Affordable Fall Haul

I haven't been too focused on shopping for clothes until the last week or so when the leaves and weather finally started to feel like fall weather in GA. But recently I started my fall shopping so I wanted to share with you what I picked up! I didn't want to wait until Monday to post this because things always sell out and I want y'all to take advantage of the current sales. I would love for you to subscribe to my new channel. I plan on making it a bigger focus for my upcoming content.

Shop everything I purchased in the widget below! Use code HAPPY for 40% off if you shop my Loft purchases. 

Thanks for watching!

xo Amanda John

Affordable Fall Dress

 

 

 

I've only had this dress for two weeks now and I've already worn it twice on the weekends! It's one of those pieces you can just throw on and look cute but be comfortable wearing it all day. Both times I've worn it I was out shopping and running errands for almost the entire day and switched from flats to boots and wore it out to dinner. I'm not sure if you can tell in these photos but I got a ton of questions on Instagram stories about my lip color so I'm also linking it below (shade is velvet teddy!). I think it's perfect for fall, and I just dap it onto my lips verse swiping for a more natural color.

The fit is slightly oversized but if you don't like a boxier fit I think it would be cute belted to give you more shape. I'm wearing a small petite and if you click on petite it's available in all sizes. I'm also wearing boots from last years NSALE but no worries, I found them available and at an even better price!

I'm linking some of my favorite Loft finds in the widget below. All items are 40% off BUT sale items are an additional 60% until 10/10!

This week is going to be a busy one. It's my Mom's birthday and our first wedding anniversary. I can't wait to share a special post with y'all on Friday!

xo Amanda John 

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What's in my Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM + Review

Today I'm sharing what's inside my Louis Vuitton Neverfull and how I keep it organized. Tim gifted me this bag when I graduated with my Doctorate last year and I've been carrying it ever since. I call it my bag "hub" because when I switch into other bags I just pull from it what I need or will fit. I carry it to work every day (unless I expect a ton of rain - more on that later) and when I travel. I also wanted to share my pros and cons of the bag at the end in case you were researching before purchasing this bag! This post will probably be a long one, but instead of splitting it into two posts I figured it would be best to keep all of the information in one place.

What's inside my Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Some basics I keep inside: my wallet, planner, business cards, mini notebook, and phone. How do I keep such a large tote bag organized?? Pouches are going to be your friend. Instead of having everything mixed together, I use various makeup bags and small clutches so I know where to start looking for something. You can also buy an organizer, but I've found what I already have to be useful. The bag comes with a skinny clutch, and inside that I like to keep my checkbook and any recent recipts. Side note: I don't even know why I keep a checkbook in there, I never use them!

I have a small makeup pouch to keep the various lip products I use, bobby pins, some powder for touch ups, and fashion tape (you never know when you'll need this!).  I also always keep a hairbrush on hand because my fine hair loves to get tangled and I preferred a polished vs messy look. This one from Target is my favorite.

In a larger clutch, I put anything else that isn't makeup or something large enough to hang out on its own. These are the random necessities I think I have to have with me: Zicam (a must if you live in the south), sunscreen, hand cream, moist wipes, gum, and headphones. These headphones (gifted from Studio Sweden ) are the perfect size to keep with you in your bag, not to mention they are white and rose gold (heart eyes!).  I throw these on during my lunch to catch up on Instagram stories, etc. Don't worry, if you have small ears they come with a bunch of different sized buds to fit your ears. I have a 15% off code for y'all if you're interested, just enter STRAWBERRYCHICXO at checkout (and guess what, it never expires!) Also, there's no kickback to me if you use this code or anything.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Pros

It Really is Neverfull

I've never had an issue fitting anything and everything I've needed inside this bag. It will carry my laptop and charger, some magazines or a book, my lunch, extra flats for when my feet hurt...etc! That's the main perk of this bag, hence the name.

Easy to See Into

Pretty self-explanatory, but I love how open this bag gets so I can easily find what I'm looking for.

Expandable

Most girls I see carrying this bag keep the sides open, but I do also like the look of it with the sides cinched in. 

Lightweight

Without anything inside it the bag is relatively lightweight in comparison to my other bags. However, it can also carry a lot more so it can get heavy depending on what you put inside it.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Cons:

It Will Can Get Heavy

I've learned the hard way that this bag will definitely get heavy on your shoulder, which is why I typically switch into a cross body bag when I go shopping because when you add shopping bags into the mix your shoulder will get really uncomfortable. If I do carry it shopping or running errands, I try to unload some of the unnecessary things that's added up inside it throughout the work week. I think the main reason for shoulder pain is because of the thin straps. 

Not Weather Proof

This bag is meant to be carried for years and years, so I personally like the lived in strap look. However, if I expect a lot of rain I typically don't carry it because I don't want spotted raindrops to stain the straps. If I happen to get caught in the weather, I try to tuck in the straps and drape something over the bag to protect them. The canvas material, however, is perfect for a rainy day, so I don't have to worry about this part of the bag. Also, since the bag is open rain will fall into your belongings, so just think about that on rainy days. If this is a huge negative to you, consider getting the Damier Ebene and this won't be an issue.

Extra Organization is a Must

I definitely recommend getting additional storage to keep your belongings organized inside. I've seen storage compartments made for the bag, but as you can see I utilize cute pouches to keep mine organized. 

Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tips:

I keep the dust bag folded up along the bottom of my bag to keep the lining looking clean and new. 

Supposedly the straps can hold up to 200 pounds (I wouldn't want to know).

Wipe it clean with an alcohol-free wipe or use soap and water to remove stains. Ask a LV specialist on cleaning pen ink.

Just an FYI:  When you first purchase the bag the leather straps will stay upright, but this won't last for very long. I wanted to point that out because some people only want structured bags. 

I know this is a long-winded post, so thanks for making it this far with me! I hope you found this post helpful. If you have anything else to add about the bag, let me know in the comments!

xo Amanda John

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NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE TOP 10

Here are my must have picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I'll explain later because I'm running late to work... haha!

This morning I had an unplanned early wake up that lead to a little too much extra time before work to peruse the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The next thing I knew I had 30 minutes to shower and leave so thank you for waiting it out for me to finish this post :)

My game plan for the sale was to shop online and pick up in-store, so I knew the items I wanted most were reserved for me in the store before I drove 30 minutes to my nearest Nordstrom. Normally, I got for new boots and a few little things here and there, but this year I wanted to focus on really good basics that I will get regular wear out of, like basic tops, a good pair of jeans, and comfy layers for work and the weekend.

#1: Halogen Long Open Front Cardigan | #2: BP Lightweight Rib Stitch Cardigan | #4: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite® Circle Cardigan

I'm always cold at work year round, so I knew picking up a few different cardigans would be a good investment to my wardrobe and out of all the options  I ended up with these three. A must have for me this year is finally trying the Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan that always sells out while I contemplate the price tag, so this year there was was no hesitation other than deciding the color.

#3: Halogen Soft Ruffle Jacket

This isn't a piece that I normally go for but I was intrigued by the design and color and wanted to reserve it to try on. I'll let y'all know what I think of it when I get it.

#5 Halogen Button Back Ruffle Hem Dress

My current comfy LBP is in serious need of tossing and this one with the ruffle detail will be the perfect replacement! Drop ruffle details can be a hit or miss with my hips, so I hope it fits! I can picture so many different outfits around the dress, so I'm excited to style it.

#6 Madewell Catskills Jacket

I wasn't expecting to get a new olive green coat because I have one but I've never been happy with how it fit on me, so I'm hoping this one is a more flattering cut and I wear it more because I think they are a fall staple.

#7: Emerson Rose Tie Cuff Blouse

 I love the little bow tie sleeve detail on this otherwise boring plain white top (even though I can never have too many of boring white tops for work!).

#8: Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Robe

Another Barefoot Dreams item I regretted not picking up last year. It's actually been in my cart ever since but I didn't want to pay full price when I knew the sale price in the back of my head! I don't neeeeeeed a new robe, but since I live in my $12 Tuesday Morning robe I thought I wanted to treat myself to this one.

#9 AG The Legging Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans

The holy grail AG jeans... These are always one of the first things to sell out, so this year I wanted to see what all the fuss is about with these! I would never pay full price for them, and even the sale price is a little hard to swallow, but I'll let y'all know if they're worth it after I get to try them on. I ordered two sizes to be safe since I'm not familiar with how they fit.

#10 Lush Raw Edge Side Slit Tee

Out of everything in my closet I get the most wear out of my basic tees, so I wanted to pick up a few of these to try at under $16. They look thicker than most I've seen, and I'm hoping that's a good thing! They will work perfectly under all the jackets and cardigans I ordered.

I also wanted to share the other items still tempting me and hanging out in my cart:

I wasn't very tempted in the beauty department because most of the options we're large gift sets and unless I knew it was a product I already love I didn't want to spend more to get more. I did purchase this set because I love the scent of the deodorant and it lasts me forever. I think I buy like 2 a year somehow, it's crazy. 

Anything I missed?? What's your favorite from the sale?!

xo Amanda John

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Gingham Bow Top

Today I'm wearing the cutest gingham top gifted from Shein. If you love a peplum, bow, or gingham, this top has it all! I've always been a little hesitant on ordering from Shein because the prices seem too good to be true, but their selection is great for those trendy pieces you don't want to invest in. They are feeding my closet with all my ruffle and bow needs right now! I recommend looking at the measurements and photos of other people wearing them and know you'll have to steam or iron them when they come in. I would also recommend paying the extra $2 for "insurance" the first few times you order to get an idea on their sizing. For my first purchase, I didn't read the measurements and ordered a size up because I was expecting everything to run small like sizes in H&M. That doesn't seem to be the case. 

For sizing reference, I'm usually a size 4-6 or small and I'm wearing a small top. Since this top is open in the back, you don't have to be too careful looking at those measurements, but I would recommend measuring your arms because that's the one area you may feel snug in if you order the wrong size. The top fits somewhat loose and boxy throughout the body, but the peplum detail keeps it flattering and feminine and I think the break up of gingham is a nice touch. 

Also, the middle bow aligns perfectly with my bra strap, so no worries there if you don't want to wear a tank underneath when it warms up for summer. 

And no, I didn't spend $2,000 for the popular Chloe Drew bag. This one a $30 dupe gifted from the same place! As a heads up, you just tie the metal chain in a knot to the handles. It took this blonde here a moment to figure that out :) Next on my list are these bow slippers, a dupe for a $70 BP version and a $200+ Kate Spade version!

xo Amanda John

Spring Neutrals

 I've been eyeing these bow wedges since last year in navy, and when I saw they came out in this blush neutral I knew I had to splurge! I wore them for the first time at a wedding last weekend and had no issues with my feet the entire night. The leather is so buttery soft! 

I haven't been in a Charming Charlie is a pretty long time. I didn't realize there was one right down the street from me, so when their PR started to send me a few new arrivals I wanted to check out the store and see what else they had. Y'all, I went crazy in there! So many cute and affordable things for Spring. This top is one of the items I bought. I love the neutral leopard print and of course the sleeves, do you see that little ruffle detail? I always thought of them as a jewelry store, but they have way more to offer as far as gifts, clothes, and decor. Be sure to follow me over on Instagram so you don't miss a gift card giveaway to Charming Charlie on Saturday. 

I finally shopped the Sugarfix + Target and I love the two necklaces I picked up (1 | 2).  I'm not surprised though, combining Bauble Bar with Target prices and it's a win-win. 

xo Amanda John 

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Floral Lace One Shoulder Top

FLORAL LACE ONE SHOULDER TOP | PAIGE DENIM WHITE DISTRESSED SKINNY JEAN (MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION HERE) | SAM EDELMAN BLOCK HEEL SANDAL | KATE SPADE OUTLET PINK CROSS BODY BAG (SIMILAR KATE SPADE UNDER $99 HERE, SIMILAR UNDER $45 HERE) | GOLD DOUBLE HOOP EARRING C/O CHARMING CHARLIE 

Blue and White stripes are always popular during spring and summer. Add in a little one shoulder embroidered detail and this top is right on trend for the season. I added my favorite pop of color with these blocked sandals and cross body bag I found at the outlet. 

Unfortunately my top is currently low in stock (sizes L, XL, XXL are available) but I waited for them to restock when I purchased so I'm hoping they will again soon! I'll let you know over on Instagram as soon as it does.

This post was scheduled for yesterday, but I fell asleep about an hour after getting home. I think it's pollen season making me so sleepy! 

xo Amanda John 

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Bow Tied Sweater

Sorry in advance for all of the Loft tops coming your way, but I've been loving all of their spring pieces! I haven't shopped there in a really long time, but now it's been my go-to for clothing because I can wear most of them to work as well (minus this one).

This bow-tied cold shoulder sweater is infused with silk, um yes please! And the best part? It's currently an extra 50% off and under $30, no code needed! I normally don't like v-neck tops, but the cut on this cold shoulder sweater is so flattering.You can adjust the ties if need be, so I think it will work on many different frames. It fits TTS. 

You probably recognize these Sam Edelman heels from last season, but they'll easily be a staple again this year. They're somehow really comfortable and I also own them in gold. I found these at the Saks Off Fifth outlet and always regretted not getting them in a more wearable color since they're so easy to wear. I took it as a sign I needed both :)

My rose gold sunglasses are super cheap from Charming Charlie (currently 2 for $15), along with these gold hoop earrings. They sent me a little spring gift box and these were my two favorite items that I can't stop wearing.  I also just picked up this strawberry print scarf from there. 

xo Amanda John 

Spring Wedding Outfit + How to Style a Skirt and Top

FOREVER 21 PLEATED SKIRT (old) SIMILAR HERE | VINE SPLIT NECK BLOUSE |
GUCCI SOHO DISCO BAG (READ MY REVIEW HERE) | BADGLEY MISHKA HEELS | DANIEL WELLINGTON CLASSIC PETITE WATCH (15% off with code STRAWBERRYCHIC) | J. CREW FACTORY EARRING (sold out, similar)

It's officially spring wedding season. I was never really into weddings until I became a bride myself, but now I'm so excited to attend them and see what my friends come up with!

 For the last wedding I attended,  I tried to find an outfit at a few different Atlanta malls for the occasion. I never settled on one because I didn't really want to buy a dress for an occasion I'll only wear once.  Granted, I have more weddings coming up, but I knew I wouldn't want to re-wear the same dress to them because, #Instagram. 

I decided to go with my go-to combination pairing a top and skirt. Going with this lets you have so much more depth in your wardrobe because you can always pair them differently and I won't feel like I'm re-wearing the same dress again.  I can wear this top with white jeans, a different skirt, denim shorts in the summer, or even to work. By the way, I think you can get away with sizing down in this shirt. I'm wearing a small here but wish I purchased a xs.

While I was at this wedding a few people asked me if I was wearing a dress or if it was two separate pieces. A friend said she has so many skirts but never the right tops for them and vice versa. So today, I wanted to share my tips and some inspiration to make the top and skirt combo work for you!

Pick one that's patterned: either the top or the bottom, but not both unless they're the exact same print from the same line. Florals are always a good option for a spring wedding. 

Find a skirt that fits higher up on your waist; I always wear skirts at the narrowest part of my waistline. It's very flattering and doing so will also give you the illusion of longer legs! Tip: you may need to size down if you wear it at your natural waist.

If you're not sure, still try it on! I didn't think this top would work with this skirt, but it was the best option in my closet so I tried it on and loved how it turned out. 

Always tuck it in to define your waist: I love this trick because you're guaranteed some shape at the smallest part of your waistline.  Tucking tip: I always pull my top down completely through the bottom of my skirt to take away some of the bulk at the waist. The only time I don't tuck in the top is if I'm wearing a bodycon skirt and I want to cover my backside. If your shirt isn't looking right, you can also try wearing a belt with it. 

Picking a skirt: Since it was a day wedding, I didn't want to wear a pencil skirt because it would look too much like work wear. A midi skirt would have been cute, but it would have looked really unbalanced with this somewhat flowy top. I went with a shorter (but still wedding appropriate) skirt to give me a little more shape. I would definitely not recommend wearing a tulle skirt to a wedding, otherwise, I'm all about them. I wanted to buy this skirt for the occasion but it was online only and I wouldn't get it in time. 

Shop Skirts

Shop Tops

xo Amanda John

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