Forever Frugal Friday ~ Review Time

Last Friday I ordered 4 items from Forever 21 that totaled under $50. Below are the items I purchased and my review of the fit and quality.

So I was the most excited/nervous for this piece. Mostly because I really wanted it to work so I could wear it this weekend. I read the measurements before I ordered to make sure that I didn't end up with a super short dress and I have to say that the measurements provided were very accurate because this baby reached exactly where I measured it would. I ordered a size small (risky) based on the measurements and am happy to report that it fits as it should and is even a little roomy. This dress is a keeper! Sadly, the dress is no longer available online, but you could check your local store if you like it.

A few weeks back I posted my craving for anything and everything neon yellow, more specifically that Splendid tank. Well I found this little guy for $8.80 and again was debating between ordering the small or the medium, but based off the provided measurements went for the small. I HEART this tank! I heart it so much that I am debating buying it in pink too! It's light weight, the colors are super vibrant, long and perfect with jeans and the summer days ahead. It may not be exactly like the Splendid tank but close enough.

I have been needing a simple necklace that I can wear to work and also use to dress up an otherwise super casual top. I had been eyeing this one at JCrew but couldn't commit to the $40 price tag. This Faceted Beaded Necklace arrived and I was pleasantly surprised by the color (the beads have a tint of purple to them) and quality. I mean it was $6.80, I wasn't really holding my breath for it to work out well. But it is quite lovely and exactly what I wanted. Yay!

My only unlucky purchase (and luckily returnable) was this Skinny Studded Leather Belt. I took a chance and ordered the size small (said it fit sizes 0-4) and I figured if it was too big I would just take it to my shoe guy and have an extra hole punched (wanted to use it at my true waist for dresses). Well the belt is too big and sadly there is no room for extra hole punches. So I will be returning this guy this weekend and replacing it hopefully with another belt. I will say that the belt looks very nice and not chintzy at all. It reminds me a bit of the JCrew Skinny Pyramid-Studded Belt that I adore so much. If I am unlucky this weekend with belts, that JCrew one may just have to come home with me.

All in all it was a very successful order, 3 out of 4 ain't bad! I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I received my package (standard shipping - cheap one), ordered Friday at my door waiting for me on Tuesday. It sure as hell beat the time I would have spent at the store browsing all the racks and trying on. I must say that their measurements and descriptions are pretty accurate which should ease your mind when ordering. Happy Shopping!

Get Your SBux On

The days and months leading up to April 15th are usually full of stress and disgust, due to that dreaded little thing....

{via}

But luckily, you have a whole 'nother year before you have to think about them again! That calls for a celebration right?

Well my friends, the kind folks at Starbucks are hoping to provide a little relief not only to you, but also to our environment.

Head into your local Sbux with a reusable coffee mug and receive a free cup of drip. I took my new mug that I received from my Easter Bunny roomie Lindsay from Old Navy and collected my free cup of Pike Place Brew and a slice of the Reduced Fat Berry Coffee Cake. I added a little soy milk and a dash of cinnamon to my coffee and let me just say it is heaven in a mug.

I will admit it. I love my Sbux. I love my white cup with the green logo. What I love more however, is keeping some extra change in my pocket and not being so wasteful. Every time you bring in your own reusable travel mug, Starbucks will give you 10 cents off your drink of choice. You gotta feel good about that!

I found some cute and reasonably priced reusable mugs that are yours for the purchasing. I have 3 travel mugs that I rotate use of and I'm telling you, it really makes my coffee taste better, and it keeps it hotter longer.

Similar to the one I am drinking from today and perhaps the most popular (it really looks like a cup from your favorite coffee shop), is the I'm Not A Paper Cup porcelain cup. It's simple, no frills, no gimmicks, just a coffee cup you can use again and again.

I personally heart this Hot Pink Porcelain Friendly Reusable Coffee Silicone cup. It's bright and cheery and perfect for coffee or tea! As an added bonus it has the sleeve that keeps your hand from getting too hot or your drink from slipping. Brilliant!

I love the design and added features of Australian brand Keep Cup. The sleeve to help you keep a grip on your coffee, the movable plug that prevents your drink from splashing all over the place and the three size options to ensure you have just the right amount of coffee or tea. Plus they are available in a variety of color combinations so that you can coordinate with your car, outfit, office, whatever.

So go ahead, drop the $10-$20 for the mug and then put it to good use. Helping the environment and saving a little dough will make that morning cup of joe (or tea) all the more enjoyable!

Word Up Wednesday

{via}

Sometimes I need to say this to myself when I open my eyes. 

{via}

Whenever I am feeling too comfortable I need to remember this little gem.

{via}

Some pretty good advice.

{via}

I like the idea of this....A LOT.

{via}

This one brings a smile to my face.  If only it were that easy...

{via}

I agree to all of the above.

Happy Hump Day!  We're half way there!

Designer Crush ~ Wildfox Couture

A while back I was looking through some images and came across these fun ones that I saved and wanted to send to my BFF Mrs. R.

This one especially seemed perfect considering Mrs. R's affection for all things Barbie.

Upon further investigation, I realized that these pictures were actually ads for the popular clothing line Wildfox Couture. I quickly realized that I hearted most of their options but loved their ads the most because they remind me of my friends and I fooling around after a crazy Saturday night. Below are some of of Wildfox's pieces that I would like to add to my closet.

I may not live in BH but I work right down the corner and let me just tell you there are a ton of pretty people there and I am sure that I have Left My Heart in Beverly Hills before (even if only lusting after some Loubie's at Barney's). This off the shoulder sweatshirt is just so fun!

What's not to love about Summer? This Tee clearly addresses all the things there are to love about Summer. Some of my faves according to this Tee...Milkshakes, Sprinklers, Falling In Love,Sandy Toes, Hot Nights, Photo shoots, and Celebrating Everything. What do you love about summer according to this shirt?

Leave it to the always darling Cheryl Cole to dress up a slouchy tee the right way. I am dying to pair a hot sequin blazer with this I'm In Love Potion Tee. I just love this whole look!

Do I minorly have an obsession with hearts? Yes. Oh well, they just bring such a big smile to my face. I want to sport this J'adore Crest Sweatshirt to the Farmers Market on Sunday with some cute jean shorts and my converse tennies. Casual but fun. Also maybe a little Kelly Kapowsi-ish?

I told ya'll a while back that I was seriously digging skulls that aren't quite so rough and a little bit girly. Well this Oversized Love Bones Tee is right up my alley. Hearts as the eyes, dare I say cute? Slouchy and comfy...even better! Love it!

Yes the brand is on the pricier side, and they are only t-shirts....but I can't help it. I really want to add just one piece to my closet. I love how they are edgy but still fun and I also just really love their ads. If you are thinking these shirts look familiar, it's probably because you have seen many celebs such as Christina, J Lo, Kristin Cavallari, Katy Perry and Ashley Tisdale sporting their designs.

What you think? Fun and flirty or dumb and dirty? Would you wear any of these styles?

Song Of The Week: Ain't No Sunshine

I have been wanting to do a month long "Song Of The Week" dedicated entirely to covers for some time now, and just kind of forgot. Luckily my girl Shelby reminded me of my longing, with a great Ray Lamontagne cover of "Crazy". So, without further ado, the next four weeks of music here at YBB will be dedicated entirely to covers. Hope you enjoy!

Bill Withers created quite a masterpiece with "Ain't No Sunshine", a song that I find sexy, romantic and sad all at the same time.

This song has been covered and remade numerous times, but I think my favorite so far rendition so far is Josh Hoge's "Ain't No Sunshine (Non-Album Track)". Born in Tennessee and talented as all get out, his voice is scratchy yet smooth and full of emotion. Love the acoustic take and the passion behind this version.

With all the different covers of this song, I must ask your opinion. Do you like this version? Do you prefer a different cover version? Or will you be sticking to the original and not listening to anything else?

Happy {Nature} Weekend

{via}

I've been cooped up at home all week and finally feeling a little better. I am hoping to experience the great outdoors this weekend and get a little hike in.

Hope your weekend is natur-riffic!

Forever Frugal Friday

I was the lucky recipient of a gift card to Forever 21 from my sister Kelsey for my birthday (Thanks Sis!) and have been browsing and trying on trying to spend it. Well guess what my friends...today was the jackpot! I found this adorable T-Back Zipper Sun Dress along with three other items all for $52.00! I think this dress is just perfect for the summer days ahead. I am thinking day drinking at The Whaler, a picnic at The Getty Villa, or just shopping around with the girls. I should receive the goods next week, and will be sure to report back with my findings!