybe I'm just catching up with the times. In any case, if you have been drooling over the studded bags but cannot bite the price tag, here are some alternative options for you. All at a (very) reasonable price.

PRADA // Ralph Lauren // Dorothy Perkins // Tory Burch // Ralph Lauren 

This Prada Tote has been on my Wishlist for a while. That is why when I saw a very similar in structure bag by Ralph Lauren, I knew I had to have it. It's a classic with a thick leather and solid design that won't go out of style. I have not had a purchase that I loved so much and that fit my personal style so well. I have worn it more than I can count! A brown satchel/tote is a must in any girl's closet. And if you are aiming at the lowest end of the spectrum, Target is always happy to provide cheap alternative ($34). 

Valentino // Seychelles // Halogen // Sam Edelman // Sole Society

I saved the best for last - the shoes. Who hasn't admired these heels by Valentino? Who didn't ever think about one day buying them? Well, guilty as charged. Here are some affordable alternatives that will make other fashionistas turn their heads. Snatch them up before they are gone! 

MORE AFFORDABLE FASHION TRENDS

Linking up with Mama and More
Enjoy the shopping!

xo, Anna

Favorite Things

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It's time to get your Christmas pajamas out, drink hot tea and read. I found this adorable children's book in Barnes and Nobles the other day and think it would be perfect for snow day snuggles. Especially for certain someone who has been giving his parents trouble at bed time. I love J.Crew pajamas and although I haven't splurged on one yet, I'm hoping I will find one under the Christmas tree this year. Also, must have cozy slippers (which are also cute). I hope you are enjoying your long weekend (don't remind me that it's almost over) and finding new and tasty ways to eat that left over turkey. 

Stay warm ladies! 

Two to One

dress: Target (similar)
vest: Gap
bag: Dorothy Perkins (similar)
sandals: Gap (similar)
watch: Target (similar)

Every week I watch my sister's daughter. I sort of get practice for two kids already. Her and my son are six months apart and the bigger they get, the more similar their behavior is. Right now they are in 'everything is mine' stage. They don't want to share or be nice, and although they have undying love for each other, they pound on one another half the time. On those days, I don't get dressed until about 2pm and don't even try to follow any  kind of schedule. They are good kids and obey when I put my foot down but, at the same time,  there is two of them and only one of me. It gets hard sometimes but the moments they are cute and loving on each other they melt my heart. Those are the moments that prove life as a mama is worth it all.

Hope you are having a great day! 

Simply Chic

dress: Old Navy
sandals: Gap (similar)
bag: Dorothy Perkins

A lot of times when I take pictures of my outfit for the blog, I think, is it enough? Is my outfit trendy enough? Do I have enough accessories? Is it Pinterest worthy? And quit frankly, it gets so exhausting at times. There is a pressure for a style and beauty blogger to be on trend. Otherwise, your pictures will not be pinned and the Insta account will loose followers.

I feel like, I have been trying to be someone else for a very long time. Looking at some of the more accomplished and expensive bloggers, I fee inadequate. But this is just me, having a nice day with my son at the zoo. You know, there are days when I have simple and non-trendy outfits on. That's OK nd it needs to blogged too.

It's really not about the clothes or how much we have, or what kind of bag we could scrape up on. Life is about so much bigger things. Stop worrying about fitting in and being something you are not. Just stay true to yourself and everything else will fall into place.

Thank you for reading and have a great weekend! 

Mix It Up - Monday Link Up

dress: Dorothy Perkins (similar)
cardigan: Target (similar)
shoes: H&M (similar)
clutch: H&M (similar)
glasses: DKNY

It's Monday morning. You had a nice weekend being pampered by hubby with breakfast in bed, a nap and didn't wash a single dish (he was so kind). Although you had a late night yesterday and was hoping to sleep in this morning. Well, your toddler decides to wake up at 5:46 and not go back to sleep. Ever. Almost two hours later and he's still awake, running around, trying to unplug your computer and climb on your face. And you realize that Mother's Day weekend has come to an end. Real motherhood begins.

That's my story this morning and frankly, I'm not a happy camper. Add to that restless legs that didn't let me sleep the entire night and you will get a stinky face. 

But let's talk about pleasant things, like this pretty mint dress I wore. I love that color and how nicely it plays with pink. Now all I have to do is take a shower, do my hair, make up, get dressed and I should be feeling better. Naaaah. Lounging in bed, having pancakes and taking in nap sounds like my kind of morning. 

I'm linking up with Lauren from Fizz and Frosting for Mix It Mondays! 

Fizz & Frosting (Bloglovin') / Happy Medley (Bloglovin')

Shopping [Spring Bags Under $50] + $100 GIVEAWAY

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If now isn't a time to shop for a new spring bag, I don't know when it is. I've been looking for a perfect winged tote that wouldn't break my bank. Every time I search for something specific, I head to Polyvore. It is such a great tool for shopping-crazy bloggers, who are looking for a great deal. I have yet to find a better search engine for shopaholics.

I love different kinds of bags and if I had the money, I would buy all of these. (I did get one of these bags in my recent online shopping adventure) Everything from totes to clutches is here and most of these are on sale too! So don't waste your time looking elsewhere - I got you the perfect selection of bags on a budget. And that's just the way we roll.

GIVEAWAY

Today I'm hosting my very first giveaway with two lovely ladies! Kathleen (Kat's Fashion Fix), Amy (The Real Arnolds) and I have teamed up for this cool giveaway. I'm so very excited about this and can't wait to share it with you all. I know that for Mother's Day we are all looking for something special to give our mothers. So if you found that something but lacking in funds, this is for you. We are giving away two $50 gift cards to the store of your choice (OR) PayPal cash. You choose! Talk about a win/win, huh? Enter with the rafflecopter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Bags

Spring Bags by ademko featuring satchel style purses

Kate Spade tote shopper / Juicy couture shoulder bag / Carlos by Carlos Santana medium tote bag / Topshop satchel style purse / Topshop blue cross body purse / Dorothy Perkins leopard tote bag / Mango purse

Don't Give Me Excuses. Give Me Results.

top: Target
skirt: Dorothy Perkins (dress)
heels: Guess
glasses: DNKY

Welcome back! 

How was your weekend? Mine was busy.
#pleasestoptime

I've been meaning to wear this dress couple of times but every time it was a little too... hmm how should I say it? Too much booty.

Well, with me loosing weight and all, it's finally fitting just right. I love the feel and color, but it's still a bit too dressy for simple Sunday outfit. It was a bit chilly in the morning, so I dressed it down with a blouse.

Apparently, the diet has been working. Can I get a woohoo? 

Woooohooo!

I did one week with no carbs and no dairy, and then another week were I ate a little bit of bread and rice here and there (I did splurge on French Toast once). It's been amazing to see results! 

Now I'm back to eating pretty much everything but still limiting sweets, ice cream and carbs, while focusing on veggies and whole grains. 

Also, I take walks as much as I can. Jonathan loves taking naps and I get my exercise - it's a team effort.

I am on the roll and loving it.

Are you currently dieting? Trying to loose that last belly fat? 

Do share your secrets people!
And have a great day!