How To Style A Chambray Dress Year Round

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

chambray 1

chambray 3

chambray 5

chambray 4

chambray 2

Shop The Look
Chambray Dress (similar style for $30 HERE!) // Blanket Scarf (under $10!) // OTK Boots

Once I started losing weight, the first shirt that looked way too big on me was my chambray shirt. I wore this shirt ALL. THE. TIME. Chambray can easily be dressed up or down, and that’s why I love it so much! I decided to start shopping online for another one, but came across this dress instead! My favorite part? You can wear this year round. Yup, you heard that right. I have it styled in these photos for winter, with OTK boots and a thick blanket scarf. You can even wear tights or leggings under it instead of OTK boots. For a more fitted look, you can add a black belt around the waist. Here are a few other options:

Spring: wear it with a statement necklace or earrings and ankle booties. If it’s warm outside, you can roll up the sleeves and wear it with a cute pair of mules.

Summer: roll up the sleeves, wear a pair of wedges or sandals, and add a statement clutch with bright colors.

Fall: Ankle booties and a scarf. This is one of my favorite ways to wear it!

Casual: wear a pair of Converse (I have these and love them!) and a baseball cap (THIS ONE is super cute and has pearls on it!).

Do you have an outfit that you wear year round, but style differently for each season? Let me know in the comments!

If you have an outfit you would like styled, just let me know! Leave a comment or send me an email, I’m always looking for new post ideas.

Thanks for reading!

Valerie

What To Wear On Thanksgiving & The Best Black Friday Sales

November 22, 2018November 22, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

Shop The Look

Sweater // Skirt // Cami // Boots // Bag (under $18!)

Happy Thanksgiving! I am SO ready to enjoy my cheat meal and stuff my face with all the Thanksgiving sides (let’s be real, that’s the best part). Then, I’m off to shop! There’s nothing like a holiday where you can stuff your face all day, then end it with shopping.

Right now, I’m watching all of the Gossip Girl Thanksgiving episodes. Here’s a list of them all if you are interested!:
Season 1, Episode 9: “Blair Waldorf Must Pie”
Season 2, Episode 11: “The Magnificent Archibalds”
Season 3, Episode 11: “The Treasure of Serena Madre”
Season 4, Episode 10: “Gaslit”
Season 6, Episode 8: “It’s Really Complicated”

If you are still trying to decide what to wear, I’m here to help you! This outfit is more dressy, while being comfy at the same time. The oversized sweater is perfect to hide my food baby, haha! I purchased the skirt over the summer during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It’s currently sold out, so I tagged a similar item. The clutch is a LV dup that I found on Amazon for under $18! I just removed the weird flower charm on it.

If you plan on shopping the Black Friday sales, I’m sharing some of my favorite deals:

Abercrombie
– All jeans 50% off. Valid 11/15-1/2.

Ann Taylor
– 40% off everything with code SHOPEARLY. Valid 11/20- 11/21.
– 40% off everything with code THANKFUL. Valid 11/21-11/22.
– 50% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY. Valid 11/22-11/25.

Ann Taylor LOFT
– 40% your purchase with code BESTWEEK. Valid 11/20-11/21.

Neiman Marcus Last Call
– Black Friday! Shop 40-80% off everything. Valid 11/22-11/26.
– Designer Sale! 40% off fall apparel, sport shop and dress collections. Valid 11/19-12/2.

Macy’s
– 20% Black Friday preview with code SCORE. Valid 11/15-11/20.
– 20% Off Black Friday Sale with code BLKFRI. Valid 11/21-11/24.

Neiman Marcus
– Receive $50 off your $200+ regular priced purchase with code THANKFUL. Valid 11/21-11/24.

Nordstrom
– Receive up to 60% off. Valid 11/22-11/26.

Nordstrom Rack
– Black Friday Clearance! Receive an extra 30% off. Valid 11/21-11/26.

Sole Society
– Thankful Sale: Up To 60% Off Select Shoes, Bags & Apparel. Valid 11/21-11/22.

Urban Outfitters
– BOGO site wide. Valid 11/21-11/23.

Target
-FitBit Versa $149
-Tees starting at $4
-Select boots $15
-Select Jeans $15
-Select sweaters starting at $10
-BOGO 50% off all cosmetic, beauty, and personal care gift sets

Old Navy
-50% off your entire purchase

Kohl’s
-Get $15 Kohl’s cash for every $50 spent

Ulta
-THE BEST SALE OF THE YEAR
-So many discounts to list, a lot of items 50% off.

Express
-50% off everything

Sephora
-Some items up to 50% off

I’ll update this post with more sales as they are available. But for now, Happy Thanksgiving!

XoXo Valerie

9 Fall Wardrobe Staples You Need In Your Closet

October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

Collage Cardigan // Skirt (sold out, similar one linked below) // Jeans (similar) // Boots // Beanie (similar) Fall Closet Staples

One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six // Seven // Eight // Nine

With the weather finally starting to feel like fall (we went from 90 degrees to 40 degrees in 2 days last week), I’m sharing my top 9 wardrobe staples that you need to add to your closet now! I have items very similar (if not exact) currently in my closet.

Before I get started, I wanted to update you guys on what has been going on with Styled Muse behind the scenes! I know I have been MIA, but this is mostly because I have been working on revamping the website! In the past, I focused heavily on fashion and beauty. Now, I’m going to focus on building self confidence. I’m currently trying to build up my own, and I’m going to bring you guys along for the ride and help you build up your own self confidence! This will range from fitness and health, to fashion and beauty. Right now, I have posts scheduled for twice a week with one being fitness or health related, and the other being fashion or beauty related. If there is something specific within each category you would like to see posts about, please let me know! You can comment on here, send me an email, or DM me on Instagram!

Not only will I be changing the website, but I’m also going to do social media a little different. I’ll be sharing more about myself, including things I love that might not seem “Instagram perfect”. For example, the type of music I like (this may surprise you) and my nerdy side. I’m hoping this will help me get to know you guys more, too!

Now, on to fall wardrobes! Fall has and always will be my favorite season. Not just because I love my fall wardrobe more than anything else, but I love the chilly weather, bonfires, and pumpkin flavored anything. You maybe call me “basic”, but I call it a lifestyle, haha!

This fall I have been obsessing over mini skirts with over the knee boots, cozy cardigans, and western style ankle boots. Normally I’m not into the whole “western look” (wow, that made me think of The Hills!), but for some reason I really love these black ones I just got! These tan ones are super cute as well, and I had a hard time deciding which pair to get. I also love jeans that are distressed at the bottom. I’m 5’4″ and a lot of jeans end up long on me, but since the end is somewhat cut off, they fit me perfectly and are great to wear with ankle boots since you don’t have to cuff the bottoms.

Beanies have become a staple with almost every fall outfit so far. I currently have 4, and I’m sure I will have a few more by the end of winter, haha! I have two white and one gray that are similar to this one, and I have a leopard one similar to this one, but without the poof on top.

What staples do you have in your closet for the fall? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Valerie

End Of Summer Romper

August 21, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

Romper 3

Romper 2

Romper 5

Romper 4

Romper 1

Shop The Look

Romper: Similar More options HERE// Bag: Similar More options HERE// Shoes: Similar // Necklace: Baublebar

Happy Tuesday! I feel like I haven’t posted anything in a long time. I guess life just gets in the way sometimes. I have so much to catch up with you guys on!:

The PSL will be coming out on August 28th!!! I really hope they have an early release date for Gold Card holders. Need one ASAP.
Did you watch the VMAs last night? The Hills is coming back!!!!!! I seriously cannot wait. I know it won’t be the same without LC, but at least Whitney will be in it!
I already bought some Halloween/Fall decor and put it up. #sorrynotsorry Fall is so close!
I’ll be in Beloit, WI next week for work! Any recommendations?
Did I mention it’s almost Fall? It’s seriously my favorite season.

To celebrate the end of summer, this week and next week I’ll be sharing outfits that will transition you from summer to fall. This week I’m sharing one of my favorite rompers! I’m sure you’re asking yourself “how can I make this a fall outfit?”. Easy! Just take away the wedges, and add booties and a jean jacket! You can even add a leather jacket for cooler nights.

I bought these pieces over a month ago, so most of them are sold out. I tagged similar options above. If you want more romper options, just click here to see my favorites! If you want more clutch options, I rounded up the best ones here! All items are under $50.

Are you as excited for fall as I am? Let me know in the comments your favorite fall activity!

Thanks for reading!

Valerie

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018

July 20, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is HERE! Early access started on July 12th for card holders, but starts on July 20th for the public. I have already placed 2 orders on the 2nd day the sale started for card holders. I was hoping to have the items before the sale started for the public tomorrow so I could take photos of each item, but Nordstrom is overwhelmed with orders right now, and my items haven’t shipped yet. So when you do order, make sure you keep in mind that normal shipping times are a bit longer.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the biggest sales of the year! You can find brand new designer items for fall that are up to 40% off. I went through every page of the sale (yeah, it took awhile haha!) and rounded up my favorite items that I thought were the best deal! I have them in categories for accessories, beauty, clothing, and fitness. Many items have already sold out, so make sure you act fast on items you love!

Accessories

Brixton Fiddler Corduroy Baker Boy Hat (I purchased this in my 2nd order, and I can’t wait to style it in the fall!)
Nordstrom Genuine Calf Hair Leopard Print Clutch
Sole Society Fluri Faux Leather Backpack (This backpack was in my first order, but I got it in a gray color. The gray is sold out, but the black is still available!)
J.Crew Bead & Raffia Earrings
Madewell Colorblock Blanket Scarf
Halogen Violet Genuine Calf Hair Mule
Steve Madden Trace Studded Mule
Steve Madden Carter Slingback Platform Sandal

Clothing

Caslon Peplum Top
Billabong Meadow Swing Stripe Shirt
BP. Ruffle Sleeve Print Shirt
Leith Tie Front Skort (Purchased this, and probably my favorite item so far!)
Love, Fire Button Front Skirt (also got this, I have a thing for skirts this year!)
Billabong Love and War Ruffle Trim Minidress
Taylor Shift Dress
Caslon Plaid Shirt
Leith Tie Front Pant
Kensie Faux Fur Jacket
STS Blue Emma Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans
Halogen Lace Detail Jacket
Caslon Asymmetrical Drape Collar Terry Jacket
Dreamers by Debut Nubby Cardigan (I really needed a cozy cardigan, so I purchased this one!)
Zeza B by Hue Ripped Knee Denim Crop Leggings

Fitness

Adidas Made to Move Tank
Zella Madison Tank
Adidas Originals Trefoil Tank
Zella Loop Back Tank
Adidas 6-Pack Trefoil Superlite No-Show Socks (I purchased these, I couldn’t pass up the $12 price tag, and the colors are super cute!)
Adidas Stadium Hoodie
Hum Nutrition The Essential Collection Dietary Supplement Duo (I ran out of my Hair vitamins and probiotic supplements, so I decided to give these a try! I’ve used Hum Nutrition Supplements before and I love them!)
Zella Sun Salutation High Waist Leggings
Zella Sheer Drama Crop Leggings
Zella Street Style High Waist Leggings (I LOVE the detail on these!)

Beauty

Serene House Cool Mist Cosmos Scentilizer Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser (perfect to place on your vanity!)
Too Faced Sex, Gold and Chocolate Set (the palette by itself is normally $49, but you get a mascara and primer with it as well!)
Impressions Vanity Co. Touch Trifold XL Dimmable LED Makeup Mirror
Beautyblender Set
NARS Hot Escape Eye & Cheek Palette
Stila Good to Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set (I have one of these at home, and use it all the time!)
Diptyque Candle Set

I also purchased a pair of Platform Converse Sneakers (color: white) that I received in the mail yesterday, and I’m so excited to wear them! Unfortunately they are sold out. I’m hoping they will restock more items once the sale opens to the public tomorrow, because I also have my eye on this BP. White Lace Cami, It’s $22 and a staple item! It sold out in my size on the first day of the sale before I was able to add it to my cart!

Tips to shop the sale:
-Go through the sale and put everything you might want on your wishlist, so when the sale goes live, you can just add the items to your cart.
-Shop the sale as early as you can (I heard someone say that it goes live at 2am CT, but don’t quote me on that!)
-Even if you are unsure about an item, purchase it anyways! If you receive it and don’t love it, you can always send it back! Items sell out super fast, and you don’t want to miss out on an item!

What items are you planning on purchasing during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and happy shopping! ❤

Valerie

How To Dress Out Of Your Comfort Zone

May 15, 2018May 15, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ 4 Comments

Shop The Look

Top: Soft Surroundings // Shorts: Target // Bag: Target // Shoes: Similar //
Necklace: Similar

With warmer weather starting to arrive, I decided to start posting summer looks. Soft Surroundings just released their summer collection, and I’m in love! SO many bright colors. The mixed prints and beaded detail are what caught my eye on this top, and knew I had to add it to my summer collection. It’s also perfect for transitioning from spring to summer. I styled it here with jean shorts and wedges, but you can style it with any pair of jeans or white pants.

What I love about this shirt, is you can wear it buttoned up, unbuttoned, tucked in (like I did here) or tie it together in the front. The back is a bit longer, so you can also wear it with leggings.

The top is a lot brighter than some of the outfits I usually wear, and the jean shorts are way shorter than what I’m used to, but I’m really trying to dress out of my comfort zone this year. I always tend to dress by what people may think about me (kind of what I’ve done my whole life). This year, one of my goals was to live my life the way I want, be my own person, and be happy in my own skin. Do what makes ME happy. So that’s exactly what I plan to do! WEAR WHAT YOU WANT! JUST BE YOU! The only person that can make you happy is yourself!

Here are a few tips to dress out of your comfort zone:
1. STOP caring what other people think! (obviously, the main one)
2. Wear bright colors! (or dark colors if you always wear bright ones).
3. Afraid to wear that 2 piece swim suit? GET IT! Love your body!
4. Wear tighter fitting clothes! (baggy shirts aren’t always flattering anyways 😉 )
5. Don’t put yourself down!
6. BE YOU.

I hope this helps you buy that tight dress you’ve always wanted, or that cute two piece swimsuit at Target. Have other tips? Leave them in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

Valerie

This post was in collaboration with Soft Surroundings. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible! ❤

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 25, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ 5 Comments

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

We are officially halfway through the week! A little life update (2 things): First, As some of you may know, I work at the National Personnel Records Center as an Archives Technician. We basically send military records to veterans that request them. I’m currently on the burial team, and Friday is my last day. I’m officially going back up to the preservation department where I first started at the records center! I’m so excited to be working with my old coworkers again, and will somewhat be using the degree I am paying for each month, haha!

Last: This week my Aunt and Uncle from Georgia are visiting! I plan on spending all weekend with them. Saturday we will be spending the day at the lake BBQing and Fishing. The weather is supposed to be SO nice, so it will be perfect. Lake season has officially started, and I could not be more excited for warmer weather!

On to today’s post! Did anyone realize how close Mother’s Day is? Only two and a half weeks away! Usually I wait until the last minute to find something, but this year I’m trying to have a game plan. I did a quick round up of my favorite items that would be perfect for your mom listed above! I’m posting it ahead of time so you have plenty of time for shipping.

You can’t go wrong with Kendra Scott Jewelry, or anything coffee related! You can even throw in there a gift card to her favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or salon/spa! Don’t forget flowers ;). One of my favorite things to get my mom each year is a vase full of her favorite flowers or a plant she can put out in the yard.

I love bright colored scarves for spring and summer. You can add them to your bag, or tie around your neck for a cute statement piece. Of course I had to add a beach bag, since I have summer on the brain!

Do you have Mother’s Day gift ideas for your mom? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading!

Valerie

Spring Bell Sleeve Top

March 21, 2018March 21, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

Happy Hump Day! Only two more work days until the weekend, and it could not come soon enough. Unfortunately, it’s going to be cold and rainy this weekend, so I just plan on spending it at home and getting a lot of blog work done! Since the weather is still cold, I decided to post an outfit that is springy, but will keep you warm on colder days. I actually shot this look at the beginning of fall, and decided this was more of a transition outfit, so I’ve been holding off on posting it. With that being said, a lot of these exact items are sold out, but I found very similar ones at better price points! I have also lost 20 pounds since I took these photos! I think this is the longest I have stuck with a New Year’s resolution, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! Fitness has turned into a hobby of mine, and I really enjoying working out every day and meal prepping on Sunday’s. Would you all enjoy more fitness posts? Let me know in the comments!

On to the outfit. I originally purchased this top from Shein over the summer. I found four that are almost identical/very similar. This one from Nordstrom isn’t off the shoulder, but I love the cross details! I love how simple this one is from Nordstrom Rack (and it’s under $27!). This Lucky Brand one has layered sleeves! How cute is that?

One of my closet staples that I wear all year round is ripped black jeans. These are from Nordstrom and are super comfy. I even wear them in the summer! I also made my studded flats a closet staple. You can dress them up with a formal dress, or down with a pair of jeans. I originally purchased mine from Amazon, but these from ASOS are very similar! Also, I’m very sad to see my leopard clutch that I CONSTANTLY use is officially sold out. Here are a few similar ones at all different price points: ASOS // Nordstrom // Clare V.

The lipstick I’m wearing is the perfect shade for spring and summer. It’s by Lancome, and I received it complimentary from Influenster a few months back. This was my first time trying any lipstick from Lancome! I like the formula, but I’m not a fan of the applicator. It’s WAY too big and hard to apply to the edges of your lip, so make sure you use a lip liner first! The shade I’m wearing is Power Pink. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t purchase it again. If you want a similar shade, go with Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in shade Electric Pink! It’s so bright and fun!

Have a great week, and thanks for reading!

My Picks From Ulta’s 21 Days Of Beauty

March 20, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ 1 Comment

21 Days of Beauty

You guys, Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is here! I wait for the sale every year and create a list of all the items I plan on getting. Each day, 2 or 3 different items will be on sale for that day only! Most of these items are 50% or more off their original price! This is the only time of the year some of these items will be on sale, so grab them while you can! Set an alarm on your phone for each day so you can order it as soon as you wake up and not worry about items selling out. To save on shipping, order with a friend and split the cost! Here are some of the best deals and items I plan on buying myself! Click the name below, and it will take you directly to the item!

3/18: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara ($10)
3/19: Benefit Brow Setter ($12); IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pressed Powder ($14.50)
3/22: Clarisonic Mia 2 ($119)
3/23: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Singles ($10) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
3/25: IT Cosmetics Brush for Ulta Foundation Brush #102 ($11)
3/27: Lorac Pro Contour Palette ($20)
3/29: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Mascara ($12)
3/30: Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick ($10.50) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
3/31: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($10.50)
4/3: Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten ($14)
4/5: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($10)
4/6: Tarte Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint ($10) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
4/7: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($11.50)

Items on sale every day:
– Buy 3 Get 1 Free Minis (perfect time to buy products you want to try out without splurging on the full size! And traveling, of course!)
–Tarte Ready, Set, Radiant Skin Mist ($15)
–Bareminerals Liquid Lipstick ($13)
–Smashbox Eyeliner ($12)

I know this isn’t included in the sale, but I just purchased the Becca Cosmetics Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder when I placed my order for the Tarte mascara. I have heard so many good things about it and decided to use some of my rewards points and get it! They were also having a deal on it, if you spend $38 on Becca Cosmetics, you get a free primer! So I will be giving a review of both of them as soon as I get them!

What items do you plan on getting in the sale? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Valerie

Spring Trends For 2018

March 14, 2018March 14, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

Spring Trends

Shop The Look

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Happy Hump Day! I know I have been MIA lately. I came down with the flu a few weeks ago, and it knocked me out! For a week straight, I had high fevers and no energy. Ever since then I just couldn’t get back to my normal routine. I’ve also been concentrating more on my weightloss journey. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated with two things (my favorite quote from Ron in Parks and Rec: “Never half a** two things, whole a** one thing”). Though this is true, I’ve decided to try and stay motivated with both by setting time aside for each thing, and only concentrating on it during that time. I also plan on having a lot more fitness related posts on here (next Friday I’m sharing fitness tips that helped me lose 25 pounds so far!).

Also, the Instagram algorithm has been bringing me down MAJORLY (anyone else??). Most of my website views came from Instagram, and now that only 200 (of the 10,000 followers I have) are seeing my posts, everything has dropped dramatically. It’s very discouraging for all bloggers and small businesses. Right now, I’m just going to continue creating my content like normal, but also focus more on other social platforms and hope that will help a little. Another thing, has anyone noticed how unreal everyone’s Instagram feeds are looking lately? Can you even relate to anyone? One thing I’m going to start working on is being real with you all, and showing the real me (because I obviously don’t live in a mansion, drive a BMW, or have a private jet. Tiny 2 bedroom duplex and a Ford Fusion, over here!). Okay, rant over! 🙂

With warmer weather approaching, I’m starting to bring out more of my spring clothes and accessories. I decided to do a round up of some of my favorite trends for spring this year. My favorite? The Cult Gaia Bamboo Shoulder Bag! It’s a splurge for sure (not in my budget, but for sure on my wish list!), but there are a ton of dups on Amazon! Just search “Bamboo Bag” and the tote and shoulder bag styles will both show up.

I’m also obsessed with floral printed blazers this season. I just bought this one from Target for under $35, and will have it on the blog in a couple weeks!

Another huge trend? Calf hair mules. These are a little pricey, but you can get the espadrille version from Target for under $25! I just bought them last week and can’t wait to style them. I also picked up these Sam Edelman Bow Mules a couple weeks ago when they were on sale.

Has anyone noticed the pearl trend? It’s literally on everything including jeans, shoes, and jean jackets. I have a pair of jeans very similar to these, and love the detail on them!

Of course, statement jewelry like these earrings will always have a place in my heart. There’s just something about them that catches my eye (and wallet) every time. I love the feathers on these! Stay tuned for a HUGE statement jewelry round up coming soon!

What’s your favorite spring trend this year? Let me know in the comments! As always, thanks for reading!

Valerie