Hello, my name is Melissa and I am a shopaholic...

Fellow Shopaholics: "Hi, Melissa"

  

Remember back to earlier this week when I posted about things I like to collect for Top 2 Tuesday and rambled on about my love for shoes...and how I had another pair on their way to me in the mail...

...well since then I have also purchased the pretty pair on the top.

I saw them the past few times I've been to F21 and walked right by them, though intrigued. I was there yet again yesterday and decided to try them on. I know better than to do this because I tend to fall in love & sure enough I fell in love. They are so cute on! 

The two on the bottom I spotted online, as if I need to be online browsing-that only leads to online shopping. I resisted the urge to buy anything but I do love them both! I have a similar pair to the ones on the bottom right by Guess, only they are black {I wanted them in cognac, but TJ Maxx didn't have my size, so imagine my excitement when I came across this similar pair for much less!} These neutrals are perf for spring!

I have been trying to avoid Forever21 because they always get me like this with their cheap clothes and cheap shoes! I need to quit cold turkey.

Truth be told, their shoes may not be the best quality. BUT they are actually quite comfy... I have several pairs from F21 that I really love and that have held up through my irresponsible college years. They are perfect for my budget so rather than swear off Forever21, I wrote them a love note instead ;) I had to share these great spring finds with any other budget constricted shoe addicts like me who may be reading :)  

Maybe I won't quit, but just follow the "everything in moderation" rule instead.

Seriously though, does anyone have the number for shopaholics anonymous?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Today I am linking up with Jamie for What I'm loving Wednesday!

I thought this would be good for me to find things that I'm loving since I am currently car-less & unable to sub & therefore bored out of my mind, which I'm not loving...

...so here it goes

 I'm loving

+that I have free time to read! I recently started reading Baby Proof and so far I'm loving it! This is the third book I've read by Emily Giffin & Her books are the best! I cannot wait to see Something Borrowed in theaters!

+my new Target wedges that finally came in the mail yesterday!

{The next two I have to credit the boyfriend for}
 

+The Beatles! I grew up listening to The Beatles all the time; my dad is a huge fan (but who isn't really?) My boyfriend is obsessed and we have been jamming out to The Beatles just about any time we get in the car. He, of course Mr. Musician, rambles off fun facts about the band and the meaning behind the songs, etc. and there's a lot that I didn't know that is really interesting. I've been on a Beatles kick for the past few weeks & they are currently dominating my itunes

+french toast-grilled cheese combo; I know you must be thinking ewww, but know that it is scrumptious! My boyfriend's family introduced me to this when I had breakfast with them a while back. They even had some cutesy name for it (which I can't remember at the moment...) and thought I was crazy for never having tried it. I woke up craving this and made it for breakfast. I should have taken a picture for y'all but I ate it too fast :P

It's exactly what it sounds like- two pieces of french toast with cheese in the middle. I use white American cheese and it seriously tastes just like cream cheese (which of course you can also use). The white American cheese with the french toast gives the perfect combo of sweet and salty. I put a little cinnamon sugar on the french toast, and of course butter and syrup...ya know, all the healthy stuff. Heavenly.

What are you loving lately? 

 Oh yea! PS. The Mary Kay contest was kind of a joke. I did enjoy their Time Wise skin care line, but it was pretty pricey. The make up was so-so but nothing special or better than what I'm currently using. My suspicions of the true purpose of the "party" were right on. If you decide to participate in a Mary Kay contest or party I would beware that they are going to try their darnedest to sell you a starter kit and recruit you to their sales team and won't leave until you buy something. Which, I didn't. But she sure pressed. 

The look for less

 Photos via Pinterest



Yes... I am STILL lovin on fringe :) I posted about this ACB necklace a while back and today when I was shopping with my sister I found a similar style at Forever 21 for a fraction of the cost! 

bought it. wore it. love it.

Anything with fringe just attracts me. The picture doesn't do it justice, it is much cuter on. The pink is perfect for spring; I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish it were black like the ACB one. I have too much black. Owning something pink will be good for me :)

What trends are you lovin on?

Top Two Tuesday

I decided to link up with The Undomestic Momma, Taylor & all the rest for Top 2 Tuesday! I always see these posts on Tuesdays and think it's a great way to get to know other bloggers and see what you have in common, and of course get some inspiration along the way! This Tuesday is: Things you collect.

SOLD. I couldn't resist a chance to rant about my mug collection (cough, loser, cough) and shoes :)

1. Yes, I collect mugs

My favorite kinds of mugs are the fun shaped or really large ones. This may or may not have started along with my obsession with the show Friends & the awesomely large mugs at Central Perk; The true origin of this obsession remains unknown, but that's my best guess.

This surely isn't the whole crew. My roommates parents like to borrow my awesome mugs. I need to start numbering them like Monica so they can all be accounted for at all times...

These mugs actually aren't mine, yet. I LOVE them! They were a wedding gift for my parents. My parents are aware of my strange obsession with mugs, so I'm hoping someday they will find their way to my collection :)

 Holiday mugs! Who could resist? Obviously not me...

 These four are my faves!

With my love for mugs+cats+cookies how could I pass this one up? 

 I came across these mugs and DIED! I need these. If you are a fan of the show Friends, you will understand. 

 And this mug will lead you into my next favorite thing to collect...

2. Shoes

At this point, I cannot afford the gorgeous designer, super expensive shoes that any shoe addict goes crazy for. Someday, though! 

Photo via Elle.com/ Pinterest/ Best friend's blog

  Could I be more jealous of Khloe Kardashian's shoe collection :(

Mine is much less impressive, but I still love my bargain finds!

This also isn't the full collection, but most of it! These are my favorites- or the ones that get the most action, I should say. This collection is ever growing. I just cannot resist shoes. In fact, there is a new pair on their way to me from Target.com as we speak.

 

And the beloved boots.

I didn't include my Ugg-type boots because I am done thinking about winter and none of them are favorites, but more just to keep my tootsies warm!

I would like to give a big shout out to TJ Maxx...They have the best shoes and mugs! (you can still see the size stickers on the shoes that came from TJ Maxx, whoops!) Without TJ Maxx my collections wouldn't be half of what they are today. Fact.

You have NO idea how much fun I had making this post.

Please don't stop being my friend because I'm creepy and collect mugs :)

The look for less

i like to shop. i am broke. i make it work.

 

I have chalked up my Lemon Chiffon as one of the best purchases I made in 2010 (And trust me, there were many). I actually won mine on EBay the day after Christmas for $19.99! Well, truth be told I was the only bidder...not mad about it! I could wear it everyday; it goes with everything. I'm just as protective of my Lemon Chif as I would be if it were it's $1,200 twinnie! Ob-sessed!

I know $88 is a lot. I am a bargain shopper and pride myself on my ability to go shopping and come home with a lot after only spending a little. I am sharing this with you because this item can currently be found on EBay for between $15-20. 

Target also has a similar style for $25.49
You're welcome :)

April Showers...

A tribute to rain...

Photos via Pinterest. I am OBSESSED.

 

 I'd like to start off this post with a joke that a first grader told me while subbing:

 "Rain, rain go away and don't come back...hahahah!"

I know what you're thinking...that's not a joke

I wasn't going to rain on his parade

I wanted to squeeze his cute little cheeks :)

...but I didn't

It is April and we all know that means rain. Where I'm from at least.

The rain does all kinds of horrible things such as ruining hair & outdoor plans, bring gloominess to a day, etc. etc. blah, blah.

 I try to be a positive person.

SO here's to you rain! 

Here are the reasons why I can't always hate you

I love:

+Dancing in the rain & just not caring
+The adorbs rain photos all over this post

+Kissing in the rain 

+Listening to the rain as you drift off to sleep...

+Wearing my wellies :)

+Jumping in worthy puddles

At even a light drizzle I whip out my Capelli wellies because I love them and will take any excuse to wear them! They are the subtle silver lining on any rain cloud! I may be 23 but I still enjoy jumping in rain puddles like I am 3...Cody didn't understand what I meant by a "worthy puddle"; maybe you need to have a great pair of rain boots to get it? Or maybe I just have way too high of standards for the puddles I choose to jump in...

Every April will bring the rain so I think it's necessary to invest in some fabulous rain gear! It's the best way to make the best of the lousy weather. I personally have yet to find a cute & stylish rain coat (that is not outrageously expensive) until now! Here are my picks that will hopefully soon be in my closet at the ready for the rest of April and Aprils to come:

 

 Find them here: Umbrella, Rain Coat, Wellies: Western Chief & Capelli NY

Inspired by: Marc by Marc Jacobs {Part One}

Spring 2011 trends that I love

Missing out...

...on the Cleveland Indians home opener

which is today. at 3:05. and I will be stuck in the car for 12 hours :(

This is a tragedy, really & truly... Opening day is one of my faves

I am a big Cleveland sports fan and love watching, tailgating, or going to any and all games whenever possible with my awesome friends! We have some of the best times rooting for our teams that will surely do better next year... Hey, winning isn't everything; us Cleveland sports fans know a thing or two about heartbreak & I will stand by this: we are the best fans ever! 

 I of course love getting decked out whenever I go to support my teams, but most sportswear is over sized, overpriced, and ill fitting for women. The good news is Victoria's Secret & Pink now have the most adorable pro baseball teams gear for us ladies! I got this one (below) and was planning on wearing it today (sigh) BUT it will get great use the rest of the season!

I bought this one in stores, but you can find lots of other styles & search for your own team here!

Now I have great Cleveland sports tee's for all of my teams! These two below can be found here! 

  I love seeing these celebs wearing something appropriate to a baseball game! As fun as it is lusting over their typical high end attire that I will never be able to afford, these ladies have proven that you can still look sexy while supporting your favorite team! And let's face it; you would look really silly rockin stilettos to a baseball game.

 So which celeb wants to come throw the first pitch for the Indians? Ahem, Jen Aniston I'm talking to you girlfriend! Wait, we have to win games for that to happen? Oh, OK....maybe next year!

As promised...

  + Shorts, Jacket, Shirt, Bag- H&M

+ Scarf- American Eagle

+ Belt- Forever21

+ Flats- Urban Outfitters

I said in a previous post that I would post some outfit pics for my mini, vaca-style-30 for 30 if I were brave enough...Unfortunately the weather has been foul and we have all spent most of the week wearing the few pairs of long sweat pants and hoodies that we brought, and that doesn't make for a good outfit post. But I did hold to my word and VOILA! Here is the one outfit I have put together so far & so bravely posted for all to see!
  Two days to go though, so if it is not frigid outside I can utilize the rest of the contents of my poorly packed suitcase containing only warm weather clothing. I guess I just got too excited for spring when I was packing? Who would assume that a beach vacation would be cold in the spring time? Hmph :(

My mom was my photographer, and it was incredibly awkward taking pictures on the pier with loads of people walking past. One man even asked, "Would you like me to take a picture of both of you?" I thought it was easier to simply smile and say, "Yes, thank you" rather than explain, "No sir, this is for my blog!" As soon as he walked away, I carried on with my mission.
And yes, I realize the sun in the middle picture is blocking out my face, but there is something I really like about it anyways! Maybe because it's showing just the outfit, which is really the purpose for the picture. Or Maybe it's because it is covering my sunburned face? We layed out on our only sunny day...and by that I mean we layed, covered head to toe in clothing, concealing all but our faces because it was still so chilly. We now all have lobster faces.

After my first ever outfit post I would certainly love your input...
{More please!} or {Never again, lady!} or {Too soon to decide} or {Insert your own words}

Thanks so much, XoXo :)

PS. On a side note, please excuse the ADD that is the ever-changing layout, font, color scheme, etc of my blog! I'm trying to remodel a bit!

On the Hunt: over the knee boots

 Thank you Aldo for having a 30% off all Clearance boot's today! Shame on you for not having my size in the ones that I love :( I thought I'd spread the joy anyways! If you are a size 6 you are the lucky ones...orig $170, on sale for $90.99! Gotta love end of the season sales :) These will still be great forever and always! Get 'em here! They still have the same boots available in all sizes in black, but I really like the cognac better with the buckles... hmm to buy or not to buy?

Thoughts??

Inspired by Fringe

Fringe...love it or hate it?

On the Hunt: High Waisted Shorts

As the warm weather is finally approaching, spring & summer clothes are now on the racks and I can continue my hunt for the perfect pair of...

If only you knew how long I have been searching for the perfect pair... my poor best friend and best shopping partner has been with me on this search and has got to be sick of me talking about them! Every time I see a considerable pair I have a battle with myself that goes a little something like this: "Should I get them? But what if I find a better pair? Are these the best ones?"....ya know, because this is a life or death decision.

I just get an idea in my head and when they don't make them MY way I get really aggravated! I actually found a pair that was so-so and bought them...but their job was simply to satisfy me until I found the pair that makes me see shining lights radiating from them and hear the angels singing. And then... on this Sunday morning as I was doing some unnecessary online shopping on UrbanOutfitters.com, I saw them...could it be?

$49.00 from Urban Outfitters

These babies are close enough to my ideal high waisted shorts as I could hope for from someone who is not inside my head. What I'm usually picky about are the buttons and how high the waist is. At a glance I'd say they make the cut! They look cute on this girl anyways... They are a little pricey for me, but I think I might have to splurge! I just need them! I don't know what it is but I love them; they are a closet staple!

Looks like I'll be taking a trip to Urban soon! Please fit me shorts :)

Time to get a new watch!

I don't know about you, but my body is still getting used to the time change! Thinking about time got me thinking about watches...I have been on the hunt for a watch that I actually like and want to wear all the time for FOREVER! When I was student teaching I bought a POS watch to get me through the day...a watch is a must have in an early childhood classroom because young children rely so heavily on their daily routines and schedule and with the chaos that can arise with young children it certainly helps keep things on track! Substitute teaching in someone's classroom when you aren't familiar with their schedule is even more of a reason to always wear a watch! 

At any rate, I need/want a new watch. However, I am super picky when it comes to the look. I honestly don't care who makes it as long as it's wearable. I want a watch that is versatile. I want to be able to wear it in the classroom, casually-out, or out-out. I've only found a few that are pleasing to my eyes...

I ADORE these Badgley Mischka Watches! The bows... :)

and

I've lusted after this Michael Kors watch for oh so long...I STILL think it's my fave of the bunch!

I'm picky about the size, shape, band, color, face, literally everything! Is anyone else as picky about the look of their watch as I am? I can't even put my finger on what it is that irks me about the look of watches that don't tickle my fancy. All of the above watches satisfy me! More importantly, all of the above can be found for around $150.00 or less, which is just about the max I'm willing to spend on a watch, until I get a big girl job anyways.

Which do you like best?

Stumble across any great watches lately? Let a girl know please and thank you! ;)

Pretty in Purple

So, I never really considered purple to be one of my favorite colors. I'm a green lovin girl, and when it comes to clothes I get scolded by my mom for always buying black everything. I've added a lot of color to my wardrobe lately...although I am still always drawn to black! 

Anyways, I have a purple pea coat from Forever21 that I got last year, which was really the only purple thing I owned, and pretty much only bought because it was on clearance and I was desperate for an affordable coat to wear out that wasn't too casual. Cody makes fun of me because I "always" wear it...which I guess I do. After a day of window shopping he asked what I bought and I told him about my super cool new glittery purple nail polish and the gorge purple bikinis that I must have when I get back into shape. "So is purple your new favorite color?" he asked...shhh green will hear you! I thought...but yes I guess purple is sort of fabulous.

LOVED all the purple on the red carpet at this year's Oscars!

These are my pretty purple must haves that I am currently stalking (or have already cracked and bought them...ohhh, shopping) 

I'm currently rockin "It's Bouquet with me" on my toes...it brings new meaning to the term "twinkle toes" :) One coat gives a nice, subtle glittery look, but I did three to make my toes glitter central! I love it! It makes me feel youthful! The first few times I saw this color at Sephora they only had a sample bottle on display and it was sold out! OPI is a little pricey for me, especially knowing that Forever21 has great polish 1/3 of the price, but I stalked this baby until it was in stock and couldn't resist when they finally had it! I did say no to the Forever21 mood struck (for now, anyways) but still think it's really cool!

 

I have been lusting after feather earrings for a while now but have been reluctant to buy any because I have yet to find the perfect pair! How sad that these Urban ones are no more :( They are so fun!

 I like to keep it on the natural side when it comes to make up. Whenever I try to apply fun eye shadow I usually wipe it off...I'm trying to get better about this! If the occasion calls for it, why not! How fun would this be for a girls night out downtown?

Target truly has some of the best affordable swimwear! If only every gal and their sister didn't shop there...Regardless, they are adorbs! To buy or not to buy?

Purple, you are no match for my love green...but maybe this is me taking another step away from all black everything? Yay colors!

What colors are inspiring your wardrobe lately?