7 Stylish Bikinis for the Budget Babe

SHOP:

Sexy Romantie bikini swimwear
yesstyle.com

Bikini
mymummadeit.goodsie.com

Triangle bathing suit
choies.com

Boohoo bikini swimsuit
boohoo.com

Boohoo swimsuit swimwear
boohoo.com

Bikini swimwear
lucluc.com

Two piece swimwear
rotita.com

How is everyone doing? I hope your weekend was great!  I attended  a preview event for Seattle Fashion Week coming up on June 11th. I will be sharing some more about the show in another post.   I am so excited I finally learned how to use Polyvore and created this set of fabulous biknins! You definitely love the price on all of these! 

 I am so ready for summer! There is nothing like slipping into the comfortable fabric of lycra, throwing on some cute sandals,  and calling yourself ready for the beach! There are suits this season to sastisy every type of body and taste: from bold hued bikinis to beachy tropical prints, as well as sleek monochrome minimalistic choices. My favorite suits in this set are the color blocked bikini and the one with the American theme.  The stripes and buttons theme is super cute too!

I am dreaming of the Hawaiian beach I will soon be setting foot on, and can't wait to try out all my new swim wear!  What is your favorite style or brand of swim wear?

My Floral Dress Crush

Beautiful Hood Canal at Port Townsend



Sweet treat down by the Sea in Port Gamble

Happy Wednesday almost over the hump again!

  Today I wanted to share this gorgeous floral print dress I found at Ross. I am so in love with the bold colors and striking combination of  leopard with the flowers.  This style conforms so well to the curves of your body, and is honestly one of the most comfortable dresses I have ever worn.   The fabric is neoprene, fashion's latest and greatest textile...love it!

I adore the cute cut outs on the side, they add classy edge without being too revealing.   A great way to add a little air conditioning when it's really hot!  A black bandeau fits perfectly under this dress and offers a striking contrast to the busy print.  The best part of this dress was the amazing price,$12.97 is my kind of deal.

The setting for these photos were in two different spots on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, a few hours west of Seattle.  The out of the way drive, is definitely worth your time to soak in the breath taking views.  The first location was Ft. Warden Park in Port Townsend.   Parts of the movie "An Officer and A Gentlemen" were filmed here.  The second, is the quaint little town of Port Gamble.  If you stop there, you must devour a licorice Ice cream cone from the general store!  Yes,I have a wild sense of taste in ice cream,  it was my favorite Canadian treat growing up!

Where is your favorite place to find great style on a budget?

Shop-|  Dress: |Similar Look ( I could not find an online link to this exact dress.  It is a recent purchase, so check your local Ross store.) |Shoes|

Pike Place Market: Seattle's Must See Destination

 Image : Prayitno-Los Angeles CA

I can't believe the size of this stuff- stinky breath forever!

 Flower shaped mushrooms- who would've thought! So pretty!

Enter at your own risk, not for those who have a weak stomach!

Good Friday morning!

If you ever make a trip to Seattle, you definitely don't want to miss out on this iconic spot in the heart of the Emerald City.  I have lived in the Puget Sound area for 29 years, and I never get tired of visiting Pike Place Market.  It is rich in history, culture, and has amazing eats! The market was founded in 1907 as a meeting place for farmers and customers.  It is the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world, with over 10 million visitors per year.

There are an assortment of things to look at and purchase. From hand made accessories, fresh produce and seafood, to the most beautiful flowers you have ever set eyes on!  My favorite thing to do, of course, is to browse the handful of fashion boutiques.  I love the unique pieces that aren't hanging on the racks everywhere else. 

If you love to people watch, honey you are in the right place! The sights to behold are endless.  Street entertainers and all kinds of characters will keep you entertained all day.

The market is home to several amusing attractions such as Rachel the 550 lb bronze pig.  Jump on and get your picture, if you are brave enough...ha I'm not!  Oh, and don't forget to see the sticky gooey gum wall...oh yes everyone from far and wide has left their deposit there!  The original Starbucks store is  a fun visit as well.  Good luck getting your java fix, the line is always out the door.  As you stroll through the corridors of the market, don't be surprised if you see a fish come flying through the air!  Fish mongers put on quite a show for seafood seeking customers!

I love the smell of food wafting throughout the air, trying to pull me in every direction.  There are so many choices from every type of cuisine you can imagine.  Every time I want to try something new, but my sense of adventure is overtaken by my pickiness!  I play it safe and head to my favorite little spot tucked in the strip directly across from the market: Michou Deli,  the sandwiches are to die for!  Delaurenti Pizza on the corner is a taste sensation also!

What are you favorite spots to visit at the market?  If there are more treasures tucked away in the crannies I don't know about, please do tell!  As always thanks for visiting!

Valerie

6 Must Have Outfits for Spring

Good Morning, how was your weekend?  I hope it was great and filled with all your favorite things, mine definitely was!  I attended Macy's "American Icon " fashion show.  I was so excited to be chosen by the Everywhere Agency as one of the bloggers to cover the event.  It was a great experience and lots of fun!  The host of the show was Courtney Kerr, a style blogger that is traveling the country for Macy's "Got Your Six" Campaign.  Macy's initiated this campaign last year to raise funds to help veterans transition from the military to civilian life. It is a fantastic cause and I was glad to be part of it!  For more information visit www.macys.com/americanicons.

Courtney had a great sense of humor and kept the audience engaged.  She gave away some Macy's gift cards, and believe it or not most of them were won by the males in the audience!  Of course the highlight of the show was seeing all the models in the fabulous spring outfits!  Minimalism and comfort seem to be the theme of trends for spring 2015.  Hawaiian prints, white on white, and the Canadian Tuxedo(denim on denim trend) are all the rage!

There were several more outfits than I have shared here, I tried to narrow it down to a few favorites. The yellow trench coat by Ralph Lauren was my favorite. The Hawaiian print twin set also had me drooling! What are your favorite "must have" trends this spring?

Until Next time,

Valerie

 *sponsored post



GOT YOUR SIX: MACY'S AMERICAN ICONS CELEBRATION EVENT

"I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own"

 I am so excited to share this upcoming event with you!  I have been invited to cover the "America Icons" campaign at Macy's. An afternoon of family fun is planned in honor of Armed Service Day. Join the party  to celebrate people, places, and things that inspire our dreams!  Make sure you take an #AmericanSelfie in one of Macy's patriotic photo opps in store.
 Take off on an interactive journey across America with legendary designers, iconic style!
http://bit.ly/MacysA115 

 I will be attending this event at the Alder Wood Mall in Lynnwood on May 16th at 2 p.m.  Discover everything you'll need to put together an American look at this fashion party hosted by style blogger COURTNEY KERR.  You can kick up your heels and jam to the live music, sneak some yummy snacks, and smile big for a photo with Courtney.  There will also be a DIY station to add your own personal glam and touch to your purchases!  If you donate $3.00 toward the campaign at the register, you'll save 15-20 percent!

If you do not live in the Seattle area, here are the other locations where this event is happening. Every event is different, you can learn more here  http://macys.com/iconevents

5/14:  Chicago, IL (State Street), Arlington, VA  (Pentagon City), New York, NY (HSQ), Portland, OR (Washington Square)
5/15:  Miami, FL (Aventura Mall)
5/16:  San Francisco (Union Square), Seattle, WA (Alderwood), Costa Mesa, CA (South Coast Plaza), Pittsburgh, PA (South Hills Village), Tampa, FL (Westshore Plaza), Miami, FL (Dadeland), Miami, FL (Aventura Mall), Burlington, MA (South Shore Plaza), Bay Shore, LI  (South Shore Mall), Albany, NY (Cross Gates), Whitehall, PA (Lehigh Valley), Minneapolis, MN (Ridgedale), Indianapolis, IN (Castleton Square), Columbus, OH (Easton Town Center), Dallas, TX (North Park), Littleton, CO (Park Meadows), Memphis, TN (Wolfchase Galleria), Fayetteville, NC (Cross Creek), Atlanta, GA (Peachtree Mall)



 American icons and heroes inspire our passions and make us proud to be living in the land of the free. Macy's is proud to partner with those who have served our country alongside" Got Your Six." This campaign was started last year to help bridge the gap and help veterans transition from military to civilian life.  Over 3.4 million dollars was raised to empower veterans, and 400,000 commitments were made to hire them.  

I feel very blessed to be living in this country.  I'm thankful for the sacrifices of military members past and present.  It's because of them we are able to enjoy great freedom and celebrate everything that represents America. I live in a navy town, so for years my family has gone to the Armed Forces Day Parade to show support and honor our local heroes. It is always lots of fun!  I am excited about the event and will be showing up in my red white and blue, the outfit pictured below.  What event or holiday does your family celebrate that has become an iconic American experience ? 

    Shop the Look: Striped tank| )|Red wedge heels(similar)|cropped jeans|

NAUTICAL STYLING IN THE NORTHWEST

 

Time to Set Sail! 

  Photography: Lowell Hansen

Ahoy maties!  I thought it would be fun to share some nautical styling since I live in a Navy town.

This city is rich in Naval history and has a very strong sense of community.  People here are always ready to help someone in time of need or reach out to newcomers.   It is a great place to raise kids and enjoy fabulous activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, and scuba diving. 

A fun way to travel here is on the ferry from  downtown Seattle.  Watching some of the interesting characters, makes the ride go by real fast!

Have you ever been down under on a submarine or for a cruise on a aircraft carrier?  Being cooped up in close quarters like a can of sardines does not sound appealing.  I would love to ride on an aircraft carrier someday, I did get to tour one.

I hope spring is all smooth sailing for you! If you have ever lived in a military town , it would be great to hear about your experiences!


Shop the Looks: Striped tank| Blue jean shorts(similar)|Red wedge heels(similar)|cropped jeans|
white shorts| navy t-shirt(similar)|statement necklace| sailor hat