Outfit of the Day + Bonus Coupon Codes!

Happy Friday everyone! I'm completely burned out from this week so this post is going to be short & sweet. 

Yellow top: BCBGeneration; Grey skinnies: F21; Grey Booties: F21; Necklace: Anthropologie

I love the yellow & grey combination, it's kind of unexpected but it works. I also really love the petal shape of the top... ultra flattering and balances out the frilly sleeves.

Here are a couple awesome coupon codes for the weekend ahead:

Urban Outfitters: Get free shipping and $20 off your order of $100 or more using coupon code BOO. (side note: they are having some great sales right now... I just picked up a pair of suede wedge booties for $14!) Expires 10/31.

Karmaloop: Save 20% on your purchase of $45 or more, plus free shipping, using coupon code HTsauce OR get 25% off your order of $300 or more (also plus free shipping!) when you use coupon code SELKOE. (hint: get a jump on Christmas shopping and buy your bf/gf/bro/sis/etc a couple items...and one for yourself, obviously.)

LOFT: Get 40% off EVERYTHING with coupon code SHOP40. They have some really cute fur-trimmed sweaters that would be a steal at 40% off. Get 'em quick because the code expires 10/29 at 11:59pm!

Piperlime: Get an extra 15% off already-reduced dresses using coupon code DRESS because well, a girl can never have too many dresses.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

xoxo,

L

Healthy Weekday Dinner: Maria Menounos' Mykonos Turkey Burger

After a long, usually stressful day at work, the last thing I want to do is cook a big meal. I'm tired and often tempted to order a pizza and call it a night. Unfortunately, that doesn't really work with my "try really hard to eat healthy during the week" diet so I turned to the world wide web for some easy, low-calorie dinner inspiration.


That's when I stumbled upon Maria Menounos' Mykonos Turkey Burger recipe. Who doesn't love a burger? Turkey burgers are a great tasting, healthier alternative to the typical beef burger. And they are super easy to make!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 11 minutes
Makes 4 servings


What you'll need:
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 pound lean ground turkey
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon garlic powder (I adjusted this from 1/2 teaspoon)
1 3/4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
4 (1/4-inch thick) slices red onion
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted


Instructions:
In a medium bowl, mix first 8 ingredients (through feta). Use an ice cream scoop to 1/2-cup measure to make equal-size patties.


Broil for 5-6 minutes on each side or until done. Top will be golden brown and slightly crispy.


Place burger on bottom of bun. Top with onion slides and a Dijon-and-ketchup mixture (a trick for cutting sugar from your diet), if desired; garnish with parsley. Cover with top of bun. (Serving size = 1 buger)


Nutrition:
253 calories (33% from fat); 9g fat (sat 3g, mono 1g, poly 1g); Cholesterol 61mg; Protein 22g; Carbohydrate 21g; Sugars 4g; Fiber 3g; Iron 3mg; Sodium 514mg; Calcium 99mg


I highly recommend this recipe. It is as tasty and satisfying as any regular burger, but without the guilt! Give it a whirl and let me know what you think!


xoxo,
L

Outfit Inspiration: Celebs in Maxi Skirts

Like most of you out there, I often turn to movie stars, socialites and even the occasional Bravolebrity (i.e. Kyle from RHOBH or Rachel Zoe) for outfit inspiration.


I embraced maxi dresses over the summer and even wore them into the early fall with blazers. I wasn't drawn to maxi skirts until very recently and I figured they were more of a warm weather thing. (I live in Boston and the transition from summer to winter is depressingly fast.) But when I started seeing celebs pairing maxi skirts with leather jackets, I thought to myself, "why didn't I think of that?"


Well, thank you Nicole Richie and Glamour magazine for inspiring me to try new things.

I really loved how Glamour paired a red skirt with a black leather jacket but I figured I'd get more use out of a more neutral color so I ordered this one from Victoria's Secret. I love the look of this whole outfit. A very girly piece paired with something semi-unexpected to give it a little edge.

Maxi Skirt: Victoria's Secret; Jacket: LIT Boutique in Boston (last year, similar here) White T: F21;

Ruffle Booties: Steve Madden; Belt: Express (no longer available, similar here)



Want to "maximize" your wardrobe and snag a skirt like mine? Use coupon code FALL11 on the VS website and get $15 off $100, $30 off $150, $75 off $250 and $150 off $500!

Until tomorrow,

L

Outfit Inspiration: Seeing Red

One of this season's most doable trends right now is the colored cord. They can be skinny, boot cut, or flared, whatever you're comfortable in. But I promise, they flatter any body type. Plus there are so many great colors out there. Pink, purple, red, olive, rust, mustard, you name it! If you're not feeling very daring or don't think you could pull it off, start with a basic black or beige and work your way up.


I happen to be loving anything red right now. I paired my skinny bright red cords with a cream knit sweater. I love the different textures together.



Knit sweater: F21, Skinny cords: F21 ($20!!), Necklace: F21, Ballet flats: Steve Madden

Get flats like mine (or any other cute shoe!) for 20% off at shoes.com. Use coupon code SECRET20 at checkout!


Please excuse my corny poses, I am by no means a professional model and I'm still trying to figure out where to shoot the outfits so they look best. I welcome any feedback!


Thanks for checking me out and be sure to stay tuned!


Happy Tuesday (is it Friday yet?),
L

Fall Outfit Inspiration: Perfect Fall Day

I love cozy sweaters. I picked this one up in July and couldn't wait for the cooler weather to set in so I could wear it. I love the rust color and the way it drapes. It instantly became one of my favorites. We were heading to a food truck festival so I figured I'd wear something comfy and loose so I could really get my eat on.


Sweater: Anthropologie; Aztec print tank top: Anthropologie; Jean leggings: F21; Riding boots: Bandolino via Piperlime; Bangles: Alex & Ani


Happy Saturday!
Xoxo,
L

TODAY ONLY: Shop for a cause at Bloomingdale's!

Support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation!


October 20, 2011 ONLY! Shop Bloomingdale's and save 15% on almost any purchase OR take 20% off your purchase of $300 or more with your Bloomie's card. Use coupon code PINK11 or BPINK at checkout.

Protect your bubbies -- get a mammogram! And encourage the other women in your life to do the same!

Coupon Codes -- Good through Sunday, October 23!

It's almost Friday and for most people that means payday... which means if you're anything like me, you've already mentally spent the whole damn check. Luckily I have a couple fab coupon codes for you so you can get a little more bang for your buck!


Now through Sunday, October 23:


Neiman Marcus: Shop women's sportswear, contemporary, and dresses (regular-priced AND sale items!) and receive 20% off when you buy one item, 25% when you buy two, and 30% when you buy three items! Plus free shipping with orders over $150. Use coupon code FSFALL. Get in on fall's hottest trend: red denim! And pick up these J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Twill Jeans in Black Cherry.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Save 20% on this Parker Silk Bead-Edged Jacket when you shop their friends & family event. Use coupon code FRIEND9 at checkout. Spend $200 or more and also receive free shipping!

J.Crew: 25% off PLUS free shipping when you spend $150 or more. Use coupon code LOVEFALL when you add this little beauty to your wardrobe. I LOVE the rich cobalt blue color.

Kenneth Cole: Save 30% during the friends & family event and stock up on tailored dresses that go effortlessly from day to night! Use coupon code KCFR4 at checkout.

Happy hunting ladies! (and gents!)

L

Monday Pick Me Up -- Coupon Codes!

Mondays are the worst. I feel like no matter how much rest you get over the weekend, you still wake up Monday morning feeling groggy and totally unmotivated.


I'm a firm believer in always having something to look forward to. It just makes life a more exciting and the long days a tad more bearable. Yes, a tropical vacation would be wonderful to look forward to. But I think even the smallest things help lift the spirit when the cooler air sets in and the days get shorter and shorter... Like, say, a package... from your favorite online store.


So here is my little gift to you: a Monday pick-me-up in the form of coupon codes! 


Yumi Kim: Save 25% on the Yumi Dress in Jemstar when you use coupon code SWEETDEAL. I would rock this with some cute black suede slouchy boots and tights.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This cause is dear to my heart as my grandmother and cousin are both breast cancer survivors. I love what Yumi Kim is doing to support the cause as well. During the month of October, 20% of any pink Jayne Dress purchased will go straight to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Get your pink dress today!

Spanx: I don't know about you, but after a Sunday of watching football and eating everything in sight, I feel the need to pull my trusty spanx out. Don't own any? Use code SPANXEMP20 at the checkout and save 20%! Available in nude and cocoa as well.

American Eagle: Today only! 20% off your entire order. Think this store is just for co-eds? Think again. They have some of the cutest (not to mention coziest!) sweaters around. Use code 95464331 when you buy this patterned cardi. Pair it with wine-colored skinnies and a belt and you're good to go!

BuyCostumes.com: Use coupon code PLAY and save 20% on your favorite costume... just in time for Halloween!

Hope everyone's Monday is a little brighter now. Or at least I hope I've helped you save a few bucks on your Halloween costume :)

xoxo,
L

Great workweek lunch spot: Freshii!

I work in the Financial District of Boston and I'm usually pretty good about bringing my own lunch in most days. That way I can control my calorie intake... not to mention it's much cheaper than buying something every day. But by the time Friday rolls around, Lean Cuisine sounds repulsive and a salad just won't cut it. Plus I've worked hard all week and want to reward myself. You totally get it, right?


While there are a bunch of decent sit-down restaurants near my office, it's a rare occasion when I actually get a full hour so I'm usually in search of something quick... and good. And affordable, filling, healthy, and so on. Too much to ask? Not anymore.


Enter: Freshii. Located at 100 High Street in Boston, they're a welcome addition to the downtown lunch scene. What I enjoy most about Freshii is that their menu is completely customizable. In fact it's encouraged! You can order one of their signature salads, burritos or rice bowls OR (get this) you can create your own! I know you can do that at any old salad or sandwich joint but Freshii offers more options. Brown rice, rice noodles, soups, sandwiches and salads... Then you get to decide what you want in them, what size portion you want and if you want them to go heavy or light on the dressing. They also have frozen yogurt with a bunch of mix-ins... fresh fruits, coconut, oreos, you name it.


Tip: Grab one of their Freshii cards... buy 9 lunches and the 10th is on them. I normally toss cards like this right in the trash but I kept this one because I liked the food so much and know it won't take me long to fill it up.


Not in Boston? No problem. They have locations all over the US. Check out their website for addresses.

In honor of Columbus Day: Coupon Codes!

It's Friday, a long weekend is on the horizon and the weather is supposed to be phenomenal. Is there anything better than an Indian Summer in Boston? I plan on spending as much time outdoors as possible... but that doesn't mean I'm going to pass up any of the great deals that are out there this weekend!


Yumi Kim: Save 20% today through October 10th. Enter code COLUMBUS at checkout. Also get FREE SHIPPING the entire month of October.


Madewell: 25% off tees, tanks and sweaters -- stock up on fall layering essentials! No code needed. Plus free shipping on orders over $100!


J.Crew Factory: They're staying open until Monday, October 10! Up to 50% off cozy sweaters, tailored dresses, etc. No code needed.


Karmaloop: Get 20% off AND free shipping. Use coupon code COLUMB20.


ASOS: Get $30 when you spend $150! Use code FALL2011 and get your favorite "As Seen On Screen" look for less!


Bloomingdale's: Buy one cozy cashmere item and get another one 50% off!


LOFT: $35 and under event. So many fall necessities (including one must-have: cords!) at a great price. No code needed!


Victoria's Secret: Just in time for the chilly weather -- 20% off all sweaters, coats and jackets! Plus free shipping. Use code SHIPVS11.


Express: Get $15 off your purchase of $60, $30 off when you spend $120, $45 off when you spend $180 and $60 off when you spend $240! Use code 1750 when checking out.


Steve Madden: Get in on the fall boot craze and snag a pair of riding, ankle or hiking boots... or one of each! 30% off select styles and free shipping over $75. Use code SMFREESHIP.


Banana Republic: Save 25% when you spend over $100. Use code BRSAVE25. Ends 10/9.


Guess: Free shipping on orders over $125 with code COLUMBUS125!


Macy's: Extra 15% plus free shipping on orders of $99. Some brands excluded. Use code SAVEMORE at checkout.


Topshop: Free shipping on all orders over $75 plus 20% off for students. See website for details.


Saks Fashion Fix: 50% off swoon-worthy dresses, 70% off fall sweaters and fur. Prepare to drain your bank account!


And while you're out, check out your favorite local boutiques. Holiday weekends usually bring lots of tourists and great sales. If you're in the mood to fight a potential crowd, I'm willing to bet it will be worth your while.


Hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled weekend!


Happy Hunting,
L

Diet-Friendly Dessert: Chocolate filled Raspberries

I follow what I like to call the "Best of Both Worlds" diet. Basically what that entails is sticking to a certain caloric intake during the week (eating mainly lean proteins and leafy greens) and once the weekend arrives, I let myself enjoy the finer things in life -- like pizza and chocolate cake.


When I first devised this plan I was having trouble sticking to the weekday portion because I am the type of person who NEEDS something sweet after every meal. I needed something that was both satisfying and diet friendly. I did some research and found this little gem of a recipe. And it's insanely simple to make.


What you'll need:
Handful of fresh raspberries (20-25)
One tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 23 chips)
*Can substitute dark, milk or white chocolate chips too!


Pop one chocolate chip into each raspberry and voila! A figure-friendly dessert that only has 95 calories!

Date Night Outfit Inspiration

I love Polyvore. It's the coolest little tool/website that let's you create your own fashion inspiration board and browse other's as well. You can also ask other community members for advice on how to style those leather leggings you picked up last weekend. People respond to you by posting articles of clothing (or accessories) that they think would look best with whatever item you're asking about. It's great because you get so many other perspectives. It might even encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. 


I put this one together using items I already had... and then wore it out  for a dinner date with another couple. 

Outfit details:
Lace Top: Piperlime, $49 (no longer available but this one from Topshop is similar)
Skinny jeans: Forever21, $10
Ballet Flats: Libby Edelman Kendra, $50 with coupon code from Shoes.com (use code 15OFF)
Bangles: Alex & Ani, $28-$38 each

Fall 2011 Wardrobe Staples (for every budget!)

Is it just me or is there something so exciting about fall fashion? Don't get me wrong, I despise cold weather. Makes me wonder how I survived the Central New York winters for the first 21 years of my life. Or why I chose Boston after that...


But before the nasty cold and snow settle in for what seems like eons, there is a fairly small window of PERFECT weather to showcase fall clothing. Boots, sweaters, leather jackets -- ugh, I love it all! 


I love most of the trends we are seeing this fall. Plaid and tartan prints, wedge booties, the 70s, (faux) fur... But there are three staples I think every girl NEEDS for her closet. And the best part is, you don't have to spend tons to get 'em!


1) Wide Leg or Extreme Flare Jeans
My, how the tables have turned. I used to make fun of my mother when I'd see old pictures of her and her girlfriends in bell bottoms. Now I LOVE them. I especially love the look when they're paired with heels or wedges and a tucked-in flowy blouse.


Here are my choices, one for every budget:


J Brand Lovestory Bell Bottoms, $189

Gap 1969 Super Lightweight Pintucked Trouser Jeans, $80

Old Navy Retro Flared Jeans, $36.94

2) Riding Boots
I feel like a good pair of riding boots is a necessity for every fall season but this year, they're everywhere. Black or brown, they are such a classic look that can pull an entire outfit together. And they're comfortable! Could we ask for more?!


Tory Burch Selma Riding Boot, $495 (available in brown and black)

Bandolino Cavanna, $149 at Piperlime (available in black, dark brown, cognac and cocoa shell)

A2 by Aerosoles Ride Along Boot, $74.99 at Kohl's (available in brown or black)

3) Something Leopard Print
Leopard print used to get a bad wrap. And when misused, it still gives off that "cheap" vibe. But when used properly it can be an awesome addition to an ensemble. Not to mention it's sexy. It can be a cardigan, a scarf or a belt. But no matter what you choose, make sure to incorporate it into your wardrobe this fall. Rarrrr!


Ivanka Trump "Pinkish" Platform Pump, $135

JCrew Wide Calf Hair Belt, $79.50

Forever21 Leopard & Leatherette Handbag, $24.80

So there you have it. My three favorite fall wardrobe essentials. Why are you still reading? Get out there and get shopping, ladies!