Beauty Demands Sacrifice

sweater: J.Crew
skirt: thrifted (similar)
shoes: Zara (similar)
belt: Loft (similar)
glasses: DKNY 

The hardest part about blogging is not the pictures in freezing cold temperatures, or the hours of planning outfits. It's not even the enormous amounts of time we spend at the computer editing photos and networking with other bloggers. It's coming up with the post titles. I'm not joking when I say that I think about the title more than I think about what I'm actually going to say in the post. I always wonder if I should name my post after the outfit or whatever I'm talking about. Or should I tie the two things together and make them related, somehow? For example, in this outfit I'm wearing yellow sweater so I could talk about the lack of sunshine and name the post 'you are my sunshine'. That would be very lame and pretty pathetic though, wouldn't you think?

Instead I'm going to talk about how I was dying while wearing these shoes today because, well, beauty demands sacrifice. There is a saying in Russian that goes something like that but it's very hard to translate cultural phrases into another language because you loose the meaning. Well, even in English everyone understands that to look put together you have to sacrifice something. Whether it's sleep, because you have to wake up an hour early to do your hair or comfort, because you are wearing four-inch stilettos that make absolutely no sense at all. Except that they totally go with my midi skirt and add some height. That's all folks.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Reflect Neon

top: Old Navy (similar), skirt: J.Crew, flats: Marc Fisher (similar), bag: Kate Spade (similar), watch: Target, glasses: similar

Let's just talk about the new trend that has taken over blogosphere - neon aviators. Yes, I succumbed to the pressure of the web and bought myself a pair. I do like them with certain outfits, when I like to give something edge. I do like the RayBan's but they are way too expensive for a seasonal trend. So I headed to the mall and found myself a pair of cheap aviators that I know I wouldn't be upset if my son finds. And guess what? They look just fine and that's that's way I like it. I hope you have a great weekend! 

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

Currently Loving {Family Edition} + Link Up

- Jonathan's Easter outfit before he got into dirt

- Mr. Explorer

- finding random pictures on camera

- Jonathan and his favorite person in the whole world

- family picture

- his laugh and smiles

- daddy's big guy

- his serious face. yum! 

I'm loving the time I get to spend with my boy right now. He's so much fun to be around - giggles all the time and runs away every chance he gets. Everything is a game to him and everything is fun - there is no time for sad. Cranky - yes, sad - absolutely not. I realize how fast the time is flying and that I will be a mother of one only once.
Every time we get even a glimpse of sunshine, we venture outside, find mud to step into and a stick to wave around. He is proving to be fearless in his explorations and loves being outdoors.
I'm enjoying this time as a family of three and every time we get to spend some time just being together, I take it. Whether we are playing on the floor, while hubby dozes off after a long day at work, or heading out for a walk. Time is precious and I don't want to miss any of it because before you know it, he will be grown.
Of course, at times it gets hard and there are bad days. But in the the grand scheme of things, those moments fly and we hold dear to our hearts the good old days.

Today's co-host for the link up is Joanna from Coastal Closet. She has cute, preppy and sometimes nautical outfits that always radiate with fresh and effortless style. I love her blog design too which makes me stop by pretty often just to see what she's up to. Check her out and I hope you will make her one of your regulars.

RULES:

1. Please follow your host (via Facebook or Instagram ) and your fabulous Co-Host Joanna (via Bloglovin')

2. Link up anything... it could be one of your previous posts that you are loving or something new you just can't wait to share!

3. Please include a link back to this post within your post or grab my button from the side bar (because it's such a nice thing to do!)

4. Now simply add your link below! We hope you all enjoy meeting other bloggers and discovering some new things.

5. If you would like to Co-Host Currently Loving Link Up, email ademko10(at)gmail(dot)com, for more details!

An InLinkz Link-up

Shopping [Modest Clothing]

As a Christian girl, I strive to dress appropriately and modestly. My church does not impose any rules in this manner and the decisions which I make are my own. They come from personal convictions, upbringing and culture I grew up in, as well as current trends. What may look modest to me, may not be the case for you and vice versa.
I've been struggling with buying modest clothes ever since I was a teenager. Every spring stores put out shorts that are shorted then  underwear, and cuts that would make me blush. The celebrities are wearing close to nothing and the popular magazines promote 'less is more' mantra. Our culture has lost a sense decency, and what it means to be a lady. A true lady demands respect for herself just by the way she dresses, talks and walks.
It's hard to find trendy and fashionable clothes that satisfy benchmark for appropriate, but it's certainly possible. With a little effort, you can look good without compromising your beliefs and standards. Here are some of my favorite stores that feature modest clothing. I haven't shopped at all of them, but love looking at their pretty designs hoping to buy something soon.

Corilynn knows her stuff! This girl knows how to design modern, gorgeous, quirky clothes. I don't know if I have ever seen a design I didn't like. I will have one of each!

Shabby Apple  is my absolute favorite for dresses! I love their prints, lengths and retro styles. They have everything from retro to pencil dress, tulle skirts and polka dot prints. I'm drooling over their Sydney collection and really want to take a plunge on this number. They even have cute retro swimsuits which I absolutle adore! Who said your you should enjoy the sun in itsy-bitsy?

Jen Clothing features wide variety of cute dress, skirts, tops and even bathing suits. I like that the prices are really reasonable which means more value for our buck. They collaborate with bloggers and frequently do discounts, and almost always something cute.

Downeast Basics features everyday clothing that's cute, lady-like and modest. Love this pencil skirt which would be perfect for spring and summer. And obviously they have a great selection of dresses. I absolutely love this red dress.

eShakti is an online only store that has every retro frock imaginable. I love that you can customize any dress' length, sleeve type, pockets and more. If you like the print but not sure about the cut of the neckline, you can change it up and request something different. It's like designing your own dress and making it look perfect for your body type and modesty standards. Can it get any better?

Boden Clothing  is a United Kingdom based store which sells to US. I love their easy-peasy dresses and simple tops. This line makes me want to put on a dress and go to farmer's marker. I love their new collection of printed summer dresses - serious swoon!

Dorothy Perkins offers a great selection of dresses, skirts and tops. I'm currently stocking this floral dress as it's sitting in my Shopping Bag, just waiting to be picked up. I own one of their dresses and must say that I love everything about it. If you need something pretty and cheap, this is your place

J.Crew is a timeless giant when it comes to modest, pretty pieces - everything from their pencil skirts to dresses is radiated with elegance and beauty. I love that store (can you tell?).

Kingdom and State is a new and emerging retailer with some cool stuff. I love their take on timeless pieces yet they keep it modest. Plus they just rolled out their new swim collection which has seriously cute briefs but believe it or not, they sell out very fast. Get your shopping on now!

And there you have it...
Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day!