First snow of the season!

The past week and a half, I've been pretty sick- hence my lack of posting. I am still under the weather, but felt good enough to write a post today since I've missed it so much! TO my BIG surprise, metro Denver saw it's first snowfall of the year (and it was close to 80 degrees near my house on Sunday!) I am actually excited for the snow since it means the holidays are near! This is definitely my favorite part of the year! 

"Today's" OOTD is a little dated (this was what I wore the last day I felt decent enough to not be in my "sick clothes" consisiting of a hoodie and sweatpants). 

Do you like the snow? Does it snow where you're from?

My husband took my OOTD pics this particular day.

 Not the best pic in the world, but you get the idea :)

The Lowdown...

Jacket: Nordstrom, old

Top: Nordstrom, old

Jeans: Aiko Silver Jeans (The Buckle)

Sandals: Random, old (Nordstrom)

Necklace: Nordstrom BP, old

- The Pretty Pauper

Oven for a brand new laptop?!?! Okay!

When it comes to home improvement projects, my husband and I can never agree on priorities. Currently, our family room has no furniture (the room I take all of my OOTD pictures in) and my husband promised me that the next home improvement upgrade would be to purchase furniture for that room. He is definitely an "appliances" person and mentioned a few days ago that he wanted to go "look" at stoves and microwaves since there was a 35% off of all appliances at The Great Indoors. Our stove and microwave were working just fine! After a blown out argument about what we were going to purchase, I decided to throw out something completely ridiculous and say that if I got a new laptop, he could get his oven and microwave. Much to my surprise, he agreed! I use a laptop a lot more than I would use our family room so here I am with a brand new MAC Book Pro and new appliances (although I am not nearly as excited about those). Here are some pictures of my new beauty!

Today's outfit of the day is pretty simple. I paired it with my brand new Rebecca Minkoff MAC in dark grey. I love this clutch!

The Lowdown...

Cardigan: BP Cardigan (Nordstrom,old)

Tank: Nordstrom, old 

Jeans: Jolt Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom)

Shoes: Toms (Nordstrom)

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch in Dark Grey (Rebecca Minkoff)

Oh yeah, by the way...

GIVEAWAY TOMORROW!!! BIGGEST ONE YET!!!

- The Pretty Pauper

Are these boots made for keepin'?

Yeah, another busy week. Excuses, excuses but I've really been gone from 9-9 everyday. On Saturday, I'm going to Michigan for a few days to go see my family! I am so excited to get away for a while. I definitely need the rest!

Last week, I made a huge return of a ton of items in my closet with tags that I knew I would never wear (gotta love Nordstrom's return policy)! Since I had a huge credit, I decided to splurge and get some Frye boots that were on my Weekend Wants a couple of weeks ago. I always have to justify each "huge" purchase since I rarely have the budget to ever buy anything like this. In fact, I have NEVER in my entire life spent this much on a pair of shoes/boots. I would love your opinions!

Tell me what you think. Yay or Nay?

The Lowdown...

Tank: Nordstrom BP, old (similar here)

Sweater: Nordstrom BP, old (similar here)

Pants: Jolt Pick Me Up Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom)

Boots: Frye Carmen Harness Short Boot (Nordstrom)

Belt: Forever 21, old (similar here)

- The Pretty Pauper

Just the way you are...

Totally love this song by Bruno Mars (it's playing right now) hence the name of today's post :) Another week almost over (thankfully). Work has been a little stressful, not gonna lie. It shouldn't be since I made my year end quota, but whatever :/ I need a dose of retail therapy pretty soon! A few things in my recent Weekend Wants posts may soon become Weekend realities...If I come home with anything new, I'll be sure to do some reviews!

The Lowdown...

Cardigan: BP Three Quarter Sleeve Jersey Cardigan (Nordstrom)

Top: Poured Paint Tank (Anthropologie, no longer available)

Necklace: Double Torsade Necklace (Anthropolgie, no longer available)

Jeans: Silver Aiko Jeans (Silver Jeans)

Shoes: Moda Spana Chase Pump (DSW)

- The Pretty Pauper

I love the smell of rain in the morning...

This morning, I woke up to the most serene sound of rain drops on my window. It must have been pretty relaxing seeing as how I slept in until 9:45. Ooops :/

I do love that fall is finally here though. I've been waiting for cardigan and boot season too patiently. I also love how beautiful the trees are this time of year, hot apple cider, corn mazes, Halloween decor around the house, costume shopping, pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving time... I just LOVE fall! What do you look forward to the most?

I picked up this top during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and just found it in my closet today. I love it when I find surprises!

The Lowdown...

Top: Nordstrom, no longer available (kind of similar here)

Jeans: Silver Aiko Jeans (Buckle)

Shoes: Steve Madden, really old (couldn't find anything similar)

Necklace: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

- The Pretty Pauper

I love my husband!

After an insane week of work, my husband decided to have a "Pamper my Wife" day yesterday. I woke up to breakfast in bed and a $100 bill to go to a spa and get a treatment of choice! I went and got a much needed facial and came home to a clean house. That's not all... He took me out to the Melting Pot for dinner too! I appreciate him so much and am so lucky to have such a caring husband!

It is officially fall in Colorado meaning I can break out the fall clothes! Here is what I wore to dinner last night:

The Lowdown...

Top: Rubbish Dolman Sleeve Tunic (Nordstrom)

Leggings: BP Leggings (Nordstrom)

Shoes: Moda Spana Chase Pump (DSW)

Bag: Heavy Metal Flame Satchel (Rebecca Minkoff)

Necklace: Nordstrom, old (similar here)

- The Pretty Pauper

Lacey Cardigan OOTD

Lately, Target has gotten in some really cute stuff! I just featured a lace long sleeved top in my last OOTD. I also picked up this cardigan and I LOVE it! I can pair it with many tops in my closet and I am all about versatile pieces in my wardrobe! I can already tell this will be a fall staple.

The Lowdown...

Cardigan: Xhiliration Juniors Cardigan (Target) 

Tank: Nordstrom, old

Jeans: Jolt Pick Me Up Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom)

Bag: Aldo, old

Sandals: Report Ebben Sandals (Macys)

Necklace: Nordstrom, old

Just an FYI, things are about to get crazy in my life for the next 3 weeks, so I will only get to a few posts a week until things slow down again. Also, my giveaway ends on October first, do don't forget to check it out and enter! Have a lovely evening!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway. It ends on October first. Only 5 followers away from making it a $50 Anthropologie gift card! While you're at it, check out Money Smart Fashions giveaway for a $100 Coach gift card!

- The Pretty Pauper

Lace in Your Face

One of my favorite fall 2010 trends is lace. When I went to Target last week, I was pleasently surprised by the very cute selection of lace garments.  I missed on on the infamous Charlotte Russe lace top, but this is a good dupe. The only thing that I don't like about this top is the neckline. It seems a little "off", but then again I am very picky when it comes to clothes. I usually wear a medium, but had to size up to a large because of my thick arms. I saw many ways to style this, so I did hang on to it. After all it was only $13.99!

I am just about to head out on an appointment for work (yes, at 7pm!). Since I supply uniforms to high school athletic teams, I have weird hours. I have to go fit teams after practice, which is usually at night. This is definitely a downside to my job. I can't complain too much though. I get to work from home and not many people get that opportunity. I'm hoping to make my year end sales quota at the end of the September. This will make things a lot less stressful (and if I do, I will treat myself to a new handbag or shoes). That always makes everything better :)

The Lowdown...

Top: Target, not online (similar here)

Tank: BP Camisole in Ballet (Nordstrom)

Jeans: Jolt Pick Me Up Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom)

Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra Pump (Nordstrom)

Necklace: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

- The Pretty Pauper

Quickie OOTD

Even though this was only my outfit for a quick trip to the mall for an exchange, it's still worth an OOTD post! It's much more "stylish" than my coach polo and jeans for today's team pictures. I have already broke out the cardigans. I am so ready for fall to be here and STAY!

Excuse the tired look- there was construction going on outside of our house at 6:45am (I usually wake up at 845/9). I am exausted and the days only begun :(

The Lowdown...

Cardigan- BP Cardigan (Nordstrom)

Top- Coil Flower Tank (Anthropologie, old)

Jeans- 7FAM Roxanne Jeans (Nordstrom)

Shoes- Steve Madden Ulltra Pumps (Nordstrom)

Bag - Heavy Metal Flame (Rebecca Minkoff)

To celebrate 150 followers, I will be hosting a giveaway tomorrow! 

Stay tuned -You don't want to miss this one :)

- The Pretty Pauper

Happy Hump Day!

Now that I've got your attention, get your dirty minds out of the gutter :)

I am loving how fast this week's been going. Things have been so busy with cheer lately. Wednesdays are my early days when I get home before 7pm (which is a very rare occasion this time of year). I am just getting ready to settle down to dinner and watch the finale of America's Got Talent. Have you been watching? I hope that Fighting Gravity wins the competition! They're amazing (and cute!) If you haven't seen them yet, here is a video:

Isn't that SO cool?!?

Here is today's OOTD:

The Lowdown...

Top: Nordstrom, old (similar here)

Cardigan: Target, old (similar here)

Jeans: Aiko Silver Jeans (The Buckle)

Sandals: Report Ebben Sandals (Nordstrom)

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Heavy Metal Flame (Rebecca Minkoff)

Necklace: Nordstrom, old (similar here)

- The Pretty Pauper

Safari Jane?

For whatever reason, I felt like I was going on a safari in this outfit. I just picked up this top from Anthropologie a few weeks ago and it goes with so much! It's a very versatile fall top. My FAVORITE part of today's OOTD is my new handbag! I ordered 3 Rebecca Minkoff handbags from endless.com during their friends and family sale to celebrate making my year end sales goal. I decided on the Heavy Metal Flame. I absolutely *luff* it!

The Lowdown...

Shirt: Arid Season Button Up (Anthropologie)

Shirt: Nordstrom, old (similar here)

Belt: Forever 21, old (similar here)

Jeans: Jolt Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom)

Shoes: Steve Madden Moccasins, old (sorry, can't find similar)

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Heavy Metal Flame (Rebecca Minkoff)

Necklace: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

- The Pretty Pauper

Vappu Dress and Some Pinkberry!

I ordered the Vappu dress as soon as it went on sale and I'm so glad that I did! With the days of summer almost behind us, I decided it was time to debut this beauty! This dress looks so much better belted in my opinion. I paired this with a belt I just picked up at Nordstrom.

I went to Anthro today to check out the Labor Day sale. A few lucky gems made their way home with me! I will make a post about the new treasures tomorrow. After some retail therapy, I made a stop my new favorite sweet treat place, Pinkberry! I ordered my favorite: coconut frozen yogurt with fruity pebbles, coconut, raspberries and mango. It was delicious! I only wish there was one closer to our house. Maybe one day!

The Lowdown...

Dress: Vappu Dress (Anthropologie, no longer available)

Belt: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

Sandals: Michael Antonito Dava Sandal (Piperlime, on sale!)

Necklace: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

- The Pretty Pauper

Poured Paint on My Tank

Usually, Tuesday is my official "retail therapy" day, but since there were no fresh cuts at Anthropologie, I sat this one out. Seriously, my wallet is singing praise right now.

This is my favorite tank from Anthropologie. I always get so many compliments on it! I just know this will show up on sale anyday now, but I am so glad I grabbed this with my 15% birthday discount in March.  It was worth it! Bear with me on the lack of accessories. It's been busy at work and since I am a procrastinator, sometimes I don't put together my OOTDs as well as I could since I'm always in such a time crunch!

The Lowdown...

Tank: Poured Paint Tank (Anthropologie)

Camisole: BP Cami (Nordstrom)

Jeans: 7FAM Roxanne Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom)

Sandals: Report Sawyer Sandals (Endless- on sale!)

- The Pretty Pauper

Sick Day

Being a high school cheer coach has it's ups and downs. The kids just started school and I am always prepared to get some sort of cold or flu. I just didn't know it would be this quick! I woke up this morning with a scratchy throat and it kills to swallow. Hopefully this will pass soon! Being sick sure does put a damper on my day :(

I know I look like I just rolled out of bed, but in all honesty, with being sick and all, I kind of did. Just ignore the awful hair/makeup...

The Lowdown...

Vest: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

Tank: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

Jeans: Jolt Pick Me Up Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom)

Necklace: Nordstrom, not online (similar here)

Sandals: Roxy, old (can't find similar, sorry)

- The Pretty Pauper

2 Birthdays and a Dinner at The Melting Pot

Big week for birthdays in our household! Tomorrow is my father-in-law's birthday and my husbands is on Friday. Since they are going away on a golf trip next weekend, we will be celebrating tonight at The Melting Pot. I can't even wait! Every time I go, I don't eat the entire day so I can save room for all of the deliciousness.

I know it's early yet (considering dinner isn't until 7:30), but I've got my OOTD all planned out for tonight's festivities :)

The Lowdown...

Dress: Height of Summer Dress (Anthropologie)

Necklace: Double Torsade Necklace (Anthropologie, no longer online)

Heels: Steve Madden Ulltra Pumps (Nordstrom)

- The Pretty Pauper

Nordstrom Rack Finds

The other day I had some extra time to kill and wanted to avoid traffic, so I went to check out Nordstrom Rack out of curiosity. I found this tank top and a short sleeve cardigan. The cardi is a perfect summer/fall transition piece! I just love finding a great deal, don't you?

The Lowdown...

Tank: Nordstrom Rack

Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack

Jeans: Silver Aiko (The Buckle)

Belt: Forever 21

Sandals: Report Ebben Sandals (Nordstrom)

Shop the look...

- The Pretty Pauper

Like airplanes in the night sky... wait...they ARE shooting stars!

I experienced my first meteor shower last night! I was driving home late at night and thought I saw what looked like a failed firework. Then I remembered an article I read on CNN yesterday morning that said there was going to be a huge meteor shower between midnight and dawn this morning. When I got home, Kelly (my husband) and I went and laid out on the deck to watch. It was SO cool. Now I'll make a point to watch these every time I get the chance! 

Last night, it was extremely windy and COLD! It felt like October! When I was bummed about the thought of summer really coming to an end, I was excited for all of the new fall clothes I have been stock-piling. I caved in and wore a few items that I was "saving" for fall. Today's OOTD is what I like to call a "transitional" outfit. I got so many compliments on the tank since it's so sparkly :) Forgive me on the flip flops. My feet were so cold that I was wearing my ragged moccasins and these were the closest thing to my camera.

The Lowdown...

Tank: Nordstrom

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Jeans: Nordstrom

Sandals: Nordstrom

Watch: Nordstrom (very old)

Shop the style...

More Caslon...

*For whatever reason, I couldn't find the regular version of the cardigan on ShopStyle, but the plus size one shown about is the same exact cardigan. You can find it on Nordies here.

Today, I am getting my first ever Brazilian Blowout. I have heard numerous raves about them and want to try it out for myself! I will post a review of the experience along with some before and after photos!

- The Pretty Pauper

Stripes and Skinnies OOTD

Despite the many people that dislike skinny jeans, I luff them. About 80% of my jeans are skinnies. I am incredibly picky (okay, OCD) about how bootcut and flare jeans go over my shoes and every time I wear them, I am adjusting my hem around my shoes all day. With skinny jeans I don't have to worry about that! I also love boots and skinny are perfect for boots (when you live in Colorado, boots are an 9 month deal). I hope skinny jeans stay around for a (long) while!

The Lowdown...

Top: Nordstrom, not online

Jeans: Nordstrom

Necklace: Nordstrom, not online

Sandals: Nordstrom

Shop the look...

- The Pretty Pauper

Somebody has a case of the Mondays OOTD

Wouldn't it be wonderful if our workweeks were 2 days and weekends were 5 days? I just can't seem to get enough of a break lately. I feel like I only get one day of my weekend since I spend all day Sunday dreading about work on Monday. Does anyone else feel this way?

I am however looking forward to tomorrow: my shopping day! Every Tuesday morning I head out to the mall. First I check out the "fresh cuts" at Anthopologie. After doing some fitting room reviews (and a purchase every so often), I head over to Nordies to check out all of their new stuff for the week. Going to the mall brings me a peace of mind!

What do you like to do to escape for a few hours?

I went for the curly hair look today..

 

The Lowdown...

Jeans: Jolt Pick Me Up Jeans (Nordstrom)

Tank: Coil Flower Tank (Anthropologie, no longer available)

Necklace: Double Torsade Necklace (Anthropologie, no longer available online)

Sandals: Report Ebben Sandals (Nordstrom)

- The Pretty Pauper

My New Boots!

Last night when I got home, I had a surprise waiting for me at the door. It was a new pair of Jessica Simpson boots! I know its crazy thinking about boots in July, but I jumped at the opportunity during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale (a whopping 60 bucks less)! I am tempted to go back and purchase one more pair before the sale ends Sunday.

Did you purchase anything during the Anniversary? 
If so, what goodies did you snag?

The Lowdown...


Cardigan: Caslon Drop Shoulder Cardigan (buy here on sale!)
Tank: Double Scoop Pocket Tank (buy here)
Jeans: Jolt Skinny Jeans (buy here on sale!)
Boots: Jessica Simpson Capry Boot (buy here on sale!)

- The Pretty Pauper