Target, TJ-Maxx and Trader Joes aka The Triple T's

Can we talk about something really quick? I had a realization. ALL I DO IS ONLINE SHOP and not only that..but I will only exert energy and physically go to shop at three places, which brings me to the whole point of writing this on such a whim: THE TRIPLE T'S aka triple threat---> 
TARGET, TJ-MAXX AND TRADER JOES.

Everyone knows it's officially game over when you step into Target. You've seen the memes. You go for milk and end up with a swimsuit just because it was 60% off, yeah it's December but CLEARANCE. You also end up with 48 things from the Holiday section because it's December, remember? Gosh. AND WRAPPING PAPER - let's not even go there. Freaking flamingos, cacti and unicorns, Oh My! Oh, and you can't forget the Starbucks you just had to have because shopping at Target is so financially mentally exhausting. You should've definitely aborted mission while you still had the chance, because now...now you're in deep. There's no turning back. You look down at the cart (not basket, we're no amateur here) and question your existence for a second while repeating,"Why am I like this" three times fast. 
After Target we obviously we go to TJ MAXX. Duh, because what's torture without completely beheading yourself? So, you prance in there like the fucking reindeer you just picked up at Target to hang on the tree you don't even have up yet *Well, shit* and hit up the usual--->Handbags, which basically hit you in the face when you walk in there (Nice marketing, TJ). Make-Up and beauty products next, obviously, because who can turn down REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES FOR $7.99??? Not this girl. After beauty, it's a straight shot to the shoes(another one for the merchandising team of TJ)so I mean let's just peek to see what's new, not like go to your size section YET. I mean c'mon, give yourself a little credit here, you're not an uncontrollable wildebeest. Phew okay, made it past the shoes *pats self on back*. Home decor, oh here we go, into the black hole of no return. The walls start caving in and all you see is aisles and aisles of SHIT YOU NEED and everything has a weird glow around it. That's when you know you need to go home. Grab the dog toy and go home. Just when you make it past all the sweaters (after strategically analyzing each one of course), there's the checkout line. You almost made it, keep trucking. Do not make eye contact with any of the beauty products, mugs, socks, books, fucking k-cups-NOTHING. Just stand there and appreciate the wonderful smell OF CANDLES. Oh my gosh, $4. You're coming home with me. Shit, is that a coffee mug that says Bitch Juice? Okay, like what's $2.99 for a mug you will use all the time? Coffee is like a member of the family at this point and he wants new clothes. Okay, pull yourself together here...
"I CAN TAKE YOU RIGHT HERE MA'AM". Shit, he's talking to me, which you totally didn't even realize because it's hell and you're on fire. Like really fucking hot all of the sudden. WHY IS IT SO HOT IN HERE? I'm convinced it's because they want you to buy a drink in the line,which you kinda need because walking away from those succulents was v hard. Maybe it's because the amount of time and money spent is about to really hit you. "Your total is $76." Yikes! This is when you become self-aware of the destructive path you're currently living and walk out with your head down while screaming at yourself YOU HAD ONE JOB, to get a dog toy. Maaajor fail, and you still have to walk over to Trader Joe's (yep, you read that right, two torture chambers in one shopping center) to get the essentials-Chocolate chip cookies and wine. Damn, adulthood is fun. So, here we go *Smells flowers* because who doesn't love woo-ing over freshly cut flowers? Alright, I'm not sure how your Trader Joe's is set up but after flowers I always buzz over to beauty products then frozen stuff, cheese and meat, then wine. I think I just realized the actual problem at hand, I have shopping patterns and routines routed for each store. WOW, okay anyways. Wine, can we talk about the holy land that is Trader Joe's wine section for a sec? My friend introduced me to the $4.99 section and I swear to you my life hasn't been the same since. So really, I blame her *looking at you Jen*. Purple Moon is my personal favorite red blend for $4.99. Definitely not a white wine person, but I've dabbled. My mother is obsessed with some white wine that I can't remember (will update). Also, I've tried a few bottles of rosé that were appealing if you like waking up feeling like you've been in the desert for 37 years, dehydrated and without dignity, and it's a damn good time. 

Sorry for rambling, but my love for the triple t-s is deeply rooted. 

Can anyone else relate?
*Goes to Target*
bYYYEEE

Weekly Chic

Happy 2015, readers! If you read "Transformation" (my previous post) then you are aware Bows and Moccasins is undergoing transformation and website maintenance. I am still deciding about everything and how I want to re-brand so back to the drawing board it goes.

As for today, let's talk about what is chic this week in my mind:

#1: Philosophy so one of those brands you can always count on. My mom gifted me the "Best of Philosophy" beauty gift set from QVC for Christmas and amazing doesn't even accurately describe it. I will post pictures later with reviews on each product in a post by itself so look out for that. I will tell you that I have been using Hope In A Jar Moisturizer for quite some time now and definitely notice when I don't use it. If you've been looking for an overall A+ moisturizer, look no further.

#2: A Long Cami with Lace makes the perfect layering piece. Originally, I purchased the first long cami with lace from h&m during a pre-black friday sale. I grabbed it on a whim because I was overwhelmed and conveniently low on cash. Have you ever been in a fully stocked h&m? It can be an overwhelming feeling of I want everything! (haha) But honestly, if I could rewind time then I would go back and grab all the colors: Black, Cream and Pink because it is the best layering cami. Once you wear it, you're like how in the heck did I go so long without you in my life?! However after the black friday chaos, I went back to get more and they were all gone. I hopped online only to see-Sold Out. As I was searching I came across these gems from Bealls Florida Online for only $9.99.

 It doesn't look like much but once you wear one with leggings and a sweater or a tunic that is almost too short to wear in public, you will find that the cami acts as a slip-like piece and peeks out, creating a layered look. Long camis with lace add that extra layer needed for some long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts as well. It adds a feminine vibe to almost anything; I am obsessed and I know you will be too!

#3: I have an exciting announcement: Wildfox the brand is having a huge end of the year sale at 6pm.com
I purchased the cutest tunic, which is unfortunately sold out now, but for only $29.99. It is white and says Wildfox in black letters- super cute. I plan on wearing it as a bathing suit cover or with leggings for shopping, running errands or working out. Other Wildfox tunics on sale:

Baby Anchor Cover Up Tahiti Tunic Pink Shell- $39.99 (Orig. $98)

Animal Island Indiana Tank Dress Caribbean Sea- $24.99 (Orig. $78)

Mermaid Cover-Up Dress Sunshine- $39.99 (Orig. $98)

Ariel Cover-Up Dress Pink Shell- $39.99 (Orig. $98)

Take note that all orders from 6pm.com receive Free shipping both ways so if something doesn't fit or you decide that you don't necessarily need the item, no biggie-just return it for free.

#4: Next, let's talk organization tips. I purchased a few things for the bathroom that I feel are definitely worth mentioning. I'm pretty sure the majority of you wear make-up, but how do you organize it? Some people are different, but I prefer to see exactly where everything is, even when it's not in use. If I run to Sephora, a quick overview of what I have is convenient to avoid double purchases and whatnot. Another advantage is that it just looks great displayed in these acrylic organizers:

     

Another organization goodie that I picked up from TJ Maxx is the white utensil caddy(shown above), and solves the issue of having way too many make up brushes with nowhere to place them. The caddy also holds concealer and other tall slender objects you might want in the bathroom.

#5: I don't mean to be a cliche blogger but I found the perfect rustic bar cart for my house. In fact, you've probably seen it at Target if you've been lately. The three shelved wooden one with wheels. I have no words to describe it except perfect for the vibe I was going for. I didn't want to be normal and purchase the gold mirrored bar cart so I opted for one that matches my interior to a T. I will post pictures later because unfortunately, I had to leave it at my mom's (where I purchased it)- that thing was not fitting in my little SUV with all of our luggage AND the dog-no way, no how. So currently, while waiting for her to bring it, I'm drawing inspo from these images:
                   

#6: Another TJ Maxx find that I am obsessing over lately is a pair of fabulous Seven Brand pair of shoes. You're probably thinking Seven brand, like the jeans? Yes, the same brand apparently makes shoes and boy, do they make them well. I have been searching for a pair of chunky heeled combat boots and I managed to stumble upon the perfect pair for only $29.99. Can you believe it?

#7: Have you heard that bells are back? That's right. bell bottoms are back with a vengeance and one brand does them so, so, so right...Show Me Your Mumu. If you haven't heard of them, you're in for a wild ride. They do floral and print so, so, so right too. One of my favorite items is what they call "Bam Bam Bells" which is the perfect pair of bell bottoms in literally every colorful or bold pattern you could ever want. They also do this really fun giveaway every Monday on Instagram- look up #showmeyourmumu on instagram for more info. If you want to see my favorite pair of Bam Bam Bells, click here.

#8: I have purchased a good amount of my wardrobe from online boutiques lately and figured I would share a few of my favorites:

www.shopmintjulepboutique.com

www.reddressboutique.com

www.shophopes.com

I hope you enjoyed this post! What is inspiring you this week? Comment below!

Fifteen fabulous swimsuit covers

This is going to be a rather long post so I am going to jump right in! Today, we are discussing swimsuit coverups. Coverups you can also run errands or go out for food & day drinks because we all know beach/vacation life entails both.

15 fabulous swimsuit covers for under $100:

#1: Jessica Simpson Printed Back-Cutout Tunic $46.50

#2: Boho fashion tends to be everywhere lately as well as blue and white. Kill two birds with one stone in the Megan Blue Watercolour Print Chiffon Sarong for ONLY $12.00. What a deal, right?

#3: Chevron Crochet Cover-Up $14.80-If you are a chevron girl, this coverup was made for you. Pair with a floppy hat and bikini.

#4: Another option for a swimsuit coverup is to utilize an item already in your closet such as a muscle tee, tunic, or casual dress. Forever 21 has the muscle tee down to a science with the Vagabond Muscle Tee for only $13.80. It should be worn with aviators, topknot, bikini and sunscreen!

#5: The plunging neckline of the Tropical Mirror Tunic from South Beach Swimsuits is seriously eye-catching and can be worn as a day dress. Offered for $88.00. 

#6: Kick back in the Croft and Barrow Striped Hooded CoverUp from Kohl's. The zipper allows you to control how sexy you want to go! I love this option because of the versatility factor. A zipper and a hood, man I am sold. Not to mention thee fabulous price of $16.99.

#7: You're more of a one piece kinda woman? No biggie, cover up a one-piece in this chic Volcom Strange Love Cover-Up Kimono Jacket from Urban Outfitters for $50.00.

#8: I am loving the T-back detail of the Rip Curl Tribal Cover Up from Delias for $44.90. Don't forget a beach towel and flip flops!

#9: Drumroll please, I would like to announce the perfect swimsuit cover up and from the wonderful Old Navy for $25.00! Check it out:

If you want to purchase it, act fast because it is selling out quickly.

Women's Embroidered Gauze Cover-Ups in the color Blackjack.

#10: One swimsuit cover worth splurging on is the Nautica Na70 Signature Solid dress cover up. Why is it worth splurging on? Click here to find out, but I will give you a little hint: ANCHORS & lace. $64.99

#11: Who said a swimsuit cover has to be a dress? No one that's who; wear some shorts, or pants like the Athena Heavenly Pant Aqua for only $11.99 with free shipping & 3 colors.

#12: Sometimes I want to just throw on a tank after laying out in the sun for hours, or to take a stroll on the beach in. If you are the same way, check out the Roxy Keep It Tropical Ombre racerback tank from Nordstrom for only $16.41. Currently, all sizes (S,M,L) are in stock, but  they probably won't last too much longer at that low price. 

#13: Now for some beach shorts! H&M has some adorable options for under $20. Some of my favorites (all linked) are White, Grey, Light Turquoise, and Printed.

#14: Perfect for errands around town, these Rip Curl Escape pants are a must have this summer! The pants come in two colors: creamsicle and white. $25.99

#15: Last but certainly not least is the Eco Swim by Aqua Green Pullover Hoodie swimsuit cover up on sale for $22.99. This totally has a dress vibe and could be worn elsewhere.

Which is your favorite (1-15) fabulous swimsuit cover? Comment below!

OOTD: Office Chic

I have not posted an Outfit of the Day post in a while so how about one? Yesterday I found out some really great news, I received the position that I interviewed for last week! I am so excited because it is only a part time position therefore I do not have to give up blogging; woo hoo! Today I went in for the second part of the interview process, which is when I was told that I would be a good match for the job. First, I decided on these loose fitting harem pants that I bought from Target last Summer. I mentioned them in an earlier post, here, if you want to check it out. I figured they would be perfect because they are silky and comfortable. Next, I chose to wear this fabulous Free People blouse that I found at Belk during a huge sale they were having at the beginning of 2014. At first I wasn't going to wear a jacket because it is so dang hot outside, but ended up grabbing a robins egg blue blazer from Kohl's. It is always better to look more conservative for a business setting rather than casual. Last but not least, I opted for black d'orsay flats from the brand Restricted found via TJ Maxx. These shoes are extremely comfortable, yet stylish and classy, which is exactly what you want for an interview!

Harem pants: Target [similar]

Blouse: Free People <on sale right now>

Blazer: Kohl's [similar]

D'orsay flats: Restricted (TJ Maxx)

What is your favorite part of the outfit? Comment below!

OOTD: Blanket Bag

February is the month of too much chocolate, dozens of roses, hearts, the letters XOXO annoyingly placed random places, and endless love popping up everywhere. Okay, maybe not endless love (like the movie) but love, passion, and romance…and RED. In honor of all things romantic and February-like, here is a red Valentine’s Day themed OOTD featuring this gorgeous blanket bag.

Stay tuned to the bottom of the post to find out where to purchase one!Thanks for following me lovely followers, here is a heart just for you!Sequin collars are ideal for busy days when a ponytail is the only hairstyle you have time for and cold days equal me actually utilizing the Alice and Olivia coffee cup from Starbucks! P.S. Isn’t the bag gorgeous?

The best part about the bag is my laptop, textbooks, wallet, mini makeup bag, and magazines all fit in here at the same time! Are you looking for the perfect carry on bag for an upcoming trip? Or how about a bag to take to school or work? Look no further. This beauty could even be used for an overnighter, if you’re a light packer, aka not me.

Curious how to score one of these super functional yet beautiful wool bags? Click here to preorder one.

Use discount code: BOWSANDMOCCASINS to receive 10% off your order!!!

Have a lovely day, readers. I’ll be back tomorrow with some fabulous Valentine’s Day treats! Yummy!

Christmas Haul

I know this is a little late, but I recently spent all the gift cards that I received for Christmas so what better to time to post a What I Got For Christmas Haul?I will link as many items as I can below, but some might be sold out or only sold in stores. If that is the case, the item might be in-store because some things I bought as soon as last Tuesday.
1. NAKED- I did not own the first naked palette, surprising I know. Now starting above NAKED is 2. Tory Burch bangles (gold)*similar* 3. A GENEVA watch 4. Initial earrings (gold and silver) 5. “M” bracelet 6. Beauty blender (TJ Maxx) 7. Too Faced Primed and Poreless foundation primer 8. 2 packs of Neutrogena wipes (beauty staple)- Hydrating for in the morning and Calming for nighttime 9. 3 Sephora lip glosses 10. Leopard pen 11. Black and white magnets (for my inspiration board)- Target 12. Age Rewind Under eye Concealer 13. Macadamia Heating Hair Oil 14. Red printed coasters (Target), 15. Mini gold owl (Epcot) 16. Bow Maker (ebay) 17. Oven mit (TJ Maxx) 18. Nate Berkus arrowhead paperweight (Target) 19. Three wallets (Target). 20. Picture frame (Target) –I’m not a Target nut or anything…
Have you tried any of the products/items mentioned above, tell me in the comments! Sorry I have been super busy this week, more posts next week!

Target Black Friday

The next Black Friday ad I am going to tackle is from TARGET. Black Friday is actually approaching faster than I initially expected and all the ads are going to go live at once so I am still trying to figure out which stores and/or ads I want to review/ write a summary of. Obviously next week is Thanksgiving and Black Friday so I am going home, starting tomorrow, until the following Sunday. I am so excited for a nice break, but I will still have work to do. I will also make an effort to blog on my normal M, W, F schedule but will NOT be blogging Friday because I will be out gallivanting the sales. So, expect a post Monday and Wednesday next week. Anyway, back to Target. Target opens at 8 PM sharp on Thursday night so be sure to get in a nap after Thanksgiving lunch to prepare for the huge crowds and crazy awesome sales!

What top 10 items do I find worth mentioning for Black Friday?

1. NIKON L320 features a 26 X Zoom and will be available for only $99. Regularly 229. Deal Alert!

2. Some of the newer Xbox 360 and Xbox One games are going to be $35. Xbox games usually range $50-$60, depending on which game you buy and from who. Some of the older games will only be $25. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up something for the boys in your life. Whether it is your son, nephew, uncle, brother, or husband, they will love you for contributing to their Xbox collection.

3. Razor scooters will only be $19! Be sure to pick one up for the kids!

4. DVDs will range from $1-$10 and some books will be 50% off.

5. Grandma will love this next item- Family photo collage from for only $6, regularly $13.99.

6. THIS NEXT ITEM IS FOR THE GIRLS- CHI FLAT IRONS WILL BE DISCOUNTED. For $99 you get a regular flat iron PLUS a mini chi for free AND a $20 Target Gift Card. The woman in your life will love you forever if you score this deal. Heck, you could get this deal and make two gifts out of one purchase. For example, Give the regular size Chi to your daughter and the mini one to your niece.

7. Have you been lusting over all the sewing tutorials on Pinterest but are without a sewing machine? Make sure to stop by Target to score a SINGER Promise for only $59. This would also blow some crafty person’s mind as a gift, just saying.

8. Women’s leather jackets and leather boots will be on SALE. Wahoo! Jackets- $19.99, Boots- $18. Note that the ad also says ‘While supplies last’ under both so be aware people are going to be all over this deal.

9. $10 Men’s thermal tops

10. This last one should excite people who lounge a lot and like to sleep comfortably, like myself.

Get ready… MEN’S AND WOMEN’S pajama pants will only be $5. I know, I know.

Those are the ten things that jump out at me as Priorities to check out on Black Friday.

As the day approaches, I add more stores to the list of ones that I have to go to on Black Friday.

Which stores are on your HAVE TO GO TO list? Tell me in the comments!

How To Style: Target finds

Happy Friday,

I posted a picture of these adorable black and white geometric print comfy pants (as I call them) earlier this week here but the picture doesn't do the pants justice. I had to demonstrate how they actually look on the body and what I think looks best with them.

 

Top: h&m

Pants: Target

Necklace: Francesca's

Shoes: Kensie

Tuesday, I wore the top I mentioned in the same post with the pants but I am not a fan how it shows my stomach. Next time I am going to wear a blank tank underneath, so there is no white skin sticking out of the fabric into the crochet material. Another way to style this top is with high waist colored skinny jeans. The higher waist would be more flattering with the top.

Top: Target

Jeans: Delias

Necklace: JC Penny

Shoes: Kensie flats

How would you style my Target finds?

Fash Find: Soft Pants (Target)

I was at Target the other day and stumbled across these beauties. Not only are they super cute but extremely comfortable as well. When I first tried them on, I was skeptical. Okay, I still am a little unsure how they look on me but most people can rock them. After I bought them, I asked myself what shoes I would wear.

Tip: Converses (high top) and fringe booties look the best with this style pant.

I almost bought the colorful ones and looking back on it, I wish I would have because they are perfect for fall!

Here is a picture of the pattern I chose…I can not stay away from Black and White (it is an obsession)

 

Here is a bonus picture of me after long-boarding 6 miles downtown. My boyfriend and I had to take advantage of the beautiful day and cooler weather. I hope you did the same!

Shirt: Brandy Melville

Shorts: Kohl’s (Elle brand)

Shoes: SUPRA aka my favorite new skate shoe

Post coming soon on skate shoe variations and brands!

Have a wonderful Wednesday,

Sweet Southern Pea

Xhilaration® Juniors Soft Pant with Elastic ... : Target

Home decoration: Target

When picking out decorations for a new house, where is a good place to start? The bedroom, or what about the living room? If you can't decide, simply look around to find something which inspires you; no matter what it is. Pick up a few magazines, check out the latest trends on Pinterest, stop by your local home improvement and decorating stores. Target is a phenomenal place to begin when picking out decorations or anything for a house, really. Target hand picks interior designers to create lines for their home decor. Personally, Nate Berkus is one of my favorite they have ever carried. His products are contemporary yet classic and timeless. He uses lots of charcoal grey, gold, and textured rattan baskets. It is seriously like heaven in that section of Target. Unfortunately, I don't have any of his decorations but I do plan on filling my new home with them. One thing I do have, for a living room or the dining room table, is some decorative red roses from Hobby Lobby. Red is hands down my favorite color to decorate with; there is something so sensual yet dramatic about the color red. I'm not sure how I'm going to incorporate it into what I already bought but I couldn't just walk by them without tossing them in my buggy today. Where would you place them?

Sweet Southern Pea

Review: E.L.F. Flawless Finish Foundation

I am here today to give an honest review on the e.l.f. flawless finish foundation I recently purchased from Target. I do not like it, period. Just kidding, what kind of person would I be if I did that? However, I do actually dislike the foundation, for me.

Here is a picture of the product:

I tried it yesterday when  I was getting ready. I used my beauty blender and everything and it still didn’t come through well blended. Maybe some foundations aren’t meant to be applied with a beauty blender but this one would definitely be one if that was the case.

Formulation: A little more on the thick side and it dries rather quickly.

Color: I purchased the color porcelain because it was the lightest shade and it was a pretty good color for my skin tone, at the moment.

Packaging: The packaging was nice and I wasn’t expecting the product to have a pump so when I popped the top off the actual makeup, I was surprised to find a convenient pump. Personally, I like pumps because of the controlled amount of product they provide.

Pros: The pump and the color match capability for my skin tone. It did do a good job of controlling my oil; I have combination to dry skin so I sometimes get oily and have to set my foundation. This foundation is oil free so I do like that aspect. The price was also really good but e.l.f. products are usually on the cheaper side.

Cons: It didn’t blend well and dried too quick for the application technique I was using (Beauty blender). It only contains SPF 15.

Repurchase: No

Why or why not? What do you prefer?

I prefer the Healthy Luminous Foundation by L'Oreal. I prefer the formulation and the coverage it provides more than the e.l.f. one. I have mentioned the luminous foundation  many times before because it is what I use for my everyday foundation right now and I’m kind of obsessed with it. The only thing I don’t like about it is I have to set it with Rimmel’s translucent powder.

Btw, I usually love e.l.f. products and was really excited to try this but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations and specifications.

Any tips? Don’t use a beauty blender and if you do make sure you get the make up out of the sponge because it dries quickly.

I made a video of my first application, if any of y’all want to see it, let me know and I will upload it.

I will try to apply it tomorrow with my fingers and post a response under this review and maybe some pictures. I might even video that response as well, if I’m feelin’ froggy  

If you would like that, let me know and I will do my best.

Thanks so much for reading and Happy Easter.

XOXO,

Sweet Southern Style