Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Bell Sleeve Pom Pom Top







It's humpday! This is an old Topshop top, don't you just love the pom pom detailing on it?! I gave a little sneak peek on instagram last night (@mapleandmint). Had to squeeze in my white before Labor Day right guys? In all seriousness, now is the perfect time to pair your white tops with jeans and booties. White is a nice nod to the end of summer and you have to get your ankle booties ready for transitioning into fall! Not being able to wear white after LD is a total myth, btw!

Similar or exact items linked below! Have a beautiful day xx

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Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Fall Trend Alert

Hey guys! Happy Tuesday! Today I'm walking you guys through some of this year's hottest fall trends. I'm sure you've been seeing statement chokers everywhere, including this wrap choker necklace. (I have a special post coming soon about the wrap choker... so stay tuned!) Ok so, if you're like me and you love the 90's, it doesn't really get better than a nice velvet choker paired with a loose cami, button down skirt and those chunky black platforms we all owned back in the day.

Statement Chokers


I'm also loving the cold shoulder dresses and tops that are the perfect transition piece to wear from summer to fall. You can see my cold shoulder look for Vegas.com here. I also love this blush pleated cold shoulder top that I posted about here. Cold shoulder tops are a great way to dress up jeans. They're perfect for date night because they're a little bit sexy and show just the right amount of skin. Pair a cold shoulder dress with a killer pair of heels.

Cold Shoulder/ Off the Shoulder


Bell Sleeves have also made their comeback! Here are some of my bell sleeve picks:
Bell Sleeves


There's nothing that says cool girl quite like a bomber jacket. Find a color you like and either jazz it up with your own patches, or opt to buy one that already has them! I personally love the satin bomber and I'm totally regretting donating a satin Puma bomber jacket I owned back in high school... Sigh.
Bomber Jackets


Ok I kid you not... I owned a pair of chunky heeled blue velvet boots when I was in middle school (they were the SPITTING IMAGE of the ones I linked below!) They were my pride and joy and I wore them on the first day of school in the 5th grade. I wanted to play football with the boys so I took off my boots to go run around in the field and as I was running through the grass I stepped on a bee and got stung :'( That was the first and only (KNOCK ON WOOD) time I've been stung by a bee! Anyway the boots below are a total trip down memory lane for me!
Velvet


Can't you just picture yourself cozying up on your couch with a nice soft cream colored sweater, a cup of tea and a great book?
Cream Colored


I hope you all have a vest you love in your closet because it's seriously a fall/winter staple. If you don't already own a vest, here are some great finds:
Vests




Booties galore! Must have for fall!! Pair them with a cute pair of skinnies, a white tee (half-tucked) and a long cardigan for a super cozy and cute look!
Booties

Friday, August 26, 2016

transitional off the shoulder top









Hat | Top | Jeans | Similar Shoes | Similar Bag | Bracelets: David Yurman, Gorjana (c/o)
Gorjana | Similar Watch

Happy Friday babes!! Man this week just flew by, didn't it?! 
I've shown you guys this top on my Instagram (@mapleandmint) so you already know I love it so much! It's a free and flowy material, so it's light and airy enough to wear now as summer is winding down, but the colors make it the perfect top to wear as we transition into fall. I wore this for SH and my getaway weekend to The Mission Inn (which I'm obsessed with, btw! Such a gorgeous place!) This top would be really cute with a tan duster too as temperatures start to drop. (Although who am I kidding, temps never drop below 65 here in LA!) I've literally been living in these jeans too-- they are sold in the BP section of Nordstrom and are less than $50! Wee! Have a great weekend everybody!

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Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Join Me at StyleCon! Saturday November 5th, 2016


Join me at StyleCon 2016 on November 5th in Orange County, CA! Style lovers finally have their own “Con” - StyleCon. StyleCon brings together a community of fashion and beauty lovers, digital influencers, style and taste makers with exclusive brands to engage, discuss, follow and influence. Top stylists and makeup artists will be on hand with complimentary hair, makeup and nail services. There will be style panels, fashion presentations, and opportunities to get to know favorite Instagrammers, bloggers, and YouTubers, plus lots of give-a-ways, brand promotions and products. Visit www.StyleCon.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the event! Don't forget to follow @stylecongirl on instagram and twitter and me @mapleandmint if you don't already! Search with hashtag #styleconoc and use my promo code CHRISTINE for 15% off when you purchase tickets! Don't wait! Buy your StyleCon ticket today!

Monday, August 22, 2016

The Sweetest Little Cold Shoulder Top






Cold shoulder tops are my favorite lately for creating transitional looks. I've been wearing them + these jeans nonstop! Isn't the pleat detail on this top so pretty and feminine? My necklace is from my Rocksbox set this month. Use code MAPLEANDMINTXOXO for your first month free!

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Also there's a lot of great sales happening right now...

Loft - BOGO 50% off tops & sweaters
J.Crew - 25% off select & extra 30% off sale with code REFRESH (ends today 8.22)
Revolve - up to 50% off summer sale
Asos - up to 70% off final clearance
Madewell - 25% off select styles with code YESPLEASE (ends today 8.22)
Banana Republic - extra 40% off sale items (ends 8.30)
Pottery Barn - free shipping on entire order with code FREESHIP
Steve Madden - extra 30% off clearance styles with code BONUS30
Anthropologie - extra 40% off sale items


Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Fall Staples Under $100 + Back to School Giveaway




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August and September are my least favorite months here in LA because it's so darn hot, and all I want is to wear blanket scarves and ankle booties! Fab fall fashion doesn't have to break the bank ladies :) You def want to stock up on this blanket scarf and these ankle booties before they sell out (because they will!) Also how adorable is this tassel bag? $24! I can hardly believe it. What a steal! Also... I've teamed up with some amazing bloggers to bring you this rad back to school giveaway! Make sure to enter below. Good luck!
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Back to School Wardrobe Essentials

It's that time of year already -- Back to School! Since I've been out of school for a few years, these "Back to School" wardrobe essentials aren't just for hitting the books, they're must-haves for every gal's fall wardrobe! Think about pieces you can mix and match, wear now, and layer into fall. This Topshop camisole (only $30!) is perfect to wear in the summer while the temps are still high, and can be layered with a jean jacket or cardigan come autumn. The same goes for long-sleeve shirts, turtlenecks and button-up shirts. Pair them with a puffer vest or a long cashmere cardigan. These pieces are meant to be mixed and matched so you can create hundreds of different outfits!

TOPS & LAYERING 

camisole for layering ($30) // striped crewneck tee (only $19!) // chambray shirt ($69) // tissue turtleneck ($39) // plaid button-up ($79) // cardigan ($48) // puffer vest ($120) // jean jacket ($128 + 25% off with code REFRESH)


Let's talk about what to wear on your bottom half. Your fall basics should include a pair of light distressed denim, a pair of dark wash jeans, a pair of black skinnies and leggings (to wear with riding boots!) A denim pencil skirt is another perfect summer to fall transition piece, as is a pleated midi or a-line skirt

BOTTOMS 





Comfort is key when it comes to back to school shoes. My high school was built on a hill -- there's no way I could have walked to and from classes in high heels (and I wouldn't have wanted to!) College was definitely flatter terrain, but flats were still crucial for walking back and forth between classes all day. I would invest in several pairs of comfy flats - my favorite brand for ballet flats is hands down Sam Edelman, they are the comfiest flats I've ever owned and I have them in a few key colors (black, red suede, camo, leopard, etc.) For boots, you'll definitely need a pair of riding boots and short booties, and of course rain boots (if you don't live in Southern California, like me. Even though I do own a pair of red Hunters. Shh.) For cold weather my favorite boots are LL Bean Boots. Make sure to size down (use their size chart) because they run huge. I have the shearling ones and they are DIVINE. I wear them whenever we go to SH's home in Illinois in the fall!

SHOES


Ankle Booties ($119.95) // Rain Boots ($150) // Sexy Heel ($129.95) // Lace-up Flats ($79.95) // Open Toe Booties ($109.95) // Riding Boots ($168.95) //  Flats for Walking ($99.95)


Accessories -- arguably the best part! You definitely need a blanket scarf and floppy hat (buy them in a couple of different colors and patterns to switch up your look every now and then.) A cute agenda is a must -- I just bought The Happy Planner at Michael's and I'm obsessed! Last but not least, make sure you have a cute tote or a backpack to top off your look.

ACCESSORIES 


Laptop Sleeve ($75) // Plaid Blanket Scarf ($49.95) // Floppy Hat ($38) // Leopard Pencil Case ($30) // Cute Planner ($24.68) // Roomy Tote ($295) 

Please let me know if you have any questions about fall wardrobe or back to school essentials! Back to school shopping was always my favorite part of heading back to school so I love this stuff :) Have a great Monday!

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Monday, August 15, 2016

Planning a Trip to Vegas with Vegas.com



When people think of Vegas they usually think of clubbing and partying. However, when I go to Vegas I like to walk The Strip, go out to eat and take in the sights! Today's post is all about planning a trip to Vegas-- what to pack, what to wear, and where to stay.

Planning a trip to Vegas has never been easier than with Vegas.com. They offer amazing discounts on shows like Mystere by Cirque du Soleil , Rock of Ages and many more. When you're planning your trip to Vegas make sure you check out all of these Las Vegas package deals and easily search through resort availability here. Paris is my all-time favorite hotel, I just find it so charming and romantic. I've never been to Aria so I'd really like to go and eat lunch at Lemongrass one day (I LOVE thai food!) and I'm really itching to see Britney Spears in concert so maybe I'll hit both of those up the next time I go ;)

Here's my Ultimate Vegas Outfit for going out to dinner or a show. Cold shoulder tops are my favorite thing right now and they're the perfect piece for transitioning into fall. I love this black cold shoulder top and it also comes in a dress version which would be so cute for clubbing (if you're into that sort of thing!)





During the day I like to walk around and see all the hotels. If you're thinking you'll do the same, be sure to pack comfy sandals for all your day time adventures, as well as cute heels to wear out to lunch or dinner. I recommend packing a small crossbody bag because Vegas tends to get very crowded and you want to make sure you have your purse close to your body packed with just the essentials. Of course Vegas is in the desert so you'll want to pack your favorite fun sunnies and a hat. Don't forget your off the shoulder tops which are light and cool enough to wear during the day, and can be dressed up for lunch or dinner out. It's likely you'll hit the pool, too, so pack your cutest suit and straw tote and you're good to go!





 Comfy Sandals // Floppy Straw Hat // Cute Bikini Top & Bottom // Glam Earrings // Straw Tote // Swimsuit Cover Up // Cutoff Jean Shorts // Light Sweater // Cool Sunnies // Crossbody Bag // Nude Heels

Friday, August 12, 2016

Transition Pieces: Summer to Fall

The off-the-shoulder trend has been much loved all spring and summer, but did you think you could continue to wear it into fall? I'm super excited because you totally can! You'll find it's super easy to transition off-the-shoulder into fall with sweaters like this gorgeous one from Nordstrom.

I wore the Free People sweater below as an off-the-shoulder to StyleCon last year. Speaking of... did I mention I'll be at StyleCon in Orange County this November as a Style Influencer?? I'm SO incredibly excited!! And honored!! Mark your calendars and head to StyleCon.com to get your tickets for Saturday, November 5th, meet me and other influencers and interact with your favorite brands like Topshop and Ardell Lashes and many more!


As you all know, one of my all-time favorite retailers is Nordstrom. They simply have the best customer service around! Anyway I bought the booties below at last year's #nsale aka Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (the best time of the year!) and there are lots of ways you can wear booties as a transition item from summer to fall. You can pair these Vince Camuto Peep Toe booties with this amazing olive green Socialiate dress (I just bought it and it's so soft and I've worn it three times already.) Or try these B.P. booties (I just ordered in Khaki) with AG Jeans and this Topshop off-the-shoulder crop top for an autumn-inspired look.
 


What pieces are you excited to wear as we transition from summer to fall? Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

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Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The 7 Habits to a Tidier Home

Feel like you are constantly cleaning your apartment or home? Does the laundry pile never seem to end and the dishes haven't learned to do themselves yet? I might not be able to do your laundry or dishes for you, but I can give you the 7 habits tidy people practice to keep a clean and tidy home. 

1. Follow the 1 minute rule.
Can it be picked up, washed, cleaned, straightened, or put away in 1 minute or less? If yes, channel Nike and Just Do It. Often times tasks get neglected or shirked because of the fear they will take forever and eat up your precious time and energy. What people don't realize is the energy it takes to avoid doing something and/or looking at a mess constantly actually eats up more energy than the original task itself! If it takes a minute or less, just do it. Your future self will thank you and your home will look much tidier and more inviting.

2. Take off your shoes. 
Practice cleanliness and take off your shoes when you get inside your home. Why track all that dirt and muck around the house? You don't walk around on your hands all day and then touch every surface in your home, do you? Then why should your shoes? Take them off.

3. Become friends with dish washing. 
Accept that dishes are a part of life. You eat, you drink, you live, you wash dishes. Dishes should not be left undone overnight. If they must be left undone overnight, do them in the morning. If you don't believe me, read this post about ants taking over my kithen. Personally dish washing is my least favorite chore because it grosses me out to touch other people's half eaten food and dirty dishes, but some people find hand washing dishes to be very zen. I like to rinse them and use the dishwasher. I try to think of it in the grand scheme of things -- how lucky am I to have food on the table and clean water and indoor plumbing that I have dishes to do. (Yes, seriously.)

4. Accept laundry as a part of life and devise a system.
Like dish washing, laundry is simply a part of life. You have clothes, you wear them, they need to be washed. Now that I live in a house instead of an apartment and I don't have to put in quarters to use the machines, I like to do a load of laundry every few days (as opposed to when I lived in an apartment and would wait as long as I possibly could before doing laundry because I hated trekking up and down the stairs and fighting with my neighbors over who got to use the machines.) I live in California so there is a constant drought and we have to be very mindful of how much water we use. When I have a full load of laundry (aka my hamper is full) I wash my clothes. Find a system that works for you. Follow the 1 minute rule and don't take off clothes and pile them around your room. Put them in the hamper and when the hamper is full, do your laundry. That might mean doing laundry a couple of times a week if you have a family/children, or it might mean once a week if you are single and live alone.

5. Make your bed. 
If you make your bed first thing in the morning, you will not only feel like you have accomplished something, you will be contributing to the tidiness of your home. (Also how inviting is a made bed at the end of a long day!?)

6. Wipe off the counters.
Every night before bed wipe down the counters -- kitchen, bathroom, etc. Wipe them down and you will be cleaning up the water stains, crumbs, dirt and whatever else has accumulated throughout the day. You will feel so much better waking up to a clean bathroom sink and clean kitchen.

7. Put things in their place and have a place for every thing. 
I admit, this is the HARDEST of each of these 7 habits and something I am definitely still working on (especially since I am still not fully moved in yet.) When I start to feel like things don't have a place, I evaluate what I no longer use, need or love and give it away or sell it. There is something very liberating about making sure everything has a place and that way you know what you have and you don't buy duplicates of things! What a waste of money to buy something when you already have it but you just couldn't find it, right?

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I hope you found these 7 habits to a tidier home useful! What habits do you have in place to keep your home tidy? 

Monday, August 8, 2016

Back to School: School Supply Checklist for College Students

It's that time of year already! It feels like school just let out for summer but it's already time to be thinking about heading back to school. I've been out of (grad) school for three years (can't believe it,) but this time of year is still one of my favorites -- there's nothing like the smell of freshly sharpened pencils, new notebooks, inky pens and possibilities!

If you're a returning college student, here is my must-have college school supply checklist. I linked many of the items below.

1. A Laptop Case
We all know you're going to be lugging around that laptop to every class. Make sure it's well protected and cared for (I'm looking at you, drink-spiller.) Get something colorful like this or more traditional like this.

2. A Cute Coffee Tumbler
Y'all know those 8am (ok, who are we kidding, 10 am--) classes are going to be brutal. Carry your caffeine in style with a cute (and sassy?) tumbler.

3. A (Snarky yet) Functional Planner
You're very busy and people should know it.

4. Pens and Highlighters
Cuz you wanna color code your notes. Duh.

5 Mechanical Pencils and an Eraser
For classes that don't let you take notes on your computer or use jelly pens. Like math. Yuck.

6. Binders
I preferred to use a couple of smaller ones for certain classes depending on my schedule -- it's easier than lugging around a huge binder of everything and limping around campus because your backpack is so heavy.

7. Binder Dividers
So you know what stuff goes with which class. See above.

8. Index Cards
Get your study on!

9. Folders
Don't lose your sh*t.

10. A Cute Bag to Carry it All in
Because none of this matters if you can't carry it around with you.



 

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