splurge vs. steal

There are certain key pieces a woman must have in her wardrobe. While we love a good deal, we do understand that a woman must have ‘the essentials’…and for those, you have our permission to splurge.

Our top 10 wardrobe essentials for women:
1. white tee – the been-around-forever, looks good with everything, comfy shirt is a must have.
2. fitted, white, button-down shirt – one that can tuck in or stay out. you will look so put-together.
3. cardigan – one that’s versatile with many outfits in all seasons, either black or a neutral color.
4. little black dress – need we say more…its a must
5. pencil skirt – you will feel so feminine and powerful. find one that is the perfect length, grazing the top of the knees.
6. designer jeans – its worth spending the money to find the perfect fit that flatten and flatter you body type.
7. black pants and/or black leggings – they are flattering and go with everything, plus you can’t beat the elastic waist band on the leggings.
8. ballet flats – they are more chic than sneakers, yet still comfortable. you can buy in black, black and neutral, or even a pop of color.
9. trench coat – one that will remain timeless.
10. black pumps {or nude pumps} – even if you are not a heels gal, every woman needs a pair of pumps for work or special occasions.

For the other, less essential, more trendy pieces, you can be satisfied with a steal if you can’t afford to splurge on the splurge. We found some steals for this season you might like below.

Happy Shopping! 
Gentle Souls Gigi Flat
, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Flats, Target

 Current/Elliott Camouflage Skinny Jean, Saks Fifth Avenue  vs. Urban Outfitters Tripp NYC Camo Jean

Cambridge Satchel Company Leather Satchel, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Patent Pink Satchel, Target

Ann Taylor Colorblocked Blouse {super cute and still very affordable}  vs. Mossimo Women’s Button-down Blouse, Target

{images via Nordstrom, TargetSaks Fifth AvenueUrban Outfitters, Ann Taylor}

Real Housewives of Denver Bachelorette Party

It’s time for our big bachelorette party reveal.

Jodi is obsessed with Bravo’s reality show Real Housewives…especially Real Housewives of New Jersey. So, we based our decor around real housewives, attitude, animal print, bling and jersey. It was lovingly referred to as Real Housewives of Denver.

The invite, designed by Fleur de Lis, a paperie, set the tone for a fun and fabulous Real Housewives night out for the ladies!

Jodi, our beautiful bachelorette shined all night in this BCBG sparkling dress.

The bridesmaids played their “real” housewives part too. Everyone dressed in their best animal print and bling, and posed {just like the real housewives do} for snapshots on the balcony.

Every gal needed that extra sparkle to get the party started. So, we asked each one to pick up extra bling…a ring pop!
The ‘welcome’ table greeted everyone with Real Housewives-themed vases. One vase was full of oranges to represent Real Housewives of Orange County, one vase contained peaches to represent Real Housewives of Atlanta, another vase shined with sparkly gems to represent Real Housewives of New Jersey, another vase was full of apples for Real Housewives of New York City and the final vase contained a bottle of Coors Light to represent the newest reality show of the night, Real Housewives of Denver.

A manican, weighted with a pom, and adorned with a zebra print belt, was the perfect ‘holder’ for Jodi’s hat of the evening, a cowboy hat decorated with a zebra band and a veil. Gems lined the table, and one of my favorite details on the table – photos edited with our faces. Jodi was the feature in the Rolling Stone magazine cover (formerly Jessica Simpson}, crowned housewife of the year. And, the bridesmaid faces replaced existing characters of the Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Bravo-shaped bubbles, complete with actual housewives phrases, was a festive and funny banner above the dessert table and bar. The things they say….

The lingerie hung neatly against the glass walls between two purple Poms {with a gorgeous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains}. Later in the evening, Jodi had to guess which lingerie was from who ~ if she got it right, the gift giver had to drink, if she guessed wrong, she had to drink. Fun game and sassy lingerie to enjoy for her honeymoon.

stay tuned for more fabulous details you MUST see in part 2…

{images via Tutto Bella}