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Where to Shop-

So I asked a question on Instagram (follow me!) about what would you like to see on the blog and a dear friend of mine (Hi Daphne!) mentioned she would like to know what were my favorite or best online shopping sites. I got a lot of good feedback but this suggestion stood out since I recently had done some online shopping and I thought I could share my experiences.  I want to give you the lowdown on where I shop and how I like it. I’m old school so I enjoy a stroll thru the mall but I have found unless you are catching a really good sale or clearance you can save some coins especially on trendy or popular pieces if you search online. I do shop online at retailers that have brick and mortar stores (Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, H&M) but for purposes of this post I will only be talking about retailers that have online sites only. So let’s get to shopping shall we?

ASOS– This is my fav store. Now let me say this: They are not always the most affordable (they do run many sales though!) but what I love about buying pieces at ASOS is that a lot of their items are so unique. They are items that you won’t find at the stores in the mall and most of the time when I wear their clothes people always want to know where I purchased from. Their sizes run big (which personally I love, makes me feel skinny lol) and all the items I have ever received from them were of good quality. I have a midi skirt that I’ve had about 5 years that I have washed numerous times but still looks good and the material is thick. This is important to me because I want my clothes to look expensive and I wear undergarments and I don’t want my Spanx showing through the material! I would give ASOS an A- and that’s only because their items sell out so quickly otherwise they would get an A+ from me! ASOS has free standard shipping (about 4 business days) to the US for orders over $40 and they have an option for unlimited 2-day express shipping to the US on any size order for $19 a year which to me is totally worth it!

BOOHOO – Boohoo has trendy pieces and are very affordable and what I like about this site is they ALWAYS have a sale! ALWAYS! So if you are looking to try a trend I would suggest you check this site out. Now some of their items tend to run small but I do like that they now have a plus size line. I will also tell you that the saying you get what you pay for is true in the case for some of the pieces I have bought from Boohoo. I recently purchased a duster which I believe I paid a little over ten dollars for but the duster was made of a flimsy material and had no hemming! I also purchased a gorgeous Gingham off the shoulder top which was a nice material (it did run a little small though but I have a larger chest which affects how a lot of my tops fit) and I only paid about fifteen dollars for it so it’s definitely hit or miss when it comes to shopping on this site. My grade for Boohoo would be a B- for the inconsistency but I will continue to shop there if I find an item I truly want and I do really like most of their items. Shipping to the US from Boohoo is free with a $50 order.

SHEIN – You know I had to talk about Shein! You always here me talk about them on the blog because they will give you the designer look on a budget! I have bought many items from them including clothes, shoes and accessories and 80% of the time I have been pleased with my purchases. Shein is a retailer based in Asia and they’re clothes do run small but I have noticed lately they have begun to carry larger sizes and more plus size options. I haven’t purchased pants from them, but I have purchased dresses, tops and skirts and I have liked what I have received. Even though they have many designer “inspired” pieces at low prices that I love I would say when you shop there lower your expectations. I have purchased some pieces that were cute but not what the picture looked like so be aware of that when adding to your cart. She in gets a B from me because I have liked all the things I have gotten from them they just weren’t necessarily what I expected. Standard shipping (6-8 days and remember they’re in Asia!) from She in is free on all orders, no minimum to the US and if you spend over $30 you will get free expedite shipping which is about 4-7 days.

JUSTFAB/SHOEDAZZLE – I am a member for life of the subscription service from Justfab and Shoedazzle (which are the same company basically) and I have bought MANY pairs of shoes, bags and even clothes from them. One of my favorite totes is from Justfab and I only paid $20 and always I receive compliments when I carry it. Now I know many people don’t like the subscription part because you are charged $39.99 monthly which translates to credits to shop with (most of their items are $39.99) but I can honestly say I don’t mind it because I skip almost every month! Set a reminder in your phone ladies (you almost always have your phone right?) This is easy to do and has never failed me. I love the shoes I have received from them and they have really stepped up their game from when they first started with the quality. They also have helpful reviews which I love and really assist me in whether I want to make a purchase. I would like to think of myself as a savvy shopper and I tend to stock up on most of my items from them when they run they’re 50% off sale which they do several times per year. The only issue is they sell out of items fast. I have had my heart broken a few times because I thought I was slick waiting on a sale and ended up not getting the shoe I really wanted! Sometimes it’s worth the $40 bucks! Also, JustFab’s customer service and customer rewards with coupons and special sales and discount codes has kept me shopping there since 2012. AND last fall I attended a members only dinner here in Houston where they surveyed us on what we want and gave us lots of cool gifts ($$$). JustFab and Shoedazzle get an A from me because I love shoes (you can never feel fat and ugly in cute shoes!) and they really deliver cute, trendy, classic and affordable styles. Shipping with Justfab and Shoedazzle is free with a $39.99 purchase. I have included my referral link HERE if you would like to join and if you do in full disclosure I do get a $15 credit to help me keep bringing cuteness on my feet!

Well there are many other places I have tried but the four I mentioned above have been my go to for years and I wanted to share my true thoughts on them with you. If you shopped at any of these places or have an online store you think I should try let me know in the comments!

Love Ricki

In My White Jeans: Part One

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White jeans H&M found here
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Kimono – Forever 21 here Similar here and here Shoes – Urban OG (old)

In My White Jeans: Part One

One of my favorite pieces to wear in the summer is white jeans. I absolutely love the crisp and clean look they give an outfit and just like black or blue jeans they can pair with almost anything.  My summertime uniform is white jeans, a denim or chambray shirt and a colorful shoe. You look put together without trying too hard and it’s usually something every woman has in her closet. Now I realize that everyone doesn’t share my love for white jeans for 2 main reasons. One, they CAN show everything and two they get dirty easy! Well I am here to show you white jeans can look good on you too you just have to find the right pair. My suggestion for finding white jeans that make you look chic is to find a pair that is high- waisted, have stretch and are not made of a thin material. High waisted jeans make sure that midsection is smooth and helps with the muffin top (in my opinion). I was one of those women who shouted from the rooftop when low-rise jeans finally went out of style! Another tip: when looking make sure the label reads 3% spandex and also try them on! I know I know I hate trying on clothes too but I also hate returning items to the store more, so take your pick. But if you don’t try them on you won’t know if they are see through and if the material is flattering on your shape so just do it! The pair that I am wearing are from H&M, are a good quality, stretch (a lot) and were under $15! I’ve linked them above and some similar ones here and here.

Me

Now on to the look: I almost love this kimono! I’ll tell you why almost in a minute. I found this kimono in store at Forever 21 (yes I shop there, no I am not 21 and there will be a post about this) and I tried it on right there in the middle of the store and loved how I looked. It’s linked above and I linked similar ones that you might like as well. I knew it would look great with a white tank and jeans and a sexy shoe for date or a girl’s night out. The only reason why I can’t totally fall in love with this piece is the back is short. I would have preferred the back to be long as well so that I could wear with some denim shorts and hide my cellulite but one day if I’m feeling myself you never know. But you will definitely see this kimono again because one thing I definitely plan on doing on the blog is showing how you can style multiple pieces different ways and get a new look! Later this week you will be seeing these jeans again and getting tips on how to keep clean in white. Thank you everyone who voted on my social media accounts to see this look first and make sure you follow me with my links in the sidebar so you can get in on the action! In the meantime I hope you enjoy the pics and let me know what you think of this look and if you love wearing white jeans too!