Hey y’all! Happy Wednesday, we’ve made it halfway through the week, hooray! Grab that cup of coffee, it’s time to bring you up to speed on happenings and things I’m loving this week.
If you read last week’s coffee talk (see here), then you know we’ve been moving into our new house and it’s been w-o-r-k. But y’all, we are finally in the home stretch! Basically we will need to add in some more pieces of furniture in the coming weeks and months, but for now our house is finally home.
Anyone have any great tips for organizing your closet? That’s the one thing that’s been daunting for me. Of course I love clothes, shoes, handbags, etc. and to Rick’s dismay, I have a lot of them! I feel like I’ve been purging my clothes, accessories and beauty products like crazy but it looks like I haven’t even made a dent… Trying to stay positive, but it really has been a bit discouraging for me.
I’ve been posting quite a bit of my gently-used items on the Poshmark app. It takes some time, but it’s definitely worth it! Do you use an app or take your clothes somewhere to sell?
Also, whenever anyone says a home is a money pit… believe it! We are blessed beyond measure to have the opportunity to buy our new house, but y’all, it’s pricey! Between furnishing, painting, etc. we also found out on Sunday that our a/c unit had a leak… fortunately we don’t have to replace the entire unit (yet…), but no joke when I tell you my mindset has completely changed when it comes to purchasing something frivolous versus something for our home.
If you’ve been following along on Instastories (username: @alexcarreno_) or Snapchat (username: @aecarreno26), then you’ve seen I’ve been traveling the last few days. I tagged along on my mom’s work trip to New Orleans and have been having so much fun! Previously I’d never been to NOLA for longer than 24 hours. We always just drove in to eat, go out and sleep.
But since my mom has been busy at her conference, I’ve had time to get out and explore. It’s been really fun exploring NOLA and I can’t wait to share some exciting travel content to come. Highlights so far include, checking out the adorable Magazine Street and sitting at the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone. I had a Pimm’s Cup No. One – so tasty!
I listened to y’all whom responded to the reader survey (thank you so much for filling it out!), and y’all responded overwhelmingly that you’d love to see more travel content. Ask and you shall receive!
Rick and I are heading home (for me) to Phoenix for Easter, so expect content from that trip too! If you didn’t have a chance to read Monday’s post, I’m chatting budget friendly Easter dresses. The dress I’m wearing is under $100, here. If you’re on the hunt for a few other budget friendly Easter dresses, checkout this fit and flare dress and this maxi dress (it’s only $55!).
Now for things I’m loving:
– While I’ve been here in New Orleans, I’ve wandered in and out of some really cute stores. One of my favorites was Krewe, an optical store in the French Quarter. Similar to Warby Parker, you can pick out cute and trendy sunglasses and they just recently launched their eyeglasses line. You can shop the optical collection here.
– Although J.Crew was recently in the news again for declining sales, read the article here, there latest spring looks are seriously catching my eye! I know I discussed closet purging above, but how cute is this red off the shoulder top? I snagged these earrings last weekend on sale, too. They’re just $20!
– My sweet friend Jenny, of the blog Boho Style File, has the most amaze style y’all! And she’s chatting essentials for spring on her blog – she rocks the statement jewelry piece like no other! Check out her post here.
– I recently picked up the Giorgio Armani foundation, after multiple recommendations, and I’m hooked! It’s a bit of a steep price tag, over $50, but well worth it! The woman at the counter showed me a trick – swipe the foundation off the ‘dipper’ instead of squeezing it out, to conserve it. Then dab on in each area on the face with fingertips and it will ultimately dry matte. If y’all would like a post or YouTube video reviewing the product, let me know!
Rachel says
It’s always hard for me to sell my clothes (I have separation anxiety when it comes to my clothes and shoes). But it’s always great to clean up once in a while, especially when moving into a new place. You might see pieces you haven’t worn for years or a wardrobe that have been worn out for the past season. These are the ones perfect for selling.
The great thing about selling clothes is that you can always buy new ones with the money that you make pout of it, so it’s a not a lose-lose situation! 🙂
http://chicglamstyle.com/how-to-choose-the-right-necklace-according-to-your-style/
Alex Carreno says
You’re so right! I get the anxiety too, but when I sell them and receive the money, it’s always a great feeling!
Ashley says
Love the clothes and accessories you linked!
Alix Maza says
Good luck with everything! I also that J. Crew sales are declining, sad news.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
adriana says
J. Crew seriously has THE cutest spring arrivals!!! I can’t stop shopping! Love this post!
Jenny says
I’m dying to go to NOLA again. SO fun.
Anna says
Girl you’re asking the wrong person for organizing help, haha! But glad to hear you’ve been finding some great products!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
Annaliese says
Ah New Orleans- how fun! I’d love to visit there. Enjoyed this update post!! 🙂
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Silvia says
New Orleans is the best! I’ve been wanting to go out there and visit again! Sounds like you are having a lot of fun!
Rachel R Ritlop says
I organize my closet by style of item, then color! IT really helps! I try to get rid of stuff I am not wearing, but in the back of my head i always think “but I could wear that on a photo shoot!” haha
Alex Carreno says
Right?? That’s how I am feeling too! So I am trying to stick with the thought, if it’s something that is evergreen like a pair of white shorts, etc. I’ll contemplate getting rid of it further otherwise it’s out!
the sofieyah diaries says
Didn’t know about the J.Crew problem… that’s unfortunate!
http://thesofieyahdiaries.com/lifestyle/making-the-most-of-college
Kirsten says
Pimm’s Cups are so go good – probably my favorite drink I have ever had! And you’re so right – moving is so much work. I feel ya in clearing out the closet and not even making a dent… wish I had advice for you, but I have the same problem!
Katie says
I want to visit NOLA so bad! And it’s funny that you mentioned organizing your closet. I was thinking that would be a great task for me to tackle this weekend!
Jenny Hall says
You are the sweetest ever and that is the best compliment coming from you! Love you!
Caroline says
Oh girl I feel you on the dumping clothes thing! I don’t know where it all goes!! And I LOVE the Armani foundation.. I know it’s so tough stomaching spending that much money on foundation but I find that te better the foundation I use, the better my skin looks and is! It’s one thing I splurge on now.. I’m currently in between three different favorites: a Dior, a NARS and an Urban Decay one!
Alex Carreno says
So good to hear on the foundation! I am loving it so far, and agreed, the money is well-spent when my skin looks great too! I’ve tried the NARS and it was pretty heavy on my skin, but I have combo skin type so that may have been why? I also really like IT Cosmetics CC cream for wear and go! xx