Europe Bound

I'm headed to Europe with the Cougarettes, my dance team, for the next ten days. We are competing at an international competition in Prague and then stopping in Vienna before we head home. These will be my last days as a Cougarette and I plan to make them ones I will remember! The blog will be a bit empty for the next few days, but I hope to come back with some amazing pictures and stories! Happy weekend everyone! 

Blurred

Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger via T.J. Maxx, Pants: Paige Denim via Nordstrom Rack,

 Shoes: Sperry Topsider, Glasses: Lookmatic

For those of you who wear contacts, have you ever worn them so long that they start to have the reverse effect? I had mine in so long that things started to get a little blurry. Or maybe I was just a little tired...who knows? Whatever the case, thank heavens for glasses. These babies are life savers – or sight savers! 

Scalloped

Shirt: Nordstrom, Skirt; H&M, Belt: Unknown, Sandals: Target, Watch: Michael Kors

I love the bottom of this shirt. I'm really loving scalloped things lately. Scalloped collars, scalloped sleeves, skirt bottoms, and heck even scalloped potatoes! It's always about the food for me. 

Sweet Summer

Shirt: Nordstrom Rack, Skirt: H&M, Necklace: F21, Shoes: DSW

There's just something about summer nights. Sitting outside, feeling the warm breeze, and hearing the crickets chirp just has such a special feeling to it. I love living so close to the mountains in such a beautiful place where I can truly appreciate nature's gift... That sounded pretty granola. Watch out I might start campaigning to save beehives next. 

Groomed.

Hi friends, Winston here. I went to the Groomers last week to get shaved bald a haircut. I thought I had escaped the terrible fate of ever going to the Groomers. Dad bought hair clippers with the thought that he would give me haircuts from now on because he hates when I look like a poodle. But apparently three hours spent sitting in the bathroom, covered in my fluff wasn't a pleasant experience. He says I don't cooperate, but honestly would you? How would you like being forced to sit still for three hours while someone poked and prodded you, not to mention shaved off your charming good looks? My golden curls make me who I am people! Geez. I don't even recognize my own reflection. The one plus of going to the groomers: I am cool as can be. These hot summers are trying times for a ball of curls like me. But like mom says when she puts on those shoes that make her tall, "pain is beauty." So my friends, lets hope my curls come back even thicker this time. Until then, I'll proudly show off my lean figure that's often mistaken for pudge due to my hair. 

Instagram

Shirt: J. Crew Factory, Skirt: Nordstrom, Belt: F21, Shoes: T.J. Maxx, 

Necklace: J. Crew, Bracelets: T.J. Maxx

Apparently Instagram is the new thing... Facebook is so 2010 right? I'm sure like the rest of you, we here at the Phillips home have become quite addicted. When I first suggested Andy get an account he gave me a weird look. In his mind Instagram was a girl thing, but he quickly changed his mind and has now become quite obsessed. In fact, it has almost become a desperate obsession. He jokes that he's a failure because he doesn't have many followers. He went so far as to create an account for Winston because he thinks Winston will soon have more followers than him. I try to console him by telling him although he doesn't have golden curly locks and I think he's cuter than Winston. I guess we'll find out what the Instagram world has to say! 

Follow us:

Me @meganphillips

Andy @andyphillips 

Winston @winstoncphillips

J.Crew Sample Happening (in NYC) Now!

Remember when I told you about all the awesome steals I've scored at past J. Crew sample sales? Well, that time of year has returned! If you're in NYC this week, hurry your buns over 260 Fifth Avenue. I haven't been yet (blasted insanely crazy work week), but I plan to go Thursday and Friday. 

I always check this awesome blog to keep updated on when J. Crew sample sales are happening (and all things J. Crew). 

For a run down of what's available at this week's sample sale, click here. 

Will I be seeing any of you at the sale on Thursday?

—Mike

Drive Me Crazy

Shirt: J. Crew, Skirt: Old Navy, Hat: Roxy (old), Necklace, 

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory, Shoes: T.J. Maxx

I don't know what it is, but men always have to feel like they're the superior drivers. If we are driving home from the same place but in separate cars, Andy always has to beat me. No matter what. Last night  we were in separate cars. He called me about ten minutes into the thirty minute drive to see where I was, and when he discovered I was ahead of him he was appalled. I was feeling rather smug, cruising along at a mildly moderate pace...who am I kidding, I was speedy gonzales trying to beat him home! But to my dismay, he was in the garage when I pulled into the driveway. I don't know when or where he passed me. One day my friends, I will beat him!

The Basics

Shirt: J. Crew, Pants: Zara, Wedges: Target, Necklaces: J. Crew, 

Watch: Michael Kors, Bag: Nordstrom Rack

Sometimes I feel the need to make my outfits complicated by layering a bunch of things, mixing patterns and prints, or wearing lots of bright colors. While those make for exciting outfits, sometimes the simple basics are the best. A denim shirt with white jeans is casual and chic at the same time. Not to mention it's an easy go-to outfit. Aaand, I'm not sweating my guts out due to the many layers. That's definitely a plus. 

Bargain Shopping

Blazer: Banana Republic Factory, Dress: BCBG via T.J. Maxx, Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger via T.J. Maxx, 

Purse: Michael Kors via T.J. Maxx, Necklace: Francesca's Collections 

I have a deep love for T.J. Maxx. You can find some great stuff there, but you have to look, or you have to have a mother who has a talent for finding the good stuff. My mom is the best bargain shopper I know. This is her dress. I borrowed it. Most of the stuff on this blog is her stuff I borrow. So the truth comes out. It's my mom that has good taste everyone. But she raised me right? I like to think my tastes are as good because I am a product of her. Can taste be a genetic trait? Whether or not, I'm lucky to be able to borrow her stuff and ask her opinions and putting things together. Thanks mom! I love you! 

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

I don't mean to get all superficial here, but let's be honest, diamonds really are a girl's best friend! Dog is man's best friend and women. . .diamonds. Ha! Diamonds are just fabulous and oh-so sparkly! They add sophistication and glam to any ensemble. Anjolee is a diamond manufacturer that allows customers to completely customize jewelry to fit their specific requirements, budget, and tastes. I often associate diamonds with brides – I'm at that stage in life when everyone I know and their dogs are getting married. Anjolee has some gorgeous wedding ring sets and you can even customize your own. So, if you're feeling ready for commitment, take a gander at their site, design your own stunner, and slyly drop the hint to your man. Or you could be really subtle and just email him a picture. Diamonds are not only gorgeous on brides, but for other special occasions. Such as anniversaries - cough, hint... Diamond   Studs from your hunk. . .or grandmother would be a wonderful surprised eh? Or how about a Tennis Bracelet? Really, men can never go wrong when it comes to diamonds. As the song says "square cut or pear shape these rocks don't lose their shape!" So whether you're soon to be engaged, hoping for a nice sparkly gift, or simply just like imagining a sparkly rock on your finger, make sure to check out Anjolee to customize any piece of jewelry to your exact liking! Here are a few of my favorites: 

This one looks a lot like mine, so of course I like it. 

Simple gold diamond studs are a staple. 

How would this sucker look on my arm? Oh, I don't know... FABULOUS!